INTERNATIONAL IMAGING MATERIALS INC /DE/
DEFM14A, 1997-09-26
PENS, PENCILS & OTHER ARTISTS' MATERIALS
Previous: AMERICAN MUNICIPAL INCOME PORTFOLIO INC, NSAR-A, 1997-09-26
Next: DAVIS JEROME H, SC 13D/A, 1997-09-26



<PAGE>   1
 
                            SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
 
                PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE
               SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO.   )
 
Filed by the Registrant [X]
 
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
 
Check the appropriate box:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                               <C>
[ ]  Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ]  Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[X]  Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ]  Definitive Additional Materials
[ ]  Soliciting Material Pursuant to sec. 240.14a-11(c) or sec. 240.14a-12
</TABLE>
 
                     INTERNATIONAL IMAGING MATERIALS, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                (Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
 
                                      N/A
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if other than the Registrant)
 
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
 
[ ]  No fee required.
 
[ ]  Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
 
     (1)  Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
 
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     (2)  Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
 
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     (3)  Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
          pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
          filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
 
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     (4)  Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
 
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     (5)  Total fee paid:
 
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
[X]  Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
 
[ ]  Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
     0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
     previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
     or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
 
     (1)  Amount Previously Paid:
 
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     (2)  Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
 
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     (3)  Filing Party:
 
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     (4)  Date Filed:
 
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   2
 
IIMAK LETTERHEAD
 
                                                              September 26, 1997
 
Dear Stockholder:
 
     You are cordially invited to attend a Special Meeting of the stockholders
of International Imaging Materials, Inc. ("IIMAK") to be held at 10:00 a.m. on
October 28, 1997, at the offices of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, 101 Park
Avenue, 45th Floor, New York, New York 10178. A Notice of the Special Meeting,
form of proxy and a proxy statement containing information about the matters to
be acted upon are enclosed. All holders of shares of common stock, par value
$.01 per share, of IIMAK ("IIMAK Common Stock"), as of the close of business on
September 26, 1997 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Special
Meeting.
 
     At the Special Meeting, holders of shares of IIMAK Common Stock will be
asked to consider and vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt an Agreement and
Plan of Merger ("Merger Agreement"), dated as of July 15, 1997, among PAXAR
Corporation ("PAXAR"), Ribbon Manufacturing, Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of
PAXAR), and IIMAK. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, PAXAR's subsidiary will be
merged into IIMAK ("the Merger"), and IIMAK will become a wholly-owned
subsidiary of PAXAR. In the Merger, each outstanding share of IIMAK Common Stock
will be converted into not more than 1.765 shares of PAXAR Common Stock and not
less than 1.5 shares of PAXAR Common Stock (such number of shares of PAXAR
Common Stock into which each share of IIMAK Common Stock will be converted, the
"Exchange Ratio"), and each outstanding option to purchase IIMAK Common Stock
will become an option to purchase PAXAR Common Stock. The exact Exchange Ratio
will be determined in accordance with the Merger Agreement, as more fully
described in the accompanying Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. A copy of the
Merger Agreement is attached as Annex A to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
 
     Details of the Merger and other important information are set forth in the
accompanying Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which you are urged to read
carefully.
 
     Your Board of Directors, together with a special committee of independent
directors (the "Special Committee"), has carefully reviewed and considered the
terms and conditions of the Merger and has received the opinion dated July 15,
1997 of Smith Barney Inc., its financial advisor to the effect that, as of such
date and based upon and subject to certain matters stated in such opinion, the
Exchange Ratio was fair to the holders of IIMAK Common Stock from a financial
point of view. A copy of the opinion of Smith Barney Inc. dated July 15, 1997 is
attached as Annex C to the accompanying Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and
should be read carefully in its entirety. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF IIMAK,
HAVING RECEIVED AND CONSIDERED THE UNANIMOUS RECOMMENDATION OF THE SPECIAL
COMMITTEE, HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE CONSUMMATION OF
THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY AND RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE
PROPOSAL TO APPROVE AND ADOPT THE MERGER AGREEMENT.
 
     Your vote is important regardless of how many shares you own. Please take a
few minutes now to review the proxy statement and to sign and date your proxy
and return it in the envelope provided. You may attend the meeting and vote in
person even if you have previously returned your proxy.
 
                                          Sincerely,
 
                                          OLEARY SIGNATURE
 
                                          President and Chief Executive Officer
<PAGE>   3
 
                 NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF THE STOCKHOLDERS
 
     NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Meeting of the stockholders (the
"Special Meeting") of International Imaging Materials, Inc. ("IIMAK") will be
held at 10:00 a.m. on October 28, 1997, at the offices of Morgan, Lewis &
Bockius LLP, 101 Park Avenue, 45th Floor, New York, New York 10178.
 
     The meeting is called for the purpose of considering and voting upon:
 
          1. A proposal to approve and adopt an Agreement and Plan of Merger
     (the "Merger Agreement"), dated as of July 15, 1997, among PAXAR
     Corporation ("PAXAR"), Ribbon Manufacturing, Inc. (a wholly-owned
     subsidiary of PAXAR), and IIMAK. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, PAXAR's
     subsidiary will be merged into IIMAK ("the Merger"), and IIMAK will become
     a wholly-owned subsidiary of PAXAR. In the Merger, each outstanding share
     of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of IIMAK ("IIMAK Common Stock")
     will be converted into not more than 1.765 shares of PAXAR Common Stock and
     not less than 1.5 shares of PAXAR Common Stock, and each outstanding option
     to purchase IIMAK Common Stock will become an option to purchase PAXAR
     Common Stock. The exact exchange ratio will be determined in accordance
     with the Merger Agreement, as more fully described in the accompanying
     Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. A copy of the Merger Agreement is
     attached as Annex A to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus accompanying
     this Notice.
 
          2. Matters incident to the conduct of the Special Meeting or any
     adjournments or postponements thereof.
 
     The proposed Merger and other related matters are more fully described in
the attached Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the Annexes thereto.
 
     The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on September 26,
1997 as the record date for the determination of the stockholders entitled to
notice of and to vote at the Special Meeting and any adjournments or
postponements thereof. Only holders of record of IIMAK Common Stock on the
record date are entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. A list of such
stockholders will be available at the time and place of the Special Meeting and,
during the ten days prior to the Special Meeting, at the office of the Secretary
of IIMAK at the above address.
 
     If you would like to attend the Special Meeting and your shares are held by
a broker, bank or other nominee, you must bring to the meeting a recent
brokerage statement or a letter from the nominee confirming your beneficial
ownership of the shares. You must also bring a form of personal identification.
In order to vote your shares at the Special Meeting, you must obtain from the
nominee a proxy in your name.
 
     You can ensure that your shares are voted at the Special Meeting by signing
and dating the enclosed proxy and returning it in the envelope provided. Sending
in a signed proxy will not affect your right to attend the Special Meeting and
vote in person. You may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted by
notifying American Stock Transfer and Trust Company, 40 Wall Street, 46th Floor,
Attention: Proxy Department, New York, New York 10269-0436 in writing, or by
executing a subsequent proxy, which revokes your previously executed proxy.
 
     Whether or not you expect to attend, WE URGE YOU TO SIGN AND DATE THE
ENCLOSED PROXY AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED.
 
                                          By Order of the Board of Directors,
 
                                          MICHAEL J. DRENNAN
                                          Vice President -- Finance, Treasurer,
                                          Secretary and Chief Financial Officer
 
Amherst, New York
September 26, 1997
<PAGE>   4
 
                               PAXAR CORPORATION
                                      AND
 
                     INTERNATIONAL IMAGING MATERIALS, INC.
 
                             JOINT PROXY STATEMENT
                            ------------------------
 
                               PAXAR CORPORATION
                                   PROSPECTUS
                       17,125,000 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
 
     This Joint Proxy Statement and Prospectus ("Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus") is being furnished to the holders of common stock, par
value $.10 per share (the "PAXAR Common Stock"), of PAXAR Corporation, a New
York corporation ("PAXAR"), in connection with the solicitation of proxies by
the Board of Directors of PAXAR for use at a Special Meeting of Shareholders of
PAXAR to be held at PAXAR's offices at 105 Corporate Park Drive, White Plains,
New York 10604 on October 28, 1997 at 9:00 a.m., and at any and all adjournments
or postponements thereof (the "PAXAR Special Meeting"). This Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus also constitutes the Prospectus of PAXAR with respect to
shares of PAXAR Common Stock issuable to stockholders of International Imaging
Materials, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("IIMAK"), in connection with the
proposed merger (the "Merger") of Ribbon Manufacturing, Inc., a Delaware
corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of PAXAR ("Merger Sub"), with and into
IIMAK pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of July 15, 1997, by
and among PAXAR, Merger Sub and IIMAK (the "Merger Agreement"). PAXAR Common
Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the "NYSE") under the
symbol "PXR." On September 23, 1997, the closing sale price for PAXAR Common
Stock as reported on the NYSE Composite Transactions Tape was $20.4375 per
share.
 
     This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is also being furnished to the
holders of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of IIMAK ("IIMAK Common
Stock") in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors
of IIMAK for use at a Special Meeting of Stockholders of IIMAK to be held at the
offices of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, 101 Park Avenue, 45th Floor, New York,
New York 10178 on October 28, 1997, at 10:00 a.m., and at any and all
adjournments or postponements thereof (the "IIMAK Special Meeting").
 
     This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus relates to up to 17,125,000 shares of
PAXAR Common Stock to be issued upon the Merger. In the Merger, each outstanding
share of IIMAK Common Stock will be converted into shares of PAXAR Common Stock
equal to an exchange ratio (the "Exchange Ratio") to be determined by dividing
$24.00 by the average closing price of PAXAR Common Stock on the New York Stock
Exchange for the 20 consecutive trading days ending with the second trading day
immediately preceding the effective time of the Merger (the "PAXAR Market
Value"). If the PAXAR Market Value is equal to or greater than $16.00 per share,
then the Exchange Ratio will be 1.5 shares of PAXAR Common Stock for each
outstanding share of IIMAK Common Stock; and if the PAXAR Market Value is equal
to or less than $13.60 per share, then the Exchange Ratio will be 1.765 shares
of PAXAR Common Stock for each share of IIMAK Common Stock. The foregoing
maximum Exchange Ratio and minimum Exchange Ratio have been adjusted from 1.200
and 1.412, respectively, under the Merger Agreement to give effect to PAXAR's
25% stock dividend declared on August 7, 1997, and issued on September 9, 1997
to holders of record as of August 21, 1997.
 
     This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the accompanying forms of proxy
are first being mailed to stockholders of PAXAR and IIMAK on or about September
29, 1997.
                            ------------------------
 
      SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 13 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN
FACTORS THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PAXAR AND IIMAK STOCKHOLDERS.
 
    THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
     AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED
  UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. ANY
             REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
    THE DATE OF THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS SEPTEMBER 26, 1997.
<PAGE>   5
 
     Upon consummation of the Merger, IIMAK will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of
PAXAR. Consummation of the Merger is subject to various conditions, including
the approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement by the holders of a majority
of the outstanding shares of IIMAK Common Stock at the IIMAK Special Meeting,
and the approval of the issuance of shares of PAXAR Common Stock in connection
with the Merger at the PAXAR Special Meeting by the affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of the votes cast on this matter, provided that the total
vote cast on this matter represents more than 50% in interest of the shares of
PAXAR Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote.
 
     All information contained in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus with
respect to PAXAR and Merger Sub has been provided by PAXAR. All information
contained in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus with respect to IIMAK has
been provided by IIMAK.
 
     A stockholder who has given a proxy in response to this proxy solicitation
may revoke it at any time prior to its exercise. See "PAXAR Special
Meeting -- Record Date" and "-- Voting Rights; Proxies" and "IIMAK Special
Meeting -- Record Date" and "-- Voting Rights; Proxies."
                            ------------------------
 
     NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS JOINT PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION
NOT CONTAINED HEREIN OR INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON
AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED. THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO PURCHASE, ANY OF
THE SECURITIES OFFERED BY THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, OR THE
SOLICITATION OF A PROXY, IN ANY JURISDICTION TO OR FROM ANY PERSON TO OR FROM
WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER, OR PROXY
SOLICITATION IN SUCH JURISDICTION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS JOINT PROXY
STATEMENT/ PROSPECTUS NOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF ANY SECURITIES HEREUNDER SHALL
UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN
THE INFORMATION SET FORTH HEREIN OR INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE SINCE THE
DATE HEREOF.
 
                                        i
<PAGE>   6
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        PAGE
                                                                                        ----
<S>                                                                                     <C>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION.................................................................   iv
INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE...............................................   iv
SUMMARY...............................................................................    1
  The Companies.......................................................................    1
  The Meetings........................................................................    2
  Change of Vote......................................................................    3
  The Merger..........................................................................    4
  Comparative Rights of Stockholders..................................................    7
  Comparative Per Share Prices........................................................    7
  Selected Condensed Combined Historical and Pro Forma Financial Data and Comparative
     Per Share Data...................................................................    9
  Selected Condensed Combined Historical Financial Data...............................   10
  Comparative Per Share Data..........................................................   12
RISK FACTORS..........................................................................   13
INTRODUCTION..........................................................................   15
PAXAR SPECIAL MEETING.................................................................   15
  Purpose of the PAXAR Special Meeting................................................   15
  Record Date.........................................................................   16
  Quorum..............................................................................   16
  Required Vote.......................................................................   16
  Voting Rights; Proxies..............................................................   16
  Solicitation of Proxies.............................................................   17
IIMAK SPECIAL MEETING.................................................................   18
  Purpose of the IIMAK Special Meeting................................................   18
  Record Date.........................................................................   18
  Quorum..............................................................................   18
  Required Vote.......................................................................   18
  Voting Rights; Proxies..............................................................   18
  Solicitation of Proxies.............................................................   19
THE MERGER............................................................................   20
  General.............................................................................   20
  Effective Time......................................................................   20
  Conversion of Shares; Procedures for Exchange of Certificates.......................   20
  Background of the Merger............................................................   21
  Recommendation of the Board of Directors of PAXAR; Reasons for the Merger...........   23
  Recommendation of the Board of Directors of IIMAK; Reasons for the Merger...........   23
  Opinion of PAXAR's Financial Advisor................................................   25
  Opinion of IIMAK's Financial Advisor................................................   27
  Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger..........................................   31
  Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences...............................   32
  Anticipated Accounting Treatment....................................................   34
  Effect on Stock Option and Employee Benefits Plans..................................   34
  Certain Legal Matters...............................................................   34
  Resale of PAXAR and IIMAK Common Stock..............................................   35
  Stock Exchange Listing..............................................................   35
</TABLE>
 
                                       ii
<PAGE>   7
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        PAGE
                                                                                        ----
<S>                                                                                     <C>
  Dividends...........................................................................   36
  Appraisal Rights....................................................................   36
  Fees and Expenses...................................................................   36
PAXAR OPTION PROPOSAL.................................................................   36
PAXAR AMENDMENT PROPOSAL..............................................................   37
THE MERGER AGREEMENT..................................................................   38
  Terms of the Merger.................................................................   38
  Exchange of Certificates............................................................   39
  Representations and Warranties......................................................   41
  Conduct of Business Pending the Merger..............................................   42
  Additional Agreements...............................................................   44
  Conditions to the Merger............................................................   47
  Termination.........................................................................   49
  Amendment and Waiver................................................................   51
OTHER AGREEMENTS......................................................................   51
COMPARATIVE PER SHARE PRICES AND DIVIDENDS............................................   52
  PAXAR...............................................................................   52
  IIMAK...............................................................................   53
  Post-Merger Dividend Policy.........................................................   53
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS...........................   54
THE COMPANIES.........................................................................   60
COMPARATIVE RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDERS....................................................   60
STOCK OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF PAXAR..................   68
STOCK OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF IIMAK..................   70
OTHER MATTERS.........................................................................   71
LEGAL MATTERS.........................................................................   72
EXPERTS...............................................................................   72
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS.................................................................   72
Annexes:
  A.  Agreement and Plan of Merger....................................................  A-1
  B.  Opinion of PAXAR's Financial Advisor, Wheat, First Securities, Inc..............  B-1
  C.  Opinion of IIMAK's Financial Advisor, Smith Barney Inc..........................  C-1
  D. Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of PAXAR Corporation....  D-1
</TABLE>
 
                                       iii
<PAGE>   8
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     PAXAR and IIMAK are subject to the informational requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in
accordance therewith file reports, proxy statements and other information with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Such reports, proxy
statements and other information filed may be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza,
450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and may be available at the
following Regional Offices of the Commission: Chicago Regional Office, Citicorp
Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661; and New
York Regional Office, 7 World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York
10048. Copies of such materials can be obtained at prescribed rates from the
Public Reference Section of the Commission at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Each of PAXAR and IIMAK makes filings of reports,
proxy statements and other information pursuant to the Exchange Act with the
Commission electronically, and such materials may be inspected and copied at the
Commission's Web site (http://www.sec.gov). In addition, material filed by PAXAR
can be inspected at the offices of the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York
10005, on which the shares of PAXAR Common Stock are listed. IIMAK's Common
Stock is listed on the Nasdaq National Market and material filed by IIMAK can be
inspected at the offices of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc., 1735 K Street, Washington, D.C. 20006.
 
     This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus does not contain all the information
set forth in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 and exhibits relating
thereto, including any amendments (the "Registration Statement"), of which this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is a part, and which PAXAR has filed with the
Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").
Such additional information may be obtained from the Commission upon payment of
prescribed rates. Reference is made to such Registration Statement for further
information with respect to PAXAR and the securities of PAXAR offered hereby.
Statements contained herein concerning the provisions of documents are
necessarily summaries of such documents and, while such summaries contain all
material provisions of such documents, each statement is qualified in its
entirety by reference to the copy of the applicable document filed with the
Commission or attached as an annex hereto.
 
                    INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
     PAXAR and IIMAK hereby incorporate by reference into this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus the following documents previously filed with the
Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act:
 
          1. PAXAR's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 15, 1997;
 
          2. PAXAR's Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on May 19, 1997 with
     respect to the Form 8-K dated March 3, 1997;
 
          3. PAXAR's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March
     31, 1997 and June 30, 1997;
 
          4. PAXAR's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
     December 31, 1996 (which incorporates by reference certain information from
     PAXAR's Proxy Statement relating to the 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
     and PAXAR's 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders);
 
          5. The description of PAXAR Common Stock contained in PAXAR's
     Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on October 20, 1992;
 
          6. IIMAK's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 29, 1997;
 
          7. IIMAK's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 1,
     1997; and
 
          8. IIMAK's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March
     31, 1997, as amended by Form 10-K/A filed on July 29, 1997.
 
                                       iv
<PAGE>   9
 
     In addition, all reports and other documents filed by PAXAR and IIMAK
pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to
the date hereof and prior to the PAXAR Special Meeting and the IIMAK Special
Meeting shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference herein and to be a part
hereof from the date of filing of such reports and documents. Any statement
contained herein or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of
this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained
herein (in the case of any statement in an incorporated document filed with the
Commission prior to the date of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus) or in any
other subsequently filed document that also is incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein, modifies or supersedes such statement. Any
such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so
modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.
 
     THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS INCORPORATES DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
WHICH ARE NOT PRESENTED HEREIN OR DELIVERED HEREWITH. THESE DOCUMENTS (OTHER
THAN EXHIBITS TO SUCH DOCUMENTS UNLESS SUCH EXHIBITS ARE SPECIFICALLY
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN) ARE AVAILABLE, WITHOUT CHARGE, UPON WRITTEN OR
ORAL REQUEST BY ANY PERSON TO WHOM THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS
DELIVERED, INCLUDING ANY BENEFICIAL OWNER, IN THE CASE OF DOCUMENTS RELATING TO
PAXAR, TO PAXAR CORPORATION, 105 CORPORATE PARK DRIVE, WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK
10604, ATTENTION: ANNETTE GERAGHTY (TELEPHONE: (914) 697-6800) OR, IN THE CASE
OF DOCUMENTS RELATING TO IIMAK, TO INTERNATIONAL IMAGING MATERIALS, INC., 310
COMMERCE DRIVE, AMHERST, NEW YORK 14228-2396, ATTENTION: JUDITH A. MCCANN
(TELEPHONE: (716) 691-4064). IN ORDER TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY OF THE
DOCUMENTS, ANY REQUEST SHOULD BE MADE BEFORE OCTOBER 21, 1997.
 
                                        v
<PAGE>   10
 
                                    SUMMARY
 
     The following is a summary of certain information contained elsewhere in
this Joint Proxy Statement/ Prospectus and the Annexes hereto. This summary does
not contain a complete statement of all material information relating to the
Merger Agreement and the Merger and is subject to, and is qualified in its
entirety by, the more detailed information and financial statements contained or
incorporated by reference in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Stockholders
of PAXAR and IIMAK should read carefully this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus
in its entirety. Certain capitalized terms used in this summary are defined
elsewhere in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Unless otherwise indicated,
all share, per share and financial information set forth in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus, including information with respect to determination of the
Exchange Ratio, has been adjusted to give effect to PAXAR's 25% stock dividend
declared on August 7, 1997, and paid on September 9, 1997, to holders of record
on August 21, 1997 (the "Stock Dividend").
 
                                 THE COMPANIES
 
PAXAR CORPORATION
 
     PAXAR is a leading manufacturer and distributor of label systems, bar code
systems, labels, tags and related supplies and services for apparel
manufacturers and retailers. PAXAR's apparel products are manufactured in North
and South America, Europe and Asia and distributed in over 50 countries. Label
systems, consisting mainly of hot-stamp printers and related supplies and
services, are sold to PAXAR's customers for in-plant label printing. Bar code
systems, consisting of electronic printers and related supplies, print data on
labels and tags to provide accurate product, inventory and point of sale
information for integration with sophisticated data systems. Labels and tags are
attached to apparel by manufacturers and retailers to identify and promote their
products, allow automated data collection and provide brand identification and
consumer information such as size, fabric content and care instructions. Labels
are attached to garments early in the manufacturing process and must withstand
all production processes and remain legible through washing and dry cleaning by
the end user. To a limited extent, PAXAR's products also include tags and labels
for sheets, towels, pillow cases and other white goods.
 
     Through its wholly-owned subsidiary Monarch Marking Systems, Inc., a
Delaware corporation ("Monarch"), PAXAR markets and distributes (i) tabletop
label dispensers and hand-held, mechanical labeling guns ("IPS labelers") that
print pressure-sensitive (i.e., adhesive backed) price and other identification
labels and affix them onto merchandise for retailers, and (ii) electronic bar
code printers ("AIS printers"), which are used in a wide range of retail and
industrial applications, including inventory management and distribution
systems. Monarch also manufactures and markets supplies used in both its IPS
labelers and AIS printers and provides extensive service to its installed base
of machines. Monarch is a leading manufacturer and marketer of retail price
marking equipment and supplies in the United States. Monarch also sells its
products directly and through distributors in 75 countries. Both PAXAR and
Monarch are customers of IIMAK.
 
     The executive offices of PAXAR are located at 105 Corporate Park Drive,
White Plains, New York 10604, and PAXAR's telephone number is (914) 697-6800.
 
INTERNATIONAL IMAGING MATERIALS, INC.
 
     IIMAK is the largest manufacturer in North America of thermal transfer
ribbons for numerous diverse applications. These thermal transfer ribbons are
used in bar code printers to print single-color and full-color tags and labels
for use in manufacturing and factory automation systems, shipping and
distribution systems, and in retail price tag, packaging and medical
applications. Other thermal transfer ribbons produced by IIMAK are used in
full-color printers to print high quality color graphics for business
presentations, engineering and scientific drawings, graphic arts prepress
layouts, proofs and comps, signage and other full-color imaging applications.
IIMAK also manufactures MICR ribbons for thermal transfer proof encoders used to
encode checks for processing through the United States banking system, as well
as ribbons used in plain-paper thermal transfer facsimile machines.
 
                                        1
<PAGE>   11
 
     The executive offices of IIMAK are located at 310 Commerce Drive, Amherst,
New York 14228-2396, and IIMAK's telephone number is (716) 691-6333.
 
                                  THE MEETINGS
 
TIME, PLACE AND DATE
 
     The Special Meeting of PAXAR's shareholders will be held at PAXAR's offices
at 105 Corporate Park Drive, White Plains, New York 10604 on October 28, 1997,
at 9:00 a.m. (including any and all adjournments or postponements thereof, the
"PAXAR Special Meeting").
 
     The Special Meeting of IIMAK's stockholders will be held at the offices of
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, 101 Park Avenue, 45th Floor, New York, New York
10178 on October 28, 1997, at 10:00 a.m. (including any and all adjournments or
postponements thereof, the "IIMAK Special Meeting" and, together with the PAXAR
Special Meeting, the "Special Meetings").
 
PURPOSES OF THE SPECIAL MEETINGS
 
  The PAXAR Special Meeting
 
     At the PAXAR Special Meeting, holders of PAXAR Common Stock will consider
and vote upon the issuance of PAXAR Common Stock in connection with the Merger
Agreement (the "PAXAR Share Proposal"). The number of shares of PAXAR Common
Stock issuable upon conversion of shares of IIMAK Common Stock in the Merger
will be equal to the Exchange Ratio determined by dividing $24.00 by the average
closing price on the NYSE of PAXAR Common Stock for the 20 consecutive trading
days ending with the second trading day immediately preceding the Effective
Time. The Exchange Ratio will be rounded to three decimal places and may not be
less than 1.500 (the "Minimum Exchange Ratio") nor more than 1.765 (the "Maximum
Exchange Ratio"). Based upon the shares of PAXAR Common Stock, shares of IIMAK
Common Stock, options to purchase IIMAK Common Stock under the IIMAK Stock
Option Plans, and warrants to purchase IIMAK Common Stock outstanding as of
September 19, 1997, at the Maximum Exchange Ratio, PAXAR would issue
approximately 14,694,891 shares of PAXAR Common Stock to IIMAK stockholders in
the Merger, representing approximately 29.1% of the outstanding shares of PAXAR
Common Stock following consummation of the Merger, and outstanding IIMAK options
and warrants would be exchanged for options and warrants to purchase
approximately 2,279,264 shares of PAXAR Common Stock. At the Minimum Exchange
Ratio, PAXAR would issue approximately 12,488,576 shares of PAXAR Common Stock,
representing approximately 25.8% of the outstanding shares of PAXAR Common Stock
following consummation of the Merger, and outstanding IIMAK options and warrants
would be exchanged for options and warrants to purchase approximately 1,937,053
shares of PAXAR Common Stock. Approval of the PAXAR Share Proposal is
conditioned upon shareholder approval of the increase in the number of options
issuable under the PAXAR 1997 Stock Option Plan (the "1997 Plan"), as described
below. If the amendment to the 1997 Plan is not approved, the approval of the
PAXAR Share Proposal will not be effective.
 
     PAXAR shareholders will also consider and vote upon (i) a proposal to amend
the 1997 Plan to increase the number of shares issuable upon exercise of options
granted under the 1997 Plan to 5,000,000 shares of PAXAR Common Stock from
1,875,000 shares of PAXAR Common Stock (the "PAXAR Option Proposal") and (ii) a
proposal to amend PAXAR's Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of
shares of authorized PAXAR Common Stock to 200,000,000 shares from 100,000,000
shares (the "PAXAR Amendment Proposal"). The 1997 Plan is being amended to
enable PAXAR to grant sufficient options to purchase PAXAR Common Stock in
exchange for outstanding options under the IIMAK Stock Option Plans. Approval of
the PAXAR Option Proposal is conditioned upon shareholder approval of the PAXAR
Share Proposal and consummation of the Merger. If the PAXAR Share Proposal is
not approved or the Merger is not consummated, the PAXAR Option Proposal will
not become effective. The number of authorized shares of PAXAR Common Stock is
being increased to make additional shares available for stock splits or
dividends, to provide flexibility for future financial and capital requirements,
and to avoid the delay and expense of obtaining shareholder approval when PAXAR
desires to issue additional shares. Approval of the increase in
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   12
 
the number of authorized shares is not conditioned upon approval of the PAXAR
Share Proposal or the PAXAR Option Proposal. Holders of PAXAR Common Stock may
also consider and vote upon matters incident to the conduct of the PAXAR Special
Meeting.
 
     THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PAXAR HAS APPROVED THE MERGER, THE PAXAR SHARE
PROPOSAL, THE PAXAR OPTION PROPOSAL, AND THE PAXAR AMENDMENT PROPOSAL AND
RECOMMENDS THAT HOLDERS OF PAXAR COMMON STOCK VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THE PAXAR
SHARE PROPOSAL, FOR APPROVAL OF THE PAXAR OPTION PROPOSAL, AND FOR APPROVAL OF
THE PAXAR AMENDMENT PROPOSAL. SEE "THE MERGER -- BACKGROUND OF THE MERGER" AND
"-- RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PAXAR; REASONS FOR THE MERGER."
 
  The IIMAK Special Meeting
 
     At the IIMAK Special Meeting, holders of IIMAK Common Stock will consider
and vote upon a proposal (the "IIMAK Merger Proposal") to approve and adopt the
Merger Agreement providing for the merger of Merger Sub with and into IIMAK.
Holders of IIMAK Common Stock may also consider and vote upon matters incident
to the conduct of the IIMAK Special Meeting.
 
     THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF IIMAK HAS APPROVED THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND
RECOMMENDS THAT HOLDERS OF IIMAK COMMON STOCK VOTE FOR THE IIMAK MERGER
PROPOSAL. SEE "THE MERGER -- BACKGROUND OF THE MERGER," "-- RECOMMENDATION OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF IIMAK; REASONS FOR THE MERGER" AND "-- INTERESTS OF
CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER."
 
VOTES REQUIRED; RECORD DATE
 
     PAXAR.  Under the rules of the NYSE, the PAXAR Share Proposal will require
approval by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast
on this matter, provided that the total vote cast on this matter represents more
than 50% of the shares of PAXAR Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote.
Under the New York Business Corporation Law (the "NYBCL"), the affirmative vote
by holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of PAXAR Common Stock are
required to approve the PAXAR Option Proposal and the PAXAR Amendment Proposal.
Holders of PAXAR Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share. Only holders
of PAXAR Common Stock at the close of business on September 26, 1997 (the "PAXAR
Record Date") will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the PAXAR Special
Meeting. See "PAXAR Special Meeting." As of the PAXAR Record Date, the directors
and executive officers of PAXAR and their affiliates beneficially owned as a
group approximately 20.23% of the outstanding shares of PAXAR Common Stock. Such
directors and executive officers of PAXAR have indicated to PAXAR that they and
their affiliates presently intend to vote all such shares in favor of the PAXAR
Share Proposal, the PAXAR Option Proposal, and the PAXAR Amendment Proposal. See
"Stock Ownership of Management and Certain Beneficial Owners of PAXAR."
 
     IIMAK.  The IIMAK Merger Proposal will require the affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of IIMAK Common Stock. Holders
of IIMAK Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share. Only holders of IIMAK
Common Stock at the close of business on September 26, 1997 (the "IIMAK Record
Date") will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the IIMAK Special Meeting.
See "IIMAK Special Meeting." As of the IIMAK Record Date, the directors and
executive officers of IIMAK and their affiliates beneficially owned as a group
approximately 11.5% of the outstanding shares of IIMAK Common Stock. Such
directors and executive officers of IIMAK have indicated to IIMAK that they and
their affiliates presently intend to vote all such shares in favor of the IIMAK
Merger Proposal. See "Stock Ownership of Management and Certain Beneficial
Owners of IIMAK."
 
                                 CHANGE OF VOTE
 
     Holders of PAXAR Common Stock who have executed a proxy may revoke the
proxy at any time prior to its exercise at the PAXAR Special Meeting by giving
written notice to ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, Proxy Processing, Church
Street Station, P.O. Box 1672, New York, New York 10277-1672, by signing and
returning a later dated proxy or by voting in person at the PAXAR Special
Meeting. IIMAK stockholders who
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   13
 
have executed a proxy may revoke the proxy at any time prior to its exercise at
the IIMAK Special Meeting by giving written notice to American Stock Transfer
and Trust Company, 40 Wall Street, 46th Floor, Attention: Proxy Department, New
York, NY 10269-0436 by signing and returning a later dated proxy or by voting in
person at the IIMAK Special Meeting. ACCORDINGLY, STOCKHOLDERS OF PAXAR OR IIMAK
WHO HAVE EXECUTED AND RETURNED PROXY CARDS IN ADVANCE OF THE PAXAR SPECIAL
MEETING OR IIMAK SPECIAL MEETING, RESPECTIVELY, MAY CHANGE THEIR VOTE AT ANY
TIME PRIOR TO THE VOTE AT THE RESPECTIVE SPECIAL MEETINGS.
 
                                   THE MERGER
 
THE MERGER
 
     Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will be merged with and into
IIMAK, and IIMAK will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of PAXAR.
 
MERGER CONSIDERATION
 
     At the Effective Time of the Merger, each outstanding share of IIMAK Common
Stock (other than shares owned by IIMAK as treasury stock or by its
subsidiaries, all of which will be canceled) will be converted into that number
of shares of PAXAR Common Stock equal to the Exchange Ratio determined by
dividing $24.00 by the average closing price of PAXAR Common Stock on the NYSE
for the 20 consecutive trading days ending with the second trading day
immediately preceding the Effective Time (the "PAXAR Market Value"). If,
however, the PAXAR Market Value is $16.00 or more, the Exchange Ratio will be
1.5 shares of PAXAR Common Stock, and if the PAXAR Market Value is $13.60 or
less, the Exchange Ratio will be 1.765 shares of PAXAR Common Stock. See "The
Merger Agreement -- Terms of the Merger" and "Risk Factors -- Exchange
Ratio/Collar."
 
EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES
 
     As soon as practicable after the filing of a certificate of merger (the
"Certificate of Merger") with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware
(the time of such filing being the "Effective Time"), ChaseMellon Shareholder
Services, as exchange agent for the Merger (the "Exchange Agent"), will send a
transmittal letter to each IIMAK stockholder. The transmittal letter will
contain instructions with respect to the surrender of certificates representing
IIMAK Common Stock to be exchanged for PAXAR Common Stock. See "The Merger
Agreement -- Exchange of Certificates."
 
     IIMAK STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD NOT FORWARD CERTIFICATES FOR IIMAK COMMON STOCK
TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT UNTIL THEY HAVE RECEIVED TRANSMITTAL LETTERS. IIMAK
STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD NOT RETURN STOCK CERTIFICATES WITH THE ENCLOSED PROXY.
 
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER, TERMINATION; FEES
 
     The obligations of PAXAR, Merger Sub and IIMAK to consummate the Merger are
subject to various conditions, including, but not limited to (i) the
effectiveness of the Registration Statement; (ii) obtaining requisite
stockholder approvals; (iii) approval for listing on the NYSE, subject to
official notice of issuance, of the PAXAR Common Stock to be issued in
connection with the Merger; (iv) the expiration of the waiting period under the
Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR
Act"); (v) the absence of any preliminary or permanent injunction or other order
by any court or governmental authority of competent jurisdiction preventing or
restricting the consummation of the Merger; (vi) receipt of opinions of counsel;
(vii) receipt of opinions of Arthur Andersen LLP and KPMG Peat Marwick LLP to
the effect that PAXAR and IIMAK, respectively, will qualify for "pooling of
interests" accounting treatment; and (viii) receipt of consents or waivers of
default from certain PAXAR bank lenders. See "The Merger Agreement -- Conditions
to the Merger."
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   14
 
     The Merger Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Effective
Time, whether before or after approval of the matters presented in connection
with the Merger by the stockholders of PAXAR or IIMAK (i) by mutual written
consent duly authorized by the Boards of Directors of PAXAR and IIMAK; (ii) by
PAXAR or IIMAK, if the Merger shall not have been consummated by December 31,
1997 (provided that such right to terminate the Merger Agreement will not be
available to any party whose failure to fulfill any obligation under the Merger
Agreement has been the cause of or resulted in the failure of the Merger to
occur on or before such date); (iii) by PAXAR or IIMAK, if a court or other
governmental authority shall have issued a nonappealable final order permanently
restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the Merger (provided that such
right to terminate the Merger Agreement will not be available to any party who
has not complied with its obligations described under "The Merger
Agreement -- Additional Agreements -- Further Action; Tax Treatment" and such
noncompliance materially contributed to the issuance of any such order); (iv) by
PAXAR or IIMAK, if the requisite vote of the stockholders of IIMAK or PAXAR,
respectively, shall not have been obtained at a duly held meeting of such
stockholders or any adjournments thereof by December 31, 1997; (v) by PAXAR or
IIMAK, if the Board of Directors of IIMAK withdraws, modifies or changes its
approval or recommendation of the Merger Agreement or the Merger in a manner
materially adverse to PAXAR or shall have resolved to do so; (vi) by PAXAR or
IIMAK, if the Board of Directors of IIMAK, recommends to the stockholders of
IIMAK an Alternative Transaction (as defined in "The Merger
Agreement -- Termination") or recommends that the stockholders of IIMAK tender
their shares in a tender or exchange offer by a person other than PAXAR or an
affiliate of PAXAR for 50% or more of the outstanding IIMAK Common Stock; (vii)
by IIMAK, if the Board of Directors of PAXAR withdraws, modifies or changes its
approval or recommendation of the Merger Agreement or the Merger in a manner
materially adverse to IIMAK or shall have resolved to do so; or (viii) by PAXAR
or IIMAK if there has been a material misrepresentation or breach of warranty in
the representations and warranties made by the other party, there has been a
material default in the performance of an agreement made by the other party, or
there has been an intentional material misstatement or omission by the other
party in the Registration Statement or in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus,
that in each such case cannot be cured at or prior to the Effective Time. See
"The Merger Agreement -- Termination -- Conditions to Termination."
 
     The Merger Agreement requires IIMAK to pay PAXAR a fee (the "Fee") of
approximately $6.2 million upon termination of the Merger Agreement (i) by PAXAR
or IIMAK, because the IIMAK Board of Directors withdraws, modifies or changes
its approval or recommendation of the Merger Agreement or the Merger in a manner
materially adverse to PAXAR or resolves to do so or recommends to the
stockholders of IIMAK an Alternative Transaction or recommends that the
stockholders of IIMAK tender their shares in a tender or exchange offer, as set
forth above; (ii) by PAXAR or IIMAK, because of the failure to obtain the
requisite vote for approval of the Merger Agreement by the stockholders of IIMAK
by December 31, 1997, and a bona fide Alternative Transaction is publicly
commenced, publicly disclosed, publicly proposed or publicly communicated to
IIMAK at any time on or prior to the date of the IIMAK Special Meeting and there
is consummated an Alternative Transaction (whether or not the same as the
transaction so commenced, disclosed, proposed or communicated on or prior to the
date of the IIMAK Special Meeting) on or prior to the first anniversary of the
date of termination; (iii) by PAXAR because the Merger has not been consummated
by December 31, 1997, as a result of the failure of IIMAK to fulfill its
obligations under the Merger Agreement; or (iv) by PAXAR because a court or
other governmental authority shall have issued a nonappealable final order
permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the Merger, and the
failure of IIMAK to comply with its obligations described under "The Merger
Agreement -- Additional Agreements -- Further Action; Tax Treatment" materially
contributed to the issuance of such order. See "The Merger -- Fees and
Expenses."
 
LISTING
 
     It is a condition to the Merger that the shares of PAXAR Common Stock to be
issued in the Merger be approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official
notice of issuance.
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   15
 
APPRAISAL RIGHTS
 
     Under the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL") and the NYBCL, the
holders of IIMAK Common Stock and PAXAR Common Stock, respectively, are not
entitled to any appraisal rights with respect to the Merger. See "The
Merger -- Appraisal Rights."
 
GOVERNMENTAL NOTIFICATIONS AND APPROVALS
 
     Prior to consummating the Merger, PAXAR and IIMAK must provide
notifications to, or obtain approvals from, U.S. federal antitrust authorities.
See "The Merger -- Certain Legal Matters."
 
ANTICIPATED ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
 
     The Merger is expected to qualify as a "pooling of interests" for
accounting and financial reporting purposes. The receipt of a letter from each
of Arthur Andersen LLP and KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, the independent public
accountants of PAXAR and IIMAK, respectively, confirming that PAXAR and IIMAK,
respectively, will qualify for "pooling of interests" accounting treatment is a
condition to consummation of the Merger.
 
STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS
 
     At the Effective Time, each then outstanding option to purchase IIMAK
Common Stock granted under the 1990 Incentive Plan, 1984 Stock Plan and the 1993
Outside Director Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (collectively, the
"IIMAK Stock Option Plans") will be deemed assumed by PAXAR and will be deemed
to constitute a fully-vested option to acquire shares of PAXAR Common Stock. As
of September 19, 1997, there were outstanding options to acquire 1,066,297
shares of IIMAK Common Stock under the 1990 Incentive Plan, 148,871 shares of
IIMAK Common Stock under the 1984 Stock Plan, and 26,200 shares of IIMAK Common
Stock under the 1993 Outside Director Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan. In
addition, warrants to purchase 50,000 shares of IIMAK Common Stock will be
deemed to constitute warrants to purchase PAXAR Common Stock. See "The
Merger -- Effect on Stock Option and Employee Benefits Plans" and "The Merger
Agreement -- Terms of the Merger -- Stock Options and Warrants."
 
OPINION OF PAXAR'S FINANCIAL ADVISOR
 
     Wheat, First Securities, Inc. ("Wheat First") has acted as financial
advisor to PAXAR in connection with the Merger and has delivered to the PAXAR
Board of Directors a written opinion dated July 15, 1997, to the effect that as
of the date of such opinion and based upon and subject to certain matters stated
therein, the Exchange Ratio was fair, from a financial point of view, to the
holders of PAXAR Common Stock. THE FULL TEXT OF THE WRITTEN OPINION OF WHEAT
FIRST DATED JULY 15, 1997, WHICH SETS FORTH THE ASSUMPTIONS MADE, MATTERS
CONSIDERED AND LIMITATIONS ON THE REVIEW UNDERTAKEN, IS ATTACHED AS ANNEX B TO
THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND SHOULD BE READ CAREFULLY IN ITS
ENTIRETY. The opinion of Wheat First is directed to the PAXAR Board of Directors
and relates only to the fairness of the Exchange Ratio from a financial point of
view, does not address any other aspect of the Merger or any related transaction
and does not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder as to how such
shareholder should vote at the PAXAR Special Meeting. See "The Merger -- Opinion
of PAXAR's Financial Advisor."
 
OPINION OF IIMAK'S FINANCIAL ADVISOR
 
     Smith Barney Inc. ("Smith Barney") has acted as financial advisor to IIMAK
in connection with the Merger and has delivered to the IIMAK Board of Directors
a written opinion dated July 15, 1997, to the effect that, as of the date of
such opinion and based upon and subject to certain matters stated therein, the
Exchange Ratio was fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of IIMAK
Common Stock. THE FULL TEXT OF THE WRITTEN OPINION OF SMITH BARNEY DATED JULY
15, 1997, WHICH SETS FORTH THE ASSUMPTIONS MADE, MATTERS CONSIDERED AND
LIMITATIONS ON THE REVIEW UNDERTAKEN, IS ATTACHED AS ANNEX C TO THIS JOINT PROXY
STATEMENT/ PROSPECTUS AND SHOULD BE READ CAREFULLY IN ITS ENTIRETY. The opinion
of Smith Barney is directed to the IIMAK Board of Directors and relates only to
the fairness of the Exchange Ratio from a financial point of
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   16
 
view, does not address any other aspect of the Merger or related transactions
and does not constitute a recommendation to any stockholder as to how such
stockholder should vote at the IIMAK Special Meeting. See "The Merger -- Opinion
of IIMAK's Financial Advisor."
 
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER
 
     The Merger Agreement grants certain rights to officers, directors and
employees of IIMAK that they might not otherwise have if the Merger does not
occur. The Merger Agreement provides for certain arrangements with respect to
indemnification and insurance arrangements for IIMAK officers and directors. At
the Effective Time, in accordance with existing agreements, any unvested options
to acquire IIMAK Common Stock will vest and become exercisable, and all
restrictions on the sale of shares of IIMAK Common Stock issued to IIMAK
directors under the 1993 Outside Director Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan
will lapse. Certain restrictions on shares of IIMAK Common Stock having stock
depreciation rights held by the President of IIMAK will lapse upon termination
of his employment. In addition, in accordance with existing agreements with
certain IIMAK officers, if the employment of any such officer is terminated
without cause or any such officer terminates his or her employment for good
reason within three years after the Effective Time of the Merger, IIMAK will be
required to pay such officer amounts up to three times his or her highest
annualized compensation during the five-year period immediately preceding such
termination. See "The Merger -- Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger" and
"Other Agreements."
 
CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
 
     It is expected that the Merger will constitute a reorganization for United
States federal income tax purposes and, accordingly, that no gain or loss will
be recognized for United States federal income tax purposes by holders of IIMAK
Common Stock upon the conversion of IIMAK Common Stock into PAXAR Common Stock
in the Merger (except with respect to any cash received in lieu of a fractional
share interest in PAXAR Common Stock). See "The Merger -- Certain United States
Federal Income Tax Consequences." IIMAK stockholders are urged to consult their
own tax advisors as to the specific tax consequences to them of the Merger.
 
RISK FACTORS
 
     THE MERGER INVOLVES CERTAIN RISK FACTORS THAT SHOULD BE CAREFULLY
CONSIDERED BY THE SHAREHOLDERS OF PAXAR AND THE STOCKHOLDERS OF IIMAK. SEE "RISK
FACTORS."
 
                       COMPARATIVE RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDERS
 
     The rights of stockholders of IIMAK currently are governed by Delaware law,
IIMAK's Certificate of Incorporation (the "IIMAK Certificate") and IIMAK's
By-Laws. Upon consummation of the Merger, stockholders of IIMAK will become
shareholders of PAXAR, which is a New York corporation, and their rights as
shareholders of PAXAR will be governed by New York law, PAXAR's Certificate of
Incorporation (the "PAXAR Certificate") and PAXAR's By-Laws. For a discussion of
various differences between the rights of stockholders of IIMAK and the rights
of shareholders of PAXAR, see "Comparative Rights of Stockholders."
 
                          COMPARATIVE PER SHARE PRICES
 
     The following table sets forth the closing prices per share for PAXAR
Common Stock as reported on the NYSE Composite Transactions Tape and for IIMAK
Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market on July 15, 1997, the
last full trading day before the execution of the Merger Agreement and the
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   17
 
announcement of the Merger, and on September 19, 1997, and the equivalent pro
forma per share value of IIMAK Common Stock based on PAXAR Common Stock prices
on those dates.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        PAXAR            IIMAK             IIMAK
                                                     COMMON STOCK     COMMON STOCK       PRO FORMA
                                                       PRICE(1)          PRICE         EQUIVALENT(2)
                                                     ------------     ------------     -------------
<S>                                                  <C>              <C>              <C>
July 15, 1997......................................     $14.65           $16.50           $ 24.00
September 19, 1997.................................     $20.63           $30.06           $ 30.94
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Adjusted to give effect to the Stock Dividend.
 
(2) Represents the equivalent pro forma value of one share of IIMAK Common Stock
    calculated by multiplying the closing price of one share of PAXAR Common
    Stock on the dates listed above by the Exchange Ratio that would have been
    in effect on such date.
 
See "Comparative Per Share Prices and Dividends."
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   18
 
    SELECTED CONDENSED COMBINED HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA AND
                           COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA
 
     The following selected condensed combined historical financial data of
PAXAR and IIMAK have been derived from their respective historical audited and
unaudited consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction
with such consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto that are
incorporated herein by reference. The selected condensed combined historical
data of PAXAR for 1996 and 1997 reflects the historical results of PAXAR
adjusted to include the results of Monarch as if Monarch had been acquired on
January 1, 1996. The selected pro forma financial data of PAXAR and IIMAK have
been derived from the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
statements and should be read in conjunction with such pro forma financial
statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.
 
     The pro forma financial information does not purport to represent what
PAXAR's financial position or results of operations would have actually been had
the Merger occurred at the beginning of the earliest period presented or to
project PAXAR's financial position or results of operations for any future date
or period. It does not incorporate any benefits from any potential cost savings
or synergies following the Merger.
 
     The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations combine
PAXAR's historical results for the six months ended June 30, 1997, and the years
ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, with IIMAK's historical results for the
six months ended June 30, 1997, and the years ended March 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995, respectively, giving effect to the Merger as if it had occurred on January
1, 1994. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet combines
PAXAR's and IIMAK's consolidated condensed balance sheets as of June 30, 1997,
giving effect to the Merger as if it had occurred on June 30, 1997. The pro
forma data are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations or the
financial condition that would have been reported had the Merger occurred on
January 1, 1994, or that may be reported in the future. Pro forma combined per
share data of PAXAR and IIMAK give effect to the exchange of each share of IIMAK
Common Stock for 1.5 shares of PAXAR Common Stock (i.e., the Minimum Exchange
Ratio of 1.2 under the Merger Agreement adjusted to give effect to the Stock
Dividend).
 
     The selected condensed combined historical financial information as of and
for the six months ended June 30, 1997, has been derived from unaudited
consolidated financial statements. Such unaudited information reflects all
adjustments (consisting only of normal, recurring adjustments) necessary for the
fair presentation of the financial condition as of that date and the results of
operations for those unaudited interim periods for each of PAXAR and IIMAK. The
results of operations for the interim period is not necessarily indicative of
the results to be expected for the entire year.
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   19
 
                                PAXAR AND IIMAK
 
             SELECTED CONDENSED COMBINED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          AS OF AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                   -------------------------------------------------------
                                                      1996         1995       1994       1993       1992
                                      AS OF AND    -----------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                     FOR THE SIX   (UNAUDITED)
                                       MONTHS          (8)
                                     ENDED JUNE
                                         30,
                                        1997
                                     -----------
                                     (UNAUDITED)
                                         (8)
<S>                                  <C>           <C>           <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
PAXAR(1)
  Revenues..........................  $ 254,475     $ 479,073    $201,436   $166,612   $138,847   $132,556
  Income before extraordinary
     item(3)(5).....................     10,585        19,692      15,709     11,601      9,358      8,374
  Per common share before
     extraordinary item(7)..........       0.29          0.54        0.45       0.34       0.27       0.26
  Total assets......................    486,462       182,159     157,140    128,703     85,493     72,756
  Long term debt....................    233,304        19,937      23,121     13,796        718      2,107
  Book value per common share
     (unaudited)(7).................       4.24          3.42        2.74       2.27       1.86       1.58
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           AS OF AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
                                                   -------------------------------------------------------
                                                      1997         1996       1995       1994       1993
                                                   -----------   --------   --------   --------   --------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>           <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
IIMAK(1)(2)
  Revenues(9).......................  $  54,075     $ 106,894    $ 88,448   $ 85,477   $ 61,576   $ 48,438
  Income from continuing
     operations(6)..................      4,770        11,296       9,903      9,970      6,100      3,067
  Per common share from continuing
     operations.....................       0.55          1.26        1.07       1.10       0.76       0.51
  Total assets......................    118,742       118,474     115,461     97,944     76,876     57,483
  Long term debt....................        744         1,111       2,259      3,940      5,637     20,056
  Book value per common share
     (unaudited)....................      10.04         10.25        9.14       8.44       7.31       4.05
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     AS OF AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED
                                                             DECEMBER 31,
                                                   ---------------------------------
                                                      1996         1995       1994
                                                   -----------   --------   --------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>           <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
PRO FORMA COMBINED (unaudited)(4)
  Revenues..........................  $ 304,400     $ 578,626    $289,371   $251,665
  Income before extraordinary
     item(4)........................     15,290        30,907      25,612     21,571
  Per common share before
     extraordinary item(7)..........       0.31          0.62        0.52       0.45
  Total assets......................    600,083       300,633     272,601    226,647
  Long term debt....................    234,048        21,048      25,380     17,736
  Book value per common share
     (unaudited)(7).................       4.88          4.34        3.65       3.20
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) No cash dividends were paid or declared by PAXAR or IIMAK during the periods
    presented.
 
