DAN RIVER INC /GA/
S-1/A, 1997-11-17
TEXTILE MILL PRODUCTS
Previous: GREEN OASIS ENVIRONMENTAL INC, 10QSB, 1997-11-17
Next: MANHATTAN BAGEL CO INC, NT 10-Q, 1997-11-17



<PAGE>
 
   
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 17, 1997     
                                                     REGISTRATION NO. 333-36479
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                               ----------------
                               
                            AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO     
                                   FORM S-1
 
                         REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER
                          THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
                               ----------------
 
                                DAN RIVER INC.
              (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
 
     GEORGIA                         2211                         58-185637
 (State or other         (Primary Standard Industrial              (I.R.S.
 jurisdiction of          Classification Code Number)              Employer
incorporation or                                                Identification
  organization)                                                      No.)
 
                               ----------------
                              2291 MEMORIAL DRIVE
                           DANVILLE, VIRGINIA 24541
                                (804) 799-7000
         (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
            area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
 
                               ----------------
                            HARRY L. GOODRICH, ESQ.
                                DAN RIVER INC.
                              2291 MEMORIAL DRIVE
                           DANVILLE, VIRGINIA 24541
                                (804) 799-7000
               (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone
              number, including area code, of agent for service)
 
                               ----------------
                                  Copies to:
           MARY A. BERNARD                       WILLIAM P. ROGERS, JR.
           KING & SPALDING                       CRAVATH, SWAINE & MOORE
     1185 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS                     WORLDWIDE PLAZA
      NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10036                      825 EIGHTH AVENUE
           (212) 556-2100                     NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10019-7475
                                                     (212) 474-1000
 
                               ----------------
  APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable following effectiveness of this Registration Statement.
 
                               ----------------
  If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or
interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. [_]
 
  If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [_]
 
  If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [_]
 
  If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [_]
 
                               ----------------
  THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH
SECTION 8(A) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID
SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A         +
+REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE   +
+SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY  +
+OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT        +
+BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR   +
+THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE      +
+SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE    +
+UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF  +
+ANY SUCH STATE.                                                               +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
PROSPECTUS (Subject to Completion)
   
Issued November 17, 1997     
 
                                6,700,000 Shares
                                 Dan River Inc.
                              CLASS A COMMON STOCK
 
                                  ----------
 
OF  THE 6,700,000  SHARES  OF CLASS  A COMMON  STOCK  BEING OFFERED,  4,700,000
 SHARES ARE BEING  SOLD BY THE COMPANY AND 2,000,000 SHARES  ARE BEING SOLD BY
  THE  SELLING SHAREHOLDERS  (THE  "OFFERING").  SEE  "PRINCIPAL AND  SELLING
   SHAREHOLDERS." THE COMPANY WILL NOT RECEIVE  ANY OF THE PROCEEDS FROM THE
    SALE OF THE SHARES OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK BY THE SELLING  SHAREHOLDERS.
    PRIOR TO THE OFFERING,  THERE HAS BEEN NO PUBLIC MARKET FOR THE CLASS A
     COMMON  STOCK OF  THE  COMPANY. IT  IS CURRENTLY  ESTIMATED THAT  THE
      INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE PER  SHARE WILL BE BETWEEN $14.00 AND
       $16.00. SEE "UNDERWRITERS" FOR A  DISCUSSION OF THE FACTORS TO BE
        CONSIDERED IN DETERMINING THE INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE.
 
                                  ----------
 
 THE CLASS A COMMON STOCK HAS BEEN APPROVED FOR LISTING, SUBJECT TO OFFICIAL 
  NOTICE OF ISSUANCE, ON THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE UNDER THE SYMBOL "DRF."
 
                                  ----------
 
UPON  COMPLETION OF THE OFFERING, THE COMPANY'S OUTSTANDING CAPITAL STOCK  WILL
 INCLUDE  CLASS A COMMON STOCK  AND CLASS B COMMON  STOCK. THE CLASS A  COMMON
  STOCK  IS SUBSTANTIALLY IDENTICAL TO THE  CLASS B COMMON STOCK EXCEPT  WITH
   RESPECT  TO  VOTING  POWER  AND,  EXCEPT AS  OTHERWISE  REQUIRED  BY  THE
    COMPANY'S  AMENDED AND RESTATED  ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND  GEORGIA
     LAW, WILL  VOTE TOGETHER WITH THE  CLASS B COMMON STOCK AS  ONE CLASS
      ON ALL  MATTERS SUBMITTED TO A VOTE OF  SHAREHOLDERS, INCLUDING THE
       ELECTION OF  DIRECTORS. THE CLASS  A COMMON STOCK IS  ENTITLED TO
        ONE VOTE PER SHARE AND  THE CLASS B COMMON STOCK IS ENTITLED TO
                            4.39 VOTES PER SHARE.
 
                                  ----------
 
     SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 10 FOR INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE
                      CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS.
 
                                  ----------
 
 THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
      EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
          SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
              COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF
                 THIS PROSPECTUS.  ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
                       CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
                                  ----------
 
                               PRICE $    A SHARE
 
                                  ----------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     UNDERWRITING                 PROCEEDS TO
                         PRICE TO   DISCOUNTS AND  PROCEEDS TO      SELLING
                          PUBLIC    COMMISSIONS(1)  COMPANY(2)  SHAREHOLDERS(2)
                       ------------ -------------- ------------ ---------------
<S>                    <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
Per Share.............    $             $             $             $
Total(3).............. $             $             $             $
</TABLE>
 
- -----
(1) The Company and the Selling Shareholders have agreed to indemnify the
    Underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
    Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
   
(2) Before deducting expenses estimated at $565,000, which will be paid by the
    Company.     
(3) The Selling Shareholders have granted the Underwriters an option,
    exercisable within 30 days of the date hereof, to purchase up to an
    aggregate of 1,005,000 additional Shares of Class A Common Stock at the
    Price to Public less Underwriting Discounts and Commissions for the purpose
    of covering over-allotments, if any. If the Underwriters exercise such
    option in full, the total Price to Public, Underwriting Discounts and
    Commissions and Proceeds to Selling Shareholders will be $   , $    and
    $   , respectively. See "Underwriters."
 
                                  ----------
 
  The Shares are offered, subject to prior sale, when, as and if accepted by
the Underwriters named herein and subject to approval of certain legal matters
by Cravath, Swaine & Moore, counsel for the Underwriters. It is expected that
delivery of the Shares will be made on or about November  , 1997, at the office
of Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, New York, N.Y., against payment therefor
in immediately available funds.
 
                                  ----------
 
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
 
                               J.P. MORGAN & CO.
 
                                                    SBC WARBURG DILLON READ INC.
 
     , 1997
<PAGE>
 
                       [FOUR COLOR GRAPHICS APPEAR HERE]

1. Dan River's newly introduced Nautica(R) home fashions' bedding offering
includes sheets, pillowcases, comforters, pillow shams, window treatments, and 
accessories.

2. Dan River's shirting fabrics are a top choice among producers of leading 
brand name dress shirts.

3. Dan River's quality and style reputation is reflected in the labels of its 
top sportswear and uniform fabric customers.
<PAGE>
 
  NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED IN CONNECTION WITH ANY OFFERING MADE HEREBY TO GIVE
ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS, AND IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT
BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY, BY ANY SELLING
SHAREHOLDER OR BY ANY UNDERWRITER. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN
OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITY OTHER THAN THE
CLASS A COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY TO ANY PERSON IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH
IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE ANY SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION TO SUCH PERSON. NEITHER
THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREBY SHALL UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCE IMPLY THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY
DATE SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF.
 
                               ----------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      PAGE
                                      ----
<S>                                   <C>
Prospectus Summary..................    4
Risk Factors........................   10
Use of Proceeds.....................   16
Dividend Policy.....................   16
Capitalization......................   17
Selected Historical and Pro Forma
 Consolidated Financial Data........   18
Management's Discussion and Analysis
 of Financial Condition and Results
 of Operations......................   21
Business............................   30
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     PAGE
                                     ----
<S>                                  <C>
Management..........................  40
Certain Transactions................  47
Principal and Selling Shareholders..  48
Description of Capital Stock........  49
Shares Eligible for Future Sale.....  54
Underwriters........................  55
Legal Matters.......................  57
Experts.............................  57
Available Information...............  58
Index to Consolidated Financial
 Statements......................... F-1
</TABLE>
 
                               ----------------
 
  CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THIS OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS
THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE CLASS A COMMON
STOCK. SPECIFICALLY, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT IN CONNECTION WITH THIS
OFFERING AND MAY BID FOR AND PURCHASE SHARES OF THE CLASS A COMMON STOCK IN
THE OPEN MARKET. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES, SEE "UNDERWRITERS."
 
                               ----------------
 
  Certain statements contained herein under "Prospectus Summary," "Risk
Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations" and "Business" including, without limitation, those
concerning the Company's strategy, contain certain forward-looking statements
concerning the Company's operations, economic performance and financial
condition. Because such statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual
results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-
looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences include, but are
not limited to, those discussed under "Risk Factors."
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
  The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to, and
should be read in conjunction with, the more detailed information and financial
statements, including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this
Prospectus. Unless otherwise indicated, references in this Prospectus to "Dan
River" or the "Company" include Dan River Inc. and its predecessors and
subsidiaries. In addition, unless otherwise indicated, all information in this
Prospectus gives retroactive effect to the completion of the Recapitalization
(as hereinafter defined), as well as to certain other changes with respect to
the Company's charter and bylaws that will be completed prior to completion of
the Offering. See "Certain Transactions." References to a fiscal year refer to
the fiscal year of the Company, which is the 52- or 53-week period ending on
the Saturday nearest to December 31. All fiscal years presented consisted of 52
weeks other than fiscal 1992, which ended on January 2, 1993 and consisted of
53 weeks. Unless otherwise indicated, the information in this Prospectus does
not give effect to the exercise of the Underwriters' over-allotment option. See
"Underwriters."
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
  Founded in 1882, Dan River Inc. (the "Company" or "Dan River") is a leading
manufacturer and marketer of textile products for the home fashions and apparel
fabrics markets. The Company designs, manufactures and markets a coordinated
line of value-added home fashions products consisting of packaged bedroom
furnishings such as comforters, sheets, pillowcases, shams, bed skirts,
decorative pillows and draperies. Dan River also manufactures and markets a
broad range of high quality woven cotton and cotton-blend fabrics and believes
that it is the leading supplier of men's dress shirting fabrics in North
America (based on net sales). On a pro forma basis, after giving effect to the
Cherokee Acquisition (described below), the Company's home fashions products
and apparel fabrics accounted for 50.6% and 49.4%, respectively, of the
Company's net sales of $480.6 million in fiscal 1996.
 
  Home Fashions Products. Dan River's home fashions products are marketed to
key retailers under the "Dan River" brand name, as well as under licenses from,
among others, "Colours by Alexander Julian," "D. Porthault," "John Wilman,"
"Liberty" and "Nautica." The Company's top five retail home fashions customers
in fiscal 1996 were Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Kmart Corporation, Federated
Department Stores, Inc., J.C. Penney Company, Inc. and The May Department
Stores Company. The Company focuses on value-added, higher thread count and
yarn-dyed products and accessory items, as opposed to solid-colored commodity
products. Management believes these products yield higher margins and
differentiate the Company's product line from those of its competitors.
Additionally, the Company is a leader in offering complete bed ensembles which
it markets under the "Bed-in-a-Bag" name and which package a comforter together
with matching sheets, pillowcases, shams and a dust ruffle. These packaged sets
provide attractive profit margins for both the Company and its retail
customers, while offering consumers value and convenience.
 
  The Company works directly with its customers from the earliest stage of the
design process to develop styles that satisfy their specific needs. The
Company's technologically advanced manufacturing operations also provide the
flexibility to produce a wide variety of styles and to respond quickly to
changes in market conditions. As a result of its innovative merchandising and
styling techniques, its superior customer service, its license of certain well-
known brand names and its flexible manufacturing operations, Dan River has
increased its net sales of home fashions products 34.8% from $180.4 million in
fiscal 1992 to $243.2 million in fiscal 1996.
 
  Apparel Fabrics. The Company's apparel fabrics are marketed to a diverse
customer base including manufacturers of men's, women's and children's
clothing, uniforms and home furnishings, and retailers of sewing and craft
fabrics. The Company's apparel fabrics are used in garments marketed under such
well-known brand names as Arrow, Brooks Brothers, Hathaway, Levi Strauss, Liz
Claiborne, L.L. Bean, Manhattan, Osh Kosh B'Gosh and Van Heusen, as well as
numerous private labels marketed through retailers such as J.C. Penney
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
Company, Inc. and Sears, Roebuck & Co. The Company believes that it is the
leading manufacturer of men's dress shirting fabrics in North America (based on
net sales). Management believes that the Company enjoys a reputation as a
leader in developing innovative fabric styles and designs and that its
customers look to the Company's design and styling professionals to anticipate
fashion trends and develop new products.
 
  On February 3, 1997, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets and
certain of the liabilities of The New Cherokee Corporation ("Cherokee"), a
major competitor of the Company (the "Cherokee Acquisition"). The Cherokee
Acquisition almost doubled the size of the Company's apparel fabrics business,
added complementary product lines and introduced new distribution channels.
Since completing the Cherokee Acquisition, the Company has achieved significant
cost savings by eliminating redundant manufacturing capacity and overhead and
increasing the production volume at the former Cherokee facilities. On a pro
forma basis, after giving effect to the Cherokee Acquisition, the Company had
net sales of apparel fabrics of $237.4 million in 1996.
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
  The Company's principal business objective is to continue to expand the sales
of its home fashions products and apparel fabrics, while improving the overall
profitability of its operations. The primary components of the Company's
business strategy include the following:
 
  . Capitalize on Profit Opportunities in Home Fashions Market. The Company
    focuses on the sale of higher thread count percale products (180 threads
    per square inch and above), printed products and accessory items
    (products other than individually packaged sheets and pillowcases) which
    enhance the Company's competitiveness, sales growth and profitability.
    The Company's customer-specific marketing strategy is designed to (i)
    create specialized products that provide differentiation from competitors
    and enable both the Company and its customers to increase sales and
    margins, and (ii) attract value conscious consumers by offering high
    quality products at reasonable prices. Accordingly, the Company works
    directly with retailers to develop value-added, fashion-oriented products
    (as opposed to solid color commodity products) that are periodically
    updated to respond to changing consumer preferences, thereby improving
    retailers' inventory turn rates and associated profitability.
 
  . Expand Distribution of Home Fashions Products Through Strategic
    Relationships with Major Retailers. The Company aggressively markets its
    home fashions products to, and has developed significant business
    relationships with, key retailers in all retail trade classes, including
    department stores, mass merchandisers, discount stores, national chain
    stores, specialty stores and warehouse clubs. Establishing and expanding
    these key distribution channels has strengthened consumer recognition of
    the "Dan River" brand name and increased sales. The Company has
    established strategic relationships with large, high volume retailers
    such as Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Kmart Corporation, Federated Department
    Stores, Inc., J.C. Penney Company, Inc. and The May Department Stores
    Company, by providing high quality products together with superior
    customer service.
 
  . Enhance Strong Apparel Fabrics Market Position. Dan River seeks to
    enhance its position as a leading producer of apparel fabrics by focusing
    on customer relationships, anticipating fashion trends, developing new
    innovative products and reducing manufacturing lead times. Management
    believes that (i) the significant reduction in manufacturing costs
    achieved through its aggressive facility modernization program, (ii) the
    increase in the size of its apparel fabrics operations and attendant
    reduction in fixed costs on a per unit basis as a result of the Cherokee
    Acquisition and (iii) its diverse customer base will make Dan River's
    apparel fabrics business less sensitive to the cyclicality experienced by
    the textile industry in general and will further increase the Company's
    profitability. Management also believes that demand for apparel fabrics
    manufactured in North America and the Caribbean will continue to increase
    as a result of the North American Free Trade Agreement ("NAFTA"), the
    Caribbean Basin Recovery Act and the increasing importance of geographic
    proximity in enabling shortened delivery times.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
 
  . Reduce Production Costs and Improve Productivity. The Company is a low
    cost producer. During the past five fiscal years, the Company has
    invested approximately $150 million in an extensive facility
    modernization program focused on installing the most advanced
    manufacturing technologies making the Company more competitive and cost-
    efficient. As a result of this program, as well as other improvements
    made by the current management team since the Company was acquired in
    1989, the Company has significantly increased productivity, reduced costs
    and improved product quality. The Company intends to continue to
    modernize its operations and improve its low cost position.
 
  . Attain Textile Industry Leadership in Information Technology. The Company
    has invested significantly in information technology to provide improved
    and differentiated services. The Company has implemented an advanced
    supply chain management system which reduces manufacturing lead-time and
    enhances the Company's ability to respond to customer requirements. The
    Company's electronic data interchange ("EDI") systems, quick response
    customer delivery programs and point-of-sale decision support systems
    enable customers to maintain lower inventory levels and react faster to
    changes in product demand, thereby improving their operating results. In
    addition, the Company employs continuous inventory replenishment and
    dedicated manufacturing programs with certain customers to enhance
    service. Planned investments in information technology include the
    implementation of a new enterprise resource planning ("ERP") system along
    with additional continuous inventory replenishment programs.
 
  . Enhance Financial Flexibility. The Company seeks to maintain a capital
    structure that will position it for growth through expansion of existing
    operations and potential acquisitions as well as provide stability during
    cyclical downturns. The textile industry generally, and in particular
    marketers of home fashions products, have undergone significant
    consolidation in recent years and the Company anticipates that this trend
    will continue. The Company believes that, following completion of the
    Offering, its strong balance sheet will enable it to capitalize on
    attractive acquisition opportunities.
 
  Dan River is a Georgia corporation and its principal executive offices are
located at 2291 Memorial Drive, Danville, Virginia 24541. Its telephone number
is (804) 799-7000.
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
  Prospective purchasers of Class A Common Stock should carefully consider the
matters discussed under "Risk Factors" in evaluating an investment in the
shares of Class A Common Stock offered hereby, which include, among other
things, (i) the cyclicality of the textile industry generally, (ii) competitive
conditions within the textile industry, (iii) potential fluctuations in the
price and availability of cotton and (iv) the effect of government policy and
import regulations on the price and availability of cotton. See "Risk Factors."
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>        <C>
Class A Common Stock offered(1):
  Class A Common Stock offered by the
   Company...............................  4,700,000 shares
  Class A Common Stock offered by the
   Selling Shareholders..................  2,000,000 shares
                                          ----------
    Total Class A Common Stock offered...  6,700,000 shares
                                          ==========
Class A Common Stock to be outstanding
 after the Offering...................... 16,793,095 shares(1)
Class B Common Stock to be outstanding
 after the Offering......................  2,062,070 shares(2)(3)
                                          ----------
Total Common Stock to be outstanding
 after the Offering...................... 18,855,165 shares(1)(2)(3)
                                          ==========
Use of proceeds by the Company........... To repay outstanding indebtedness and
                                          for general corporate purposes. The
                                          Company will not receive any proceeds
                                          from the sale of the Shares by the
                                          Selling Shareholders.
Proposed NYSE symbol..................... "DRF"
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Does not include (i) 1,184,950 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon
    exercise of options outstanding as of the date of the Offering or (ii)
    1,323,500 shares of Class A Common Stock available for the future grant of
    stock options under the Company's stock option plans.
(2) Except with respect to voting power and, except as otherwise required by
    the Company's Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (the "Restated
    Charter") and Georgia law, the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common
    Stock (together, the "Common Stock") will vote as one class on all matters
    submitted to a vote of shareholders, including the election of directors.
    The Class A Common Stock is entitled to one vote per share and the Class B
    Common Stock is entitled to 4.39 votes per share. Upon the completion of
    the Offering, the Class B Common Stock will represent approximately 11% of
    the outstanding shares of Common Stock and approximately 35% of the voting
    power of the Common Stock. The Class B Common Stock will be held by Joseph
    L. Lanier, Jr., the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Richard
    L. Williams, the Company's President and Chief Operating Officer, and Barry
    F. Shea, the Company's Vice President--Chief Financial Officer (and certain
    members of their immediate families) (collectively, the "Senior Management
    Group"). Pursuant to the Voting Agreement (as defined herein), Mr. Lanier
    will be entitled to vote all of the shares of Class B Common Stock held by
    the Senior Management Group. Subject to certain limitations, each share of
    Class B Common Stock will be convertible at any time at the option of its
    holder into one share of Class A Common Stock and will automatically
    convert into Class A Common Stock upon the transfer of Class B Common Stock
    to any person who is not a Permitted Transferee (as defined herein) or if
    the aggregate outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock represent less
    than 7% of the aggregate outstanding Common Stock at the end of any month.
    See "Description of Capital Stock."
(3) Upon completion of the Offering, under its Restated Charter, the Company
    will only be authorized to issue additional shares of Class B Common Stock
    in connection with a dividend or other distribution with respect to, or a
    subdivision of, all outstanding shares of Common Stock. See "Description of
    Capital Stock--Common Stock."
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
 
          SUMMARY HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
  The information set forth below should be read in conjunction with "Selected
Historical and Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data," "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," the
Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto of the Company, the
Financial Statements and Notes thereto of Cherokee, the Unaudited Condensed
Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and the Unaudited Pro Forma
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income of the Company included elsewhere
in this Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                          PRO FORMA
                                          FISCAL YEAR                                             NINE MONTHS ENDED      NINE MONTHS
                  ---------------------------------------------------------------   PRO FORMA  ------------------------     ENDED
                                                                                   FISCAL YEAR  SEPT. 28,    SEPT. 27,    SEPT. 27,
                     1992         1993         1994         1995         1996        1996(1)      1996         1997        1997(1)
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------- -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
<S>               <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>
STATEMENT OF      
 INCOME DATA:     
Net sales........    $333,033     $317,566     $371,534     $384,801     $379,567     $480,639    $272,031     $344,189     $353,399
Cost of sales....     268,605      259,148      297,460      306,879      307,383      399,602     220,975      268,739      275,895
Selling, general  
 and              
 administrative   
 expenses........      39,083       38,550       43,908       44,860       45,673       51,863      33,866       39,212       39,961
Other operating   
 costs, net(2)...         --         3,039        1,534        8,972         (428)         392         --         7,875        7,875
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------- -----------  -----------  -----------
Operating income.     $25,345      $16,829      $28,632      $24,090      $26,939      $28,782     $17,190      $28,363      $29,668
                  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  =========== ===========  ===========  ===========
Income before     
 income taxes and 
 extraordinary    
 item............     $13,103       $4,643       $8,357       $2,390       $9,256      $10,818      $3,660      $11,917      $16,831
Extraordinary     
 item(3).........         --           348          --           --           --           --          --           --           --
Net income.......       8,166        2,519        3,525          258        5,686        6,642       2,213        7,323       10,338
Redeemable        
 preferred        
 stock dividends.       2,782        2,091          --           --           --           --          --           --           --
Net income        
 applicable to    
 common stock....      $5,384         $428       $3,525         $258       $5,686       $6,642      $2,213       $7,323      $10,338
Earnings per      
 share:           
 Primary.........       $0.47        $0.04        $0.31        $0.02        $0.40        $0.35       $0.16        $0.52        $0.55
 Fully diluted...       $0.47        $0.04        $0.31        $0.23        $0.40        $0.35       $0.16        $0.52        $0.55
Weighted average  
 number of shares 
 outstanding:     
 Primary.........  11,375,000   11,375,000   11,375,000   12,276,268   14,155,165   18,855,165  14,155,165   14,155,165   18,855,165
 Fully diluted...  11,375,000   11,375,000   11,375,000   13,940,133   14,155,165   18,855,165  14,155,165   14,155,165   18,855,165
OTHER FINANCIAL   
 DATA:            
EBITDA(4)........     $40,413      $36,314      $48,353      $52,599      $47,306      $56,569     $32,848      $57,077      $58,899
Cash flow from    
 operating       
 activities......      25,360       21,518       11,887       22,538       45,078                   27,830       27,306
Cash flow from    
 investing       
 activities......      (9,747)     (10,687)     (23,873)     (23,994)     (25,197)                 (17,124)     (76,906)
Cash flow from    
 financing       
 activities......     (12,561)     (17,567)       5,389        1,247      (16,379)                 (10,305)      45,974
Depreciation      
 and             
 amortization(5).      15,068       16,446       18,187       19,537       20,795                   15,658       20,839
Capital           
 expenditures,    
 gross...........       9,914       27,690       44,112       28,004       34,515                   24,419       13,711
Capital           
 expenditures,    
 net(6)..........       9,821       12,839       26,885       20,801       28,564                   20,183       12,598
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  AS OF
                                                           SEPTEMBER 27, 1997
                                                         -----------------------
                                                          ACTUAL  AS ADJUSTED(7)
                                                         -------- --------------
                                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                      <C>      <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital......................................... $116,611    $123,193
Total assets............................................  393,634     393,634
Total debt..............................................  218,465     153,465
Common Stock subject to put rights......................   13,389         --
Shareholders' equity....................................   81,558     159,947
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) The pro forma statement of income data and pro forma other financial data
    give effect to the Cherokee Acquisition and the Offering and the
    application of the estimated net proceeds therefrom to the Company as if
    they had been consummated at the beginning of the periods presented. See
    "Use of Proceeds" and Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial
    Statements included herein.
(2) Other operating costs, net include various non-recurring charges and
    credits from year to year, the most significant of which relate to
    writedowns of fixed assets rendered obsolete by the Company's ongoing
    facility modernization program, plant closure costs and the decision to
    discontinue manufacturing and marketing a line of apparel fabrics. See
    "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
    Operations," Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company
    and Note 5 to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of
    the Company.
(3) The extraordinary item in fiscal 1993 represented the gain, net of related
    income taxes, from the early retirement of certain of the Company's credit
    facilities and term loans out of the proceeds from the issuance and sale of
    $120 million original principal amount of the Company's 10 1/8% Senior
    Subordinated Notes due 2003 (the "Senior Subordinated Notes").
(4) EBITDA represents operating income before depreciation and amortization.
    For purposes of computing EBITDA, operating income has been adjusted to
    exclude other operating costs, net. See "Management's Discussion and
    Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Results of
    Operations" and Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the
    Company. EBITDA is presented not as an alternative measure of operating
    results or cash flow (as determined in accordance with generally accepted
    accounting principles), but rather to provide additional information
    related to the Company's ability to service debt.
(5) Includes depreciation and amortization of tangible assets, but excludes
    amortization of debt issuance costs, which is included in interest expense.
(6) Represents capital expenditures, net of amounts acquired in exchange for
    debt.
(7) As adjusted to give effect to (i) the Offering and the application of the
    net proceeds therefrom to the Company and (ii) the reclassification of the
    Common Stock subject to put rights as part of shareholders' equity. See
    "Use of Proceeds," "Capitalization" and Note 8 to the Unaudited Condensed
    Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
                                 RISK FACTORS
 
  An investment in the shares of Class A Common Stock offered hereby involves
a high degree of risk. Prospective purchasers of the Class A Common Stock
should carefully consider the following risk factors in addition to the other
information contained in this Prospectus in evaluating an investment in the
shares of Class A Common Stock offered hereby.
 
CYCLICAL NATURE OF TEXTILE INDUSTRY; SEASONALITY
 
  Domestic demand for textile products tends to vary with the business cycle
of the U.S. economy. In addition, the popularity, supply and demand for
particular textile products may change significantly from year to year based
upon prevailing fashion trends and other factors. These factors historically
have contributed to fluctuations in the sales and profitability of certain
textile products and in Dan River's results of operations. A decline in the
demand for textile products, an increase in the supply of textile products due
to expansion of capacity within the textile industry, changes in fashion
trends or deteriorating economic conditions could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's results of operations and financial condition.
 
  Demand for the Company's products and the level of the Company's sales
fluctuate moderately during the year, based upon historical buying trends.
Generally, there is increased retail demand for home fashions products during
the fall (back to school) and Christmas holiday seasons and for apparel
fabrics during the same seasons as well as for Father's Day. As a result, the
Company sells more of its home fashions products during its third and fourth
fiscal quarters when demand for home fashions products is generally higher,
and the Company sells more apparel fabrics during the first and second
quarters when demand for apparel fabrics is greatest.
 
INTENSE COMPETITION
 
  The textile industry is highly competitive. Dan River sells its products
primarily to domestic customers and competes with large, vertically integrated
textile manufacturers as well as numerous smaller companies specializing in
limited segments of the market. Competitors are both domestic and foreign, and
include a number of companies that are larger in size and have greater
financial resources than the Company. Increases in domestic capacity and
imports of foreign-made textile and apparel products are a significant source
of competition for many domestic textile manufacturers, including Dan River.
Competition in the form of imported textile and apparel products, pricing
strategies of domestic competitors and the proliferation of newly styled
fabrics competing for fashion acceptance have been factors affecting the
Company's business environment. The primary competitive factors in the textile
industry are price, product styling and differentiation, quality,
manufacturing flexibility, delivery time and customer service. The importance
of these factors is determined by the needs of particular customers and the
characteristics of particular products. To the extent that one or more of the
Company's competitors gains an advantage with respect to any key competitive
factor, Dan River's business could be materially adversely affected. See
"Business--Competition." In addition, import protections afforded to foreign
textile manufacturers could make the Company's products less competitive and
have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and
financial condition. See "--Possible Adverse Effect of Government Policy and
Import Regulations."
 