(2) IIMAK results for the quarter ended March 31, 1997, are included in both the
    year ended March 31, 1997, and the six months ended June 30, 1997.
 
(3) Restructuring charges of $2,086 were recorded by PAXAR in 1997. See Note 4
    to the pro forma financial statements.
 
(4) Direct costs of the merger are estimated at approximately $4,000. The pro
    forma balance sheet gives effect to direct costs of the Merger as if they
    had been incurred as of June 30, 1997, but the pro forma statement of income
    does not give effect to such expenses. See Note 1 to the pro forma financial
    statements.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   20
 
(5) PAXAR recorded an extraordinary item of $8,575 (net of tax of $5,100) in
    1997. See Note 4 to the pro forma financial statements.
 
(6) IIMAK recorded a charge of $432 (net of tax of $255) in the fiscal year
    ended March 31, 1994 and a charge of $56 (net of tax of $32) in the fiscal
    year ended March 31, 1993 related to a discontinued operation.
 
(7) The per common share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the 25% stock
    dividend declared on August 7, 1997, payable on September 9, 1997, to
    shareholders of record as of August 21, 1997.
 
(8) PAXAR acquired 51% of Monarch on March 3, 1997. The unaudited statements of
    income assume the acquisition occurred on January 1, 1996. See Note 3 to the
    pro forma financial statements.
 
(9) IIMAK's revenues for the second quarter of fiscal 1997 include revenues from
    a significant one-time increase in orders from a sister licensee, which are
    not expected to recur in subsequent years.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   21
 
                           COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA
 
     The following table sets forth certain historical per share data of PAXAR
and IIMAK and combined per share data on an unaudited pro forma basis after
giving effect to the Merger as if it had occurred on January 1, 1994 on a
pooling-of-interests basis assuming that 1.5 shares of PAXAR Common Stock were
issued in exchange for each share of IIMAK Common Stock outstanding. This data
should be read in conjunction with the selected historical audited and unaudited
financial data and the historical audited and unaudited financial statements of
PAXAR and IIMAK and the notes thereto that are incorporated herein by reference.
The selected pro forma combined financial information of PAXAR and IIMAK is
derived from the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements and
should be read in conjunction with such unaudited pro forma statements and notes
thereto included elsewhere in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. The
unaudited pro forma information is presented for illustrative purposes only and
is not necessarily indicative of the combined financial position or results of
operations of future periods or the results that actually would have been
realized had PAXAR and IIMAK been a single entity during the periods presented.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              AS OF AND FOR THE
                                                    AS OF AND FOR THE      YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                    SIX MONTHS ENDED      --------------------------
                                                      JUNE 30, 1997        1996      1995      1994
                                                    -----------------     ------     -----     -----
<S>                                                 <C>                   <C>        <C>       <C>
PAXAR(1)(2)
Historical per common share:
  Income before extraordinary item................       $  0.29          $ 0.54     $0.45     $0.34
  Book value at end of period(3)..................          4.24            3.42      2.74      2.27
 
Pro forma combined per PAXAR common share:
  Income before extraordinary item................          0.31            0.62      0.52      0.45
  Book value at end of period(3)..................          4.88            4.34      3.65      3.20
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              AS OF AND FOR THE
                                                                             YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
                                                                          --------------------------
                                                                           1997      1996      1995
                                                                          ------     -----     -----
<S>                                                 <C>                   <C>        <C>       <C>
IIMAK(1)(4)
Historical per common share:
  Net income......................................       $  0.55          $ 1.26     $1.07     $1.10
  Book value at end of period(3)..................         10.04           10.25      9.14      8.44
 
Pro forma combined per IIMAK common share:
  Net income......................................          0.47            0.93      0.78      0.68
  Book value at end of period(3)..................          7.32            6.51      5.48      4.80
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) No cash dividends were paid by PAXAR or IIMAK during the periods presented.
 
(2) Per share data has been adjusted to give effect to the Stock Dividend.
 
(3) The calculation of book value per common share uses the number of common
    shares outstanding as of the end of the period and excludes common share
    equivalents.
 
(4) IIMAK results for the quarter ended March 31, 1997, are included in both the
    year ended March 31, 1997, and the six months ended June 30, 1997.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   22
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     SHAREHOLDERS OF PAXAR, IN CONSIDERING WHETHER TO APPROVE THE PAXAR SHARE
PROPOSAL AND THE PAXAR OPTION PROPOSAL, AND STOCKHOLDERS OF IIMAK, IN
CONSIDERING WHETHER TO APPROVE AND ADOPT THE IIMAK MERGER PROPOSAL, SHOULD
CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING MATTERS. THESE MATTERS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN
CONJUNCTION WITH THE OTHER INFORMATION INCLUDED AND INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN
THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS.
 
     Exchange Ratio/Collar.  Under the Merger Agreement, the Exchange Ratio will
be determined by dividing $24.00 by the PAXAR Market Value. However, if the
PAXAR Market Value is less than $13.60, then IIMAK stockholders would receive
PAXAR Common Stock having a value of less than $24.00 for each share of IIMAK
Common Stock, assuming that the value of PAXAR Common Stock at the Effective
Time equals the PAXAR Market Value. Conversely, if the PAXAR Market Value is
more than $16.00, then IIMAK stockholders would receive PAXAR Common Stock
having a value of more than $24.00 for each share of IIMAK Common Stock,
assuming that the value of PAXAR Common Stock at the Effective Time equals the
PAXAR Market Value. See "The Merger Agreement -- Terms of the Merger."
 
     IIMAK License Agreement and Relationship with Fujicopian.  Under a License
Agreement with Fujicopian Co. Ltd. ("Fujicopian"), a Japanese company,
Fujicopian has granted IIMAK an exclusive license (with certain exceptions) to
manufacture specified products in North America, including thermal transfer
ribbons and improvements to such products developed by Fujicopian and IIMAK, and
a non-exclusive right to sell and distribute such products in all countries
other than those in Europe and Asia, using the technology and processes covered
by the patents obtained, patent applications made and to be made by Fujicopian,
and certain other non-patented proprietary technology relating to such products
and their manufacture. In exchange for such rights, IIMAK has agreed to pay
annual royalties on sales of essentially all thermal transfer ribbons. The term
of the License Agreement extends until 2008. Any dispute with respect to the
License Agreement could result in costly and time-consuming litigation, which
would divert both IIMAK's human and financial resources. Furthermore, a material
deterioration of IIMAK's relationship with Fujicopian could make the technology
under the License Agreement unavailable to IIMAK and prevent IIMAK from enjoying
the benefits of such relationship and any further technological advances
developed by Fujicopian. Any such dispute or deterioration could, depending upon
IIMAK's position at the time of such event, have a material adverse effect on
IIMAK's business and operations.
 
     Possible Loss of Significant IIMAK Customers.  Certain of IIMAK's customers
engage in businesses that are competitive with certain aspects of PAXAR's and
Monarch's businesses. To the extent that such IIMAK customers believe that
purchasing thermal transfer ribbons from IIMAK may put them at a competitive
disadvantage, such customers may seek alternative sources of such products. If
such customers were to reduce significantly or eliminate their purchases from
IIMAK, the reduction in revenue could have a material adverse effect on IIMAK's
business and operations.
 
     Reliance on Key IIMAK Personnel.  After the Effective Time of the Merger,
PAXAR intends to operate IIMAK as a wholly-owned subsidiary employing IIMAK's
current executive officers. Accordingly, continued successful operations of
IIMAK will be dependent, in large part, upon its existing management team.
Although each of IIMAK's executive officers has entered into an agreement
restricting his or her right to compete with IIMAK, each of them is an employee
at will. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that IIMAK will be able to
retain its management team after the Effective Time. See "The
Merger -- Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger."
 
     Continuity Agreements of IIMAK Officers.  Each of IIMAK's officers has
entered into a Continuity Agreement with IIMAK providing for a payment of up to
three times his or her highest annualized compensation in the five years
preceding the Effective Time of the Merger, if his or her employment is
terminated within three years of the Effective Time by IIMAK without cause or by
the officer for good reason (principally a change in the terms of their
employment). Although PAXAR intends to retain existing management to continue to
operate IIMAK, PAXAR could not terminate the employment of any executive
officers without cause or materially change their terms of employment without
having to make the payments
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   23
 
required under the Continuity Agreements. See "The Merger -- Interests of
Certain Persons in the Merger" and "Additional Agreements."
 
     Possible Failure to Realize Synergies or Accretion.  PAXAR expects certain
synergies among it, Monarch, and IIMAK to result from the Merger, including
IIMAK being a principal supplier of ribbons for PAXAR and Monarch thermal
transfer printers and IIMAK's use of the PAXAR/Monarch distribution network. In
addition, the Merger is expected to be accretive to PAXAR's earnings per share
regardless of the realization of these synergies. Nevertheless, there can be no
assurance that PAXAR will realize these or any other anticipated synergies from
the Merger or that the Merger will result in an immediate accretion to PAXAR's
earnings per share. See "The Merger -- Recommendation of the Board of Directors
of PAXAR; Reasons for the Merger" and "-- Opinion of PAXAR's Financial Advisor."
 
     Certain Risks Inherent in International Businesses.  The financial
condition and results of operations of each of PAXAR and IIMAK may be adversely
affected when one or more of the global markets in which PAXAR or IIMAK competes
is affected by variations in political, economic or other factors, such as
exchange rates, inflation rates, recessionary or expansive trends, tax changes,
legal and regulatory changes or other external factors over which neither PAXAR
nor IIMAK has control.
 
     Forward-looking Statements.  Certain statements made or incorporated by
reference in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus are forward-looking,
including without limitation statements with respect to the expected financial
impact and other aspects of the proposed Merger and the future financial
condition or results of operations of IIMAK and PAXAR. Forward-looking
statements made or incorporated by reference herein are not guarantees of future
performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual
results to differ materially. In addition to the factors discussed above, the
following are some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those in the forward-looking statements:
 
     - Economic and other business conditions that may affect demand for
       PAXAR's, Monarch's, or IIMAK's products.
 
     - The mix of products sold and the profit margins thereon.
 
     - Order cancellation or reduced bookings by customers or distributors.
 
     - Discounting necessitated by price competition.
 
     - Significant price reductions or improvements in competing technologies.
 
     - The rate of growth of the installed base of thermal transfer printers and
       the timing of orders.
 
     - Dependence on a small number of large Original Equipment Manufacturers
(OEM) as customers.
 
     - Competitive product offerings and pricing actions.
 
     - The availability and pricing of key raw materials, in particular
       polyester film and ink-making materials.
 
     - Productivity improvements in manufacturing.
 
     - The ability of PAXAR, Monarch or IIMAK to expand into new markets for
       their respective products.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   24
 
                                  INTRODUCTION
 
     This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is being furnished to the
shareholders of PAXAR in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the
Board of Directors of PAXAR for use at a Special Meeting of Shareholders of
PAXAR to be held at PAXAR's offices at 105 Corporate Park Drive, White Plains,
New York 10604 on October 28, 1997, at 9:00 a.m., and at any and all
adjournments or postponements thereof. This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus
also constitutes the Prospectus of PAXAR with respect to the issuance of shares
of PAXAR Common Stock in the Merger, as described below.
 
     This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is also being furnished to the
stockholders of IIMAK in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the
Board of Directors of IIMAK for use at a Special Meeting of Stockholders of
IIMAK to be held at the offices of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, 101 Park Avenue,
45th Floor, New York, New York 10178 on October 28, 1997, at 10:00 a.m., and at
any and all adjournments or postponements thereof.
 
                             PAXAR SPECIAL MEETING
 
PURPOSE OF THE PAXAR SPECIAL MEETING
 
     At the PAXAR Special Meeting, holders of PAXAR Common Stock will consider
and vote upon (i) the PAXAR Share Proposal, which provides for the issuance of
PAXAR Common Stock in connection with the Merger, pursuant to which (A) IIMAK
will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of PAXAR and (B) each outstanding share of
IIMAK Common Stock (other than shares owned by IIMAK as treasury stock or by its
subsidiaries or by PAXAR or its subsidiaries, all of which shall be canceled)
will be converted into shares of PAXAR Common Stock equal to the Exchange Ratio,
(ii) the PAXAR Option Proposal, which provides for an increase in the number of
shares of PAXAR Common Stock under the 1997 Plan to 5,000,000 shares from
1,875,000 shares and (iii) the PAXAR Amendment Proposal, which provides for an
amendment to PAXAR's Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of
shares of PAXAR Common Stock authorized to be issued to 200,000,000 shares from
100,000,000 shares. Although the NYBCL and the Certificate of Incorporation of
PAXAR do not require PAXAR to obtain shareholder approval of the Merger, the
rules of the NYSE require PAXAR to obtain shareholder approval of the issuance
of such shares due to the number of authorized but unissued shares of PAXAR
Common Stock expected to be issued in the Merger. Approval of the PAXAR Share
Proposal is conditioned upon shareholder approval of the PAXAR Option Proposal.
If the PAXAR Option Proposal is not approved, the PAXAR Share Proposal will not
become effective.
 
     Shareholder approval of the PAXAR Option Proposal is required to enable
PAXAR to exchange options to purchase PAXAR Common Stock for options to purchase
IIMAK Common Stock under the IIMAK Stock Option Plans and to permit recipients
of options under the 1997 Plan to receive certain benefits under the federal tax
and securities laws. The NYBCL also requires shareholder approval of any plan
pursuant to which incentive options to purchase stock are to be granted to
directors, officers or employees of a corporation. Approval of the PAXAR Option
Proposal is conditioned upon shareholder approval of the PAXAR Share Proposal
and consummation of the Merger. If the PAXAR Share Proposal is not approved or
the Merger is not consummated, the PAXAR Option Proposal will not become
effective. Under the NYBCL, the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of PAXAR Common Stock is required to approve any amendment to
PAXAR's Certificate of Incorporation, including the PAXAR Amendment Proposal.
Approval of the PAXAR Amendment Proposal is not conditioned on shareholder
approval of the PAXAR Share Proposal or the PAXAR Option Proposal. Holders of
PAXAR Common Stock may also consider and vote upon matters incident to the
conduct of the PAXAR Special Meeting.
 
     Based upon the number of shares of IIMAK Common Stock and options to
purchase IIMAK Common Stock under the IIMAK Stock Option Plans outstanding at
September 19, 1997, (i) assuming the Maximum Exchange Ratio, which is the
highest Exchange Ratio under the Merger Agreement, PAXAR would issue
approximately 14,694,891 shares of PAXAR Common Stock to IIMAK stockholders in
the Merger and outstanding IIMAK options and warrants would be exchanged for
options and warrants to purchase approximately 2,279,264 shares of PAXAR Common
Stock, and (ii) assuming the Minimum Exchange
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   25
 
Ratio, which is the lowest exchange Ratio under the Merger Agreement, PAXAR
would issue approximately 12,488,576 shares of PAXAR Common Stock to IIMAK
stockholders in the Merger and outstanding IIMAK options and warrants would be
exchanged for options and warrants to purchase approximately 1,937,053 shares of
PAXAR Common Stock.
 
     THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PAXAR HAS APPROVED THE MERGER, THE PAXAR SHARE
PROPOSAL, THE PAXAR OPTION PROPOSAL, AND THE PAXAR AMENDMENT PROPOSAL, AND
RECOMMENDS THAT HOLDERS OF PAXAR COMMON STOCK VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THE PAXAR
SHARE PROPOSAL, THE PAXAR OPTION PROPOSAL, AND THE PAXAR AMENDMENT PROPOSAL. SEE
"THE MERGER -- BACKGROUND OF THE MERGER" AND "-- RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS OF PAXAR; REASONS FOR THE MERGER," "PAXAR OPTION PROPOSAL," AND "PAXAR
AMENDMENT PROPOSAL."
 
RECORD DATE
 
     The PAXAR Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on September
26, 1997 as the PAXAR Record Date for determining holders entitled to notice of
and to vote at the PAXAR Special Meeting.
 
QUORUM
 
     The presence in person or by properly executed proxy of holders of a
majority of the issued and outstanding shares of PAXAR Common Stock entitled to
vote is necessary to constitute a quorum at the PAXAR Special Meeting.
 
REQUIRED VOTE
 
     Under the rules of the NYSE, the PAXAR Share Proposal will require approval
by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast on this
matter, provided that the total votes cast on this matter represent more than
50% in interest of the votes entitled to be cast. Under the NYBCL, the
affirmative vote by holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of PAXAR
Common Stock is required for approval of the PAXAR Option Proposal and the PAXAR
Amendment Proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have the effect of
votes against the approval of the PAXAR Option Proposal and the PAXAR Amendment
Proposal. As of the PAXAR Record Date, the directors and executive officers of
PAXAR and their affiliates beneficially owned as a group approximately 20.23% of
the outstanding shares of PAXAR Common Stock.
 
VOTING RIGHTS; PROXIES
 
     As of the PAXAR Record Date, there were approximately 35,828,442 shares of
PAXAR Common Stock issued and outstanding, each of which entitles the holder
thereof to one vote. All shares of PAXAR Common Stock represented by properly
executed proxies will, unless such proxies have been previously revoked, be
voted in accordance with the instructions indicated in such proxies. IF NO
INSTRUCTIONS ARE INDICATED, SUCH SHARES OF PAXAR COMMON STOCK WILL BE VOTED IN
FAVOR OF THE PAXAR SHARE PROPOSAL, THE PAXAR OPTION PROPOSAL AND THE PAXAR
AMENDMENT PROPOSAL. PAXAR does not know of any matters other than as described
in the accompanying Notice of Special Meeting that are to come before the PAXAR
Special Meeting. If any other matter or matters are properly presented for
action at the PAXAR Special Meeting, the persons named in the enclosed form of
proxy and acting thereunder will have the discretion to vote on such matters in
accordance with their best judgment, unless such authorization is withheld. A
shareholder who has given a proxy may revoke it at any time prior to its
exercise by giving written notice thereof to PAXAR's Transfer Agent, ChaseMellon
Shareholder Services, Proxy Processing, Church Street Station, P.O. Box 1672,
New York, New York 10277-1672, by signing and returning a later dated proxy, or
by voting in person at the PAXAR Special Meeting. Accordingly, holders of PAXAR
Common Stock who have executed and returned proxy cards in advance of the PAXAR
Special Meeting may change their votes at any time prior to the vote on the
PAXAR Share Proposal, the PAXAR Option Proposal and the PAXAR Amendment Proposal
at the PAXAR Special Meeting. However, mere attendance at the PAXAR Special
Meeting will not, in and of itself, have the effect of revoking the proxy.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   26
 
     Votes cast by proxy or in person at the PAXAR Special Meeting will be
tabulated by the election inspectors appointed for the Special Meeting, who will
determine whether or not a quorum is present. The election inspectors will count
shares represented by proxies that reflect abstentions and "broker non-votes"
(i.e., shares represented at the meeting held by brokers or nominees as to which
(i) instructions have not been received from the beneficial owners or persons
entitled to vote and (ii) the broker or nominee does not have the discretionary
voting power on a particular matter) only as shares that are present and
entitled to vote on the matter for purposes of determining the presence of a
quorum, but neither abstentions nor broker non-votes have any effect on the
outcome of voting on the matter.
 
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
 
     PAXAR will bear its own cost of solicitation of proxies. Brokerage houses,
fiduciaries, nominees and others will be reimbursed for their out-of-pocket
expenses in forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners of shares held in
their names.
 
     THE MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED AT THE PAXAR SPECIAL MEETING ARE OF GREAT
IMPORTANCE TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF PAXAR. ACCORDINGLY, SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO
READ AND CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS JOINT PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, AND TO COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND PROMPTLY RETURN THE
ENCLOSED PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   27
 
                             IIMAK SPECIAL MEETING
 
PURPOSE OF THE IIMAK SPECIAL MEETING
 
     At the IIMAK Special Meeting, holders of IIMAK Common Stock will consider
and vote upon the IIMAK Merger Proposal. In the Merger, (i) IIMAK will become a
wholly-owned subsidiary of PAXAR and (ii) each outstanding share of IIMAK Common
Stock (other than shares owned by IIMAK as treasury stock or by its subsidiaries
or by PAXAR or its subsidiaries all of which shall be canceled) will be
converted into shares of PAXAR Common Stock equal to the Exchange Ratio. Holders
of IIMAK Common Stock may also consider and vote upon matters incident to the
conduct of the IIMAK Special Meeting.
 
     Based upon the number of shares of IIMAK Common Stock and options to
purchase IIMAK Common Stock under the IIMAK Stock Option Plans outstanding at
September 19, 1997, (i) assuming the Maximum Exchange Ratio, PAXAR would issue
approximately 14,694,891 shares of PAXAR Common Stock to IIMAK stockholders in
the Merger and outstanding IIMAK options and warrants would be exchanged for
options and warrants to purchase approximately 2,279,264 shares of PAXAR Common
Stock, and (ii) assuming the Minimum Exchange Ratio, PAXAR would issue
approximately 12,488,576 shares of PAXAR Common Stock to IIMAK stockholders in
the Merger and outstanding IIMAK options and warrants would be exchanged for
options and warrants to purchase approximately 1,937,053 shares of PAXAR Common
Stock.
 
     THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF IIMAK HAS APPROVED THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND
RECOMMENDS THAT HOLDERS OF IIMAK COMMON STOCK VOTE FOR APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF
THE MERGER AGREEMENT. SEE "THE MERGER -- BACKGROUND OF THE MERGER,"
"-- RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF IIMAK; REASONS FOR THE MERGER,"
AND "-- INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER."
 
RECORD DATE
 
     The IIMAK Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on September
26, 1997 as the IIMAK Record Date for determining holders entitled to notice of
and to vote at the IIMAK Special Meeting.
 
QUORUM
 
     The presence in person or by properly executed proxy of holders of a
majority of the issued and outstanding shares of IIMAK Common Stock is necessary
to constitute a quorum at the IIMAK Special Meeting.
 
REQUIRED VOTE
 
     Approval of the IIMAK Merger Proposal requires the affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of IIMAK Common Stock.
Abstentions and broker non-votes will have the effect of votes against approval
of the IIMAK Merger Proposal. As of the IIMAK Record Date, the directors and
executive officers of IIMAK and their affiliates beneficially owned as a group
approximately 11.5% of the outstanding shares of IIMAK Common Stock.
 
VOTING RIGHTS; PROXIES
 
     As of the IIMAK Record Date, there were approximately 8,325,717 shares of
IIMAK Common Stock issued and outstanding, each of which entitles the holder
thereof to one vote. All shares of IIMAK Common Stock represented by properly
executed proxies will, unless such proxies have been previously revoked, be
voted in accordance with the instructions indicated in such proxies. IF NO
INSTRUCTIONS ARE INDICATED, SUCH SHARES OF IIMAK COMMON STOCK WILL BE VOTED IN
FAVOR OF APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT. IIMAK does not know of
any matters other than as described in the accompanying Notice of Special
Meeting that are to come before the IIMAK Special Meeting. If any other matter
or matters are properly presented for action at the IIMAK Special Meeting, the
persons named in the enclosed form of proxy and acting thereunder will have the
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   28
 
discretion to vote on such matters in accordance with their best judgment,
unless such authorization is withheld. A stockholder who has given a proxy
pursuant to this proxy solicitation may revoke it at any time before it is
exercised by giving written notice thereof to IIMAK's transfer agent, American
Stock Transfer and Trust Company, 40 Wall St., 46th Floor, Attention: Proxy
Dept., New York, NY 10269-0436, by signing and returning a later dated proxy, or
by voting in person at the IIMAK Special Meeting. However, mere attendance at
the IIMAK Special Meeting will not, in and of itself, have the effect of
revoking the proxy.
 
     Votes cast by proxy or in person at the IIMAK Special Meeting will be
tabulated by the election inspectors appointed for the Special Meeting, who will
determine whether or not a quorum is present. The election inspectors will treat
abstentions as shares that are present and entitled to vote for purposes of
determining the presence of a quorum and not voted in favor of the IIMAK Merger
Proposal. If a broker indicates on the proxy that it does not have discretionary
authority as to certain shares to vote on a particular matter, those shares will
not be considered as shares of IIMAK Common Stock voted in favor of the IIMAK
Merger Proposal.
 
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
 
     IIMAK will bear its own cost of solicitation of proxies. Brokerage houses,
fiduciaries, nominees and others will be reimbursed for their out-of-pocket
expenses in forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners of stock held in
their names.
 
     THE MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED AT THE IIMAK SPECIAL MEETING ARE OF GREAT
IMPORTANCE TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF IIMAK. ACCORDINGLY, STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO
READ AND CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT,
AND TO COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND PROMPTLY RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY IN THE
ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   29
 
                                   THE MERGER
 
GENERAL
 
     The Merger Agreement provides that the Merger will be consummated if the
approvals of the PAXAR and IIMAK stockholders required therefor are obtained and
all other conditions to the Merger are satisfied or waived. Upon consummation of
the Merger, Merger Sub will be merged with and into IIMAK, the separate
corporate existence of Merger Sub will cease, and IIMAK will continue as the
surviving corporation (the "Surviving Corporation") and a wholly-owned
subsidiary of PAXAR. Pursuant to the Merger, each outstanding share of IIMAK
Common Stock (other than shares owned by IIMAK as treasury stock or by its
subsidiaries or by PAXAR or its subsidiaries, all of which shall be canceled and
retired) will be converted into shares of PAXAR Common Stock equal to the
Exchange Ratio determined under the Merger Agreement.
 
     Based upon the outstanding shares of PAXAR and IIMAK as of September 19,
1997, if the Exchange Ratio is the Maximum Exchange Ratio of 1.765 shares, the
stockholders of IIMAK immediately prior to the consummation of the Merger would
own approximately 29.1% of the outstanding PAXAR Common Stock following
consummation of the Merger; and if the Exchange Ratio is the Minimum Exchange
Ratio of 1.5 shares, the stockholders of IIMAK immediately prior to the
consummation of the Merger would own approximately 25.8% of the outstanding
PAXAR Common Stock following the consummation of the Merger. Such percentage
could change depending upon whether shares of PAXAR Common Stock and IIMAK
Common Stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding PAXAR and IIMAK stock options
or other rights are issued.
 
EFFECTIVE TIME
 
     Consummation of the Merger will occur upon the filing of the Certificate of
Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. The Merger
Agreement provides that filing of the Certificate of Merger will occur as
promptly as practicable (and in any event within two business days) after the
satisfaction or waiver of all conditions to the closing of the Merger. The
Merger Agreement may be terminated by either party if the Merger shall not have
been consummated on or before December 31, 1997 (provided that such right to
terminate the Merger Agreement shall not be available to any party whose failure
to fulfill any obligation under the Merger Agreement has been the cause of or
resulted in the failure of the Merger to occur on or before such date). The
Merger Agreement may also be terminated under certain other circumstances. See
"The Merger Agreement -- Conditions to the Merger" and "-- Termination."
 
CONVERSION OF SHARES; PROCEDURES FOR EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES
 
     The conversion of IIMAK Common Stock into PAXAR Common Stock at the
Exchange Ratio will occur automatically at the Effective Time.
 
     The Merger Agreement requires PAXAR to supply at or prior to the Effective
Time to the Exchange Agent, in trust for the benefit of the holders of IIMAK
Common Stock, certificates evidencing the PAXAR Common Stock issuable in
exchange for such IIMAK Common Stock.
 
     As soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Time, a transmittal
letter and instructions will be mailed by the Exchange Agent to each stockholder
of IIMAK informing such stockholder of the procedures to follow in forwarding
stock certificates representing IIMAK Common Stock to the Exchange Agent. Upon
receipt of such IIMAK stock certificates together with such transmittal letter,
duly executed, and such other customary documents as may be required pursuant to
such instructions, the Exchange Agent will deliver full shares of PAXAR Common
Stock to such stockholder and cash in lieu of fractional shares pursuant to the
terms of the Merger Agreement and in accordance with the transmittal letter,
together with any dividends or other distributions to which such stockholder is
entitled.
 
     If any issuance of shares of PAXAR Common Stock in exchange for shares of
IIMAK Common Stock is to be made to a person other than the IIMAK stockholder in
whose name the certificate is registered at the Effective Time, it will be a
condition of such exchange that the certificate so surrendered be properly
endorsed
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   30
 
or otherwise in proper form for transfer and that the IIMAK stockholder
requesting such issuance either pay any transfer or other tax required or
establish to the satisfaction of PAXAR that such tax has been paid or is not
payable.
 
     After the Effective Time, there will be no further transfers of IIMAK
Common Stock on the stock transfer books of IIMAK. If a certificate representing
IIMAK Common Stock is presented for transfer, it will be canceled and a
certificate representing the appropriate number of full shares of PAXAR Common
Stock and cash in lieu of fractional shares and any dividends and distributions
will be issued in exchange therefor.
 
     After the Effective Time and until surrendered, shares of IIMAK Common
Stock will be deemed for all corporate purposes, other than the payment of
dividends and distributions and subject to the right to receive cash in lieu of
fractional shares, to evidence ownership of the number of full shares of PAXAR
Common Stock which such shares of IIMAK Common Stock represented the right to
receive at the Effective Time. No dividends or other distributions declared or
made after the Effective Time with respect to PAXAR Common Stock with a record
date after the Effective Time will be paid to the holders of any certificates
for shares of IIMAK Common Stock until such certificates are surrendered. Upon
surrender of such certificates, all such declared dividends and distributions
which shall have become payable with respect to such PAXAR Common Stock in
respect of a record date after the Effective Time will be paid to the holder of
record of the full shares of PAXAR Common Stock represented by the certificate
issued in exchange therefor, without interest. See "The Merger
Agreement -- Exchange of Certificates."
 
     IIMAK STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD NOT FORWARD STOCK CERTIFICATES TO THE EXCHANGE
AGENT UNTIL THEY HAVE RECEIVED TRANSMITTAL LETTERS. IIMAK STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD
NOT RETURN STOCK CERTIFICATES WITH THE ENCLOSED PROXY.
 
BACKGROUND OF THE MERGER
 
     The bar code thermal transfer ribbon industry has recently experienced
rapid consolidation and transformation into a global market. Approximately two
years ago, certain Japanese ribbon manufacturers built plants and began to
manufacture barcode thermal transfer ribbons in the United States. Previously,
they had manufactured ribbons only in Japan and exported the ribbons into the
United States market. During the same period, the growth rate for barcode
thermal transfer ribbons in the United States slowed from over 20% annually to
less than 15%. In order to fill the industry-wide excess manufacturing capacity
and to improve their market share, ribbon manufacturers lowered selling prices
to existing customers and sold products to customers further down the
distribution chain. The manufacturers also sought to fill capacity by expanding
their marketing focus to the faster growing markets outside of the United
States, particularly Europe, Asia and South America.
 
     In August 1996, after discussion by IIMAK's Board of Directors with its
management as to IIMAK's financial and stock performance, internal growth
prospects, dependence on a single technology (thermal transfer) and the decline
in the traditional color desktop business, the IIMAK Board determined to explore
strategic alternatives for IIMAK, including a sale or merger of IIMAK. In
September 1996, IIMAK retained Smith Barney, as its financial advisor, to assist
IIMAK in connection with such a transaction and, at the end of 1996 and the
beginning of 1997, discussions were initiated with potential parties to solicit
such parties' interest in a possible transaction with IIMAK. During that period,
numerous companies signed Confidentiality Agreements and were provided with
certain non-public information relating to IIMAK.
 
     In early 1997, PAXAR began to develop a strategic plan to acquire companies
that manufacture supplies for the automatic identification business. As IIMAK
was a long-time supplier of thermal transfer ribbons to PAXAR, PAXAR identified
IIMAK as a potential acquisition target as a part of PAXAR's overall strategic
plan. In February 1997, Arthur Hershaft, Chief Executive Officer of PAXAR,
initiated discussions with John W. O'Leary, Chief Executive Officer of IIMAK,
regarding PAXAR's possible acquisition of IIMAK. On April 3, 1997, PAXAR
executed a Confidentiality Agreement and approximately two weeks later was
provided with certain non-public financial and legal information relating to
IIMAK. Informal discussions between representatives of PAXAR and IIMAK continued
through April and May.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   31
 
     In May 1997, potential parties, including PAXAR, were each invited to
submit a proposal to acquire 100% of the capital stock of IIMAK and were
provided with a form of merger agreement to be used to reflect proposed
revisions. Such parties were requested, among other things, to specify the
amount and form of consideration offered on a per share basis and the proposed
timing of a transaction, and to provide a general statement of intent with
respect to the plans for future operations of IIMAK, its employees and
customers.
 
     On June 10, 1997, a Special Committee of the Board of Directors of IIMAK
(the "Special Committee") was formed to consider the strategic options available
to IIMAK. The Special Committee determined that it was advisable to explore the
availability of possible alternative transactions. At the June 10 meeting, the
Board of IIMAK and the Special Committee reviewed, among other things, the
indications of interest received, including PAXAR's indication of interest to
acquire 100% of the stock of IIMAK submitted on May 30, 1997. Smith Barney
reviewed with the Board of IIMAK certain financial information relating to
IIMAK, PAXAR and other potential bidders. Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, IIMAK's
legal advisor, reviewed the fiduciary duties of the Board of IIMAK and the role
of the Special Committee. In addition, the chief executive officers of certain
potential bidders delivered presentations about their companies' businesses and
financial strengths and the synergies that could be generated by a merger.
 
     Also on June 10, 1997, in order to clarify IIMAK's international
distribution for potential acquirors, the Board of Directors of IIMAK authorized
its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer to discuss IIMAK's
License Agreement with Fujicopian in light of a possible transaction. IIMAK and
Fujicopian met on June 17 and 18, 1997, in Osaka, Japan, and on June 19, 1997,
IIMAK signed an amendment to the License Agreement with Fujicopian, which
clarified the effect that such a transaction would have on the License
Agreement.
 
     After holding several telephonic meetings in the middle of June to review
the terms of the bids submitted, the Special Committee granted PAXAR an
exclusive negotiating period on June 26, 1997.
 
     Between June 27, 1997, and July 15, 1997, representatives of PAXAR and
IIMAK and their respective financial advisors and legal counsel were in frequent
contact to negotiate the terms of a definitive Merger Agreement, including the
price per share, price protection for both parties by way of a collar, and the
fee payable to PAXAR if IIMAK accepted an alternative proposal after signing the
Merger Agreement. Each party's legal, accounting and financial advisors also
continued their due diligence investigations of the other party during that
period.
 
     The PAXAR Board of Directors met on July 11, 1997 with its legal,
accounting and financial advisors to consider the terms of the Merger. It
reviewed the current operating and financial condition of IIMAK, the history of
the negotiations with IIMAK, the terms of the proposed Merger Agreement, the
results of the due diligence of PAXAR's legal and financial advisors, and the
strategic advantages of an acquisition of IIMAK. Wheat First delivered the
presentation described under "-- Opinion of PAXAR Financial Advisor" regarding
the financial terms of the proposed Merger, which was confirmed by a written
opinion dated July 15, 1997, and responded to questions from the PAXAR Board.
Representatives of Arthur Andersen LLP also made a presentation to the PAXAR
Board with respect to the financial reports of IIMAK and the treatment of the
Merger as a pooling of interests for financial accounting purposes. Snow Becker
Krauss P.C., PAXAR's legal advisor, reviewed the negotiations with respect to
and the terms of the proposed Merger Agreement. After the foregoing
presentations and further discussion by members of the PAXAR Board, the PAXAR
Board unanimously approved the Merger at an Exchange Ratio equivalent to a price
per share of $24.00, and authorized and directed Mr. Hershaft to continue to
negotiate with representatives of IIMAK with respect to the other terms of the
Merger. See "-- Recommendation of the Board of Directors of PAXAR; Reasons for
the Merger" and "-- Opinion of PAXAR's Financial Advisor."
 
     On July 11, 1997, the IIMAK Board of Directors and the Special Committee
met with its legal and financial advisors to review the status of the
negotiations with PAXAR. Smith Barney reviewed with the IIMAK Board the
valuation methodologies to be utilized by Smith Barney in connection with its
financial analysis of the proposed transaction. Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
reviewed the negotiations surrounding the Merger Agreement. The Board directed
the Special Committee to continue to negotiate with representa-
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   32
 
tives of PAXAR with respect to the terms of the Merger and its legal advisors to
continue with their due diligence investigations of PAXAR.
 
     On July 15, 1997, after further negotiations among the representatives of
PAXAR and IIMAK, the completion of each party's respective legal due diligence
investigations, and discussions between PAXAR and its bank lenders regarding
their consent to the Merger, the parties agreed to an Exchange Ratio equivalent
to a purchase price of $24.00 per share, provided that the maximum PAXAR share
price used to determine the Exchange Ratio would be $20.00 per share and the
lowest PAXAR share price used to determine the Exchange Ratio would be $17.00
per share (before giving effect to PAXAR's Stock Dividend). At a telephonic
meeting of the IIMAK Board subsequently held on July 15, 1997, Morgan, Lewis &
Bockius LLP reviewed the terms of the Merger Agreement and Smith Barney rendered
to the IIMAK Board an oral opinion (subsequently confirmed by delivery of a
written opinion dated July 15, 1997) to the effect that, as of such date and
based upon and subject to certain matters stated in such opinion, the Exchange
Ratio was fair from a financial point of view to the holders of IIMAK's Common
Stock. See "-- Recommendation of the Board of Directors of IIMAK; Reasons for
the Merger" and "-- Opinion of IIMAK's Financial Advisor." After discussion and
consideration, the Board of Directors of IIMAK, having received and considered
the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee, unanimously approved the
Merger Agreement.
 
     The Merger Agreement and other transaction documents were executed on July
15, 1997, and at approximately 9:00 p.m. Eastern time on July 15, 1997, the
Merger was publicly announced.
 
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PAXAR; REASONS FOR THE MERGER
 
     PAXAR is a leading supplier of a broad line of thermal transfer printers
and related supplies to apparel, retail and industrial customers worldwide. Its
acquisition strategy has been to select profitable companies that provide
synergy with its existing operations and are market leaders in their product
lines. Recent acquisitions have included apparel label and tag manufacturers in
the United Kingdom, Italy, and Brazil and Monarch, a leading supplier of
identification and tracking solutions to retail and industrial customers
worldwide. PAXAR believes that its acquisition of IIMAK is an important step in
building a supplies business to compliment its manufacture of printers and
labelers and to capitalize on the growth of the automatic identification and
tracking industry. In addition, PAXAR believes that its domestic and
international distribution network will be instrumental in expanding sales of
IIMAK products.
 
     THE PAXAR BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS APPROVED THE TERMS OF THE MERGER AND
RECOMMENDS THAT HOLDERS OF PAXAR COMMON STOCK VOTE FOR THE PAXAR SHARE PROPOSAL.
 
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF IIMAK; REASONS FOR THE MERGER
 
     At its July 15, 1997, meeting, the IIMAK Board of Directors determined that
the Merger was fair to and in the best interests of IIMAK and its stockholders.
Accordingly, at such meeting, the Board of Directors of IIMAK, having received
and considered the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee, approved
the Merger Agreement and directed that the Merger Agreement be submitted to the
holders of shares of IIMAK Common Stock for approval and adoption.
 
     The determinations of the Special Committee and the IIMAK Board to approve
the Merger Agreement were based upon consideration of a number of factors. The
following list includes the material factors considered by the Special Committee
and the IIMAK Board in their evaluations of the Merger and the Merger Agreement:
 
     - The opportunity for IIMAK stockholders to participate as holders of PAXAR
       Common Stock, in a larger, more diversified company not dependent on a
       single technology, of which IIMAK would be a significant part, and to
       participate in the value that may be generated through the combination of
       the two companies through their status as stockholders of PAXAR.
 
     - The Exchange Ratio negotiated with PAXAR, the price protection provided
       by the collar mechanism and the implied premium over the recent market
       price of IIMAK Common Stock.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   33
 
     - The strategic and financial alternatives available to IIMAK, including
       remaining an independent company, and the other indications of interest
       received by IIMAK.
 
     - The historical market prices of shares of IIMAK Common Stock and PAXAR
       Common Stock, the historical market prices of shares of IIMAK Common
       Stock compared to the number of shares of PAXAR Common Stock to be
       received in light of the proposed Exchange Ratio, and the future rates of
       growth and price to earnings ratios which would be necessary for the
       market price of IIMAK Common Stock to equal or exceed the market value of
       PAXAR Common Stock being offered in the Merger.
 
     - Certain publicly available information with respect to the financial
       condition and results of operations of PAXAR.
 
     - The fact that IIMAK's management, based on its customer relationship with
       PAXAR, was familiar with both the business and management of PAXAR.
 
     - The synergies between PAXAR and IIMAK, including increased access to
       distribution channels and international expansion and the ability to work
       more closely with a printer manufacturer in developing printing
       solutions.
 
     - The ability to sell IIMAK ribbons under the PAXAR and Monarch brand
       names.
 
     - The potential for enhancement of IIMAK's current product line and
       increased sales of bar code ribbons to offset the decline in the
       traditional color desktop business.
 
     - The financial presentation and written opinion, dated July 15, 1997, of
       Smith Barney to the effect that, as of such date and based upon and
       subject to certain matters stated in such opinion, the Exchange Ratio was
       fair from a financial point of view to holders of IIMAK Common Stock (See
       "-- Opinion of IIMAK's Financial Advisor").
 
     - The fact that the Merger was designed to be tax-free to IIMAK's
       stockholders.
 
     - The potential impact that PAXAR's acquisition of IIMAK could have on
       IIMAK's customers and suppliers.
 
     - The fact that, to the extent required by the fiduciary obligations of the
       IIMAK Board, as determined by the IIMAK Board after consultation with and
       based upon the advice of its outside legal counsel, the IIMAK Board may
       withdraw its recommendation and IIMAK may terminate the Merger Agreement,
       subject, in certain circumstances, to the payment of a termination fee.
 
     - The risk factors described in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus under
       the caption Risk Factors.
 
     In view of the wide variety of material factors considered in connection
with its evaluation of the Merger and the Merger Agreement, the IIMAK Board did
not find it practicable to, and did not, quantify or otherwise attempt to assign
relative weights to the specific factors considered in reaching its
determination. In making its determination, the IIMAK Board of Directors also
considered the risks and likelihood of achieving the results discussed above.
For a discussion of the interests of certain members of IIMAK's management and
Board of Directors in the Merger, see "-- Interests of Certain Persons in the
Merger."
 
     IIMAK and its advisors insisted upon provisions being included in the
Merger Agreement that allow IIMAK, among other things, to consider unsolicited
third-party acquisition proposals, negotiate and discuss any such proposals, and
terminate the Merger Agreement, subject, in certain circumstances, to the
payment of a termination fee, if the Board of Directors of IIMAK were to
determine, in the exercise of its fiduciary duties, to recommend an alternative
acquisition proposal or to withdraw its recommendation of the Merger Agreement.
See "The Merger Agreement -- Termination." Since the execution of the Merger
Agreement, IIMAK has not received any unsolicited third-party acquisition
proposals.
 
     THE IIMAK BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE HOLDERS OF IIMAK COMMON
STOCK VOTE FOR APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   34
 
OPINION OF PAXAR'S FINANCIAL ADVISOR
 
     PAXAR retained Wheat First to act as its financial advisor in connection
with the Merger and to render an opinion to the PAXAR Board of Directors as to
the fairness, from a financial point of view, to the holders of PAXAR Common
Stock, of the Exchange Ratio. Wheat First is a nationally recognized investment
banking firm regularly engaged in the valuation of businesses and their
securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, negotiated
underwritings, competitive biddings, secondary distributions of listed and
unlisted securities, private placements and valuations for estate, corporate and
other purposes. Wheat First regularly publishes research reports regarding the
product identification industry and the businesses and securities of publicly
owned companies in that industry, including PAXAR.
 
     Representatives of Wheat First attended the meeting of the PAXAR Board of
Directors on July 11, 1997, at which the Merger Agreement was considered and
approved. At the meeting, Wheat First expressed an oral opinion that, as of such
date, the Exchange Ratio was fair, from a financial point of view, to the
holders of PAXAR Common Stock. A letter dated July 15, 1997, confirmed the
opinion as of that date.
 
     The full text of Wheat First's opinion, which sets forth certain
assumptions made, matters considered and limitations on review undertaken is
attached as Annex B to this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. The summary of the
opinion of Wheat First set forth in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the opinion itself. No limitations
were imposed by the PAXAR Board of Directors upon Wheat First with respect to
the investigations made or procedures followed by it in rendering the opinion.
Wheat First's opinion is directed only to the fairness, from a financial point
of view, of the Exchange Ratio to the holders of PAXAR Common Stock and does not
constitute a recommendation to any shareholder of PAXAR as to how such
shareholder should vote on the PAXAR Share Proposal.
 
     In arriving at its opinions, Wheat First reviewed certain publicly
available business and financial information relating to PAXAR and IIMAK and
certain other information provided to it, including the following: (i) PAXAR's
Annual Reports to Shareholders, Annual Reports on Form 10-K and related
financial information for the three fiscal years ended December 31, 1996, 1995
and 1994; (ii) PAXAR's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and related financial
information for the quarters ended March 31, 1997, September 30, 1996, June 30,
1996, and March 31, 1996; (iii) PAXAR's Proxy Statement dated March 31, 1997;
(iv) IIMAK's Annual Reports to Stockholders, Annual Reports on Form 10-K and
related financial information for the three fiscal years ended March 31, 1997,
1996, and 1995; (v) IIMAK's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and related financial
information for the quarters ended December 31, 1996, October 1, 1996, and July
2, 1996; (vi) IIMAK's Proxy Statement dated August 21, 1996; (vii) certain
publicly available information with respect to historical market prices and
trading activities for PAXAR Common Stock and IIMAK Common Stock and for certain
publicly traded companies that Wheat First deemed relevant; (viii) certain
publicly available information with respect to certain industrial companies and
the financial terms of certain other mergers and acquisitions that Wheat First
deemed relevant; (ix) the Merger Agreement; (x) other financial information
concerning the businesses and operations of PAXAR and IIMAK, including certain
audited financial information and certain internal financial analyses and
forecasts for PAXAR and IIMAK prepared by the senior managements of those
companies; and (xi) such financial studies, analyses, inquiries and other
matters as Wheat First deemed necessary. In addition, Wheat First met with
members of the senior managements of PAXAR and IIMAK to discuss the business and
prospects of each company.
 
     In connection with its review, Wheat First relied upon and assumed the
accuracy and completeness of all of the foregoing information provided to it or
publicly available, including the representations and warranties of PAXAR and
IIMAK included in the Merger Agreement, and Wheat First relied upon the
managements of PAXAR and IIMAK as to the reasonableness and achievability of
their respective financial and operational forecasts and projections, and the
assumptions and bases therefor, provided to Wheat First, and assumed that such
forecasts and projections will be realized in the amounts and in the time
periods currently estimated by such managements. Wheat First also assumed that
the Merger will be consummated in accordance with the terms and conditions of
the Merger Agreement in due course without unnecessary delay.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   35
 
     Additionally, Wheat First considered certain financial and stock market
data of PAXAR and IIMAK and compared that data with similar data for certain
publicly held industrial companies and considered the financial terms of certain
other comparable transactions that recently have been announced or effected, as
further discussed below. The Wheat First opinion is necessarily based on
economic and market conditions and other circumstances as they existed and could
be evaluated by Wheat First as of the date thereof.
 
     In connection with rendering its opinion, Wheat First performed a variety
of financial analyses. The preparation of a fairness opinion involves various
determinations as to the most appropriate and relevant methods of financial
analysis and the application of those methods to the particular circumstances,
and therefore, such an opinion is not readily susceptible to partial analysis or
summary description. Moreover, the evaluation of the fairness, from a financial
point of view, of the Exchange Ratio to holders of PAXAR Common Stock was to
some extent a subjective one based on the experience and judgment of Wheat First
and not merely the result of mathematical analysis of financial data.
Accordingly, notwithstanding the separate factors summarized below, Wheat First
believes that its analysis must be considered as a whole and that selecting
portions of its analysis and of the factors considered by it, without
considering all analyses and factors, could create an incomplete view of the
evaluation process underlying its opinion. The ranges of valuations resulting
from any particular analysis described below should not be taken to be Wheat
First's view of the actual value of PAXAR and of IIMAK.
 
     In performing its analysis, Wheat First made numerous assumptions with
respect to industry performance, business and economic conditions and other
matters, many of which are beyond the control of PAXAR or IIMAK. The analyses
performed by Wheat First are not necessarily indicative of actual values or
future results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested
by such analyses. Additionally, analyses relating to the values of businesses do
not purport to be appraisals or to reflect the prices at which businesses
actually may be sold. In rendering its opinion, Wheat First assumed that, in the
course of obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals for the Merger, no
conditions will be imposed that will have a material adverse effect on the
contemplated benefits of the Merger, on a pro forma basis, to PAXAR.
 
     Wheat First's opinion was just one of the many factors taken into
consideration by the PAXAR Board of Directors in determining to approve the
Merger. Wheat First's opinion does not address the relative merits of the Merger
as compared to any alternative business strategies that might exist for PAXAR,
nor does it address the effect of any other business combination in which PAXAR
might engage.
 
     The following is a summary of the analyses performed by Wheat First in
connection with its opinion delivered to the PAXAR Board of Directors on July
11, 1997:
 
     Comparable Acquisitions Analysis:  Wheat First performed an analysis of
purchase prices in thirty-one industrial and manufacturing transactions
announced since 1994. Multiples of revenue, earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation, and amortization ("EBITDA"), earnings before interest and taxes
("EBIT"), and net income were compared to the multiples implied by the
consideration offered to IIMAK in the Merger.
 