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECT OF FLUCTUATIONS IN PRICE AND AVAILABILITY OF COTTON
 
  The primary raw material used by the Company is cotton. Prior to 1991, from
time to time, domestic cotton prices exceeded world prices, which created a
competitive disadvantage for the Company and other domestic textile
manufacturers, which are required by law to purchase substantially all of
their cotton from domestic sources. The U.S. government has taken legislative
action to improve the price imbalance, but there can be no assurance that this
will continue to be the case. To the extent that U.S. cotton prices exceed
world cotton prices, the Company's competitiveness may be materially adversely
affected. U.S. Cotton prices are also affected by general economic conditions
as well as the demand for U.S. cotton in world markets and may increase or
decrease depending on other market variables at the time. Prevailing cotton
prices significantly impact the Company's results of operations, and price
increases could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
results of operations and financial condition. In connection with its purchase
of cotton, Dan River generally covers open order requirements, which average
approximately three months of production, through direct purchases and hedging
transactions, and the Company may shorten or lengthen that period in
accordance with its perception of the direction of cotton prices. There can be
no assurance that such transactions will not result in higher costs to the
Company or will protect the Company from fluctuations in cotton prices.
Further, since cotton is an agricultural product, its supply and quality are
subject to forces of nature. Any material shortage or interruption in the
supply, variations in the quality of cotton by reason of weather, infestations
or any other factor that would result in an increase in the cost of cotton
could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations
and financial condition. See "Business--Raw Materials."
 
SUBSTANTIAL CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
 
  The textile manufacturing industry is capital intensive. In order to
maintain their competitive position, textile manufacturers, including Dan
River, must continually modernize their manufacturing processes, plants and
equipment, which can involve substantial capital investments. Over the last
five fiscal years, the Company has made capital improvements of approximately
$150 million. The Company expects to invest approximately $26 million during
fiscal 1997 and from $30 million to $35 million during fiscal 1998 in capital
improvements designed to reduce manufacturing costs, enhance manufacturing
flexibility and improve product quality and responsiveness to customers. Dan
River generally finances its capital improvements with cash from operations,
vendor financing and borrowings under its credit facilities. To the extent
these sources of funds are insufficient to meet the Company's ongoing capital
improvements requirements, the Company may be required to seek alternative
sources of financing or curtail or delay capital spending plans. There can be
no assurance that such financing will be available when needed or, if
available, that it will be on terms acceptable to the Company. Failure to make
capital improvements necessary to continue modernizing the Company's
manufacturing operations and reduce costs could adversely affect the Company's
competitive position and have a material adverse effect on the Company's
results of operations and financial condition. See "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity and
Capital Resources" and "Business--Business Strategy."
 
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECT OF GOVERNMENT POLICY AND IMPORT REGULATIONS
 
  The domestic textile market is subject to various U.S. governmental policies
affecting raw material costs and product supply. In addition, the policies of
foreign governments may, directly or indirectly, affect the domestic market.
Because U.S. textile companies are generally prohibited from importing cotton,
Dan River must purchase substantially all of its cotton in the domestic
market. Prior to 1991, from time to time, price imbalances between world and
domestic cotton prices existed. A series of U.S. legislative initiatives has
resulted in the reduction of the Company's effective cotton costs to near
world levels. Because the availability and cost of cotton are affected by U.S.
agricultural policies, Dan River may experience increased cotton costs that
cannot be entirely passed on to its customers.
 
  The extent of import protection afforded by the U.S. government to domestic
textile producers has been, and is likely to remain, subject to considerable
domestic political deliberation. In view of the labor cost advantages and the
number of foreign producers of textile products that compete with certain of
the Company's products, substantial elimination of import protection for
domestic textile manufacturers could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business. In January 1995, a multilateral trade organization, the
World Trade Organization ("WTO"), was established to replace the General
Agreement on Tariffs and Trade ("GATT"). This new body has set forth the
mechanisms by which world trade in textiles and clothing will be progressively
liberalized with the elimination of quotas and the reduction of duties. The
implementation began in January 1995 with the phasing-out of quotas and the
reduction of duties to take place over a 10-year period. The selection of
products at each phase is made by each importing country and must be drawn
from each of the four main textile groups: tops and yarns, fabrics, made-up
textile products and apparel. The elimination of quotas and the reduction
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
of tariffs under the WTO may result in increased imports of certain textile
products and apparel into North America. These factors could make the
Company's products less competitive against low cost imports from developing
countries. See "Business--Competition."
 
  NAFTA, which was entered into by Canada, Mexico and the United States and
became effective on January 1, 1994, has created the world's largest free-
trade zone. The agreement contains safeguards that were sought by the U.S.
textile industry, including a rule of origin requirement that products be
processed in one of the three countries in order to benefit from NAFTA. NAFTA
will phase out all trade restrictions and tariffs on textiles and apparel
among the three countries. There can be no assurance that the removal of these
barriers to trade will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's
results of operations and financial condition. See "Business--Competition."
 
ACQUISITION RISKS
 
  The Company completed the Cherokee Acquisition in February 1997, and it may
seek additional acquisition opportunities that enhance its business. There can
be no assurance that the Company will be able successfully to identify
suitable acquisition candidates, complete acquisitions, integrate acquired
operations into its existing operations or expand into new markets. There can
also be no assurance that future acquisitions will not have an adverse effect
upon the Company's operating results, particularly in the fiscal quarters
immediately following the completion of such acquisitions while the operations
of the acquired business are being integrated into the Company's operations.
Once integrated, acquired operations may not achieve levels of revenues,
profitability or productivity comparable with those achieved by the Company's
existing operations, or otherwise perform as expected. In addition, the
Company competes for acquisition and expansion opportunities with companies
that have substantially greater resources. Although the Company has
preliminary discussions from time to time regarding possible acquisition
opportunities, the Company does not presently have any agreements,
arrangements or understandings regarding any particular acquisition.
 
UNCERTAINTY REGARDING USE AND AVAILABILITY OF NET OPERATING LOSS CARRYFORWARDS
 
  On September 3, 1991, the Company completed a financial restructuring (the
"1991 Restructuring") which involved issuing common and preferred stock to
various parties. Management believes that the 1991 Restructuring did not
result in a "change in ownership" as such term is used in Section 382 of the
Internal Revenue Code. However, Section 382 and related regulations
promulgated by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") are extremely complex, and
management's assessment of whether or not a "change in ownership" occurred
involves judgments as to certain factual issues and interpretations as to
certain legal issues for which there is little guidance. There can be no
assurance that the IRS will not challenge the Company's conclusion that no
"change in ownership" has occurred under Section 382. The utilization of the
Company's pre-1991 Restructuring net operating loss and credit carryforwards
could be significantly restricted or eliminated if the 1991 Restructuring is
deemed to have constituted a "change in ownership." From the date of the 1991
Restructuring through December 28, 1996, the Company utilized an aggregate of
$16.9 million in net operating loss carryforwards and $1.7 million in general
business credit carryforwards for federal income tax purposes that are subject
to review by the IRS. At December 28, 1996, the Company had unused net
operating loss carryforwards of $0.9 million (expiring in 2005), a minimum tax
credit carryforward of $8.1 million, and investment credit and other general
business credit carryforwards of $5.3 million (the majority of which expire in
1997 through 2000).
 
IMPACT OF RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS ON ABILITY TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL FINANCING
 
  The Company's Credit Agreement (as defined herein) and the indenture
governing the Company's Senior Subordinated Notes contain restrictions on the
ability of the Company to, among other things (i) incur additional
indebtedness, (ii) place liens on assets, (iii) sell assets, (iv) engage in
mergers or consolidations, (v) pay dividends, (vi) engage in certain
transactions with affiliates and (vii) enter into sale and leaseback
transactions. The Credit Agreement also requires the Company to maintain
compliance with certain financial ratios. See
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources." These limitations and
requirements may restrict the ability of Dan River to obtain additional
financing for working capital, capital improvements, acquisitions or general
corporate purposes.
 
POTENTIAL UNFORESEEN ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES OR COSTS
 
  Dan River is subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws
and regulations limiting the discharge of pollutants and the storage, handling
and disposal of a variety of substances, including some substances which
contain constituents considered hazardous under environmental laws. The
Company's dyeing and finishing operations result in the discharge of
substantial quantities of wastewater and emissions to the atmosphere. The
Company's operations also are governed by laws and regulations relating to
workplace safety and worker health which, among other things, establish cotton
dust, formaldehyde, asbestos and noise standards, and regulate the use of
hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Treatment costs of air emissions and
wastewater discharges, as well as other costs of environmental compliance,
have increased moderately over the past several years. There can be no
assurance that compliance with environmental or health and safety laws and
regulations will not materially adversely affect the Company's operations in
the future. In addition, Dan River cannot predict what environmental or health
and safety legislation or regulations will be enacted in the future or how
existing or future laws or regulations will be enforced, administered or
interpreted, nor can it predict the amount of future expenditures which may be
required in order to comply with any such environmental or health and safety
laws or regulations. See "Business--Governmental Regulation."
 
CUSTOMER CONCENTRATION
 
  The Company markets its home fashions products and apparel fabrics to over
3,000 customers. In fiscal 1996, the top five home fashions products customers
and apparel fabrics customers accounted for 44.5% and 24.4%, respectively, of
the Company's net sales attributable to home fashions products and apparel
fabrics. During the nine months ended September 27, 1997, the top five home
fashions products customers and apparel fabrics customers accounted for 43.0%
and 40.2%, respectively, of the Company's net sales attributable to home
fashions products and apparel fabrics. The Company's largest home fashions
products customer and apparel fabrics customer accounted for 8.7%, and 3.9%,
respectively, of the Company's net sales in fiscal 1996, and 7.4% and 4.8%,
respectively, of the Company's net sales in the nine months ended September
27, 1997. The loss of any of the top five home fashions products customers or
apparel fabrics customers could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's net sales attributable to such product lines.
 
RELIANCE ON KEY MANAGEMENT
 
  The success of the Company is dependent upon the talents and efforts of a
small number of key management personnel, including Joseph L. Lanier, Jr., the
Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Richard L. Williams, the
Company's President and Chief Operating Officer, and Barry F. Shea, the
Company's Vice President--Chief Financial Officer. The loss of such management
personnel could have an adverse effect on the business of the Company. See
"Management."
 
SUBSTANTIAL INFLUENCE OF PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
 
  Upon the completion of the Offering, the Senior Management Group will
control approximately 37% of the combined outstanding voting power of all
classes of the Company's Common Stock. As a result, such persons will be able
to exert substantial influence with respect to all matters submitted to a vote
of holders of Common Stock (except with respect to matters as to which holders
of the Class A Common Stock are entitled to vote as a separate voting group
under the Restated Charter or Georgia law), including election of the
Company's directors. Moreover, pursuant to the Voting Agreement, Mr. Joseph L.
Lanier, Jr. will be entitled to vote all shares of Class B Common Stock, which
will comprise approximately 35% of the combined outstanding voting power of
all classes of the Company's Common Stock. See "Description of Capital Stock--
Common Stock."
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
ABSENCE OF PRIOR PUBLIC MARKET
 
  Prior to the Offering, there has been no public market for the Class A
Common Stock of the Company. The initial public offering price for the Class A
Common Stock will be determined by negotiations among the Company, the Selling
Shareholders and the representatives of the Underwriters. There can be no
assurance that an active trading market for the Class A Common Stock will
develop or continue after the completion of the Offering or that the market
price of the Class A Common Stock will not decline below the initial public
offering price. See "Underwriters."
 
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE; POTENTIAL ADVERSE IMPACT ON PREVAILING MARKET
PRICE
 
  Upon completion of the Offering, the Company will have outstanding
16,793,095 shares of Class A Common Stock, of which the 4,700,000 shares sold
by the Company and the 2,000,000 shares sold by the Selling Shareholders
pursuant to the Offering will be fully tradeable without restriction or
further registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), except for any of such shares held by "affiliates" (as
defined under Rule 405 of the Securities Act) of the Company. The holders of
the remaining 10,093,095 shares of Class A Common Stock (the "Restricted
Shares") will be entitled to sell their shares in the public securities market
without registration under the Securities Act to the extent permitted by Rule
144 promulgated thereunder or otherwise in accordance with the Securities Act.
All of the Restricted Shares have been owned by the holders thereof for more
than one year. Of such Restricted Shares, 2,927,622 are owned by non-
affiliates of the Company and, as a result, will be fully tradeable upon
completion of the Offering without compliance with the restrictions under Rule
144, and 7,165,473 are owned by affiliates of the Company and, as a result,
will be eligible for sale pursuant to Rule 144, subject to certain
restrictions, upon completion of the Offering. Certain holders of Common Stock
have agreed to certain restrictions on their ability to sell Common Stock for
180 days and, in some instances, 120 days following the Offering. See
"Underwriters."
 
  After the Offering, certain shares of Common Stock will be covered by the
Registration Rights Agreement (as defined herein). The Registration Rights
Agreement provides for, among other things: (i) a call right, exercisable by
Joseph L. Lanier, Jr., for the purchase of shares of Common Stock held by
certain lenders related to the 1991 Restructuring; (ii) a call right,
exercisable by the Company, for the shares of Common Stock set forth in clause
(i) above; and (iii) certain demand and piggyback registration rights. See
"Description of Capital Stock--Registration Rights Agreement."
 
  Immediately following the Offering, there will be 2,062,070 shares of Class
B Common Stock outstanding, which will be convertible (subject to certain
restrictions on transfer and first offer rights described under "Description
of Capital Stock--Common Stock") into shares of Class A Common Stock (on a
share-for-share basis).
 
  Sales of substantial amounts of Class A Common Stock in the public market,
or the perception that such sales may occur, could adversely affect the
prevailing market price of the Class A Common Stock or the ability of the
Company to raise capital through a public offering of its equity securities.
See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale."
 
ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS
 
  The Company's Restated Charter and Bylaws contain several provisions which
may discourage or make more difficult any attempt by a person or group to
obtain control of the Company, including provisions authorizing the issuance
of preferred stock without shareholder approval, requiring a supermajority
vote of shareholders under certain circumstances, restricting the persons who
may call a special meeting of shareholders, establishing a classified board of
directors, providing that directors may be removed only for cause and
requiring notice of shareholder nominations and proposals. The Company has
also elected to be covered by the Georgia business combination and fair price
statutes, which restrict certain business combinations with "interested
shareholders" and prohibit such combinations with "interested shareholders"
unless certain fair price criteria and other requirements are satisfied. See
"Description of Capital Stock--Charter and Bylaw Provisions" and
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
"Georgia Anti-Takeover Statutes." Further, upon completion of the Offering, the
Senior Management Group will control approximately 37% of the combined
outstanding voting power of all classes of the Company's Common Stock,
approximately 35% of which will be controlled by Mr. Lanier pursuant to the
Voting Agreement. As a result, Mr. Lanier will be able to exert substantial
influence with respect to all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders. See
"--Substantial Influence of Principal Shareholders."
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
  The net proceeds to the Company (after deducting estimated underwriting
discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses) from the sale of
4,700,000 shares of Class A Common Stock offered hereby by the Company (at an
assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share) are estimated to be
$65.0 million. The Company will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale
of 2,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock offered hereby by the Selling
Shareholders.
 
  The Company intends to use the net proceeds to repay indebtedness
outstanding under the Company's term loan facility (the "Term Loan Facility")
pursuant to the Loan and Security Agreement dated as of February 3, 1997 (the
"Credit Agreement"), certain notes payable to equipment vendors ("Vendor
Financing"), certain other notes ("Other Notes"), and a partial repayment of
indebtedness pursuant to a secured term note due 2001 (the "Term Loan due
2001"). As of October 27, 1997, the Company had approximately $34.1 million
outstanding under the Term Loan Facility, $7.1 million outstanding under the
Vendor Financing, $12.7 million outstanding under the Other Notes, and $11.1
million to be repaid under the Term Loan due 2001. Such borrowings bore
interest as of such date at a weighted average interest rate of 8.20%, 7.91%,
8.48% and 7.47%, respectively. All such borrowings were incurred to finance
the Cherokee Acquisition or the modernization of the Company's manufacturing
and distribution capabilities. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital
Resources." The Company will not incur any penalty or be required to pay a
premium in connection with its prepayment of the Term Loan Facility, Vendor
Financing, Other Notes or the Term Loan due 2001. The Company will use the
balance, if any, of the net proceeds of the Offering for general corporate
purposes, including capital improvements and possible future acquisitions. See
"Risk Factors--Substantial Capital Requirements" and "--Acquisition Risks."
 
  Pending application of the net proceeds as described above, the Company
intends to invest its net proceeds in short-term interest-bearing, investment-
grade debt securities, certificates of deposit or direct or guaranteed
obligations of the U.S. government.
 
                                DIVIDEND POLICY
 
  The Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends on its Common
Stock. Pursuant to the Company's Restated Charter, no dividend may be declared
or paid in cash or property on any share of either class of Common Stock
unless simultaneously the same dividend is declared or paid on each share of
the other class of Common Stock. The Company currently intends to retain its
future earnings for general corporate purposes including working capital,
capital improvements and possible acquisitions. Any payment of cash dividends
in the future will be at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors
and will depend upon the Company's results of operations, earnings, capital
requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by
the Company's Board. The Credit Agreement and the Indenture relating to the
Senior Subordinated Notes limit the Company's ability to pay dividends on the
Common Stock, based primarily upon the Company's compliance with certain
financial ratios and other financial requirements.
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
                                CAPITALIZATION
 
  The following table sets forth the short-term debt and total capitalization
of Dan River at September 27, 1997 and as adjusted to give effect to (i) the
Offering (at an assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share) and
(ii) the application of the net proceeds therefrom to the Company to repay
outstanding indebtedness as described under "Use of Proceeds." In addition, as
a result of the Offering, certain put rights will terminate and the Common
Stock subject to such put rights will be classified as part of shareholders'
equity. This table should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated
Financial Statements and the Notes thereto of the Company included elsewhere
in this Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          SEPTEMBER 27, 1997
                                                         ---------------------
                                                          ACTUAL   AS ADJUSTED
                                                         --------  -----------
                                                            (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                      <C>       <C>
Current maturities of long-term debt(1)................. $ 11,943   $  5,361
                                                         ========   ========
Long-term debt(1):
  10.125% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2003............ $120,000   $120,000
  Working Capital Facility(2)...........................   14,000     14,000
  Term Loan Facility....................................   30,250        --
  Term Loan due 2001....................................   17,475      6,467
  Notes payable to equipment vendors....................    7,456      2,213
  Other borrowings with various rates and maturities....   17,341      5,424
                                                         --------   --------
    Total long-term debt................................  206,522    148,104
                                                         --------   --------
Common stock subject to put rights......................   13,389        -- (3)
Shareholders' equity:
  Preferred Stock, $.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares
   authorized; no shares outstanding; no shares
   outstanding as adjusted..............................      --         --
  Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value; 175,000,000
   shares authorized; 12,712,945 shares outstanding;
   16,793,095 shares outstanding as adjusted(4)(5)......      127        168
  Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value; 35,000,000
   shares authorized; no shares outstanding; 2,062,070
   shares outstanding as adjusted(5)....................      --          21
  Class C Common Stock, $.01 par value; 5,000,000 shares
   authorized; 1,442,220 shares outstanding; no shares
   outstanding as adjusted(5)...........................       14        --
  Additional paid-in capital............................   61,005    139,346(3)
  Retained earnings.....................................   21,021     21,021
  Pension liability adjustment..........................     (609)      (609)
                                                         --------   --------
    Total shareholders' equity..........................   81,558    159,947
                                                         --------   --------
    Total capitalization................................ $301,469   $308,051
                                                         ========   ========
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) For information concerning the Company's outstanding debt, see Note 4 to
    the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company.
(2) As of September 27, 1997, the Company had $69.0 million of borrowing
    availability under the working capital facility established pursuant to
    the Credit Agreement (the "Working Capital Facility"). As of September 27,
    1997, after giving effect to the Offering and the application of the net
    proceeds therefrom to the Company, the Company would have had $69.0
    million of borrowing availability under the Working Capital Facility. For
    a discussion of the Company's Working Capital Facility and Term Loan
    Facility, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
    and Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources."
(3) Reflects the reclassification of the Common Stock subject to put rights as
    part of shareholders' equity. See Note 8 to the Unaudited Condensed
    Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company.
   
(4) Does not include (i) 1,184,950 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable
    upon exercise of stock options outstanding as of the date of the Offering
    or (ii) 1,323,500 shares of Class A Common Stock available for the future
    grant of stock options under the Company's stock option plans. See
    "Management--New Benefit Plans" and Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial
    Statements of the Company.     
(5) Upon completion of the Offering, (i) an aggregate of 2,062,070 shares of
    Class A Common Stock held by the Senior Management Group will be exchanged
    on a share-for-share basis for an aggregate of 2,062,070 shares of Class B
    Common Stock pursuant to the Exchange Offer (as defined herein) and (ii)
    all outstanding shares of Class C Common Stock, par value $.01 per share,
    of the Company (the "Class C Common Stock") will automatically convert
    into shares of Class A Common Stock on a share-for-share basis. See
    "Certain Transactions."
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
         SELECTED HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
  The selected historical statement of income data and historical balance
sheet data for each of the five fiscal years in the period ended December 28,
1996 are derived from the consolidated financial statements of the Company,
which have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors. The
selected historical consolidated financial data set forth below should be read
in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto of
the Company included elsewhere in this Prospectus, "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and other
financial data included herein. The selected historical consolidated financial
data and historical balance sheet data for the nine months ended September 28,
1996 and September 27, 1997 are derived from the Unaudited Condensed
Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company. In the opinion of the
Company, such unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include
all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary
for a fair presentation of the information set forth therein. The results of
operations for the nine months ended September 27, 1997 are not necessarily
indicative of results that may be expected for the full year. The pro forma
consolidated financial data are derived from the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed
Consolidated Income Statements of the Company included elsewhere in this
Prospectus. The selected pro forma consolidated financial data give effect to
the Cherokee Acquisition and the Offering and the application of the net
proceeds therefrom to the Company as if they had been consummated at the
beginning of the respective periods presented. The selected pro forma
consolidated financial data may not be indicative of results that would have
actually occurred if the Cherokee Acquisition, the Offering and the
application of the net proceeds therefrom to the Company had been effected on
the dates indicated or the results that may be obtained in the future. The
selected pro forma consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction
with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto of the Company,
the Financial Statements and Notes thereto of Cherokee, and the Unaudited Pro
Forma Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income of the Company included
elsewhere in this Prospectus. The consolidated financial data set forth below
reflect the Recapitalization. See "Certain Transactions--Recapitalization" and
Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company.
 
  Dan River and its previous parent and sole shareholder, Braelan Corp.
("Braelan"), were organized in 1989 to acquire and operate Dan River Holding
Company and subsidiaries. On December 29, 1995, Braelan was merged with and
into Dan River. Selected historical financial data for periods prior to the
merger have been restated to reflect the combination. See Notes 1 and 2 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company.
 
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                            PRO
                                                                                                                           FORMA
                                                                                      PRO                                  NINE
                                         FISCAL YEAR                                 FORMA       NINE MONTHS ENDED        MONTHS
                 ---------------------------------------------------------------    FISCAL    ------------------------     ENDED
                                                                                     YEAR      SEPT. 28,    SEPT. 27,    SEPT. 27,
                    1992         1993         1994         1995         1996         1996        1996         1997         1997
                 -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------- -----------  -----------  -----------
                                               (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
<S>              <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>
STATEMENT OF     
 INCOME DATA:    
 Net sales.......   $333,033     $317,566     $371,534     $384,801     $379,567     $480,639    $272,031     $344,189     $353,399
 Cost of sales...    268,605      259,148      297,460      306,879      307,383      399,602     220,975      268,739      275,895
 Selling, general
  and            
  administrative 
  expenses.......     39,083       38,550       43,908       44,860       45,673       51,863      33,866       39,212       39,961
 Other operating 
  costs, net(1)..        --         3,039        1,534        8,972         (428)         392         --         7,875        7,875
                 -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------- -----------  -----------  -----------
 Operating       
  income.........    $25,345      $16,829      $28,632      $24,090      $26,939      $28,782     $17,190      $28,363      $29,668
                 ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  =========== ===========  ===========  ===========
 Income before   
  income taxes   
  and            
  extraordinary  
  item...........    $13,103       $4,643       $8,357       $2,390       $9,256      $10,818      $3,660      $11,917      $16,831
 Extraordinary   
  item(2)........        --           348          --           --           --           --          --           --           --
 Net income......      8,166        2,519        3,525          258        5,686        6,642       2,213        7,323       10,338
 Redeemable      
  preferred stock
  dividends......      2,782        2,091          --           --           --           --          --           --           --
 Net income      
  applicable to  
  common stock...     $5,384         $428       $3,525         $258       $5,686       $6,642      $2,213       $7,323      $10,338
 Earnings per    
  share:         
 Primary.........      $0.47        $0.04        $0.31        $0.02        $0.40        $0.35       $0.16        $0.52        $0.55
 Fully diluted...      $0.47        $0.04        $0.31        $0.23        $0.40        $0.35       $0.16        $0.52        $0.55
 Weighted average
  number of      
  shares         
  outstanding:   
 Primary......... 11,375,000   11,375,000   11,375,000   12,276,268   14,155,165   18,855,165  14,155,165   14,155,165   18,855,165
 Fully diluted... 11,375,000   11,375,000   11,375,000   13,940,133   14,155,165   18,855,165  14,155,165   14,155,165   18,855,165
OTHER FINANCIAL  
 DATA:           
 EBITDA(3).......    $40,413      $36,314      $48,353      $52,599      $47,306      $56,569     $32,848      $57,077      $58,899
 Cash flow from  
  operating      
  activities.....     25,360       21,518       11,887       22,538       45,078                   27,830       27,306
 Cash flow from  
  investing      
  activities.         (9,747)     (10,687)     (23,873)     (23,994)     (25,197)                 (17,124)     (76,906)
 Cash flow from  
  financing      
  activities.        (12,561)     (17,567)       5,389        1,247      (16,379)                 (10,305)      45,974
 Depreciation and
  amortization(4)     15,068       16,446       18,187       19,537       20,795                   15,658       20,839
 Capital         
  expenditures,  
  gross..........      9,914       27,690       44,112       28,004       34,515                   24,419       13,711
 Capital         
  expenditures,  
  net(5).........      9,821       12,839       26,885       20,801       28,564                   20,183       12,598
BALANCE SHEET    
 DATA (END OF    
 PERIOD):        
 Working capital.    $98,954      $94,040     $103,973     $109,763      $93,291                  $98,011     $116,611
 Total assets....    282,668      289,384      329,902      330,944      321,050                  327,028      393,634
 Total debt......    145,182      170,066      196,436      179,703      169,468                  173,703      218,465
 Redeemable      
  preferred      
  stock..........     18,577          --           --           --           --                       --           --
 Common stock    
  subject to put 
  rights.........      7,000        7,000        7,000        7,000        9,726                    7,338       13,389
 Shareholders'   
  equity.........     42,065       42,493       46,810       73,702       77,898                   75,577       81,558
</TABLE>
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
 
- --------
(1) Other operating costs, net include various non-recurring charges and
    credits from year to year, the most significant of which relate to
    writedowns of fixed assets rendered obsolete by the Company's ongoing
    facility modernization program, plant closure costs and the decision to
    discontinue manufacturing and marketing a line of apparel fabrics. See
    "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
    of Operations," Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the
    Company and Note 5 to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial
    Statements of the Company.
(2) The extraordinary item in fiscal 1993 represented the gain, net of related
    income taxes, from the early retirement of certain of the Company's credit
    facilities and term loans out of the proceeds from the issuance of the
    Senior Subordinated Notes.
(3) EBITDA represents operating income before depreciation and amortization.
    For purposes of computing EBITDA, operating income has been adjusted to
    exclude other operating costs, net. See "Management's Discussion and
    Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and Note 8 to
    the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company. EBITDA is presented
    not as an alternative measure of operating results or cash flow (as
    determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles),
    but rather to provide additional information related to the Company's
    ability to service debt.
(4) Includes depreciation and amortization of tangible assets, but excludes
    amortization of debt issuance costs, which is included in interest
    expense.
(5) Represents capital expenditures, net of amounts acquired in exchange for
    debt.
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
OVERVIEW
 
  The Company is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of textile
products for the home fashions products and apparel fabrics markets. The
Company's net sales are derived principally from sales of home fashions
products, consisting of packaged bedroom furnishings such as comforters,
sheets, pillowcases, shams, bed skirts, decorative pillows and draperies, and
apparel fabrics, including a broad range of cotton and cotton-blend fabrics.
Sales of home fashions products are mainly to major retailers, including Wal-
Mart Stores, Inc., Kmart Corporation, Federated Department Stores, Inc., J.C.
Penney Company, Inc. and The May Department Stores Company. Sales of apparel
fabrics are mainly to domestic manufacturers of men's, women's and children's
clothing, which in turn market clothing under a variety of widely recognized
brand names such as Arrow, Brooks Brothers, Hathaway, Levi Strauss, Liz
Claiborne, L.L. Bean, Manhattan, Osh Kosh B'Gosh and Van Heusen, as well as
numerous private labels through retailers such as J.C. Penney Company, Inc.
and Sears, Roebuck & Co. The Company's sales are affected by the general
business cycles of the textile industry and the U.S. economy which, in turn,
affect the retail environment for the Company's products. The Company has
taken steps to reduce the sensitivity of its business to industry downturns.
Within its home fashions operations, the Company focuses on value-added,
fashion-directed products that have higher margins than solid color commodity
products. The Cherokee Acquisition has substantially increased the size of the
Company's apparel fabrics operations and reduced its fixed costs on a per unit
basis, which management believes will make such operations less sensitive to
cyclical downturns.
 