     The following comparisons of the implied consideration based on the
Exchange Ratio offered by PAXAR to IIMAK were based on financial data as of and
for the twelve-month period ended March 31, 1997, for IIMAK and the twelve-month
reporting period prior to the announcement of each transaction for each acquiree
in the selected transactions: (i) an enterprise value over sales multiple of
2.1x versus the median multiple in comparable transactions of 1.6x; (ii) an
enterprise value over EBITDA multiple of 8.5x versus the median multiple in
comparable transactions of 10.8x; (iii) an enterprise value over EBIT multiple
of 12.5x versus the median multiple in comparable transactions of 13.2x; and
(iv) an equity value over net income multiple of 18.3x versus the median
multiple in comparable transactions of 20.5x.
 
     Comparable Companies Analysis:  Wheat First performed an analysis of market
valuation, as of July 9, 1997, of eight industrial publicly traded companies.
The following comparisons were based on financial data as of and for the
twelve-month period ended March 31, 1997, for IIMAK and the twelve-month prior
reporting periods for each publicly traded company: (i) an enterprise value over
sales multiple of 2.1x versus the median multiple of 1.3x; (ii) an enterprise
value over EBITDA of 8.5x versus the median multiple of 9.1x; (iii) an
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   36
 
enterprise value over EBIT of 12.5x versus the median multiple of 12.2x; and
(iv) an equity value over net income multiple of 18.3x versus the median
multiple of 21.6x.
 
     Discounted Cash Flow Analysis:  Using discounted cash flow analysis, Wheat
First estimated the present value of the future stream of cash flows that IIMAK
could produce over the next five fiscal years, under various circumstances,
assuming the company performed in accordance with the earnings forecast of
management. Wheat First then estimated the terminal value of IIMAK Common Stock
at the end of the period by applying a multiple of 7 times EBITDA projected in
fiscal year five. The cash flows and terminal value were then discounted to
present values using different discount rates (ranging from 13% to 17%) chosen
to reflect different assumptions regarding the required rates of return to
holders or prospective buyers of IIMAK Stock. The discounted cash flow analysis
indicated reference ranges of between $26.69 and $31.60 per share for IIMAK
stock.
 
     Impact Analysis:  Wheat First estimated the impact of the transaction to
PAXAR's capital structure and 1997 and 1998 estimated earnings per share
assuming that the Merger qualifies as a pooling-of-interests for accounting and
financial reporting purposes. Utilizing balance sheet data as of March 31, 1997,
for PAXAR and May 6, 1997, for IIMAK, net debt divided by total capitalization
would decrease from 57.9% to 49.3%. Wheat First noted that the transaction
should result in 2.9% accretion to 1997 pro forma estimated earnings per share
(the Wheat First Butcher Singer research analyst estimate) before the addition
of potential synergies.
 
     No company or transaction used as a comparison in the above analysis is
identical to PAXAR, IIMAK, or the Merger. Accordingly, an analysis of the
results of the foregoing necessarily involves complex considerations and
judgments concerning differences in financial and operating characteristics of
the companies and other factors that could have affected the public trading of
the companies used for comparison in the above analysis.
 
     The Wheat First opinion is based solely upon the information available to
Wheat First and the economic, market and other circumstances as they existed as
of July 15, 1997. Events occurring after that date could materially affect the
assumptions and conclusions contained in the opinion. Wheat First did not
undertake to reaffirm or revise its opinion or otherwise comment on any events
occurring after the date thereof.
 
     As compensation for Wheat First's services, PAXAR has agreed to pay Wheat
First a financial advisory fee equal to $600,000 payable as follows: $50,000 in
a cash retainer fee and $550,000 upon the date of closing of the Merger. PAXAR
has also agreed to reimburse Wheat First for its reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses incurred in connection with the activities contemplated by its
engagement, regardless of whether the Merger is consummated. PAXAR has further
agreed to indemnify Wheat First against certain liabilities under federal
securities laws. The payment of the above fees was not contingent upon Wheat
First having rendered a favorable opinion with respect to the Merger. The PAXAR
Board of Directors selected Wheat First to serve as its financial advisor in
connection with the Merger on the basis of Wheat First's expertise. In the
ordinary course of its business, Wheat First and its affiliates may actively
trade in the equity securities of PAXAR for its account and the accounts of its
customers and, therefore, may from time to time hold long or short positions in
such securities.
 
OPINION OF IIMAK'S FINANCIAL ADVISOR
 
     Smith Barney was retained by IIMAK to act as its financial advisor in
connection with the proposed Merger. In connection with such engagement, IIMAK
requested that Smith Barney evaluate the fairness, from a financial point of
view, to the holders of IIMAK Common Stock of the consideration to be received
by such holders in the Merger. Smith Barney has delivered to the Board of
Directors of IIMAK a written opinion dated July 15, 1997 to the effect that, as
of the date of such opinion and based upon and subject to certain matters stated
therein, the Exchange Ratio was fair, from a financial point of view, to the
holders of IIMAK Common Stock.
 
     In arriving at its opinion, Smith Barney reviewed the Merger Agreement and
held discussions with certain senior officers, directors and other
representatives and advisors of IIMAK and certain senior officers
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   37
 
and other representatives and advisors of PAXAR concerning the businesses,
operations and prospects of IIMAK and PAXAR. Smith Barney examined certain
publicly available business and financial information relating to IIMAK and
PAXAR as well as certain financial forecasts and other information and data for
IIMAK and PAXAR which were provided to or otherwise discussed with Smith Barney
by the respective managements of IIMAK and PAXAR, including information relating
to certain strategic implications and operational benefits anticipated to result
from the Merger. Smith Barney reviewed the financial terms of the Merger as set
forth in the Merger Agreement in relation to, among other things: current and
historical market prices and trading volumes of IIMAK Common Stock and PAXAR
Common Stock; the historical and projected earnings and other operating data of
IIMAK and PAXAR; and the capitalization and financial condition of IIMAK and
PAXAR. Smith Barney also considered, to the extent publicly available, the
financial terms of certain other similar transactions recently effected which
Smith Barney considered relevant in evaluating the Merger and analyzed certain
financial, stock market and other publicly available information relating to the
businesses of other companies whose operations Smith Barney considered relevant
in evaluating those of IIMAK and PAXAR. Smith Barney also evaluated the
potential pro forma financial impact of the Merger on PAXAR. In connection with
its engagement, Smith Barney was requested to approach, and held discussions
with, third parties to solicit indications of interest in a possible acquisition
of IIMAK. In addition to the foregoing, Smith Barney conducted such other
analyses and examinations and considered such other financial, economic and
market criteria as Smith Barney deemed appropriate in arriving at its opinion.
Smith Barney noted that its opinion was necessarily based upon information
available, and financial, stock market and other conditions and circumstances
existing and disclosed, to Smith Barney as of the date of its opinion.
 
     In rendering its opinion, Smith Barney assumed and relied, without
independent verification, upon the accuracy and completeness of all financial
and other information and data publicly available or furnished to or otherwise
reviewed by or discussed with Smith Barney. With respect to financial forecasts
and other information and data provided to or otherwise reviewed by or discussed
with Smith Barney, the managements of IIMAK and PAXAR advised Smith Barney that
such forecasts and other information and data were prepared on bases reflecting
reasonable estimates and judgments as to the future financial performance of
IIMAK and PAXAR and the strategic implications and operational benefits
anticipated to result from the Merger. Smith Barney assumed, with the consent of
the Board of Directors of IIMAK, that the Merger will be treated as a pooling of
interests in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and as a
tax-free reorganization for federal income tax purposes. The opinion of Smith
Barney, as set forth therein, relates to the relative values of IIMAK and PAXAR.
Smith Barney did not express any opinion as to what the value of the PAXAR
Common Stock actually will be when issued to IIMAK stockholders pursuant to the
Merger or the price at which the PAXAR Common Stock will trade subsequent to the
Merger. Smith Barney did not make and was not provided with an independent
evaluation or appraisal of the assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise)
of IIMAK or PAXAR nor did Smith Barney make any physical inspection of the
properties or assets of IIMAK or PAXAR. Although Smith Barney evaluated the
Exchange Ratio from a financial point of view, Smith Barney was not asked to and
did not recommend the specific consideration payable in the Merger, which was
determined through negotiation between IIMAK and PAXAR. No other limitations
were imposed by IIMAK on Smith Barney with respect to the investigations made or
procedures followed by Smith Barney in rendering its opinion.
 
     THE FULL TEXT OF THE WRITTEN OPINION OF SMITH BARNEY DATED JULY 15, 1997,
WHICH SETS FORTH THE ASSUMPTIONS MADE, MATTERS CONSIDERED AND LIMITATIONS ON THE
REVIEW UNDERTAKEN, IS ATTACHED HERETO AS ANNEX C AND SHOULD BE READ CAREFULLY IN
ITS ENTIRETY. THE OPINION OF SMITH BARNEY IS DIRECTED TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF IIMAK AND RELATES ONLY TO THE FAIRNESS OF THE EXCHANGE RATIO FROM A FINANCIAL
POINT OF VIEW, DOES NOT ADDRESS ANY OTHER ASPECT OF THE MERGER OR RELATED
TRANSACTIONS AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A RECOMMENDATION TO ANY STOCKHOLDER AS TO
HOW SUCH STOCKHOLDER SHOULD VOTE AT THE IIMAK SPECIAL MEETING. THE SUMMARY OF
THE OPINION OF SMITH BARNEY SET FORTH IN THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE FULL TEXT OF SUCH OPINION.
 
     In preparing its opinion, Smith Barney performed a variety of financial and
comparative analyses, including those described below. The summary of such
analyses does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses
underlying Smith Barney's opinion. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a
complex analytic
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   38
 
process involving various determinations as to the most appropriate and relevant
methods of financial analyses and the application of those methods to the
particular circumstances and, therefore, such an opinion is not readily
susceptible to summary description. Accordingly, Smith Barney believes that its
analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of its
analyses and factors, without considering all analyses and factors, could create
a misleading or incomplete view of the processes underlying such analyses and
opinion. In its analyses, Smith Barney made numerous assumptions with respect to
IIMAK, PAXAR, industry performance, general business, economic, market and
financial conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond the control of
IIMAK and PAXAR. The estimates contained in such analyses and the valuation
ranges resulting from any particular analysis are not necessarily indicative of
actual values or predictive of future results or values, which may be
significantly more or less favorable than those suggested by such analyses. In
addition, analyses relating to the value of businesses or securities do not
purport to be appraisals or to reflect the prices at which businesses or
securities actually may be sold. Accordingly, such analyses and estimates are
inherently subject to substantial uncertainty. Smith Barney's opinion and
analyses were only one of many factors considered by the Board of Directors of
IIMAK in its evaluation of the Merger and should not be viewed as determinative
of the views of the Board of Directors or management of IIMAK with respect to
the Exchange Ratio or the proposed Merger. The financial analyses of Smith
Barney were prepared prior to declaration by PAXAR of the Stock Dividend and,
accordingly, per share information with respect to PAXAR and references to the
Exchange Ratio or historical exchange ratios set forth below in the description
of such analyses has not been adjusted to reflect the Stock Dividend.
 
     Selected Company Analysis.  Using publicly available information, Smith
Barney analyzed, among other things, the market values and trading multiples of
IIMAK and the following selected publicly traded companies in the consumable
supplies industry: Avery Dennison Corporation; Moore Corporation Limited;
Nu-Kote Holding, Inc.; PAXAR; The Reynolds & Reynolds Company; The Standard
Register Company; and Wallace Computer Services, Inc. (collectively, the
"Selected Companies"). Smith Barney compared market values as multiples of,
among other things, estimated calendar 1997 and 1998 net income, and adjusted
market values (equity market value, plus debt, less cash) as multiples of, among
other things, latest 12 months revenue and earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"). All multiples were based on closing
stock prices as of July 11, 1997. Applying a range of selected multiples of
estimated calendar 1997 and 1998 net income and latest 12 months revenue and
EBITDA for the Selected Companies of 15.3x to 18.7x, 13.1x to 16.0x, 1.2x to
1.4x and 7.6x to 9.2x, respectively, to corresponding financial data for IIMAK
resulted in an equity reference range for IIMAK of approximately $19.19 to
$23.67 per share, as compared to the equity value implied by the Exchange Ratio
of approximately $24.00 per share based on a closing stock price of PAXAR Common
Stock on July 11, 1997.
 
     Selected Merger and Acquisition Transactions Analysis.  Using publicly
available information, Smith Barney analyzed, among other things, the purchase
price and implied transaction value multiples paid in selected transactions in
the automatic identification and printer consumable and related industries,
consisting of (acquiror/target): Moore Corporation Limited/Peak Technologies
Group, Inc.; Western Atlas Inc./ Norand Corporation; PAXAR/Monarch Marking
Systems, Inc.; Dynatech Corporation/Itronix Corp. (Telxon Corporation); PSC
Inc./Data Capture Group; CCL Industries, Inc./Avery Dennison Corporation (Label
Division); Odessey Partners and PAXAR/Monarch Marking Systems, Inc.; BancTec,
Inc./Recognition International Inc.; and Cookson Group plc/MPM Enterprises
(collectively, the "Selected Transactions"). Smith Barney compared the purchase
prices in the Selected Transactions as multiples of, among other things, latest
12 months net income and transaction values as multiples of latest 12 months
revenues, EBITDA and earnings before interest and taxes ("EBIT"). All multiples
for the Selected Transactions were based on information available at the time of
announcement of the transaction. Applying a range of selected multiples
(excluding outliers) for the Selected Transactions of latest 12 months net
income, revenues, EBITDA and EBIT of 17.2x to 21.0x, 1.0x to 1.2x, 7.7x to 9.5x,
and 11.1x to 13.5x, respectively, to corresponding financial data for IIMAK
resulted in an equity reference range for IIMAK of approximately $18.95 to
$23.46 per share, as compared to the equity value implied by the Exchange Ratio
of approximately $24.00 per share based on a closing stock price of PAXAR Common
Stock on July 11, 1997.
 
     No company, transaction or business used in the "Selected Company Analysis"
or "Selected Merger and Acquisition Transactions Analysis" as a comparison is
identical to IIMAK, PAXAR or the Merger.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   39
 
Accordingly, an analysis of the results of the foregoing is not entirely
mathematical; rather, it involves complex considerations and judgments
concerning differences in financial and operating characteristics and other
factors that could affect the acquisition, public trading or other values of the
Selected Companies, Selected Transactions or the business segment, company or
transaction to which they are being compared.
 
     Contribution Analysis.  Smith Barney analyzed the respective contributions
of IIMAK and PAXAR to the estimated net income, revenue, EBITDA and EBIT of the
combined company for fiscal years 1997 and 1998 based, in the case of IIMAK, on
internal estimates of the management of IIMAK and, in the case of PAXAR, on
estimates of selected investment banking firms. This analysis indicated that (i)
in fiscal year 1997, IIMAK would contribute approximately 27.1% of net income,
19.1% of revenue, 24.9% of EBITDA and 23.2% of EBIT, and PAXAR would contribute
approximately 72.9% of net income, 80.9% of revenue, 75.1% of EBITDA and 76.8%
of EBIT, of the combined company and (ii) in fiscal year 1998, IIMAK would
contribute approximately 25.6% of net income, 17.4% of revenue, 23.2% of EBITDA
and 21.6% of EBIT, and PAXAR would contribute approximately 74.4% of net income,
82.6% of revenue, 76.8% of EBITDA and 78.4% of EBIT, of the combined company.
Based on the Exchange Ratio, current stockholders of IIMAK and PAXAR would own
approximately 27.7% and 72.3%, respectively, of the equity value of the combined
company upon consummation of the Merger, and IIMAK and PAXAR would constitute
approximately 22.9% and 77.1%, respectively, of the enterprise value of the
combined company.
 
     Discounted Cash Flow Analysis.  Smith Barney performed a discounted cash
flow analysis of the projected free cash flow of IIMAK for calendar years 1997
through 2001, based on internal estimates of the management of IIMAK. The
stand-alone discounted cash flow analysis of IIMAK was determined by (i) adding
(x) the present value of projected free cash flows over the five-year period
from 1997 to 2001 and (y) the present value of IIMAK's estimated terminal value
in year 2001 and (ii) subtracting the current net debt of IIMAK. The range of
estimated terminal values for IIMAK at the end of the five-year period was
calculated by applying terminal value multiples ranging from 8.0x to 9.5x to
IIMAK's projected 2001 EBITDA, representing IIMAK's estimated value beyond the
year 2001. The cash flows and terminal values of IIMAK were discounted to
present value using discount rates ranging from 10% to 14%. Utilizing such
terminal multiples and discount rates, this analysis resulted in an equity
reference range for IIMAK of approximately $20.45 to $28.32 per share, as
compared to the equity value implied by the Exchange Ratio of approximately
$24.00 per share based on a closing stock price of PAXAR Common Stock on July
11, 1997.
 
     Pro Forma Merger Analysis.  Smith Barney analyzed certain pro forma effects
resulting from the Merger, including, among other things, the impact of the
Merger on the projected earnings per share ("EPS") of PAXAR for fiscal years
1997 through 1999 and relative to IIMAK's EPS on a stand-alone basis based, in
the case of PAXAR, on estimates of selected investment banking firms and, in the
case of IIMAK, on internal estimates of the management of IIMAK. The results of
the pro forma merger analysis suggested that the Merger could be accretive in
fiscal years 1997 through 1999 to PAXAR's EPS and accretive to IIMAK's EPS
relative to IIMAK's EPS on a stand-alone basis, in each case after giving effect
to certain cost savings and other potential synergies anticipated by the
managements of IIMAK and PAXAR to result from the Merger. The actual results
achieved by the combined company may vary from projected results and the
variations may be material.
 
     Exchange Ratio Analysis.  Smith Barney compared the Exchange Ratio with the
historical ratio of the daily closing prices of IIMAK Common Stock and PAXAR
Common Stock over the one-month and three-month periods ending July 11, 1997.
The average exchange ratios during such periods were 0.886 and 0.890,
respectively, as compared to the Exchange Ratio of 1.284.
 
     Premium Analysis.  Smith Barney analyzed the implied premium payable in the
Merger and the premiums paid in approximately 213 selected merger of equals
transactions based on, among other things, stock prices four weeks prior to
announcement of such transactions. Applying a range of selected premiums for
these transactions of 35% to 45% to the closing stock price of IIMAK Common
Stock on June 13, 1997 (approximately four weeks prior to public announcement of
the Merger) resulted in an equity reference range for IIMAK of approximately
$23.29 to $25.01 per share, as compared to the equity value implied by the
Exchange Ratio of approximately $24.00 per share based on a closing stock price
of PAXAR Common Stock
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   40
 
on July 11, 1997. The trading range of IIMAK Common Stock over the three-month
period prior to public announcement of the Merger was between approximately
$14.75 and $19.63 per share.
 
     Other Factors and Comparative Analyses.  In rendering its opinion, Smith
Barney considered certain other factors and conducted certain other comparative
analyses, including, among other things, a review of (i) indications of
interests received from third parties other than PAXAR; (ii) IIMAK's and PAXAR's
historical and projected financial results; (iii) the history of trading prices
and volume for IIMAK Common Stock and PAXAR Common Stock; (iv) the relative
contributions of IIMAK's business segments to IIMAK's 1997 EBITDA; and (v)
selected published analysts' reports on IIMAK and PAXAR, including analysts'
earnings estimates with respect to IIMAK and PAXAR.
 
     Pursuant to the terms of Smith Barney's engagement, IIMAK has agreed to pay
Smith Barney for its services in connection with the Merger an aggregate
financial advisory fee based on a percentage of the total consideration
(including debt assumed) payable in the Merger. It is currently estimated that
such fee will be approximately $2.1 million. IIMAK has also agreed to reimburse
Smith Barney for reasonable travel and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred by
Smith Barney in performing its services, including the reasonable fees and
expenses of its legal counsel, and to indemnify Smith Barney and related persons
against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the federal securities
laws, arising out of Smith Barney's engagement.
 
     Smith Barney has advised IIMAK that, in the ordinary course of business,
Smith Barney and its affiliates may actively trade or hold the securities of
IIMAK and PAXAR for their own account or for the account of customers and,
accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position in such securities.
Smith Barney has in the past provided investment banking services to IIMAK
unrelated to the proposed Merger, for which services Smith Barney has received
compensation. In addition, Smith Barney and its affiliates (including Travelers
Group Inc. and its affiliates) may maintain relationships with IIMAK and PAXAR.
 
     Smith Barney is an internationally recognized investment banking firm and
was selected by IIMAK based on its experience, expertise and familiarity with
IIMAK and its business. Smith Barney regularly engages in the valuation of
businesses and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions,
negotiated underwritings, competitive bids, secondary distributions of listed
and unlisted securities, private placements and valuations for estate, corporate
and other purposes.
 
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER
 
     In considering the recommendation of the IIMAK Board of Directors with
respect to the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, IIMAK
stockholders should be aware that certain members of IIMAK management and the
IIMAK Board of Directors at the time of the approval of the Merger Agreement
had, and currently have, certain interests which present them with conflicts of
interest in connection with their recommendation of the approval of the Merger
Agreement to IIMAK's stockholders.
 
     At the Effective Time, in accordance with existing agreements, any unvested
options to purchase IIMAK Common Stock issued under the IIMAK Stock Option Plans
will vest and become immediately exercisable. In addition, all restrictions on
the sale of shares of IIMAK Common Stock issued to IIMAK directors under the
1993 Outside Director Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan will lapse at the
Effective Time in accordance with existing agreements. See "-- Effect on Stock
Option and Employee Benefits Plans" and "Stock Ownership of Management and
Certain Beneficial Owners of IIMAK."
 
     The Merger Agreement provides that IIMAK will, to the fullest extent
permitted under applicable law or under IIMAK's Certificate or By-Laws and
regardless of whether the Merger becomes effective, and, after the Effective
Time, PAXAR and the Surviving Corporation will, to the fullest extent permitted
under applicable law or the Surviving Corporation's Certificate of Incorporation
or By-Laws as in effect at the Effective Time, indemnify and hold harmless, each
present and former director, officer or employee of IIMAK and its subsidiaries,
against any losses, claims, damages, costs or expenses (including attorneys'
fees), judgments, fines, liabilities and amounts paid in settlement in
connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation, whether
civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of or pertaining
to the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, or otherwise with
respect to any acts or omissions
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   41
 
occurring at or prior to the Effective Time, to the same extent as provided in
IIMAK's Certificate or By-Laws or any applicable contract or agreement as in
effect on the date of the Merger Agreement, in each case for a period of six
years after the date of the Merger Agreement. The Merger Agreement provides that
PAXAR and the Surviving Corporation will honor and fulfill the obligations of
IIMAK under indemnification agreements with IIMAK's directors and officers
existing at or before the date of the Merger Agreement. The Merger Agreement
further provides that for six years after the Effective Time PAXAR will cause
the Surviving Corporation to maintain directors' and officers' liability
insurance policies covering those persons who are currently covered by the
IIMAK's directors' and officers' liability insurance policy on terms comparable
to those now applicable to directors and officers of IIMAK. See "The Merger
Agreement -- Additional Agreements -- Indemnification and Insurance."
 
     Effective in 1996, IIMAK entered into Continuity Agreements with nine
officers providing for minimum salaries, bonuses as determined by the
Compensation Committee of IIMAK's Board, and employee benefits pursuant to any
plans and arrangements from time to time in effect. Each of such Continuity
Agreements also provides that, in the event of termination of employment for a
reason other than cause or disability occurring within 36 months after a change
in control of IIMAK, as defined in the Continuity Agreements, the officer is
entitled to the payment of: (i) an amount equal to three times his highest
annualized base salary plus three times the highest bonus paid to such officer
at any time during the five years preceding termination and (ii) employee
benefits for 36 months following termination. The officer is also entitled to
(i) and (ii) in the event he leaves within 36 months after a change in control
for "good reason," including, among other things, changes in his duties or
responsibilities, relocation of IIMAK's offices, or the failure of the acquiring
company to continue a material compensation or benefit plan. Payments to Messrs.
O'Leary, Marshall and Drennan are to be made in a lump sum upon termination.
Payments to the other officers are to be made in equal installments over the 36
months following termination, subject to offset for salary, bonus or benefit
payments made by a subsequent employer within such 36-month period. Each of
IIMAK's officers has acknowledged that the consummation of the Merger, in and of
itself, does not constitute good reason for terminating his or her employment
under the Continuity Agreement.
 
     In November 1991, IIMAK entered into a Restricted Stock Agreement with John
W. O'Leary, IIMAK's President and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to which
IIMAK issued Mr. O'Leary 79,000 shares of IIMAK Common Stock, subject to his
continued employment by IIMAK. Under the Restricted Stock Agreement, each share
was deemed to have a value of $5.00 at the time of issuance, and if, at the time
a share is sold, it does not appreciate at a cumulative annual rate of 22% until
Mr. O'Leary's 65th birthday and at a cumulative annual rate of 12% thereafter,
IIMAK will pay him the difference between the sale price and the guaranteed
price. The right can be assigned to Mr. O'Leary's spouse, if he predeceases her.
Assuming a fair market value of IIMAK Common Stock of $24.00 per share at the
Effective Time of the Merger, IIMAK would not have to make any payments to Mr.
O'Leary under the Restricted Stock Agreement if he were to sell any of the
shares he received thereunder at that time. The restrictions on Mr. O'Leary's
right to sell 39,500 shares lapsed on January 1, 1996, and the restrictions on
his right to sell 7,900 shares lapsed January 1, 1997. The restrictions on 7,900
additional shares will lapse each January 1 thereafter through January 1, 2001.
At the Effective Time of the Merger, however, all restrictions on Mr. O'Leary's
right to sell shares of IIMAK Common Stock under the Restricted Stock Agreement
upon termination of his employment by IIMAK for any reason will lapse.
 
CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
 
     In the opinion of Snow Becker Krauss P.C., counsel to PAXAR, the following
are the material United States federal income tax consequences of the Merger to
the holders of IIMAK Common Stock. The discussion is general in nature, is based
on the current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), applicable Treasury Regulations, judicial authority and administrative
rulings and practice, is for general informational purposes only and is not tax
advice. Counsel's opinion is subject to assumptions and qualifications
concerning the accuracy of certain representations of IIMAK and PAXAR and the
intentions of IIMAK's stockholders at the Effective Time of the Merger and,
unlike a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS"), is not binding on
the IRS. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   42
 
the IRS will not take a position contrary to one or more of the positions
described below, or that such positions would be upheld by the courts if
challenged by the IRS. No ruling from the IRS has been or will be sought with
respect to any aspect of the Merger. Furthermore, such counsel's opinion is
based on current law and legislative, judicial or administrative changes or
interpretations might occur in the future that would alter or modify the
discussion herein.
 
     Subject to the qualifications set forth below, the material United States
federal income tax consequences of the Merger are as follows:
 
          1. No gain or loss will be recognized by an IIMAK stockholder upon the
     conversion of his or her IIMAK Common Stock into PAXAR Common Stock, except
     that an IIMAK stockholder who receives cash proceeds in lieu of a
     fractional share interest in PAXAR Common Stock will recognize gain or loss
     equal to the difference between such proceeds and the tax basis allocated
     to the fractional share interest. Such gain or loss will constitute capital
     gain or loss if such stockholder's IIMAK Common Stock is held as a capital
     asset at the Effective Time and there will be preferential tax treatment
     for individuals if they have held their IIMAK Common Stock for more than
     one year at the Effective Time.
 
          2. The tax basis of the PAXAR Common Stock received by an IIMAK
     stockholder will be the same as such stockholder's tax basis in the IIMAK
     Common Stock surrendered in exchange therefor, decreased by the tax basis
     allocated to any fractional share interest exchanged for cash.
 
          3. The holding period of the PAXAR Common Stock received by an IIMAK
     stockholder will include the period during which the IIMAK Common Stock
     surrendered in exchange therefor was held (provided that such IIMAK Common
     Stock was held by such IIMAK stockholder as a capital asset at the
     Effective Time).
 
          4. No gain or loss will be recognized by IIMAK, PAXAR or Merger Sub as
     a result of the Merger.
 
     Certain noncorporate IIMAK stockholders may be subject to backup
withholding at a rate of 31% on cash payments received in lieu of a fractional
share interest in PAXAR Common Stock. Backup withholding will not apply,
however, to a stockholder who (i) furnishes a correct taxpayer identification
number ("TIN") and certifies that he or she is not subject to backup withholding
on the substitute Form W-9 included in the Transmittal Letter, (ii) provides a
certificate of foreign status on Form W-8, or (iii) is otherwise exempt from
backup withholding. A stockholder who fails to provide the correct TIN on Form
W-9 may be subject to a $50 penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue Service.
 
     Each IIMAK stockholder will be required to retain records and file with
such holder's U.S. federal income tax return a statement setting forth certain
facts relating to the Merger.
 
     THE FOREGOING DISCUSSION IS INTENDED ONLY AS A SUMMARY OF CERTAIN UNITED
STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER AND DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE
A COMPLETE ANALYSIS OF ALL POTENTIAL TAX EFFECTS RELEVANT TO A DECISION WHETHER
IIMAK STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD VOTE IN FAVOR OF THE IIMAK MERGER PROPOSAL OR WHETHER
PAXAR SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD VOTE IN FAVOR OF THE PAXAR SHARE PROPOSAL AND PAXAR
OPTION PROPOSAL. THE DISCUSSION DOES NOT ADDRESS THE TAX CONSEQUENCES THAT MAY
BE RELEVANT TO A PARTICULAR IIMAK STOCKHOLDER SUBJECT TO SPECIAL TREATMENT UNDER
CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS, SUCH AS DEALERS IN SECURITIES,
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INSURANCE COMPANIES, CERTAIN RETIREMENT PLANS,
TAX-EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS, NON-UNITED STATES PERSONS AND STOCKHOLDERS WHO
ACQUIRED IIMAK COMMON STOCK PURSUANT TO THE EXERCISE OF IIMAK OPTIONS OR
OTHERWISE AS COMPENSATION, AND DOES NOT ADDRESS ANY CONSEQUENCES ARISING UNDER
THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCALITY OR FOREIGN JURISDICTION. MOREOVER, THE TAX
CONSEQUENCES TO HOLDERS OF IIMAK OPTIONS OR WARRANTS ARE NOT DISCUSSED. THE
DISCUSSION IS BASED UPON THE CODE, TREASURY REGULATIONS THEREUNDER AND
ADMINISTRATIVE RULINGS AND COURT DECISIONS AS OF THE DATE HEREOF. ALL OF THE
FOREGOING ARE SUBJECT TO
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   43
 
CHANGE, AND ANY SUCH CHANGE COULD AFFECT THE CONTINUING VALIDITY OF THIS
DISCUSSION. IIMAK STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS
CONCERNING THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER
TO THEM.
 
ANTICIPATED ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
 
     The Merger is expected to qualify as a "pooling of interests" for
accounting and financial reporting purposes. Under this method of accounting,
the recorded assets and liabilities of PAXAR and IIMAK will be carried forward
to the combined corporation at their recorded amounts, subject to any
adjustments required to conform the accounting policies of the two companies;
income of the combined corporation will include income of PAXAR and IIMAK for
the entire fiscal year in which the Merger occurs; and the reported income of
the separate corporations for prior periods will be combined and restated as
income of the combined corporation.
 
     The Merger Agreement provides that a condition to the consummation of the
Merger is the receipt of letters from each of Arthur Andersen LLP and KPMG Peat
Marwick LLP, independent public accountants of PAXAR and IIMAK, respectively,
confirming that PAXAR and IIMAK respectively, will qualify for "pooling of
interests" accounting treatment.
 
EFFECT ON STOCK OPTION AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PLANS
 
     At the Effective Time, each then outstanding option to purchase IIMAK
Common Stock granted under the IIMAK Stock Option Plans will be deemed assumed
by PAXAR and will be deemed to constitute a fully vested option to acquire, on
the same terms and conditions as were applicable under such option prior to the
Effective Time, the number of shares of PAXAR Common Stock which such option
holder would have been entitled to receive pursuant to the Merger had such
holder exercised such option in full immediately prior to the Effective Time
(without regard to vesting requirements) at a price per share equal to (x) the
aggregate exercise price for IIMAK Common Stock otherwise purchasable pursuant
to such option divided by (y) the number of shares of PAXAR Common Stock deemed
purchasable pursuant to such option. See "The Merger Agreement -- Terms of the
Merger -- Stock Options and Warrants." As of September 19, 1997, there were
outstanding options to acquire 1,066,297 shares of IIMAK Common Stock under the
1990 Incentive Plan, 148,871 shares of IIMAK Common Stock under the 1984 Stock
Plan, and options to acquire 26,200 shares of IIMAK Common Stock under the 1993
Outside Director Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan. At the Effective Time,
any unvested options to purchase IIMAK Common Stock issued under the IIMAK Stock
Option Plans will vest and become immediately exercisable.
 
     The Merger Agreement provides for PAXAR to maintain certain IIMAK benefit
programs. See "-- Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger" and "The Merger
Agreement -- Additional Agreements -- Employment and Benefit Matters."
 
CERTAIN LEGAL MATTERS
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the HSR Act, PAXAR and IIMAK each filed a
Notification and Report Form for review under the HSR Act with the Federal Trade
Commission and the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice and have each
received a notice of early termination of the applicable waiting period under
the HSR Act. The expiration of the waiting period applicable to the Merger under
the HSR Act is a condition to the consummation of the Merger.
 
     Neither PAXAR nor IIMAK believes that it is required to make any additional
governmental filings in the United States, other than the Certificate of Merger,
with respect to the Merger. Consummation of the Merger is conditioned upon,
among other things, the absence of any preliminary or permanent injunction or
other order issued by any federal or state court of competent jurisdiction which
prohibits or restricts the consummation of the Merger.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   44
 
RESALE OF PAXAR AND IIMAK COMMON STOCK
 
     All PAXAR Common Stock issued in connection with the Merger will be freely
transferable, except that any PAXAR Common Stock received by persons who are
deemed to be "affiliates" of IIMAK or PAXAR for purposes of Rule 145 under the
Securities Act at the time of the IIMAK Special Meeting or the PAXAR Special
Meeting, respectively, may be sold by them only in transactions permitted by the
resale provisions of Rule 145 under the Securities Act with respect to
affiliates of IIMAK, or Rule 144 under the Securities Act with respect to
persons who are or become affiliates of PAXAR, or as otherwise permitted under
the Securities Act. Persons who may be deemed to be affiliates of IIMAK or PAXAR
generally include individuals or entities that control, are controlled by, or
are under common control with, such corporation and may include certain officers
and directors of such corporation as well as principal stockholders of such
corporation.
 
     Affiliates of IIMAK or PAXAR may not sell their shares of PAXAR Common
Stock acquired in connection with the Merger, except pursuant to an effective
registration statement under the Securities Act covering such shares or in
compliance with Rule 145 (or Rule 144 under the Securities Act in the case of
persons who are or become affiliates of PAXAR) or another applicable exemption
from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. In general, under Rule
145, for one year following the Effective Time an affiliate (together with
certain related persons) would be entitled to sell shares of PAXAR Common Stock
acquired in connection with the Merger only through unsolicited "brokers'
transactions" or in transactions directly with a "market maker," as such terms
are defined in Rule 144. Additionally, the number of shares to be sold by an
affiliate (together with certain related persons) within any three-month period
for purposes of Rule 145 may not exceed the greater of 1% of the outstanding
shares of PAXAR Common Stock or the average weekly trading volume of such stock
during the four calendar weeks preceding such sale. Rule 145 would only remain
available, however, to affiliates if PAXAR remained current with its
informational filings with the Commission under the Exchange Act. One year after
the Effective Time, a person who was an affiliate of IIMAK at the time of the
IIMAK Special Meeting would be able to sell shares of PAXAR Common Stock
acquired in the Merger without such manner of sale or volume limitations
provided that PAXAR was current with its Exchange Act informational filings and
such person was not then an affiliate of PAXAR. Two years after the Effective
Time, a person who was an affiliate of IIMAK at the time of the IIMAK Special
Meeting would be able to sell such shares of PAXAR Common Stock acquired in the
Merger without any restrictions so long as such person had not been an affiliate
of PAXAR for at least three months prior thereto.
 
     In addition, persons who are affiliates of PAXAR or IIMAK for purposes of
Rule 145 under the Securities Act at the time of the PAXAR Special Meeting or
the IIMAK Special Meeting, respectively, may be deemed to be affiliates of PAXAR
or IIMAK for purposes of qualifying the Merger for pooling of interests
accounting treatment under Opinion 16 of the Accounting Principles Board and
applicable SEC rules and regulations.
 
     In order to help assure compliance with Rule 145 under the Securities Act
and treatment of the Merger as a pooling of interests, each of PAXAR and IIMAK
has agreed to use its best efforts to cause each of its affiliates to deliver,
on or prior to the date which is 30 days prior to the Effective Time, an
agreement providing that such affiliate will not transfer (i) any PAXAR Common
Stock received in the Merger except in compliance with the Securities Act and
(ii) any securities of IIMAK or PAXAR in the period beginning 30 days
immediately preceding the Effective Time and ending at such time as results
covering at least 30 days of combined operations of IIMAK and PAXAR have been
published by PAXAR.
 
STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING
 
     It is a condition to the consummation of the Merger that the shares of
PAXAR Common Stock to be issued in connection with the Merger be approved for
listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   45
 
DIVIDENDS
 
     Neither PAXAR nor IIMAK has paid cash dividends, and PAXAR does not expect
to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Consistent with past practice,
the PAXAR Board of Directors declared the Stock Dividend on August 7, 1997, and
it is the current intention of the PAXAR Board of Directors to continue to
declare stock dividends from time to time as it deems appropriate. Future
dividends will be determined by PAXAR's Board of Directors in light of PAXAR's
earnings and financial condition, the price of PAXAR Common Stock, and other
factors. See "Comparative Per Share Prices and Dividends."
 
APPRAISAL RIGHTS
 
     Holders of IIMAK Common Stock are not entitled to dissenters' appraisal
rights under Delaware law in connection with the Merger because the IIMAK Common
Stock was listed on the Nasdaq National Market on the Record Date for the IIMAK
Special Meeting and the shares of PAXAR Common Stock that such holders will be
entitled to receive in the Merger will be listed on the NYSE at the Effective
Time. Holders of PAXAR Common Stock are not entitled to dissenters' appraisal
rights under New York law in connection with the Merger, because PAXAR is not a
constituent corporation in the Merger.
 
FEES AND EXPENSES
 
     The Merger Agreement requires IIMAK to pay PAXAR the Fee if the Merger
Agreement is terminated under certain circumstances. See "The Merger
Agreement -- Termination."
 
     Except for the Fee, each of PAXAR and IIMAK will pay its own expenses in
connection with the Merger.
 
                             PAXAR OPTION PROPOSAL
 
     PAXAR's shareholders approved the PAXAR 1997 Incentive Stock Option Plan
(the "1997 Plan"), which authorizes the grant of options to purchase an
aggregate of 1,875,000 shares of PAXAR Common Stock, at PAXAR's 1997 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders on April 24, 1997. A description of the terms and
conditions of the 1997 Plan is hereby incorporated by reference to the Proxy
Statement for PAXAR's 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, dated March 31, 1997.
No options have been granted under the 1997 Plan. No shares of PAXAR Common
Stock are available for the grant of options under PAXAR's 1990 Employee Stock
Option Plan (the "1990 Plan").
 
     As of September 19, 1997, options to purchase an aggregate of 1,241,368
shares of IIMAK Common Stock were outstanding under the IIMAK Stock Option
Plans. At the Maximum Exchange Ratio, such options would be exchanged at the
Effective Time for options to purchase an aggregate of 2,191,014 shares of PAXAR
Common Stock, which exceeds the number of shares of PAXAR Common Stock available
for the grant of options under the 1997 Plan and the 1990 Plan. Therefore, the
number of shares of PAXAR Common Stock available for grants of options under the
1997 Plan has to be increased to enable PAXAR to satisfy its obligations under
the Merger Agreement. PAXAR believes that adding 3,125,000 shares of PAXAR
Common Stock to the 1997 Plan would make an adequate number of shares available
for future grants of options under the 1997 Plan after options to purchase IIMAK
Common Stock are exchanged for options to purchase PAXAR Common Stock under the
Merger Agreement.
 
     Approval of the PAXAR Option Proposal is conditioned upon shareholder
approval of the PAXAR Share Proposal and consummation of the Merger. If the
PAXAR Share Proposal is not approved or the Merger is not consummated, the PAXAR
Option Proposal will not become effective.
 
     THE PAXAR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE HOLDERS OF PAXAR COMMON
STOCK VOTE FOR THE PAXAR OPTION PROPOSAL.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   46
 
                            PAXAR AMENDMENT PROPOSAL
 
     The Company is presently authorized to issue 100,000,000 shares of PAXAR
Common Stock and 5,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share
("PAXAR Preferred Stock"). As of the PAXAR Record Date, of the 100,000,000
shares of Common Stock authorized, approximately 35,828,442 shares were issued
and outstanding, and approximately 2,380,518 shares of Common Stock were
reserved for issuance under the 1990 Plan. If the PAXAR Option Proposal is
approved, an additional 5,000,000 shares of PAXAR Common Stock will be reserved
for issuance. In addition, assuming the Maximum Exchange Ratio, at the Effective
Time of the Merger, approximately 16,977,332 shares of PAXAR Common Stock will
be issued or reserved for issuance upon the conversion of shares of IIMAK Common
Stock into PAXAR Common Stock and the exchange of options to purchase IIMAK
Common Stock for options to purchase PAXAR Common Stock in accordance with the
terms of the Merger Agreement. Accordingly, after the Effective time of the
Merger, fewer than 40,000,000 shares of PAXAR Common Stock will be available for
issuance by PAXAR. There are no shares of PAXAR Preferred Stock currently
outstanding.
 
     PAXAR's Board of Directors has adopted a resolution to amend, subject to
shareholder approval, PAXAR's Certificate of Incorporation to authorize an
additional 100,000,000 shares of PAXAR Common Stock. A copy of the proposed
Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation, in substantially
the form to be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York, is
attached hereto as Annex D, and incorporated herein by reference. All
shareholders are urged to carefully review the Certificate of Amendment.
 
     The 100,000,000 additional shares of PAXAR Common Stock to be authorized
would be available to PAXAR for stock dividends or splits should the Board of
Directors decide that it would be desirable, in light of market conditions then
prevailing, to broaden the public ownership of, and to enhance the market for,
the shares of PAXAR Common Stock. Additional shares of PAXAR Common Stock would
also provide needed flexibility for future financial and capital requirements so
that proper advantage could be taken of propitious market conditions and
possible business acquisitions. The additional shares would be available for
issuance for these and other purposes, subject to the laws of the State of New
York and the rules of the NYSE, at the discretion of PAXAR's Board of Directors
without, in most cases, the delays and expenses attendant to obtaining further
shareholder approval. To the extent required by New York law or the rules of the
NYSE, shareholder approval will be solicited in the event shares of stock are to
be issued in connection with a merger. PAXAR has no current plans to issue any
of the additional shares of PAXAR Common Stock to be authorized under the
proposed amendment to PAXAR's Certificate.
 
     Although PAXAR's Board of Directors does not deem the proposed amendment to
the PAXAR Certificate to be an anti-takeover proposal, the ability to issue
additional shares of Common Stock could also be used to discourage hostile
takeover attempts of PAXAR. The additional shares could be privately placed,
thereby diluting the stock ownership of persons seeking to obtain control of
PAXAR. The PAXAR Certificate currently provides for the affirmative vote of not
less than 80% of the outstanding voting stock, as defined therein, to approve or
authorize certain business combinations. Moreover, PAXAR's officers and
directors currently beneficially own approximately 20.23% of PAXAR's Common
Stock. Accordingly, even if the proposed increase in the number of authorized
shares of Common Stock is deemed to be an anti-takeover proposal, PAXAR's
officers and directors may have the ability to affect the disposition of any
matter to be acted upon irrespective of the number of authorized shares of PAXAR
Common Stock available for issuance.
 
     Approval of the PAXAR Amendment Proposal is not conditioned upon approval
of the PAXAR Share Proposal or the PAXAR Option Proposal.
 
     THE PAXAR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE HOLDERS OF PAXAR COMMON
STOCK VOTE FOR THE PAXAR AMENDMENT PROPOSAL.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   47
 
                              THE MERGER AGREEMENT
 
     The description of the Merger Agreement contained in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus, while containing all material provisions of the Merger
Agreement, does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the Merger Agreement, which is attached as Annex A to this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
TERMS OF THE MERGER
 
     The Merger.  At the Effective Time and subject to and upon the terms and
conditions of the Merger Agreement and the DGCL, Merger Sub will be merged with
and into IIMAK, the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub will cease, and
IIMAK will continue as the Surviving Corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary
of PAXAR.
 
     Effective Time.  As promptly as practicable after the satisfaction or
waiver of the conditions to the Merger set forth in the Merger Agreement, the
Merger will be consummated by filing a certificate of merger, together with any
required related certificates, with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware in accordance with the relevant provisions of the DGCL. The time of
such filing is referred to as the "Effective Time."
 
     Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws.  The Merger Agreement provides
that the Certificate of Incorporation of IIMAK, as in effect immediately prior
to the Effective Time, will be the Certificate of Incorporation of the Surviving
Corporation until thereafter amended in accordance with the DGCL and such
Certificate of Incorporation, and the By-Laws of IIMAK, as in effect immediately
prior to the Effective Time, will be the By-Laws of the Surviving Corporation
until thereafter amended in accordance with the DGCL, such Certificate of
Incorporation and such By-Laws.
 
     Directors and Officers.  The directors of Merger Sub immediately prior to
the Effective Time will be the initial directors of the Surviving Corporation,
each to hold office in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation and
By-Laws of the Surviving Corporation, and the officers of IIMAK immediately
prior to the Effective Time shall be the initial officers of the Surviving
Corporation, in each case until their respective successors are duly elected or
appointed and qualified.
 
     Conversion of IIMAK Common Stock in the Merger.  At the Effective Time,
each share of IIMAK Common Stock (a "IIMAK Share") issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time (excluding shares referred to in the
following paragraph) will be converted into the right to receive shares of
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable shares ("PAXAR Shares") of PAXAR
Common Stock equal to the Exchange Ratio. The Exchange Ratio will be determined
by dividing $24.00 by the average closing price on the NYSE of PAXAR Common
Stock for the 20 consecutive trading days ending with the second trading day
immediately preceding the Effective Time. The Exchange Ratio will be rounded to
three decimal places and may not be less than 1.200 nor more than 1.412 (before
giving effect to the Stock Dividend). Cash will be paid to IIMAK stockholders in
lieu of fractional shares of PAXAR Common Stock and for any dividends or other
distributions to which such holders are entitled. See "-- Terms of
Merger -- Fractional Shares" and "-- Exchange of Certificates."
 
     Each share of IIMAK Common Stock held in the treasury of IIMAK immediately
prior to the Effective Time will, by virtue of the Merger and without any action
on the part of the holder thereof, be canceled and retired without payment of
any consideration therefor and cease to exist.
 
  Stock Options and Warrants.
 
     (i) At the Effective Time, each outstanding option to purchase IIMAK Common
Stock (a "Stock Option") granted under the IIMAK Stock Option Plans, whether
vested or unvested, and each outstanding warrant to purchase IIMAK Common Stock
(a "Warrant") will be deemed assumed by PAXAR and deemed to constitute a right
to acquire, on terms and conditions no less favorable as were applicable under
such Stock Option or Warrant prior to the Effective Time, the number (rounded to
the nearest whole number) of PAXAR Shares as the holder of such Stock Option or
Warrant would have been entitled to
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   48
 
receive pursuant to the Merger had such holder exercised such Stock Option or
Warrant in full immediately prior to the Effective Time (not taking into account
whether or not such Stock Option or Warrant was in fact exercisable), at a price
per share equal to (x) the aggregate exercise price for IIMAK Common Stock
otherwise purchasable pursuant to such Stock Option or Warrant divided by (y)
the number of PAXAR Shares deemed purchasable pursuant to such Stock Option or
Warrant.
 
     (ii) As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, PAXAR has agreed to
deliver to each holder of an outstanding Stock Option or Warrant an appropriate
notice setting forth such holder's rights pursuant thereto, and such Stock
Option or Warrant will continue in effect on the same terms and conditions
(including antidilution provisions).
 
     (iii) PAXAR has agreed to take all corporate action necessary to reserve
for issuance a sufficient number of PAXAR Shares for delivery pursuant to the
conversion of Stock Options and Warrants as described above.
 
     (iv) Subject to any applicable limitations under the Securities Act, PAXAR
will either (A) file a Registration Statement on Form S-8 (or any successor
form), effective as of the Effective Time, with respect to the shares of PAXAR
Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Stock Options, or (B) file any
necessary amendments to IIMAK's previously-filed Registration Statement(s) on
Form S-8 in order that PAXAR will be deemed a "successor registrant" thereunder,
and in either event, PAXAR shall maintain the effectiveness of such registration
statement(s) (and maintain the current status of the prospectus or prospectuses
relating thereto) for so long as PAXAR maintains the effectiveness of any
registration statements on Form S-8 with respect to any shares of PAXAR Common
Stock issuable under its stock option plans.
 
     Adjustments to Exchange Ratio.  The Exchange Ratio will be adjusted to
reflect fully the effect of any stock split, reverse split, stock dividend
(including any dividend or distribution of securities convertible into PAXAR
Common Stock or IIMAK Common Stock), reorganization, recapitalization or other
like change with respect to PAXAR Common Stock or IIMAK Common Stock occurring
after the date of the Merger Agreement and prior to the Effective Time.
 
     Fractional Shares.  No certificates or scrip representing less than one
PAXAR Share will be issued in connection with the Merger. In lieu of any such
fractional share, each holder of a certificate or certificates representing
IIMAK Shares ("Certificates") who would otherwise have been entitled to a
fraction of a PAXAR Share upon surrender of Certificates for exchange will be
paid upon such surrender cash equal to the product of (i) such fraction,
multiplied by (ii) the closing price per share on the NYSE of PAXAR Common Stock
as reported in the Eastern Edition of the Wall Street Journal on the trading
date prior to the date on which the Effective Time occurs.
 
EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES
 
     Exchange Agent.  At or prior to the Effective Time, PAXAR shall supply, or
shall cause to be supplied, to or for the account of the Exchange Agent, in
trust for the benefit of the holders of IIMAK Common Stock, for exchange in
accordance with the Merger Agreement, through the Exchange Agent, certificates
evidencing the PAXAR Shares issuable in exchange for outstanding IIMAK Shares.
PAXAR will make available to the Exchange Agent from time to time as needed,
cash sufficient to pay cash in lieu of fractional shares and any dividends and
distributions.
 