  The Company's cost of sales include raw materials costs, primarily cotton
and polyester, as well as manufacturing costs. Fluctuations in the price of
cotton can have a significant effect on the Company's cost of sales.
Generally, the Company seeks to purchase sufficient amounts of cotton to cover
existing order commitments. However, the Company may also purchase cotton in
advance of orders on terms that it deems advantageous, and while the Company
does not speculate on the price of cotton, it may hedge prices from time to
time through forward contracts and the futures and options markets. To reduce
manufacturing costs and improve productivity, the Company has invested
approximately $150 million since 1992 in an extensive ongoing facility
modernization program which began in 1989.
 
  On February 3, 1997, the Company consummated the acquisition of
substantially all of the assets and certain of the liabilities of Cherokee for
an aggregate purchase price of $65 million, subject to a working capital
adjustment. The Company also assumed approximately $6.7 million in
liabilities. The Company funded the purchase price (and approximately $2.0
million in fees and expenses relating to the Cherokee Acquisition) with $12.1
million of cash, $19.9 million of borrowings under the Working Capital
Facility and $35.0 million of borrowings under the Term Loan Facility. In July
1997, as a result of the finalization of the working capital adjustment, the
Company received a $1.7 million payment from Cherokee. The Cherokee
Acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. In
connection with the Cherokee Acquisition, the Company acquired two greige
fabrics manufacturing facilities, one located in Sevierville, Tennessee and
one located in Spindale, North Carolina, and a finishing plant located in
Harris, North Carolina.
 
  Historically, the Company's apparel fabrics operations have been more
sensitive to downturns within the textile industry generally and, as a result,
apparel fabrics' contribution to operating income has been significantly less
than, and has tended to fluctuate more than, home fashions products'
contribution to operating income. In recent years, the Company has taken
several steps to improve the performance of its apparel fabrics operations,
including the replacement of older manufacturing equipment and the
consolidation of certain facilities. These steps resulted in non-recurring
charges in fiscal 1995 and the nine months ended September 27, 1997 (which
charges are included in other operating costs, net), causing a marginally
positive contribution to operating income in fiscal 1995 and a substantially
reduced contribution to operating income in the nine months ended September
27, 1997. In addition, as a result of poor manufacturing performance
associated with abbreviated running schedules due to weak orders for apparel
fabrics, the contribution of apparel fabrics to gross profit was significantly
reduced in fiscal 1996, resulting in a negative contribution to operating
income in fiscal 1996.
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
  As a result of the Cherokee Acquisition, the Company almost doubled the size
of the Company's apparel fabrics operations, added new product lines and
reduced fixed costs on a per unit basis. Consequently, the Company believes
that its apparel fabrics operations will be less sensitive to cyclical
downturns within the textile industry in the future.
 
 
  The following table sets forth selected results of operations, expressed in
millions of dollars and as a percentage of net sales, for each of fiscal 1994,
1995 and 1996 and for the nine months ended September 28, 1996 and September
27, 1997:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      FISCAL YEAR                               NINE MONTHS ENDED
                         -------------------------------------------  -----------------------------------------
                             1994           1995           1996       SEPT. 28, 1996   SEPT. 27, 1997
                         -------------  -------------  -------------  ---------------- ----------------
                                             (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                      <C>     <C>    <C>     <C>    <C>     <C>    <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>     
Net sales:
  Home fashions
   products............. $213.3   57.4% $231.8   60.2% $243.2   64.1% $ 173.1    63.6% $ 183.0    53.2%
  Apparel fabrics.......  158.2   42.6   153.0   39.8   136.4   35.9     98.9    36.4    161.2    46.8
                         ------  -----  ------  -----  ------  -----  -------  ------  -------  ------
    Total net sales.....  371.5  100.0   384.8  100.0   379.6  100.0    272.0   100.0    344.2   100.0
Cost of sales...........  297.5   80.1   306.9   79.8   307.4   81.0    221.0    81.2    268.7    78.1
                         ------  -----  ------  -----  ------  -----  -------  ------  -------  ------
Gross profit............   74.1   19.9    77.9   20.2    72.2   19.0     51.1    18.8     75.5    21.9
Selling, general and
 administrative
 expenses...............   43.9   11.8    44.9   11.7    45.7   12.0     33.9    12.4     39.2    11.4
Other operating costs,
 net....................    1.5    0.4     9.0    2.3    (0.4)  (0.1)     --      --       7.9     2.3
                         ------  -----  ------  -----  ------  -----  -------  ------  -------  ------
Operating income........   28.6    7.7    24.1    6.3    26.9    7.1     17.2     6.3     28.4     8.2
Other income (expense),
 net....................    0.1    --      0.2    0.1     0.5    0.1      0.4     0.2     (0.3)   (0.1)
Interest expense........  (20.4)  (5.5)  (21.9)  (5.7)  (18.2)  (4.8)   (14.0)   (5.1)   (16.2)   (4.7)
                         ------  -----  ------  -----  ------  -----  -------  ------  -------  ------
Income before income
 taxes..................    8.4    2.3     2.4    0.6     9.3    2.4      3.7     1.3     11.9     3.5
Provision for income
 taxes..................    4.8    1.3     2.1    0.5     3.6    0.9      1.4     0.5      4.6     1.3
                         ------  -----  ------  -----  ------  -----  -------  ------  -------  ------
Net income.............. $  3.5    0.9% $  0.3    0.1% $  5.7    1.5% $   2.2     0.8% $   7.3     2.1%
                         ======  =====  ======  =====  ======  =====  =======  ======  =======  ======
</TABLE>
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
 Nine Months Ended September 27, 1997 Compared to Nine Months Ended September
28, 1996
 
  Net sales for the first nine months of fiscal 1997 were $344.2 million, an
increase of $72.2 million or 26.5% compared to $272.0 million for the first
nine months of fiscal 1996. Net sales of home fashions products during the
first nine months of fiscal 1997 were $183.0 million, an increase of $9.9
million or 5.7% compared to $173.1 million for the first nine months of fiscal
1996. Net sales of apparel fabrics during the first nine months of fiscal 1997
were $161.2 million, an increase of $62.3 million or 63.0% compared to $98.9
million for the first nine months of fiscal 1996. The increase in net sales of
home fashions products was due to higher unit volume aided somewhat by higher
average pricing reflecting an improved product mix. The increase in net sales
of apparel fabrics resulted primarily from the Cherokee Acquisition, which was
consummated on February 3, 1997. Apparel fabrics unit volumes were almost
double the levels of the corresponding period in fiscal 1996. This was offset
somewhat by lower average pricing reflecting a sales mix that included a
higher proportion of lower priced greige fabrics that were sold to the
converter trade (purchasers of unfinished fabric who contract out the
finishing to third parties) and higher commission finishing sales.
 
  Gross profit for the first nine months of fiscal 1997 was $75.5 million
(21.9% of net sales), an increase of $24.4 million or 47.8% from gross profit
of $51.1 million (18.8% of net sales) for the first nine months of fiscal
1996. The increase in gross profit was due to higher unit volumes, lower raw
material prices, and better manufacturing performance in apparel fabrics where
there was increased activity levels and reduced costs as a result of the
acquisition of Cherokee.
 
  Selling, general and administrative expenses for the first nine months of
fiscal 1997 were $39.2 million (11.4% of net sales), an increase of $5.3
million or 15.8% from $33.9 million (12.4% of net sales) for the first nine
months of fiscal 1996. The increase was caused by higher incentive
compensation expense, increased selling and administrative expense as a result
of the Cherokee Acquisition, and increased product design and roll-out costs
associated with the introduction of the "Nautica" brand of home fashions
products.
 
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
  The Company incurred a one-time charge in the second quarter of fiscal 1997
as a result of the decision to close its Riverside apparel fabrics weaving
operation in Danville, Virginia. The production from this facility will be
moved to other Company facilities. Accordingly, its closure will reduce fixed
costs without any decrease in production. The $7.9 million pre-tax charge
($4.8 million after tax; $0.34 per share), reflected under "Other operating
costs, net", includes $0.4 million for severance and other employee benefit
costs. The remainder of the charge relates principally to writedowns and other
costs associated with the divestiture of real estate and equipment.
 
  For the reasons described above, operating income during the first nine
months of fiscal 1997 was $28.4 million (8.2% of net sales), an increase of
$11.2 million or 65.0% from $17.2 million (6.3% of net sales) for the first
nine months of fiscal 1996. Excluding the one-time charge related to the
closure of the Riverside facility, operating income would have been $36.2
million, an increase of $19.0 million or 110.8% compared to the first nine
months of 1996.
 
  Other income (expense), net for the first nine months of fiscal 1997
includes $0.6 million of costs related to fees and expenses incurred in
connection with a proposed business combination that did not materialize,
offset in part by miscellaneous items of income.
 
  Interest expense was $16.2 million for the first nine months of fiscal 1997,
an increase of $2.2 million or 15.9% from $14.0 million for the first nine
months of fiscal 1996. The increase in interest expense was due to higher debt
levels arising from the Cherokee Acquisition offset somewhat by lower average
interest rates. The lower average interest rates reflect the debt incurred to
finance the Cherokee Acquisition, most of which was financed at floating rates
which are lower than the Company's fixed rate public debt, thereby reducing
the average interest rate.
 
  The income tax provision was $4.6 million (38.5% of pre-tax income) for the
first nine months of fiscal 1997, an increase of $3.2 million compared to an
income tax provision of $1.4 million (39.5% of the pre-tax income) recorded
for the first nine months of fiscal 1996. Accordingly, the Company recorded
net income of $7.3 million (2.1% of net sales) or $0.52 per share for the
first nine months of fiscal 1997 compared to a net income of $2.2 million
(0.8% of net sales) or $0.16 per share for the first nine months of fiscal
1996.
 
 Fiscal 1996 Compared to Fiscal 1995
 
  Net sales in fiscal 1996 were $379.6 million, a decrease of $5.2 million or
1.4% compared to $384.8 million in fiscal 1995. Net sales of home fashions
products were $243.2 million in fiscal 1996, an increase of $11.3 million or
4.9% compared to $231.8 million in fiscal 1995. Net sales of apparel fabrics
were $136.4 million, a decrease of $16.6 million or 10.8% compared to $153.0
million in fiscal 1995. The increase in net sales of home fashions products in
fiscal 1996 was due to higher unit volume, which was partially offset by lower
average pricing reflecting a competitive pricing environment. The decrease in
net sales of apparel fabrics in fiscal 1996 was due to lower unit volume of
shirting fabrics, particularly commodity white and blue oxfords, due to a
sluggish retail environment for these products during the first half of 1996.
 
  Gross profit in fiscal 1996 was $72.2 million (19.0% of net sales), a
decrease of $5.7 million or 7.4% compared to gross profit of $77.9 million
(20.2% of net sales) in fiscal 1995. The decrease in gross profit was due to
lower sales of apparel fabrics, higher cotton costs and poor manufacturing
performance associated with abbreviated running schedules during the first
half of 1996 because of the weak order position for apparel fabrics during
that period.
 
  Selling, general and administrative expenses in fiscal 1996 were $45.7
million (12.0% of net sales), an increase of $0.8 million or 1.8% from $44.9
million (11.7% of net sales) in fiscal 1995. The increase in these expenses
relates primarily to higher rent expense for the Company's New York City
office and showrooms and higher incentive compensation, offset by lower costs
from the operation of fewer factory stores and lower general and
administrative expenses for the year.
 
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
  The Company incurred one-time charges in both fiscal 1996 and fiscal 1995.
Other operating costs, net reflect a net credit of $0.4 million in fiscal 1996
compared to $9.0 million of net charges in fiscal 1995. Fiscal 1996 reflected
the reversal of a portion of the fiscal 1995 charges principally due to better
than anticipated recovery value of assets previously written down relating to
the discontinued line of apparel fabrics ($0.9 million), which was partially
offset by $0.5 million of net charges for equipment writedowns associated with
the Company's modernization program. Fiscal 1995 charges included $4.4 million
in writedowns of fixed assets relating to the Company's ongoing modernization
program, $3.0 million of costs associated with the Company's decision to
discontinue manufacturing and marketing a line of apparel fabrics, and $1.6
million of costs associated with relocation of the Company's design,
merchandising and marketing staff from office space at 111 West 40th Street to
new offices at 1325 Avenue of the Americas in New York City. As of December
28, 1996, the Company had accrued liabilities of $1.1 million relating to
remaining lease buyout and equipment removal costs expected to be completed
within two years.
 
  Operating income for fiscal 1996 was $26.9 million (7.1% of net sales), an
increase of $2.8 million or 11.8% from $24.1 million (6.3% of net sales) in
fiscal 1995. The increase resulted from the one-time charges that were taken
in fiscal 1995 and which are described above. Excluding these charges,
operating income for fiscal 1996 would have decreased $6.6 million or 19.8%
from fiscal 1995 due to the lower sales of apparel fabrics, higher cotton
costs, and poor manufacturing performance associated with abbreviated running
schedules during the first half of fiscal 1996 because of the weak order
position for apparel fabrics during that period.
 
  Interest expense was $18.2 million in fiscal 1996, a decrease of $3.8
million or 17.2% from $21.9 million in fiscal 1995. The reduction in interest
expense was due primarily to the conversion of the Company's 16.35%
Convertible Subordinated Junior Notes (the "Junior Notes") into 2,780,173
shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock as of September 3, 1995 and to a
lesser extent because of lower average interest rates and outstanding
indebtedness during fiscal 1996. The decrease in debt levels was due to lower
levels of working capital during fiscal 1996.
 
  The income tax provision was $3.6 million (38.6% of pre-tax income) for
fiscal 1996, an increase of $1.4 million or 67.4% from the $2.1 million (89.2%
of pre-tax income) income tax provision recorded for fiscal 1995. The high
effective tax rate for fiscal 1995 reflected the nondeductibility of interest
on the Junior Notes that were outstanding during the first eight months of
fiscal 1995.
 
  For the reasons described above, net income in fiscal 1996 was $5.7 million
(1.5% of net sales) or $0.40 per share, an increase of $5.4 million from $0.3
million (0.1% of net sales) or $0.02 per share in fiscal 1995.
 
 Fiscal 1995 Compared to Fiscal 1994
 
  Net sales in fiscal 1995 were $384.8 million, an increase of $13.3 million
or 3.6% compared to $371.5 million in fiscal 1994. Net sales of home fashions
products were $231.8 million in fiscal 1995, an increase of $18.5 million or
8.7% compared to $213.3 million in fiscal 1994. Net sales of apparel fabrics
were $153.0 million in fiscal 1995, a decrease of $5.3 million or 3.3%
compared to $158.2 million in fiscal 1994. The increase in net sales of home
fashions products was due to higher unit volume, the sale of a better mix of
products and higher average selling prices. The improved product mix consisted
of more accessory items, ensembles and high thread count sheeting in fiscal
1995 as compared to fiscal 1994. The decrease in sales of apparel fabrics in
fiscal 1995 was entirely due to lower unit volume, primarily in shirting
fabrics.
 
  Gross profit in fiscal 1995 was $77.9 million (20.2% of net sales), an
increase of $3.8 million or 5.2% compared to gross profit of $74.1 million
(19.9% of net sales) in fiscal 1994. The increase in gross profit in fiscal
1995 reflected lower costs resulting from the Company's capital improvement
program, which were offset somewhat by higher costs for raw materials and
manufacturing materials.
 
  Selling, general and administrative expenses in fiscal 1995 were $44.9
million (11.7% of net sales), an increase of $1.0 million or 2.2% from $43.9
million (11.8% of net sales) in fiscal 1994. The increase in selling,
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
general and administrative expenses in fiscal 1995 related primarily to higher
expenses associated with operating the Company's factory stores and an
increase in bad debt expense.
 
  The Company incurred one-time charges in both fiscal 1995 and fiscal 1994.
Other operating costs, net reflect $9.0 million of charges in fiscal 1995
compared to $1.5 million of net charges in fiscal 1994. The charges in fiscal
1995 related to $4.4 million in writedowns of certain fixed assets that became
obsolete as a result of the Company's ongoing modernization program, $3.0
million of costs associated with the Company's decision to discontinue
manufacturing and marketing a line of apparel fabrics, and $1.6 million of
costs associated with relocation of the Company's design, merchandising and
marketing staff from office space at 111 West 40th Street to new offices at
1325 Avenue of the Americas in New York City. The one-time charges in fiscal
1994 included $0.7 million for writedowns of equipment which became obsolete
as a result of the Company's modernization program and $0.8 million related to
the noncash portion of certain compensation expense associated with the
transfer of stock and the granting of stock options by a principal shareholder
to certain management employees.
 
  Operating income for fiscal 1995 was $24.1 million (6.3% of net sales), a
decrease of $4.5 million or 15.9% from $28.6 million (7.7% of net sales) in
fiscal 1994. All of the decrease was caused by the one-time charges described
above. Absent those charges, operating income would have been $33.1 million
(8.6% of net sales) in fiscal 1995, an increase of $2.9 million or 9.6% from
$30.2 million (8.1% of net sales) in fiscal 1994. The better operating
performance in fiscal 1995 was due to lower manufacturing costs associated
with the Company's modernization program, which were offset somewhat by cost
increases for raw materials and manufacturing materials.
 
  Interest expense was $21.9 million in fiscal 1995, an increase of $1.5
million or 7.5% from $20.4 million in fiscal 1994. Included in interest
expense during fiscal 1995 and fiscal 1994 was $2.9 million and $3.8 million,
respectively, of noncash interest associated with the Junior Notes which were
converted into 2,780,173 shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock as of
September 3, 1995. Excluding the interest on the Junior Notes, interest
expense would have been $19.0 million and $16.6 million in fiscal 1995 and
1994, respectively. The increase was due to higher debt levels during fiscal
1995, which was offset to a certain extent by slightly lower average interest
rates. The increase in debt levels was caused by the Company's capital
spending with respect to its ongoing modernization program and increased
levels of working capital during the year.
 
  The income tax provision for fiscal 1995 was $2.1 million (89.2% of pre-tax
income), a decrease of $2.7 million or 55.9% compared to $4.8 million (57.8%
of pre-tax income) in fiscal 1994. The high effective tax rates in both fiscal
years reflected the nondeductibility of interest on the Junior Notes.
 
  For the reasons described above, net income in fiscal 1995 was $0.3 million
(0.1% of net sales) or $0.02 per share, a decrease of $3.3 million or 92.7%
from $3.5 million (0.9% of net sales) or $0.31 per share in fiscal 1994.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
 General
 
  The Company relies on internally generated cash flow, supplemented by
borrowings under its Credit Facilities and Vendor Financing, to meet its
working capital needs, capital improvements and debt service requirements. In
the past, the Company has maintained substantial levels of leverage. However,
the Offering will result in a substantial reduction in that leverage. On a pro
forma basis, after giving effect to the Offering and the application of the
net proceeds therefrom by the Company to reduce outstanding indebtedness, the
Company's total debt to total capital ratio at September 27, 1997 would be
reduced from 69.7% to 48.9% and its ratio of EBITDA to interest expense for
the nine months ended September 27, 1997 would be increased from 3.5 times to
4.7 times. There can be no assurance that the Company will not incur
substantial leverage in the future in connection with its capital improvements
program or in connection with possible future acquisitions.
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
 Working Capital
 
  The Company's operations are working capital intensive. The Company's
operating working capital (accounts receivable and inventories less accounts
payable and accrued expenses) typically increases or decreases in relation to
sales and operating activity levels.
 
  Net cash generated from operating activities was $27.3 million in the nine
months ended September 27, 1997. Included in that amount was a use of cash for
operating assets and liabilities of $8.2 million, primarily comprised of a
$10.1 million use for operating working capital (accounts receivable--$1.6
million source, inventories--$16.3 million use, and accounts payable and
accrued expenses--$4.7 million source).
 
  During the comparable nine month period ended September 28, 1996, net cash
generated from operating activities was $27.8 million. Included in that amount
was a source of cash from operating assets and liabilities of $8.5 million,
primarily comprised of an $8.5 million source from operating working capital
(accounts receivable--$2.8 source, inventories--$7.3 million source, and
accounts payable and accrued expenses--$1.5 million use).
 
  Operating working capital decreased $17.3 million (16.7%) during fiscal 1996
reflecting improved inventory management and to a lesser extent the 1.4%
decrease in net sales from fiscal 1995. Net income plus noncash expense items
(net) provided $28.4 million in cash during the year. Additionally, cash was
provided by a $16.7 million reduction in operating assets and liabilities.
This reduction was made up of a $24.6 million reduction in inventories offset
by items totaling $7.8 million, principally a reduction in accounts payable
and accrued expenses of $6.6 million. Accordingly, net cash of $45.1 million
was generated from operating activities.
 
  Operating working capital increased $5.7 million (5.8%) in fiscal 1995
reflecting the 3.6% increase in net sales. Net income plus noncash expense
items (net) provided $29.6 million in cash during the year, which provided
funding for $7.0 million used by changes in operating assets and liabilities.
Those changes were a $1.8 million reduction in other liabilities, a $0.5
million reduction in prepaid expenses and other assets, as well as the $5.7
million increase in operating working capital mentioned above. As a result,
$22.5 million in net cash was provided by operating activities in fiscal 1995.
 
  During fiscal 1994, operating working capital increased $17.1 million
(20.3%) reflecting the 17.0% increase in net sales from fiscal 1993. Net
income plus noncash expense items provided $30.0 million in cash during the
year. This was used to fund the $18.1 million change in operating assets and
liabilities. That change was made up of $17.1 million of cash used for
operating working capital described above and a $1.0 million use of cash
resulting from a decrease in other liabilities, offset by a decrease in
prepaid expenses and other assets. Accordingly, operating activities generated
$11.9 million of net cash in fiscal 1994.
 
  In connection with the purchasing of cotton for anticipated manufacturing
requirements, the Company may enter into cotton futures and option contracts
in order to reduce the risk associated with future price fluctuations. The
Company generally covers open order requirements, which average approximately
three months of production, through direct purchase and hedging transactions,
and it may shorten or lengthen that period in accordance with its perception
of the direction of cotton prices. Futures and option contracts are accounted
for as hedges and, accordingly, gains or losses are deferred and reflected in
cost of sales as an element of the cost of the finished product. Gains and
losses related to hedging activity during the three year period ended December
28, 1996 were not material to the Company's results of operations. There were
no material cotton futures or options contracts outstanding at December 30,
1995, December 28, 1996 or September 27, 1997.
 
 Credit Facilities and Vendor Financing
 
  On February 3, 1997, in order to finance the Cherokee Acquisition, the
Company replaced its $60.0 million revolving credit facility with the Working
Capital Facility, under which the Company has $90.0 million aggregate
borrowing availability, subject to a borrowing base limitation, and the Term
Loan Facility, under which the Company has $35.0 million of aggregate
borrowing availability. The Working Capital Facility and Term Loan Facility
(together, the "Credit Facilities") are secured by the Company's accounts
receivable and inventories, the personal property located at the three former
Cherokee manufacturing facilities, and the real property of the Cherokee North
Carolina manufacturing facilities.
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
  The Working Capital Facility bears interest at the Base Rate, as defined
(8.50% as of October 27, 1997) or LIBOR plus 2% (7.78% as of October 27, 1997)
for periods of one, two, three or six months, at the Company's option. The
Working Capital Facility is non-amortizing and any amounts outstanding are due
at the final maturity of February 3, 2001. At October 27, 1997, the Company
had an aggregate of $11.5 million of borrowings and $0.2 million in letters of
credit outstanding under the Working Capital Facility and had $71.5 million in
unused and available borrowings under the Working Capital Facility.
 
  The Term Loan Facility bears interest at the Base Rate or LIBOR plus 2.50%
(8.28% as of October 27, 1997) for periods of one, two, three or six months,
at the Company's option. Principal payments are required in the following
amounts for each fiscal year: 1997, $1.75 million; 1998, $4.25 million; 1999,
$5.0 million, and 2000, $24.0 million, of which $20.25 million is due November
2000. At October 27, 1997, the Company had an aggregate of $34.1 million of
borrowings outstanding under the Term Loan Facility.
 
  The Credit Agreement relating to the Credit Facilities contains certain
covenants including requirements for the maintenance of a certain cash
interest coverage ratio and a minimum net worth and limitations on mergers and
consolidations, affiliated transactions, incurring liens, making restricted
payments, entering into sale and leaseback transactions, disposing of assets
and owning, purchasing or acquiring margin securities. An event of default
under the Credit Agreement includes a Change in Control (as defined) as well
as the Company's default on certain of its other indebtedness. Borrowings
under the Working Capital Facility are tied to a borrowing base formula which
is dependent on the level of eligible accounts receivable and inventories,
less $10 million.
 
  In addition, the Company finances certain capital improvements through
vendors of the capital assets, and will continue to utilize this method of
financing where it deems appropriate.
 
 Senior Subordinated Notes
 
  The Company currently has outstanding an aggregate principal amount of
$120.0 million of Senior Subordinated Notes. The Senior Subordinated Notes
were issued pursuant to the Indenture, dated December 15, 1993 (the
"Indenture"), between the Company and Marine Midland Bank, N.A. The Senior
Subordinated Notes are non-amortizing and mature on December 15, 2003.
Interest on the Senior Subordinated Notes accrues at the rate of 10.125% per
annum. The Senior Subordinated Notes are redeemable at the option of the
Company, in whole or in part, on or after December 15, 1998, at a redemption
price beginning at 105.1% of the principal amount thereof (plus accrued
interest) and declining ratably to par on December 15, 2001. The Indenture
contains certain covenants which restrict the Company's ability to, among
other things, incur additional indebtedness and enter into sale and leaseback
transactions unless a specified fixed charge coverage ratio is satisfied, make
certain dividend payments and other restricted payments, create liens or make
asset sales. The Indenture also requires the Company to make an offer to
purchase the Senior Subordinated Notes upon a Change of Control (as defined)
and contains, among other things, a cross acceleration to certain other
outstanding indebtedness.
 
 Capital Improvements
 
  Between fiscal 1992 and fiscal 1996, the Company purchased or leased
approximately $150 million of equipment and other manufacturing improvements
to modernize its manufacturing processes and enhance its information systems.
These capital improvements have been financed through a variety of sources,
including (i) internally generated funds and borrowings under existing credit
facilities, (ii) vendor financing and (iii) operating leases.
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
  The table below sets forth the amount of capital improvements made through
specified financing sources during the past three fiscal years and for the
first nine months of fiscal 1997:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                FISCAL YEAR
                                             ----------------- NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                             1994  1995  1996   SEPT. 27, 1997
                                             ----- ----- ----- -----------------
                                                        (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                          <C>   <C>   <C>   <C>
Source of Financing
Internally generated funds and borrowings... $26.9 $20.8 $28.5       $12.6
Vendor financing(1).........................  17.2   7.2   6.0         1.1
Operating leases(2).........................   1.4   1.3   0.9         --
                                             ----- ----- -----       -----
  Total capital improvements................ $45.5 $29.3 $35.4       $13.7
                                             ===== ===== =====       =====
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) The financings provided by vendors for machinery and equipment typically
    have maturities ranging from three to seven years and carry floating rates
    of interest similar to the Company's Credit Facilities. The 1994, 1995 and
    1996 amounts also include $2.8 million, $1.0 million and $3.6 million,
    respectively, of financing from an Industrial Development Authority for a
    home fashions accessory sewing plant and a warehouse and distribution
    center.
(2)Amounts reflect the fair market value of machinery and equipment which was
   leased during the applicable period.
 
  During the first nine months of fiscal 1997, the Company made capital
improvements aggregating $13.7 million for equipment and manufacturing
improvements. The Company anticipates that capital improvements will aggregate
approximately $12 million during the balance of fiscal 1997. Such capital
improvements will be primarily for new home fashions and apparel looms and
spinning equipment. The Company anticipates capital improvements in the range
of $30 million to $35 million in fiscal 1998, which will be used primarily for
new looms, air conditioning and other facility modernizations. Capital
improvements in fiscal 1994, 1995 and 1996 aggregated $45.5 million, $29.3
million and $35.4 million, respectively. Capital improvements in fiscal 1994,
1995 and 1996 were for (i) the installation of open-end spinning and
associated opening and carding equipment, (ii) the purchase of various
manufacturing equipment subject to certain leases, (iii) the installation of
dyeing, printing and finishing equipment, (iv) the construction of a home
fashions bedding accessory sewing plant, (v) the construction of a home
fashions warehouse and distribution center, and (vi) the normal upgrading,
replacement and maintenance of the Company's equipment and facilities.
 
  Rental expense for fiscal 1994, 1995 and 1996 was approximately $14.2
million, $13.0 million and $10.3 million, respectively, net of rental income
on noncancellable leases and subleases of approximately $1.7 million, $1.5
million and $0.1 million, respectively. At December 28, 1996, the Company's
future minimum lease payments due under operating leases with noncancellable
terms in excess of one year were as follows: 1997, $5.3 million; 1998, $4.2
million; 1999, $2.8 million; 2000, $2.0 million; and 2001 and later, $18.3
million. Approximately 9% of future rental payments relate to operating leases
for machinery and equipment used to produce the Company's products.
 
NET OPERATING LOSS AND CREDIT CARRYFORWARDS
 
  On September 3, 1991, the Company completed the 1991 Restructuring which
involved issuing common and preferred stock to various parties. Management
believes that the 1991 Restructuring did not result in a "change in ownership"
as such term is used in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. However,
Section 382 and related regulations promulgated by the IRS are extremely
complex, and management's assessment of whether or not a "change in ownership"
occurred involves judgments as to certain factual issues and interpretations
as to certain legal issues for which there is little guidance. There can be no
assurance that the IRS will not challenge the Company's conclusion that no
"change in ownership" has occurred under Section 382. The utilization of the
Company's pre-1991 Restructuring net operating loss and credit carryforwards
could be significantly restricted or eliminated if the 1991 Restructuring is
deemed to constitute a "change in ownership."
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
From the date of the 1991 Restructuring through December 28, 1996, the Company
utilized an aggregate of $16.9 million in net operating loss carryforwards and
$1.7 million in general business credit carryforwards for federal income tax
purposes that are subject to review by the IRS. At December 28, 1996, the
Company has unused net operating loss carryforwards of $0.9 million (expiring
in 2005), a minimum tax credit carryforward of $8.1 million, and investment
credit and other general business credit carryforwards of $5.3 million (the
majority of which expire in 1997 through 2000).
 
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
   
  See Note 9 of Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
of the Company.     
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
                                   BUSINESS
 
GENERAL
   
  Founded in 1882, the Company is a leading manufacturer and marketer of
textile products for the home fashions and apparel fabrics markets. The
Company designs, manufactures and markets a coordinated line of value-added
home fashions products consisting of packaged bedroom furnishings such as
comforters, sheets, pillowcases, shams, bed skirts, decorative pillows and
draperies. These products are marketed under the "Dan River" brand name as
well under licenses from, among others, "Colours by Alexander Julian," "D.
Porthault," "John Wilman," "Liberty" and "Nautica." Dan River also
manufactures and markets a broad range of high quality woven cotton and
cotton-blend apparel fabrics and believes that it is the leading supplier of
men's dress shirting fabrics in North America (based on net sales).     
 
  On February 3, 1997, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets
and certain liabilities of Cherokee, which was a competitor of the Company and
a supplier of yarn-dyed fabrics to men's and women's shirting manufacturers
and of sportswear fabrics to the converting trade. The assets purchased
consisted primarily of two woven fabrics manufacturing facilities located in
Spindale, North Carolina and Sevierville, Tennessee and a finishing facility
located in Harris, North Carolina, together with associated real property,
machinery and equipment, inventories and receivables. The Company presently
intends to continue the current operations of all three facilities.
 
  The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the dollar amount
and percentage of total net sales of the Company attributable to home fashions
products and apparel fabrics:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               PRO FORMA
                                    FISCAL YEAR                    PRO     NINE MONTHS ENDED  NINE MONTHS
                         --------------------------------------   FORMA   -------------------    ENDED
                                                                 FISCAL   SEPT. 28, SEPT. 27,  SEPT. 27,
                          1992    1993    1994    1995    1996   1996(1)    1996      1997      1997(1)
                         ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -------  --------- --------- -----------
                                                       (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                      <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
Dollar amount:
 Home fashions products. $180.4  $179.4  $213.3  $231.8  $243.2  $243.2    $173.1    $183.0     $183.0
 Apparel fabrics........  152.6   138.2   158.2   153.0   136.4   237.4      98.9     161.2      170.4
                         ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------    ------    ------     ------
   Total................ $333.0  $317.6  $371.5  $384.8  $379.6  $480.6    $272.0    $344.2     $353.4
                         ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======    ======    ======     ======
Percentage:
 Home fashions products.   54.2%   56.5%   57.4%   60.2%   64.1%   50.6%     63.6%     53.2%      51.8%
 Apparel fabrics........   45.8    43.5    42.6    39.8    35.9    49.4      36.4      46.8       48.2
                         ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------    ------    ------     ------
   Total................  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%    100.0%    100.0%     100.0%
                         ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======    ======    ======     ======
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Gives effect to the Cherokee Acquisition as if it had been consummated at
    the beginning of each of the periods presented.
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
  The Company's principal business objective is to continue to expand the
sales of its home fashions products and apparel fabrics, while improving the
overall profitability of its operations. The primary components of the
Company's business strategy include the following:
 
  .  Capitalize on Profit Opportunities in Home Fashions Market. The Company
     focuses on the sale of higher thread count percale products (180 threads
     per square inch and above), printed products and accessory items
     (products other than individually packaged sheets and pillowcases) which
     enhance the Company's competitiveness, sales growth and profitability.
     The Company's net sales attributable to home fashions products have been
     driven by improved product and customer mix and product innovation. The
     Company's customer-specific marketing strategy is designed to (i) create
     specialized products that provide differentiation from competitors and
     enable both the Company and its customers
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
     to increase sales and margins, and (ii) attract value conscious
     consumers by offering high quality products at reasonable prices.
     Accordingly, the Company works directly with retailers to develop value-
     added, fashion-oriented products (as opposed to solid color commodity
     products) that are periodically updated to respond to changing consumer
     preferences, thereby improving retailers' inventory turn rates and
     associated profitability.
 
  .  Expand Distribution of Home Fashions Products Through Strategic
     Relationships with Major Retailers. The Company aggressively markets its
     home fashions products to, and has developed significant business
     relationships with, key retailers in all retail trade classes, including
     department stores, mass merchandisers, discount stores, national chain
     stores, specialty stores and warehouse clubs. Establishing and expanding
     these key distribution channels has strengthened consumer recognition of
     the "Dan River" brand name and increased sales. The Company has
     established strategic relationships with large, high volume retailers
     such as Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Kmart Corporation, Federated Department
     Stores, Inc., J.C. Penney Company, Inc. and The May Department Stores
     Company, by providing high quality products together with superior
     customer service.
 
  .  Enhance Strong Apparel Fabrics Market Position. Dan River seeks to
     enhance its position as a leading producer of apparel fabrics by
     focusing on customer relationships, anticipating fashion trends,
     developing new innovative products and reducing manufacturing lead
     times. Management believes that (i) the significant reduction in
     manufacturing costs achieved through its aggressive facility
     modernization program, (ii) the increase in the size of its apparel
     fabrics operations and attendant reduction in fixed costs on a per unit
     basis as a result of the Cherokee Acquisition and (iii) its diverse
     customer base will make Dan River's apparel fabrics business less
     sensitive to the cyclicality experienced by the textile industry in
     general and will further increase the Company's profitability.
     Management also believes that demand for apparel fabrics manufactured in
     North America and the Caribbean will continue to increase as a result of
     NAFTA, and the Caribbean Basin Recovery Act and the increasing
     importance of geographic proximity in enabling shortened delivery times.
     The Company believes the Cherokee Acquisition will enhance its ability
     to benefit from this opportunity.
 
  .  Reduce Production Costs and Improve Productivity. The Company is a low
     cost producer. During the past five fiscal years, the Company has
     invested approximately $150 million in an extensive facility
     modernization program focused on installing the most advanced
     manufacturing technologies making the Company more competitive and cost-
     efficient. As a result of this program as well as other improvements
     made by the current management team since the Company was acquired in
     1989, the Company has significantly increased productivity, reduced
     costs and improved product quality. From fiscal 1990 through September
     1997, the Company substantially improved productivity by (i) increasing
     weaving efficiencies within its home fashions and apparel fabrics
     operations by 12% and 11%, respectively, (ii) increasing square yards of
     greige (unfinished) fabrics produced per man hour within its home
     fashions and apparel fabrics operations by 151% and 48%, respectively,
     and (iii) increasing square yards of finished fabrics produced per man
     hour by 11%. During the same period, the Company achieved significant
     cost reductions by (i) reducing off-quality production of home fashions
     products and apparel fabrics by 46% and 45%, respectively, (ii) reducing
     pounds of waste generated by its manufacturing operations and (iii)
     reducing its manufacturing work force by 30% excluding the effect of the
     Cherokee Acquisition. The Company intends to continue to modernize its
     operations and improve its low cost position.
 
  .  Attain Textile Industry Leadership in Information Technology. The
     Company has invested significantly in information technology to provide
     improved and differentiated services. The Company has implemented an
     advanced supply chain management system which reduces manufacturing
     lead-time and enhances the Company's ability to respond to customers'
     requirements. The Company's electronic data interchange (EDI) systems,
     quick response customer delivery programs and point-of-sale decision
     support systems enable customers to maintain lower inventory levels and
     react faster to
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
     changes in product demand, thereby improving their operating results. In
     addition, the Company employs continuous inventory replenishment and
     dedicated manufacturing programs with certain customers to enhance
     service. Planned investments in information technology include the
     implementation of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system along
     with additional continuous inventory replenishment programs.
 
  .  Enhance Financial Flexibility. The Company seeks to maintain a capital
     structure that will position it for growth through expansion of existing
     operations and potential acquisitions as well as provide stability
     during cyclical downturns. The textile industry generally, and in
     particular marketers of home fashions products, have undergone
     significant consolidation in recent years and the Company anticipates
     that this trend will continue. The Company believes that, following
     completion of the Offering, its strong balance sheet will enable it to
     capitalize on attractive acquisition opportunities.
 
HOME FASHIONS OPERATIONS
 
 Products
 
  The Company designs, manufactures and markets a coordinated line of value-
added home fashions products, consisting of packaged bedroom furnishings such
as comforters, sheets, pillowcases, shams, bed skirts, decorative pillows and
draperies which are marketed under the "Dan River" brand name, as well as
under various other trademarks and licenses from, among others, "Colours by
Alexander Julian," "D. Porthault," "John Wilman," "Liberty" and "Nautica."
Home fashions products are offered in a wide variety of styles and patterns,
including fashion designs and, to a lesser extent, solid colors. Products
range from a 120-thread count muslin sheet of blended polyester and cotton to
a top-of-the-line 250-thread count percale 100% cotton sheet. The Company
focuses on value-added, higher margin products, such as percales and printed
products and accessory items (products other than sheets and pillowcases),
which the Company believes enhance its competitiveness and will enable it to
increase sales. The Company believes that its percentage of net sales of home
fashions products attributable to these higher margin products is among the
highest in the industry.
 
  Dan River has established itself as an innovator in merchandising home
fashions products. The Company was a leader in introducing the complete bed
ensemble, which it markets under the name "Bed-in-a-Bag." The "Bed-in-a-Bag"
complete bed ensemble consists of a comforter with matching sheets,
pillowcases, shams and a dust ruffle. This merchandising concept capitalizes
on the Company's design capabilities and manufacturing flexibility, enabling
the Company to develop and manufacture customer-specific "Bed-in-a-Bag"
products. These packaged sets, which accounted for 40.3% of the Company's net
sales of home fashions products for the first nine months of fiscal 1997,
provide attractive profit margins for the Company and its customers, while
offering consumers value and convenience. In addition, "Bed-in-a-Bag" complete
bed ensembles increase retailers' inventory turns and help them avoid
markdowns on unsold products. Dan River also manufactures and sells home
fashions products manufactured from yarn-dyed fabrics (as opposed to printed
or solid-colored fabrics), which have expanded the styling available in this
product line. Management believes that the Company's ability to manufacture
wide-width, yarn-dyed fabrics in short runs in a wide variety of innovative
styles, such as woven plaids, for use in home fashions products differentiates
the Company from its competitors.
 
 Customers
 
  The Company distributes home fashions products through key retailers in all
retail trade classes including department stores, specialty home fashions
stores, direct marketers, national chains, mass merchants and regional
discounters. The Company markets its home fashions products to over 600
customers, none of which accounted for more than 10% of the Company's total
net sales in fiscal 1996. The Company has pursued and established strong
relationships with large, high volume retailers including Wal-Mart Stores,
Inc., Kmart Corporation, Federated Department Stores, Inc., J.C. Penney
Company, Inc. and The May Department Stores Company. As a supplement to its
primary distribution channels, a Dan River subsidiary operates factory outlet
stores which sell home fashions products directly to consumers. The factory
outlet stores sell first-quality and close-out
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
merchandise, as well as seconds, and are located off highway exits and in
tourist areas, avoiding the creation of a perceived threat to the traditional
Dan River home fashions retailer. Sales through the Company's factory outlet
stores accounted for approximately 2% of total home fashions products sales in
fiscal 1996 and are not expected to grow significantly as a percentage of
total home fashions products sales.
 
 Sales and Marketing
   
  The home fashions products sales and marketing staff consists of
approximately 60 persons and is headquartered in New York City, with satellite
offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis,
Philadelphia and San Francisco. These marketing professionals, stylists and
product development personnel work as early as one year in advance of a retail
selling season to develop new fabrics, styles, colors, constructions and
finishes. The Company's stylists monitor trends by periodically traveling
throughout the world to attend trade shows, meet with home fashions retailers
and conduct market research. Together with the marketing group, stylists often
work directly with the Company's customers to create fabrics that respond to
rapidly changing fashion trends and customer needs. New styles are also
developed internally for the April and October bed and bath home textile trade
shows, where they are shown to buyers and are placed in production based on
customer acceptance. Orders for home fashions products are filled from
inventory or, if inventory is not available, products are manufactured and
generally shipped within six to 12 weeks of order placement.     
 
APPAREL FABRICS OPERATIONS
 
 Products
 
  The Company manufactures and markets a broad range of high quality woven
cotton and cotton-blend fabrics, which are marketed primarily to manufacturers
of men's, women's and children's clothing. The Company's yarn-dyed and piece-
dyed woven apparel fabrics include oxford cloth, pinpoint oxford cloth, fancy
broad cloth, seer-suckers, mid and light weight denim, twills and chambrays.
As a result of the Cherokee Acquisition, the Company believes that it is the
leading manufacturer of men's dress shirting fabrics in North America (based
on net sales). In fiscal 1996, the Company manufactured and sold approximately
27 million yards of shirting fabric, approximately 71% of which was oxford
cloth. The Company also manufactures and distributes apparel fabrics to
uniform manufacturers and for use in decorating and crafts, 100% cotton
fabrics to the furniture market and greige (unfinished) fabrics to converters.
 
  Management believes that the Company enjoys a reputation as a leader in
creating new fabric styles and designs within the apparel fabrics market.
Management also believes that the Company's customers look to its design and
styling professionals to help identify new product ideas and anticipate
fashion trends in the domestic apparel market. The Company has a library with
over one million yarn-dyed fabric samples to help develop new product ideas.
The Company's product development professionals work independently as well as
directly with customers to develop new fabric styles and constructions. In
addition, the Company's product development personnel increasingly work
directly with retailers to develop fabrics. These retailers often specify that
the Company's fabrics be used by their suppliers in the manufacture of
garments to be sold by them. The Company believes that it is a leader in
wrinkle resistant technology for shirting fabrics and markets Dri-Don(R)
blended easy care fabrics and 100% cotton Wrinkl-Shed(R) fabrics. As a result
of the Cherokee Acquisition, the Company now manufactures and markets fabrics
utilizing Tencel lyocell, an innovative new fiber. These versatile, innovative
fabrics are used primarily in manufacturing women's sportswear.
 
 Customers
 
  The Company distributes its apparel fabrics primarily to domestic
manufacturers of men's, women's and children's clothing which, in turn,
operate sewing plants throughout the United States and the Caribbean. The
Company's customers market clothing manufactured from its apparel fabrics
under such brand names as Arrow, Brooks Brothers, Hathaway, Levi Strauss, Liz
Claiborne, L.L. Bean, Manhattan, Osh Kosh B'Gosh and Van Heusen, as well as
under private labels through retailers such as J.C. Penney Company, Inc. and
Sears, Roebuck
 
                                      33
<PAGE>
 
& Co. The Company markets uniform fabrics to customers such as Cintas
Corporation and Red Kap, and distributes apparel fabrics to home sewing
retailers such as Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Fabric-Centers of America, and
through various wholesale distributors, for use in decorating and crafts, as
well as garment sewing.
 
 Sales and Marketing
   
  The Company's apparel fabrics, sales and marketing staff consists of
approximately 55 persons and is headquartered in New York City, with satellite
offices in Chicago, Dallas, Danville, High Point (North Carolina), Los Angeles
and San Francisco. Apparel fabrics are generally "made to order" products.
Fabrics are manufactured and generally shipped within nine to 12 weeks of
order placement. Orders for apparel fabrics are based on customer selections
from offerings of color, content, construction, design and finish, and fabrics
are made to customer specifications, which may be developed jointly with the
customer. Fabric stylists and computerized fabric design capability aid in the
process of fabric development and samples are created for customer approval.
Once customer approval and delivery requirements are received, orders are
committed to production.     
 
MANUFACTURING PROCESS
 
 Production
 
  Dan River is a vertically integrated manufacturer involved in all aspects of
the woven textile manufacturing process, from spinning and weaving to dyeing,
finishing, and sewing. Substantially all of the Company's facilities for the
manufacture of home fashions products are located in Danville, Virginia. As a
result of the acquisition of Cherokee, with spinning and weaving facilities
located in Spindale, North Carolina and Sevierville, Tennessee and finishing
facilities located in Harris, North Carolina, the Company added almost a
million square feet of manufacturing and warehousing floor space dedicated to
the manufacture of apparel fabrics in addition to its existing apparel fabrics
manufacturing facilities in Danville.
 
  During the past five fiscal years, the Company has invested approximately
$150 million in an extensive facility modernization program focused on
installing the most advanced manufacturing technologies in an effort to be the
low cost manufacturer in the industry. See "Risk Factors--Substantial Capital
Requirements." Within its home fashions operations, the Company has installed
modern, high-speed air-jet looms; automatic sheet cutting, hemming and folding
equipment; lower cost open-end spinning equipment; and computerized comforter
equipment. Within its apparel fabrics operations, the Company has modernized
its yarn preparation processes through the installation of more efficient,
lower cost, open-end spinning, carding, drawing and combing equipment. The
Company's ongoing capital improvement programs have modernized and streamlined
substantially all significant components of the manufacturing process for both
home fashions products and apparel fabrics, helping the Company reduce lead
times, minimize inventory levels and maximize flexibility to respond to
changing market conditions, while at the same time increasing the quality of
its products.
 
  At Dan River's manufacturing facilities, raw cotton and synthetic fibers are
spun into cotton and polyester-blend yarns. Much of the yarn used in the
manufacture of apparel fabrics is dyed before being woven into fabric, as
opposed to yarn used in the manufacture of home fashions products, which
typically is not dyed. Yarn is then woven into fabric on looms to produce
unfinished fabric. After weaving, fabric may be marketed as greige
(unfinished) goods that are finished in accordance with customer
specifications. Fabric utilized in the manufacture of home fashions products
is finished by bleaching, dyeing and/or printing. The Company also supplements
its printing through the use of third party manufacturers in order to meet
customer demand for its products. The Company cuts and sews fabric in home
fashions products, such as prepackaged sheets, pillowcases and accessory
products at its sewing and cutting facilities and supplements production from
these facilities through the use of third party contractors. Once packaged,
final products are sold to the Company's customers. Apparel fabrics are
finished through combinations of bleaching, dyeing, napping and applying
various finishes.
 
  The Company's finishing facilities are capable of finishing over 190 million
yards of fabric per year. Dan River believes its finishing capabilities enable
it to originate new fabrics rapidly and vary production to meet
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
market trends and demands. The Company's finishing facilities also finish
fabric on a commission basis for outside customers. During fiscal 1997, the
Company completed construction of a new 258,000 square foot home fashions
finished goods warehouse and distribution center which is located adjacent to
its new home fashions accessory sewing plant in Danville, Virginia. The
Company believes the new warehouse will enable it to better and more
efficiently service its home fashions customers and accommodate further growth
of its home fashions business.
 
  Dan River has engineered its manufacturing processes to meet the quick
response delivery requirements of its customers. Quick response techniques
reduce turnaround time (the time required to process a particular order) which
improves customer service and production efficiency. Furthermore, Dan River
has the capability to offer electronic data interchange programs to all of its
customers. These programs minimize the lead time for customer orders and
permit a more efficient, targeted manufacturing schedule, as well as
improvements in efficiency, communications, planning and processing times at
each stage of production. The Company has electronic data interchange programs
in place with most of its major home fashions products customers.
 
 Quality Improvement Program
 
  Dan River has a program of quality improvement designed to establish common
standards of quality and performance at each stage of the manufacturing
process. These standards are used to set goals and measure performance.
Statistical process control techniques have been introduced throughout the
Company's manufacturing facilities. Modern systems have been installed to
assist in controlling the dyeing and finishing of yarn and fabric.
Computerized monitoring of key manufacturing processes is being installed and
real-time information is being integrated into the overall quality system. Dan
River's capital improvement program and the related modernization of
manufacturing processes and information systems are also important components
in its quality improvement program.
 
  Product testing is done in the Company's laboratories in its facilities,
which are certified by both federal government agencies, private sector
customers and certification bodies. All products are subjected to statistical
sampling plans designed to assure compliance to specifications.
 
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
 
  As part of its customer-specific marketing strategy, the Company works
directly with its customers to develop new fabric constructions, patterns,
textures and colors. The Company has equipment in its facilities dedicated to
sample manufacturing where it tests new fabric concepts in actual end-use
products. Extensive evaluation of a product is conducted prior to committing
fabrics to mill production. Fabrics are sometimes introduced in cooperation
with a retailer, in which case a test run of the fabric is produced,
manufactured (by a third party garment manufacturer) and delivered to a
retailer for test sales. Based upon the results of internal evaluations and
these retail tests, new fabrics are introduced into the marketplace.
 
RAW MATERIALS
 
  Dan River uses substantial quantities of cotton in its manufacturing
operations. By law, U.S. textile companies are generally prohibited from
importing cotton, subject to certain exceptions which take effect primarily
when the U.S. price of cotton exceeds the world price. Cotton is an
agricultural product subject to weather conditions and other factors affecting
agricultural markets. Accordingly, the price of cotton is subject to
considerable fluctuation. See "Risk Factors--Possible Adverse Effect of
Fluctuations in Price and Availability of Cotton."
 
  Dan River purchases cotton primarily in the domestic market directly from
merchants or through brokers. Generally, the Company seeks to purchase
sufficient amounts of cotton to cover existing order commitments
(approximately three months); however, the Company may purchase cotton in
advance of orders on terms that it deems advantageous, and while the Company
does not speculate on the price of cotton, it may hedge prices from time to
time through forward contracts and the futures and options markets. The
Company also uses significant quantities of polyester, which is available from
several sources.
 
                                      35
<PAGE>
 
  Although the Company has always been able to obtain sufficient supplies of
both cotton and polyester, any shortage or interruption in the supply or
variations in the quality of either could have a material adverse effect on
the Company's business. Additionally, fluctuations in cotton and polyester
prices can significantly affect the Company's profitability, particularly on a
short term basis, since Dan River and other textile manufacturers cannot
always mirror such fluctuations in the pricing of their products. See "Risk
Factors--Cyclical Nature of Textile Industry."
   
  The Company also uses various other raw materials, such as dyes and
chemicals, in its manufacturing operations. The Company believes these
materials are readily available from a number of sources. Dan River also
supplements its internal manufacturing capabilities by purchasing yarn and
unfinished fabrics from outside sources and by contracting with third parties
for various manufacturing services, including certain printing and sewing
operations. During fiscal 1996, approximately 14% of the yarn and 5% of
unfinished fabrics used in the Company's manufacturing operations were
purchased from outside sources and approximately 5% of printing and finishing
services and 8% of sewing operations were performed by third parties. During
the first nine months of fiscal 1997, approximately 14% of the yarn and 12% of
unfinished fabrics used in the Company's manufacturing operations were
purchased from outside sources, and 9% of finishing services and 8% of sewing
operations were performed by third parties.     
 
TRADEMARKS AND LICENSES
 
  The Company holds licenses to produce and sell home fashions products under
"Colours by Alexander Julian," "D. Porthault," "John Wilman," "Liberty" and
"Nautica" and certain other names or marks, and to use certain designs on its
home fashions textile products. Such licenses generally provide that the
Company has the exclusive right for a limited period, generally three years
subject to renewal for additional periods, to use the respective brand name in
the sale of certain types of products in certain geographic regions. Dan River
also holds non-exclusive licenses with respect to the use and advertising of
certain processes or synthetic fibers or fabrics. Management believes that the
failure of the Company to continue to hold any one of its licenses or
trademarks (other than "Dan River") would not have a material adverse effect
on the Company's business.
 
  Dan River has registered the "Bed-in-a-Bag" name as a trademark. In February
1997, a competitor filed a Petition for Cancellation of the trademark in the
United States Patent and Trademark Office (the "U.S. Patent Office"). Dan
River filed its answer to the Petition for Cancellation and intends to
vigorously defend the action. The Petition challenges only the exclusivity of
the trademark and not the Company's right to continue to use the phrase in
connection with its products. Therefore, while the Company cannot predict the
outcome of this matter, the Company believes that the loss of such exclusivity
would not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business or
prospects.
 
COMPETITION
 
  The Company's competitive position varies by product line. Competitive
factors include price, product styling and differentiation, quality,
flexibility of production and finishing, delivery time and customer service.
The Company sells its products primarily to domestic customers and competes
with both large, integrated textile manufacturers and numerous smaller
companies specializing in limited segments of the market. Some competitors
have significantly greater financial resources than Dan River. See "Risk
Factors--Intense Competition."
 
  The Company is one of several domestic manufacturers of home fashions
products. Certain of the Company's competitors have a significantly greater
share of the domestic market than the Company, including WestPoint Stevens
Inc., Springs Industries, Inc. and Fieldcrest Cannon, Inc., which management
believes collectively account for over 50% of the home fashions bedding
products market.
 
  With the acquisition of Cherokee, the Company believes that it is a leading
producer of lightweight yarn-dyed woven cotton and cotton-blend apparel
fabrics in North America. With respect to men's shirtings,
 
                                      36
<PAGE>
 
management believes the Company is the largest producer of oxford cloth and
pima cotton pinpoint oxford cloth and the leading producer of lightweight
yarn-dyed dress shirting fabrics in North America (based on net sales). In the
sportswear fabrics market, the Company is one of a number of domestic
producers.
 
  The Company is subject to foreign competition. The Company believes that
over half of the apparel fabrics (much in the form of imported garments) and
approximately 15% of the home fashions products sold in the U.S. are
manufactured overseas. One of the Company's business strategies is to seek
niche apparel fabrics markets that are less susceptible to foreign
competition. The Company believes that its domestic manufacturing base and
emphasis on shortening production and delivery times allow the Company to
respond more quickly than foreign producers to changing fashion trends and to
its domestic customers' delivery schedules.
 
  The extent of import protection afforded by the U.S. government to domestic
textile producers has been, and is likely to remain, subject to considerable
domestic political deliberation. The Company benefits from protections
afforded to apparel manufacturers based in certain Caribbean and Central
American countries which ship finished garments into the U.S. under Item
9802.00.80 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the U.S. as authorized by the
Caribbean Basin Recovery Act. Item 9802.00.80 reduces certain tariffs which
would otherwise apply to apparel garments manufactured outside the U.S. and
shipped into the U.S., provided that the garments are manufactured from fabric
produced and cut domestically. Item 9802.00.80 is beneficial for Dan River and
other domestic producers of apparel fabrics, because it creates an attractive
manufacturing base for apparel in close proximity to the U.S.
 
  In January 1995, a multilateral trade organization, the WTO, was established
to replace the GATT. This new body has set forth the mechanisms by which world
trade in textiles and clothing will be progressively liberalized with the
elimination of quotas and the reduction of duties. The implementation began in
January 1995 with the phasing-out of quotas and the reduction of duties to
take place over a 10-year period. The selection of products at each phase is
made by each importing country and must be drawn from each of the four main
textile groups: tops and yarns, fabrics, made-up textile products and apparel.
The elimination of quotas and the reduction of tariffs under the WTO may
result in increased imports of certain textile products and apparel into North
America. These factors could make the Company's products less competitive
against low cost imports from developing countries. See "Risk Factors--
Possible Adverse Effect of Government Policy and Import Regulations."
 
  NAFTA, which was entered into by the United States, Canada and Mexico and
became effective on January 1, 1994, has created the world's largest free-
trade zone. The agreement contains safeguards sought by the U.S. textile
industry, including a rule of origin requirement that products be processed in
one of the three countries in order to benefit from NAFTA. NAFTA will phase
out all trade restrictions and tariffs on textiles and apparel among the three
countries. In addition, NAFTA requires merchandise to be made from yarns and
fabrics originating in North America in order to avoid trade restrictions.
Thus, not only must apparel be made from North American fabric but the fabric
must be woven from North American spun yarn. Although management believes that
the Company may benefit from NAFTA, there can be no assurance that the removal
of these barriers to trade will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business. See "Risk Factors--Possible Adverse Effect of Government
Policy and Import Regulations."
 
ORDER BACKLOG
 
  The Company's order backlog was approximately $134.4 million at September
27, 1997, as compared to approximately $97.0 million at September 28, 1996,
which was prior to the Cherokee Acquisition. Substantially all of the orders
on hand at September 27, 1997 are expected to be filled within four months of
that date.
 
PROPERTIES
 
  On February 3, 1997, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of
Cherokee, including greige manufacturing facilities in Spindale, North
Carolina and Sevierville, Tennessee, and a finishing plant in Harris,
 
                                      37
<PAGE>
 
North Carolina. The Company owns the North Carolina facilities, totaling
approximately 588,000 square feet of manufacturing space. The Company leases
the Sevierville, Tennessee facility (consisting of approximately 384,000 feet
of manufacturing space) with an option to purchase the facility for nominal
consideration in 2018. The North Carolina real estate and the machinery and
equipment at all of these facilities are subject to liens securing borrowings
by the Company under the Credit Facilities funded in connection with the
acquisition of Cherokee.
   