     Exchange Procedures.  As soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective
Time, PAXAR will instruct the Exchange Agent to mail to each holder of record of
IIMAK Common Stock a letter of transmittal and instructions to effect the
surrender of the certificates representing IIMAK Common Stock in exchange for
certificates evidencing PAXAR Common Stock. Upon surrender of a certificate
representing IIMAK Common Stock for cancellation to the Exchange Agent together
with such letter of transmittal, duly executed, and such other customary
documents as may be required pursuant to such instructions, the holder of such
certificate will be entitled to receive in exchange therefor (i) certificates
evidencing that number of whole PAXAR Shares which such holder has the right to
receive in the Merger, (ii) any dividends or other distributions on the shares
of PAXAR Common Stock which such holder is entitled to receive, and (iii) cash
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   49
 
in respect of fractional shares of PAXAR Common Stock (the PAXAR Shares,
dividends, distributions and cash being, collectively, the "Merger
Consideration"), and the certificate representing IIMAK Common Stock so
surrendered will forthwith be canceled. In the event of a transfer of ownership
of IIMAK Shares that is not registered in the transfer records of IIMAK as of
the Effective Time, PAXAR Shares, dividends and distributions with respect
thereto and any cash payable in lieu of fractional shares may be issued and paid
to a transferee if the certificate evidencing such IIMAK Shares is presented to
the Exchange Agent, accompanied by all documents required to evidence and effect
such transfer and by evidence that any applicable stock transfer taxes have been
paid. Until so surrendered, each outstanding certificate that, prior to the
Effective Time, represented shares of IIMAK Common Stock will be deemed from and
after the Effective Time, for all corporate purposes (other than payment of
dividends and subject to the provisions described below under "-- Exchange of
Certificates -- No Liability, Escheat and Withholding"), to evidence the
ownership of the number of full PAXAR Shares into which such IIMAK Shares shall
have been so converted.
 
     Distributions With Respect to Unexchanged IIMAK Common Stock.  No dividends
or other distributions declared or made after the Effective Time with respect to
PAXAR Common Stock with a record date after the Effective Time will be paid to
the holder of an unsurrendered certificate representing shares of IIMAK Common
Stock with respect to the shares of PAXAR Common Stock they are entitled to
receive until the holder of such certificate shall surrender such certificate.
Subject to applicable law and the provisions described below under "-- Exchange
of Certificates -- No Liability, Escheat and Withholding," following surrender
of any certificate representing shares of IIMAK Common Stock, there will be paid
to the record holder of the certificates representing whole shares of PAXAR
Common Stock issued in exchange therefor, without interest, at the time of
surrender, the amount of dividends or other distributions with a record date
after the Effective Time theretofore payable with respect to such whole shares
of PAXAR Common Stock.
 
     Transfers of Ownership.  If any certificate for shares of PAXAR Common
Stock is to be issued in a name other than that in which the certificate
representing shares of IIMAK Common Stock surrendered in exchange therefor is
registered, it will be a condition of the issuance that the certificate
surrendered will be properly endorsed and otherwise in proper form for transfer
and that the person requesting such exchange will have paid to PAXAR or any
designated agent any transfer or other taxes required by reason of the issuance
of a certificate for shares of PAXAR Common Stock in any name other than that of
the registered holder of the certificate surrendered, or have established to the
satisfaction of PAXAR or any designated agent that such tax has been paid or is
not payable.
 
     No Liability, Escheat and Withholding.  At any time following one year
after the Effective Time, PAXAR will be entitled to require the Exchange Agent
to deliver to PAXAR any Merger Consideration that has been made available to the
Exchange Agent by or on behalf of PAXAR and has not been disbursed to holders of
certificates representing shares of IIMAK Common Stock, and thereafter such
holders will be entitled to look to PAXAR only as general creditors thereof with
respect to the Merger Consideration payable upon due surrender of such
certificates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither PAXAR, Merger Sub nor IIMAK
will be liable to any holder of IIMAK Common Stock for any Merger Consideration
delivered to a public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property,
escheat or similar law. PAXAR or the Exchange Agent will be entitled to deduct
and withhold from the Merger Consideration otherwise payable to any IIMAK
stockholder such amounts as PAXAR or the Exchange Agent is required to deduct
and withhold with respect to the making of such payment under any provision of
federal, state, local or foreign tax law.
 
     Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates.  If any certificates representing
shares of IIMAK Common Stock have been lost, stolen or destroyed, the Exchange
Agent will issue certificates representing the shares of PAXAR Common Stock and
pay any distributions with respect thereto and any cash payable in lieu of
fractional shares in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed certificates
upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the owner of such certificates
and delivery of a bond in a reasonable sum as indemnity against any claim that
may be made against PAXAR or the Exchange Agent with respect to the certificates
alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed.
 
     DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS, INCLUDING A TRANSMITTAL LETTER, WILL BE MAILED TO
IIMAK STOCKHOLDERS PROMPTLY FOLLOWING THE EFFECTIVE TIME AS TO THE
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   50
 
METHOD OF EXCHANGING CERTIFICATES FORMERLY REPRESENTING SHARES OF IIMAK COMMON
STOCK. IIMAK STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD NOT SEND CERTIFICATES REPRESENTING THEIR SHARES
TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT OR IIMAK PRIOR TO RECEIPT OF THE TRANSMITTAL LETTER.
 
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
 
     The Merger Agreement contains various representations and warranties made
by IIMAK, in respect of itself and its subsidiaries, in favor of PAXAR and
Merger Sub, and made by PAXAR and Merger Sub, in respect of PAXAR and its
subsidiaries, in favor of IIMAK, relating to, among other things, the following
matters (which representations and warranties are subject, in certain cases, to
specified exceptions): (i) corporate organization, standing, qualification and
similar corporate matters, except where failure to be so qualified or in good
standing does not have a Material Adverse Effect (as defined below); (ii) the
absence of violation of provisions of charter documents; (iii) capitalization;
(iv) the authorization, execution, delivery and enforceability of the Merger
Agreement; (v) no breach or default of certain material agreements; (vi) the
absence of conflict of the Merger Agreement with charter documents, laws or
agreements and the absence of the need for consents for the execution and
delivery of the Merger Agreement except for certain filings specified in the
Merger Agreement and except where the failure to obtain such consents does not
have a Material Adverse Effect; (vii) the absence of conflict with, default
under or violation of agreements and laws, except as do not have a Material
Adverse Effect, and the holding of permits necessary for the conduct of
business, and the compliance with such permits, except where failure to comply
does not have a Material Adverse Effect; (viii) the filing of all forms, reports
and other documents required to be filed with the Commission, the compliance of
such forms, reports and documents with the Securities Act or the Exchange Act,
the absence of material misstatements or omissions in the information contained
therein, and the fair presentation of the financial statements contained therein
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; (ix) conduct of
business in the ordinary course and the absence of certain changes or events
(except as contemplated by the Merger Agreement) since the close of the most
recent fiscal year of IIMAK or PAXAR, respectively, including the absence of the
occurrence of a Material Adverse Effect; (x) the absence of undisclosed
liabilities, except those for which provision has been made in IIMAK's March 31,
1997 balance sheet or PAXAR's March 31, 1997 balance sheet, were incurred in the
ordinary course of business and not required to be reflected on such balance
sheet of IIMAK or PAXAR, which were incurred since March 31, 1997 in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, which were incurred
in connection with the Merger Agreement, or which do not have a Material Adverse
Effect; (xi) the absence of pending litigation or known threatened litigation
that constitutes a Material Adverse Effect; (xii) compliance with laws
applicable to employee benefit plans (made only by IIMAK); (xiii) labor matters
and claims known or threatened which have a Material Adverse Effect; (xiv) the
accuracy of information supplied for inclusion in the Registration Statement and
this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus; (xv) clear title to property and valid
leases, except the existence of a defect which does not have a Material Adverse
Effect ; (xvi) payment of taxes and certain other tax matters, except where
non-payment does not have a Material Adverse Effect; (xvii) compliance with
environmental laws, except where noncompliance does not have a Material Adverse
Effect; (xviii) ownership and rights to use material intellectual property, and
absence of certain restrictions with respect to intellectual property, except
such restrictions which do not have a Material Adverse Effect; (xix)
relationships or transactions with affiliates; (xx) the absence of certain
distribution agreements; (xxi) maintenance of insurance; (xxii) the absence of
actions that could affect the ability of PAXAR to account for the business
combination to be effected by the Merger as a pooling of interests; (xxiii) the
receipt of fairness opinions of the parties' respective financial advisors;
(xxiv) brokers, finders and investment bankers; (xxv) employment agreements and
change in control payments (made only by IIMAK); (xxvi) employee benefit plans
(made only by IIMAK); and (xxvii) the ownership of Merger Sub (made only by
PAXAR).
 
     "Material Adverse Effect" means any change, effect or circumstance that,
individually or when taken together with all other such changes, effects or
circumstances that have occurred prior to the date of determination of the
occurrence of the Material Adverse Effect, (a) is materially adverse to the
business, assets (including intangible assets), financial condition, results of
operations or prospects of IIMAK and its
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   51
 
subsidiaries or PAXAR and its subsidiaries, as the case may be, in each case
taken as a whole, or (b) delays or prevents the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by the Merger Agreement.
 
CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER
 
     Conduct of Business by IIMAK.  The Merger Agreement provides that, prior to
the Effective Time, unless PAXAR otherwise agrees in writing, IIMAK will conduct
its business and cause the businesses of its subsidiaries to be conducted only
in the ordinary course of business and in a manner consistent with past
practice; and IIMAK will use all reasonable efforts to preserve substantially
intact the business organization of IIMAK and its subsidiaries, to keep
available the services of the present officers, employees and consultants of
IIMAK and its subsidiaries and to preserve the present relationships of IIMAK
and its subsidiaries with customers, suppliers and other persons with which
IIMAK or any of its subsidiaries has significant business relations. Except as
contemplated by the Merger Agreement, neither IIMAK nor any of its subsidiaries,
without the prior written consent of PAXAR, will:
 
          (i) amend or otherwise change the IIMAK Certificate or By-Laws or
     similar organizational documents of any of its subsidiaries;
 
          (ii) issue, sell, pledge, dispose of or encumber, or authorize the
     issuance, sale, pledge, disposition or encumbrance of, any shares of
     capital stock of any class, or any options, warrants, convertible
     securities or other rights of any kind to acquire any shares of capital
     stock, or any other ownership interest (including, without limitation, any
     phantom interest) in IIMAK, any of its subsidiaries (except for (i) the
     issuance of shares of IIMAK Common Stock issuable pursuant to Stock Options
     which were granted under the IIMAK Stock Option Plans and were outstanding
     on the date of the Merger Agreement, (ii) grants of Stock Options under the
     IIMAK Stock Option Plans for the purchase of a maximum of 25,000 shares of
     IIMAK Common Stock granted to certain individuals and (iii)the issuance of
     shares of IIMAK Common Stock issuable pursuant to the Warrants);
 
          (iii) sell, pledge, dispose of or encumber any assets of IIMAK or any
     of its subsidiaries (except for (i) sales of assets in the ordinary course
     of business, (ii) dispositions of obsolete or worthless assets, and (iii)
     sales of immaterial assets not in excess of $250,000 in the aggregate);
 
          (iv) (1) declare, set aside, make or pay any dividend or other
     distribution (whether in cash, stock, property or any combination thereof)
     in respect of any of its capital stock, except that a wholly owned
     subsidiary of IIMAK may declare and pay a dividend to its parent, (2)
     split, combine or reclassify any of its capital stock or issue or authorize
     or propose the issuance of any other securities or property in respect of,
     in lieu of or in substitution for shares of its capital stock, or (3) amend
     the terms or change the period of exercisability of, purchase, repurchase,
     redeem or otherwise acquire, or permit any subsidiary to purchase,
     repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, any of its securities or any
     securities of its subsidiaries, including, without limitation, shares of
     IIMAK Common Stock or any option, warrant or right, directly or indirectly,
     to acquire shares of IIMAK Common Stock, or provide that upon the exercise
     or conversion of any such option, warrant or right the holder thereof shall
     receive cash;
 
          (v) (1) acquire (by merger, consolidation, or acquisition of stock or
     assets) any corporation, partnership or other business organization or
     division (subject to certain exceptions); (2) except in the ordinary course
     of business, incur or assume any indebtedness for borrowed money or which
     has been incurred or assumed in connection with the acquisition of assets,
     in each case having a final maturity of one or more than one year from the
     date of origin thereof (or which is renewable or extendible at the option
     of the obligor for a period or periods more than one year from the date of
     origin), but excluding all payments in respect thereof that are required to
     be made within one year from the date of any determination of such
     indebtedness to the extent the obligation to make such payments constitutes
     a current liability of the obligor under GAAP, or incur rentals payable
     under capitalized leases, guaranty such indebtedness or rentals or assume,
     guarantee or endorse or otherwise as an accommodation become responsible
     for, the obligations of any person or, make any loans or advances; (3)
     except in the ordinary course of business, make any loans or advances to
     any person (other than IIMAK or any of its wholly-owned subsidiaries); (4)
     enter into or amend any material contract or agreement (subject to certain
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   52
 
     exceptions); (5) authorize any capital expenditures or purchases of fixed
     assets which are, in the aggregate, in excess of $5 Million for IIMAK and
     its subsidiaries taken as a whole; or (6) enter into or amend any contract,
     agreement, commitment or arrangement to effect any of the matters
     prohibited by the foregoing;
 
          (vi) (1) increase the compensation payable or to become payable to its
     officers or employees, except for increases in salary or wages of employees
     of IIMAK or its subsidiaries who are not officers of IIMAK in the ordinary
     course of business; (2) grant any severance or termination pay to or enter
     into any employment or severance agreement with any director, officer or
     other employee of IIMAK or any of its subsidiaries; or (3) establish,
     adopt, enter into or amend any collective bargaining, bonus, profit
     sharing, thrift, compensation, stock option, restricted stock, pension,
     retirement, deferred compensation, employment, termination, severance or
     other plan, agreement, trust, fund, policy or arrangement for the benefit
     of any current or former directors, officers or employees, except, in each
     case, as may be required by law;
 
          (vii) except as may be required as a result of a change in law or in
     generally accepted accounting principles, take any action to change
     accounting policies or procedures (including, without limitation,
     procedures with respect to revenue recognition, payments of accounts
     payable and collection of accounts receivable);
 
          (viii) make any material tax election inconsistent with past practice
     or settle or compromise any material federal, state, local or foreign tax
     liability or agree to an extension of a statute of limitations;
 
          (ix) pay, discharge or satisfy any claims, liabilities or obligations,
     whether absolute, accrued, asserted or unasserted, contingent or otherwise,
     other than the payment, discharge or satisfaction in the ordinary course of
     business of liabilities reflected or reserved against in IIMAK's financial
     statements contained in reports filed prior to the date of the Merger
     Agreement with the Commission or incurred in the ordinary course of
     business; or
 
          (x) take, or agree to take, any of the foregoing actions.
 
     No Solicitation by IIMAK.  The Merger Agreement provides that IIMAK will
not, directly or indirectly, through any officer, director, employee,
representative or agent of IIMAK or any of its subsidiaries, (i) solicit,
initiate or encourage any inquiries or proposals regarding any merger, sale of
substantial assets, sale of more than 1% of the outstanding shares of capital
stock (including, without limitation, by way of a tender offer) or similar
transactions involving IIMAK other than the Merger (the foregoing being referred
to as "Acquisition Proposals"), (ii) engage in negotiations or discussions
concerning, or provide any nonpublic information to any person relating to, any
Acquisition Proposal or (iii) agree to, approve or recommend any Acquisition
Proposal. However, the Board of Directors of IIMAK is not (i) prevented from
considering, negotiating, discussing, approving and recommending to the
stockholders of IIMAK a bona fide Acquisition Proposal not solicited in
violation of the Merger Agreement, provided the Board of Directors of IIMAK
determines in good faith that it is required to do so in order to discharge
properly its fiduciary duties or (ii) prohibited from complying with Rule 14e-2
promulgated under the Exchange Act with regard to a tender or exchange offer.
 
     Under the Merger Agreement, unless otherwise required under the fiduciary
duties of the directors of IIMAK, IIMAK is required to promptly notify PAXAR
after receipt of any Acquisition Proposal, or any material modification of or
amendment to any Acquisition Proposal, in connection with an Acquisition
Proposal by any person or entity that informs the Board of Directors of IIMAK or
such subsidiary that it is considering making an Acquisition Proposal. Such
notice shall indicate the name of the person making such Acquisition Proposal,
the terms and conditions thereof and IIMAK's intended response, and IIMAK will
provide PAXAR with copies of any communications in response thereto.
Additionally, IIMAK will not waive any provision of any standstill agreements
between IIMAK and any person, except to the extent any such waiver is, as
advised by counsel, required by the fiduciary duties of the directors of IIMAK.
 
     If the Board of Directors of IIMAK receives a request for nonpublic
information by a person who makes or indicates that he is considering making a
bona fide Acquisition Proposal, and the Board of Directors determines in good
faith that it is required to cause IIMAK to provide such information in order to
discharge properly the directors' fiduciary duties, then, provided the person
making the Acquisition Proposal has
 
                                       43
<PAGE>   53
 
executed a confidentiality agreement, IIMAK may provide such person with access
to information regarding IIMAK.
 
     Conduct of Business by PAXAR.  The Merger Agreement provides that, prior to
the Effective Time, unless IIMAK otherwise agrees in writing, PAXAR will conduct
its business, and cause the businesses of its subsidiaries to be conducted, in
the ordinary course of business, and PAXAR shall use all reasonable efforts to
preserve substantially intact the business organization of PAXAR and its
subsidiaries, to keep available all services of the present officers, employees
and consultants of PAXAR and its subsidiaries and to preserve the present
relationships of PAXAR and its subsidiaries with customers, suppliers and other
persons with which PAXAR or any of its subsidiaries has significant business
relations. Except as contemplated by the Merger Agreement, neither PAXAR nor any
of its subsidiaries, without the prior written consent of IIMAK, which may not
be unreasonably withheld, will:
 
          (a) amend or otherwise change the PAXAR Certificate or By-Laws or
     similar organizational documents of any of its subsidiaries.
 
          (b) declare, set aside, make or pay any dividend or other distribution
     (whether in cash, stock or property or any combination thereof) in respect
     of any of its capital stock, other than regular dividends consistent with
     past practice and except that a wholly-owned subsidiary of PAXAR may
     declare and pay a dividend to its parent;
 
          (c) take or agree in writing or otherwise to take any action described
     above.
 
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
 
     HSR Act; Etc.  The Merger Agreement provides that, as promptly as
practicable after the date of the Merger Agreement, IIMAK and PAXAR will file
notifications under and in accordance with the HSR Act and the legal
requirements of any foreign jurisdictions requiring notification in connection
with the Merger and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. IIMAK
and PAXAR are required to respond as promptly as practicable to any inquiries
received from the Federal Trade Commission and the Antitrust Division of the
Department of Justice for additional information or documentation and shall
respond as promptly as practicable to all inquiries and requests received from
any State Attorney General or other governmental authority (foreign or domestic)
in connection with antitrust matters and otherwise use their best efforts to
cause the waiting period under the HSR Act to expire or be terminated.
 
     Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus; Registration Statement.  As promptly as
practicable after the execution of the Merger Agreement, IIMAK and PAXAR are
required to prepare and file with the SEC preliminary proxy materials that will
constitute the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the Registration Statement
of PAXAR with respect to the PAXAR Common Stock to be issued in connection with
the Merger. As promptly as practicable after comments are received from the SEC
thereon and after the furnishing by IIMAK and PAXAR of all information required
to be contained therein, IIMAK and PAXAR are required to file with the SEC a
combined proxy and Registration Statement on Form S-4 (or on such other form as
shall be appropriate) relating to the approval of the IIMAK Merger Proposal by
the stockholders of IIMAK and the approval of the PAXAR Share Proposal by the
shareholders of PAXAR and will use all reasonable efforts to cause the
Registration Statement to become effective, and to mail the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus to their respective shareholders, as soon thereafter as
practicable.
 
     Stockholders' Meetings.  Unless otherwise required under the applicable
fiduciary duties of the respective directors of IIMAK and PAXAR, IIMAK and PAXAR
will call and hold their respective stockholders' meetings as promptly as
practicable and in accordance with applicable laws for the purpose of voting
upon the approval of the IIMAK Merger Proposal in the case of IIMAK's
stockholders, and the PAXAR Share Proposal, in the case of PAXAR's shareholders,
and PAXAR and IIMAK will use their best efforts to hold the stockholders
meetings on the same day (and at the same time of such day) and as soon as
practicable after the date on which the Registration Statement becomes
effective. Unless otherwise required under the applicable fiduciary duties of
the respective directors of IIMAK and PAXAR, as determined by such directors in
good faith after consultation with and based upon the written advice of their
respective outside legal
 
                                       44
<PAGE>   54
 
counsel, IIMAK and PAXAR shall (i) recommend approval of the transactions
contemplated by the Merger Agreement by the stockholders of IIMAK and PAXAR,
respectively, and include in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus such
recommendation and (ii) use all reasonable efforts to solicit from their
respective stockholders proxies in favor of adoption of the Merger Agreement and
approval of the transactions contemplated thereby or approval of the issuance of
PAXAR Common Stock in the Merger, as the case may be, and shall take all other
action necessary or advisable to secure the vote or consent of stockholders to
obtain such approvals.
 
     Access to Information; Confidentiality.  Upon reasonable notice and subject
to restrictions contained in confidentiality agreements to which such party is
subject (from which such party shall use reasonable efforts to be released),
IIMAK and PAXAR will each (and will cause each of their subsidiaries to) afford
to the officers, employees, accountants, counsel and other representatives of
the other, reasonable access, during the period prior to the Effective Time, to
all its properties, books, contracts, commitments and records and, during such
period, IIMAK and PAXAR each will (and will cause each of their subsidiaries to)
furnish promptly to the other all information concerning its business,
properties and personnel as such other party may reasonably request, and each
will make available to the other the appropriate individuals (including
attorneys, accountants and other professionals) for discussion of the other's
business, properties and personnel as either IIMAK or PAXAR may reasonably
request. Each party shall keep such information confidential in accordance with
the terms of the confidentiality letters, dated April 3, 1997 and July 8, 1997
(the "Confidentiality Letters"), between PAXAR and IIMAK.
 
     Consents; Approvals.  IIMAK and PAXAR will each use all reasonable efforts
to obtain all consents, waivers, approvals, authorizations or orders including,
without limitation, all United States and foreign governmental and regulatory
rulings and approvals, and IIMAK and PAXAR will make all filings (including
without limitation, all filings with United States and foreign governmental or
regulatory agencies) required in connection with the authorization, execution
and delivery of the Merger Agreement and the consummation by them of the
transactions contemplated thereby, in each case, as promptly as practicable.
IIMAK and PAXAR will furnish promptly all information required to be included in
the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the Registration Statement or any
application or other governmental filing (both United States and foreign)
required in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement.
 
     Affiliate Agreements.  Each of PAXAR and IIMAK will use its best efforts to
cause each of its affiliates to deliver, on or prior to the date which is 30
days prior to the Effective Time, an agreement (an "Affiliate Agreement")
providing that (i) such affiliate will not transfer any PAXAR Common Stock
received in the Merger except in compliance with the Securities Act and (ii)
from 30 days immediately preceding the Effective Time until after such time as
results covering at least 30 days of combined operations of IIMAK and PAXAR have
been published by PAXAR, such affiliate will not transfer any securities of
IIMAK or PAXAR.
 
     Indemnification and Insurance.  The Merger Agreement provides that the
By-Laws of the Surviving Corporation will contain the provisions with respect to
indemnification set forth in the By-Laws of IIMAK, which will not be amended,
repealed or otherwise modified for a period of six years from the Effective Time
in any manner that would adversely affect the rights thereunder of individuals
who at the Effective Time were directors, officers, employees or agents of
IIMAK, unless such modification is required by law.
 
     The Merger Agreement provides that, to the fullest extent permitted under
applicable law or under the IIMAK Certificate or By-Laws and regardless of
whether the Merger becomes effective, IIMAK will indemnify and hold harmless,
and after the Effective Time, PAXAR and the Surviving Corporation will, to the
fullest extent permitted under applicable law or under the Surviving
Corporation's Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws as in effect at the
Effective Time, indemnify and hold harmless, each present and former director,
officer or employee of IIMAK or any of its subsidiaries (collectively, the
"Indemnified Parties") against any costs or expenses (including attorneys'
fees), judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages, liabilities and amounts paid
in settlement in connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or
investigation, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising
out of or pertaining to the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement,
or otherwise with respect to any acts or omissions occurring at or prior to the
Effective Time, to the same extent as provided in the IIMAK Certificate or By-
 
                                       45
<PAGE>   55
 
Laws or any applicable contract or agreement as in effect on the date of the
Merger Agreement, in each case for a period of six years after the date of the
Merger Agreement. The Merger Agreement also provides that PAXAR and the
Surviving Corporation will honor and fulfill in all respects the obligations of
IIMAK pursuant to indemnification agreements with the Company's directors and
officers existing at or before the date of the Merger Agreement. Those
indemnification agreements provide that the Surviving Corporation (i) shall
indemnify such officers or directors for all losses and reasonable expenses,
excluding fines, that are not covered under the directors' and officers'
liability insurance maintained by the Surviving Corporation, and that arise from
any claim or claims asserted against such officers or directors for certain
covered acts, as defined in the indemnification agreements, and (ii) the
Surviving Corporation will cooperate in the defense of any such matter;
provided, however, that the Surviving Corporation will not be liable for any
settlement effected without its written consent (which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld); and provided, further, that the Surviving Corporation
shall have no obligation to indemnify such officers or directors for any loss or
expense arising from certain excluded claims, as defined in the indemnification
agreements.
 
     For a period of six years after the Effective Time, PAXAR will cause the
Surviving Corporation to maintain in effect, if available, directors' and
officers' liability insurance covering those persons who are currently covered
by IIMAK's directors' and officers' liability insurance policy (a copy of which
has been made available to PAXAR) on terms comparable to those now applicable to
directors and officers of IIMAK.
 
     Employment and Benefit Matters.  For a period of not less than one year
following the Effective Time, PAXAR and the Surviving Corporation will cause the
employees of the Surviving Corporation to continue to participate in the benefit
programs in which they participate immediately prior to the Effective Time (each
such program being referred to as a "Benefit Plan") or, to the extent such
continued participation is not practicable, then such employees will be eligible
to participate in comparable plans or programs of PAXAR. To the extent that
service is relevant for purposes of eligibility, participation, vesting or
benefit accrual under any such employee benefit plan or program, IIMAK employees
will be credited for service accrued or deemed accrued with the Company prior to
the Effective Time, provided that such crediting of service does not result in
the duplication of benefits or any unintended windfall with respect to the
accrual of benefits.
 
     Notification of Certain Matters.  IIMAK and PAXAR will each give the other
prompt notice of the occurrence of any event that would be likely to cause any
representation or warranty of the notifying party contained in the Merger
Agreement to be materially untrue or inaccurate, or any failure of the notifying
party materially to comply with or satisfy any covenant, condition or agreement
in the Merger Agreement.
 
     Further Action; Tax Treatment.  Each of the parties to the Merger Agreement
agrees to use all reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions
and do, or cause to be done, other things necessary, proper or advisable to
consummate and make effective as promptly as practicable the transactions
contemplated by the Merger Agreement, to obtain in a timely manner all necessary
waivers, consents and approvals and to effect all necessary registrations and
filings, and otherwise to satisfy or cause to be satisfied all conditions
precedent to its obligations under the Merger Agreement. Each of PAXAR, Merger
Sub and IIMAK will use its best efforts to cause the Merger to qualify, and will
not (both before and after consummation of the Merger) take any actions which to
its knowledge could reasonably be expected to prevent the Merger from
qualifying, as a reorganization under the provisions of Section 368 of the Code.
 
     Public Announcements.  PAXAR and IIMAK have agreed to consult with each
other before issuing any press release and will not issue any press release or
make any public statement with respect to the Merger or the Merger Agreement
without the prior consent of the other party, which consent will not be
unreasonably withheld, except as required by law or the regulations of the NYSE
or the Nasdaq Stock Market, as the case may be.
 
     Conveyance Taxes.  PAXAR and IIMAK will cooperate in the preparation,
execution and filing of all returns, questionnaires, applications or other
documents regarding any real property transfer or gains, sales, use, transfer,
value added, stock transfer and stamp taxes, any transfer, recording,
registration and other fees, and any similar taxes that become payable in
connection with the transactions contemplated under the Merger Agreement that
are required or permitted to be filed at or before the Effective Time. PAXAR or
the Surviving
 
                                       46
<PAGE>   56
 
Corporation will pay any such taxes imposed in connection with, and the
transactions contemplated by, the Merger.
 
     NYSE and NASDAQ Listing; Listing of PAXAR Shares.  PAXAR and IIMAK will
each use its best efforts to continue the listing of PAXAR Common Stock and
IIMAK Common Stock on the NYSE and the Nasdaq Stock Market, respectively, during
the term of the Merger Agreement. PAXAR shall use its best efforts to cause the
PAXAR Shares to be issued in the Merger to be approved for listing, upon
official notice of issuance, on the NYSE.
 
     Accountant's Letters.  Upon reasonable notice from the other, IIMAK or
PAXAR will use their respective best efforts to cause KPMG Peat Marwick LLP or
Arthur Andersen LLP, respectively, to deliver to PAXAR or IIMAK, as the case may
be, a letter, dated within 2 business days of the effective date of the
Registration Statement covering such matters as are requested by PAXAR or IIMAK,
as the case may be, and as are customarily addressed in accountant's "comfort"
letters.
 
     Pooling Accounting Treatment.  Each of PAXAR and IIMAK agrees not to take
any action that to its knowledge could reasonably be expected to adversely
affect the ability of PAXAR to treat the Merger as a pooling of interests, and
each of PAXAR and IIMAK agrees to take such action as may be reasonably required
to negate the impact of any past actions which to its knowledge could reasonably
be expected to adversely impact the ability of PAXAR to treat the Merger as a
pooling of interests.
 
     Guarantee of Merger Sub Obligations.  PAXAR guarantees the full and
punctual performance by Merger Sub of all of Merger Sub's obligations under the
Merger Agreement.
 
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
 
     Conditions to Obligation of Each Party to Effect the Merger.  The
respective obligations of each party to effect the Merger are subject to the
satisfaction at or prior to the Effective Time of the following conditions:
 
          (i) Effectiveness of the Registration Statement.  The Registration
     Statement shall have been declared effective by the Commission under the
     Securities Act. No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
     Registration Statement shall have been issued by the Commission and no
     proceedings for that purpose and no similar proceeding in respect of this
     Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus shall have been initiated or threatened by
     the Commission.
 
          (ii) Stockholder Approval.  The IIMAK Merger Proposal shall have been
     approved and adopted by the requisite vote of the stockholders of IIMAK,
     and the PAXAR Share Proposal shall have been approved by the requisite vote
     of the shareholders of PAXAR.
 
          (iii) HSR Act, Etc.  The waiting period applicable to the consummation
     of the Merger under the HSR Act shall have expired or been terminated, and
     any requirements of other foreign jurisdictions applicable to the
     consummation of the Merger shall have been satisfied unless the failure of
     such requirements of other foreign jurisdictions to be satisfied does not
     constitute a Material Adverse Effect in respect of either IIMAK and its
     subsidiaries or PAXAR and its subsidiaries.
 
          (iv) Consents; Approvals.  All consents, waivers, approvals,
     authorizations or orders of third parties to the consummation of the Merger
     and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement shall have
     been obtained, except for those that, if not obtained, do not have a
     Material Adverse Effect.
 
          (v) No Injunctions or Restraints; Illegality.  No statute, rule,
     regulation, executive order, decree, ruling, temporary restraining order,
     preliminary or permanent injunction or other order shall have been enacted,
     entered, promulgated, enforced or issued by any court or governmental
     authority of competent jurisdiction or shall otherwise be in effect which
     prohibits, restrains, enjoins or restricts the consummation of the Merger.
 
          (vi) Blue Sky Laws.  All material permits and other authorizations
     necessary under the Blue Sky Laws to issue shares of PAXAR Common Stock
     pursuant to the Merger shall have been obtained.
 
                                       47
<PAGE>   57
 
          (viii) Bank Consents.  PAXAR shall have received the consent to the
     Merger of its principal bank lenders as well as the consent of a lender in
     connection with an industrial development bond loan.
 
          (vii) Listing.  The shares of PAXAR Common Stock issuable in the
     Merger shall have been approved for listing on the NYSE upon official
     notice of issuance.
 
     Additional Conditions to Obligations of PAXAR and Merger Sub.  The
obligations of PAXAR and Merger Sub to effect the Merger are also subject to the
following conditions:
 
          (i) Representations and Warranties.  The representations and
     warranties of IIMAK contained in the Merger Agreement shall be true and
     correct in all respects at and as of the Effective Time as if made at and
     as of such time, except for (1) changes contemplated by the Merger
     Agreement, and (2) those representations and warranties which address
     matters only as of a particular date (which shall have been true and
     correct as of such date), with the same force and effect as if made on and
     as of the Effective Time, and PAXAR and Merger Sub shall have received a
     certificate to such effect signed by the Chief Executive Officer and the
     President of IIMAK.
 
          (ii) Agreements and Covenants.  IIMAK shall have performed or complied
     in all material respects with all agreements and covenants required by the
     Merger Agreement to be performed or complied with by it at or prior to the
     Effective Time, and PAXAR and Merger Sub shall have received a certificate
     to such effect signed by the Chief Executive Officer and the President of
     IIMAK.
 
          (iii) Opinion of Counsel.  PAXAR shall have received a written opinion
     from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, counsel to IIMAK, in form and substance
     reasonably satisfactory to PAXAR.
 
          (iv) Opinion of Accountants.  PAXAR shall have received an opinion of
     each of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP and Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public
     accountants, to the effect that the Merger qualifies for pooling of
     interests accounting treatment if consummated in accordance with the Merger
     Agreement.
 
          (v) Affiliate Agreements.  PAXAR shall have received an Affiliate
     Agreement from each person who is identified in a letter delivered by IIMAK
     as an "affiliate" of IIMAK and such Affiliate Agreement shall be in full
     force and effect.
 
     Additional Conditions to Obligation of IIMAK.  The obligation of IIMAK to
effect the Merger is also subject to the following conditions:
 
          (i) Representations and Warranties.  The representations and
     warranties of PAXAR and Merger Sub contained in the Merger Agreement shall
     be true and correct in all respects at and as of the Effective Time as if
     made at and as of such time, except for (1) changes contemplated by the
     Merger Agreement, and (2) those representations and warranties which
     address matters only as of a particular date (which shall have been true
     and correct as of such date), with the same force and effect as if made on
     and as of the Effective Time, and IIMAK shall have received a certificate
     to such effect signed by the Chief Executive Officer and the President of
     PAXAR.
 
          (ii) Agreements and Covenants.  PAXAR and Merger Sub shall have
     performed or complied in all material respects with all agreements and
     covenants required by the Merger Agreement to be performed or complied with
     by them at or prior to the Effective Time, and IIMAK shall have received a
     certificate to such effect signed by the Chief Executive Officer and the
     President of PAXAR.
 
          (iii) Opinions of Counsel.  IIMAK shall have received a written
     opinion of Snow Becker Krauss P.C., counsel to PAXAR, in form and substance
     reasonably satisfactory to IIMAK.
 
          (iv) Opinion of Accountants.  IIMAK shall have received a copy of the
     opinions of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP and Arthur Andersen LLP, independent
     public accounts, regarding pooling of interest accounting treatment
     referred to above under "-- Conditions to the Merger -- Additional
     Conditions to Obligations of PAXAR and Merger Sub -- Opinion of
     Accountants."
 
                                       48
<PAGE>   58
 
          (v) Affiliate Agreements.  IIMAK shall have received an Affiliate
     Agreement from each person who is identified in a letter delivered by PAXAR
     as an "affiliate" of PAXAR, and such Affiliate Agreement shall be in full
     force and effect.
 
TERMINATION
 
     Conditions to Termination.  The Merger Agreement may be terminated at any
time prior to the Effective Time, notwithstanding approval thereof by the
stockholders of IIMAK or PAXAR:
 
          (i) by mutual written consent duly authorized by the Boards of
     Directors of PAXAR and IIMAK; or
 
          (ii) by either PAXAR or IIMAK if the Merger shall not have been
     consummated by December 31, 1997 (provided that such right to terminate the
     Merger Agreement will not be available to any party whose failure to
     fulfill any obligation under the Merger Agreement has been the cause of or
     resulted in the failure of the Merger to occur on or before such date); or
 
          (iii) by either PAXAR or IIMAK if a court of competent jurisdiction or
     governmental, regulatory or administrative agency or commission shall have
     issued a nonappealable final order, decree or ruling or taken any other
     action having the effect of permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise
     prohibiting the Merger (provided that such right to terminate the Merger
     Agreement shall not be available to any party who has not complied with its
     obligations described above under "-- Additional Agreements -- Further
     Action; Tax Treatment" and such noncompliance materially contributed to the
     issuance of any such order, decree or ruling or the taking of such action);
     or
 
          (iv) (A) by PAXAR, if the requisite vote of the stockholders of IIMAK
     shall not have been obtained at a duly held meeting of such stockholders or
     any adjournment thereof by December 31, 1997 or (B) by IIMAK, if the
     requisite vote of the stockholders of PAXAR shall not have been obtained at
     a duly held meeting of such stockholders or any adjournment thereof by
     December 31, 1997; or
 
          (v) by PAXAR or IIMAK, if: (A) the Board of Directors of IIMAK shall
     withdraw, modify or change its approval or recommendation of the Merger
     Agreement or the Merger in a manner materially adverse to PAXAR or shall
     have resolved to do so in accordance with the provisions described above
     under "-- Additional Agreements -- Stockholders Meetings"; (B) the Board of
     Directors of IIMAK shall have recommended to the stockholders of IIMAK an
     Alternative Transaction (as defined below); or (C) a tender offer or
     exchange offer for 50% or more of the outstanding shares of IIMAK Common
     Stock is commenced (other than by PAXAR or an affiliate of PAXAR) and the
     Board of Directors of IIMAK recommends that the stockholders of IIMAK
     tender their shares in such tender or exchange offer; or
 
          (vi) by IIMAK, if the Board of Directors of PAXAR shall withdraw,
     modify or change its approval or recommendation of the Merger Agreement or
     the Merger in a manner materially adverse to IIMAK or shall have resolved
     to do so in accordance with the provisions described above under
     "-- Additional Agreements -- Stockholders Meetings" or
 
          (vii) by IIMAK, if there has been (A) a material misrepresentation or
     breach of warranty in the representations and warranties made by PAXAR or
     Merger Sub, (B) a material default in the performance of an agreement made
     by PAXAR or Merger Sub as described under "-- Conduct of Business Pending
     the Merger" or " Additional Agreements" or (C) an intentional material
     misstatement or omission in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus or the
     Registration Statement by PAXAR, that in each such case cannot be cured at
     or prior to the Effective Time; or
 
          (viii) by PAXAR if there has been (A) a material misrepresentation or
     breach of warranty in the representations and warranties made by IIMAK, (B)
     a material default in the performance of an agreement made by IIMAK as
     described under "-- Conduct of Business Pending the Merger" or
     "-- Additional Agreements" or (C) an intentional material misstatement or
     omission in this Joint Proxy
 
                                       49
<PAGE>   59
 
     Statement/Prospectus or the Registration Statement by IIMAK, that in each
     such case cannot be cured at or prior to the Effective Time.
 
     As used in the Merger Agreement, "Alternative Transaction" means any of (1)
a transaction or series of transactions pursuant to which any person (or group
of persons) other than PAXAR or its subsidiaries or any of its affiliates (a
"Third Party") acquires or would acquire more than 50% of the outstanding shares
of IIMAK Common Stock, whether from IIMAK or pursuant to a tender offer or
exchange offer or otherwise, (2) any acquisition or proposed acquisition of
IIMAK or any of its subsidiaries by a merger or other business combination
(including any so-called "merger of equals" and whether or not IIMAK or any of
its subsidiaries is the entity surviving any such merger or business
combination) or (3) any other transaction pursuant to which any Third Party
acquires or would acquire control of assets (including for this purpose the
outstanding equity securities of subsidiaries of IIMAK and any entity surviving
any merger or business combination including any of them) of IIMAK or any of its
subsidiaries having a fair market value equal to more than 50% of the fair
market value of all the assets of IIMAK and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole,
immediately prior to such transaction.
 
     Effect of Termination.  In the event of the termination of the Merger
Agreement, the Merger Agreement shall forthwith become void and there will be no
liability on the part of any party thereto or any of its affiliates, directors,
officers or stockholders except (1) as otherwise set forth under
"-- Termination -- Fees and Expenses" below, and (2) nothing in the Merger
Agreement will relieve any party from liability for any breach thereof occurring
prior to termination, provided that if IIMAK is required to pay the fee
described under "-- Termination -- Fees and Expenses", IIMAK will have no other
liability to PAXAR or Merger Sub and will be relieved of any and all other
liabilities for any breach of the Merger Agreement occurring prior to
termination. The Confidentiality Letters will survive termination of the Merger
Agreement as set forth therein.
 
  Fees and Expenses.
 
     Except as set forth below, all fees and expenses incurred in connection
with the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby will be paid
by the party incurring such expenses, whether or not the Merger is consummated.
 
     The Merger Agreement requires IIMAK to pay PAXAR the Fee if:
 
          (i) The Merger Agreement is terminated by PAXAR or IIMAK on the basis
     described under clause (v) of " Termination -- Conditions to Termination"
     above; or
 
          (ii) All of the following events have occurred:
 
             (A) a bona fide Alternative Transaction is publicly commenced,
        publicly disclosed, publicly proposed or publicly communicated to IIMAK
        at any time on or after the date of the Merger Agreement and on or prior
        to the date of the IIMAK Special Meeting (including the last date on
        which any adjourned session thereof is reconvened); and
 
             (B) either PAXAR or IIMAK terminates the Merger Agreement pursuant
        to the section of the Merger Agreement described under clause (ii) of
        "-- Termination -- Conditions to Termination" above or PAXAR terminates
        the Merger Agreement pursuant to the section of the Merger Agreement
        described under clause (iv)(A) of "-- Termination -- Conditions to
        Termination" above if, in the case of termination under either such
        clause, the requisite vote for approval and adoption of the Merger
        Agreement by the stockholders of IIMAK shall not have been obtained by
        December 31, 1997; and
 
             (C) thereafter on or prior to the first anniversary of the date of
        termination, (1) such Alternative Transaction is consummated or (B)
        there is consummated any transaction, whether or not commenced, publicly
        disclosed, publicly proposed or communicated to IIMAK prior to such
        termination, that would constitute an Alternative Transaction; or
 
                                       50
<PAGE>   60
 
          (iii) PAXAR terminates the Merger Agreement as described under clause
     (ii) of "-- Termination -- Conditions to Termination" and the Merger shall
     not have been consummated by December 31, 1997 as a result of the failure
     of IIMAK to fulfill its obligations under the Merger Agreement; or
 
          (iv) PAXAR terminates the Merger Agreement as described under clause
     (iii) of "-- Termination -- Conditions to Termination" and the failure of
     IIMAK to comply with its obligations described under "-- Additional
     Agreements -- Further Action; Tax Treatment" materially contributed to the
     issuance of any order, decree or ruling or the taking of any action
     referred to in clause (iii).
 
     IIMAK will not be required to pay the Fee to PAXAR if, immediately prior to
the termination of the Merger Agreement, PAXAR was in material breach of its
obligations under the Merger Agreement.
 
AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
 
     The Merger Agreement may be amended in writing by the parties by action
taken by or on behalf of their respective Boards of Directors at any time prior
to the Effective Time, provided that after approval of the Merger by the
stockholders of IIMAK, no amendment may be made which by law requires further
approval by such stockholders without such further approval.
 
     At any time prior to the Effective Time, any party to the Merger Agreement
may, with respect to any other party, extend the time for the performance of any
of the obligations or other acts, waive any inaccuracies in the representations
and warranties contained in the Merger Agreement or in any document delivered
pursuant to the Merger Agreement, or waive compliance with any of the agreements
or conditions contained in the Merger Agreement. Any such extension or waiver
will be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed by the party
or parties to be bound thereby.
 
                                OTHER AGREEMENTS
 
     The descriptions of the Continuity Agreements between IIMAK and its
executive officers, the Restricted Stock Agreement between IIMAK and John W.
O'Leary, its President and Chief Executive Officer, and the Affiliate Agreements
contained in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, while containing all
material provisions of such agreements, do not purport to be complete and are
qualified in their entirety by reference to such agreements, which are either
filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement of which this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus is a part or incorporated by reference into such
Registration Statement.
 
                                       51
<PAGE>   61
 
                   COMPARATIVE PER SHARE PRICES AND DIVIDENDS
 
                                     PAXAR
 
     PAXAR Common Stock is listed and traded on the NYSE. The following table
sets forth the high and low sales prices per share of PAXAR Common Stock as
reported on the NYSE Composite Transactions Tape:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       PAXAR COMMON
                                                                         STOCK(1)
                                                                     -----------------
                                                                      HIGH       LOW
                                                                     ------     ------
        <S>                                                          <C>        <C>
        Calendar 1994
          First quarter............................................  $ 6.50     $ 5.06
          Second quarter...........................................  $ 6.00     $ 5.06
          Third quarter............................................  $ 5.81     $ 5.56
          Fourth quarter...........................................  $ 6.13     $ 5.00
 
        Calendar 1995:
          First quarter............................................  $ 6.50     $ 4.94
          Second quarter...........................................  $10.25     $ 6.25
          Third quarter............................................  $10.31     $ 7.44
          Fourth quarter...........................................  $ 9.81     $ 7.31
 
        Calendar 1996:
          First quarter............................................  $10.63     $ 7.13
          Second quarter...........................................  $11.81     $ 9.81
          Third quarter............................................  $13.63     $12.00
          Fourth quarter...........................................  $15.00     $12.44
 
        Calendar 1997:
          First quarter............................................  $16.81     $13.13
          Second quarter...........................................  $16.25     $14.25
          Third quarter (through September 19).....................  $21.06     $13.65
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) The sales prices have been adjusted to give effect to the Stock Dividend, as
    well as 25% stock dividends issued in each of 1994, 1995 and 1996. PAXAR did
    not pay cash dividends in any of those years.
 
     On July 15, 1997, the last trading day prior to announcement of the
execution of the Merger Agreement, the closing price per share of PAXAR Common
Stock as reported on the NYSE Composite Transactions Tape was $14.9375. On
September 19, 1997, the closing price per share of PAXAR Common Stock as
reported on the NYSE Composite Transactions Tape was $20.63. Shareholders are
urged to obtain current market quotations.
 
                                       52
<PAGE>   62
 
                                     IIMAK
 
     IIMAK Common Stock is listed and traded on the NASDAQ National Market. The
following table sets forth the high and low sales prices per share of IIMAK
Common Stock for the calendar quarters presented below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       IIMAK COMMON
                                                                           STOCK
                                                                     -----------------
                                                                      HIGH       LOW
                                                                     ------     ------
        <S>                                                          <C>        <C>
        Calendar 1994:
          First quarter............................................  $20.25     $15.25
          Second quarter...........................................  $20.25     $15.00
          Third quarter............................................  $25.00     $18.50
          Fourth quarter...........................................  $33.75     $21.88
 
        Calendar 1995:
          First quarter............................................  $30.50     $25.25
          Second quarter...........................................  $29.25     $21.75
          Third quarter............................................  $27.38     $18.00
          Fourth quarter...........................................  $28.50     $19.94
 
        Calendar 1996:
          First quarter............................................  $26.00     $16.25
          Second quarter...........................................  $24.00     $16.25
          Third quarter............................................  $24.50     $20.00
          Fourth quarter...........................................  $26.00     $21.25
 
        Calendar 1997:
          First quarter............................................  $24.00     $14.75
          Second quarter...........................................  $19.00     $14.25
          Third Quarter (through September 19).....................  $31.00     $15.88
</TABLE>
 
     On July 15, 1997, the last trading day prior to announcement of the
execution of the Merger Agreement, the closing price per share of IIMAK Common
Stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market was $16.50. On September 19,
1997, the closing price per share of IIMAK Common Stock as reported on the
Nasdaq National Market was $30.06. Stockholders are urged to obtain current
market quotations.
 
POST-MERGER DIVIDEND POLICY
 
     It is the current intention of the Board of Directors of PAXAR to declare
stock dividends on the PAXAR Common Stock consistent with prior practice.
Shareholders should note that future dividends will be determined by PAXAR's
Board of Directors in light of PAXAR's earnings and financial condition, the
price of PAXAR Common Stock and other factors.
 
                                       53
<PAGE>   63
 
                     UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED
                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
     The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements assume a
business combination between PAXAR and IIMAK accounted for on a
pooling-of-interests basis and are based on each company's respective historical
audited and unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, which
are incorporated herein by reference. The selected historical data for 1996 and
1997 reflects the historical results of PAXAR adjusted to include the results of
Monarch as if Monarch had been acquired on January 1, 1996. The unaudited pro
forma condensed combined balance sheet combines PAXAR's and IIMAK's consolidated
condensed balance sheets as of June 30, 1997, giving effect to the Merger as if
it had occurred on June 30, 1997.
 
     The unaudited pro forma combined condensed statements of income combine
PAXAR's historical results for the six months ended June 30, 1997, and the years
ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, with IIMAK's historical results for the
six months ended June 30, 1997, and the years ended March 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995, respectively, giving effect to the Merger as if it had occurred on January
1, 1994.
 
     The pro forma information is presented for illustrative purposes only and
is not necessarily indicative of the operating results or financial position
that would have occurred if the Merger had been consummated at the beginning of
the earliest period presented, nor is it necessarily indicative of future
operating results or the future financial position of PAXAR.
 