  Substantially all of Dan River's other apparel fabrics facilities, and
substantially all of its home fashions and corporate facilities, are located
in Danville, Virginia. Most of the Danville facilities are owned by the
Company. The owned facilities occupy a total of approximately 5,680,000 square
feet, with approximately 2,600,000 square feet of space currently used for
manufacturing. The Company's 116,000 square foot accessory sewing plant and
new 258,000 square foot distribution center are leased, with an option to
purchase for nominal consideration upon repayment of debt incurred in the
construction of these facilities. The Company leases approximately 873,000
square feet of additional warehouse and manufacturing space in Danville.     
   
  Dan River also owns a yarn mill in Alabama. The Company has entered into a
definitive agreement to sell such yarn mill, which sale is subject to
customary closing conditions. The Company leases each of its marketing and
sales offices and, through its subsidiary, Dan River Factory Stores, Inc., the
Company leases seven factory outlet stores in Georgia, Illinois, Maryland,
Ohio, South Carolina and Tennessee, each of which averages approximately 6,000
square feet of total space. The Company owns its factory outlet store in
Danville, Virginia.     
   
  The Company's manufacturing facilities generally operate on a five, six or
seven day 24-hour per day schedule depending on the nature of the operations
and demand for specific products of the Company, as well as other factors.
    
  The Company believes that its existing facilities are adequate to service
existing demand for the Company's products. The Company considers its plants
and equipment to be in good condition.
 
GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION
 
  Dan River is subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws
and regulations limiting the discharge of pollutants and the storage, handling
and disposal of a variety of substances. In particular, the Company's dyeing
and finishing operations result in the discharge of substantial quantities of
wastewater and in emissions to the atmosphere.
 
  The Company is subject to the federal Clean Water and Clean Air Acts, and
related state and local laws and regulations. The Company's operations also
are governed by laws and regulations relating to workplace safety and worker
health, principally the Occupational Safety and Health Act and regulations
thereunder, which, among other things, establish cotton dust, formaldehyde,
asbestos and noise standards, and regulate the use of hazardous chemicals in
the workplace. The Company believes that it is currently in compliance in all
material respects with the environmental or health and safety laws and
regulations and does not believe that the cost of, or any operational
constraints or modifications required to assure, future compliance with such
laws or regulations will have a material adverse effect on its results of
operations or financial condition. However, there can be no assurance that
environmental requirements will not become more stringent in the future or
that the Company will not incur significant costs to comply with such
requirements.
 
  At the property formerly owned by Cherokee at Spindale, North Carolina,
there is groundwater contamination consisting of diesel fuel, for which the
owner of an adjoining property has acknowledged responsibility. The
neighboring landowner is engaged in cleanup operations under the direction of
the North Carolina Department of Health, Environment and Natural Resources.
Prior to purchasing the Spindale property, the Company identified additional
contamination, consisting primarily of benzene in excess of applicable action
levels, that the Company believes, based on reports from its environmental
consultant, also originates on the adjoining property. The Company also
believes cleanup of the benzene contamination may not be required under
current North Carolina policy, and that in the event the Company is required
to clean up the contamination, it may be eligible to apply for funding from
the North Carolina underground storage tank trust fund. In addition,
 
                                      38
<PAGE>
 
liabilities arising from environmental contamination associated with pre-
closing operation of Cherokee's facilities were excluded in connection with
the Company's purchase of Cherokee's assets and therefore not assumed by the
Company. Furthermore, the Company believes that any contamination on the
Spindale property prior to the closing is subject to an indemnity from
Cherokee, for which an amount adequate to cover the likely cost of cleanup has
been placed in an escrow fund until May 1998. In any event, the Company
believes that if it were required to clean up the currently known
contamination because it is the owner of the affected property, the cost of
such cleanup would not have a material adverse effect on its results of
operations or financial condition.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
  At September 27, 1997, the Company had approximately 5,500 employees, of
which approximately 4,700 were hourly employees. Of these hourly employees,
approximately 3,600 are located primarily in the Company's Danville, Virginia
operations and represented by a collective bargaining agreement which expires
on January 1, 2002. The Company believes that its relations with its employees
are good.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
  From time to time, the Company is a party to litigation arising in the
ordinary course of its business. The Company is not currently a party to any
litigation that management believes, if determined adversely to the Company,
would have a material adverse effect on the Company. A competitor has filed a
Petition for Cancellation with the U.S. Patent Office challenging the
Company's "Bed-in-a-Bag" trademark. See "--Trademarks and Licenses."
 
 
                                      39
<PAGE>
 
                                  MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
  The directors and executive officers of the Company are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                YEARS IN
                                TEXTILE
   NAME                     AGE INDUSTRY              POSITIONS HELD
   ----                     --- ---------             --------------
<S>                         <C> <C>       <C>
Joseph L. Lanier, Jr....... 65      40    Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and
                                          Director
Richard L. Williams........ 63      29    President, Chief Operating Officer and
                                          Director
Edward J. Lill............. 65      --    Director
John F. Maypole............ 58      --    Director
Barry F. Shea.............. 48      21    Vice President-Chief Financial Officer
Scott D. Batson............ 41      15    Vice President-Finance
Anthony J. Bender.......... 39       4    Vice President-Information Systems
Gregory R. Boozer.......... 42      20    Vice President-Manufacturing Services
Edward E. Carroll.......... 58      30    Vice President-Industrial Relations
Harry L. Goodrich.......... 47      17    Vice President, Secretary and General
                                          Counsel
George R. Herron........... 57      26    Vice President-Cotton Procurement
Larry W. Van de Visser..... 61      36    Vice President-Administration
Gary D. Waldman............ 41       7    Controller
</TABLE>
 
  Joseph L. Lanier, Jr. has been Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief
Executive Officer of Dan River or its predecessor since 1989. Mr. Lanier is
also a director of SunTrust Bank, Inc. (a bank holding company), Flowers
Industries, Inc. (a food company), Torchmark Corporation (an insurance
company) and Dimon Incorporated (a tobacco products company and distributor of
cut flowers).
 
  Richard L. Williams has been a director and President and Chief Operating
Officer of Dan River or its predecessor since 1989.
 
  Edward J. Lill has served as a director of the Company since October 1997.
Mr. Lill was a senior partner and Vice Chairman of Deloitte & Touche from 1988
until his retirement in 1995. From 1986 to 1988, Mr. Lill was the Executive
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of E.F. Hutton Group Inc., the
parent company of E.F. Hutton & Company. Mr. Lill is also presently a
consultant to MetLife with respect to accounting and other related matters.
 
  John F. Maypole has served as a director of the Company or its predecessor
since 1992. Mr. Maypole is presently a consultant to MetLife and has over the
past five years served as a consultant to and/or director of various other
corporations and providers of financial services. Mr. Maypole also serves as a
director of Bell Atlantic Corporation (a telecommunications company) and
Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company.
 
  Barry F. Shea was a director of the Company's predecessor from 1989 to 1991.
He was Vice President- Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant
Secretary of Dan River or its predecessor from 1989 until 1996 and has been
Vice President-Chief Financial Officer from 1996 to the present.
 
  Scott D. Batson has been Vice President-Finance of Dan River since 1995 and
was Director of Finance from 1990 to 1995. Mr. Batson was also Treasurer of
the Company's predecessor from 1990 to 1995.
 
 
                                      40
<PAGE>
 
  Anthony J. Bender has been Vice President-Information Systems of Dan River
since 1995. Mr. Bender was Director of Systems Development of Springs
Industries, Inc. (a manufacturer and distributor of textile products) from
1993 until 1995, and held a number of management consulting positions with
Price Waterhouse, LLP from 1985 to 1993.
 
  Gregory R. Boozer has been Vice President-Manufacturing Services of Dan
River since 1989.
 
  Edward E. Carroll has been Vice President-Industrial Relations of Dan River
since 1995. He was Director of Employee Relations of Dan River from 1984 until
1995.
 
  Harry L. Goodrich has been Secretary and General Counsel of Dan River or its
predecessor since 1989 and has been Vice President of Dan River since 1995.
 
  George R. Herron has been Vice President-Cotton Procurement of Dan River
since 1987.
 
  Larry W. Van de Visser was Controller of Dan River from 1990 until 1995 and
Vice President-Controller of Dan River from 1995 to 1996. He has been Vice
President-Administration of Dan River since 1996.
 
  Gary D. Waldman has been Controller of Dan River since 1996. He was
Assistant Controller of Dan River from 1992 until 1996, and Director of Taxes
from 1990 until 1992.
 
  Other significant employees of the Company are James E. Martin and Thomas L.
Muscalino.
 
  Mr. Martin has headed Dan River's apparel fabrics operations since 1990. He
is 48 years old and has 26 years of experience in the textile industry.
 
  Mr. Muscalino has headed Dan River's home fashions operations since 1993.
From 1975 until 1992, he held a number of marketing positions with WestPoint
Stevens Inc. (a textile company), including President of its Consumer Products
Division in 1992. He is 46 years old and has 25 years of experience in the
textile industry.
 
  Directors are elected by the Company's shareholders and serve until their
successors are elected and qualified. Directors are divided into three classes
and serve staggered terms that expire at the 1998, 1999 or 2000 annual meeting
of shareholders. The terms of the directors expire as follows: Mr. Lanier in
1998, Mr. Williams in 1999 and Messrs. Lill and Maypole in 2000. Directors for
each class will be elected at the annual meeting of shareholders held in the
year in which the term for such class expires and will serve thereafter for
three years, or until their earlier resignation or removal, or until their
successors are elected and qualified.
 
  The Company intends to add two additional non-employee directors within 60
days following completion of the Offering. The term of one such director will
expire at the 1998 annual meeting of shareholders and the term of the other
director will expire at the 1999 annual meeting of shareholders.
 
  The Board of Directors has established a Compensation Committee and an Audit
Committee. The Compensation Committee is composed of Messrs. Lill and Maypole
and is responsible for establishing salaries, bonuses and other compensation
for the Company's executive officers and for administering the Company's
option plans. The Audit Committee is also composed of Messrs. Lill and Maypole
and is responsible for recommending independent auditors, reviewing with the
independent auditors the scope and results of the audit engagement, monitoring
the Company's financial policies and control procedures, and reviewing and
monitoring the provision of non-audit services by the Company's auditors.
 
  All executive officers of the Company are elected annually by and serve at
the discretion of the Board of Directors.
 
 
                                      41
<PAGE>
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
  Summary Compensation Table. The table below sets forth the annual
compensation paid by Dan River to or for the account of the chief executive
officer of Dan River and each of the other four most highly compensated
executive officers of Dan River in the fiscal years indicated (collectively,
the "Named Executive Officers"):
 
                          SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      LONG-TERM
                                                                     COMPENSATION
                                                                        AWARDS
                                                                     ------------
                                                                      SECURITIES
                              ANNUAL COMPENSATION(1)                  UNDERLYING
                              ----------------------  OTHER ANNUAL     OPTIONS/      ALL OTHER
  NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR  SALARY  BONUS(2) COMPENSATION(3)   SARS (#)   COMPENSATION(4)
  --------------------------- ---- -------- -------- --------------- ------------ ---------------
<S>                           <C>  <C>      <C>      <C>             <C>          <C>
Joseph L. Lanier, Jr...       1996 $422,424 $169,650         --            --         $1,500
 Chairman and Chief           1995  404,193  128,050         --            --          1,500
  Executive Officer           1994  388,435  213,330         --         87,500         1,500
Richard L. Williams....       1996  352,118  141,410         --            --          1,500
 President and Chief          1995  338,558  107,260         --            --          1,500
  Operating Officer           1994  325,500  178,760    $543,000        70,000         1,500
Barry F. Shea .........       1996  201,815   81,050         --            --          1,500
 Vice President--Chief        1995  193,389   61,270         --            --          1,500
  Financial Officer           1994  185,866  102,080     259,000        26,250         1,500
Gregory R. Boozer......       1996  145,385   58,390         --            --          1,454
 Vice President--             1995  133,077   42,160         --            --          1,331
  Manufacturing               1994  113,462   62,310         --         21,875         1,135
  Services
Harry L. Goodrich......       1996  120,723   48,480         --            --          1,207
 Vice President--             1995  116,037   36,760         --            --          1,160
  Secretary and General       1994  111,516   61,240         --         13,125         1,115
  Counsel
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) The aggregate amount of perquisites and other personal benefits, if any,
    did not exceed the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of the total annual salary and
    bonus reported for each Named Executive Officer and has therefore been
    omitted.
(2) For information relating to the determination of bonus amounts, see
    "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation."
(3) During 1994, Mr. Lanier transferred 121,450 and 58,975 shares of his Old
    Class A Stock (as defined herein) of the Company to Messrs. Williams and
    Shea, respectively, for no consideration. Under applicable IRS
    regulations, the transfer is deemed to be compensation paid by the Company
    to Messrs. Williams and Shea equal to the fair market value of the
    securities transferred, which amount is deductible by the Company and
    taxable to the recipients. The amounts set forth in the table above
    reflect the noncash compensation deemed to have been paid to Messrs.
    Williams and Shea, plus $196,000 and $90,500 in cash paid by the Company
    to each of them, respectively, in partial reimbursement to Messrs.
    Williams and Shea of taxes payable by them as a result of the stock
    transfer. The Old Class A Common Stock transferred was valued at that time
    at $2.85 per share.
(4) Represents amounts accrued during applicable fiscal years to each Named
    Executive Officer pursuant to the Dan River Salary Retirement Plan.
 
                                      42
<PAGE>
 
  Aggregated Options Table. The table below sets forth certain information
with respect to stock options exercised (or repurchased by the Company) during
and held at the end of fiscal 1996 by each Named Executive Officer.
 
                    AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN LAST
                   FISCAL YEAR AND FY-END OPTION/SAR VALUES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     NUMBER OF     VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                                                    UNEXERCISED        IN-THE-MONEY
                                                  OPTIONS/SARS AT      OPTIONS/SARS
                           SHARES                 FISCAL YEAR-END   AT FISCAL YEAR-END
                         ACQUIRED ON    VALUE       EXERCISABLE/       EXERCISABLE/
NAME(1)                  EXERCISE(#) REALIZED ($) UNEXERCISABLE(#)   UNEXERCISABLE($)
- -------                  ----------- ------------ ---------------- --------------------
<S>                      <C>         <C>          <C>              <C>
Joseph L. Lanier, Jr....     --          --             0/87,500         $0/$ 90,000
Richard L. Williams.....     --          --             0/70,000            0/72,000
Barry F. Shea...........     --          --             0/26,250            0/27,000
Gregory R. Boozer.......     --          --        26,250/21,875      192,000/22,500
Harry L. Goodrich.......     --          --        26,250/13,125      192,000/13,500
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Each of the Named Executive Officers holds options granted in 1994 which
    vest in increments of 20% of the grant on December 31 of each year from
    1995 through 1999; provided, however, if cumulative Consolidated EBITDA
    (as defined in the Indenture and based on internal growth of the Company)
    commencing January 1, 1995 and continuing through the end of fiscal 1997
    equals or exceeds $188 million, or $274 million through the end of fiscal
    1998, the options will become fully vested as of December 31, 1997 or
    1998, as the case may be. The options also vest early in the event there
    is a Change of Control as defined in the Indenture. The options are
    exercisable, at an exercise price of $6.85 per share, only at the time at
    which such options are 100% vested, as provided above, and are
    automatically revoked if the optionee voluntarily leaves the Company or is
    terminated for cause prior to exercise of the options. To the extent
    vested at the time of an optionee's death, disability, retirement or
    involuntary termination without cause, the optionee or his estate will be
    entitled to exercise the options within nine months after the later of the
    date of the event resulting in termination of employment or the earliest
    permissible exercise date as described above. Messrs. Boozer and Goodrich
    hold options, granted September 3, 1991, to purchase 26,250 shares each of
    the Company's Class A Common Stock at an exercise price of $.57 per share.
    These options are fully vested and exercisable. For purposes of
    determining the value of unexercised options at the end of fiscal 1996
    (and solely for such purpose), the Class A Common Stock had been valued at
    $7.89 per share, based upon last 12 months EBITDA times a market multiple
    based upon market multiples of comparable publicly traded companies, less
    debt net of cash equivalents and a discount relating to the fact that the
    Class A Common Stock was not publicly traded at that time.
 
NEW BENEFIT PLANS
 
 1997 Stock Incentive Plan
 
  In October 1997, the Company adopted a new stock incentive plan (the "1997
Plan") that allows for the grant of non-qualified and incentive stock options,
restricted stock and stock appreciation rights ("SARs"). Under the 1997 Plan,
there are 1,750,000 shares of Class A Common Stock reserved for issuance. The
1997 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors (the "Committee"), which selects the individuals to receive options,
restricted stock and SARs. Awards under the 1997 Plan may be granted only to
key employees of the Company or an affiliate of the Company. The Committee
selects individuals to receive awards under the 1997 Plan and determines the
terms and conditions of the options, restricted stock and SARS to be granted.
Options and SARs granted to key employees under the 1997 Plan will expire no
later than 10 years after the date of grant and the exercise prices of options
and grant values for SARs will be no less than 100% of the fair market value
of the Class A Common Stock on the date of grant.
 
  The Committee may grant SARs in tandem with the grant of options or as an
independent grant and the Committee determines the terms and conditions for
the exercise of the SARs as it deems appropriate. Upon exercise of a SAR, the
key employee receives payment in cash or stock (as determined by the
Committee) based on no more than the excess of the fair market value of the
Class A Common Stock on the date of exercise over the fair market value of the
Class A Common Stock on the date of grant. However, SARs may be exercised only
when the fair market value of the Class A Common Stock exceeds the fair market
value of the Class A Common Stock on the date the SAR was granted.
 
 
                                      43
<PAGE>
 
  Options, restricted stock and SARs are not transferable by the key employee
other than by will or applicable laws of descent or distribution. As of the
date of this prospectus, no options, restricted stock or SARs have been
granted under the 1997 Plan; provided, however, that contingent upon
completion of the Offering, the Board of Directors granted to Messrs. Lanier,
Williams, Shea, Boozer and Goodrich non-qualified options to purchase 100,000,
70,000, 30,000, 25,000 and 10,000 shares of Class A Common Stock,
respectively, which options will vest and become exercisable in three equal
increments on December 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001 (or 100% upon a change in
control), will have an exercise price equal to the initial public offering
price and will have a term of ten years from completion of the Offering.
 
 1997 Stock Plan for Outside Directors
 
  In October, 1997, the Company adopted a new outside directors' stock plan
(the "Directors' Plan") that allows for the grant of stock options, restricted
stock and stock in lieu of cash as part of a director's compensation package.
Under the Directors' Plan, there are 175,000 shares of Class A Common Stock
reserved for issuance. The Directors' Plan is administered by the Board of
Directors (the "Board"), which selects the individuals to receive stock
options and restricted stock. The Board determines the terms and conditions of
the options to be granted, including the vesting schedule and the exercise
price. However, all options granted to an outside director under the
Directors' Plan will expire no later than 10 years after the date of grant and
the option price will be no less than 100% of the fair market value of the
Class A Common Stock on the date of grant.
 
  The Board determines the terms and conditions of the restricted stock to be
granted under the Directors' Plan, including the conditions, if any, under
which the restricted stock will be granted and the conditions, if any, under
which an outside director's interest in his or her restricted stock will
become nonforfeitable. In addition, the restricted stock may be subject to any
restrictions the Company deems necessary or appropriate to make sure the
outside director satisfies the applicable holding period requirement, if any,
set forth in Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
The Board determines the rights, if any, an outside director has with respect
to voting and dividend rights relative to restricted stock grants, pending the
forfeiture of the restricted stock or the transfer of the stock to the
director. No option or restricted stock grant may be transferred by an outside
director other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution.
 
  Each outside director generally has the right to receive shares of Class A
Common Stock in lieu of cash as part of his or her compensation package with
respect to all or a portion of (i) his or her annual cash retainer fee as an
outside director, (ii) any fee payable in cash to him or to her for attending
a meeting of the Board or a committee of the Board and (iii) any fee payable
in cash to him or to her for serving as the chairperson of a committee of the
Board. The fair market value of the shares which an outside director elects to
receive in lieu of cash is intended to equal the cash compensation which the
outside director gives up to receive the shares. The stock issued under the
Directors' Plan may be subject to any restrictions the Company deems necessary
or appropriate to make sure the outside director satisfies the applicable
holding period requirement, if any, set forth in Rule 16b-3. As of the date of
this prospectus, no option or restricted stock grants have been made under the
Directors' Plan, and no outside directors have elected to receive stock in
lieu of cash compensation; provided, however, that contingent upon completion
of the Offering, the Board of Directors granted to each of Messrs. Lill and
Maypole non-qualified options to purchase 5,000 shares of Class A Common
Stock, which options will vest and become exercisable in three equal
increments on December 31, 1997, 1998 and 1999 (or 100% upon a change in
control), will have an exercise price equal to the initial public offering
price and will have a term of ten years from completion of the Offering.
 
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
 
  Each of Messrs. Maypole and Lill receives a retainer of $20,000 per year for
their services as directors. In 1994, Mr. Maypole was granted an option to
purchase 11,375 shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to the Company's
Option Plan. The terms of Mr. Maypole's option are identical to the terms of
other options granted
 
                                      44
<PAGE>
 
in 1994 to executive officers and key employees of the Company. See Note 1 to
"Aggregated Option/SAR Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and FY-End Option/SAR
Values." Directors who are officers of Dan River are not compensated for their
services as directors. It is expected that the two additional directors
appointed after completion of the Offering will receive compensation similar
to that described above.
 
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
 
 Executive Employment Agreements
 
  The Company is party to employment agreements with Joseph L. Lanier, Jr.,
Richard L. Williams and Barry F. Shea, each of which will become effective
upon completion of the Offering and will terminate five years thereafter,
unless earlier terminated as described below (the "Employment Agreements").
Each Employment Agreement provides for the employee to be retained in certain
specified capacities by the Company and to devote his full business time and
attention to the business of the Company. Each of the employment agreements
provides that the Company shall pay the employee a bonus under the Dan River
Management Incentive Plan and reimburse certain business related expenses. The
Dan River Inc. Management Incentive Plan provides for the payment of an annual
cash bonus to executive officers and key employees of the Company based upon
achievement of operating income and cash flow goals established at the
beginning of each fiscal year. Participation in the Plan, as well as award
levels and performance criteria, are recommended by the Chief Executive
Officer and approved by the Board of Directors.
 
  Mr. Lanier's employment agreement (the "Lanier Agreement") provides that he
will serve as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of
Directors of the Company. The Lanier Agreement provides for a base salary of
$460,000 per year which may be increased at the discretion of the Board of
Directors, subject to certain cost of living adjustments.
 
  The Employment Agreements with Messrs. Williams and Shea provide for their
employment as President and Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial
Officer of the Company, respectively. Each agreement provides that the
employee shall receive a base salary determined by the Chief Executive Officer
of the Company, subject to approval by the Board of Directors.
 
  The Employment Agreements are terminable upon the death or disability of the
employee, by the Company for good cause (as defined in the Employment
Agreements), by the Company without cause, by the employee for good reason (as
defined in the Employment Agreements), by the employee without good reason or
on the occurrence of a change in control (as defined in the Employment
Agreements). Each Employment Agreement provides that, in the event the
employee's employment is terminated for no cause, a change in control or for
good reason (all as defined in the Employment Agreements), such employee is to
be paid an amount equal to two times his annual base salary in effect at the
time of termination, plus any incentive bonus prorated to the date on which
employment is terminated. The employee would also be entitled to participate
for a period of up to twenty-four months after termination of his employment
in various welfare, pension and savings plans and programs offered by the
Company.
 
 Post Employment Agreements
 
  The Company has entered into agreements with Messrs. Batson, Bender, Boozer,
Carroll, Goodrich, Herron, Martin, Muscalino and Van de Visser, as well as
other key employees. These agreements currently provide certain assurances to
the employee in the event Mr. Lanier ceases for any reason to be Chief
Executive Officer of the Company (an "Employment Event"), including an
agreement not to arbitrarily reduce the salary of or relocate the employee and
to allow the employee to participate in certain incentive and other benefit
plans at a level commensurate with his level of participation at the time the
Employment Event occurred. In the event employment of the employee is
terminated by the Company without good cause (as defined) or by the employee
upon breach of the agreement by the Company, the employee is entitled to a
severance payment of up to two years salary, plus any bonus otherwise earned
for the year in which the termination occurs, and to continue to
 
                                      45
<PAGE>
 
participate for a period of up to two years in certain welfare, retirement and
savings plans and policies afforded by the Company.
 
RETIREMENT PLAN
 
  The Dan River Salary Retirement Plan (the "Retirement Plan") provides
noncontributory defined benefits based on both years of service and the
employee's career average monthly earnings ("Average Compensation"). Average
Compensation includes salary and commissions but excludes bonuses. Estimated
annual benefits payable upon retirement at age 65 for each of the Named
Executive Officers are as follows, based upon a single life annuity: Joseph L.
Lanier, Jr.--$11,835; Richard L. Williams--$14,824; Barry F. Shea--$36,712;
Gregory R. Boozer--$40,429; and Harry L. Goodrich--$29,286.
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
   
  During fiscal 1996, Messrs. Paul M. Crotty and John F. Maypole served on the
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. During fiscal 1997, Messrs.
Edward J. Lill and John F. Maypole will serve on the Compensation Committee of
the Company's Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee has been
delegated responsibility for determining Mr. Lanier's base salary. Within
merit budget guidelines approved by the Board of Directors for each fiscal
year, and in consultation with a Management Compensation Committee consisting
of Messrs. Williams, Shea and Carroll, Mr. Lanier determines the compensation
of all other executive officers, subject to approval by the Compensation
Committee. Targets and participation levels in Dan River's bonus programs are
based on certain financial objectives and are recommended by the Management
Compensation Committee, subject to the approval of the Compensation Committee
of the Board of Directors.     
 
                                      46
<PAGE>
 
                             CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
RECAPITALIZATION
 
  The Company completed a recapitalization as described below (the
Reclassification, the Conversion and the Exchange Offer are referred to herein
as the "Recapitalization") on November 3, 1997. Prior to the Recapitalization,
the Company's outstanding capital stock included shares of Class A Common
Stock, par value $.01 per share ("Old Class A Stock"), and Class B Common
Stock, par value $.01 per share ("Old Class B Stock"). The Old Class A Stock
was voting stock while the Old Class B Stock had no voting rights. The
Recapitalization involved two steps. First, the Company amended and restated
its Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to (i) reclassify each
outstanding share of Old Class A Stock into 17.5 shares of Class A Common
Stock, (ii) reclassify each outstanding share of Old Class B Stock into 17.5
shares of Class C Common Stock, (iii) create the supervoting Class B Common
Stock (the matters referred to in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) are referred to
herein as the "Reclassification") and (iv) provide that the Class C Common
Stock will automatically convert into shares of Class A Common Stock on a
share-for-share basis upon completion of the Offering (the "Conversion").
Following the Reclassification, the Company entered into an exchange agreement
with the Senior Management Group pursuant to which, upon completion of the
Offering, the Senior Management Group will exchange certain shares of Class A
Common Stock beneficially owned by them for Class B Common Stock on a share-
for-share basis (the "Exchange Offer" and together with the Reclassification
and the Conversion, the "Recapitalization"). In connection with the Exchange
Offer, the Company will issue, concurrently with completion of the Offering,
an aggregate of 2,062,070 shares of Class B Common Stock in exchange for an
aggregate of 2,062,070 shares of Class A Common Stock. Pursuant to the terms
of the Voting Agreement, Mr. Lanier will be entitled to vote all of the
outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock. See "Principal and Selling
Shareholders" and "Description of Capital Stock."
 
  The table below sets forth for each of the members of the Senior Management
Group the number of shares of Class B Common Stock issued to such person in
connection with the Exchange Offer.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              NUMBER OF SHARES
                                                              OF CLASS B COMMON
      NAME                                                     STOCK RECEIVED
      ----                                                    -----------------
<S>                                                           <C>
Joseph L. Lanier, Jr.........................................       848,380
Richard L. Williams..........................................       369,731
Barry F. Shea................................................       165,058
J.C. Bradford
 f/b/o Barry F. Shea.........................................         9,854
Ann L. Jackson...............................................       253,622
Joseph L. Lanier, III........................................       253,622
Ann M. Lanier................................................        65,553
Suzanne S. Williams..........................................        96,250
                                                                  ---------
    Total....................................................     2,062,070
                                                                  =========
</TABLE>
 
  Prior to the Recapitalization, the Senior Management Group controlled
approximately 20% of the combined outstanding voting power of all classes of
the Company's Common Stock. Upon completion of the Offering, the Senior
Management Group will control approximately 37% of the combined outstanding
voting power of all classes of the Company's Common Stock.
 
                                      47
<PAGE>
 
                       PRINCIPAL AND SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
   
  The table below sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial
ownership of the Company's classes of Common Stock (other than the Class C
Common Stock, which will automatically convert into shares of Class A Common
Stock on a share-for-share basis upon completion of the Offering), as of the
date hereof, by (i) each person who is known to Dan River to be the beneficial
owner of more than 5% of the outstanding Common Stock, (ii) each of the
directors of Dan River, (iii) each of the Named Executive Officers, and (iv)
all directors and executive officers of Dan River as a group. Except as set
forth below, the shareholders named below have sole voting and investment power
with respect to all shares of Common Stock shown as beneficially owned by them.
    
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                   BENEFICIAL                      BENEFICIAL           BENEFICIAL
                                    OWNERSHIP                       OWNERSHIP            OWNERSHIP
                                   OF CLASS A                      OF CLASS A           OF CLASS B          PERCENTAGE OF
                                  COMMON STOCK                    COMMON STOCK         COMMON STOCK           COMBINED
                                PRIOR TO OFFERING                AFTER OFFERING       AFTER OFFERING        VOTING POWER
       NAMED EXECUTIVE          ----------------------- CLASS A -------------------- -------------------- ------------------
FFICERS, DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVEO   NUMBER         PERCENT COMMON   NUMBER      PERCENT  NUMBER      PERCENT
 OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS AS A       OF             OF     STOCK     OF          OF       OF          OF     BEFORE    AFTER
  GROUP AND 5% SHAREHOLDERS      SHARES          CLASS  OFFERED  SHARES       CLASS   SHARES       CLASS  OFFERING  OFFERING
- -----------------------------   ---------       ------- ------- ---------    ------- ---------    ------- --------  --------
<S>                             <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>          <C>     <C>          <C>     <C>       <C>
Joseph L. Lanier,
 Jr.(1)(2).............         2,063,376(3)(4)  16.2%      --    456,750(3)   2.7%  2,062,070(5)  100.0%   16.2%     36.8%
Richard L.
 Williams(1)(2)(6).....           465,981         3.7       --        --       --      465,981      22.6     3.7       7.9
Barry F. Shea(1)(6)....           174,912         1.4       --        --       --      174,912       8.5     1.4       3.0
Mezzanine Investment
 Limited
 Partnership-BDR(7)....         6,708,723        52.8       --  6,708,723     39.9         --        --     52.8      26.0
Bank of America
 National Trust and
 Savings Association
 Investment
 Administration
 #15027(8).............         1,339,494        10.5   618,894   720,600      4.3         --        --     10.5       2.8
All executive officers
 and directors
 as a group
 (12 persons)..........         2,063,376        16.2       --    456,750      2.7   2,062,070     100.0    16.2      36.8
     OTHER SELLING
     SHAREHOLDERS
- -----------------------
Crestar Bank...........           223,363         1.8%  103,202   120,161      0.7%        --        --      1.8%      0.5%
First Chicago
 Investment
 Corporation...........         1,225,315(9)      8.7   425,000   800,315      4.8         --        --      -- (9)    3.1
Susan C. Lecraw........            14,644         0.1    10,149     4,495      0.0         --        --      0.1       0.0
Susan W. Mathis........           285,366         2.2   197,774    87,592      0.5         --        --      2.2       0.3
Camille T. McDuffie....            14,644         0.1    10,149     4,495      0.0         --        --      0.1       0.0
NationsBank, N.A.......           446,726         3.5   206,403   192,115      1.4         --        --      3.5       0.9
Harry M. Philpott......            26,342         0.2     6,342    20,000      0.1         --        --      0.2       0.1
Pilgrim America Prime
 Rate Trust............           223,363         1.8    96,057   127,306      0.7         --        --      1.8       0.5
Societe Generale.......           277,588         2.2   128,256   149,332      0.9         --        --      2.2       0.6
Charles McKenzie
 Taylor................           285,366         2.2   197,774    87,592      0.5         --        --      2.2       0.3
</TABLE>    
- -------
(1) The business address of Messrs. Lanier, Williams and Shea is 2291 Memorial
    Drive, Danville, Virginia 24541.
(2) Messrs. Lanier and Williams disclaim beneficial ownership of the Common
    Stock held by their wives, Mrs. Ann M. Lanier and Mrs. Suzanne S. Williams,
    respectively.
(3) Includes 456,750 shares of Class A Common Stock which Mr. Lanier is
    contractually obligated to surrender to the Company from time to time upon
    exercise of any stock options issued pursuant to the Company's option plan.
    Upon surrender of shares of stock, the Company is required to pay to Mr.
    Lanier an amount equal to the exercise price of the option in respect of
    which the shares were surrendered.
(4) Includes 65,553, 96,250, 369,731 and 174,912 shares of Class A Common Stock
    beneficially owned by Mrs. Ann M. Lanier, Mrs. Suzanne S. Williams,
    Mr. Richard L. Williams and Mr. Barry F. Shea and 51,800 shares of Class A
    Common Stock issued pursuant to the Company's option plan with respect to
    which Mr. Lanier has sole voting power pursuant to a voting agreement that
    will terminate upon completion of the Offering.
(5) Includes 65,553, 253,622, 253,622, 96,250, 369,731, and 174,912 shares of
    Class B Common Stock beneficially owned by Mrs. Ann M. Lanier, Mr. Joseph
    Lanier, III, Mrs. Ann L. Jackson, Mrs. Suzanne S. Williams, Mr. Richard L.
    Williams and Mr. Barry F. Shea, respectively, with respect to which Mr.
    Joseph L. Lanier, Jr. has sole voting power pursuant to the terms of the
    Voting Agreement. See "Description of Capital Stock--Voting Agreement."
(6) Joseph L. Lanier, Jr. has sole voting power with respect to these shares
    pursuant to the terms of the Voting Agreement.
(7) Reflects shares of stock beneficially owned by Mezzanine Investment Limited
    Partnership-BDR's ("MILP") whose address is One Madison Avenue, New York,
    New York 10010. The general partner of MILP is 23rd Street Investments,
    Inc. ("23rd Street Investments"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Metropolitan
    Life Insurance Company. 23rd Street Investments has sole voting and
    investment power with respect to the Class A Common Stock beneficially
    owned by MILP. As a result, 23rd Street Investments is deemed to
    beneficially own the shares of Class A Common Stock beneficially owned by
    MILP.
(8) Bank of America's address is 315 Montgomery, 13/F, San Francisco,
    California 94104.
(9) Reflects 1,225,315 shares of Class C Common Stock beneficially owned by
    First Chicago Investment Corporation, which shares will automatically
    convert into shares of Class A Common Stock on a share-for-share basis upon
    completion of the Offering.
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
  The Company is authorized to issue 175,000,000 shares of Class A Common
Stock, par value $.01 per share, 35,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock,
par value $.01 per share, 5,000,000 shares of Class C Common Stock, par value
$.01 per share and 50,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per
share. As of November 4, 1997, the Company had issued and outstanding
12,712,945 shares of Class A Common Stock, no shares of Class B Common Stock,
1,442,220 shares of Class C Common Stock and no shares of Preferred Stock. As
of November 4, 1997 the Company had 25 holders of record of Class A Common
Stock and six holders of Class C Common Stock. Upon completion of the
Offering, all outstanding shares of Class C Common Stock will automatically
convert into shares of Class A Common Stock on a share-for-share basis.
 
COMMON STOCK
 
  The rights of holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock are
identical except for voting, conversion and transfer rights.
 
  Dividends. Holders of shares of Common Stock are entitled to receive such
dividends as may be declared by the Company's Board of Directors out of funds
legally available for such purpose. No dividend may be declared or paid in
cash or property on any share of either class of Common Stock unless
simultaneously the same dividend is declared or paid on each share of the
other class of Common Stock. Dividends payable in Common Stock of the Company
shall be payable in shares of Class A Common Stock to the holders thereof and
in shares of Class B Common Stock to the holders thereof. See "Dividend
Policy."
 
  Voting Rights. Except as otherwise provided by the Restated Charter or
Georgia law, holders of shares of Common Stock will vote as a single voting
group with respect to all matters submitted to a vote of the shareholders.
Each share of Class A Common Stock will be entitled to one vote and each share
of Class B Common Stock will be entitled to 4.39 votes with respect to all
such matters. Under the Restated Charter, holders of shares of Class A Common
Stock will be entitled to vote as a single voting group with respect to
certain proposed amendments to the powers, preferences, rights or limitations
of the Class B Common Stock and other limited matters; provided that with
respect to any such vote, each holder of Class B Common Stock shall be
entitled to vote with the holders of Class A Common Stock and shall be
entitled to one vote for each share of Class A Common Stock that would be
issuable to such holder upon conversion of such share of Class B Common Stock.
Holders of Common Stock are not entitled to cumulate votes in the election of
directors.
 
  Conversion Rights. Subject to compliance with the First Offer Rights (as
hereinafter defined), each share of Class B Common Stock will be convertible
at any time, at the option of its holder, into one share of Class A Common
Stock. The Class B Common Stock will convert automatically into Class A Common
Stock, and thereby lose its special voting rights, generally (i) as to any
outstanding share of Class B Common Stock if such share is sold or otherwise
transferred to, or otherwise held by, any person or entity other than a
Permitted Transferee or an Offeree (both as defined under "Restrictions on
Transfer; First Offer Rights" below) or (ii) on the last day of any month on
which the aggregate outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock constitute less
than 7% of the aggregate outstanding shares of Common Stock (treating for the
purposes of such calculation each outstanding share of Class B Common Stock as
one outstanding share of Class A Common Stock). The shares of Class A Common
Stock do not have any conversion rights.
 
  Restrictions on Transfer; First Offer Rights. No shares of Class B Common
Stock may be sold, assigned, pledged, transferred, given or otherwise disposed
of (a "Transfer"), or converted into shares of Class A Common Stock, except
(i) for any Transfer by a holder of Class B Common Stock or Permitted
Transferee of such holder to a Permitted Transferee of such holder, or (ii)
otherwise as expressly permitted by the Company's Restated Charter after
complying with the First Offer Rights (as described below). For purposes of
the Restated Charter, Permitted Transferees of a holder of Class B Common
Stock include (i) another holder of Class B
 
                                      49
<PAGE>
 
Common Stock, (ii) the spouse or surviving spouse and natural and adopted
children of such holder provided that such holder was a member of the Senior
Management Group immediately prior to the effectiveness of the Restated
Charter, (iii) any trust existing solely for the benefit of any person who
would be a Permitted Transferee of such holder under clause (ii) (a trust will
cease to be a Permitted Transferee as of the time any other person (other than
a person specified in clause (ii)) has the current right to receive income
from the principal of such trust), (iv) upon the death of such holder that was
a member of the Senior Management Group immediately prior to the effectiveness
of the Restated Charter, such holder's estate or any executor, administrator,
conservator or other legal representative of such holder, (v) any corporation,
partnership, business trust or similar entity all of the outstanding equity
interests of which are owned and all of the outstanding voting power of which
is controlled, directly or indirectly by such holder that was a member of the
Senior Management Group immediately prior to the effectiveness of the Restated
Charter or certain Permitted Transferees of such holder. Upon a transfer of
any shares of Class B Common Stock to any person or entity that is not a
Permitted Transferee or an Offeree pursuant to the First Offer Rights (as
described below), such shares automatically convert into shares of Class A
Common Stock. The Restated Charter does not contain any restrictions on the
transfer of shares of Class A Common Stock.
 
  Except for a proposed Transfer or other disposition to a Permitted
Transferee, prior to any proposed Transfer or conversion of Class B Common
Stock, the holder thereof is required to give notice to the Company, which
constitutes an offer to sell to the Senior Management Group (the "Offerees"),
or to the extent that the Offerees do not elect to purchase all such shares,
to sell to the Company, up to all of the shares proposed to be transferred or
as to which conversion has been requested at a purchase price per share equal
to the Current Market Price (the "First Offer Rights"). As defined in the
Restated Charter, the Current Market Price will be an amount equal to (i) if
the Class A Common Stock is not publicly traded, the fair market value per
share of the Class B Common Stock, or (ii) if the Class A Common Stock is
publicly traded, the average of the "average sales price." The "average sales
price" will mean generally the weighted average of the sales prices of a share
of Class A Common Stock (or if no such sales occur, the weighted average of
the last bid and asked prices) as reported by the New York Stock Exchange or,
if the Class A Common Stock is not listed on the New York Stock Exchange, by
any other national securities exchange or quotation system on which the shares
of Class A Common Stock are listed or admitted to trading on the day the
Company receives a notice of a proposed Transfer or conversion request. Under
the Restated Charter, shares of Class A Common Stock are not subject to the
First Offer Rights.
 
  Liquidation Rights. Upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, after payment in full of creditors
and any liquidation preference payable to the holders of any Preferred Stock,
the remaining assets of the Company will be distributed ratably to the holders
of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, as a single class, in
proportion to the number of shares held by them.
 
  Reorganization, Consolidation, Share Exchange or Merger. In the event of a
reorganization, consolidation, share exchange or merger of the Company, each
holder of a share of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive the same kind
and amount of consideration (whether consisting of cash, property or
securities), if any, to be received by each other holder of a share of Common
Stock, regardless of whether such share of Common Stock is a share of Class A
Common Stock or Class B Common Stock.
 
  Other. The holders of Common Stock are not entitled to preemptive or similar
rights. The shares of Common Stock are not subject to redemption or a sinking
fund. No class of Common Stock may be subdivided, consolidated, reclassified
or otherwise changed unless concurrently the other class of Common Stock is
subdivided, consolidated, reclassified or otherwise changed in the same
proportion and in the same manner. Under the Restated Charter, upon completion
of the Offering, the Company is only authorized to issue shares of Class B
Common Stock in connection with a dividend or other distribution with respect
to, or a subdivision of, all outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock.
 
                                      50
<PAGE>
 
  The transfer agent for the Company's Common Stock is Wachovia Bank, N.A.,
301 North Church Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101.
 
PREFERRED STOCK
   
  The Board of Directors is empowered by the Company's Restated Charter to
designate and issue from time to time one or more series of Preferred Stock
without shareholder approval. The Board of Directors may fix and determine the
preferences, limitations and relative rights of each series of Preferred Stock
so issued. Because the Board of Directors has the power to establish the
preferences and rights of each series of Preferred Stock, it may afford the
holders of any series of Preferred Stock preferences and rights, voting or
otherwise, senior to the rights of holders of Common Stock. The issuance of
Preferred Stock could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in
control of the Company. The Board of Directors has no present plans to issue
any shares of Preferred Stock. For so long as Mezzannine Investment Limited
Partnership-BDR ("MILP") and/or its affiliates own in the aggregate more than
10% of the outstanding Common Stock, the Board of Directors may issue
Preferred Stock only with the approval of 75% of the directors then in office.
    
CHARTER AND BYLAW PROVISIONS
 
  Shareholders' rights and related matters are governed by the Georgia
Business Corporation Code ("GBCC"), the Company's Restated Charter and its
Bylaws. Certain provisions of the Restated Charter and Bylaws of the Company,
which are summarized below, may discourage or make more difficult any attempt
by a person or group to obtain control of the Company. See "Risk Factors--
Anti-Takeover Provisions."
 
  Special Meetings. Under the Company's Bylaws, special meetings of the
shareholders may be called only by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company,
the Chairman of the Board or a majority of the Board of Directors. This
provision eliminates the right of shareholders to call a special meeting of
shareholders to consider any proposed corporate action, including any sale of
the Company, which may be favored by the shareholders.
 
  Shareholder Proposals and Nominations. The Company's Bylaws require written
notice to the Secretary of the Company, in advance of any shareholders'
meeting, of any shareholder proposals or nominations by any shareholders of
candidates for election as directors. In addition, shareholders that wish to
make shareholder proposals or director nominations must provide the Company
with certain specified information. These requirements may have the effect of
precluding shareholder proposals and director nominations if the proper
procedures are not followed, and may discourage or deter a third party from
conducting a solicitation of proxies to consider matters, including issues
relating to the control of the Company.
 
  Supermajority Voting Requirements. Under the Company's Restated Charter, a
merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of the assets or
dissolution of the Company must be approved by the affirmative vote of at
least 66% of the outstanding voting power of the Company. This requirement,
combined with the 35% vote of the Senior Management Group conferred by its
ownership of all the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock could inhibit
or prevent an acquisition of the Company that is not supported by such group.
See "Risk Factors--Substantial Influence of Principal Shareholders" and "--
Anti-Takeover Provisions."
 
  In addition, under the Restated Charter, certain provisions of the Company's
Restated Charter and Bylaws, including all of the provisions discussed above,
may not be amended and no contrary provision may be adopted by the
shareholders without the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the
outstanding voting power of the Common Stock. This restriction renders it more
difficult for the shareholders of the Company to amend these provisions and
thus enhances the power of the Board of Directors with regard to matters of
corporate governance governed by these provisions.
 
LIMITATION OF DIRECTORS' LIABILITY
 
  The Company's Restated Charter eliminates, to the fullest extent permitted
by applicable law, the personal liability of directors to the Company or its
shareholders for monetary damages for breaches of such directors' duty of care
or other duties as a director. This provision of the Restated Charter will
limit the remedies available
 
                                      51
<PAGE>
 
to a shareholder in the event of breaches of any director's duties to such
shareholder or the Company. Under current Georgia law, the Restated Charter
does not provide for the elimination of or any limitation on the personal
liability of a director for (i) any appropriation, in violation of the
director's duties, of any business opportunity of the Company, (ii) acts or
omissions which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law,
(iii) unlawful corporate distributions or (iv) any transactions from which the
director received an improper personal benefit.
 
GEORGIA ANTI-TAKEOVER STATUTES
 
  The Company has elected to be covered by the Georgia business combination
and fair price statutes.
 
  The Georgia business combination statute regulates business combinations,
such as mergers, consolidations, share exchanges and asset purchases, where
the acquired business has at least 100 shareholders residing in Georgia and,
among other things, (i) at least 10% of its outstanding voting shares are
beneficially owned by Georgia residents or (ii) at least 10% of the holders of
its outstanding shares are Georgia residents, and where the acquiror became an
"interested shareholder" of the corporation, unless either (x) the transaction
resulting in such acquiror becoming an "interested shareholder" or the
business combination received the approval of the corporation's board of
directors prior to the date on which the acquiror became an interested
shareholder, (y) the acquiror became the owner of at least 90% of the
outstanding voting stock of the corporation (excluding shares held by
directors, officers and affiliates of the corporation and shares held by
certain other persons) in the same transaction in which the acquiror became an
interested shareholder or (z) subsequent to becoming an interested
shareholder, the acquiror became the owner of additional shares of at least
90% of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation. For purposes of this
statute, an "interested shareholder" generally is any person who directly or
indirectly, alone or in concert with others, beneficially owns or controls 10%
or more of the voting power of the outstanding voting shares of the
corporation. The law prohibits business combinations with an approved
interested shareholder for a period of five years after the date on which such
person became an interested shareholder. The law restricting business
combinations is broad in its scope and is designed to inhibit unfriendly
acquisitions.
 
  The Georgia fair price statute prohibits certain business combinations
between a Georgia business corporation and an interested shareholder unless
(i) certain "fair price" criteria are satisfied, (ii) the business combination
is unanimously approved by the continuing directors, (iii) the business
combination is recommended by at least two-thirds of the continuing directors
and approved by a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of
voting shares, other than voting shares beneficially owned by such interested
shareholder, or (iv) the interested shareholder has continuously been such for
at least three years and has not increased his ownership position in such
three-year period by more than one percent in any twelve month period. The
fair price statute is designed to inhibit unfriendly acquisitions that do not
satisfy the specified "fair price" requirements.
 
VOTING AGREEMENT
 
  The Company, Joseph L. Lanier, Jr. and the other members of the Senior
Management Group have entered into a Voting Agreement (the "Voting Agreement")
pursuant to which Mr. Lanier will be entitled to vote all shares of Class B
Common Stock beneficially owned by such holders.
 
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
 
  The Company, certain members of senior management (the "Management
Shareholders"), MILP and all other holders of the Company's Common Stock prior
to the Offering are parties to a Registration Rights Agreement, dated
September 3, 1991 (the "Registration Rights Agreement"). All provisions of the
Registration Rights Agreement described below terminate on the earlier of (i)
September 3, 2006 or (ii) the date when shares of Class A Common Stock which
are held by holders other than Management Shareholders constitute less than
10% of the outstanding Common Stock, subject to limited exceptions. The
Registration Rights Agreement is applicable only with respect to shares of
Common Stock held prior to the Offering. It contains, among others, the
following provisions:
 
                                      52
<PAGE>
 
  The Company's and Mr. Lanier's Call Rights. Joseph L. Lanier, Jr. has the
right to purchase the Class A Common Stock beneficially owned by certain
specified shareholders (the "Lanier Call"). The Company has a similar call
right (the "Company Call"). The Company Call applies to Class A Common Stock
held by the lenders under a credit agreement to which the Company and Bank of
America and certain other lenders were party immediately following the 1991
Restructuring. The Lanier Call is limited to such institutions' Class A Common
Stock originally issued in the 1991 Restructuring. In the case of a Company
Call, the call price is the fair market value (as defined) of the Common
Stock. In the case of a Lanier Call, the call price is 105% of the fair market
value of the Common Stock. The Company may not exercise the Company Call
during any period in which Mr. Lanier has previously delivered a call notice.
In addition, Mr. Lanier may request that the Company exercise the Company
Call, and if the Company does not do so within 90 days of such request, the
Company Call must be assigned to Mr. Lanier. Mr. Lanier may also preempt any
Company Call by delivering a Lanier Call notice within 30 days after delivery
of a Company Call notice. In addition, Mr. Lanier has a first offer right to
purchase any Class A Common Stock offered for sale by certain of the Company's
shareholders. The rights of each of the Company and Mr. Lanier under the call
provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement terminate on September 3, 2001
or, in the case of a Lanier Call, if earlier, Mr. Lanier's death or total
disability or termination of employment for good cause (as defined in the
Lanier Agreement).
 
  Demand and Piggyback Registration Rights. The holders (not including the
Management Shareholders) of at least 20% of the Class A Common Stock held by
such holders immediately prior to the Offering may, on seven occasions, demand
that the Company prepare and file a registration statement under the
Securities Act with respect to such number of shares of Class A Common Stock
held by them prior to the Offering as are designated by the holders of a
majority of such shares of Class A Common Stock of the Company after
consultation with the book running lead underwriter of any such offering and
the demanding holders. Once every 12 months, the Company may delay the filing
of any such registration statement for up to 60 days if the Company would be
required in the opinion of counsel to disclose information in the registration
statement that it would not otherwise be required to publicly disclose and the
Board determines that such disclosure is not in the Company's best interests.
In addition, such holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to offer and
sell their Class A Common Stock in any underwritten public offering involving
the offering of any security by the Company or any subsidiary of the Company,
subject to certain limitations. The Company may also offer and sell its Class
A Common Stock in any underwritten public offering effected at the request of
such holders of Class A Common Stock, subject to certain limitations.
 
OTHER MATTERS
 
  The Class A Common Stock has been approved for listing, subject to official
notice of issuance, on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "DRF."
 
                                      53
<PAGE>
 
                        SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
  Upon completion of the Offering, the Company will have outstanding
16,793,095 shares of Class A Common Stock, of which the 6,700,000 shares sold
pursuant to the Offering will be fully tradeable without restriction or
further registration under the Securities Act, except for any of such shares
held by "affiliates" (as defined under Rule 405 of the Securities Act) of the
Company. The holders of the remaining 10,093,095 shares will be entitled to
sell their shares in the public securities market without registration under
the Securities Act to the extent permitted by Rule 144 promulgated thereunder
or otherwise in accordance with the Securities Act. Generally, Rule 144
provides that a person who has owned Restricted Shares for at least one year,
or who may be deemed an "affiliate" of the Company, is entitled to sell,
within any three-month period, up to the number of Restricted Shares that does
not exceed the greater of (i) one percent of the then outstanding shares of
Class A Common Stock, or (ii) the average weekly trading volume during the
four calendar weeks preceding the date on which notice of sale is filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Sales under Rule
144 are subject to certain restrictions relating to manner of sale, volume of
sales and the availability of current public information about the Company.
All of the Restricted Shares have been owned by the holders thereof for more
than one year. Of such Restricted Shares, 2,927,622 are owned by non-
affiliates of the Company and, as a result, will be fully tradeable upon
completion of the Offering without regard to the restrictions under Rule 144,
and 7,165,473 are owned by affiliates of the Company and, as a result, will be
eligible for sale pursuant to Rule 144, subject to certain restrictions, upon
completion of the Offering. As described below, certain holders of Common
Stock have agreed to certain restrictions on their ability to sell Common
Stock for 180 or 120 days following the Offering. See "Underwriters."
 
  After the Offering, certain shares of Common Stock will be covered by,
subject to the Registration Rights Agreement which provides for, among other
things: (i) a call right, exercisable by Joseph L. Lanier, Jr., for the
purchase of shares of Common Stock held by certain lenders related to the 1991
Restructuring; (ii) a call right, exercisable by the Company, for the shares
of Common Stock set forth in clause (i) above; and (iii) certain demand and
piggyback registration rights. See "Description of Capital Stock--Registration
Rights Agreement."
 
  Immediately following the Offering, there will be 2,062,070 shares of Class
B Common Stock outstanding, which will be convertible (subject to certain
restrictions on transfer and first offer rights) into shares of Class A Common
Stock (on a share-for-share basis). See "Description of Capital Stock--Common
Stock."
 
  The Selling Shareholders, certain other shareholders of the Company, the
Company and the members of the Senior Management Group holding an aggregate of
9,527,684 shares of Class A Common Stock have agreed to certain restrictions
on the transfer of such shares for a period of 180 days after the date of this
Prospectus without the prior written consent of Morgan Stanley & Co.
Incorporated. See "Underwriters" and "Risk Factors--Shares Eligible for Future
Sale; Potential Adverse Impact on Prevailing Market Price." Certain of the
shareholders of the Company are restricted from securing or transferring their
shares for a period of 120 days after the date of this Prospectus pursuant to
the Registration Rights Agreement.
 
  Prior to the Offering, there has been no market for the Class A Common
Stock, and no predictions can be made with respect to the effect, if any, that
public sales of shares or the availability of shares for sale will have on the
market price prevailing from time to time. Sales of substantial amounts of
Class A Common Stock in the public market following the Offering, or the
perception that such sales may occur, could adversely affect the prevailing
market price of the Class A Common Stock. See "Risk Factors--Absence of Prior
Public Market."
 
                                      54
<PAGE>
 
                                 UNDERWRITERS
 
  Under the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in an Underwriting
Agreement, dated    , 1997 (the "Underwriting Agreement"), the Underwriters
named below, for whom Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, J.P. Morgan
Securities Inc. and SBC Warburg Dillon Read Inc. are acting as representatives
(the "Representatives"), have severally agreed to purchase, and the Company
and the Selling Shareholders have severally agreed to sell to them, the
respective numbers of shares of Class A Common Stock set forth opposite the
names of such Underwriters below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            NAME                                               NUMBER OF SHARES
            ----                                               ----------------
<S>                                                            <C>
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated.............................
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc....................................
SBC Warburg Dillon Read Inc...................................
                                                                    ------
  Total.......................................................
                                                                    ======
</TABLE>
 
  The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the several
Underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the shares of Class A Common
Stock offered hereby are subject to the approval of certain legal matters by
their counsel and to certain other conditions. The Underwriters are obligated
to take and pay for all of the shares of Class A Common Stock offered hereby
(other than those covered by the over-allotment option described below) if any
such shares are taken.
 
  At the request of the Company, the Underwriters have reserved for sale, at
the initial public offering price, up to      shares of Class A Common Stock
offered hereby for directors, officers, employees, business associates, and
related persons of the Company. The number of shares of Class A Common Stock
available for sale to the general public will be reduced to the extent such
persons purchase such reserved shares. Any reserved shares which are not so
purchased will be offered by the Underwriters to the general public on the
same basis as the other shares offered hereby.
 
  The Underwriters initially propose to offer part of the shares of Class A
Common Stock directly to the public at the public offering price set forth on
the cover page hereof and part to certain dealers at a price that represents a
concession not in excess of $   per share under the public offering price. Any
Underwriter may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a concession not in
excess of $    per share to other Underwriters or to certain other dealers.
After the initial offering of the shares of Class A Common Stock, the offering
price and other selling terms may from time to time be varied by the
Representatives.
 
  Pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, the Selling Shareholders have
granted to the Underwriters an option, exercisable for thirty days from the
date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to an aggregate of 1,005,000
additional shares of Class A Common Stock at the public offering price set
forth on the cover page hereof, less underwriting discounts and commissions.
The Underwriters may exercise such option to purchase solely for the purpose
of covering over-allotments, if any, made in connection with the Offering. To
the extent such option is exercised, each Underwriter will become obligated,
subject to certain conditions, to purchase approximately the same percentage
of such additional shares of Class A Common Stock as the number set forth next
to such Underwriter's name in the preceding table bears to the total number of
shares of Class A Common Stock set forth next to the names of all Underwriters
in the preceding table.
 
  The Underwriters have informed the Company that they do not intend sales to
discretionary accounts to exceed five percent of the total number of shares of
the Class A Common Stock offered by them.
 
  The Class A Common Stock has been approved for listing, subject to official
notice of issuance, on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "DRF." In
order to meet the requirements for listing the Class A Common Stock on the New
York Stock Exchange, the Underwriters have undertaken to meet the New York
Stock Exchange's minimum distribution, issuance and aggregate market value
requirements.
 