                                       54
<PAGE>   64
 
                                PAXAR AND IIMAK
 
                     UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED
                              STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                        -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                              PAXAR                               PRO FORMA        PRO
                                        DECEMBER 31, 1996         IIMAK          ADJUSTMENTS      FORMA
                                               (3)            MARCH 31, 1997        (1C)         COMBINED
                                        -----------------     --------------     -----------     --------
<S>                                     <C>                   <C>                <C>             <C>
Sales.................................      $ 479,073            $106,894          $(7,341)      $578,626
Cost of sales.........................        285,606              75,737           (7,220)       354,123
                                             --------            --------           ------       --------
Gross profit..........................        193,467              31,157             (121)       224,503
Selling, general & administrative.....        143,639              13,216                         156,855
                                             --------            --------           ------       --------
Operating income......................         49,828              17,941             (121)        67,648
Interest expense, net.................         20,529                 562                          21,091
                                             --------            --------           ------       --------
Income before income taxes............         29,299              17,379             (121)        46,557
Taxes on income.......................          9,607               6,083              (40)        15,650
                                             --------            --------           ------       --------
Net income............................      $  19,692            $ 11,296          $   (81)      $ 30,907
                                             ========            ========           ======       ========
Weighted average shares outstanding...         36,736               8,967                          50,187
Earnings per share....................      $    0.54            $   1.26                        $   0.62
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                        -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  PRO FORMA        PRO
                                              PAXAR               IIMAK          ADJUSTMENTS      FORMA
                                        DECEMBER 31, 1995     MARCH 31, 1996        (1C)         COMBINED
                                        -----------------     --------------     -----------     --------
<S>                                     <C>                   <C>                <C>             <C>
Sales.................................      $ 201,436            $ 88,448          $  (513)      $289,371
Cost of sales.........................        128,412              62,253             (513)       190,152
                                             --------             -------             ----       --------
Gross profit..........................         73,024              26,195                          99,219
Selling, general & administrative.....         49,887              10,924                          60,811
                                             --------             -------             ----       --------
Operating income......................         23,137              15,271                          38,408
Equity in net income of affiliate.....           (592)                 --                            (592)
Interest expense, net.................          1,628                  35                           1,663
                                             --------             -------             ----       --------
Income before income taxes............         22,101              15,236                          37,337
Taxes on income.......................          6,392               5,333                          11,725
                                             --------             -------             ----       --------
Net income............................      $  15,709            $  9,903          $             $ 25,612
                                             ========             =======             ====       ========
Weighted average shares outstanding...         35,035               9,224                          48,871
Earnings per share....................      $    0.45            $   1.07                        $   0.52
</TABLE>
 
    See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements
 
                                       55
<PAGE>   65
 
                                PAXAR AND IIMAK
 
                     UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED
                              STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
                                        -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  PRO FORMA        PRO
                                              PAXAR               IIMAK          ADJUSTMENTS      FORMA
                                        DECEMBER 31, 1994     MARCH 31, 1995        (1C)         COMBINED
                                        -----------------     --------------     -----------     --------
<S>                                     <C>                   <C>                <C>             <C>
Sales.................................      $ 166,612            $ 85,477          $  (424)      $251,665
Cost of sales.........................        107,393              59,968             (424)       166,937
                                             --------             -------             ----       --------
Gross profit..........................         59,219              25,509                          84,728
Selling, general & administrative.....         41,238               9,572                          50,810
                                             --------             -------             ----       --------
Operating income......................         17,981              15,937                          33,918
Interest expense (income), net........            921                (143)                            778
                                             --------             -------             ----       --------
Income before income taxes............         17,060              16,080                          33,140
Taxes on income.......................          5,459               6,110                          11,569
                                             --------             -------             ----       --------
Net income............................      $  11,601            $  9,970          $             $ 21,571
                                             ========             =======             ====       ========
Weighted average shares outstanding...         34,279               9,093                          47,918
Earnings per share....................      $    0.34            $   1.10                        $   0.45
</TABLE>
 
    See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements
 
                                       56
<PAGE>   66
 
                                PAXAR AND IIMAK
 
                     UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED
                              STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
                                           --------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                             PRO
                                                                          PRO FORMA         FORMA
                                           PAXAR(3)(4)      IIMAK      ADJUSTMENTS(1C)     COMBINED
                                           -----------     -------     ---------------     --------
<S>                                        <C>             <C>         <C>                 <C>
Sales....................................   $ 254,475      $54,075         $(4,150)        $304,400
Cost of sales............................     150,876       38,967          (4,052)         185,791
                                             --------      -------          ------         --------
Gross profit.............................     103,599       15,108             (98)         118,609
Selling, general & administrative........      78,815        7,468                           86,283
                                             --------      -------          ------         --------
Operating income.........................      24,784        7,640             (98)          32,326
Interest expense, net....................       8,515          403                            8,918
                                             --------      -------          ------         --------
Income before income taxes...............      16,269        7,237             (98)          23,408
Taxes on income..........................       5,684        2,467             (33)           8,118
                                             --------      -------          ------         --------
Income before extraordinary item.........      10,585        4,770             (65)          15,290
Extraordinary item net of tax............      (8,575)          --                           (8,575)
                                             --------      -------          ------         --------
Net income...............................   $   2,010      $ 4,770         $   (65)        $  6,715
                                             ========      =======          ======         ========
Weighted average shares outstanding......      36,650        8,623                           49,585
Earnings per share:
  Income before extraordinary item.......   $    0.29      $  0.55                         $   0.31
  Extraordinary item.....................       (0.24)          --                            (0.17)
                                             --------      -------                         --------
  Net income.............................   $    0.05      $  0.55                         $   0.14
                                             ========      =======                         ========
</TABLE>
 
    See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements
 
                                       57
<PAGE>   67
 
                                PAXAR AND IIMAK
 
                     UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED
                                 BALANCE SHEET
                                 JUNE 30, 1997
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PRO FORMA          PRO FORMA
                                               PAXAR          IIMAK        ADJUSTMENTS         COMBINED
                                             ----------     ----------     -----------         ---------
<S>                                          <C>            <C>            <C>                 <C>
                                                 ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash.....................................   $  14,010      $      11       $(4,000)(1B)      $  10,021
  Short-term investments...................       3,063             --                             3,063
  Receivables -- net.......................      86,476         17,000        (1,121)(1C)        102,355
  Inventories -- net.......................      82,348         16,718                            99,066
  Other current assets.....................      10,779          1,507                            12,286
  Deferred income taxes....................       5,414          1,500                             6,914
                                               --------       --------       -------            --------
     Total current assets..................     202,090         36,736        (5,121)            233,705
                                               --------       --------       -------            --------
Property, plant and equipment -- net.......     106,385         77,144                           183,529
Long term investment.......................       5,045             --                             5,045
Goodwill...................................     168,878             --                           168,878
Other assets...............................       4,064          4,862                             8,926
                                               --------       --------       -------            --------
                                              $ 486,462      $ 118,742       $(5,121)          $ 600,083
                                               ========       ========       =======            ========
 
                                  LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Due to banks.............................   $     262      $  15,000       $                 $  15,262
  Notes payable............................       5,908             --                             5,908
  Current maturities of long term debt.....         578          1,095                             1,673
  Accounts payable and accrued
     liabilities...........................      72,457          8,936        (1,121)(1C)         80,272
  Accrued taxes on income..................       4,528             --                             4,528
                                               --------       --------       -------            --------
     Total current liabilities.............      83,733         25,031        (1,121)            107,643
                                               --------       --------       -------            --------
Long term debt.............................     233,304            744                           234,048
Deferred income taxes......................      11,233          9,496                            20,729
Other liabilities..........................       6,596             --                             6,596
Shareholders' equity:
  Common stock.............................       2,859             83           914(1A)           3,856
  Paid-in capital..........................      69,940         37,483          (914)(1A)        106,509
  Retained earnings........................      81,697         45,905        (4,000)(1B)        123,602
  Foreign currency translation
     adjustments...........................      (2,900)            --                            (2,900)
                                               --------       --------       -------            --------
     Total shareholders' equity............     151,596         83,471        (4,000)            231,067
                                               --------       --------       -------            --------
                                              $ 486,462      $ 118,742       $(5,121)          $ 600,083
                                               ========       ========       =======            ========
</TABLE>
 
    See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements
 
                                       58
<PAGE>   68
 
                                PAXAR AND IIMAK
 
                NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED
                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                  (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE INFORMATION)
 
NOTE 1:  PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS
 
     (A) The shareholders' equity accounts of PAXAR and IIMAK as of June 30,
1997, have been adjusted to reflect the issuance of approximately 12.5 million
shares of PAXAR Common Stock in accordance with the Exchange Ratio under the
Merger Agreement. The Minimum Exchange Ratio determined under the Merger
Agreement is 1.5, and the Maximum Exchange Ratio is 1.765. Based on the price of
PAXAR Common Stock as of September 19, 1997, the Exchange Ratio would be 1.5,
and therefore, the pro forma financial statements reflect the Minimum Exchange
Ratio of 1.5. If the Maximum Exchange Ratio were used, the per share data would
decrease by approximately 5%.
 
     (B) Direct costs of the Merger are estimated at approximately $4,000. The
pro forma balance sheet gives effect to direct costs of the Merger as if they
had been incurred as of June 30, 1997, but the pro forma combined condensed
statements of income do not give effect to such expenses.
 
     (C) The pro forma adjustment reflects the elimination of intercompany
receivables and payables on the pro forma balance sheet as of June 30, 1997, and
the elimination of intercompany sales and gross profit in inventory, net of
income taxes as applicable in the pro forma statements of income.
 
NOTE 2:  PRO FORMA EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
     The pro forma earnings per share have been adjusted to reflect the Minimum
Exchange Ratio of 1.5 shares of PAXAR Common Stock for each share of IIMAK
Common Stock. The pro forma earnings per share has been adjusted to reflect the
Stock Dividend.
 
NOTE 3:  PAXAR -- ACQUISITION OF MONARCH
 
     On March 3, 1997, PAXAR acquired the 51% of Monarch it did not already own.
The pro forma statements of income for the year ended December 31, 1996, and for
the six months ended June 30, 1997, reflect this acquisition as if it had
occurred on January 1, 1996. The revenues of Monarch for the year ended December
31, 1996, and the two months ended February 28, 1997, were $260,000 and $40,000,
respectively. The 1996 and 1997 results of PAXAR have been adjusted to reflect
the pro forma interest expense on debt incurred in connection with the
acquisition and the amortization of goodwill that arose in connection therewith.
 
NOTE 4:  PAXAR -- INTEGRATION/RESTRUCTURING COST AND EXTRAORDINARY ITEM, NET OF
TAX
 
     During the quarter ended June 30, 1997, PAXAR implemented an integration
and restructuring program associated with the acquisition of Monarch which
reduced operating income by $2,086. These costs have been included in selling,
general and administrative expenses.
 
     The extraordinary item of $8,575 net of tax of $5,100 is the result of the
early extinguishment of Monarch's 12 1/2% Senior Notes due July 1, 2003.
 
NOTE 5:  IIMAK -- CURRENT QUARTER OUTLOOK
 
     IIMAK anticipates that net income for the quarter ending September 30,
1997, will be lower than IIMAK's net income for the quarter ended October 1,
1996, principally due to a decline in revenues. The lower sales are a result of
the anticipated decline in the traditional desktop color business. The
comparable quarter also included a significant one-time increase in orders from
a sister licensee. There is no anticipated long-term change to IIMAK's business
or outlook. All other elements of IIMAK's business are ahead of the comparable
quarter. Further, IIMAK expects continuing growth in its new markets, market
share growth in its distribution business, and additional ribbon sales from
Paxar/Monarch worldwide.
 
                                       59
<PAGE>   69
 
                                 THE COMPANIES
 
PAXAR CORPORATION
 
     PAXAR is a leading manufacturer and distributor of label systems, bar code
systems, labels, tags and related supplies and services for apparel
manufacturers and retailers. PAXAR's apparel products are manufactured in North
and South America, Europe and Asia and distributed in over 50 countries. Label
systems, consisting mainly of hot-stamp printers and related supplies and
services, are sold to PAXAR's customers for in-plant label printing. Bar code
systems, consisting of electronic printers and related supplies, print data on
labels and tags to provide accurate product, inventory and point of sale
information for integration with sophisticated data systems. Labels and tags are
attached to apparel by manufacturers and retailers to identify and promote their
products, allow automated data collection and provide brand identification and
consumer information such as size, fabric content and care instructions. Labels
are attached to garments early in the manufacturing process and must withstand
all production processes and remain legible through washing and dry cleaning by
the end user. To a limited extent, PAXAR's products also include tags and labels
for sheets, towels, pillow cases and other white goods.
 
     Through its wholly-owned subsidiary Monarch, PAXAR markets and distributes
(i) IPS labelers that print pressure-sensitive (i.e., adhesive backed) price and
other identification labels and affix them onto merchandise for retailers, and
(ii) AIS printers, which are used in a wide range of retail and industrial
applications, including inventory management and distribution systems. Monarch
also manufactures and markets supplies used in both its IPS labelers and AIS
printers and provides extensive service to its installed base of machines.
Monarch is a leading manufacturer and marketer of retail price marking equipment
and supplies in the United States. Monarch also sells its products directly and
through distributors in 75 countries. Both PAXAR and Monarch are customers of
IIMAK.
 
INTERNATIONAL IMAGING MATERIALS, INC.
 
     IIMAK is the largest manufacturer in North America of thermal transfer
ribbons for numerous diverse applications. These thermal transfer ribbons are
used in bar code printers to print single-color and full-color tags and labels
for use in manufacturing and factory automation systems, shipping and
distribution systems, and in retail price tag, packaging and medical
applications. Other thermal transfer ribbons produced by IIMAK are used in
full-color printers to print high quality color graphics for business
presentations, engineering and scientific drawings, graphic arts prepress
layouts, proofs and comps, signage and other full color imaging applications.
IIMAK also manufactures MICR ribbons for thermal transfer proof encoders used to
encode checks for processing through the United States banking system, as well
as ribbons used in plain-paper thermal transfer facsimile machines.
 
                       COMPARATIVE RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDERS
 
     At the Effective Time, each share of IIMAK Common Stock will be converted
into shares of PAXAR Common Stock equal to the Exchange Ratio, and holders of
IIMAK Common Stock will become shareholders of PAXAR, a New York corporation. As
a result, their rights as shareholders of PAXAR will be governed by the NYBCL,
and the PAXAR Certificate and By-Laws. The following is a summary of the
material differences between the rights of holders of IIMAK Common Stock and
holders of PAXAR Common Stock. Such differences arise from differences between
various provisions of the NYBCL and the DGCL, as well as the IIMAK Certificate
and By-Laws and the the PAXAR Certificate and By-Laws. In addition, on August
26, 1997 New York State enacted amendments to the NYBCL (the "NYBCL
Amendments"), which will become effective 180 days thereafter. A summary of
certain of the NYBCL Amendments is also provided. This summary does not purport
to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the relevant
provisions of New York and Delaware law and to the PAXAR Certificate and By-Laws
and the IIMAK Certificate and By-Laws. The PAXAR Certificate and By-Laws and the
IIMAK Certificate and By-Laws are exhibits to the Registration Statement of
which this Joint Proxy Statement/ Prospectus is a part or to documents that are
incorporated therein by reference and are further incorporated herein by
reference.
 
                                       60
<PAGE>   70
 
SPECIAL MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
 
     Under the NYBCL, a special meeting of shareholders may be called by the
board of directors or by such person or persons as may be authorized to do so in
the certificate of incorporation or by-laws. In addition, if an annual
shareholder meeting has not been held for a certain period of time and a
sufficient number of directors were not elected to conduct the business of the
corporation, the board shall call a special meeting for the election of
directors. If the board fails to do so, or if sufficient directors are not
elected within a certain period, holders of 10% of the shares entitled to vote
in an election of directors may call a special meeting for such an election.
 
     Similarly, the DGCL provides that special meetings of the stockholders may
be called by the board of directors or by such person or persons as may be
authorized by the certificate of incorporation or the by-laws. Additionally, if
the annual meeting for election of directors is not held on the designated date,
the directors must hold the meeting as soon thereafter as is convenient. In the
event that no annual meeting is held for a specified period, the Court of
Chancery may summarily order a meeting to be held upon the application of any
stockholder or director.
 
     PAXAR's By-Laws provide that special meetings of the shareholders may be
called at any time by the Board of Directors or the President, and must be
called by the Secretary upon written request of a shareholder or shareholders
holding of record at least 10% of the outstanding shares entitled to vote at
such a meeting. IIMAK's By-Laws provide that special meetings of the stockholder
may only be called by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or the
President.
 
VACANCIES ON THE BOARD
 
     Under the NYBCL, newly created directorships resulting from an increase in
the number of directors and vacancies occurring on the board for any reason,
except the removal of directors without cause, may be filled by vote of the
board, and if the number of directors remaining in office is less than a quorum,
by vote of the majority of directors then in office. However, the certificate of
incorporation or by-laws may provide that such newly created directorships or
vacancies are to be filled by vote of the shareholders and the certificate of
incorporation may impose greater requirements relating to the quorum and vote of
directors needed to fill such vacancies. Unless the certificate of incorporation
or the specific provision of a by-law adopted by the stockholders provide
otherwise, vacancies occurring on the board by reasons of the removal of
directors without cause may be filled only by vote of the shareholders. A
director elected to fill a vacancy, unless elected by the shareholders, will
hold office until the next meeting of shareholders at which the election of
directors is in the regular order of business and until his or her successor has
been elected and qualified.
 
     The DGCL provides that, unless otherwise provided in the certificate of
incorporation or by-laws, vacancies and newly created directorships resulting
from an increase in the authorized number of directors elected by all of the
stockholders having the right to vote as a single class may be filled by a
majority of the directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by a
sole director; however, when the certificate of incorporation provides for class
or series voting for one or more directors, vacancies and newly created
directorships of such class or series may be filled by a majority of the
directors elected by such class or series then in office, or by a sole remaining
director so elected. In addition, the DGCL provides that in the case of a
corporation having a classified board, any directors chosen to fill newly
created directorships or vacancies shall hold office until the next election of
the class for which such directors shall have been chosen and until his
successor has been elected and qualified.
 
     The NYBCL Amendments provide that when a director that was elected by the
holders of a particular class of securities is removed or resigns, the vacancy
may be filled by a majority of the directors elected by such class or, if there
are no other directors elected by such class, in the manner any other vacancy is
filled.
 
     Both PAXAR's and IIMAK's By-Laws provide that any vacancy in the respective
Boards of Directors may be filled by a majority vote of the remaining directors,
even if less than a quorum, or by the stockholders. IIMAK's By-Laws additionally
provide that whenever a director that was elected by the holders of a particular
class of securities is removed by such holders acting at a special meeting
called for that purpose, the vacancy
 
                                       61
<PAGE>   71
 
may be filled at that meeting only by such holders. In the event that any
vacancy is not filled at the meeting at which the removal was made, it may be
filled in the same manner as any other vacancy.
 
REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS
 
     The NYBCL permits shareholders to remove any or all directors for cause
and, if the certificate of incorporation or by-laws so provide, without cause;
provided, however, that (i) if the corporation has cumulative voting, no
director may be removed when the votes cast against removal would be sufficient
to elect him if voted cumulatively at an election at which the same total number
of votes were cast and the entire board, or the entire class of directors of
which the director, for which removal is sought, is a member, were then being
elected, and (ii) when the certificate of incorporation provides that a class or
series, voting as a class, is entitled to elect one or more directors, any
director so elected may be removed only by the applicable vote of the holders of
the shares of that class or series. In addition, if provided for in the
certificate of incorporation or specific provisions of the by-laws adopted by
the shareholders, the board of directors may remove any director with cause,
except in the case of a director elected by cumulative voting or by any class or
series voting as a separate class. Finally, an action to procure a judgment to
remove a director for cause may be brought by the attorney general or by the
holders of ten percent of the outstanding shares, whether or not such holders
are entitled to vote.
 
     Under the DGCL, any director or the entire board of directors may be
removed, with or without cause, by the holders of a majority of the shares
entitled to vote at an election of directors, except (i) in the case of a
corporation having a classified board, stockholders may effect such removal only
for cause unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise, and (ii)
in the case of a corporation having cumulative voting, if less than the entire
board is to be removed, no director may be removed without cause if the votes
cast against his removal would be sufficient to elect him if cumulatively voted
at an election of the entire board of directors, or, if there are classes of
directors, at an election of the class of directors of which he is a part. IIMAK
has a classified board with the directors elected to three year terms.
 
     PAXAR'S By-Laws provide that any Director may be removed, with or without
cause, at any time by the shareholders at a special meeting thereof, or by the
Board of Directors at a special meeting thereof. The IIMAK Certificate and
By-Laws provide that no director or class of directors may be removed by the
stockholders without cause.
 
AMENDMENTS TO THE BY-LAWS
 
     Under the NYBCL, except as otherwise provided in the certificate of
incorporation, by-laws may be amended, repealed or adopted by the holders of
shares entitled to vote for the election of any director. When so provided in
the certificate of incorporation or a by-law adopted by the shareholders,
by-laws may also be amended, repealed or adopted by the board by such vote as
may be therein specified, which may be greater than the vote otherwise
prescribed by law, but any by-law adopted by the board may be amended or
repealed by the stockholders entitled to vote thereon.
 
     Under the DGCL, after a corporation receives payment for any of its stock,
the power to adopt, amend or repeal by-laws resides exclusively in the
stockholders entitled to vote in respect thereof, unless the certificate of
incorporation confers a concurrent power on the board of directors. The grant of
such concurrent power to the board of directors, however, will not divest the
shareholders of their power nor limit their rights with respect to adoption and
amendment of by-laws.
 
     While the PAXAR Certificate is silent on the matter of amending the
By-Laws, the IIMAK Certificate expressly authorizes the Board of Directors to
make, alter and repeal the By-Laws.
 
AMENDMENTS TO THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
 
     Under the NYBCL, a corporation may amend its certificate of incorporation,
provided such amendment contains only such provisions as might be lawfully
contained in an original certificate of incorporation filed at the time of
making such amendment. An amendment or change of the certificate of
incorporation may be
 
                                       62
<PAGE>   72
 
authorized by a vote of the board, followed by a vote of the holders of a
majority of all outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon at a meeting of
shareholders. Alternatively, the Board may authorize an amendment to the
corporation's certificate of incorporation respecting certain specified matters.
 
     Notwithstanding any provision in its certificate of incorporation, the
holders of shares of a class or series shall be entitled to vote and to vote as
a class upon the authorization of an amendment and, in addition to the
authorization of the amendment by a vote of the holders of a majority of all
outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon, the proposed amendment shall be
authorized by a vote of the holders of a majority of all outstanding shares of
the class or series when it would (i) exclude or limit their right to vote on
any matter, except as such right may be limited by voting rights given to new
shares of any existing or new class or series then being authorized, (ii) affect
par value, the number of authorized shares, designation, relative rights,
preferences, limitations and conversion rights, or (iii) subordinate their
rights, authorizing shares having preferences which would be superior to their
rights.
 
     Where any proposed amendment would adversely affect or subordinate the
rights of holders of shares of only one or more series of any class, but not the
entire class, then only the holders of each series whose rights would be
adversely affected or subordinated would be considered a separate class for
purposes of voting on the authorization of the proposed amendment.
 
     The NYBCL Amendments provide that when a provision of the certificate of
incorporation requires action by the board or the holders of any securities
holding voting power to be by a vote of a greater proportion than is required by
any section of the NYBCL, that provision may only be altered, amended or
modified by such greater vote.
 
     Under the DGCL, after a corporation has received payment for its stock, an
amendment to the corporation's certificate of incorporation must be effected
through the adoption of a resolution by the corporation's board of directors
that sets forth the proposed amendment, declares its advisability and either
calls for a special meeting of the stockholders entitled to vote thereon or
directs that the proposed amendment be considered at the next annual meeting of
stockholders. Such amendment may be adopted by a vote of a majority of the
outstanding stock entitled to vote thereon, and a majority of the outstanding
stock of each class entitled to vote thereon as a class.
 
INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES
 
     Under the NYBCL, a corporation may indemnify any person made, or threatened
to be made, a party to any action or proceeding, except for shareholder
derivative suits, by reason of the fact that he or she was a director or officer
of the corporation, provided such director or officer acted in good faith for a
purpose which he or she reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the
corporation and, in criminal proceedings, in addition, had no reasonable cause
to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. Indemnification may be provided
against judgments, fines, amounts paid in settlement and reasonable expenses,
including attorney's fees actually and necessarily incurred as a result of such
action, proceeding or appeal therefrom. New York law also provides that expenses
incurred in defending a civil or criminal action may be paid by the corporation
in advance of the final disposition of such proceedings upon receipt of an
undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount if
it is ultimately determined that such person was not entitled to such
indemnification.
 
     In the case of shareholder derivative suits, the corporation may indemnify
any person by reason of the fact that he or she was a director or officer of the
corporation if he or she acted in good faith for a purpose which he or she
reasonably believed to be in the best interest of the corporation, except that
no indemnification may be made in respect of (i) a threatened action, or a
pending action which is settled or otherwise disposed of, or (ii) any claim,
issue or matter as to which such person has been adjudged to be liable to the
corporation, unless and only to the extent that the court in which the action
was brought, or, if no action was brought, any court of competent jurisdiction,
determines upon application that, in view of all the circumstances of the case,
the person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such portion of
the settlement amount and expenses as the court deems proper.
 
                                       63
<PAGE>   73
 
     The indemnification and advancement of the expenses described above under
the NYBCL is not exclusive of other indemnification rights to which a director
or officer may be entitled, whether contained in the certificate of
incorporation or by-laws, or, when authorized by (i) such certificate of
incorporation or by-laws, (ii) a resolution of shareholders, (iii) a resolution
of directors, or (iv) an agreement providing for such indemnification, provided
that no indemnification may be made to or on behalf of any director or officer
if a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to the director or officer
establishes that his or her acts were committed in bad faith or were the result
of active and deliberate dishonesty and were material to the cause of action so
adjudicated, or that he or she personally gained in fact a financial profit or
other advantage to which he or she was not legally entitled.
 
     Any person who has been successful on the merits or otherwise in the
defense of a civil or criminal action or proceeding will be entitled to
indemnification. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, unless ordered by
a court pursuant to the NYBCL, any indemnification under the NYBCL pursuant to
the above paragraphs may be made only if authorized in the specific case and
after a finding that the director or officer met the requisite standard of
conduct (i) by the disinterested directors if a quorum is available, or (ii) in
the event a quorum of disinterested directors is not available, if so directed
by either (A) the board upon the written opinion of independent legal counsel,
or (B) by the shareholders.
 
     Under the DGCL, a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a
party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or
completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative, except an action by or in the right of the corporation, by reason
of the fact that he or she was a director, officer, employee or agent of the
corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses, including attorneys' fees,
judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred
by him in connection with the action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good
faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to
the best interest of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action
or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.
 
     In case of actions, suits or proceedings by or in right of the corporation,
a corporation may indemnify any person who is or was a director, officer,
employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the
corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses,
including attorneys' fees, actually and reasonably incurred in connection with
the defense or settlement of such action or suit if he acted in good faith and
in an manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of the corporation. However, indemnification may not be made for any
claim, issue or matter as to which such person has been adjudged by a court of
competent jurisdiction, to be liable to the corporation, unless and only to the
extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which the action or suit was
brought determines upon application that in view of all the circumstances of the
case, the person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such
expenses as the court deems proper.
 
     Any such person who has been successful on the merits or otherwise in the
defense of a civil or criminal action or proceeding will be entitled to
indemnification against expenses, including attorneys' fees actually and
reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense.
 
     Unless ordered by a court, any indemnification must be made by the
corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that
indemnification of the director, officer, employee or agent is proper in the
circumstances because the person to be indemnified has met the applicable
standard of conduct set forth in the statute. The determination must be made:
(a) by the stockholders; (b) by majority vote of the directors who were not
parties to the action, suit or proceeding, even if less than a quorum; or (c) if
there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent
legal counsel in written opinion.
 
     The indemnification and advancement of expenses authorized by the Delaware
statute does not exclude any other rights to which a person seeking
indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any by-law,
agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, for
either an action in his official capacity or an action in another capacity while
holding his office.
 
                                       64
<PAGE>   74
 
     Expenses, including attorneys' fees, incurred by an officer or director
defending any civil, criminal administrative or investigative action, suit or
proceeding may be paid by the corporation in advance of the final disposition of
the action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of
the director or officer to repay the amount if it is ultimately determined that
he is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation. Such expenses incurred
by other employees and agents may be so paid on such terms and conditions as the
board of directors deems appropriate.
 
     While PAXAR's By-Laws are silent on the issue of indemnification, IIMAK's
By-Laws provide that the corporation shall indemnify officers and directors to
the fullest extent permitted under the applicable Delaware statute.
 
LIMITATION OF PERSONAL LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS
 
     Section 402(b) of the NYBCL provides that a corporation's certificate of
incorporation may contain a provision eliminating or limiting the personal
liability of directors to the corporation or its stockholders for damages for
any breach of duty in such capacity. However, no such provision can eliminate or
limit (i) the liability of any director if a judgment or other final
adjudication adverse to such director establishes that such director's acts
omissions were in bad faith, or involved intentional misconduct or a knowing
violation of law, or that the director personally gained in fact a financial
profit or other advantage to which such director was not legally entitled or
that the director's acts violated certain provisions of the NYBCL or (ii) the
liability of any director for any act or omission prior to the adoption of such
a provision in the certificate of incorporation.
 
     Section 102(7) of the DGCL permits the adoption of provisions in the
articles of incorporation eliminating or limiting the personal liability of a
director to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach
of fiduciary duty as a director. Such provision may not eliminate or limit the
liability of a director for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the
corporation or its stockholders, for acts or omissions not in good fath or which
involve intentional misconduct or a violation of certain provisions of the
Delaware General corporation law, or any transaction from which the director
derived an improper personal benefit.
 
     Both the PAXAR certificate and the IIMAK certificate include a provision
eliminating, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the personal liability of
directors.
 
VOTE REQUIRED FOR MERGERS
 
     New York law requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of a corporation's
outstanding shares to authorize a merger, consolidation, dissolution or
disposition of substantially all of its assets. Delaware law requires the
affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding stock of the corporation
entitled to vote thereon to authorize any such action. Delaware law permits a
merger without approval of the stockholders of the surviving corporation if,
among other things, no charter amendment is involved, each outstanding share of
common stock is to be an identical share of the surviving corporation after the
merger, and the merger results in no more than a 20% increase in outstanding
shares of common stock of such corporation.
 
     The NYBCL Amendments provide for approval of such transactions by a
majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote.
 
DIVIDENDS
 
     A New York corporation may declare and pay dividends in cash, bonds of the
corporation or property of the corporation only out of surplus and, if out of
capital surplus, only if shareholders are notified of that fact; provided that
no dividend may be declared and paid when the corporation is insolvent, when the
corporation would be made insolvent by such payment or if the certificate of
incorporation restricts such payment.
 
     The NYBCL Amendments eliminate the requirement of notice to shareholders of
dividends paid from capital surplus.
 
                                       65
<PAGE>   75
 
     A Delaware corporation, unless otherwise restricted in its certificate of
incorporation, may declare and pay dividends in cash, property or shares either
(i) out of its surplus, or (ii) if no surplus exists, out of its net profits for
the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal
year; provided that, in the case of dividends paid pursuant to (ii), after the
payment thereof, the capital of the corporation shall not be less than an amount
represented by all classes of stock having a preference upon the distribution of
assets. IIMAK's certificate of incorporation provides that, subject to the
preferred rights of the holders of any class or series of preferred stock,
dividends may be paid to the holders of common stock out of any funds of the
corporation legally available therefor.
 
LOANS TO DIRECTORS
 
     Under the NYBCL, a corporation may not make a loan to any director unless
it is authorized by shareholder vote. Under the DGCL, a corporation may make a
loan to, or otherwise assist, any officer, or employee, including any officer or
employee who is a director of the corporation whenever the board of directors
determines that such loan or assistance may reasonably be expected to benefit
the corporation.
 
     The NYBCL Amendments permit a corporation to make a loan to or guarantee an
obligation of a director when the board determines that the loan or guarantee
benefits the corporation and approves either the specific transaction or a
general plan authorizing such transactions.
 
SHAREHOLDER RECORDS
 
     The NYBCL allows any person who has been a shareholder of record of a
corporation for at least six months, or any person holding, or authorized in
writing by the holders of, at least five percent of any class of the outstanding
shares of the corporation, to examine the minutes of the proceedings of
shareholders and record of the corporation's shareholders during usual business
hours, upon at least five days' written notice.
 
     A corporation may deny such a request upon the refusal of the individual
demanding inspection to provide an affidavit that the inspection is not for
purposes other than the business of the corporation and that he has not been
involved in the sale of any shareholder lists within the past five years. The
person seeking inspection may then apply to the supreme court in the judicial
district where the office of the corporation is located for an order directing
the corporation to show cause why an order permitting inspection should not be
granted.
 
     Under the DGCL, stockholders of record and directors have a statutory right
to inspect the stock list or books and records of a corporation for a proper
purpose or, in the case of a director, for a purpose reasonably related to the
director's position as a director. If a corporation does not grant inspection to
a stockholder within five business days of a demand, the stockholder may apply
for an order in an action in the Court of Chancery to enforce his demand. A
proper purpose is any purpose reasonably related to such person's interest as a
stockholder in a corporation.
 
     The NYBCL Amendments eliminate the requirement that the person seeking to
review the corporation's records or shareholder list be a shareholder of record
for six months or be authorized by the holders of at least five percent of any
class of the outstanding shares of the corporation.
 
CORPORATE ACTION WITHOUT A SHAREHOLDER MEETING
 
     Under Delaware law, unless otherwise provided in a corporation's
certificate of incorporation, any action required or permitted to be taken by
stockholders at any annual or special meeting of stockholders may be taken
without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote if a consent in
writing, setting forth the action so taken, is signed by the holders of
outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes necessary to
authorize such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon
were present and voted and shall be delivered to the corporation by delivery to
its registered office in Delaware, its principal place of business, or an
officer or agent of the corporation having custody of the book in which
proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded. The IIMAK Certificate
contains no such provision limiting shareholders' right to take action without a
meeting.
 
                                       66
<PAGE>   76
 
     Under New York law shareholders may act without a meeting upon the consent
in writing of the holders of all outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon for
any action requiring a vote of shareholders.
 
     The NYBCL Amendments provide that consideration for shares may consist of a
binding obligation to pay the subscription price or to perform services.
However, such an obligation does not itself constitute payment for the shares,
and the corporation may place in escrow shares issued for a binding obligation
to pay the subscription price or to perform services or make other arrangements
to restrict transfer of such shares until such an obligation is performed.
 
ISSUANCE OF RIGHTS OR OPTIONS TO PURCHASE SHARES TO DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND
EMPLOYEES
 
     The NYBCL requires approval of a majority of all outstanding shares in
order to issue options or rights to purchase shares of a corporation to
directors, officers and employees of the corporation or its subsidiaries or
affiliates. The DGCL provides that the issuance of options or rights to such
persons may be authorized by the board of directors, unless the certificate of
incorporation provides otherwise. There is no such provision in the IIMAK
certificate.
 
DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
 
     New York law provides that, upon compliance with certain requirements and
procedures, a dissenting shareholder has the right to receive the fair value of
his shares if he objects to (i) certain mergers, (ii) a consolidation, (iii) a
disposition of assets requiring shareholder approval or (iv) certain amendments
to the certificate of incorporation which adversely affect the rights of such
shareholder.
 
     Under the DGCL, a stockholder who does not vote in favor of certain mergers
or consolidations may be entitled to appraisal rights. No appraisal rights are
available (i) to stockholders of a surviving corporation if such corporation's
stockholders are not entitled to vote on the merger, or (ii) with respect to
shares which were either listed on a national securities exchange or held of
record by more than 2,000 stockholders, unless, in the case of either (i) or
(ii) above, the holders of such shares are required by the terms of the merger
or consolidation to accept any consideration other than stock of the surviving
corporation, shares of stock of another corporation which are listed on a
national securities exchange or held of record by more than 2,000 stockholders,
cash in lieu of fractional shares, or any combination thereof. Because both
PAXAR's and IIMAK's shares are listed on a national securities exchange, and
because neither of the enumerated exceptions apply, no appraisal rights are
available to IIMAK's shareholders.
 
CONSIDERATION FOR SHARES
 
     The NYBCL provides that neither obligations of the subscriber for future
payments nor obligations of the subscriber for future services shall constitute
payment or part payment for shares of a corporation. Further, certificates for
shares may not be issued until the full amount of the consideration therefor has
been paid (except in the case of shares purchased pursuant to stock options
under a plan permitting installment payments).
 
     The DGCL provides that shares of stock may be issued, and deemed to be
fully paid and nonassessable, if the corporation receives consideration having a
value not less than the par value of such shares and the corporation receives a
binding obligation of the subscriber to pay the balance of the subscription
price.
 
ANTI-GREENMAIL PROVISIONS
 
     The DGCL does not contain any provisions prohibiting the selective
repurchase by a corporation of its stock at a premium over market price
("greenmail"). Delaware courts have permitted the repurchase of shares at a
premium in certain cases.
 
     Section 513 of the NYBCL provides that no domestic corporation may purchase
more than 10% of its stock from a shareholder who has held the shares for less
than two years at any price which is higher than the market price unless such
transaction is approved by both the corporation's board of directors and a
majority of the shares entitled to vote or the corporation offers to purchase
shares from all shareholders on the same terms.
 
                                       67
<PAGE>   77
 
                   STOCK OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND CERTAIN
                           BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF PAXAR
 
     The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial
ownership of PAXAR Common Stock as of September 19, 1997, assuming the exercise
of all options exercisable on, or within 60 days of, such date, by (i) each
director, (ii) the Chief Executive Officer and each of the other four most
highly compensated executive officers of PAXAR, (iii) all executive officers and
directors as a group and (iv) PAXAR's principal stockholders. Other than as set
forth in the table below, there are no persons known to PAXAR to beneficially
own more than 5% of the PAXAR Common Stock. At September 19, 1997, there were
35,828,442 shares of PAXAR Common Stock outstanding. Except as indicated below
the address of all shareholders identified in the table and accompanying
footnotes below is in care of PAXAR at its principal executive offices.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        PERCENTAGE OF
                                                                                 NUMBER OF               OUTSTANDING
NAME AND ADDRESS                                                                SHARES (1)              COMMON STOCK
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------    -----------             -------------
<S>                                                                             <C>                     <C>
Thomas W. Smith.............................................................      2,971,109(2)               8.29%
Thomas N. Tryforos 323 Railroad Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830
Arthur Hershaft.............................................................      5,171,162(3)              14.36%
Victor Hershaft.............................................................      1,313,277(4)               3.66%
Jack Becker.................................................................        183,219(5)(6)           *
Snow Becker Krauss P.C. 605 Third Avenue New York, NY 10158
Leo Benatar.................................................................         24,584(7)              *
A.T. Kearney, Inc. 110 Abernathy Rd., Ste. 900 Atlanta, GA 30328
Robert Laidlaw..............................................................         54,644(5)              *
14 Rockwood Road Greenwich, CT 06830
Thomas R. Loemker...........................................................        519,322(8)               1.45%
Monarch Marking Systems, Inc. 170 Monarch Lane Miamisburg, OH 45342
David E. McKinney...........................................................         54,369(5)              *
191 Post Road West Westport, CT 06880
Sidney Merians..............................................................        214,619(5)(9)           *
Pike Street P.O. Box 1073 Alpine, NJ 07620
John W. Paxton..............................................................        538,788(10)             1.37%
Monarch Marking Systems, Inc. 170 Monarch Lane Miamisburg, OH 45342
Walter W. Williams..........................................................         36,623(5)              *
254 West Wayne Avenue Wooster, OH 44691
All Directors and executive officers as a group (10 persons)................      8,110,607                22.11%
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
  *  Represents less than 1% of the issued and outstanding PAXAR Common Stock.
 
 (1) Unless otherwise indicated, PAXAR believes that all persons named in the
     table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of
     PAXAR Common Stock beneficially owned by them. A person is deemed to be the
     beneficial owner of securities that can be acquired by such person within
     60 days from the date hereof upon the exercise of options. Each beneficial
     owner's percentage ownership is determined by assuming that options that
     are held by such person (but not those held by any other person) and which
     are exercisable within 60 days from the date hereof have been exercised. No
     effect has been given to the Stock Dividend for purposes of this table.
 
                                       68
<PAGE>   78
 
 (2) Represents shares of PAXAR Common Stock beneficially owned as of June 30,
     1997, as indicated on the report on Form 13F, by Messrs. Smith and Tryforos
     as investment managers for certain managed accounts consisting of three
     private investment limited partnerships, of which each of Messrs. Smith and
     Tryforos is a general partner, an employee profit sharing plan of a
     corporation of which Mr. Smith is the sole shareholder, for which both
     Messrs. Smith and Tryforos are trustees, and a trust for the benefit of a
     family member of Mr. Smith, for which Mr. Smith is a trustee. Of such
     shares, Messrs. Smith and Tryforos have shared voting and disposition power
     with respect to 2,848,203 of such shares, and Mr. Smith has sole voting and
     disposition power with respect to 122,906 of such shares. The number of
     shares has been adjusted to give effect to the Stock Dividend.
 
 (3) Includes 187,075 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock
     options. Also includes 664,801 shares held by Mr. Hershaft in trust for the
     benefit of his children, as to which shares Mr. Hershaft disclaims
     beneficial ownership.
 
 (4) Includes 83,764 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock
     options granted to Mr. Hershaft. In addition, includes 186,750 shares owned
     of record by Mr. Hershaft's wife, as to which shares Mr. Hershaft disclaims
     beneficial ownership; and 146,564 shares held by Mr. Hershaft as custodian
     for his children, as to which shares Mr. Hershaft disclaims beneficial
     ownership. Does not include options to purchase 14,685 shares which are not
     currently exercisable.
 
 (5) Includes 18,311 options to acquire a like number of shares of PAXAR Common
     Stock at an exercise price of $5.63 per share, 6,104 options to acquire a
     like number of shares of PAXAR Common Stock at an exercise price of $7.68
     per share, 6,104 options to acquire a like number of shares of PAXAR Common
     Stock at an exercise price of $10.24 per share, and 6,104 options to
     acquire a like number of shares of PAXAR Common Stock at an exercise price
     of $15.60 per share.
 
 (6) Includes 100,073 shares owned of record by Mr. Becker's wife, as to which
     shares Mr. Becker disclaims beneficial ownership.
 
 (7) Includes 7,813 options to acquire a like number of shares of Common Stock
     at an exercise price of $7.60 per share and 6,104 options to acquire a like
     number of shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $10.24 per share,
     and 6,104 options to acquire like number of shares of PAXAR Common Stock at
     our exercise price of $15.60 per share.
 
 (8) Includes 6,104 options to acquire a like number of shares of Common Stock
     at an exercise price of $7.68 per share, 6,104 options to acquire a like
     number of shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $10.24 per share,
     and 6,104 options to acquire a like number of shares of PAXAR Common Stock
     at our exercise price of $15.60 per share.
 
 (9) Includes 6,751 shares owned of record by Mr. Merians' wife, as to which
     shares Mr. Merians disclaims beneficial ownership.
 
(10) Includes 363,648 options to acquire a like number of shares of PAXAR Common
     Stock at an exercise price of $1.94 per share, and 6,104 options to acquire
     a like number of shares of PAXAR Common Stock at an exercise price of
     $15.60 per share.
 
                                       69
<PAGE>   79
 
                   STOCK OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND CERTAIN
                           BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF IIMAK
 
     The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial
ownership of IIMAK Common Stock as of September 19, 1997, assuming the exercise
of all options exercisable on, or within 60 days of, such date, by (i) each
director, (ii) the Chief Executive Officer and each of the other four most
highly compensated executive officers of IIMAK, (iii) all executive officers and
directors as a group and (iv) IIMAK's principal stockholders. Other than as set
forth in the table below, there are no persons known to IIMAK to beneficially
own more than 5% of the IIMAK Common Stock. At September 19, 1997, there were
8,325,717 shares of IIMAK Common Stock outstanding. Except as indicated below,
the address of each stockholder identified in the table and accompanying
footnotes below is in care of IIMAK at its principal executive offices.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    PERCENTAGE
                                                                                        OF
                                                                   NUMBER OF       OUTSTANDING
                       NAME AND ADDRESS                            SHARES(1)       COMMON STOCK
- ---------------------------------------------------------------  -------------     ------------
<S>                                                              <C>               <C>
FMR Corporation................................................     655,900(2)          7.8%
  82 Devonshire Street
  Boston, MA 02109
Oppenheimer Capital............................................     615,900(3)          7.4%
  1 World Financial Center
  New York, NY 10281
Frontier Capital Management....................................     528,560(4)          6.3%
  99 Summer Street
  Boston, MA 02110
John W. O'Leary................................................     500,871(5)          5.9%
T. Rowe Price Associates.......................................     460,000(6)          5.5%
  100 East Pratt St.
  Baltimore, MD 21202
Thomas W. Smith & Thomas N. Tryforos...........................     444,300(7)          5.3%
  323 Railroad Avenue
  Greenwich, CT 06830
Alexander K. Daw...............................................     404,100(8)          4.9%
Richard A. Marshall............................................      75,129(9)            *
Nick S. Mandrycky..............................................     67,816(10)            *
Robert S. Anderson.............................................     48,943(11)            *
F. Lynn Hamb...................................................     46,700(12)            *
Vincent C. Dowell..............................................     45,000(13)            *
Donald D. Lennox...............................................     37,446(14)            *
William P. Montague............................................     12,700(15)            *
Michael J. Downey..............................................      5,300(16)            *
Albert J. Simone...............................................      2,700(15)            *
All Directors and executive officers as a group (13 persons)...  1,403,486             16.0%
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
  *  Represents less than 1% of the issued and outstanding IIMAK Common Stock.
 
 (1) Unless otherwise indicated, IIMAK believes that all persons named in the
     table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of
     IIMAK Common Stock beneficially owned by them. A person is deemed to be the
     beneficial owner of securities that can be acquired by such person within
     60 days from the date hereof upon the exercise of options. Each beneficial
     owner's percentage ownership is determined by assuming that options that
     are held by such person (but not those held by any other person) and which
     are exercisable within 60 days from the date hereof have been exercised.
 
                                       70
<PAGE>   80
 
 (2) Represents June 30, 1997 ownership as reported in FMR Corporation's report
     on Form 13F. FMR Corporation had sole investment power over 664,100 of the
     shares and sole voting power over 96,800 of the shares of common stock of
     the Company reported in their Schedule 13G dated February 14, 1997.
 
 (3) Represents June 30, 1997 ownership as reported in Oppenheimer Capital's
     report on Form 13F.
 
 (4) Represents June 30, 1997 ownership as reported in Frontier Capital
     Management's report on Form 13F.
 
 (5) Includes 129,220 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60
     days and 31,600 shares with restrictions on disposition requiring continued
     employment which will lapse from 1998 through 2001.
 
 (6) Represents June 30, 1997 ownership as reported in T. Rowe Price Associates'
     report on Form 13F. T. Rowe Price Associates has indicated to IIMAK that
     they have sole investment power but do not have sole voting power over
     these shares.
 
 (7) Represents June 30, 1997 ownership as reported in Thomas W. Smith's report
     on Form 13F. Thomas W. Smith and Thomas N. Tryforos have shared investment
     and voting power over the 434,000 shares, based on information reported in
     Thomas W. Smith's and Thomas N. Tryforos' Schedule 13D dated November 6,
     1996.
 
 (8) Includes 400,000 shares held by D.G. Daw Investments Pty. Ltd., with which
     Mr. Daw has shared voting and investment power, 1,500 shares held by Mr.
     Daw with restrictions on disposition which will lapse from 1997 to 2001,
     and 2,000 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days.
 
 (9) Includes 70,200 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60
     days.
 
(10) Includes 65,605 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60
     days.
 
(11) Includes 1,500 shares with restrictions on disposition which will lapse
     from 1997 to 2001, 2,000 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable
     within 60 days, and excludes 22,500 shares held by Mr. Anderson's spouse as
     custodian for Mr. Anderson's minor children, as to which Mr. Anderson
     disclaims beneficial ownership.
 
(12) Includes 45,700 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60
     days.
 
(13) Consists entirely of 45,000 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable
     within 60 days.
 
(14) Includes 1,500 shares with restrictions on disposition which will lapse
     from 1997 to 2001 and 2,000 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable
     within 60 days.
 
(15) Includes 1,500 shares with restrictions on disposition which will lapse
     from 1997 to 2001, and 600 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable
     within 60 days.
 
(16) Includes 1,500 shares with restrictions on disposition which will lapse
     from 1997 to 2001, and 1,200 shares issuable pursuant to options
     exercisable within 60 days.
 
                                 OTHER MATTERS
 
     If sufficient votes in favor of the IIMAK Merger Proposal, or in favor of
the PAXAR Share Proposal, the PAXAR Option Proposal or the PAXAR Amendment
Proposal are not received by the time scheduled for the IIMAK Special Meeting or
the PAXAR Special Meeting, respectively, the persons named as proxies may
propose one or more adjournments of the IIMAK Special Meeting or the PAXAR
Special Meeting, as the case may be, for a period or periods of not more than 30
days in the aggregate for each Special Meeting to permit further solicitation of
proxies. The persons named as proxies will vote in favor of such adjournment
those proxies which authorize them to vote in favor of the IIMAK Merger
Proposal, the PAXAR Share Proposal, the PAXAR Option Proposal or the PAXAR
Amendment Proposal, as the case may be. They will vote against any such
adjournment those proxies which direct them to vote against the IIMAK Merger
Proposal, the PAXAR Share Proposal, the PAXAR Option Proposal or the PAXAR
Amendment Proposal, as the case may be. Any such adjournment will require the
affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the question in person or by
proxy at the session of the IIMAK Special Meeting or the PAXAR Special Meeting
to be adjourned. The costs of any such additional solicitation and of any
adjourned session will be
 
                                       71
<PAGE>   81
 
borne by IIMAK with respect to the IIMAK Special Meeting and by PAXAR with
respect to the PAXAR Special Meeting.
 
     It is not expected that any matters other than those described in this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus will be brought before the IIMAK Special
Meeting or the PAXAR Special Meeting. If any other matters are presented,
however, it is the intention of the persons named in the IIMAK proxy and PAXAR
proxy to vote the proxy in accordance with the discretion of the persons named
in such proxy.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
     Certain legal matters with respect to the validity of the securities
offered hereby and the Merger will be passed upon for PAXAR by Snow Becker
Krauss P.C. A member of Snow Becker Krauss P.C. beneficially owns 183,219 shares
of PAXAR Common Stock and is a member of the PAXAR Board of Directors. Certain
legal matters in connection with the Merger will be passed upon for IIMAK by
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, New York, New York.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The consolidated financial statements of PAXAR and Monarch incorporated by
reference in PAXAR's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1996, and PAXAR's form 8-K/A dated May 19, 1997, have been audited by Arthur
Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as set forth in their reports
thereon and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial
statements have been incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such
report given upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and
auditing.
 
     The consolidated financial statements of IIMAK incorporated by reference in
IIMAK's Amended Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended March 31, 1997
have been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent public accountants, as
stated in their report thereon and incorporated herein by reference. Such
consolidated financial statements have been incorporated herein by reference in
reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
 
     Representatives of Arthur Andersen LLP expect to be present at the PAXAR
Special Meeting, and representatives of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP expect to be
available by telephone during the IIMAK Special Meeting. While such
representatives have stated that they do not plan to make a statement at such
meetings, they will be available to respond to appropriate questions from
stockholders in attendance.
 
                             STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
 
     Any holder of PAXAR Common Stock who wishes to submit a proposal for
presentation to PAXAR's 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must have submitted
the proposal to PAXAR, 105 Corporate Park Drive, White Plains, New York 10604,
Attention: Secretary, in advance of December 23, 1997 for inclusion, if
appropriate, in PAXAR's proxy statement and form of proxy relating to its 1998
Annual Meeting.
 
                                       72
<PAGE>   82
 
                                                                         ANNEX A
================================================================================
 
                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
 
                                     AMONG
                               PAXAR CORPORATION
                           RIBBON MANUFACTURING, INC.
                                      AND
                     INTERNATIONAL IMAGING MATERIALS, INC.
 