                                      55
<PAGE>
 
  Each of the members of the Senior Management Group and certain other
shareholders of the Company has agreed that, without the prior written consent
of Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated on behalf of the Underwriters, it will
not, during the period ending 180 days after the date of this Prospectus, (i)
offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to
purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or
warrant to purchase or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or
indirectly, any shares of Class A Common Stock or any securities convertible
into or exercisable or exchangeable for Class A Common Stock or (ii) enter
into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in
part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Class A Common
Stock, whether any such transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is
to be settled by delivery of Class A Common Stock or such other securities, in
cash or otherwise. The restrictions described in this paragraph do not apply
to (w) the sale of Shares to the Underwriters, (x) the issuance by the Company
of shares of Class A Common Stock upon the exercise of an option or a warrant
or the conversion of a security outstanding on the date of this Prospectus of
which the Underwriters have been advised in writing, (y) bona fide gifts to
donees who agree in writing to be bound by the foregoing restrictions or (z)
transactions by any person other than the Company relating to shares of Class
A Common Stock or other securities acquired in open market transactions after
the completion of the Offering.
 
  In order to facilitate the Offering, the Underwriters may engage in
transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the
Class A Common Stock. Specifically, the Underwriters may over-allot in
connection with the Offering, creating a short position in the Class A Common
Stock for their own account. In addition, to cover over-allotments or to
stabilize the price of the Class A Common Stock, the Underwriters may bid for,
and purchase, shares of Class A Common Stock in the open market. Finally, the
underwriting syndicate may reclaim selling concessions allowed to an
Underwriter or a dealer for distributing the Class A Common Stock in the
Offering, if the syndicate repurchases previously distributed Class A Common
Stock in transactions to cover syndicate short positions, in stabilization
transactions or otherwise. Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain
the market price of the Class A Common Stock above independent market levels.
The Underwriters are not required to engage in these activities, and may end
any of these activities at any time.
 
  From time to time, the Representatives have provided, and continue to
provide, investment banking services to the Company.
 
  The Company and the Underwriters have agreed to indemnify each other against
certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
 
PRICING OF THE OFFERING
 
  Prior to the Offering, there has been no public market for the Class A
Common Stock. Consequently, the initial public offering price was determined
by negotiations among the Company, the Selling Shareholders and the
Representatives. Among the factors considered in determining the initial
public offering price were the Company's record of operations, the Company's
current financial condition and future prospects, the experience of its
management, the economics of the industry in general, the general condition of
the equity securities markets, and the market prices of similar securities of
companies considered comparable to the Company. There can be no assurance that
a regular trading market for the shares of Class A Common Stock will develop
after the Offering or, if developed, that a public trading market can be
sustained. There can be no assurance that the prices at which the Class A
Common Stock will sell in the public market after the Offering will not be
lower than the price at which it is offered by the Underwriters in the
Offering.
 
                                      56
<PAGE>
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
  Certain legal matters with respect to the validity of the shares of Class A
Common Stock offered hereby will be passed upon for the Company by King &
Spalding, New York, New York. Certain legal matters in connection with the
Offering will be passed upon for the Underwriters by Cravath, Swaine & Moore,
New York, New York.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
  The Consolidated Financial Statements and related financial statement
schedules of the Company at December 30, 1995 and December 28, 1996 and for
each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 28, 1996 appearing
in this Prospectus and Registration Statement have been audited by Ernst &
Young LLP, independent auditors, and the historical Statement of Income Data
and historical Balance Sheet Data under the caption "Selected Historical and
Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data" for each of the five fiscal years in
the period ended December 28, 1996, appearing in this Prospectus and
Registration Statement have been derived from the Consolidated Financial
Statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP as set forth in their reports thereon
appearing elsewhere herein. Such Consolidated Financial Statements, financial
statement schedules and historical Statement of Income Data and historical
Balance Sheet Data are included in reliance upon such reports given upon the
authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
  The Financial Statements of Cherokee at September 30, 1995 and September 28,
1996 and for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended September 28,
1996 appearing in this Prospectus and Registration Statement have been audited
by Pugh & Company, P.C., independent auditors, as set forth in their report
thereon appearing elsewhere herein. Such financial statements are included in
reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
 
                                      57
<PAGE>
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
  The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and, in accordance
therewith, files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Commission. The reports, proxy statements and other information filed with the
Commission, as well as the Registration Statement (as defined below), may be
inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the
Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and
at the Commission's Regional Offices at Seven World Trade Center, 13th Floor,
New York, New York 10048 and Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison
Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60601-2511. Copies of such material also
can be obtained by mail from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at
450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. The
Commission maintains a World Wide Web site on the Internet at
http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy statements and other
information regarding registrants that file electronically with the
Commission.
 
  The Company has filed a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (together with
all amendments thereto, the "Registration Statement") under the Securities Act
with the Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549, with respect to the shares of
Class A Common Stock offered hereby. This Prospectus, which is a part of the
Registration Statement, does not contain all the information set forth in the
Registration Statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto, certain
portions of which have been omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of
the Commission. For further information with respect to the Company and the
Class A Common Stock, reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement,
and exhibits and schedules contained therein, which may be inspected without
charge at the principal office of the Commission in Washington, D.C., and
copies of all or any part of which may be obtained from the Commission upon
payment of the prescribed fees. The summaries contained in this Prospectus
concerning information included in the Registration Statement, or in any
exhibit or schedule thereto, are qualified in their entirety by reference to
such information, exhibit or schedule.
 
  The Company intends to furnish its shareholders with an annual report
containing consolidated financial statements certified by its independent
auditors and with quarterly reports for each of the first three quarters of
each fiscal year containing unaudited consolidated financial information.
 
                                      58
<PAGE>
 
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           ----
<S>                                                                        <C>
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Dan River Inc.
  Report of Independent Auditors..........................................  F-2
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 30, 1995 and December 28,
   1996...................................................................  F-3
  Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 1994,
   December 30, 1995 and December 28, 1996................................  F-4
  Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended
   December 31, 1994, December 30, 1995 and December 28, 1996.............  F-5
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31,
   1994, December 30, 1995 and December 28, 1996..........................  F-6
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..............................  F-7
  Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 27,
   1997................................................................... F-19
  Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the nine
   months ended September 28, 1996 and September 27, 1997................. F-20
  Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine
   months ended September 28, 1996 and September 27, 1997................. F-21
  Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the
   nine months ended September 28, 1996 and September 27, 1997............ F-22
Pro Forma Financial Information
  Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the
   year ended December 28, 1996 and the nine months ended September 27,
   1997................................................................... F-25
The New Cherokee Corporation
  Report of Independent Auditors.......................................... F-28
  Balance Sheets as of September 30, 1995 and September 28, 1996.......... F-29
  Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended October 1, 1994,
   September 30, 1995 and September 28, 1996.............................. F-30
  Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the fiscal years ended
   October 1, 1994, September 30, 1995 and September 28, 1996............. F-31
  Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended October 1, 1994,
   September 30, 1995 and September 28, 1996.............................. F-33
  Notes to Financial Statements........................................... F-35
  Unaudited Condensed Balance Sheets as of December 28, 1996.............. F-46
  Unaudited Condensed Statements of Operations for the three months ended
   December 30, 1995 and December 28, 1996................................ F-47
  Unaudited Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended
   September 30, 1995 and December 28, 1996............................... F-48
  Notes to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements....................... F-49
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
 
                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Dan River Inc.
 
  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Dan River
Inc. as of December 30, 1995 and December 28, 1996, and the related
consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for
the each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 28, 1996.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements
based on our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Dan River
Inc. at December 30, 1995 and December 28, 1996, and the consolidated results
of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the
period ended December 28, 1996 in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
 
  We have previously audited, in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards, the consolidated balance sheets as of January 2, 1993, January 1,
1994 and December 31, 1994 and the related consolidated statements of income,
shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the two fiscal years in the
period ended January 1, 1994 (none of which are presented separately herein);
and we expressed unqualified opinions on those consolidated financial
statements. The information set forth as historical Statement of Income Data
and historical Balance Sheet Data in the Selected Historical and Pro Forma
Consolidated Financial Data for each of the five years in the period ended
December 28, 1996, appearing on page 19, was derived from the consolidated
financial statements which we audited. In our opinion, the aforementioned
information derived from the consolidated financial statements is fairly
stated in all material respects in relation to those consolidated financial
statements.
 
                                          Ernst & Young LLP
 
Charlotte, North Carolina
February 7, 1997,
except as to Note 3 and the last paragraph of Note 7, as to which the date is
November 3, 1997
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
 
                                 DAN RIVER INC.
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                    DECEMBER 30, 1995 AND DECEMBER 28, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    UNAUDITED
                                                                       PRO
                                                                      FORMA
                                                                  SHAREHOLDERS'
                                                                     EQUITY
                                                1995      1996      (NOTE 13)
                                              --------  --------  --------------
                                                (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE
                                                    AND PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                           <C>       <C>       <C>
                   ASSETS
Current assets:
 Cash and cash equivalents (Note 10)........  $  1,540  $  5,042
 Accounts receivable--trade (less allowance
  of $5,140,000 at December 30, 1995 and
  $4,631,000 at December 28, 1996) (Notes 4
  and 10)...................................    54,848    55,782
 Inventories (Notes 2 and 4)................    96,204    72,493
 Prepaid expenses and other current assets..     2,481     1,275
 Deferred income taxes (Note 6).............     7,231     5,643
                                              --------  --------
 Total current assets.......................   162,304   140,235
Property, plant and equipment (Note 4):
 Land.......................................     6,529     6,526
 Buildings and improvements.................    41,288    43,363
 Machinery and equipment....................   186,019   209,568
 Construction in progress...................     7,455    15,241
                                              --------  --------
                                               241,291   274,698
 Less accumulated depreciation and
  amortization..............................    79,311    99,348
                                              --------  --------
 Net property, plant and equipment..........   161,980   175,350
Other assets................................     6,660     5,465
                                              --------  --------
                                              $330,944  $321,050
                                              ========  ========
     LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
 Current maturities of long-term debt (Note
  4)........................................  $  5,138  $  6,990
 Accounts payable...........................    23,776    21,531
 Accrued compensation and related benefits..    14,857    13,652
 Other accrued expenses.....................     8,770     4,771
                                              --------  --------
 Total current liabilities..................    52,541    46,944
Long-term debt (Note 4).....................   174,565   162,478
Deferred income taxes (Note 6)..............    16,795    17,857
Other liabilities...........................     6,341     6,147
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 5, 6
 and 9)
Common stock subject to put rights (Note 5).     7,000     9,726     $    --
Shareholders' equity (Notes 3, 4, 5 and 7):
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; authorized
 50,000,000 shares; no shares issued........       --        --           --
Common stock, Class A, $.01 par value;
 authorized 175,000,000 shares; issued and
 outstanding 12,712,945 shares..............       127       127          127
Common stock, Class B, $.01 par value;
 authorized 35,000,000 shares; no shares
 issued.....................................       --        --           --
Common stock, Class C, $.01 par value;
 authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and
 outstanding 1,442,220 shares...............        14        14           14
Additional paid-in capital..................    67,394    64,668       74,394
Retained earnings...........................     8,012    13,698       13,698
Pension liability adjustment................    (1,845)     (609)        (609)
                                              --------  --------     --------
 Total shareholders' equity.................    73,702    77,898       87,624
                                              --------  --------     --------
                                              $330,944  $321,050     $321,050
                                              ========  ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
 
                                 DAN RIVER INC.
 
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
                YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, DECEMBER 30, 1995
                             AND DECEMBER 28, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  1994             1995             1996
                             ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                             (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                          <C>              <C>              <C>
Net sales................... $       371,534  $       384,801  $       379,567
Costs and expenses:
  Cost of sales.............         297,460          306,879          307,383
  Selling, general and ad-
   ministrative expenses....          43,908           44,860           45,673
  Other operating costs, net
   (Note 8).................           1,534            8,972             (428)
                             ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
Operating income............          28,632           24,090           26,939
Other income................             144              241              485
Interest expense............         (20,419)         (21,941)         (18,168)
                             ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
Income before income taxes..           8,357            2,390            9,256
Provision for income taxes
 (Note 6)...................           4,832            2,132            3,570
                             ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
Net income.................. $         3,525  $           258  $         5,686
                             ===============  ===============  ===============
Earnings per share:
  Primary................... $          0.31  $          0.02  $          0.40
                             ===============  ===============  ===============
  Fully diluted............. $          0.31  $          0.23  $          0.40
                             ===============  ===============  ===============
Weighted average shares
 outstanding:
  Primary...................      11,375,000       12,276,268       14,155,165
                             ===============  ===============  ===============
  Fully diluted.............      11,375,000       13,940,133       14,155,165
                             ===============  ===============  ===============
</TABLE>
 
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
 
                                 DAN RIVER INC.
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
                YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, DECEMBER 30, 1995
                             AND DECEMBER 28, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         CLASS A  CLASS C  ADDITIONAL             PENSION
                         COMMON   COMMON     PAID-IN   RETAINED  LIABILITY
                          STOCK    STOCK     CAPITAL   EARNINGS  ADJUSTMENT  TOTAL
                         -------- -------- ----------- --------- ---------- -------
                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                      <C>      <C>      <C>         <C>       <C>        <C>
Balance at January 1,
 1994...................   $ 99     $14      $38,151    $ 4,229   $   --    $42,493
Net income..............    --      --           --       3,525       --      3,525
Capital contribution....    --      --           792        --        --        792
                           ----     ---      -------    -------   -------   -------
Balance at December 31,
 1994...................     99      14       38,943      7,754       --     46,810
Net income..............    --      --           --         258       --        258
Pension liability
 adjustment.............    --      --           --         --     (1,845)   (1,845)
Conversion of junior
 subordinated notes.....     28     --        28,451        --        --     28,479
                           ----     ---      -------    -------   -------   -------
Balance at December 30,
 1995...................    127      14       67,394      8,012    (1,845)   73,702
Net income..............    --      --           --       5,686       --      5,686
Change in common stock
 subject to put rights..    --      --        (2,726)       --        --     (2,726)
Pension liability
 adjustment.............    --      --           --         --      1,236     1,236
                           ----     ---      -------    -------   -------   -------
Balance at December 28,
 1996...................   $127     $14      $64,668    $13,698   $  (609)  $77,898
                           ====     ===      =======    =======   =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
 
                                 DAN RIVER INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, DECEMBER 30, 1995
                             AND DECEMBER 28, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    1994      1995      1996
                                                  --------  --------  --------
                                                        (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                               <C>       <C>       <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
 Net income...................................... $  3,525  $    258  $  5,686
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
  provided by operating activities:
  Noncash interest expense.......................    4,857     4,110     1,166
  Noncash compensation expense...................      792       --        --
  Depreciation and amortization..................   18,187    19,537    20,795
  Deferred income taxes..........................    1,847    (1,379)    1,842
  Writedown/disposal of equipment................      742     4,040      (280)
  Writedown--discontinued product line...........      --      3,005      (849)
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
   Accounts receivable...........................  (16,209)    6,578      (691)
   Inventories...................................   (6,690)   (8,423)   24,554
   Prepaid expenses and other assets.............      942       512      (396)
   Accounts payable and accrued expenses.........    5,791    (3,904)   (6,555)
   Other liabilities.............................   (1,897)   (1,796)     (194)
                                                  --------  --------  --------
    Net cash provided by operating activities....   11,887    22,538    45,078
Cash flows from investing activities:
 Total capital expenditures......................  (44,112)  (28,004)  (34,515)
  Plant and equipment acquired in exchange for
   debt..........................................   17,227     7,203     5,951
  Accrued equipment purchases....................    2,092    (3,515)      982
                                                  --------  --------  --------
   Capital expenditures in cash..................  (24,793)  (24,316)  (27,582)
 Proceeds from sale of assets....................      380       322     2,385
 Proceeds from insurance claim...................      540       --        --
                                                  --------  --------  --------
    Net cash used by investing activities........  (23,873)  (23,994)  (25,197)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 Payments of long-term debt......................   (8,611)   (8,453)  (18,566)
 Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt....      --        700    25,313
 Net borrowings (payments)--working capital fa-
  cility.........................................   14,000     9,000   (23,000)
 Other...........................................      --        --       (126)
                                                  --------  --------  --------
    Net cash provided (used) by financing activi-
     ties........................................    5,389     1,247   (16,379)
                                                  --------  --------  --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equiva-
 lents...........................................   (6,597)     (209)    3,502
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year...    8,346     1,749     1,540
                                                  --------  --------  --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year......... $  1,749  $  1,540  $  5,042
                                                  ========  ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
 
                                DAN RIVER INC.
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
          DECEMBER 31, 1994, DECEMBER 30, 1995 AND DECEMBER 28, 1996
 
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
 
    Dan River Inc. and its former parent and sole shareholder, Braelan Corp.
  ("Braelan"), were organized in 1989 to acquire and operate Dan River
  Holding Company and its subsidiaries (the "Predecessor"). Dan River Inc. is
  a manufacturer and marketer of a variety of textile products, primarily
  home fashions and apparel fabrics. Home fashions products, which accounted
  for approximately 64 percent of sales for the year ended December 28, 1996,
  consist mostly of packaged bedroom furnishings which are sold to domestic
  retailers. Apparel products, which include a broad range of woven cotton
  and cotton-blend fabrics, are distributed primarily to domestic clothing
  manufacturers.
 
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND OTHER MATTERS
 
  Basis of presentation
 
    On December 29, 1995, Braelan was merged with and into Dan River Inc. The
  consolidated balance sheets as of December 30, 1995 and December 28, 1996,
  and the consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash
  flows for the fiscal year ended December 28, 1996, represent the
  consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of
  Dan River Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Dan River Factory Stores,
  Inc. The consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash
  flows for each of the two fiscal years in the period ended December 30,
  1995, represent the consolidated results of operations and cash flows of
  Braelan and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances have
  been eliminated. Braelan and its subsidiaries, and Dan River Inc. and its
  subsidiary are collectively referred to as the Company.
 
  Fiscal year
 
    The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to December 31.
  All references to 1994, 1995 and 1996 mean the 52-week fiscal years ended
  December 31, 1994, December 30, 1995 and December 28, 1996, respectively.
 
  Use of estimates
 
    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
  accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
  assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements
  and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
  Cash equivalents
 
    All highly liquid cash investments purchased with an initial maturity of
  three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents.
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
 
                                DAN RIVER INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                     DECEMBER 31, 1994, DECEMBER 30, 1995
                             AND DECEMBER 28, 1996
 
 
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND OTHER MATTERS--(CONTINUED)
 
  Inventories
 
    Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost
  determined under the first-in, first-out method. Inventories at December
  30, 1995 and December 28, 1996, respectively, by component are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1995    1996
                                                                 ------- -------
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
     <S>                                                         <C>     <C>
     Finished goods............................................. $34,463 $24,558
     Work in process............................................  51,452  38,274
     Raw materials..............................................   3,483   2,679
     Supplies...................................................   6,806   6,982
                                                                 ------- -------
       Total inventories........................................ $96,204 $72,493
                                                                 ======= =======
</TABLE>
 
  Property, plant and equipment
 
    Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is
  computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the
  related assets, ranging from 10 to 35 years for buildings and improvements,
  and 3 to 14 years for machinery and equipment. Leasehold improvements are
  amortized on a straight-line basis over the lease term or estimated useful
  life, whichever is less.
     
    In 1996, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
  ("SFAS") No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and
  for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of." The adoption did not have a
  material effect on the Company's financial statements because the Company
  was generally in conformance with this standard prior to adoption.     
 
  Deferred financing fees
 
    Debt financing fees are amortized over the term of the related debt.
 
  Revenue recognition
 
    The Company generally recognizes revenues from product sales when goods
  are shipped.
 
  Income taxes
 
    Deferred income taxes are accounted for under the liability method. Under
  this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on
  differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and
  liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will
  be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.
 
  Cotton futures contracts
 
    In connection with the purchasing of cotton for anticipated manufacturing
  requirements, the Company may enter into cotton futures and option
  contracts in order to reduce the risk associated with future price
  fluctuations. These contracts are accounted for as hedges and, accordingly,
  gains or losses are deferred and reflected in cost of sales as an element
  of the cost of the finished product. Transactions related to cotton futures
  and option contracts during the three year period ended December 28, 1996
  were not material.
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
 
                                 DAN RIVER INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                      DECEMBER 31, 1994, DECEMBER 30, 1995
                             AND DECEMBER 28, 1996
 
 
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND OTHER MATTERS--(CONTINUED)
 
  Earnings per share
 
    Primary earnings per share are computed on the basis of the weighted
  average number of common shares and common equivalent shares (stock
  options), if dilutive, outstanding during the period. The Company's
  convertible junior subordinated notes, which were converted into shares of
  Class A common stock on September 3, 1995 (Note 3), were antidilutive on an
  if-converted basis for both 1994 and 1995. For purposes of calculating
  fully diluted earnings per share for 1995, the convertible subordinated
  junior notes were deemed to be converted on the first day of the period.
 
3. PUBLIC OFFERING AND CAPITALIZATION
 
    On September 26, 1997 the Company filed a registration statement for the
  sale of shares of common stock to the public (the "Offering").
     
    In connection with the Offering, the shareholders of the Company approved
  a multi-step recapitalization plan which became effective on November 3,
  1997 (the "Recapitalization"). Prior to the Recapitalization, the Company's
  outstanding capital stock included 1,500,000 authorized shares of voting
  stock, par value $.01 per share ("Old Voting Stock") (726,454 shares of
  which were outstanding as of December 28, 1996), and 1,500,000 authorized
  shares of nonvoting common stock, par value $.01 per share ("Old Nonvoting
  Stock") (82,413 shares of which were outstanding as of December 28, 1996).
      
    The Company first amended and restated its Articles of Incorporation (the
  "Restated Articles"). Upon filing of the Restated Articles: (i) Class A
  Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, entitled to one vote per share,
  Class B Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, entitled to 4.39 votes per
  share, and Class C Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, nonvoting, were
  created; (ii) each outstanding share of Old Voting Stock was reclassified
  and exchanged for 17.5 shares of Class A Common Stock of the Company
  ("Class A Common") and (iii) each outstanding share of Old Nonvoting Stock
  was reclassified and exchanged for 17.5 shares of Class C Common Stock of
  the Company ("Class C Common") (the "Reclassification"). Shares of Class C
  Common will automatically convert into shares of Class A Common on a share-
  for-share basis upon consummation of the Offering.
 
    Upon consummation of the Offering, the Company will complete an exchange
  offer (the "Exchange Offer") pursuant to which certain members of senior
  management of the Company (and certain of their family members) that held
  Old Voting Stock prior to the Reclassification will exchange 2,062,070
  shares of Class A Common for shares of supervoting Class B Common Stock
  ("Class B Common") on a share-for-share basis.
 
    All share and per share amounts in the accompanying financial statements
  and the related notes have been adjusted to reflect the impact of the
  Reclassification on the number of shares outstanding and the per share
  amounts. No adjustment has been made in the accompanying financial
  statements and the related notes for the Exchange Offer or the automatic
  conversion of Class C Common into Class A Common upon the consummation of
  the Offering.
 
    Through September 2001, the Company has the option to purchase the common
  shares held by certain shareholders at a price equal to the then fair
  market value. The Company's call option is generally subject to the same
  financial covenants and other restrictions as the put rights described in
  Note 5. A certain
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
 
                                DAN RIVER INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                     DECEMBER 31, 1994, DECEMBER 30, 1995
                             AND DECEMBER 28, 1996
 
 
3. PUBLIC OFFERING AND CAPITALIZATION--(CONTINUED)
 
  shareholder has a similar call option on certain issued and outstanding
  common shares, which has priority to the Company's call option. In
  addition, certain shareholders have the right to require the Company to
  register, at its expense, their shares under the Securities Act of 1933.
 
    On September 3, 1995 the Company's convertible junior subordinated notes
  (the "Junior Notes") with an outstanding balance of $28,479,000 were
  converted into 2,780,173 shares of Class A Common stock. The Junior Notes
  were non-amortizing, and bore interest at 16.35%, which accrued quarterly
  and was automatically capitalized and added to principal.
 
4. LONG-TERM DEBT
 
    Long-term debt at December 30, 1995 and December 28, 1996, consists of
  the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1995     1996
                                                              -------- --------
                                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                        <C>      <C>
   Senior subordinated notes................................. $120,000 $120,000
   Working capital facility..................................   23,000      --
   Term loan.................................................      --    23,545
   Notes payable to equipment vendors........................   27,010   13,081
   Other borrowings with various rates and maturities........    9,693   12,842
                                                              -------- --------
                                                               179,703  169,468
   Less current maturities...................................    5,138    6,990
                                                              -------- --------
       Total long-term debt.................................. $174,565 $162,478
                                                              ======== ========
</TABLE>
 
    The senior subordinated notes (the "Notes") consist of $120,000,000 in
  non-amortizing ten-year notes issued pursuant to an indenture dated
  December 15, 1993, bearing interest at 10 1/8%, payable semi-annually.
 
    The working capital facility at December 28, 1996 consists of a long-term
  $60 million working capital line of credit, the availability of which is
  tied to a defined borrowing base formula. The working capital facility also
  provides for the issuance of letters of credit up to $8,500,000
  outstanding, of which $2,563,000 was outstanding at December 28, 1996. This
  facility was terminated on February 3, 1997 in connection with the
  Company's establishment of a new $90 million working capital facility (see
  below).
 
    The working capital facility and the Notes contain certain restrictive
  covenants which, among other things, require the Company to meet minimum
  net worth and earnings ratios, impose limitations on debt incurrence and
  restrict certain payments, including dividends and payments for the
  repurchase of capital stock (see Note 5).
 
    The term loan consists of a $25 million amortizing note due in 2001,
  bearing interest at LIBOR plus 1.75% (7.34% at December 28, 1996). The
  Company has a fixed rate option until June 30, 1998, whereby the rate may
  be fixed based on the yield of the June 1999, 6.75% U.S. Treasury Notes
  plus 1.85%. Payments on the term loan are made quarterly with a 30% balloon
  payment at maturity. The term loan is secured by various machinery and
  equipment of the Company.
 
    Notes payable to vendors for machinery and equipment purchases are
  secured by the related assets. The notes payable to vendors mature on
  various dates between 1997 and 2002 and bear interest at various fixed and
  variable interest rates averaging 7.96% at December 28, 1996.
 
                                     F-10
<PAGE>
 
                                DAN RIVER INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                     DECEMBER 31, 1994, DECEMBER 30, 1995
                             AND DECEMBER 28, 1996
 
 
4. LONG-TERM DEBT--(CONTINUED)
 
    Other borrowings consist primarily of various industrial development,
  revenue and pollution control obligations.
 
    On February 3, 1997, in connection with the acquisition of the assets of
  The New Cherokee Corporation (the "Acquisition," See Note 12), the Company
  established a new $90 million working capital facility and a new $35
  million term loan. Initial borrowings on that date were $19.9 million on
  the working capital facility and $35 million on the term loan, which
  proceeds together with $12 million cash on hand were used to consummate the
  Acquisition, including associated fees and expenses.
 
    The $90 million working capital facility (the "New Working Capital
  Facility") consists of a long-term working capital line of credit, the
  availability of which is tied to a defined borrowing base formula. As of
  February 3, 1997, $54,781,000 was unused and available. Borrowings under
  the New Working Capital Facility are non-amortizing and are due February 3,
  2001. The borrowings bear interest at a Base Rate, as defined, or LIBOR
  plus 2%, as defined, at the option of the Company. The Company pays a
  commitment fee of .25% per annum on the unused portion of the $90 million
  working capital line of credit. The New Working Capital Facility also
  provides for the issuance of letters of credit up to $7,500,000
  outstanding, of which $2,563,000 was outstanding at February 3, 1997. The
  obligations of the Company under the New Working Capital Facility are
  secured by a lien on substantially all accounts receivable and inventory.
 
    The $35 million term loan facility (the "New Term Loan") bears interest
  at a Base Rate, as defined, or LIBOR plus 2.5%, as defined, at the
  Company's option. Scheduled principal payments are: 1997, $1,750,000; 1998,
  $4,250,000; 1999, $5,000,000 and 2000, $24,000,000. The New Term Loan is
  secured by the assets of certain manufacturing facilities purchased by the
  Company in connection with the Acquisition.
 
    The New Working Capital Facility and New Term Loan contain certain
  restrictive covenants not materially different from the prior working
  capital facility and the Notes described above.
 
    The aggregate annual scheduled principal repayments of long-term debt
  outstanding as of December 28, 1996 are: 1997, $6,990,000; 1998,
  $6,838,000; 1999, $6,982,000; 2000, $7,310,000 and 2001, $11,442,000.
 