                           DATED AS OF JULY 15, 1997
 
================================================================================
<PAGE>   83
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                  <C>                                                                 <C>
ARTICLE I
THE MERGER.............................................................................   A-1
  SECTION 1.1        The Merger........................................................   A-1
  SECTION 1.2        Effective Time....................................................   A-2
  SECTION 1.3        Effect of the Merger..............................................   A-2
  SECTION 1.4        Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws..........................   A-2
  SECTION 1.5        Directors and Officers............................................   A-2
  SECTION 1.6        Effect on Capital Stock...........................................   A-2
  SECTION 1.7        Exchange of Certificates..........................................   A-4
  SECTION 1.8        Stock Transfer Books..............................................   A-5
  SECTION 1.9        No Further Ownership Rights in Company Common Stock...............   A-5
  SECTION 1.10       Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates............................   A-5
  SECTION 1.11       Tax and Accounting Consequences...................................   A-5
  SECTION 1.12       Taking of Necessary Action; Further Action........................   A-5
 
ARTICLE II
  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY........................................   A-6
  SECTION 2.1        Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries......................   A-6
  SECTION 2.2        Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws..........................   A-6
  SECTION 2.3        Capitalization....................................................   A-6
  SECTION 2.4        Authority Relative to this Agreement..............................   A-7
  SECTION 2.5        No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents........................   A-7
  SECTION 2.6        Compliance; Permits...............................................   A-8
  SECTION 2.7        SEC Filings; Financial Statements.................................   A-8
  SECTION 2.8        Absence of Certain Changes or Events..............................   A-9
  SECTION 2.9        No Undisclosed Liabilities........................................   A-9
  SECTION 2.10       Absence of Litigation.............................................   A-9
  SECTION 2.11       Employment Agreements; Change in Control Payments.................   A-9
  SECTION 2.12       Employee Benefit Plans............................................  A-10
  SECTION 2.13       Labor Matters.....................................................  A-10
  SECTION 2.14       Registration Statement; Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus..........  A-11
  SECTION 2.15       Title to Property.................................................  A-11
  SECTION 2.16       Taxes.............................................................  A-11
  SECTION 2.17       Environmental Matters.............................................  A-12
  SECTION 2.18       Intellectual Property.............................................  A-12
  SECTION 2.19       Certain Distribution Agreements...................................  A-13
  SECTION 2.20       Interested Party Transactions.....................................  A-13
  SECTION 2.21       Insurance.........................................................  A-13
  SECTION 2.22       Pooling Matters...................................................  A-13
  SECTION 2.23       Opinion of Financial Advisor......................................  A-13
  SECTION 2.24       Brokers...........................................................  A-14
  SECTION 2.25       Customers and Suppliers...........................................  A-14
 
ARTICLE III
  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND MERGER SUB..............................  A-14
  SECTION 3.1        Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries......................  A-14
  SECTION 3.2        Certificates of Incorporation and By-Laws.........................  A-14
  SECTION 3.3        Capitalization....................................................  A-14
</TABLE>
    
 
                                        i
<PAGE>   84
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                  <C>                                                                 <C>
  SECTION 3.4        Authority Relative to this Agreement..............................  A-15
  SECTION 3.5        No Conflict, Required Filings and Consents........................  A-15
  SECTION 3.6        Compliance; Permits...............................................  A-16
  SECTION 3.7        SEC Filings; Financial Statements.................................  A-16
  SECTION 3.7A       SEC Filings; Financial Statements -- Monarch......................  A-17
  SECTION 3.8        Absence of Certain Changes or Events..............................  A-17
  SECTION 3.9        No Undisclosed Liabilities........................................  A-18
  SECTION 3.10       Absence of Litigation.............................................  A-18
  SECTION 3.11       Labor Matters.....................................................  A-18
  SECTION 3.12       Registration Statement; Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus..........  A-18
  SECTION 3.13       Title to Property.................................................  A-19
  SECTION 3.14       Taxes.............................................................  A-19
  SECTION 3.15       Environmental Matters.............................................  A-19
  SECTION 3.16       Intellectual Property; Domestic...................................  A-20
  SECTION 3.16A      Intellectual Property; Foreign....................................  A-20
  SECTION 3.17       Certain Distribution Agreements...................................  A-21
  SECTION 3.18       Interested Party Transactions.....................................  A-21
  SECTION 3.19       Insurance.........................................................  A-21
  SECTION 3.20       Pooling Matters...................................................  A-21
  SECTION 3.21       Opinion of Financial Advisor......................................  A-21
  SECTION 3.22       Brokers...........................................................  A-21
 
ARTICLE IV
  CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER...............................................  A-21
  SECTION 4.1        Conduct of Business by the Company Pending the Merger.............  A-21
  SECTION 4.2        No Solicitation...................................................  A-23
  SECTION 4.3        Conduct of Business by Parent Pending the Merger..................  A-24
 
ARTICLE V
  ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS................................................................  A-24
  SECTION 5.1        HSR Act; Etc......................................................  A-24
  SECTION 5.2        Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus; Registration Statement..........  A-24
  SECTION 5.3        Stockholders Meetings.............................................  A-25
  SECTION 5.4        Access to Information; Confidentiality............................  A-25
  SECTION 5.5        Consents; Approvals...............................................  A-25
  SECTION 5.6        Agreements with Respect to Affiliates.............................  A-25
  SECTION 5.7        Indemnification and Insurance.....................................  A-26
  SECTION 5.8        Employment and Benefit Matters....................................  A-26
  SECTION 5.9        Notification of Certain Matters...................................  A-26
  SECTION 5.10       Further Action/Tax Treatment......................................  A-27
  SECTION 5.11       Public Announcements..............................................  A-27
  SECTION 5.12       Conveyance Taxes..................................................  A-27
  SECTION 5.13       Accountants' Letters..............................................  A-27
  SECTION 5.14       Pooling Accounting Treatment......................................  A-27
  SECTION 5.15       Company Listing...................................................  A-27
  SECTION 5.16       Listing of Parent Shares..........................................  A-27
  SECTION 5.17       Guarantee of Merger Sub Obligations...............................  A-27
 
ARTICLE VI
  CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER.............................................................  A-28
  SECTION 6.1        Conditions to Obligation of Each Party to Effect the Merger.......  A-28
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       ii
<PAGE>   85
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                  <C>                                                                 <C>
  SECTION 6.2        Additional Conditions to Obligations of Parent and Merger Sub.....  A-28
  SECTION 6.3        Additional Conditions to Obligation of the Company................  A-29
 
ARTICLE VII
  TERMINATION..........................................................................  A-30
  SECTION 7.1        Termination.......................................................  A-30
  SECTION 7.2        Effect of Termination.............................................  A-31
  SECTION 7.3        Fees and Expenses.................................................  A-31
 
ARTICLE VIII
  GENERAL PROVISIONS...................................................................  A-32
  SECTION 8.1        Effectiveness of Representations, Warranties and Agreements,
                     Etc. .............................................................  A-32
  SECTION 8.2        Notices...........................................................  A-32
  SECTION 8.3        Certain Definitions...............................................  A-33
  SECTION 8.4        Amendment.........................................................  A-34
  SECTION 8.5        Waiver............................................................  A-34
  SECTION 8.6        Headings..........................................................  A-34
  SECTION 8.7        Severability......................................................  A-34
  SECTION 8.8        Entire Agreement..................................................  A-34
  SECTION 8.9        Assignment........................................................  A-34
  SECTION 8.10       Parties in Interest...............................................  A-34
  SECTION 8.11       Failure or Indulgence Not Waiver; Remedies Cumulative.............  A-34
  SECTION 8.12       Governing Law.....................................................  A-34
  SECTION 8.13       Counterparts......................................................  A-34
  SECTION 8.14       Consent to Jurisdiction...........................................  A-35
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       iii
<PAGE>   86
 
                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
 
     AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER, dated as of July 15, 1997 (this "AGREEMENT"),
among PAXAR CORPORATION, a New York corporation ("PARENT"), RIBBON
MANUFACTURING, INC., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Parent ("MERGER SUB"), and INTERNATIONAL IMAGING MATERIALS, INC., a Delaware
corporation (the "COMPANY").
 
                                  WITNESSETH:
 
     WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of Parent, Merger Sub and the Company have
each determined that it is advisable and in the best interests of their
respective stockholders for Parent to enter into a business combination with the
Company upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein;
 
     WHEREAS, in furtherance of such combination, the Boards of Directors of
Parent, Merger Sub and the Company have each approved the merger (the "MERGER")
of Merger Sub with and into the Company in accordance with the applicable
provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL"), and upon the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein;
 
     WHEREAS, Parent, Merger Sub and the Company intend, by approving
resolutions authorizing this Agreement, to adopt this Agreement as a plan of
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368 (a) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the "CODE"), and the regulations promulgated
thereunder; and
 
     WHEREAS, pursuant to the Merger, each outstanding share (a "SHARE") of the
Company's common stock, $.01 par value (the "COMPANY COMMON STOCK"), shall be
converted into the right to receive Common Stock, $.10 par value, of Parent
("PARENT COMMON STOCK"), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth
herein;
 
     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants
and agreements contained herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby,
Parent, Merger Sub and the Company hereby agree as follows:
 
                                   ARTICLE I
 
                                   THE MERGER
 
     SECTION 1.1  The Merger.
 
     (a) Effective Time.  At the Effective Time (as defined in Section 1.2), and
subject to and upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the DGCL,
Merger Sub shall be merged with and into the Company, the separate corporate
existence of Merger Sub shall cease, and the Company shall continue as the
surviving corporation. The Company as the surviving corporation after the Merger
is hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "SURVIVING CORPORATION."
 
     (b) Closing.  Unless this Agreement shall have been terminated and the
transactions herein contemplated shall have been abandoned pursuant to Section
7.1 and subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in
Article VI, the consummation of the Merger will take place as promptly as
practicable (and in any event within two business days) after satisfaction or
waiver of the conditions set forth in Article VI, at the offices of Morgan,
Lewis & Bockius LLP, 101 Park Avenue, New York, New York, unless another date,
time or place is agreed to in writing by the parties hereto.
 
     SECTION 1.2  Effective Time.  As promptly as practicable after the
satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Article VI, the parties
hereto shall cause the Merger to be consummated by filing a certificate of
merger as contemplated by the DGCL (the "CERTIFICATE OF MERGER"), together with
any required related certificates, with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware, in such form as required by, and executed in accordance with the
relevant provisions of, the DGCL (the time of such filing being the "EFFECTIVE
TIME").
<PAGE>   87
 
     SECTION 1.3  Effect of the Merger.  At the Effective Time, the effect of
the Merger shall be as provided in this Agreement, the Certificate of Merger and
the applicable provisions of the DGCL. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, and subject thereto, at the Effective Time, all the property, rights,
privileges, powers and franchises of the Company and Merger Sub shall vest in
the Surviving Corporation, and all debts, liabilities and duties of the Company
and Merger Sub shall become the debts, liabilities and duties of the Surviving
Corporation.
 
     SECTION 1.4  Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws.
 
     (a) Certificate of Incorporation.  The Certificate of Incorporation of the
Company, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be the
Certificate of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation until thereafter
amended in accordance with the DGCL and such Certificate of Incorporation.
 
     (b) By-Laws.  The By-Laws of the Company, as in effect immediately prior to
the Effective Time, shall be the By-Laws of the Surviving Corporation until
thereafter amended inaccordance with the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation
of the Surviving Corporation and such By-Laws.
 
     SECTION 1.5  Directors and Officers.  The directors of Merger Sub
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the initial directors of the
Surviving Corporation, each to hold office in accordance with the Certificate of
Incorporation and By-Laws of the Surviving Corporation, and the officers of the
Company immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the initial officers of
the Surviving Corporation, in each case until their respective successors are
duly elected or appointed and qualified.
 
     SECTION 1.6  Effect on Capital Stock.  At the Effective Time, by virtue of
the Merger and without any action on the part of Parent, Merger Sub, the Company
or the holders of any of the following securities:
 
     (a) Conversion of Securities.  Each Share issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time (excluding any Shares to be canceled
pursuant to Section 1.6(b)) shall be converted, subject to Section 1.6(g), into
the right to receive that number of validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable
shares of Parent Common Stock(the "PARENT SHARES") equal to the "Exchange Ratio"
(as defined below). The "Exchange Ratio" shall be determined by dividing $24.00
by the "Parent Average Price" (as defined below), rounded to three decimal
places; provided, however, that the Exchange Ratio shall not be less than 1.200
nor more than 1.412. The "Parent Average Price" means the average closing price
on the New York Stock Exchange of Parent Common Stock (as reported in the New
York Stock Exchange Composite Transactions reporting system as published in The
Wall Street Journal or, if not published therein, in another authoritative
source) for the 20 consecutive trading days ending with the second trading day
immediately preceding the Effective Time.
 
     (b) Cancellation.  Each Share held in the treasury of the Company
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall cease to be outstanding, be
canceled and retired without payment of any consideration therefor and cease to
exist.
 
     (c) Stock Options.
 
          (i) Each outstanding option to purchase Company Common Stock (a "STOCK
     OPTION") granted under any of (A) the Company's 1993 Outside Director Stock
     Option and Restricted Stock Plan, (B) the Company's 1990 Incentive Plan and
     (C) the Company's 1984 Stock Plan (collectively, the "COMPANY STOCK OPTION
     PLANS"), whether vested or unvested, shall be deemed assumed by Parent and
     deemed to constitute a fully vested option to acquire, on terms and
     conditions no less favorable as were applicable under such Stock Option
     prior to the Effective Time, the number (rounded to the nearest whole
     number) of Parent Shares as the holder of such Stock Option would have been
     entitled to receive pursuant to the Merger had such holder exercised such
     Stock Option in full immediately prior to the Effective Time (not taking
     into account whether or not such Stock Option was in fact exercisable), at
     a price per share equal to (x) the aggregate exercise price for Company
     Common Stock otherwise deemed purchasable pursuant to such Stock Option
     divided by (y) the number of Parent Shares deemed purchasable pursuant to
     such Stock Option; provided, however, that in the case of any option to
     which Section 421 of the Code applies by reason of the qualification under
     any of Section
 
                                       A-2
<PAGE>   88
 
     422-424 of the Code ("incentive stock options"), the option price, the
     number of shares purchasable pursuant to such option and the terms and
     conditions of exercise of such option shall be determined in order to
     comply with Section 424(a) of the Code, subject to the terms and conditions
     of the relevant governing instruments.
 
          (ii) As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, Parent shall
     deliver to each holder of an outstanding Stock Option an appropriate notice
     setting forth such holder's rights pursuant thereto, and such Stock Option
     shall continue in effect on the same terms and conditions (including
     antidilution provisions).
 
          (iii) Parent shall take all corporate action necessary to reserve for
     issuance a sufficient number of Parent Shares for delivery pursuant to the
     terms set forth in this Section 1.6(c).
 
          (iv) Subject to any applicable limitations under the Securities Act of
     1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (the "SECURITIES
     ACT"), Parent shall either (A) file a Registration Statement on Form S-8
     (or any successor form), effective as of the Effective Time, with respect
     to the shares of Parent Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Stock
     Options ("the OPTION SHARES"), or (B) file any necessary amendments to the
     Company's previously filed Registration Statement(s) on Form S-8 in order
     that Parent will be deemed a "successor registrant" thereunder, and in
     either event, Parent shall maintain the effectiveness of such registration
     statement(s) (and maintain the current status of the prospectus or
     prospectuses relating thereto) with respect to the Option Shares for so
     long as Parent shall maintain the effectiveness of any registration
     statements on Form S-8 with respect to any shares of the Parent's Common
     Stock issuable under the Parent's stock option plans.
 
     (d) Warrants.
 
          (1) Each outstanding warrant to purchase Company Common Stock (a
     "WARRANT"), shall be deemed assumed by Parent and deemed to constitute a
     warrant to acquire, on terms and conditions no less favorable as were
     applicable under such Warrant prior to the Effective Time, the number
     (rounded to the nearest whole number) of Parent Shares as the holder of
     such Warrant would have been entitled to receive pursuant to the Merger had
     such holder exercised such Warrant in full immediately prior to the
     Effective Time at a price per share equal to (x) the aggregate exercise
     price for Company Common Stock otherwise purchasable pursuant to such
     Warrant divided by (y) the number of Parent Shares deemed purchasable
     pursuant to such Warrant.
 
          (2) As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, Parent shall
     deliver to each holder of an outstanding Warrant an appropriate notice
     setting forth such holder's rights pursuant thereto, and such Warrant shall
     continue in effect on the same terms and conditions (including antidilution
     provisions).
 
          (3) Parent shall take all corporate action necessary to reserve for
     issuance a sufficient number of Parent Shares for delivery pursuant to the
     terms set forth in this Section 1.6(d).
 
     (e) Capital Stock of Merger Sub.  Each share of common stock, $.01 par
value, of Merger Sub issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective
Time shall be converted into and exchanged for one validly issued, fully paid
and nonassessable share of common stock, $.01 par value, of the Surviving
Corporation.
 
     (f) Adjustments to Exchange Ratio.  The Exchange Ratio shall be adjusted to
reflect fully the effect of any stock split, reverse split, stock dividend
(including any dividend or distribution of securities exchangeable for or
convertible into Parent Common Stock or Company Common Stock), reorganization,
recapitalization or other like change with respect to Parent Common Stock or
Company Common Stock occurring after the date hereof and prior to the Effective
Time.
 
     (g) Fractional Shares.  No certificates or scrip representing less than one
Parent Share shall be issued upon the surrender for exchange of a certificate or
certificates which immediately prior to the Effective Time represented
outstanding Shares (the "CERTIFICATES"). In lieu of any such fractional share,
each holder of Shares who would otherwise have been entitled to a fraction of a
Parent Share upon surrender of Certificates for exchange shall be paid upon such
surrender cash equal to the product of (i) such fraction, multiplied by (ii) the
closing price per share on the New York Stock Exchange of Parent Common Stock as
reported in the
 
                                       A-3
<PAGE>   89
 
Eastern Edition of the Wall Street Journal on the trading date prior to the date
on which the Effective Time occurs.
 
     SECTION 1.7  Exchange of Certificates.
 
     (a) Exchange Agent.  At or prior to the Effective Time, Parent shall
supply, or shall cause to be supplied, to or for the account of ChaseMellon
Shareholder Services, Inc., or such other bank or trust company designated by
Parent and reasonably satisfactory to the Company (the "EXCHANGE AGENT"), in
trust for the benefit of the holders of Company Common Stock, for exchange in
accordance with this Section 1.7, through the Exchange Agent, certificates
evidencing Parent Shares issuable pursuant to Section 1.6 in exchange for
outstanding Shares. Parent agrees to make available to the Exchange Agent from
time to time as needed, cash sufficient to pay cash in lieu of fractional shares
and any dividends and distributions.
 
     (b) Exchange Procedures.  As soon as reasonably practicable after the
Effective Time, Parent will instruct the Exchange Agent to mail to each holder
of record of Certificates (i) a letter of transmittal (which shall specify that
delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the Certificates shall
pass, only upon proper delivery of the Certificates to the Exchange Agent and
shall be in such form and have such other provisions as Parent may reasonably
specify), and (ii) instructions to effect the surrender of the Certificates in
exchange for certificates evidencing Parent Shares. Upon surrender of a
Certificate for cancellation to the Exchange Agent together with such letter of
transmittal, duly executed, and such other customary documents as may be
required pursuant to such instructions, the holder of such Certificate shall be
entitled to receive in exchange therefor (A) certificates evidencing that number
of whole Parent Shares which such holder has the right to receive in accordance
with the Exchange Ratio in respect of the Shares formerly evidenced by such
Certificate, (B) any dividends or other distributions to which such holder is
entitled pursuant to Section 1.7(c), and (C) cash in respect of any fractional
share as provided in Section 1.6(g), and the Certificate so surrendered shall
forthwith be canceled. In the event of a transfer of ownership of Shares which
is not registered in the transfer records of the Company as of the Effective
Time, the Parent Shares, dividends and distributions with respect thereto, and
cash in lieu of any fractional share to which such holder would otherwise have
been entitled may be issued and paid in accordance with this Article I to a
transferee if the Certificate evidencing such Shares is presented to the
Exchange Agent, accompanied by all documents required to evidence and effect
such transfer pursuant to this Section 1.7(b) and by evidence that any
applicable stock transfer taxes have been paid. Until so surrendered, each
outstanding Certificate that, prior to the Effective Time, represented Shares
will be deemed from and after the Effective Time, for all corporate purposes,
other than the payment of dividends and subject to Section 1.6(g), to evidence
only the ownership of the number of full Parent Shares into which such Shares
shall have been so converted and no rights in any shares of the Company's Common
Stock.
 
     (c) Distributions With Respect to Unexchanged Parent Shares.  No dividends
or other distributions declared or made with respect to Parent Shares with a
record date after the Effective Time shall be paid to the holder of any
unsurrendered Certificate with respect to Parent Shares such holder is entitled
to receive until such holder shall surrender such Certificate. Subject to
applicable law and the provisions of Section 1.7(e), following the surrender of
any such Certificate, there shall be paid to the record holder of the
certificates representing whole Parent Shares issued in exchange therefor,
without interest, at the time of such surrender, the amount of dividends or
other distributions with a record date after the Effective Time theretofore paid
with respect to such whole Parent Shares.
 
     (d) Transfers of Ownership.  If any certificate for Parent Shares is to be
issued in a name other than that in which the Certificate surrendered in
exchange therefor is registered, it will be a condition to the issuance thereof
that the Certificate so surrendered will be properly endorsed and otherwise in
proper form for transfer and that the person requesting such exchange will have
paid to Parent or any agent designated by it any transfer or other taxes
required by reason of the issuance of a certificate for Parent Shares in any
name other than that of the registered holder of the Certificate so surrendered,
or have established to the satisfaction of Parent or any agent designated by it
that such tax has been paid or is not payable.
 
     (e) No Liability.  At any time following one year after the Effective Time,
Parent shall be entitled to require the Exchange Agent to deliver to Parent any
certificates evidencing Parent Shares, any dividends and
 
                                       A-4
<PAGE>   90
 
distributions with respect thereto, and any cash in lieu of any fractional
shares, which had been made available to the Exchange Agent by or on behalf of
Parent and which have not been disbursed to holders of Certificates, and
thereafter such holders shall be entitled to look to Parent only as general
creditors thereof with respect to such certificates, dividends and distributions
and cash issuable or payable upon due surrender of their Certificates.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither Parent, Merger Sub nor the Company shall
be liable to any holder of Shares for any Parent Shares, or dividends or
distributions with respect thereto, or cash in lieu of any fractional shares
delivered to a public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property,
escheat or similar law.
 
     (f) Withholding Rights.  Parent or the Exchange Agent shall be entitled to
deduct and withhold from any dividends or distributions with respect to Parent
Shares or any cash in lieu of any fractional shares otherwise payable pursuant
to Section 1.7(c) and Section 1.6(g), respectively, to any holder of Shares such
amounts as Parent or the Exchange Agent is required to deduct and withhold with
respect to the making of such payment under the Code, or any provision of state,
local or foreign tax law. To the extent that amounts are so withheld by Parent
or the Exchange Agent, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes
of this Agreement as having been paid to the holder of the Shares in respect of
which such deduction and withholding was made by Parent or the Exchange Agent.
 
     SECTION 1.8  Stock Transfer Books.  At the Effective Time, the stock
transfer books of the Company shall be closed, and there shall be no further
registration of transfers of Shares thereafter on the records of the Company.
 
     SECTION 1.9  No Further Ownership Rights in Company Common Stock.  The
Parent Shares, any dividends and distributions with respect thereto, and any
cash in lieu of any fractional shares delivered upon the surrender for exchange
of Shares in accordance with the terms hereof shall be deemed to have been
issued and paid in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to such Shares,
holders of the Shares shall have no further ownership rights in Company Common
Stock after the Effective Time, and there shall be no further registration of
transfers on the records of the Surviving Corporation of Shares which were
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time. If, after the Effective
Time, Certificates are presented to the Surviving Corporation for any reason,
they shall be canceled and exchanged as provided in this Article I.
 
     SECTION 1.10  Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates.  In the event any
Certificates shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, the Exchange Agent shall
issue and pay in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificates, upon
the making of an affidavit of that fact by the holder thereof and delivery of
bond in such sum as Parent or the Exchange Agent may reasonably direct as
indemnity against any claim that may be made against Parent or the Exchange
Agent with respect to the Certificates alleged to have been lost, stolen or
destroyed, such Parent Shares, any dividends and distributions with respect
thereto, and any cash in lieu of any fractional shares as may be required
pursuant to this Agreement.
 
     SECTION 1.11  Tax and Accounting Consequences.  It is intended by the
parties hereto that the Merger shall (i) constitute a reorganization within the
meaning of Section 368 of the Code and (ii) qualify for accounting treatment as
a pooling of interests. The parties hereto hereby adopt this Agreement as a
"plan of reorganization" within the meaning of Sections 1.368-2(g) and
1.368-3(a) of the United States Treasury Regulations.
 
     SECTION 1.12  Taking of Necessary Action; Further Action.  Each of Parent,
Merger Sub and the Company will take all such reasonable and lawful action as
may be necessary or appropriate in order to effectuate the Merger in accordance
with this Agreement as promptly as possible. If, at any time after the Effective
Time, any such further action is necessary or desirable to carry out the
purposes of this Agreement or to vest the Surviving Corporation with full right,
title and possession to all assets, property, rights, privileges, powers and
franchises of the Company and Merger Sub, the officers and directors of the
Company and Merger Sub immediately prior to the Effective Time are fully
authorized in the name of their respective corporations or otherwise to take,
and will take, all such lawful and necessary action.
 
                                       A-5
<PAGE>   91
 
                                   ARTICLE II
 
                 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
 
     The Company hereby represents and warrants to Parent and Merger Sub as
follows:
 
     SECTION 2.1  Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries.  Each of the
Company and each of its subsidiaries is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its
incorporation and has the requisite corporate power and authority and is in
possession of all franchises, grants, authorizations, licenses, permits,
easements, consents, certificates, approvals and orders ("APPROVALS") necessary
to own, lease and operate the properties it purports to own, operate or lease
and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted, except where the
failure to be so organized, existing or in good standing or to have such power,
authority or Approvals does not have a Material Adverse Effect (as defined
below). Each of the Company and each of its subsidiaries is duly qualified or
licensed as a foreign corporation to do business, and is in good standing, in
each jurisdiction where the character of its properties owned, leased or
operated by it or the nature of its business makes such qualification or
licensing necessary, except where the failure to be so duly qualified or
licensed and in good standing does not have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as
set forth in Section 2.1 of the written disclosure schedule delivered on or
prior to the date hereof by the Company to Parent that is arranged in paragraphs
corresponding to the numbered and lettered paragraphs contained in this Article
II (the "COMPANY DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE"), substantially all of the business and
operations of the Company and its subsidiaries are conducted through, and
substantially all of the properties and assets of the Company and its
subsidiaries are owned by, the Company and its subsidiaries. When used in
connection with the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or Parent or any of its
subsidiaries, as the case may be, the term "MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT" means any
change, effect or circumstance that, individually or when taken together with
all other such changes, effects or circumstances that have occurred prior to the
date of determination of the occurrence of such change, effect or circumstance,
(i) is materially adverse to the business, assets (including intangible assets),
financial condition, results of operations or prospects of the Company and its
subsidiaries or Parent and its subsidiaries, as the case may be, in each case
taken as a whole, or (ii) delays or prevents the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby.
 
     SECTION 2.2  Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws.  The Company has
heretofore furnished to Parent complete and correct copies of the Company's
Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws and those of each of its subsidiaries,
as most recently restated and subsequently amended to date.
 
     SECTION 2.3  Capitalization.  The authorized capital stock of the Company
consists of (i) 20,000,000 shares of Company Common Stock and (ii) 5,000,000
shares of preferred stock, $.01 par value per share, none of which is issued and
outstanding and none of which is held in treasury. As of July 1, 1997 (i)
8,311,486 shares of Company Common Stock were issued and outstanding, all of
which are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and no shares of Company
Common Stock were held in treasury, (ii) no shares of Company Common Stock were
held by subsidiaries of the Company, and (iii) 1,800,110 shares of Company
Common Stock were reserved for future issuance pursuant to outstanding stock
options granted or that may be granted under the Company Stock Option Plans, the
Company's employee stock purchase plan and the Warrants. Except as set forth in
this Section 2.3 or in Section 2.3 or Section 2.12 of the Company Disclosure
Schedule, there are no options, warrants or other rights, agreements,
arrangements or commitments of any character relating to the issued or unissued
capital stock of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or obligating the
Company or any of its subsidiaries to issue or sell any shares of capital stock
of, or other equity interests in, the Company or any of its subsidiaries. No
holder of shares of Company Common Stock having piggyback registration rights
will have the right to include such shares for registration in the Registration
Statement (as defined in Section 3.12 hereof). Except as disclosed in Section
2.3 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, there are no obligations, contingent or
otherwise, of the Company or any of its subsidiaries to repurchase, redeem or
otherwise acquire any shares of Company Common Stock or the capital stock of any
subsidiary or to provide funds to or make any investment (in the form of a loan,
capital contribution, guaranty or otherwise) in any such subsidiary or any other
entity. Except as set forth in Section 2.3 of the Company Disclosure Schedule,
all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of each of the
 
                                       A-6
<PAGE>   92
 
Company's subsidiaries is duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable, and not issued in violation of any preemptive rights, and all
such shares are owned by the Company or a subsidiary of the Company free and
clear of all security interests, liens, claims, pledges, agreements, limitations
in voting rights, charges or other encumbrances of any nature whatsoever
(collectively, "LIENS").
 
     SECTION 2.4  Authority Relative to this Agreement.  The Company has the
requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement
and to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company
and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby have
been duly and validly authorized by the requisite corporate action, and no other
corporate proceedings on the part of the Company are necessary to authorize this
Agreement or to consummate the transactions so contemplated (other than the
adoption of this Agreement by the holders of at least a majority of the
outstanding shares of Company Common Stock entitled to vote in accordance with
the DGCL and the Company's Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws). This
Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company and,
assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by Parent and Merger Sub,
as applicable, constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company
enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except as such
enforceability may be limited or affected by (i) bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium, liquidation, arrangement, fraudulent transfer,
fraudulent conveyance and other similar laws (including, without limitation,
court decisions) now or hereafter in effect and affecting the rights and
remedies of creditors generally or providing for the relief of debtors, (ii) the
refusal of a particular court to grant equitable remedies, including, without
limitation, specific performance and injunctive relief, and (iii) general
principles of equity (regardless of whether such remedies are sought in a
proceeding in equity or at law).
 
     SECTION 2.5  No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents.
 
     (a) Section 2.5(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule lists each material
agreement, contract or other instrument (including all amendments thereto) to
which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which any of them
is bound and which would be required pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (the "EXCHANGE ACT")
to be filed as an exhibit to an Annual Report on Form 10-K, a Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q or a Current Report on Form 8-K. The Company has made available to
Parent on or prior to the date hereof true, correct and complete copies in all
material respects of each such agreement, contract, instrument and amendment.
 
     (b) Except as disclosed in Section 2.5(b) of the Company Disclosure
Schedule, (i) neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has breached, is
in default under, or has received written notice of any breach of or default
under, any of the agreements, contracts or other instruments referred to in
Section 2.5(a), (ii) to the knowledge of the Company, no other party to any of
the agreements, contracts or other instruments referred to in Section 2.5(a) has
breached or is in default of any of its obligations thereunder, and (iii) each
of the agreements, contracts and other instruments referred to in Section 2.5(a)
is in full force and effect, except in each case for breaches, defaults or
failures to be in full force and effect that do not have a Material Adverse
Effect.
 
     (c) Except as set forth in Section 2.5(c) of the Company Disclosure
Schedule, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company does not,
and the performance of this Agreement by the Company and the consummation by the
Company of the transactions contemplated hereby will not, (i) conflict with or
violate the Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws of the Company, (ii)
conflict with or violate any federal, foreign, state or provincial law, rule,
regulation, order, judgment or decree (collectively, "LAWS") applicable to the
Company or any of its subsidiaries or by which its or any of their respective
properties are bound or affected, or (iii) result in any breach of or constitute
a default (or an event that with notice or lapse of time or both would become a
default) under, or impair the Company's or any of its subsidiaries' rights or
alter the rights or obligations of any third party under, or give to others any
rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or result in
the creation of a Lien on any of the properties or assets of the Company or any
of its subsidiaries pursuant to, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, contract,
agreement, lease, license, permit, franchise or other instrument or obligation
to which the Company or any of its
 
                                       A-7
<PAGE>   93
 
subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its subsidiaries or
its or any of their respective properties are bound or affected, except in the
case of clauses (ii) and (iii) for any such conflicts, violations, breaches,
defaults or other occurrences that do not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
     (d) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company does not,
and the performance of this Agreement by the Company will not, require any
consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or filing with or notification
to, any domestic or foreign governmental or regulatory authority except (i) for
applicable requirements, if any, of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, state
securities laws ("BLUE SKY LAWS"), the pre-merger notification requirements of
the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR
ACT"), the legal requirements of any foreign jurisdiction requiring notification
in connection with the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby and the
filing and recordation of appropriate merger or other documents as required by
the DGCL, and (ii) where the failure to obtain such consents, approvals,
authorizations or permits, or to make such filings or notifications, either (A)
would not prevent or materially delay consummation of the Merger or otherwise
prevent or materially delay the Company from performing its obligations under
this Agreement, or (B) do not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
     SECTION 2.6  Compliance; Permits.
 
     (a) Except as disclosed in Section 2.6(a) of the Company Disclosure
Schedule, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is in conflict with,
or in default or violation of, (i) any Law applicable to the Company or any of
its subsidiaries or by which its or any of their respective properties is bound
or affected or (ii) any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement,
lease, license, permit, franchise or other instrument or obligation to which the
Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of
its subsidiaries or its or any of their respective properties is bound or
affected, except, in each case, for any such conflicts, defaults or violations
which do not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
     (b) Except as disclosed in Section 2.6(b) of the Company Disclosure
Schedule, the Company and its subsidiaries hold all permits, licenses,
easements, variances, exemptions, consents, certificates, orders and approvals
from governmental authorities which are material to the operation of the
business of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole as it is now being
conducted (collectively, the "COMPANY PERMITS"). The Company and its
subsidiaries are in compliance with the terms of the Company Permits, except
where the failure to so comply does not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
     SECTION 2.7  SEC Filings; Financial Statements.
 
     (a) The Company has filed all forms, reports and documents required to be
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and has made
available to Parent copies of (i) its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended March 31, 1997, (ii) all other reports or registration statements
filed by the Company with the SEC since March 31, 1994, (iii) all proxy
statements relating to the Company's meetings of stockholders (whether annual or
special) since March 31, 1994, and (iv) all amendments and supplements to all
such reports and registration statements filed by the Company with the SEC
pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act ((i)-(iv)
collectively, the "COMPANY SEC REPORTS"). Except as disclosed in Section 2.7 of
the Company Disclosure Schedule, the Company SEC Reports (i) were prepared as to
form in all material respects in accordance with the requirements of the
Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as the case may be, and (ii) did not at the
time they were filed (or if amended or superseded by a subsequent filing, then
on the date of such filing) contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in
order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading. None of the Company's subsidiaries is
required to file any forms, reports or other documents with the SEC.
 
     (b) Each of the consolidated financial statements (including, in each case,
any related notes thereto) contained in the Company SEC Reports was prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent
basis throughout the periods involved (except as may be indicated in the notes
thereto), and each fairly presents in all material respects the consolidated
financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries as at the respective
dates thereof and the consolidated results of its operations
 
                                       A-8
<PAGE>   94
 
and cash flows and stockholders equity for the periods indicated, except that
the unaudited interim financial statements were or are subject to normal and
recurring year-end adjustments.
 
     SECTION 2.8  Absence of Certain Changes or Events.  Except as set forth in
Section 2.8(i) through Section 2.8(xii) of the Company Disclosure Schedule,
since March 31, 1997, the Company has conducted its business in the ordinary
course and there has not occurred: (i) any Material Adverse Effect; (ii) any
amendments or changes in the Certificate of Incorporation or ByLaws of the
Company or similar organizational documents of its subsidiaries; (iii) any
damage to, destruction or loss of any material asset of the Company or any of
its subsidiaries (whether or not covered by insurance); (iv) any material change
by the Company in its accounting methods, principles or practices; (v) any
material revaluation by the Company of any of its or any of its subsidiaries'
assets, including, without limitation, writing down the value of inventory or
writing off notes or accounts receivable other than in the ordinary course of
business; (vi) any sale, pledge, disposition of or encumbrance upon any assets
of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (except (A) sales of assets in the
ordinary course of business, (B) dispositions of obsolete or worthless assets,
and (C) sales of immaterial assets not in excess of $250,000 in the aggregate;
(vii) any dividend or distribution with respect to or any redemption or
repurchase of any capital stock of the Company; (viii) cancellation or notice of
cancellation or surrender of any policy of insurance (which has not been cured
by payment of the premium, purchase of an equivalent policy, or otherwise)
relating to or affecting the Company's assets; (ix) any payment, discharge or
satisfaction of any claim, lien, obligation, encumbrance or liability (whether
absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise and whether due or to become due,
matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, other than claims, liens,
encumbrances or liabilities (A) that are reflected or reserved against in the
Financial Statements or (B) that were incurred and paid, discharged or satisfied
since such date in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practices; (x) any default on any material claim, liability or obligation; (xi)
any prepayment, advance or other deposit made by customers of the Company with
respect to products or services contracted for but not provided as of the date
hereof or any other unearned income other than prepayments, advances or deposits
consistent with past practices; or (xii) there has been no increase by more than
$10,000 in the compensation of any of the Company's officers or employees who
earn more than $100,000 annually or loans made by the Company to any of its
stockholders, directors, officers or employees.
 
     SECTION 2.9  No Undisclosed Liabilities.  Except as is disclosed in Section
2.9 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor any of its
subsidiaries has any liabilities (absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise),
except liabilities (i) in the aggregate adequately provided for in the Company's
balance sheet (including any related notes thereto) as of March 31, 1997,
included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 1997 (the "1997 COMPANY BALANCE SHEET"), (ii) incurred in the ordinary
course of business and not required under generally accepted accounting
principles to be reflected on the 1997 Company Balance Sheet, (iii) incurred
since March 31, 1997, in the ordinary course of business, (iv) incurred in
connection with this Agreement, or (v) which do not have a Material Adverse
Effect.
 
     SECTION 2.10  Absence of Litigation.  Set forth in Section 2.10 of the
Company Disclosure Schedule are descriptions of all claims, actions, suits,
proceedings or investigations pending or, to the knowledge of the Company,
threatened against the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or any properties or
rights of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, before or by any court,
arbitrator or administrative, governmental or regulatory authority or body,
domestic or foreign, and, in the case of any such claims for damages, seek
damages in excess of $250,000, other than claims, actions, suits, proceedings or
investigations covered by one or more insurance policies as to which the insurer
or insurers have indicated their intentions in writing to defend and pay in the
aggregate damages up to the amount claimed ("COMPANY LITIGATION"). Except as set
forth in Section 2.10 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, no such Company
Litigation would have a Material Adverse Effect if the plaintiff were to prevail
with respect to any of its claims.
 
     SECTION 2.11  Employment Agreements; Change in Control Payments.  Except as
set forth in Section 2.11 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, neither the
Company nor any of its subsidiaries is a party to any written or oral employment
or consulting contract or other contract for services involving a payment of
more than $50,000 annually and that is not terminable without a cost to the
Company of more than $50,000 or at will. Except as set forth in Section 2.11 of
the Company Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor any
 
                                       A-9
<PAGE>   95
 
of its subsidiaries has any plans, programs or agreements to which they are
parties, or to which they are subject, pursuant to which payments in excess of
$50,000 (or acceleration of material benefits) may be required upon, or may
become payable directly or indirectly as a result of, the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement or a change of control of the Company.
 
     SECTION 2.12  Employee Benefit Plans.  Except as set forth in Section 2.12
of the Company Disclosure Schedule, the Company has no employee pension plans
(as defined in Section 3(2) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended ("ERISA")), any material employee welfare plans (as defined in
Section 3(1) of ERISA), or any material bonus, stock option, stock purchase,
incentive, deferred compensation, supplemental retirement, severance or similar
fringe or employee benefit plans, programs or arrangements (collectively, the
"COMPANY EMPLOYEE PLANS"). The Company has delivered to Parent (i) a copy of
each Company Employee Plan and each amendment thereto, (ii) annual reports and
actuarial reports filed with respect to each Company Employee Plan since
December 31, 1993, (iii) summary plan descriptions and other communications to
employees relating to each Company Employee Benefit Plan; (iv) all trust
agreements and other similar documents or agreements relating to the
organization of any such Company Employee Plan and all separate financial
statements of such Company Employee Plan; and (v) all letters from the IRS
approving or confirming the tax-exempt status of any such Company Employee Plan.
Except in each case as set forth in Section 2.12 of the Company Disclosure
Schedule or where the liability does not have a Material Adverse Effect, (i)
there has been no "prohibited transaction," as such term is defined in Section
406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code, with respect to any Company Employee
Plans which would result in liability of the Company or any of its subsidiaries;
(ii) all Company Employee Plans are in substantial compliance with the
requirements prescribed by applicable Laws (including ERISA and the Code),
currently in effect with respect thereto (including all applicable requirements
for notification to participants or the Department of Labor, Pension Benefit
Guaranty Corporation (the "PBGC"), Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") or
Secretary of the Treasury), and the Company and each of its subsidiaries have
performed all material obligations required to be performed by them under, are
not in default under or violation of, and have no knowledge of any material
default or violation by any other party to, any of the Company Employee Plans;
(iii) each Company Employee Plan intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the
Code and each trust intended to qualify under Section 501(a) of the Code is the
subject of a favorable determination letter from the IRS, and nothing has
occurred which may reasonably be expected to impair such determination; (iv) all
contributions required to be made to any Company Employee Plan pursuant to
Section 412 of the Code, or the terms of the Company Employee Plan or any
collective bargaining agreement, have been made on or before their due dates;
(v) with respect to each Company Employee Plan, no "reportable event" within the
meaning of Section 4043 of ERISA (excluding any such event for which the 30-day
notice requirement has been waived under the regulations to Section 4043 of
ERISA) nor any event described in Section 4062, 4063 or 4041 of ERISA has
occurred; (vi) no withdrawal (including a partial withdrawal) has occurred with
respect to any multiemployer plan within the meaning set forth in Section 3(37)
of ERISA resulting in withdrawal liability for the Company or any of its
subsidiaries; (vii) neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has incurred
any material liability under Title IV of ERISA (other than liability for premium
payments to the PBGC, and contributions not in default to the respective plans,
arising in the ordinary course); (viii) the PBGC has not instituted any
termination proceedings with respect to any Company Employee Plan, and no
material risk of such proceedings being instituted exists; (ix) each Company
Employee Plan subject to Title IV of ERISA is adequately funded to meet accrued
benefit obligations; and (x) no immediate vesting or acceleration of any rights
or the payment of any benefits will occur under any Company Employee Plan as a
result of the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
     SECTION 2.13  Labor Matters.  Except as set forth in Section 2.13 of the
Company Disclosure Schedule: (i) there are no claims or proceedings pending or,
to the knowledge of the Company, threatened, between the Company or any of its
subsidiaries and any of their respective employees, including, without
limitation, charges of unfair labor practices pending before the National Labor
Relations Board; (ii) neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is a party
to any collective bargaining agreement or other labor union contract applicable
to persons employed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries, and the Company
does not know of any activities or proceedings of any labor union to organize
any such employees; (iii) the Company
 
                                      A-10
<PAGE>   96
 
has no knowledge of any strikes, slowdowns, work stoppages, lockouts, or threats
thereof, by or with respect to any employees of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries; and (iv) the Company is in compliance with all applicable labor
laws, rules, regulations and orders, except where the failure to so comply does
not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
     SECTION 2.14  Registration Statement; Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.  The information supplied by the Company for inclusion or
incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (as defined in Section
3.12) shall not, at the time the Registration Statement (including any
amendments or supplements thereto) is declared effective by the SEC, contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements included
therein not misleading. The information supplied by the Company for inclusion or
incorporation by reference in the joint proxy statement/prospectus to be sent to
the stockholders of the Company in connection with the meeting of the
stockholders of the Company to consider the Merger (the "COMPANY STOCKHOLDERS'
MEETING") and to be sent to the stockholders of Parent in connection with the
meeting of the stockholders of Parent to consider the Merger (the "PARENT
STOCKHOLDERS' MEETING," and together with the Company Stockholder Meeting, the
"STOCKHOLDERS' MEETINGS") (such joint proxy statement/prospectus as amended or
supplemented is referred to herein as the "JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS"),
will not, on the date the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus (or any amendment
thereof or supplement thereto) is first mailed to stockholders, at the time of
the Stockholders' Meetings, or at the Effective Time, contain any statement
which, at such time and in light of the circumstances under which it shall be
made, is false or misleading with respect to any material fact, or shall omit to
state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to
make the statements made therein not false or misleading, or omit to state any
material fact necessary to correct any statement in any earlier communication
with respect to the solicitation of proxies for the Stockholders' Meetings which
has become false or misleading. If at any time prior to the Effective Time any
event relating to the Company or any of its respective affiliates, officers or
directors should be discovered by the Company which is required to be set forth
in an amendment to the Registration Statement or a supplement to the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus, the Company shall promptly inform Parent and Merger Sub.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company makes no representation or warranty
with respect to any information supplied by Parent or Merger Sub which is
contained or incorporated by reference in any of the foregoing documents.
 
     SECTION 2.15  Title to Property.  Except as set forth in Section 2.15 of
the Company Disclosure Schedule, the Company and each of its subsidiaries have
good and defensible title to all of their properties and assets, free and clear
of all Liens, except Liens for taxes not yet due and payable and such Liens or
other imperfections of title, which do not have a Material Adverse Effect; and
all leases pursuant to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries lease from
others real or personal property are in good standing, valid, effective and
enforceable in accordance with their respective terms, and there is not under
any of such leases any existing default or event of default (or event which with
notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default) by the Company or,
to the knowledge of the Company, by other party or parties to such leases,
except where the lack of such good standing, validity, effectiveness or
enforceability or the existence of such default or event of default does not
have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
     SECTION 2.16  Taxes.
 
     (a) For purposes of this Agreement, "TAX" or "TAXES" shall mean taxes,
fees, levies, duties, tariffs, imposts, and governmental impositions or charges
of any kind in the nature of (or similar to) taxes, payable to any federal,
state, local or foreign taxing authority, including (without limitation) (i)
income, franchise, profits, gross receipts, ad valorem, net worth, value added,
sales, use, service, real or personal property, special assessments, capital
stock, license, payroll, withholding, employment, social security, workers'
compensation, unemployment compensation, utility, severance, production, excise,
stamp, occupation, premiums, windfall profits, transfer and gains taxes, and
(ii) interest, penalties, additional taxes and additions to tax imposed with
respect thereto; and "TAX RETURNS" shall mean returns, reports and information
statements with respect to Taxes required to be filed with the IRS or any other
federal, foreign, state or provincial taxing authority, domestic or foreign,
including, without limitation, consolidated, combined, unitary and estimated tax
returns.
 
                                      A-11
<PAGE>   97
 
     (b) Other than as disclosed in Section 2.16(b) of the Company Disclosure
Schedule, (i) the Company and each of its subsidiaries have filed all Tax
Returns required to be filed by it or requests for extensions to file such Tax
Returns have been timely filed, granted and have not expired, except to the
extent that such failures to file or to have extensions granted that remain in
effect do not have a Material Adverse Effect; (ii) all Tax Returns filed by the
Company and each of its subsidiaries are complete and accurate except to the
extent that such failure to be complete and accurate would not have a Material
Adverse Effect; (iii) the Company and each of its subsidiaries have paid (or the
Company has paid on the subsidiaries' behalf) all Taxes shown as due on such
returns (and all Taxes required to be paid whether or not shown as due on such
returns, except to the extent that the failure to pay unreported Taxes does not
have a Material Adverse Effect), and the most recent financial statements
contained in the Company SEC Reports reflect an adequate reserve, in accordance
with GAAP, for all Taxes payable by the Company and its subsidiaries for all
taxable periods and portions thereof accrued through the date of such financial
statements; (iv) no deficiencies for any Taxes have been proposed, asserted or
assessed against the Company or any of its subsidiaries that are not adequately
reserved for, except for deficiencies that do not have a Material Adverse
Effect, and no requests for waivers of the time to assess any such Taxes have
been granted or are pending; (v) the Company has made adequate provisions in the
Company's books and records for Taxes with respect to its current taxable year;
(vi) the statute of limitations for the assessment of federal and state income
taxes has expired for taxable years prior to the fiscal year ended December 31,
1994 for all material state and consolidated federal income tax return of the
Company or any subsidiary of the consolidated group that includes the Company,
and there is no claim or assessment pending against the Company or any of its
subsidiaries for any alleged deficiency in Taxes (except for assessments
assessed prior to the date payment is required); (vii) to the knowledge of the
Company, there is no audit or investigation currently being conducted that could
cause the Company or any of its subsidiaries to be liable for any taxes and
there are no agreements in effect to extend the period of limitations for the
assessment or collection of any tax for which the Company or any of its
subsidiaries may be liable; and (viii) the Company is not a party to any
agreement that would require it or Parent to make any excess parachute payment
pursuant to Section 280G of the Code.
 
     SECTION 2.17  Environmental Matters.  Except as set forth in Section 2.17
of the Company Disclosure Schedule or as do not have a Material Adverse Effect,
the Company and its subsidiaries: (i) have obtained all Approvals which are
required to be obtained under applicable federal, state, foreign or local laws
or any regulation, code, plan, order, decree, judgment, notice or demand letter
issued, entered, promulgated or approved thereunder relating to pollution or
protection of the environment, including laws relating to emissions, discharges,
releases or threatened releases of pollutants, contaminants, or hazardous or
toxic materials or wastes into ambient air, surface water, ground water, or land
or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use,
treatment, storage, disposal, transport, or handling of pollutants, contaminants
or hazardous or toxic materials or wastes ("ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS") by the Company
or any of its subsidiaries (or their respective agents); (ii) are in compliance
with terms and conditions of such required Approvals; and (iii) have not
received notice of any past or present violation of Environmental Laws or any
event, condition, circumstance, activity, practice, incident, action or plan
which is reasonably likely to interfere with or prevent continued compliance
with Environmental Laws or which would give rise to any common law or statutory
liability, or otherwise form the basis of any claim, action, suit or proceeding,
against the Company or any of its subsidiaries based on or resulting from the
manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal,
transport or handling, or the emission, discharge or release into the
environment, of any pollutant, contaminant or hazardous or toxic material or
waste.
 
     SECTION 2.18  Intellectual Property.
 
     (a) Set forth on Section 2.18 of the Company Disclosure Schedule are
descriptions of all patents, trademarks, trade names, service marks, copyrights,
and any applications therefor, technology, know-how and tangible or intangible
proprietary information or material that are material to the business of the
Company and its subsidiaries as currently conducted by the Company or any of its
subsidiaries (the "COMPANY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS"). The Company, directly
or indirectly, owns, or is licensed or otherwise possesses legally enforceable
rights to use, all Company Intellectual Property Rights.
 
                                      A-12
<PAGE>   98
 
     (b) Either the Company or one of its subsidiaries is the owner of, or the
licensee of, with all right, title and interest in and to (free and clear of any
Liens), the Company Intellectual Property Rights; in the case of Company
Intellectual Property Rights owned by the Company or any of its subsidiaries,
has the right to the use thereof or the material covered thereby in connection
with the services or products in respect of which the Company Intellectual
Property Rights are being used; and in the case of Company Intellectual Property
Rights licensed by the Company, the licenses thereof are valid, binding and
enforceable in accordance with their terms, and no default or event of default
(or any event that, with the giving of notice or passage or time, or both, would
result in a default or event of default) by the Company or any of its
subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of the Company, by any other party or parties
exists under such licenses. Except as set forth in Section 2.18(b) of the
Company Disclosure Schedule or as do not have a Material Adverse Effect, no
claims with respect to the Company Intellectual Property Rights have been
asserted or, to the knowledge of the Company, are threatened by any person (i)
to the effect that the manufacture, sale, license, or use of any product of the
Company or any of its subsidiaries as now manufactured, sold or licensed or used
or proposed for manufacture, use, sale or license by the Company or any of its
subsidiaries infringes on any copyright, patent, trademark, service mark or
trade secret, (ii) against the use by the Company or any of its subsidiaries of
any trademarks, service marks, trade names, trade secrets, copyrights, patents,
technology, know-how or computer software programs and applications used in the
business of the Company and its subsidiaries as currently conducted, or (iii)
challenging the ownership by the Company or any of its subsidiaries or the
validity of any of the Company Intellectual Property Rights. All registered
trademarks, service marks and copyrights held by the Company or any of its
subsidiaries are valid and subsisting, except to the extent that any such
failure to be valid and subsisting do not have a Material Adverse Effect. Except
as set forth in Section 2.18(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, to the
knowledge of the Company, there is no currently unauthorized use, infringement
or misappropriation of any of the Company Intellectual Property Rights by any
third party, including any employee or former employee of the Company or any of
its subsidiaries. No Company Intellectual Property Right or product of the
Company or any of its subsidiaries is subject to any outstanding decree, order,
judgment, or stipulation restricting in any manner the licensing thereof by the
Company or any of its subsidiaries, except to the extent that any such
restrictions do not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
     SECTION 2.19  Certain Distribution Agreements.  Except as set forth in
Section 2.19 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor any of
its subsidiaries is a party to any material agreement (other than distribution
agreements) under which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is restricted
from selling, licensing or otherwise distributing any of its products to any
class of customers, in any geographic area, during any period of time or in any
segment of the market. For purposes of this Section 2.19 and Section 3.17, a
material agreement shall mean any agreement required to be filed with the SEC
pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Exchange Act.
 
     SECTION 2.20  Interested Party Transactions.  Except as set forth in
Section 2.20 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, no event has occurred, since
the date of the Company's proxy statement dated June 27, 1996, that would be
required to be reported as a Certain Relationship or Related Transaction,
pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC.
 
     SECTION 2.21  Insurance.  The Company maintains fire and casualty, general
liability, business interruption, product liability and sprinkler and water
damage insurance policies with reputable insurance carriers, which are in
character and amount substantially similar to that carried by entities engaged
in a similar business and subject to the same or similar perils or hazards,
except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
     SECTION 2.22  Pooling Matters.  Neither the Company nor, to the knowledge
of the Company, any of its affiliates, has taken or agreed to take any action
that would affect the ability of Parent to account for the business combination
to be effected by the Merger as a pooling of interests.
 
     SECTION 2.23  Opinion of Financial Advisor.  The Board of Directors of the
Company has received the opinion of the Company's financial advisor, Smith
Barney Inc., to the effect that, as of the date of this Agreement, the Exchange
Ratio set forth herein is fair to the holders of Shares from a financial point
of view.
 
                                      A-13
<PAGE>   99
 
     SECTION 2.24  Brokers.  Except as set forth in Section 2.24 of the Company
Disclosure Schedule, no broker, finder or investment banker or other party is
entitled to any brokerage, finder's or other similar fee or commission in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon
arrangements made by or on behalf of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or
affiliates. The fees and expenses of the entities listed on Section 2.24 of the
Company Disclosure Schedule will be paid by the Company.
 
     SECTION 2.25  Customers and Suppliers.  Section 2.25 of the Company
Disclosure Schedule sets forth the Company's ten largest customers and suppliers
by amounts paid to or by the Company, as the case may be, in the Company's
fiscal year ended March 31, 1997.
 
                                  ARTICLE III
 
                       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF
                             PARENT AND MERGER SUB
 
     Parent and Merger Sub hereby jointly and severally represent and warrant to
the Company as follows:
 
     SECTION 3.1  Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries.  Each of Parent
and each of its subsidiaries is an entity duly organized, validly existing and
in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization and has
the requisite corporate power and authority and is in possession of all
Approvals necessary to own, lease and operate the properties it purports to own,
operate or lease and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted,
except where the failure to be so organized, existing or in good standing or to
have such power, authority or Approvals does not have a Material Adverse Effect.
Each of Parent and each of its subsidiaries is duly qualified or licensed as a
foreign entity to do business, and is in good standing, in each jurisdiction
where the character of its properties owned, leased or operated by it or the
nature of its business makes such qualification or licensing necessary, except
where the failure to be so duly qualified or licensed and in good standing does
not have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth in Section 3.1 of the
written disclosure schedule delivered on or prior to the date hereof by Parent
to the Company that is arranged in paragraphs corresponding to the numbered and
lettered paragraphs contained in this Article III (the "PARENT DISCLOSURE
SCHEDULE"), substantially all of the business and operations of Parent and its
subsidiaries are conducted through, and substantially all of the properties and
assets of Parent and its subsidiaries are owned by, Parent and its subsidiaries.
 
     SECTION 3.2  Certificates of Incorporation and By-Laws.  Parent has
heretofore furnished to the Company complete and correct copies of Parent's and
Merger Sub's Certificates of Incorporation and By-Laws, as most recently
restated and subsequently amended to date.
 
     SECTION 3.3  Capitalization.
 
     (a) The authorized capital stock of Parent consists of (i) 100,000,000
shares of Parent Common Stock and (ii) 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock,
$0.01 par value per share, none of which is issued and outstanding and none of
which is held in treasury. As of July 1, 1997, (i) 28,587,573 shares of Parent
Common Stock were issued and outstanding, all of which are validly issued, fully
paid and nonassessable, and no shares were held in treasury, (ii) no shares of
Parent Common Stock were held by subsidiaries of Parent, and (iii) 3,469,854
shares of Parent Common Stock were reserved for future issuance under Parent's
stock option and employee stock purchase plans. Except as set forth in this
Section 3.3 or in Section 3.3(a) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, there are no
options, warrants or other rights, agreements, arrangements or commitments of
any character relating to the issued or unissued capital stock of Parent or any
of its subsidiaries or obligating Parent or any of its subsidiaries to issue or
sell any shares of capital stock of, or other equity interests in, Parent or any
of its subsidiaries. Except as disclosed in Section 3.3(a) of the Parent
Disclosure Schedule, there are no obligations, contingent or otherwise, of
Parent or any of its subsidiaries to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any
shares of Parent Common Stock or the capital stock of any subsidiary or to
provide funds to or make any investment (in the form of a loan, capital
contribution, guaranty or otherwise) in any such subsidiary or any other entity.
Except as set forth in Section 3.3(a) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, all of
the outstanding shares of capital stock of each of Parent's subsidiaries is duly
authorized, validly issued, fully
 
                                      A-14
<PAGE>   100
 
paid and nonassessable, and all such shares are owned by Parent or a subsidiary
of Parent free and clear of all Liens.
 
     (b) As of the date hereof, the authorized capital stock of Merger Sub
consists of 1,000 shares of Common Stock, $.10 par value per share, of which 100
shares are issued and outstanding. All the outstanding shares of capital stock
of Merger Sub are owned by Parent, free and clear of all Liens.
 
     SECTION 3.4  Authority Relative to this Agreement.  Each of Parent and
Merger Sub has the requisite corporate power and authority to execute and
deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder and to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of
this Agreement by Parent and Merger Sub and the consummation by Parent and
Merger Sub of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly
authorized by the requisite corporate action on the part of Parent and Merger
Sub, and no other corporate proceedings on the part of Parent or Merger Sub
(other than the approval of the issuance of Parent Common Stock in the Merger by
the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the
shares of Parent Common Stock present in person, or represented by proxy, and
entitled to vote thereon at the meeting of holders of Parent Common Stock to be
called therefor, provided that the shares so present or represented constitute a
majority of the outstanding shares of Parent Common Stock) are necessary to
authorize this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated thereby.
This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Parent and
Merger Sub and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by the
Company, constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Parent and Merger
Sub enforceable against each of them in accordance with its terms, except as
such enforceability may be limited or affected by (i) bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium, liquidation, arrangement, fraudulent transfer,
fraudulent conveyance and other similar laws (including, without limitation,
court decisions) now or hereafter in effect and affecting the rights and
remedies of creditors generally or providing for the relief of debtors, (ii) the
refusal of a particular court to grant equitable remedies, including, without
limitation, specific performance and injunctive relief, and (iii) general
principles of equity (regardless of whether such remedies are sought in a
proceeding in equity or at law).
 
     SECTION 3.5  No Conflict, Required Filings and Consents.
 
     (a) The Parent Disclosure Schedule lists each material agreement, contract
or other instrument (including all amendments thereto) to which Parent or any of
its subsidiaries is a party or by which any of them is bound and which would be
required pursuant to the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder
to be filed as an exhibit to an Annual Report on Form 10-K, a Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q or a Current Report on Form 8-K. Parent has made available to the
Company, on or prior to the date hereof true, correct and complete copies in all
material respects of each such agreement, contract, instrument and amendment.
 
     (b) Except as disclosed in Section 3.5(b) of the Parent Disclosure
Schedule, (i) neither Parent nor any of its subsidiaries has breached, is in
default under, or has received written notice of any breach of or default under,
any of the agreements, contracts or other instruments referred to in Section
3.5(a), (ii) to the knowledge of Parent, no other party to any of the
agreements, contracts or other instruments referred to in Section 3.5(a) has
breached or is in default of any of its obligations thereunder, and (iii) each
of the agreements, contracts and other instruments referred to in Section 3.5(a)
is in full force and effect, except in each case for breaches, defaults or
failures to be in full force and effect that do not have a Material Adverse
Effect.
 
     (c) Except as set forth in Section 3.5(c) of the Parent Disclosure
Schedule, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent and Merger Sub
does not, and the performance of this Agreement by Parent and Merger Sub and the
consummation by Parent and Merger Sub of the transactions contemplated hereby
will not, (i) conflict with or violate the Certificate of Incorporation or
By-Laws of Parent or Merger Sub, (ii) conflict with or violate any Laws
applicable to Parent or any of its subsidiaries or by which its or any of their
respective properties are bound or affected, or (iii) result in any breach of or
constitute a default (or an event which with notice or lapse of time or both
would become a default) under, or impair Parent's or any of its subsidiaries'
rights or alter the rights or obligations of any third party under, or give to
others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or
result in the creation of a Lien on any of the
 
                                      A-15
<PAGE>   101
 
properties or assets of Parent or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to, any note,
bond, mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement, lease, license, permit,
franchise or other instrument or obligation to which Parent or any of its
subsidiaries is a party or by which Parent or any of its subsidiaries or its or
any of their respective properties are bound or affected, except in the case of
clauses (ii) and (iii) for any such conflicts, violations, breaches, defaults or
other occurrences that do not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
     (d) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent and Merger Sub
does not, and the performance of this Agreement by Parent and Merger Sub will
not, require any consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or filing with
or notification to, any governmental or regulatory authority, domestic or
foreign, except (i) for applicable requirements, if any, of the Securities Act,
the Exchange Act, the Blue Sky Laws, the pre-merger notification requirements of
the HSR Act, the legal requirements of any foreign jurisdiction requiring
notification in connection with the Merger and the transactions contemplated
hereby and the filing and recordation of appropriate merger or other documents
as required by the DGCL, and (ii) where the failure to obtain such consents,
approvals, authorizations or permits, or to make such filings or notifications,
either (A) would not prevent or materially delay consummation of the Merger or
otherwise prevent or materially delay Parent or Merger Sub from performing their
respective obligations under this Agreement, or (B) do not have a Material
Adverse Effect.
 
     SECTION 3.6  Compliance; Permits.
 
     (a) Except as disclosed in Section 3.6(a) of the Parent Disclosure
Schedule, neither Parent nor any of its subsidiaries is in conflict with, or in
default or violation of, (i) any Law applicable to Parent or any of its
subsidiaries or by which its or any of their respective properties is bound or
affected or (ii) any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement,
lease, license, permit, franchise or other instrument or obligation to which
Parent or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which Parent or any of its
subsidiaries or its or any of their respective properties is bound or affected,
except, in each case, for any such conflicts, defaults or violations which do
not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
     (b) Except as disclosed in Section 3.6(b) of the Parent Disclosure
Schedule, Parent and its subsidiaries hold all permits, licenses, easements,
variances, exemptions, consents, certificates, orders and approvals from
governmental authorities which are material to the operation of the business of
Parent and its subsidiaries taken as a whole as it is now being conducted
(collectively, the "PARENT PERMITS"). Parent and its subsidiaries are in
compliance with the terms of the Parent Permits, except where the failure to so
comply does not result in a Material Adverse Effect.
 
     SECTION 3.7  SEC Filings; Financial Statements.
 
     (a) Parent has filed all forms, reports and documents required to be filed
with the SEC and has made available to the Company copies of (i) its Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, (ii) its
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 1997, (iii) all
proxy statements relating to Parent's meetings of stockholders (whether annual
or special) since January 1, 1994, (iv) all other reports or registration
statements filed by Parent with the SEC since January 1, 1994, and (v) all
amendments and supplements to all such reports and registration statements filed
by Parent with the SEC pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act or the
Exchange Act ((i)-(v) collectively, the "PARENT SEC REPORTS"). Except as
disclosed in Section 3.7 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, the Parent SEC
Reports (i) were prepared as to form in all material respects in accordance with
the requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as the case may be,
and (ii) did not at the time they were filed (or if amended or superseded by a
subsequent filing, then on the date of such filing) contain any untrue statement
of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of
the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. None of Parent's
subsidiaries is required to file any forms, reports or other documents with the
SEC.
 
     (b) Each of the consolidated financial statements (including, in each case,
any related notes thereto) contained in the Parent SEC Reports was prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent
basis throughout the periods involved (except as may be indicated in the notes
thereto) and each fairly presents in all material respects the consolidated
financial position of Parent and
 
                                      A-16
<PAGE>   102
 
its subsidiaries as at the respective dates thereof and the consolidated results
of its operations and cash flows and stockholders equity for the periods
indicated, except that the unaudited interim financial statements were or are
subject to normal and recurring year-end adjustments.
 
     SECTION 3.7A  SEC Filings; Financial Statements -- Monarch Marking Systems,
Inc.
 
     (a) Monarch Marking Systems, Inc. ("MONARCH") has filed all forms, reports
and documents required to be filed with the SEC and has made available to the
Company copies of (i) its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996, (ii) its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended
March 31, 1996, June 30, 1996 and September 30, 1996, (iii) all other reports
filed by Monarch with the SEC since January 1, 1994, and (iv) all amendments and
supplements to all such reports filed by Monarch with the SEC pursuant to the
requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act ((i)-(iv) collectively,
the "MONARCH SEC REPORTS"). Monarch has not prepared or filed with the SEC any
proxy statements relating to any meetings of its stockholders since January 1,
1994, has not filed any registration statements with the SEC since January 1,
1994, and is not subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act as of
the date hereof. Except as disclosed in Section 3.7A of the Parent Disclosure
Schedule, the Monarch SEC Reports (i) were prepared as to form in all material
respects in accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act or the
Exchange Act, as the case may be, and (ii) did not at the time they were filed
(or if amended or superseded by a subsequent filing, then on the date of such
filing) contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the
statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading.
 
     (b) Each of the consolidated financial statements (including, in each case,
any related notes thereto) contained in the Monarch SEC Reports was prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent
basis throughout the periods involved (except as may be indicated in the notes
thereto) and each fairly presents in all material respects the consolidated
financial position of Monarch and its subsidiaries as at the respective dates
thereof and the consolidated results of its operations and cash flows and
stockholders equity for the periods indicated, except that the unaudited interim
financial statements were or are subject to normal and recurring year-end
adjustments.
 
     SECTION 3.8  Absence of Certain Changes or Events.  Except as set forth in
Section 3.8(i) through Section 3.8(xii) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule since
March 31, 1997, Parent has conducted its business in the ordinary course and
there has not occurred: (i) any Material Adverse Effect; (ii) any amendments or
changes in the Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws of Parent or similar
organizational documents of its subsidiaries; (iii) any damage to, destruction
or loss of any material asset of Parent or any of its subsidiaries (whether or
not covered by insurance); (iv) any material change by Parent in its accounting
methods, principles or practices; (v) any material revaluation by Parent of any
of its or any of its subsidiaries' assets, including without limitation, writing
down the value of inventory or writing off notes or accounts receivable other
than in the ordinary course of business; (vi) any sale, pledge, disposition of
or encumbrance upon a material amount of assets of Parent or any of its
subsidiaries (except (A) sales of assets in the ordinary course of business, (B)
dispositions of obsolete or worthless assets, and (C) sales of immaterial assets
not in excess of $1,000,000 in the aggregate); (vii) any dividend or
distribution with respect to any capital stock of the Company; (viii)
cancellation or notice of cancellation or surrender of any policy of insurance
(which has not been cured by payment of the premium, purchase of an equivalent
policy, or otherwise) relating to or affecting Parent's assets; (ix) any
payment, discharge or satisfaction of any claim, lien, obligation, encumbrance
or liability (whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise and whether due
or to become due, matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, other than
claims, liens, encumbrances or liabilities (A) that are reflected or reserved
against in the Financial Statements or (B) that were incurred and paid,
discharged or satisfied since such date in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practices; (x) any default on any material claim, liability
or obligation; (xi) any prepayment, advance or other deposit made by customers
of Parent with respect to products or services contracted for but not provided
as of the date hereof or any other unearned income other than prepayments,
advances or deposits consistent with past practices; or (xii) there has been no
increase by more than $10,000 in the compensation of any of Parent's officers or
employees who
 
                                      A-17
<PAGE>   103
 
earn more than $100,000 annually or loans made by Parent to any of its
stockholders, directors, officers or employees.
 
     SECTION 3.9  No Undisclosed Liabilities.
 
     (a) Except as is disclosed in Section 3.9 of the Parent Disclosure
Schedule, neither Parent nor any of its subsidiaries has any liabilities
(absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise), except liabilities (i) in the
aggregate adequately provided for in Parent's balance sheet (including any
related notes thereto) as of March 31, 1997 included in Parent's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 1997 (the "PARENT
BALANCE SHEET"), (ii) incurred in the ordinary course of business and not
required under generally accepted accounting principles to be reflected on the
Parent Balance Sheet, (iii) incurred since March 31, 1997, in the ordinary
course of business, (iv) incurred in connection with this Agreement, or (v)
which do not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
     (b) Merger Sub was formed solely for the purpose of engaging in the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. As of the date hereof and at the
Effective Time, except for obligations or liabilities incurred in connection
with its incorporation or organization and the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and except for this Agreement and any other agreements or arrangements
contemplated by this Agreement, Merger Sub has not and will not have incurred,
directly or indirectly, through any subsidiary or affiliate, any obligations or
liabilities or engaged in any business activities of any type or kind whatsoever
or entered into any agreements or arrangements with any person.
 
     SECTION 3.10  Absence of Litigation.  Set forth in Section 3.10 of the
Parent Disclosure Schedule are descriptions of all claims, actions, suits,
proceedings or investigations pending or, to the knowledge of Parent, threatened
against Parent or any of its subsidiaries, or any properties or rights of Parent
or any of its subsidiaries, before or by any court, arbitrator or
administrative, governmental or regulatory authority or body, domestic or
foreign, and, in the case of any such claims for damages, seek damages in excess
of $1,000,000, other than claims, actions, suits, proceedings or investigations
covered by one or more insurance policies as to which the insurer or insurers
have indicated their intentions in writing to defend and pay in the aggregate
damages up to the amount claimed ("PARENT LITIGATION"). Except as set forth in
Section 3.10 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, no such Parent Litigation would
have a Material Adverse Effect if the Plaintiff were to prevail with respect to
any of its claims.
 
     SECTION 3.11  Labor Matters.  Except as set forth in Section 3.11 of the
Parent Disclosure Schedule: (i) there are no claims or proceedings pending or,
to the knowledge of Parent, threatened, between Parent or any of its
subsidiaries and any of their respective employees, which claims or proceedings
would have a Material Adverse Effect; (ii) neither Parent nor any of its
subsidiaries is a party to any collective bargaining agreement or other labor
union contract applicable to persons employed by Parent or any of its
subsidiaries, and Parent does not know of any activities or proceedings of any
labor union to organize any such employees; (iii) Parent has no knowledge of any
strikes, slowdowns, work stoppages, lockouts, or threats thereof, by or with
respect to any employees of Parent or any of its subsidiaries; and (iv) Parent
is in compliance with all applicable labor laws, rules, regulations and orders,
except where the failure to so comply does not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
     SECTION 3.12  Registration Statement; Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.  Subject to the accuracy of the representations of the
Company in Section 2.13, the registration statement (the "REGISTRATION
STATEMENT") pursuant to which Parent Common Stock to be issued in the Merger
will be registered with the SEC shall not, at the time the Registration
Statement (including any amendments or supplements thereto) is declared
effective by the SEC, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to
make the statements included therein not misleading. The information supplied by
Parent or Merger Sub for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus will not, on the date the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus (or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto) is first
mailed to stockholders, at the time of the Stockholders' Meetings, or at the
Effective Time, contain any statement which, at such time and in light of the
circumstances under which it shall be made, is false or misleading with respect
to any material fact, or shall omit to state any material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements made
 
                                      A-18
<PAGE>   104
 
therein not false or misleading or shall omit to state any material fact
necessary to correct any statement in any earlier communication with respect to
the solicitation of proxies for the Stockholders' Meetings which has become
false or misleading. If at any time prior to the Effective Time any event
relating to Parent, Merger Sub or any of their respective affiliates, officers
or directors should be discovered by Parent or Merger Sub which is required to
be set forth in an amendment to the Registration Statement or a supplement to
the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, Parent or Merger Sub shall promptly inform
the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Parent and Merger Sub make no
representation or warranty with respect to any information supplied by the
Company which is contained or incorporated by reference in any of the foregoing
documents.
 
     SECTION 3.13  Title to Property.  Except as disclosed in Section 3.13 of
the Parent Disclosure Schedule, Parent and each of its subsidiaries have good
and defensible title to all of their properties and assets, free and clear of
all liens, charges and encumbrances, except liens for taxes not yet due and
payable and such liens or other imperfections of title, which do not have a
Material Adverse Effect; and all leases pursuant to which Parent or any of its
subsidiaries lease from others real or personal property are in good standing,
valid, effective and enforceable in accordance with their respective terms, and
there is not under any of such leases any existing default or event of default
(or event which with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a
default) by parent or, to the knowledge of Parent, by the other party or parties
to such leases, except where the lack of such good standing, validity,
effectiveness or enforceability or the existence of such default or event of
default does not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
     SECTION 3.14  Taxes.  Other than as disclosed in Section 3.14 of the Parent
Disclosure Schedule, (i) Parent and each of its subsidiaries have filed all Tax
Returns required to be filed by it or requests for extensions to file such Tax
Returns have been timely filed, granted and have not expired, except to the
extent that such failures to file or to have extensions granted that remain in
effect do not have a Material Adverse Effect; (ii) all Tax Returns filed by
Parent and each of its subsidiaries are complete and accurate except to the
extent that such failure to be complete and accurate does not have a Material
Adverse Effect; (iii) Parent and each of its subsidiaries have paid (or Parent
has paid on the subsidiaries' behalf) all Taxes shown as due on such returns
(and all Taxes required to be paid whether or not shown as due on such returns,
except to the extent that the failure to pay unreported Taxes does not have a
material Adverse Effect), and the most recent financial statements contained in
the Parent SEC Reports reflect an adequate reserve, in accordance with GAAP, for
all Taxes payable by Parent and its subsidiaries for all taxable periods and
portions thereof accrued through the date of such financial statements; (iv) no
deficiencies for any Taxes have been proposed, asserted or assessed against
Parent or any of its subsidiaries that are not adequately reserved for, except
for deficiencies that do not have a Material Adverse Effect, and no requests for
waivers of the time to assess any such Taxes have been granted or are pending;
(v) the Parent has made adequate provisions in the Parent's books and records
for Taxes with respect to its current taxable year; (vi) the statute of
limitations for the assessment of federal and state income taxes has expired for
taxable years prior to January 1, 1992 for all material state and consolidated
federal income tax returns of the Parent or any subsidiary of the consolidated
group that includes Parent, and there is no claim or assessment pending against
Parent or any of its subsidiaries for any alleged deficiency in Taxes (except
for assessments assessed prior to the date payment is required); and (vii) to
the knowledge of Parent there is no audit or investigation currently being
conducted that could cause Parent or any of its subsidiaries to be liable for
any Taxes and there are no agreements in effect to extend the period of
limitations for the assessment or collection of any tax for which Parent or any
of its subsidiaries may be liable, and (viii) Parent is not a party to any
agreement that would require it to make any excess parachute payment pursuant to
Section 280G of the Code.
 
     SECTION 3.15  Environmental Matters.  Except as set forth in Section 3.15
of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, or as do not have a Material Adverse Effect,
Parent and its subsidiaries: (i) have obtained all Approvals which are required
to be obtained under applicable Environmental Laws by Parent or any of its
subsidiaries (or their respective agents); (ii) are in compliance with terms and
conditions of such required Approvals; and (iii) have not received notice of any
past or present violation of Environmental Laws, or any event, condition,
circumstance, activity, practice, incident, action or plan which is reasonably
likely to interfere with or prevent continued compliance with Environmental Laws
or which would give rise to any common law or statutory liability or otherwise
form the basis of any claim, action, suit or proceeding, against Parent or any
 
                                      A-19
<PAGE>   105
 
of its subsidiaries based on or resulting from the manufacture, processing,
distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling, or the
emission, discharge or release into the environment, of any pollutant,
contaminant or hazardous or toxic material or waste.
 
     SECTION 3.16  Intellectual Property; Domestic.
 
     (a) Set forth on Section 3.16 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule are
descriptions of all patents, trademarks, trade names, service marks, copyrights,
and any applications therefor, technology, know-how and tangible or intangible
proprietary information or material that are material to the business of Parent
and its subsidiaries as currently conducted by Parent or any of its subsidiaries
(the "PARENT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS"). Parent or its subsidiaries,
directly or indirectly, own, or are licensed or otherwise possess legally
enforceable rights to use, all Parent Intellectual Property Rights.
 
     (b) Except as set forth on Section 3.16 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule,
either Parent or one of its subsidiaries is the owner of, or the licensee of,
with all right, title and interest in and to (free and clear of any Liens), the
Parent Intellectual Property Rights; in the case of the Parent Intellectual
Property Rights owned by Parent or any of its subsidiaries, has the right to the
use thereof or the material covered thereby in connection with the services or
products in respect of which the Parent Intellectual Property Rights are being
used; and in the case of Parent Intellectual Property Rights licensed to Parent
or any subsidiary, the licenses thereof are valid, binding and enforceable in
accordance with their terms, and no default or event of default (or any event
that, with the giving of notice or passage of time, or both, would result in a
default or event of default) by Parent or any of its subsidiaries or, to the
knowledge of Parent, by any other party or parties exists under such licenses.
Except as set forth in Section 3.16(b) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule or as
do not have a Material Adverse Effect, no claims with respect to the Parent
Intellectual Property Rights have been asserted or, to the knowledge of Parent,
are threatened by any person (i) to the effect that the manufacture, sale,
license or use of any product of Parent or any of its subsidiaries as now
manufactured, used, sold or licensed or proposed for manufacture, use, sale or
license by Parent or any of its subsidiaries infringes on any copyright, patent,
trademark, service mark or trade secret, (ii) against the use by Parent or any
of its subsidiaries of any trademarks, service marks, trade names, trade
secrets, copyrights, patents, technology, know-how or computer software programs
and applications used in the business of Parent and its subsidiaries as
currently conducted, or (iii) challenging the ownership by Parent or any of its
subsidiaries or the validity of any of the Parent Intellectual Property Rights.
All registered trademarks, service marks and copyrights held by Parent or any of
its subsidiaries are valid and subsisting, except to the extent that any such
failure to be valid and subsisting does not have a Material Adverse Effect.
Except as set forth in Section 3.16(b) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, to the
knowledge of Parent, there is no currently unauthorized use, infringement or
misappropriation of any of the Parent Intellectual Property Rights by any third
party, including any employee or former employee of Parent or any of its
subsidiaries. No Parent Intellectual Property Right or product of Parent or any
of its subsidiaries is subject to any outstanding decree, order, judgment, or
stipulation restricting in any manner the licensing thereof by Parent or any of
its subsidiaries, except to the extent that any such restriction does not have a
Material Adverse Effect.
 
     SECTION 3.16A  Intellectual Property; Foreign
 
     (a) With respect to all foreign patents, trademarks, trade names, service
marks, copyrights, and any applications therefor, technology, know-how and
tangible or intangible proprietary information or material that are material to
the business of Parent and its subsidiaries as currently conducted by Parent or
any of its subsidiaries (the "FOREIGN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS"), Parent or
its subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, owns, or is licensed or otherwise
possesses legally enforceable rights to use, all Foreign Intellectual Property
Rights.
 
     (b) No claims with respect to the Foreign Intellectual Property Rights have
been asserted (except to the extent that any such claim does not have a Material
Adverse Effect) or, to the knowledge of Parent, are threatened by any person (i)
to the effect that the manufacture, sale, license or use of any product of
Parent or any of its subsidiaries as now manufactured, used, sold or licensed or
proposed for manufacture, use, sale or license by Parent or any of its
subsidiaries infringes on any copyright, patent, trademark, service mark or
trade secret, (ii) against the use by Parent or any of its subsidiaries of any
trademarks, service marks, trade names,
 
                                      A-20
<PAGE>   106
 
trade secrets, copyrights, patents, technology, know-how or computer software
programs and applications used in the business of Parent. and its subsidiaries
as currently conducted, or (iii) challenging the ownership by Parent or any of
its subsidiaries or the validity of any of the Parent Foreign Intellectual
Property Rights. All registered trademarks, service marks and copyrights held by
Parent or any of its subsidiaries are valid and subsisting, except to the extent
that any such failure to be valid and subsisting does not have a Material
Adverse Effect. Except as set forth in Section 3.16A(b) of the Parent Disclosure
Schedule, to the knowledge of Parent, there is no currently unauthorized use,
infringement or misappropriation of any of the Foreign Intellectual Property
Rights by any third party, including any employee or former employee of Parent
or any of its subsidiaries. No Foreign Intellectual Property Rights or product
of parent or any of its subsidiaries is subject to any outstanding decree,
order, judgment, or stipulation restricting in any manner the licensing thereof
by Parent or any of its subsidiaries, except to the extent that any such
restriction does not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
     SECTION 3.17  Certain Distribution Agreements.  Except as set forth in
Section 3.17 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, neither Parent nor any of its
subsidiaries has entered into any material agreement (other than distribution
agreements) under which Parent or any of its subsidiaries is restricted from
selling, licensing or otherwise distributing any of its products to any class of
customers, in any geographic area, during any period of time or in any segment
of the market.
 
     SECTION 3.18  Interested Party Transactions.  Except as set forth in
Section 3.18 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, no event has occurred, since the
date of Parent's proxy statement dated March 31, 1997, that would be required to
be reported as a Certain Relationship or Related Transaction, pursuant to Item
404 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC.
 
     SECTION 3.19  Insurance.  Parent maintains fire and casualty, general
liability, business interruption, product liability and sprinkler and water
damage insurance policies with reputable insurance carriers, which are in
character and amount substantially similar to that carried by entities engaged
in a similar business and subject to the same or similar perils or hazards,
except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
     SECTION 3.20  Pooling Matters.  Neither Parent nor, to the knowledge of
Parent, any of its affiliates, has taken or agreed to take any action that would
affect the ability of Parent to account for the business combination to be
effected by the Merger as a pooling of interests.
 
     SECTION 3.21  Opinion of Financial Advisor.  The Board of Directors of
Parent has received the opinion of Parent's financial advisor, Wheat First
Butcher Singer, to the effect that, as of the date of this Agreement, the
Exchange Ratio is fair to Parent and Parent's stockholders from a financial
point of view.
 
     SECTION 3.22  Brokers.  Except as set forth in Section 3.22 of the Parent
Disclosure Schedule, no broker, finder or investment banker or other party is
entitled to any brokerage, finder's or other similar fee or commission in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon
arrangements made by or on behalf of Parent or Merger Sub or any of their
subsidiaries or affiliates. The fees and expenses of the entities listed on
Section 3.22 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule will be paid by Parent.
 
                                   ARTICLE IV
 
                     CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER
 
     SECTION 4.1  Conduct of Business by the Company Pending the Merger.  The
Company covenants and agrees that, during the period from the date of this
Agreement and continuing until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement
or the Effective Time, unless Parent shall otherwise agree in writing and except
as set forth in Section 4.1 of the Company Disclosure Schedule or as
contemplated by this Agreement, the Company shall conduct its business, and
shall cause the businesses of its subsidiaries to be conducted, only in the
ordinary course of business; and the Company shall use all reasonable efforts to
preserve substantially intact the business organization of the Company and its
subsidiaries, to keep available the services of the present officers, employees
and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries and to preserve the present
 
                                      A-21
<PAGE>   107
 
relationships of the Company and its subsidiaries with customers, suppliers and
other persons with which the Company or any of its subsidiaries has significant
business relations. By way of amplification and not limitation, neither the
Company nor any of its subsidiaries shall, during the period from the date of
this Agreement and continuing until the earlier of the termination of this
Agreement or the Effective Time, directly or indirectly do, or propose to do,
any of the following without the prior written consent of Parent:
 
          (a) amend or otherwise change the Certificate of Incorporation or
     By-Laws of the Company or similar organizational documents of any of its
     subsidiaries;
 
          (b) issue, sell, pledge, dispose of or encumber, or authorize the
     issuance, sale, pledge, disposition or encumbrance of, any shares of
     capital stock of any, class, or any options, warrants, convertible
     securities or other rights of any kind to acquire any shares of capital
     stock, or any other ownership interest (including, without limitation, any
     phantom interest) in the Company or any of its subsidiaries (except for (i)
     the issuance of shares of Company Common Stock issuable pursuant to Stock
     Options which were granted under the Company Stock Option Plans and are
     outstanding on the date hereof, (ii) grants of Stock Options under the
     Company Stock Option Plans for the purchase of a maximum of 25,000 shares
     of Company Common Stock in the aggregate to the individuals identified in
     Section 4.1(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule and (iii) the issuance of
     shares of Company Common Stock issuable pursuant to the Warrants);
 
          (c) (i) declare, set aside, make or pay any dividend or other
     distribution (whether in cash, stock or property or any combination
     thereof) in respect of any of its capital stock, except that a wholly-owned
     subsidiary of the Company may declare and pay a dividend to its parent,
     (ii) split, combine or reclassify any of its capital stock, or (iii) amend
     the terms or change the period of exercisability of, purchase, repurchase,
     redeem or otherwise acquire, or permit any subsidiary to purchase,
     repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, any of its securities or any
     securities of any of its subsidiaries, including, without limitation,
     shares of Company Common Stock or any option, warrant or right, directly or
     indirectly, to acquire shares of Company Common Stock, or provide that upon
     the exercise or conversion of any such option, warrant or right the holder
     thereof shall receive cash;
 
          (d) sell, pledge, dispose of or encumber any assets of the Company or
     any of its subsidiaries (except for (i) sales of assets in the ordinary
     course of business, (ii) dispositions of obsolete or worthless assets, and
     (iii) sales of immaterial assets not in excess of $250,000 in the
     aggregate);
 
          (e) (i) acquire (by merger, consolidation, or acquisition of stock or
     assets) any corporation, partnership or other business organization or
     division thereof; (ii) except in the ordinary course of business, incur or
     assume any Funded Debt (as defined below) not currently outstanding; (iii)
     except in the ordinary course of business, assume, guarantee or endorse or
     otherwise as an accommodation become responsible for the obligations of any
     person (other than the Company or any of its wholly-owned subsidiaries);
     (iv) except in the ordinary course of business, make any loans or advances
     to any person (other than the Company or any of its wholly-owned
     subsidiaries); (v) enter into or amend any material contract or agreement;
     (vi) authorize any capital expenditures or purchases of fixed assets in
     excess of $5 million in the aggregate for the Company and its subsidiaries
     taken as a whole; or (vii) enter into or amend any contract, agreement,
     commitment or arrangement to effect any of the matters prohibited by this
     Section 4.1(e);
 
          (f) (i) increase the compensation payable or to become payable to its
     officers or employees, except for increases in salary or wages of employees
     of the Company or any of its subsidiaries who are not officers of the
     Company in the ordinary course of business; (ii) grant any severance or
     termination pay to, or enter into any employment or severance agreement
     with any director, officer or other employee of the Company or any of its
     subsidiaries; or (iii) establish, adopt, enter into or amend any collective
     bargaining, bonus, profit sharing, thrift, compensation, stock option,
     restricted stock, pension, retirement, deferred compensation, employment,
     termination, severance or other plan, agreement, trust, fund, policy or
     arrangement for the benefit of any current or former directors, officers or
     employees, except, in each case, as may be required by law;
 
                                      A-22
<PAGE>   108
 
          (g) except as may be required as a result of a change in law or in
     generally accepted accounting principles, take any action to change
     accounting policies or procedures (including, without limitation,
     procedures with respect to revenue recognition, payments of accounts
     payable and collection of accounts receivable);
 
          (h) make any material tax election inconsistent with past practice or
     settle or compromise any material federal, state, local or foreign tax
     liability or agree to an extension of a statute of limitations;
 
          (i) pay, discharge or satisfy any material claims, liabilities or
     obligations (absolute, accrued, asserted or unasserted, contingent or
     otherwise), other than the payment, discharge or satisfaction in the
     ordinary course of business of liabilities reflected or reserved against in
     the financial statements contained in the Company SEC Reports filed prior
     to the date of this Agreement or incurred in the ordinary course of
     business; or
 
          (j) take, or agree in writing or otherwise to take, any of the actions
     described in Sections 4.1(a) through (i) above.
 
     For purposes of this Section, "Funded Debt" means, without duplication, (i)
all indebtedness for borrowed money or which has been incurred in connection
with the acquisition of assets, in each case having a final maturity of one or
more than one year from the date of origin thereof (or which is renewable or
extendible at the option of the obligor for a period or periods more than one
year from the date of origin), but excluding all payments in respect thereof
that are required to be made within one year from the date of any determination
of Funded Debt to the extent the obligation to make such payments shall
constitute a current liability of the obligor under GAAP, (ii) all rentals
payable under capitalized leases, and (iii) all guaranties of Funded Debt of
others.
 
     SECTION 4.2  No Solicitation.
 
          (a) The Company shall not, directly or indirectly, through any
     officer, director, employee, representative or agent of the Company or any
     of its subsidiaries, (i) solicit, initiate or encourage any inquiries or
     proposals regarding any merger, sale of substantial assets, sale of more
     than 1% of the outstanding shares of capital stock (including without
     limitation by way of a tender offer) or similar transactions involving the
     Company other than the Merger (any of the foregoing inquiries or proposals
     being referred to herein as an "ACQUISITION PROPOSAL"), (ii) engage in
     negotiations or discussions concerning, or provide any nonpublic
     information to any person relating to, any Acquisition Proposal or (iii)
     agree to, approve or recommend any Acquisition Proposal. Nothing contained
     in this Section 4.2(a) shall prevent the Board of Directors of the Company
     from considering, negotiating, discussing, approving and recommending to
     the stockholders of the Company a bona fide Acquisition Proposal not
     solicited in violation of this Agreement, provided the Board of Directors
     of the Company determines in good faith that it is required to do so in
     order to discharge properly its fiduciary duties. Nothing contained in this
     Section 4.2 shall prohibit the Board of Directors of the Company from
     complying with Rule 14e-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act with regard to
     a tender or exchange offer.
 
          (b) Unless otherwise required under the applicable fiduciary duties of
     the directors of the Company, the Company shall promptly notify Parent
     after receipt of any Acquisition Proposal, or any material modification of
     or amendment to any Acquisition Proposal. Such notice to Parent shall
     indicate the name of the person making such Acquisition Proposal, the terms
     and conditions of such Acquisition Proposal, and whether the Company is
     providing or intends to provide the person making the Acquisition Proposal
     with access to information concerning the Company as provided in Section
     4.2(c), and the Company shall furnish Parent with copies of any written
     Acquisition Proposal and the contents of any communications in response
     thereto. The Company shall not waive any provisions of any "standstill"
     agreements between the Company and any party, except to the extent that
     such waiver is, as advised by counsel, required by the fiduciary duties of
     the directors of the Company.
 
          (c) If the Board of Directors of the Company receives a request for
     nonpublic information by a person who makes, or indicates that it is
     considering making, a bona fide Acquisition Proposal, and the
 
                                      A-23
<PAGE>   109
 
     Board of Directors determines in good faith that it is required to cause
     the Company to act as provided in this Section 4.2(c) in order to discharge
     properly the directors' fiduciary duties, then, provided such person has
     executed a confidentiality agreement with the Company, the Company may
     provide such person with access to information regarding the Company.
 
     SECTION 4.3  Conduct of Business by Parent Pending the Merger.  During the
period from the date of this Agreement and continuing until the earlier of the
termination of this Agreement or the Effective Time, Parent covenants and agrees
that, unless the Company shall otherwise agree in writing and except as set
forth in Section 4.3 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule or as contemplated by
this Agreement, Parent shall conduct its business, and cause the businesses of
its subsidiaries to be conducted, only in the ordinary course of business; and
Parent shall use all reasonable efforts to preserve substantially intact the
business organization of Parent and its subsidiaries, to keep available all
services of the present officers, employees and consultants of Parent and its
subsidiaries and to preserve the present relationships of Parent and its
subsidiaries with customers, suppliers and other persons with which Parent or
any of its subsidiaries has significant business relations. By way of
amplification and not limitation, neither Parent nor any of its subsidiaries
shall, during the period from the date of this Agreement and continuing until
the earlier of the termination of this Agreement or the Effective Time, directly
or indirectly do, or propose to do, any of the following without the prior
written consent of the Company which shall not be unreasonably withheld:
 
          (a) amend or otherwise change the Certificate of Incorporation or
     By-Laws of Parent or similar organizational documents of any of its
     subsidiaries;
 
          (b) declare, set aside, make or pay any dividend or other distribution
     (whether in cash, stock or property or any combination thereof) in respect
     of any of its capital stock, other than regular stock dividends consistent
     with past practice and except that a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent may
     declare and pay a dividend to its parent; or
 
          (c) take, or agree in writing or otherwise to take, any of the actions
     described in 4.3(a) and (b).
 
                                   ARTICLE V
 
                             ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
 
     SECTION 5.1  HSR Act; Etc.  As promptly as practicable after the date of
the execution of this Agreement, the Company and Parent shall file notifications
under and in accordance with the HSR Act and the legal requirements of any
foreign jurisdictions requiring notification in connection with the Merger and
the transactions contemplated hereby. The Company and Parent shall respond as
promptly as practicable to any inquiries received from the Federal Trade
Commission (the "FTC") and the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice
(the "ANTITRUST DIVISION") for additional information or documentation and shall
respond as promptly as practicable to all inquiries and requests received from
any State Attorney General or other governmental authority (foreign or domestic)
in connection with antitrust matters and shall otherwise use their best efforts
to cause the waiting period thereunder to expire or be terminated.
 
     SECTION 5.2  Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus; Registration Statement.  As
promptly as practicable after the execution of this Agreement, the Company and
Parent shall prepare and file with the SEC preliminary proxy materials which
shall constitute the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the Registration
Statement of Parent with respect to Parent Common Stock to be issued in
connection with the Merger. As promptly as practicable after comments are
received from the SEC thereon and after the furnishing by the Company and Parent
of all information required to be contained therein, the Company and Parent
shall file with the SEC a combined proxy and Registration Statement on Form S-4
(or on such other form as shall be appropriate) relating to the adoption of this
Agreement and approval of the transactions contemplated hereby by the
stockholders of the Company and the approval by the stockholders of Parent of
the issuance of Parent Company Stock in the Merger pursuant to this Agreement,
and shall use all reasonable efforts to cause the Registration Statement to
become effective and to mail the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus to their
respective stockholders, as soon thereafter as practicable.
 
                                      A-24
<PAGE>   110
 
     SECTION 5.3  Stockholders Meetings.  Unless otherwise required under the
applicable fiduciary duties of the respective directors of the Company and
Parent, the Company and Parent shall call and hold their respective
Stockholders' Meetings as promptly as practicable and in accordance with
applicable laws for the purpose of voting upon the approval of the Merger and
the adoption of the Merger Agreement, in the case of the Company's stockholders,
and the issuance of Parent Common Stock, in the case of Parent's stockholders,
and Parent and the Company shall use their best efforts to hold the
Stockholders' Meetings on the same day and as soon as practicable after the date
on which the Registration Statement becomes effective. Unless otherwise required
under the applicable fiduciary duties of the respective directors of the Company
and Parent, as determined by such directors in good faith after consultation
with and based upon the advice of their respective outside legal counsel, the
Company and Parent shall (i) recommend approval of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement by the stockholders of the Company and Parent, respectively,
and include in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus such recommendation and (ii)
use all reasonable efforts to solicit from their respective stockholders proxies
in favor of adoption of this Agreement and approval of the transactions
contemplated hereby or approval of the issuance of Parent Common Stock in the
Merger pursuant to this Agreement, as the case may be, and shall take all other
action necessary or advisable to secure the vote or consent of stockholders to
obtain such approvals.
 
     SECTION 5.4  Access to Information; Confidentiality.  Upon reasonable
notice and subject to restrictions contained in confidentiality agreements to
which such party is subject (from which such party shall use reasonable efforts
to be released), the Company and Parent shall each (and shall cause each of
their respective subsidiaries to) afford to the officers, employees,
accountants, counsel and other representatives of the other, reasonable access,
during the period prior to the Effective Time, to all its properties, books,
contracts, commitments and records and, during such period, the Company and
Parent each shall (and shall cause each of their respective subsidiaries to)
furnish promptly to the other all information concerning its business,
properties and personnel as such other party may reasonably request, and each
shall make available to the other the appropriate individuals (including
attorneys, accountants and other professionals) for discussion of the other's
business, properties and personnel as either Parent or the Company may
reasonably request. Each party shall keep such information confidential in
accordance with the terms of the confidentiality letters between Parent and the
Company, dated April 3, 1997 and July 8, 1997 (the "CONFIDENTIALITY LETTERS").
 
     SECTION 5.5  Consents; Approvals.  The Company, Parent and Merger Sub shall
each use all reasonable efforts to obtain all consents (including those referred
to in Section 6.1(h)), waivers, approvals, authorizations or orders (including,
without limitation, all United States and foreign governmental and regulatory
rulings and approvals), and the Company, Parent and Merger Sub shall make all
filings (including, without limitation, all filings with United States and
foreign governmental or regulatory agencies) required in connection with the
authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement by each of them and the
consummation by them of the transactions contemplated hereby, in each case as
promptly as practicable. The Company, Parent and Merger Sub shall furnish
promptly all information required to be included in the Joint Proxy Statement/
Prospectus and the Registration Statement, or for any application or other
filing to be made pursuant to the rules and regulations of any United States or
foreign governmental body in connection with the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement.
 
     SECTION 5.6  Agreements with Respect to Affiliates.  Each of Parent and the
Company shall deliver to the other, prior to the date the Registration Statement
becomes effective under the Securities Act, a letter (the "AFFILIATE LETTERS")
identifying all persons who are, at the time of the Parent Stockholders' Meeting
or the Company Stockholders' Meeting, as the case may be, "affiliates" of Parent
or the Company, respectively, for purposes of Rule 145 under the Securities Act
("RULE 145"). Each of Parent and the Company shall use its best efforts to cause
each person who is identified as an "affiliate" in its Affiliate Letter to
deliver, on or before the date which is 30 days prior to the Effective Time, a
written agreement (an "AFFILIATE AGREEMENT") in connection with restrictions on
affiliates under Rule 145 and pooling of interests accounting treatment, in
substantially the form of Exhibit 5.6.
 
                                      A-25
<PAGE>   111
 
     SECTION 5.7  Indemnification and Insurance.
 
     (a) The By-Laws of the Surviving Corporation shall contain the provisions
with respect to indemnification set forth in the By-Laws of the Company on the
date hereof, which provisions shall not be amended, repealed or otherwise
modified for a period of six years from the Effective Time in any manner that
would adversely affect the rights thereunder of individuals who on or prior to
the Effective Time were directors, officers, employees or agents of the Company,
unless such modification is required by law.
 
     (b) The Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law
or under the Company's Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws and regardless of
whether the Merger becomes effective, indemnify and hold harmless, and, after
the Effective Time, Parent and the Surviving Corporation shall, to the fullest
extent permitted under applicable law or under the Surviving Corporation's
Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws as in effect at the Effective Time,
indemnify and hold harmless, each present and former director, officer or
employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (collectively, the
"INDEMNIFIED PARTIES") against any costs or expenses (including attorneys'
fees), judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages, liabilities and amounts paid
in settlement in connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or
investigation, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, (x)
arising out of or pertaining to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
or (y) otherwise with respect to any acts or omissions occurring at or prior to
the Effective Time, to the same extent as provided in the Company's Certificate
of Incorporation or By-Laws or any applicable contract or agreement as in effect
on the date hereof, in each case for a period of six years after the date
hereof.
 
     (c) Parent and the Surviving Corporation shall honor and fulfill in all
respects the obligations of the Company pursuant to indemnification agreements
with the Company's directors and officers existing at or before the date hereof.
 
     (d) For a period of six years after the Effective Time, Parent shall cause
the Surviving Corporation to maintain in effect, if available, directors' and
officers' liability insurance covering those persons who are currently covered
by the Company's directors' and officers' liability insurance policy (a copy of
which has been made available to Parent) on terms comparable to those now
applicable to directors and officers of the Company.
 