    Cash payments of interest on debt were $15,319,000, $17,742,000 and
  $17,854,000 for 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
 
5. COMMON STOCK SUBJECT TO PUT RIGHTS
 
    Until the earlier of September 2001 or a public offering of the Company's
  common stock, certain shareholders may require the Company to repurchase
  annually a portion of their shares at the then fair market value, as
  defined. These put rights, which apply to approximately 7,956,638 of the
  common shares outstanding as of December 28, 1996, may only be exercised
  once during any 12-month period and only if the Company is able to obtain
  financing on commercially reasonable terms for such repurchase.
  Furthermore, the Company's obligation to repurchase shares is limited by
  certain financial and other covenants contained in the put agreement and
  the Company's debt agreements. The Company will not be required to
  repurchase shares in 1997 because of an indebtedness limitation set forth
  in the put agreement. Such limitation provides that the Company does not
  have to accept a put to the extent that the ratio of its debt as of the
  prior year-end plus debt incurred to finance the put exceeds 3.0 times the
  Company's
 
                                     F-11
<PAGE>
 
                                DAN RIVER INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                     DECEMBER 31, 1994, DECEMBER 30, 1995
                             AND DECEMBER 28, 1996
 
 
5. COMMON STOCK SUBJECT TO PUT RIGHTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  "earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization," as
  defined, for the previous fiscal year. In addition, the exercise of puts
  will be further limited by a restricted payment provision contained in the
  indenture under the Notes, which prevents certain payments, including
  dividends and payments to shareholders for the repurchase of capital stock,
  from reducing the Company's shareholders' equity below certain levels.
  Under this provision, cumulative restricted payments over the term of the
  put rights generally cannot exceed the greater of $7,000,000 or the sum of
  $1,000,000 plus 50% of the Company's cumulative post-1993 net income (or
  minus 100% of net losses), as defined, as of the year ending prior to the
  restricted payment. Cumulative post-1993 net income for this purpose was
  $17,453,000 as of December 28, 1996. Based on the minimum levels of
  shareholders' equity required by the restricted payment provision, the
  accompanying consolidated balance sheets reflect the reclassification of
  $7,000,000 and $9,726,000 from shareholders' equity to "common stock
  subject to put rights" as of December 30, 1995 and December 28, 1996,
  respectively.
 
6. INCOME TAXES
 
    The provision for income taxes is comprised of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1994   1995    1996
                                                          ------ ------  ------
                                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                    <C>    <C>     <C>
   Current:
     Federal............................................. $2,420 $3,123  $1,645
     State...............................................    565    388      83
                                                          ------ ------  ------
                                                           2,985  3,511   1,728
   Deferred:
     Federal.............................................  1,563 (1,365)  1,278
     State...............................................    284    (14)    564
                                                          ------ ------  ------
                                                           1,847 (1,379)  1,842
                                                          ------ ------  ------
   Provision for income taxes............................ $4,832 $2,132  $3,570
                                                          ====== ======  ======
</TABLE>
 
    A reconciliation of the differences between the provision for income
  taxes and income taxes computed using the statutory federal income tax rate
  of 35% follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1994   1995   1996
                                                           ------ ------ ------
                                                              (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                     <C>    <C>    <C>
   Amount computed using the statutory rate............... $2,925 $  837 $3,240
   Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
     State taxes..........................................    552    243    421
     Nondeductible interest...............................  1,321  1,018     80
     Other, net...........................................     34     34   (171)
                                                           ------ ------ ------
   Provision for income taxes............................. $4,832 $2,132 $3,570
                                                           ====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-12
<PAGE>
 
                                DAN RIVER INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                     DECEMBER 31, 1994, DECEMBER 30, 1995
                             AND DECEMBER 28, 1996
 
 
6. INCOME TAXES--(CONTINUED)
 
    Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary
  differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for
  financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.
  Significant components of the Company's deferred tax liabilities and assets
  at December 30, 1995 and December 28, 1996 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1995     1996
                                                              -------  -------
                                                              (IN THOUSANDS)
     <S>                                                      <C>      <C>
     Deferred tax liabilities:
       Book carrying value in excess of tax basis of
        property, plant and equipment........................ $27,930  $29,389
       Other.................................................   1,417    1,376
                                                              -------  -------
         Total deferred tax liabilities......................  29,347   30,765
     Deferred tax assets:
       Net operating loss and credit carryforwards...........  12,507   13,712
       Nondeductible reserves and accruals...................  10,108    8,437
       Minimum pension liability adjustment..................   1,207      399
       Other.................................................   1,231      770
                                                              -------  -------
         Total deferred tax assets...........................  25,053   23,318
       Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets...........  (5,270)  (4,767)
                                                              -------  -------
         Net deferred tax assets.............................  19,783   18,551
                                                              -------  -------
         Net deferred tax liabilities........................ $ 9,564  $12,214
                                                              =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
    At December 28, 1996, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of
  $900,000, which expire in 2005. In addition, the Company had available a
  minimum tax credit carryforward of $8,100,000, and investment credit and
  other general business credit carryforwards of $5,300,000. If not used,
  $4,300,000 of the investment credit and other general business credit
  carryforwards will expire in the years 1997 through 2000, and the remainder
  will expire in various years through 2010.
 
    Because the acquisition of the Predecessor in 1989 constituted a "change
  in ownership" under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, the
  utilization of net operating loss and credit carryforwards existing as of
  the acquisition date are subject to certain restrictions. These
  restrictions have not impacted the utilization of pre-acquisition net
  operating losses, none of which remain as of December 28, 1996, and are not
  expected to materially impact the future utilization of credit
  carryforwards.
 
    On September 3, 1991, the Company completed a financial restructuring
  (the "Restructuring") which involved issuing common and preferred stock to
  various parties. The Company believes that the Restructuring did not result
  in a "change in ownership" and thus did not cause further restrictions in
  the utilization of carryforwards. However, Section 382 and related
  regulations promulgated by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") are
  extremely complex, and the Company's assessment of whether or not a "change
  in ownership" occurred involves judgments as to certain factual issues and
  interpretations as to certain legal issues for which there is little
  guidance. There can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge the
  Company's conclusion that no "change in ownership" has occurred under
  Section 382. The utilization of the Company's pre-Restructuring
  carryforwards could be significantly restricted or eliminated if the
  Restructuring is deemed to constitute a "change in ownership." From the
  date of the Restructuring
 
                                     F-13
<PAGE>
 
                                 DAN RIVER INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                      DECEMBER 31, 1994, DECEMBER 30, 1995
                             AND DECEMBER 28, 1996
 
 
6. INCOME TAXES--(CONTINUED)
 
  through December 28, 1996, the Company utilized an aggregate of $16,876,000
  in net operating loss carryforwards and $1,723,000 in general business
  credit carryforwards for federal income tax purposes that are subject to
  review by the IRS.
 
    For financial reporting purposes, valuation allowances of $5,270,000 and
  $4,767,000 are reflected at December 30, 1995 and December 28, 1996,
  respectively, to offset a portion of the deferred tax assets.
 
    The Company made income tax payments of $1,482,000, $3,625,000, and
  $1,180,000 during 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
 
7. BENEFIT PLANS
   
  Hourly and salary retirement plans     
 
    The Company sponsors the Dan River Inc. Hourly Retirement Plan (the
  "Hourly Plan") and the Dan River Inc. Salary Retirement Plan (the "Salary
  Plan"). These plans are noncontributory and cover substantially all of the
  Company's full-time employees. Funding for the Hourly and Salary Plans is
  through employer cash contributions.
 
    Participants are generally eligible for full benefits at age 65 or upon
  completion of five years of vesting service, if later. Vesting service is
  defined generally as years of service from hire. Benefits of the Hourly
  Plan are determined based upon years of service while benefits of the
  Salary Plan are determined based upon years of service and career average
  earnings.
 
    The following sets forth the funded status of the plans at December 30,
  1995 and December 28, 1996:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1995      1996
                                                             --------  --------
                                                              (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                       <C>       <C>
   Actuarial present value of benefit obligations:
     Accumulated benefit obligation, including vested
      benefits of $15,174,000 at December 30, 1995 and
      $16,079,000 at December 28, 1996.....................  $(16,267) $(17,069)
                                                             ========  ========
     Projected benefit obligation for service rendered to
      date.................................................  $(17,558) $(18,591)
     Plan assets at fair value.............................    13,043    16,218
                                                             --------  --------
     Projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets.    (4,515)   (2,373)
     Unrecognized net loss.................................     4,343     1,896
     Minimum liability adjustment..........................    (3,052)   (1,008)
                                                             --------  --------
     Accrued pension cost included in the consolidated
      balance sheets.......................................  $ (3,224) $ (1,485)
                                                             ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
    The Company's practice is to fund amounts which are required by statute
  and applicable regulations and which are tax deductible. The minimum
  liability adjustment at December 30, 1995 and December 28, 1996, represents
  the excess of unfunded accumulated benefit obligations over previously
  recorded liabilities. A corresponding reduction is reflected in
  shareholders' equity, net of the related income tax effect of $1,207,000
  and $399,000 at December 30, 1995 and December 28, 1996, respectively.
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>
 
                                DAN RIVER INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                     DECEMBER 31, 1994, DECEMBER 30, 1995
                             AND DECEMBER 28, 1996
 
 
7. BENEFIT PLANS--(CONTINUED)
 
    Net pension cost for the plans included the following components:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1994     1995     1996
                                                      -------  -------  -------
                                                          (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                <C>      <C>      <C>
   Service cost...................................... $ 1,639  $ 1,452  $ 1,728
   Interest cost.....................................     999    1,181    1,401
   Actual return on assets...........................     317   (2,193)  (1,919)
   Other, net........................................  (1,159)   1,204      951
                                                      -------  -------  -------
   Net periodic pension cost......................... $ 1,796  $ 1,644  $ 2,161
                                                      =======  =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
    The projected benefit obligations were determined using an assumed
  discount rate of 7.25% at December 30, 1995 and 7.90% at December 28, 1996.
  An assumed long-term rate of increase in compensation of 4.25% was used at
  December 30, 1995 and 4.90% at December 28, 1996. The assumed long-term
  rate of return on plan assets was 9.5% at December 31, 1994, December 30,
  1995 and December 28, 1996. Assets of the plans consist of various
  institutional investment funds and money market accounts.
 
  Supplemental retirement plan
 
    The Company sponsors an unfunded supplemental retirement plan for certain
  former employees that provides for payments upon retirement, death or
  disability over the longer of the employee's life or ten years. The
  projected benefit obligations of $3,182,000 and $2,960,000 at December 30,
  1995 and December 28, 1996, respectively, are accrued in the accompanying
  consolidated balance sheets. The Company is a beneficiary of life insurance
  policies on certain participants in this plan.
 
  Stock option plan
 
    The Company sponsors a nonqualified stock option plan under which
  directors, officers and key management employees of the Company may be
  granted options to purchase shares of the Company's Class A common stock.
  The Company has reserved 647,500 shares of its authorized but unissued
  common stock for this plan. All options to purchase unissued shares granted
  through December 28, 1996 have an exercise price of $6.85 per share,
  generally vest on December 31, 1999, and expire on December 31, 2001. None
  of these options were exercisable at December 28, 1996.
 
    Prior to December 30, 1994, the plan also provided for the granting of
  options to purchase shares of the Company's Class A common stock from a
  certain principal shareholder at an exercise price of $0.57 per share. All
  of these options were exercisable at December 28, 1996 and expire on
  December 31, 1999.
 
    The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123
  "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," but applies Accounting
  Principles Board Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations in accounting
  for its plan. No compensation expense was recorded in 1995 or 1996. If the
  Company had elected to recognize compensation expense for the stock option
  plan based on the fair value at the grant dates for awards under the plan,
  consistent with the method prescribed by SFAS No. 123, the pro forma effect
  on net income would be immaterial for both years.
 
                                     F-15
<PAGE>
 
                                DAN RIVER INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                     DECEMBER 31, 1994, DECEMBER 30, 1995
                             AND DECEMBER 28, 1996
 
 
7. BENEFIT PLANS--(CONTINUED)
 
    The following table summarizes activity under the stock option plan:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     OPTIONS OUTSTANDING AGAINST
                                                     ---------------------------
                                                      AUTHORIZED  SHARES HELD BY
                                                     BUT UNISSUED   PRINCIPAL
                                                        SHARES     SHAREHOLDER
                                                     ------------ --------------
      <S>                                            <C>          <C>
      Outstanding at 12/31/94.......................   603,750       524,300
      Granted.......................................    20,125           --
      Forfeited.....................................   (28,875)      (10,500)
                                                       -------       -------
      Outstanding at 12/30/95.......................   595,000       513,800
      Granted.......................................    13,125           --
      Exercised.....................................       --        (51,800)
      Forfeited.....................................   (13,300)       (5,250)
                                                       -------       -------
      Outstanding at 12/28/96.......................   594,825       456,750
                                                       =======       =======
</TABLE>
 
    The weighted average fair value of options granted during the year ended
  December 28, 1996 is $1.60. For this purpose, fair value was determined
  under the minimum value method, assuming a dividend yield of 0.0%, a risk
  free interest rate of 5.3% and an expected holding period of five years.
 
    In October 1997, the Company adopted new stock incentive plans (the "1997
  Plans") for key executives and directors that allow for the grant of stock
  options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights ("SARs") and stock.
  Under the 1997 Plans, there are 1,925,000 shares of Class A Common Stock
  reserved for issuance. Options and SARs granted under the 1997 Plans will
  expire no later than 10 years after the date of grant and the exercise
  prices of options and grant values for SARs will be no less than 100% of
  the fair market value of the Class A Common Stock on the date of grant. In
  October 1997, the Board of Directors approved the grant of options to
  purchase 601,500 shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock contingent
  upon completion of the Offering (see Note 3) at an exercise price equal to
  the offering price. These options will expire ten years from the date of
  the Offering.
 
8. OTHER OPERATING COSTS, NET
     
    During 1994 charges totaling $742,000 were recognized for writedowns and
  disposals of equipment rendered obsolete by the Company's ongoing
  modernization program. The Company also recorded a $792,000 charge in 1994
  for stock based compensation associated with shares of the Company's common
  stock deemed contributed to capital by a principal shareholder. Charges in
  1995 relating to the modernization program totaled $4,391,000. Also in
  1995, the Company recorded a $1,576,000 loss for the writedown of a
  leasehold and other costs related to the relocation of the Company's
  marketing headquarters in New York, and a $3,005,000 charge for the
  writedown of assets associated with the Company's decision to discontinue
  one of its apparel fabrics product lines. In 1996 the Company reversed
  $849,000 of the prior year charge relating to the discontinued product line
  due to better than anticipated recovery value of assets previously written
  down. In addition, the Company reversed $84,000 of the reserve for the
  marketing headquarters relocation primarily due to the early buyout of the
  existing lease. These reversals were offset in part by net charges of
  $505,000 for equipment rendered obsolete by the modernization program. At
  December 28, 1996, other accrued liabilities includes approximately
  $469,000 for a lease buyout to be settled in early 1997 and $570,000 for
  costs related to idle equipment expected to be incurred within two years.
      
                                     F-16
<PAGE>
 
                                 DAN RIVER INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                      DECEMBER 31, 1994, DECEMBER 30, 1995
                             AND DECEMBER 28, 1996
 
 
9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
    The Company leases certain manufacturing equipment, warehouses and office
  facilities under operating leases that expire at various dates through
  2011. Rental expense for 1994, 1995 and 1996 amounted to approximately
  $14,247,000, $13,032,000 and $10,296,000, respectively, net of rental
  income on noncancelable leases and subleases of approximately $1,697,000,
  $1,544,000 and $76,000, respectively.
 
    The future minimum lease payments at December 28, 1996 due under
  operating leases with noncancelable terms in excess of one year are as
  follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  (IN THOUSANDS)
      <S>                                                         <C>
      1997.......................................................    $ 5,310
      1998.......................................................      4,243
      1999.......................................................      2,817
      2000.......................................................      2,044
      2001.......................................................      2,001
      Later......................................................     16,283
                                                                     -------
                                                                     $32,698
                                                                     =======
</TABLE>
 
    Commitments for additions to plant and equipment amounted to
  approximately $6,673,000 at December 28, 1996. Certain manufacturing and
  warehouse leases contain renewal options at their fair rental values.
 
    The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims which have
  arisen in the ordinary course of its business and have not been finally
  adjudicated. It is impossible at this time for the Company to predict with
  any certainty the outcome of such litigation. However, management is of the
  opinion, based upon information presently available, that it is unlikely
  that any such liability, to the extent not provided for through insurance
  or otherwise, would be material in relation to the Company's consolidated
  financial position.
 
10. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
  Off balance sheet risk
 
    In connection with the purchase of cotton for anticipated manufacturing
  requirements, the Company enters into cotton forward purchase commitments,
  futures and option contracts in order to reduce the risk associated with
  future price fluctuations. The Company does not engage in speculation.
  There were no material cotton futures or options contracts outstanding at
  December 30, 1995 or December 28, 1996. See Note 2 for information on the
  Company's accounting policy with respect to cotton futures and option
  contracts.
 
  Concentrations of credit risk
 
    Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a
  concentration of credit risk consist principally of temporary cash
  investments and trade accounts receivable. The Company places its temporary
  cash investments with high credit quality financial institutions.
  Concentration of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable is
  managed by an in-house professional credit staff. The Company performs
  periodic credit evaluations of its customers' financial condition and
  generally does not require collateral.
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>
 
                                 DAN RIVER INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
                      DECEMBER 31, 1994, DECEMBER 30, 1995
                             AND DECEMBER 28, 1996
 
10. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  Fair values
 
    The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and
  accounts payable approximate fair values due to the short-term nature of
  these instruments. The fair value of the Company's senior subordinated
  notes, based on quoted market prices, was $109,200,000 and $120,600,000 at
  December 30, 1995 and December 28, 1996, respectively, compared to a
  carrying value of $120,000,000. Based on rates available for similar types
  of borrowings, the carrying values of the Company's other debt approximated
  fair value at December 30, 1995 and December 28, 1996.
 
11. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
 
    The Company's unaudited consolidated results of operations are presented
  below (in thousands, except per share data):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               FIRST   SECOND  THIRD   FOURTH
                                               QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER
                                               ------- ------- ------- --------
   <S>                                         <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
   Year ended December 30, 1995:
     Net sales................................ $98,111 $96,972 $88,155 $101,563
     Cost of sales............................  78,877  75,872  70,068   82,062
     Net income (loss)........................     958   2,086     444   (3,230)
     Earnings (loss) per share--
       Primary................................    0.08    0.18    0.04    (0.23)
       Fully diluted..........................    0.08    0.18    0.09    (0.23)
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              FIRST    SECOND  THIRD   FOURTH
                                              QUARTER  QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER
                                              -------  ------- ------- --------
   <S>                                        <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>
   Year ended December 28, 1996:
     Net sales............................... $83,738  $93,203 $95,090 $107,536
     Cost of sales...........................  70,134   74,940  75,901   86,408
     Net income (loss).......................  (1,428)   1,336   2,305    3,473
     Earnings (loss) per share--
       Primary...............................   (0.10)    0.09    0.16     0.25
       Fully diluted.........................   (0.10)    0.09    0.16     0.25
</TABLE>
 
    The interim earnings (loss) per share amounts were computed as if each
  quarter was a discrete period. As a result, the sum of the earnings (loss)
  per share by quarter will not necessarily total the annual earnings per
  share.
 
    The fourth quarter of 1995 includes certain pre-tax charges amounting to
  $8,972,000, relating to the Company's ongoing modernization program and
  other items. These charges decreased net income by $5,424,000 ($0.38 per
  share). See Note 8.
 
12. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
 
    On February 3, 1997 the Company acquired substantially all of the assets
  of The New Cherokee Corporation, a manufacturer of yarn-dyed shirting and
  sportswear fabrics, for approximately $65 million in cash, subject to a
  working capital adjustment, and the assumption of certain operating
  liabilities. See Note 4 concerning the financing of the acquisition.
 
13. UNAUDITED PRO FORMA SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
    If the offering mentioned in Note 3 is consummated under the terms
  presently anticipated, the put rights currently available to certain
  shareholders (Note 5) will terminate. Unaudited pro forma shareholders'
  equity reflects the assumed termination of these put rights.
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>
 
                                 DAN RIVER INC.
 
                UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                PRO FORMA
                                             SEPTEMBER 27, SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                                 1997            (NOTE 8)
                                             ------------- --------------------
                                              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND
                                                      PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                          <C>           <C>
                   ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents.................   $  1,416
  Accounts receivable, net..................     69,421
  Inventories...............................    100,722
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets.      3,530
  Deferred income taxes.....................      5,893
                                               --------
    Total current assets....................    180,982
Property, plant and equipment...............    314,476
  Less accumulated depreciation and
   amortization.............................   (108,630)
                                               --------
    Net property, plant and equipment.......    205,846
Other assets................................      6,806
                                               --------
                                               $393,634
                                               ========
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Current maturities of long-term debt......   $ 11,943
  Accounts payable..........................     27,699
  Accrued compensation and related benefits.     14,134
  Other accrued expenses....................     10,595
                                               --------
    Total current liabilities...............     64,371
Other liabilities:
  Long-term debt............................    206,522
  Deferred income taxes.....................     16,451
  Other deferred items......................     11,343
                                               --------
    Total other liabilities.................    234,316
Common stock subject to put rights..........     13,389          $    --
Shareholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, $.01 par value;
   authorized 50,000,000 shares; no shares
   issued...................................        --                --
  Common stock, Class A, $.01 par value;
   authorized 175,000,000 shares; issued and
   outstanding 12,712,945 shares............        127               127
  Common stock, Class B, $.01 par value;
   authorized 35,000,000 shares; no shares
   issued...................................        --                --
  Common stock, Class C, $.01 par value;
   authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and
   outstanding 1,442,220 shares.............         14                14
  Additional paid-in capital................     61,005            74,394
  Retained earnings.........................     21,021            21,021
  Pension liability adjustment..............       (609)             (609)
                                               --------          --------
    Total shareholders' equity..............     81,558            94,947
                                               --------          --------
                                               $393,634          $393,634
                                               ========          ========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>
 
                                 DAN RIVER INC.
 
             UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                     ---------------------------
                                                     SEPTEMBER 28, SEPTEMBER 27,
                                                         1996          1997
                                                     ------------- -------------
                                                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE
                                                         AND PER SHARE DATA)
   <S>                                               <C>           <C>
   Net sales........................................  $   272,031   $   344,189
   Costs and expenses:
     Cost of sales..................................      220,975       268,739
     Selling, general and administrative expenses...       33,866        39,212
     Other operating costs, net.....................          --          7,875
                                                      -----------   -----------
   Operating income.................................       17,190        28,363
   Other income (expense), net......................          429          (269)
   Interest expense.................................      (13,959)      (16,177)
                                                      -----------   -----------
   Income before income taxes.......................        3,660        11,917
   Provision for income taxes.......................        1,447         4,594
                                                      -----------   -----------
   Net income.......................................  $     2,213   $     7,323
                                                      ===========   ===========
   Earnings per share...............................  $      0.16   $      0.52
                                                      ===========   ===========
   Weighted average shares outstanding..............   14,155,165    14,155,165
                                                      ===========   ===========
</TABLE>
 
 
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>
 
                                 DAN RIVER INC.
 
           UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                    ---------------------------
                                                    SEPTEMBER 28, SEPTEMBER 27,
                                                        1996          1997
                                                    ------------- -------------
                                                          (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income.......................................   $  2,213      $  7,323
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
   provided by operating activities:
    Noncash interest expense.......................        890         1,031
    Depreciation and amortization..................     15,658        20,839
    Deferred income taxes..........................        411        (1,656)
    Loss on writedown/disposal of equipment........        139            78
    Writedown-plant closure........................        --          7,875
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities,
     net of business acquired:
    Accounts receivable............................      2,788         1,633
    Inventories....................................      7,259       (16,432)
    Prepaid expenses and other assets..............       (279)         (313)
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses..........     (1,512)        4,732
    Other liabilities..............................        263         2,196
                                                      --------      --------
      Net cash provided by operating activities....     27,830        27,306
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Total capital expenditures.......................    (24,419)      (13,711)
    Plant and equipment acquired in exchange for
     debt..........................................      4,236         1,113
    Accrued equipment purchases....................     (1,089)       (1,424)
                                                      --------      --------
    Capital expenditures in cash...................    (21,272)      (14,022)
  Acquisition of business..........................        --        (64,661)
  Proceeds from sale of discontinued product line..      2,801           --
  Proceeds from sale of assets.....................      1,347         1,777
                                                      --------      --------
      Net cash used by investing activities........    (17,124)      (76,906)
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Payments of long-term debt.......................    (16,818)       (7,585)
  Net payments--working capital facility...........    (18,800)       (5,900)
  Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt.........     25,313        60,783
  Payments of debt issuance costs..................        --         (1,324)
                                                      --------      --------
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities...    (10,305)       45,974
                                                      --------      --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
 equivalents.......................................        401        (3,626)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period...      1,540         5,042
                                                      --------      --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period.........   $  1,941      $  1,416
                                                      ========      ========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>
 
                                DAN RIVER INC.
 
                   NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
                             FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
    The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
  include the accounts of Dan River Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Dan
  River Factory Stores, Inc. (together, the "Company"). In the opinion of
  management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals)
  considered necessary for a fair presentation of results for the interim
  periods presented have been included. Interim results are not necessarily
  indicative of results for a full year. For further information, refer to
  the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere
  in this Prospectus.
 
2. EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
    In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
  Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128, "Earnings per
  Share," which is required to be adopted in the fourth quarter of fiscal
  1997. At that time, the Company will be required to change the method
  currently used to compute earnings per share and to restate all prior
  periods. Under the new requirements for calculating basic earnings per
  share, the dilutive effect of stock options will be excluded. The Company
  does not expect SFAS 128 to have a significant effect on the calculation of
  basic and diluted earnings per share, except the antidilutive effect of the
  convertible subordinated junior notes will not be included in the
  calculation of diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 30,
  1995.
 
3. INVENTORIES
 
    The components of inventory at September 27, 1997 are as follows (in
  thousands):
 
<TABLE>
       <S>                                                              <C>
       Finished goods.................................................. $ 30,512
       Work in process.................................................   57,631
       Raw materials...................................................    3,588
       Supplies........................................................    8,991
                                                                        --------
           Total Inventories........................................... $100,722
                                                                        ========
</TABLE>
 
4. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
    Activity in shareholders' equity is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             CLASS A CLASS C ADDITIONAL           PENSION
                             COMMON  COMMON   PAID-IN   RETAINED LIABILITY
                              STOCK   STOCK   CAPITAL   EARNINGS ADJUSTMENT  TOTAL
                             ------- ------- ---------- -------- ---------- -------
                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                       <C>     <C>     <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>
   Balance at December 28,
    1996...................   $127     $14    $64,668   $13,698    $(609)   $77,898
   Change in common stock
    subject to put rights..    --      --      (3,663)      --       --      (3,663)
   Net Income..............    --      --         --      7,323      --       7,323
                              ----     ---    -------   -------    -----    -------
   Balance at September 27,
    1997...................   $127     $14    $61,005   $21,021    $(609)   $81,558
                              ====     ===    =======   =======    =====    =======
</TABLE>
 
    On September 26, 1997, the Company filed a registration statement for the
  sale of Class A Common Stock to the public (the "Offering").
 
    In connection with the Offering, the shareholders of the Company approved
  a multi-step recapitalization plan which became effective on November 3,
  1997 (the "Recapitalization"). Prior to the Recapitalization, the Company's
  outstanding capital stock included 1,500,000 authorized shares of voting
  stock, par value $.01 per share ("Old Voting Stock") (726,454 shares of
  which were outstanding as of
 
                                     F-22
<PAGE>
 
                                DAN RIVER INC.
 
                   NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
                       FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
4. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY--(CONTINUED)
 
  December 28, 1996), and 1,500,000 authorized shares of non-voting common
  stock, par value $.01 per share ("Old Nonvoting Stock") (82,413 shares of
  which were outstanding as of December 28, 1996).
 
    The Company first amended and restated its Articles of Incorporation (the
  "Restated Articles"). Upon filing of the Restated Articles: (i) Class A
  Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, entitled to one vote per share,
  Class B Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, entitled to 4.39 votes per
  share, and Class C Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, nonvoting, were
  created; (ii) each outstanding share of Old Voting Stock was reclassified
  and exchanged for 17.5 shares of Class A Common Stock of the Company
  ("Class A Common") and (iii) each outstanding share of Old Nonvoting Stock
  was reclassified and exchanged for 17.5 shares of Class C Common Stock of
  the Company ("Class C Common") (the "Reclassification"). Shares of Class C
  Common will automatically convert into shares of Class A Common on a share-
  for-share basis upon consummation of the Offering.
 
    Upon consummation of the Offering, the Company will complete an exchange
  offer (the "Exchange Offer") pursuant to which certain members of senior
  management of the Company (and certain of their family members) that held
  Old Voting Stock prior to the Reclassification will exchange 2,062,070
  shares of Class A Common for shares of supervoting Class B Common Stock
  ("Class B Common") on a share-for-share basis.
 
    All share and per share amounts in the accompanying financial statements
  and the related notes have been adjusted to reflect the impact of the
  Reclassification on the number of shares outstanding and the per share
  amounts. No adjustment has been made in the accompanying financial
  statements and the related notes for the Exchange Offer or the automatic
  conversion of Class C Common into Class A Common upon the consummation of
  the Offering.
 
5. OTHER OPERATING COSTS, NET
 
    During the quarter ended June 28, 1997, the Company recorded a pre-tax
  charge of $7,875,000 as a result of its decision to close its Riverside
  apparel fabrics weaving operation in Danville, Virginia. The charge
  includes $373,000 for severance and other benefits related to approximately
  200 employees. The remainder of the charge relates principally to
  writedowns and other costs associated with the divestitures of real estate
  and equipment. The Company will close the facility during the fourth
  quarter of 1997 and anticipates that substantially all of the facility's
  assets will be relocated or disposed of within a 2-year period.
 
6. INCOME TAXES
 
    At December 28, 1996, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of
  $900,000, which expire in 2005. In addition, the Company had available a
  minimum tax credit carryforward of $8,100,000, and investment credit and
  other general business credit carryforwards of $5,300,000. If not used,
  substantially all of the investment credit and other general business
  credit carryforwards will expire in the years