     (e) This Section shall survive the consummation of the Merger, is intended
to benefit the Company, the Surviving Corporation and the Indemnified Parties,
shall be binding on all successors and assigns of Parent and the Surviving
Corporation and shall be enforceable by the Indemnified Parties.
 
     SECTION 5.8  Employment and Benefit Matters.  For a period of not less than
one (1) year following the Effective Time, Parent and the Surviving Corporation
shall cause the employees of the Surviving Corporation to continue to
participate in such employee benefit plans and programs in which they
participated immediately prior to the Effective Time while employed by the
Company, or, to the extent such continued participation is not practicable
(i.e., where benefits are based on Company Common Stock), then such employees
shall be eligible to participate in such comparable plans or programs of the
Parent. To the extent that service is relevant for purposes of eligibility,
participation, vesting or benefit accrual under any such employee benefit plan
or program, employees of the Surviving Corporation shall be credited for service
accrued or deemed accrued with the Company prior to the Effective Time,
provided, however, that such crediting of service does not result in the
duplication of benefits or any unintended windfall with respect to the accrual
of benefits.
 
     SECTION 5.9  Notification of Certain Matters.  The Company shall give
prompt notice to Parent, and Parent shall give prompt notice to the Company, of
(i) the occurrence or nonoccurrence of any event the occurrence or nonoccurrence
of which would be likely to cause any representation or warranty contained in
this Agreement to become materially untrue or inaccurate, or (ii) any failure of
the Company, Parent or Merger Sub, as the case may be, materially to comply with
or satisfy any covenant, condition or agreement to be complied with or satisfied
by it hereunder; provided, however, that the delivery of any notice pursuant to
this Section 5.9 shall not limit or otherwise affect the remedies available
hereunder to the party receiving such notice; and provided, further, that
failure to give such notice shall not be treated as a breach of covenant for
 
                                      A-26
<PAGE>   112
 
the purposes of Section 6.2(b) or 6.3(b) unless the failure to give such notice
results in material prejudice to the other party.
 
     SECTION 5.10  Further Action/Tax Treatment.  Upon the terms and subject to
the conditions hereof each of the parties hereto shall use all reasonable
efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be
done, all other things necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make
effective as promptly as practicable the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, to obtain in a timely manner all necessary waivers, consents and
approvals and to effect all necessary registrations and filings, and otherwise
to satisfy or cause to be satisfied all conditions precedent to its obligations
under this Agreement. Each of Parent, Merger Sub and the Company shall use its
best efforts to cause the Merger to qualify, and will not (both before and after
consummation of the Merger) take any actions which to its knowledge would
reasonably be expected to prevent the Merger from qualifying, as a
reorganization under the provisions of Section 368 of the Code.
 
     SECTION 5.11  Public Announcements.  Parent and the Company shall consult
with each other before issuing any press release and shall not issue any press
release or make any public statement with respect to the Merger or this
Agreement without the prior consent of the other party, which shall not be
unreasonably withheld; provided, however, that a party may, without the prior
consent of the other party, issue such press release or make such public
statement as may upon the advice of outside counsel be required by law or the
rules and regulations of the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market,
as the case may be (in which case the disclosing party will use its best efforts
to advise the other party prior to making the disclosure).
 
     SECTION 5.12  Conveyance Taxes.  Parent and the Company shall cooperate in
the preparation, execution and filing of all returns, questionnaires,
applications or other documents regarding any real property transfer or gains,
sales, use, transfer, value added, stock transfer and stamp taxes, any transfer,
recording, registration and other fees, and any similar taxes (collectively, the
"TRANSFER TAXES") which become payable in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby that are required or permitted to be filed at or before the
Effective Time. Parent or the Surviving Corporation shall pay all Transfer Taxes
imposed in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
     SECTION 5.13  Accountants' Letters.  Upon reasonable notice from the other,
the Company and Parent shall use their respective best efforts to cause KPMG
Peat Marwick LLP or Arthur Andersen LLP, respectively, to deliver to Parent or
the Company, as the case may be, a letter, dated within two business days of the
Effective Date of the Registration Statement covering such matters as are
requested by Parent or the Company, as the case may be, and as are customarily
addressed in accountants' "comfort" letters. In connection with Parent's efforts
to obtain such letter, if requested by Arthur Andersen LLP, the Company shall
provide a representation letter to Arthur Andersen LLP complying with the
statement on Auditing Standards No. 72 ("SAS 72"), if then required. In
connection with the Company's efforts to obtain such letter, if requested by
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, Parent shall provide a representation letter to KPMG Peat
Marwick LLP complying with SAS 72, if then required.
 
     SECTION 5.14  Pooling Accounting Treatment.  Each of Parent and the Company
agrees not to take any action that to its knowledge would reasonably be expected
to adversely affect the ability of Parent to treat the Merger as a pooling of
interests, and each of Parent and the Company agrees to take such action as may
be reasonably required to negate the impact of any past actions which to its
knowledge could reasonably be expected to adversely impact the ability of Parent
to treat the Merger as a pooling of interests.
 
     SECTION 5.15  Company Listing.  The Company shall use its best efforts to
continue the listing of the Company Common Stock on the Nasdaq Stock Market
during the term of this Agreement.
 
     SECTION 5.16  Listing of Parent Shares.  Parent shall use its best efforts
to cause Parent Shares to be issued in the Merger to be approved for listing,
upon official notice of issuance, on the New York Stock Exchange.
 
     SECTION 5.17  Guarantee of Merger Sub Obligations.  Parent guarantees the
full and punctual performance by Merger Sub of all the obligations hereunder of
Merger Sub.
 
                                      A-27
<PAGE>   113
 
                                   ARTICLE VI
 
                            CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
 
     SECTION 6.1  Conditions to Obligation of Each Party to Effect the
Merger.  The respective obligations of each party to effect the Merger shall be
subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Effective Time of the following
conditions:
 
          (a) Effectiveness of the Registration Statement.  The Registration
     Statement shall have been declared effective by the SEC under the
     Securities Act. No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
     Registration Statement shall have been issued by the SEC and no proceedings
     for that purpose and no similar proceeding in respect of the Joint Proxy
     Statement/Prospectus shall have been initiated or threatened by the SEC.
 
          (b) Stockholder Approval.  The Merger shall have been approved and
     this Agreement shall have been adopted by the requisite vote of the
     stockholders of the Company and the issuance of shares of Parent Common
     Stock in the Merger pursuant to this Agreement shall have been approved by
     the requisite vote of the stockholders of Parent.
 
          (c) HSR Act, Etc.  The waiting period applicable to the consummation
     of the Merger under the HSR Act shall have expired or been terminated, and
     any requirements of other foreign jurisdictions applicable to the
     consummation of the Merger shall have been satisfied unless the failure of
     such requirements of other foreign jurisdictions to be satisfied do not
     have a Material Adverse Effect in respect of either the Company and its
     subsidiaries or Parent and its subsidiaries.
 
          (d) Consents; Approvals.  All consents, waivers, approvals,
     authorizations or orders of third parties to the consummation of the Merger
     and the other transactions contemplated hereby shall have been obtained,
     other than those which, if not obtained, do not have a Material Adverse
     Effect.
 
          (e) No Injunctions or Restraints; Illegality.  No statute, rule,
     regulation, executive order, decree, ruling, temporary restraining order,
     preliminary or permanent injunction or other order shall have been enacted,
     entered, promulgated, enforced or issued by any court or governmental
     authority of competent jurisdiction or shall otherwise be in effect which
     prohibits, restrains, enjoins or restricts the consummation of the Merger.
 
          (f) Blue Sky Laws.  All material permits and other authorizations
     necessary under the Blue Sky Laws to issue shares of Parent Common Stock
     pursuant to the Merger shall have been obtained.
 
          (g) New York Stock Exchange Listing.  The Parent Shares to be issued
     in the Merger shall have been approved upon official notice of issuance for
     listing on the New York Stock Exchange.
 
          (h) Bank Consents.  Parent shall have received (i) the consent to the
     Merger of the Lenders (or waivers by such Lenders of any default arising
     from the Merger) under the Credit Agreement, dated as of March 3, 1997,
     among Parent as Borrower, and the Initial Lenders, Initial Issuing Bank and
     Swing Line Bank named therein as Initial Lenders, Initial Issuing Bank and
     Swing Line Bank, and Fleet Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and (ii)
     the consent to the Merger of Wachovia Bank, N.A. ("Wachovia") (or the
     waiver by Wachovia of any default arising from the Merger) under the
     Reimbursement and Security Agreement, dated as of May 1, 1996, between
     Parent and Wachovia (as successor by merger to Wachovia Bank of Georgia,
     N.A.), copies of which agreements have been provided to the Company.
 
     SECTION 6.2  Additional Conditions to Obligations of Parent and Merger
Sub.  The obligations of Parent and Merger Sub to effect the Merger are also
subject to the following conditions:
 
          (a) Representations and Warranties.  The representations and
     warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement shall be true and
     correct in all material respects at and as of the Effective Time as if made
     at and as of such time, except for (i) changes contemplated by this
     Agreement, and (ii) those representations and warranties which address
     matters only as of a particular date (which shall have been true and
     correct as of such date), with the same force and effect as if made at and
     as of the Effective
 
                                      A-28
<PAGE>   114
 
     Time, and Parent and Merger Sub shall have received a certificate to such
     effect signed by the Chief Executive Officer and the President of the
     Company.
 
          (b) Agreements and Covenants.  The Company shall have performed or
     complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants
     required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it at or
     prior to the Effective Time, and Parent and Merger Sub shall have received
     a certificate to such effect signed by the Chief Executive Officer and the
     President of the Company.
 
          (c) Corporate Documents.  The Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws
     of the Company shall have been amended in the form of Exhibits 6.2(c)-1 and
     6.2(c)-2.
 
          (d) Opinion of Counsel.  Parent shall have received a written opinion
     of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, counsel to the Company, dated as of the
     Effective Time, and in form reasonably satisfactory to Parent.
 
          (e) Opinion of Accountants.  Parent shall have received an opinion of
     each of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP and Arthur Andersen LLP, independent
     certified public accountants, to the effect that the Merger qualifies for
     pooling of interests accounting treatment if consummated in accordance with
     this Agreement.
 
          (f) Affiliate Agreements.  Parent shall have received from each person
     who is identified in the Affiliate Letters as an "affiliate" of the
     Company, an Affiliate Agreement, and such Affiliate Agreement shall be in
     full force and effect.
 
     SECTION 6.3  Additional Conditions to Obligation of the Company.  The
obligation of the Company to effect the Merger is also subject to the following
conditions:
 
          (a) Representations and Warranties.  The representations and
     warranties of Parent and Merger Sub contained in this Agreement shall be
     true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Effective Time,
     except for (i) changes contemplated by this Agreement, and (ii) those
     representations and warranties which address matters only as of a
     particular date (which shall have been true and correct as of such date),
     with the same force and effect as if made on and as of the Effective Time,
     and the Company shall have received a certificate to such effect signed by
     the Chief Executive Officer and the President of Parent.
 
          (b) Agreements and Covenants.  Parent and Merger Sub shall have
     performed or complied in all material respects with all agreements and
     covenants required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by
     them on or prior to the Effective Time, and the Company shall have received
     a certificate to such effect signed by the Chief Executive Officer and the
     President of Parent.
 
          (c) Opinion of Counsel.  The Company shall have received a written
     opinion of Snow Becker Krauss P.C., counsel to Parent and Merger Sub, dated
     as of the Effective Time, and in form reasonably satisfactory to the
     Company.
 
          (d) Opinion of Accountants.  The Company shall have received a copy of
     the opinions referred to in Section 6.2(e) above.
 
          (e) Affiliate Agreements.  The Company shall have received from each
     person who is identified in the Affiliate Letters as an "affiliate" of
     Parent, an Affiliate Agreement, and such Affiliate Agreement shall be in
     full force and effect.
 
                                      A-29
<PAGE>   115
 
                                  ARTICLE VII
 
                                  TERMINATION
 
     SECTION 7.1  Termination.  This Agreement may be terminated at any time
prior to the Effective Time, notwithstanding approval thereof by the
stockholders of the Company or Parent:
 
          (a) by mutual written consent duly authorized by the Boards of
     Directors of Parent and the Company; or
 
          (b) by either Parent or the Company if the Merger shall not have been
     consummated by December 31, 1997 (provided that the right to terminate this
     Agreement under this Section 7.1(b) shall not be available to any party
     whose failure to fulfill any obligation under this Agreement has been the
     cause of or resulted in the failure of the Merger to occur on or before
     such date); or
 
          (c) by either Parent or the Company if a court of competent
     jurisdiction or governmental, regulatory or administrative agency or
     commission shall have issued a nonappealable final order, decree or ruling
     or taken any other action having the effect of permanently restraining,
     enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the Merger (provided that the right to
     terminate this Agreement under this Section 7.1(c) shall not be available
     to any party who has not complied with its obligations under Section 5.10
     and such noncompliance materially contributed to the issuance of any such
     order, decree or ruling or the taking of such action); or
 
          (d) (i) by Parent, if the requisite vote of the stockholders of the
     Company shall not have been obtained at a duly held meeting of such
     stockholders or any adjournment thereof by December 31, 1997 or (ii) by the
     Company, if the requisite vote of the stockholders of Parent shall not have
     been obtained at a duly held meeting of such stockholders or any
     adjournment thereof by December 31, 1997; or
 
          (e) by Parent or the Company, if: (i) the Board of Directors of the
     Company shall withdraw, modify or change its approval or recommendation of
     this Agreement or the Merger in a manner materially adverse to Parent or
     shall have resolved to do so in accordance with Section 5.3; (ii) the Board
     of Directors of the Company shall have recommended to the stockholders of
     the Company an Alternative Transaction (as defined below); or (iii) a
     tender offer or exchange offer for 50% or more of the outstanding shares of
     Company Common Stock is commenced (other than by Parent or an affiliate of
     Parent) and the Board of Directors of the Company recommends that the
     stockholders of the Company tender their shares in such tender or exchange
     offer; or
 
          (f) by the Company, if the Board of Directors of Parent shall
     withdraw, modify or change its approval or recommendation of this Agreement
     or the Merger in a manner materially adverse to the Company or shall have
     resolved to do so in accordance with Section 5.3 hereof; or
 
          (g) by the Company, if there has been (i) a material misrepresentation
     or breach of warranty in the representations and warranties made by Parent
     or Merger Sub, (ii) a material default in the performance of an agreement
     made by Parent or Merger Sub contained in Article IV or Article V or (iii)
     an intentional material default by Parent with respect to Section 3.12,
     that in each such case cannot be cured at or prior to the Effective Time;
     or
 
          (h) by Parent, if there has been (i) a material misrepresentation or
     breach of warranty in the representations and warranties made by the
     Company, (ii) a material default in the performance of an agreement made by
     the Company contained in Article IV or Article V or (iii) an intentional
     material default by the Company with respect to Section 2.14, that in each
     such case cannot be cured at or prior to the Effective Time.
 
     As used herein, "Alternative Transaction" means any of (i) a transaction or
series of transactions pursuant to which any person (or group of persons) other
than Parent or any of its subsidiaries or any affiliate of any thereof (a "THIRD
PARTY") acquires or would acquire more than 50% of the outstanding Shares,
whether from the Company or pursuant to a tender offer or exchange offer or
otherwise, (ii) any acquisition or proposed acquisition of the Company or any of
its subsidiaries by a merger or other business combination
 
                                      A-30
<PAGE>   116
 
(including any so-called "merger of equals" and whether or not the Company or
any of its subsidiaries is the entity surviving any such merger or business
combination) or (iii) any other transaction pursuant to which any Third Party
acquires or would acquire control of assets (including for this purpose the
outstanding equity securities of subsidiaries of the Company and any entity
surviving any merger or business combination including any of them) of the
Company or any of its subsidiaries having a fair market value equal to more than
50% of the fair market value of all the assets of the Company and its
subsidiaries, taken as a whole, immediately prior to such transaction.
 
     SECTION 7.2  Effect of Termination.  In the event of the termination of
this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1, this Agreement shall forthwith become
void and there shall be no liability on the part of any party hereto or any of
its affiliates, directors, officers or stockholders except as follows:
 
          (i) as set forth in Section 7.3 hereof; and
 
          (ii) nothing herein shall relieve any party from liability for any
     breach of this Agreement occurring prior to termination; provided, however,
     that if for any reason the Company is required to pay to Parent the Fee
     pursuant to Section 7.3(b), the Company shall have no other liability to
     Parent or Merger Sub and shall be relieved of any and all other liabilities
     for any breach of this Agreement occurring prior to termination.
 
The Confidentiality Letters shall survive termination as set forth therein.
 
     SECTION 7.3  Fees and Expenses.
 
     (a) Except as set forth in this Section 7.3, all fees and expenses incurred
in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall
be paid by the party incurring such expenses, whether or not the Merger is
consummated.
 
     (b) The Company shall pay Parent a fee of $6,209,000 (the "FEE"), if:
 
          (i) Parent or the Company terminates this Agreement pursuant to
     Section 7.1(e); or
 
          (ii) All of the following events have occurred:
 
             (A) a bona fide Alternative Transaction is publicly commenced,
        publicly disclosed, publicly proposed or publicly communicated to the
        Company at any time on or after the date of this Agreement and on or
        prior to the date of the meeting of the stockholders of the Company
        referred to in Section 5.3 hereof (including the last date on which any
        adjourned session thereof is reconvened); and
 
             (B) either Parent or the Company terminates this Agreement pursuant
        to Section 7.1(b) or Parent terminates this Agreement pursuant to
        Section 7.1(d)(i) if, in the case of termination under either such
        Section, the requisite vote for approval and adoption of the Merger
        Agreement by the stockholders of the Company shall not have been
        obtained by December 31, 1997; and
 
             (C) thereafter on or prior to the first anniversary of the date of
        termination, (x) such Alternative Transaction is consummated or (y)
        there is consummated any transaction, whether or not commenced, publicly
        disclosed, publicly proposed or communicated to the Company prior to
        such termination, that would constitute an Alternative Transaction; or
 
          (iii) Parent terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(b) and
     the Merger shall have not been consummated by December 31, 1997 as a result
     of the failure of the Company to fulfill its obligations under this
     Agreement; or
 
          (iv) Parent terminates this agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(c) and
     the failure of the Company to comply with its obligations under Section
     5.10 materially contributed to the issuance of any order, decree or ruling
     or the taking of any action referred to in such Section.
 
     (c) The Fee payable pursuant to Section 7.3(b)(i) shall be paid within
three business days after the first to occur of any of the events described
therein. The Fee payable pursuant to Section 7.3(b)(ii) shall be paid
 
                                      A-31
<PAGE>   117
 
within three business days following the consummation of any such Alternative
Transaction. The Fee payable pursuant to Section 7.3(b)(iii) or 7.3(b)(iv) shall
be paid within three business days after Parent shall have given its notice of
termination. Notwithstanding the preceding sentences, in no event shall the
Company be required to pay any such Fee to Parent if, immediately prior to the
termination of this Agreement, Parent was in material breach of its obligations
under this Agreement.
 
                                  ARTICLE VIII
 
                               GENERAL PROVISIONS
 
     SECTION 8.1  Effectiveness of Representations, Warranties and Agreements,
Etc.
 
     (a) Except as otherwise provided in this Section 8.1, the representations,
warranties and agreements of each party hereto shall remain operative and in
full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of
any other party hereto, any person controlling any such party or any of their
officers or directors, whether prior to or after the execution of this
Agreement. The representations, warranties and agreements in this Agreement
shall terminate at the Effective Time or upon the termination of this Agreement
pursuant to Section 7.1, as the case may be, except that the agreements set
forth in Article I, Sections 5.7, 5.8, 5.10, 5.12 and 5.14 shall survive the
Effective Time indefinitely and those set forth in Section 7.3 shall survive
such termination (whether at the Effective Time or pursuant to Section 7.1)
indefinitely. Nothing in this Section 8.1(a) shall relieve any party for any
breach of any representation, warranty or agreement in this Agreement occurring
prior to termination.
 
     (b) Any disclosure made with reference to one or more Sections of the
Company Disclosure Schedule or the Parent Disclosure Schedule shall be deemed
disclosed only with respect to such Section unless such disclosure is made in
such a way as to make its relevance to the information called for by another
Section of such schedule readily apparent in which case, such disclosure shall
be deemed to have been included in such other Section, notwithstanding the
omission of a cross reference thereto.
 
     SECTION 8.2  Notices.  All notices and other communications given or made
pursuant hereto shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given
or made if and when delivered personally or by overnight courier to the parties
at the following addresses or sent by electronic transmission, with confirmation
of receipt, to the telecopy numbers specified below (or at such other address or
telecopy number for a party as shall be specified by like notice):
 
     (a) If to Parent or Merger Sub:
 
        PAXAR Corporation
        105 Corporate Park Drive
        White Plains, NY 10604
 
        Telecopier No.: 914-697-6890
        Telephone No.: 914-697-6800
        Attention: Arthur Hershaft, Chairman and CEO
 
     With a copy to:
 
        Eric Honick
        Snow Becker Krauss P.C.
        605 Third Avenue
        New York, NY 10158
 
        Telecopier No.: 212-949-704
        Telephone No.: 212-455-0440
 
                                      A-32
<PAGE>   118
 
     (b) If to the Company:
 
        International Imaging Materials, Inc.
        310 Commerce Drive
        Amherst, NY 14228
 
        Telecopier No.: 716-691-1133
        Telephone No.: 716-691-6333, Ext. 447
        Attention: John W. O'Leary, President and CEO
 
     With a copy to:
 
        Samuel B. Fortenbaugh III
        Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
        101 Park Avenue
        New York, NY 10178
 
        Telecopier No.: (212) 309-6273
        Telephone No.: (212) 309-6000
 
     SECTION 8.3  Certain Definitions.  For purposes of this Agreement, the
term:
 
          (a) "affiliate" means a person that, directly or indirectly, through
     one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common
     control with, the first mentioned person;
 
          (b) "beneficial owner" with respect to any shares of Company Common
     Stock means a person who shall be deemed to be the beneficial owner of such
     shares (i) which such person or any of its affiliates or associates (as
     such term is defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) beneficially owns,
     directly or indirectly, (ii) which such person or any of its affiliates or
     associates has, directly or indirectly, (A) the right to acquire (whether
     such right is exercisable immediately or subject only to the passage of
     time), pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding or upon the
     exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights, warrants or options, or
     otherwise, or (B) the right to vote pursuant to any agreement, arrangement
     or understanding, or (iii) which are beneficially owned, directly or
     indirectly, by any other persons with whom such person or any of its
     affiliates or associates has any agreement, arrangement or understanding
     for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of any shares;
 
          (c) "business day" means any day other than a day on which banks in
     the State of New York are required or authorized to be closed;
 
          (d) "control" (including the terms "controlled by" and "under common
     control with") means the possession, directly or indirectly or as trustee
     or executor, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the
     management or policies of a person, whether through the ownership of stock,
     as trustee or executor, by contract or credit arrangement or otherwise;
 
          (e) "generally accepted accounting principles" shall mean United
     States generally accepted accounting principles;
 
          (f) "knowledge" of the Company or Parent, as the case may be, shall
     mean the actual knowledge of the executive officers of the Company or the
     executive officers of Parent, respectively, as such knowledge has been or
     reasonably should have been obtained in the normal conduct of business;
 
          (g) "person" means an individual, corporation, partnership,
     association, trust, unincorporated organization, other entity or group (as
     defined in Section 13(d) (3) of the Exchange Act); and
 
          (h) "subsidiary" or "subsidiaries" of the Company, Parent or any other
     person means any corporation, partnership, joint venture or other legal
     entity of which the Company, the Surviving Corporation, Parent or such
     other person, as the case may be (either alone or through or together with
     any other subsidiary), owns, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the
     stock or other equity interests the holders of which are generally entitled
     to vote for the election of the board of directors or other governing body
     of such corporation or other legal entity.
 
                                      A-33
<PAGE>   119
 
     SECTION 8.4  Amendment.  This Agreement may be amended by the parties
hereto by action taken by or on behalf of their respective Boards of Directors
at any time prior to the Effective Time; provided, however, that, after approval
of the Merger by the stockholders of the Company, no amendment may be made which
by law requires further approval by such stockholders without such further
approval. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing
signed by the parties hereto.
 
     SECTION 8.5  Waiver.  At any time prior to the Effective Time, any party
hereto may with respect to any other party hereto (a) extend the time for the
performance of any of the obligations or other acts, (b) waive any inaccuracies
in the representations and warranties contained herein or in any document
delivered pursuant hereto, or (c) waive compliance with any of the agreements or
conditions contained herein. Any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if
set forth in an instrument in writing signed by the party or parties to be bound
thereby.
 
     SECTION 8.6  Headings.  The headings contained in this Agreement are for
reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement.
 
     SECTION 8.7  Severability.  If any term or other provision of this
Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of law,
or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall
nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal
substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner
adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision
is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall
negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original
intent of the parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner to the end
that the transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled to the fullest extent
possible.
 
     SECTION 8.8  Entire Agreement.  This Agreement constitutes the entire
agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and undertakings (other than the
Confidentiality Letters), both written and oral, among the parties, or any of
them, with respect to the subject matter hereof.
 
     SECTION 8.9  Assignment.  This Agreement shall not be assigned by operation
of law or otherwise, except that Parent and Merger Sub may assign all or any of
their rights hereunder to any direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent provided
that no such assignment shall relieve the assigning party of its obligations
hereunder.
 
     SECTION 8.10  Parties in Interest.  This Agreement shall be binding upon
and inure solely to the benefit of each party hereto, and nothing in this
Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other
person any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason
of this Agreement, including, without limitation, by way of subrogation, other
than Section 5.7 (which is intended to be for the benefit of the Indemnified
Parties and may be enforced by such Indemnified Parties) and Section 5.8 (which
is intended to be for the benefit of the employees of the Surviving Corporation
and may be enforced by such employees).
 
     SECTION 8.11  Failure or Indulgence Not Waiver; Remedies Cumulative.  No
failure or delay on the part of any party hereto in the exercise of any right
hereunder shall impair such right or be construed to be a waiver of, or
acquiescence in, any breach of any representation, warranty or agreement herein,
nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right preclude any other or
further exercise thereof or of any other right. All rights and remedies existing
under this Agreement are cumulative to, and not exclusive of, any rights or
remedies otherwise available.
 
     SECTION 8.12  Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York (other than any
conflicts of law rules which might result in the application of the laws of any
other jurisdiction), except to the extent that the DGCL applies, in which case
such law shall apply.
 
     SECTION 8.13  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each
of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken
together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
 
                                      A-34
<PAGE>   120
 
     SECTION 8.14  Consent to Jurisdiction.  Each of the parties hereto:
 
          (a) consents to submit itself to the personal jurisdiction of (i) the
     United States District Court for the Southern District of New York in the
     event any dispute arises out of this Agreement or any of the transactions
     contemplated by this Agreement to the extent such court would have subject
     matter jurisdiction with respect to such dispute and (ii) the Chancery or
     other Courts of the State of Delaware otherwise;
 
          (b) agrees that it will not attempt to deny or defeat such personal
     jurisdiction or venue by motion or other request for leave from any such
     court;
 
          (c) agrees that it will not bring any action relating to this
     Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in any
     Court other than such courts;
 
          (d) agrees that service of process in any such action or proceeding
     may be effected by mailing a copy thereof by registered or certified mail
     (or any substantially similar form of mail), postage prepaid, to a party at
     its address set forth in Section 8.2 or at such other address of which a
     party shall have been notified pursuant thereto; and
 
          (e) agrees that nothing herein shall affect the right to effect
     service of process in any other manner permitted by law.
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent, Merger Sub and the Company have caused this
Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above by their respective
officers thereunto duly authorized.
 
                                          PAXAR CORPORATION
 
                                          By: /s/ ARTHUR HERSHAFT
                                            ------------------------------------
                                          Name: Arthur Hershaft
                                          Title: Chairman and Chief Executive
                                          Officer
 
                                          RIBBON MANUFACTURING, INC.
 
                                          By: /s/ ARTHUR HERSHAFT
                                            ------------------------------------
                                          Name: Arthur Hershaft
                                          Title: President
 
                                          INTERNATIONAL IMAGING MATERIALS, INC.
 
                                          By: /s/ JOHN W. O'LEARY
                                            ------------------------------------
                                          Name: John W. O'Leary
                                          Title: President and Chief Executive
                                          Officer
 
                                      A-35
<PAGE>   121
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.6
 
                          FORM OF AFFILIATE AGREEMENT
 
                                                                          , 1997
 
International Imaging Materials, Inc.
310 Commerce Drive
Amherst, New York 14228
 
PAXAR Corporation
105 Corporate Park Drive
White Plains, New York 10604
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
     The undersigned has been advised that as of the date of this letter the
undersigned may be deemed to be an "affiliate" of International Imaging
Materials, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), or PAXAR Corporation, a
New York corporation ("Parent"), as the term "affiliate" is defined for purposes
of paragraphs (c) and (d) of Rule 145 of the rules and regulations (the "Rules
and Regulations") of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission")
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"). Pursuant to the terms
of the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of July 15, 1997 (the "Agreement")
among the Company, Parent, and Ribbon Manufacturing, Inc., a Delaware
corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent ("Merger Sub"), Merger Sub
will be merged with and into the Company with the Company being the surviving
corporation in the merger (the "Merger").
 
     As a result of the Merger, the undersigned will receive shares of Common
Stock, par value $.10 per share, of Parent ("Parent Common Stock") in exchange
for shares owned by the undersigned of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share,
of the Company ("Company Common Stock").
 
     The undersigned represents, warrants and covenants to Parent and the
Company that as of the date the undersigned receives any Parent Common Stock as
a result of the Merger:
 
          A. The undersigned shall not make any sale, transfer or other
     disposition of Parent Common Stock in violation of the Act or the Rules and
     Regulations.
 
          B. The undersigned has carefully read this letter and the Agreement
     and discussed the requirements of such documents and other applicable
     limitations upon the undersigned's ability to sell, transfer or otherwise
     dispose of Parent Common Stock to the extent the undersigned felt necessary
     with the undersigned's counsel or counsel for the Company.
 
          C. The undersigned has been advised that the issuance of Parent Common
     Stock to the undersigned pursuant to the Merger will be registered with the
     Commission under the Act on a Registration Statement on Form S-4. However,
     the undersigned has also been advised that, since at the time the Merger is
     submitted for a vote of the stockholders of the Company, the undersigned
     may be deemed to be an affiliate of the Company, the undersigned may not
     sell, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of the shares of Parent
     Common Stock issued to the undersigned in the Merger (nor may it acquire,
     issue or enter into any puts, calls, straddles, short-sales, spreads or
     similar transactions with respect to such shares) except (i) pursuant to an
     effective Registration Statement under the Act, (ii) in a transaction made
     in conformity with Rule 145 promulgated by the Commission under the Act, or
     (iii) in a transaction which, in the opinion of counsel reasonably
     satisfactory to Parent, or pursuant to a "no action" letter obtained by the
     undersigned from the staff of the Commission, is otherwise exempt from
     registration under the Act.
 
          D. The undersigned understands that Parent is under no obligation to
     register the sale, transfer or other disposition of any Parent Common Stock
     by the undersigned or on the undersigned's behalf under
<PAGE>   122
 
     the Act or to take any other action necessary in order to enable such sale,
     transfer or other disposition by the undersigned in compliance with an
     exemption from such registration.
 
          E. The undersigned also understands that there will be placed on the
     certificates for the Parent Common Stock issued to the undersigned or any
     certificates issued in substitution thereof, a legend stating in substance:
 
        THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE WERE ISSUED IN A
        TRANSACTION TO WHICH RULE 145 PROMULGATED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF
        1933 APPLIES. THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE MAY BE
        SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
        TERMS OF A LETTER AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE REGISTERED HOLDER HEREOF AND
        PAXAR CORPORATION A COPY OF WHICH AGREEMENT IS ON FILE AT THE PRINCIPAL
        OFFICES OF PAXAR CORPORATION.
 
          It is understood and agreed that the legend set forth above in this
     paragraph E shall be removed by delivery of substitute certificates without
     such legend if Parent has received either an opinion of counsel, which
     opinion and counsel shall be reasonably satisfactory to Parent, or a
     "no-action" letter obtained by the undersigned from the staff of the
     Commission, to the effect that the restrictions imposed by Rule 145 under
     the Act no longer apply to the undersigned.
 
          F. The undersigned understands that the Merger is intended to be
     accounted for using the "pooling-of-interests" method and that such
     treatment for accounting purposes is dependent upon the accuracy of certain
     of the representations and warranties, and the undersigned's compliance
     with certain of the covenants and agreements, set forth herein.
     Accordingly, the undersigned will not sell, transfer or otherwise dispose
     of the undersigned's interests in, engage in any put, call, short-sale,
     straddle, spread or other market transactions of any kind with respect to,
     or acquire or sell any options or other securities relating to securities
     of Parent or the Company that would be intended to reduce or hedge the
     undersigned's risk relative to, any shares of Parent Common Stock or
     Company Common Stock beneficially owned by the undersigned, during the
     period commencing on the 30th day prior to the effectiveness of the Merger
     and ending at such time as Parent publicly releases a report (the "Combined
     Financial Results Report") covering at least 30 days of combined operations
     of Parent and the Company after the Merger. The undersigned also
     understands that stop transfer instructions will be given to the transfer
     agents of Parent and the Company in order to prevent any breach of the
     covenants and agreements the undersigned makes in this Section F, although
     such stop transfer instructions will be promptly rescinded upon the
     publication of the Combined Financial Results Report.
 
          G. The undersigned further understands and agrees that the
     representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of the undersigned
     set forth herein are for the benefit of Parent and the Company and will be
     relied upon by such entities and their respective counsel and accountants.
 
          H. The undersigned understands and agrees that this letter agreement
     shall apply to all shares of the capital stock of Parent and the Company
     that are deemed to be beneficially owned by the undersigned pursuant to
     applicable federal securities laws.
 
          I. In the event of a sale or other disposition pursuant to Rule 145,
     the undersigned will supply Parent with evidence of compliance with such
     Rule, in the form of a letter in the form of Exhibit A hereto. The
     undersigned understands that Parent may instruct its transfer agent to
     withhold the transfer of any securities disposed of by it, but that upon
     receipt of such letter the transfer agent shall effectuate the transfer of
     the shares indicated as sold in the letter.
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   123
 
     Execution of this letter should not be considered an admission on the part
of the undersigned that the undersigned is an "affiliate" of the Company as
described in the first paragraph of this letter or as a waiver of any rights the
undersigned may have to object to any claim that the undersigned is such an
affiliate on or after the date of this letter.
 
                                          Very truly yours,
 
                                          By:
 
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Name:
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   124
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT A
                                                                  To Exhibit 5.6
 
                                          [DATE]
 
PAXAR Corporation
105 Corporate Park Drive
White Plains, New York 10604
 
Attention: Secretary
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
     On             , 199 , I sold             shares of common stock ("Common
Stock") of PAXAR Corporation (the "Company") received by me in connection with
the merger of Ribbon Manufacturing, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, with and
into International Imaging Materials, Inc.
 
     Based upon the most recent report or statement filed by the Company with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, the shares of Common Stock sold by me
were within the prescribed limitations set forth in paragraph (e) of Rule 144
promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act").
 
     I hereby represent that the above-described shares of Common Stock were
sold in "brokers' transactions" within the meaning of Section 4(4) of the Act or
in transactions directly with a "market maker" as that term is defined in
Section (3)(a)(38) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. I further
represent that I have not solicited or arranged for the solicitation of orders
to buy the above-described shares of Common Stock, and that I have not made any
payment in connection with the offer or sale of such shares to any person other
than to the broker who executed the order in respect of such sale.
 
                                          Very truly yours,
<PAGE>   125
 
                                                                         ANNEX B
 
                    [WHEAT FIRST BUTCHER SINGER LETTERHEAD]
July 15, 1997
 
CONFIDENTIAL
 
Paxar Corporation
105 Corporate Park Drive
White Plains, NY 10604
 
Members of the Board:
 
     You have requested our opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point
of view, to the holders of the outstanding shares of common stock, par value
$0.10 per share ("Paxar Common Stock"), of Paxar Corporation ("Paxar") of the
Exchange Ratio provided for in Section 1.6 of the Agreement and Plan of Merger,
dated as of July 15, 1997 (the "Merger Agreement"), by and among Paxar, Ribbon
Acquisition Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Paxar ("Merger
Subsidiary"), and International Imaging Materials, Inc. ("Iimak"). As more fully
described in the Merger Agreement, (i) Merger Subsidiary will be merged with and
into Iimak (the "Merger") and (ii) each outstanding share of the common stock,
par value $0.01 per share, of Iimak ("Iimak Common Stock"), other than shares
held in treasury or owned by Paxar, will be converted into the right to receive
the number of shares of Paxar Common Stock determined by dividing $24.00 by the
average closing price on the New York Stock Exchange of Paxar Common Stock for
the 20 consecutive trading days ending with the second trading day immediately
preceding the Effective Date (as defined in the Merger Agreement), subject to a
collar mechanism specified in the Merger Agreement.
 
     In arriving at our opinion, we reviewed the Merger Agreement and held
discussions with certain senior officers, directors and other representatives
and advisors of Iimak and Paxar concerning the respective businesses, operations
and prospects of Iimak and Paxar. We examined certain publicly available
business and financial information relating to the respective businesses and
operations of Iimak and Paxar as well as certain financial forecasts and other
data for Iimak and Paxar which were provided to or otherwise discussed with us
by the respective managements of Iimak and Paxar, including information relating
to certain strategic implications and operational benefits anticipated to result
from the Merger. We reviewed the financial terms of the Merger as set forth in
the Merger Agreement in relation to, among other things: current historical
market prices and trading volumes of Iimak Common Stock and Paxar Common Stock;
the historical and projected earnings and other operating data of Iimak and
Paxar; and the capitalization and financial condition of Iimak and Paxar.
 
     We also considered, to the extent publicly available, the financial terms
of certain other similar transactions recently effected which we considered
relevant in evaluating the Merger and analyzed certain financial, stock market
and other publicly available information relating to the businesses of other
companies whose operations we considered relevant in evaluating those of Iimak
and Paxar.
 
     We also evaluated the potential pro forma financial impact of the Merger on
Paxar. In addition to the foregoing, we conducted such other analyses and
examinations and considered such other financial, economic and market criteria
as we deemed appropriate in arriving at our opinion.
 
     In rendering our opinion, we have assumed and relied, without independent
verification, upon the accuracy and completeness of all financial and other
information and data publicly available or furnished to or otherwise reviewed by
or discussed with us. With respect to the financial forecasts and other
information provided to or otherwise reviewed by or discussed with us, including
estimates relating to certain strategic,
 
                                       B-1
<PAGE>   126
 
Paxar Corporation
July 15, 1997
Page 2
 
financial and operational benefits and synergies expected to result from the
Merger, we have assumed that they have been reasonably prepared on bases
reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments as to the future
financial performance of Iimak and Paxar and the strategic implications and
operational benefits anticipated to result from the Merger. We are not
expressing any opinion as to what the value of Paxar Common Stock actually will
be when issued pursuant to the Merger or the price at which Paxar Common Stock
will trade subsequent to the Merger. We have not made or been provided with an
independent valuation or appraisal of the assets or liabilities (contingent or
otherwise) of Iimak or Paxar nor have we been furnished with any such valuations
or appraisals. We have assumed, with your permission, that the tax effects, if
any, to Paxar and the holders of the Paxar Common Stock resulting from the
transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement are immaterial and that
dissenters' rights are not available to holders of Iimak Common Stock. Our
opinion is necessarily based upon information available to us, and financial,
stock market and other conditions and circumstances existing and disclosed to
us, as of the date hereof.
 
     Wheat, First Securities, Inc. ("Wheat") has been engaged to render
financial advisory services to Paxar in connection with the Merger and will
receive a fee upon the consummation of the Merger. As part of our investment
banking business, we are regularly engaged in the valuation of businesses and
their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions,negotiated
underwritings, competitive biddings, secondary distributions of listed and
unlisted securities, private placements and valuations for estate, corporate and
other purposes. In the ordinary course of our business, we and our affiliates
may actively trade or hold the securities of Paxar or Iimak for our own account
or for the account of our customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold a
long or short position in such securities.
 
     Our advisory services and the opinion expressed herein are provided for the
information of the Board of Directors of Paxar in its evaluation of the proposed
Merger. Our opinion does not address the relative merits of the Merger as
compared to any alternative business transactions that might be available to
Paxar, and does not constitute a recommendation to any stockholder of Paxar as
to how such stockholder should vote at any stockholder's meeting in connection
with the Merger. Our opinion may not be published or otherwise used or referred
to, nor shall any public reference to Wheat be made, without our prior written
consent; provided, however, that the opinion may be included in its entirety in
the Registration Statement and Prospectus/Joint Proxy Statement (as each term is
defined in the Merger Agreement) or any amendment or supplement thereto.
 
     Based upon the subject to the foregoing, our experience as investment
bankers, our work as described above and other factors we deem relevant, we are
of the opinion that, as of the date hereof, the Exchange Ratio is fair from a
financial point of view to the holders of Paxar Common Stock.
 
                                          Very truly yours,
 
                                          /s/ WHEAT FIRST SECURITIES INC.
 
                                       B-2
<PAGE>   127
 
   
                                                                         ANNEX C
    
 
[SMITH BARNEY LETTERHEAD]
 
July 15, 1997
 
The Board of Directors
International Imaging Materials, Inc.
310 Commerce Drive
Amherst, New York 14228
 
Members of the Board:
 
     You have requested our opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point
of view, to the holders of the common stock of International Imaging Materials,
Inc. ("International Imaging") of the consideration to be received by such
holders pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 15, 1997 (the "Merger
Agreement"), among Paxar Corporation ("Paxar"), Ribbon Manufacturing, Inc., a
wholly owned subsidiary of Paxar ("Merger Sub"), and International Imaging. As
more fully described in the Merger Agreement, (i) Merger Sub will be merged with
and into International Imaging (the "Merger") and (ii) each outstanding share of
the common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of International Imaging (the
"International Imaging Common Stock") will be converted into the right to
receive that number of shares of the common stock, par value $0.10 per share, of
Paxar (the "Paxar Common Stock") determined by dividing $24.00 by the average
closing price of Paxar Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange for the 20
consecutive trading days ending with the second trading day immediately
preceding the effective time of the Merger (the "Exchange Ratio"); provided that
the Exchange Ratio will not be less than 1.200 or more than 1.412.
 
     In arriving at our opinion, we reviewed the Merger Agreement and held
discussions with certain senior officers, directors and other representatives
and advisors of International Imaging and certain senior officers and other
representatives and advisors of Paxar concerning the businesses, operations and
prospects of International Imaging and Paxar. We examined certain publicly
available business and financial information relating to International Imaging
and Paxar as well as certain financial forecasts and other information and data
for International Imaging and Paxar which were provided to or otherwise
discussed with us by the respective managements of International Imaging and
Paxar, including information relating to certain strategic implications and
operational benefits anticipated to result from the Merger. We reviewed the
financial terms of the Merger as set forth in the Merger Agreement in relation
to, among other things: current and historical market prices and trading volumes
of International Imaging Common Stock and Paxar Common Stock; historical and
projected earnings and other operating data of International Imaging and Paxar;
and the capitalization and financial condition of International Imaging and
Paxar. We considered, to the extent publicly available, the financial terms of
certain other similar transactions recently effected which we considered
relevant in evaluating the Merger and analyzed certain financial, stock market
and other publicly available information relating to the businesses of other
companies whose operations we considered relevant in evaluating those of
International Imaging and Paxar. We also evaluated the potential pro forma
financial impact of the Merger on Paxar. In connection with our engagement, we
were requested to approach, and held discussions with, third parties to solicit
indications of interest in the possible acquisition of International Imaging. In
addition to the foregoing, we conducted such other analyses and examinations and
considered such other financial, economic and market criteria as we deemed
appropriate in arriving at our opinion.
 
     In rendering our opinion, we have assumed and relied, without independent
verification, upon the accuracy and completeness of all financial and other
information and data publicly available or furnished to or otherwise reviewed by
or discussed with us. With respect to financial forecasts and other information
and data
 
                                       C-1
<PAGE>   128
 
The Board of Directors
International Imaging Materials, Inc.
July 15, 1997
Page 2
 
provided to or otherwise reviewed by or discussed with us, we have been advised
by the managements of International Imaging and Paxar that such forecasts and
other information and data were prepared on bases reflecting reasonable
estimates and judgments as to the future financial performance of International
Imaging and Paxar and the strategic implications and operational benefits
anticipated to result from the Merger. We have assumed, with your consent, that
the Merger will be treated as a pooling of interests in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles and as a tax-free reorganization for
federal income tax purposes. Our opinion, as set forth herein, relates to the
relative values of International Imaging and Paxar. We are not expressing any
opinion as to what the value of the Paxar Common Stock actually will be when
issued to International Imaging stockholders pursuant to the Merger or the price
at which the Paxar Common Stock will trade subsequent to the Merger. We have not
made or been provided with an independent evaluation or appraisal of the assets
or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of International Imaging or Paxar nor
have we made any physical inspection of the properties or assets of
International Imaging or Paxar. Our opinion is necessarily based upon
information available to us, and financial, stock market and other conditions
and circumstances existing and disclosed to us, as of the date hereof.
 
     Smith Barney has been engaged to render financial advisory services to
International Imaging in connection with the Merger and will receive a fee for
such services, a significant portion of which is contingent upon the
consummation of the Merger. We also will receive a fee in connection with the
delivery of this opinion. In the ordinary course of our business, we and our
affiliates may actively trade or hold the securities of International Imaging
and Paxar for our own account or for the account of our customers and,
accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position in such securities.
We have in the past provided investment banking services to International
Imaging unrelated to the proposed Merger, for which services we have received
compensation. In addition, we and our affiliates (including Travelers Group Inc.
and its affiliates) may maintain relationships with International Imaging and
Paxar.
 
     Our advisory services and the opinion expressed herein are provided for the
information of the Board of Directors of International Imaging in its evaluation
of the proposed Merger, and our opinion is not intended to be and does not
constitute a recommendation to any stockholder as to how such stockholder should
vote on the proposed Merger. Our opinion may not be published or otherwise used
or referred to, nor shall any public reference to Smith Barney be made, without
our prior written consent.
 
     Based upon and subject to the foregoing, our experience as investment
bankers, our work as described above and other factors we deemed relevant, we
are of the opinion that, as of the date hereof, the Exchange Ratio is fair, from
a financial point of view, to the holders of International Imaging Common Stock.
 
                                          Very truly yours,
 
                                          /s/ Smith Barney Inc.
                                            SMITH BARNEY INC.
 
                                       C-2
<PAGE>   129
 
   
                                                                         ANNEX D
    
 
   
                  CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT OF THE CERTIFICATE
    
                              OF INCORPORATION OF
                               PAXAR CORPORATION
               UNDER SECTION 805 OF THE BUSINESS CORPORATION LAW
 
     1. The name of the Corporation is PAXAR Corporation. The Corporation was
formed under the name Vatco Fabric Label Corporation.
 
     2. The Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation was filed by the
Department of State on February 21, 1946.
 
     3. The Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation effected by this
Certificate of Amendment is to increase the number of shares authorized from
105,000,000, of which 100,000,000 are common shares, $.10 par value, and
5,000,000 are preferred shares. $.01 par value, to 205,000,000, of which
200,00,000 shall be common shares, $.10 par value, and 5,000,000 shall be
preferred shares, $.01 par value.
 
     4. To accomplish the foregoing, the first paragraph of Article THIRD of the
Certificate of Incorporation, which refers to shares, is hereby amended as
follows:
 
     THIRD: The total number of shares which the Corporation shall have
     authority to issue is Two Hundred Five Million (205,000,000) shares, of
     which Five Million (5,000,000) shares of the par value of one cent ($.01)
     each, are to be of a class designated Preferred Shares and Two Hundred
     Million (200,000,000) shares, of the par value of ten cents ($.10) each,
     are to be of a class designated Common Shares.
 
     5. The Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation was authorized by vote
of the board of directors, followed by vote of the holders of a majority of all
outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon at a meeting of shareholders.
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Certificate has been subscribed the      day of
October, 1997 by the undersigned who affirm that the statements made herein are
true under penalty of perjury.
 
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Arthur Hershaft
                                          Chief Executive Officer
 
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Jack Becker
                                          Assistant Secretary
 
                                       D-1
<PAGE>   130

 
                     INTERNATIONAL IMAGING MATERIALS, INC.
 
                SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OCTOBER 28, 1997
 
     The undersigned hereby appoints Michael J. Drennan and John W. O'Leary, and
each of them, proxies, with full power of substitution, to appear on behalf of
the undersigned and to vote all shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per
share, of International Imaging Materials, Inc. (the "Company") that the
undersigned is entitled to vote at the Special Meeting of Stockholders of the
Company to be held at the offices of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP at 101 Park
Avenue, 45th Floor, New York, New York 10178, on Tuesday, October 28, 1997,
commencing at 10:00 a.m. (local time), and at any adjournment or postponement
thereof. The undersigned hereby revokes any previous proxies with respect to
matters covered by this Proxy.
 
     WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED. THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE PROPOSAL. IF NO INSTRUCTIONS ARE SPECIFIED,
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS.
 
          THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
                  (Continued and to be signed on reverse side)
<PAGE>   131
 
PLEASE MARK BOX M OR [X] IN BLUE OR BLACK INK.
 
Approval and adoption of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 15,
1997, among PAXAR Corporation ("PAXAR"), Ribbon Manufacturing, Inc., a wholly
owned subsidiary of PAXAR ("Ribbon"), and the Company, providing for, among
other things, the merger of Ribbon with and into IIMAK, which will be the
surviving corporation, and the issuance of PAXAR Common Stock to the holders of
IIMAK Common Stock, as more fully described in the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus dated September 26, 1997 relating to the Special Meeting.
 
             [ ] FOR             [ ] AGAINST             [ ] ABSTAIN
 
IN THEIR DISCRETION, THE PROXIES ARE AUTHORIZED TO VOTE UPON SUCH OTHER BUSINESS
AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE SPECIAL MEETING AND ANY ADJOURNMENT OR
POSTPONEMENT THEREOF.
                                             Please sign exactly as your name
                                             appears on the left. When signing
                                             as an attorney, executor,
                                             administrator, trustee, guardian,
                                             corporation, officer or agent,
                                             please give your full title. If
                                             shares are held jointly, each
                                             holder should sign.
 
                                             PLEASE CHECK HERE IF YOU PLAN TO
                                             ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING [ ]
 
                                             Dated:
 
                                            -----------------------------------,
                                             1997
 
                                             -----------------------------------
                                                          Signature
 
                                             -----------------------------------
                                                          Signature
 
                                              PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE
                                                PROXY CARD USING THE ENCLOSED
                                                          ENVELOPE.


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission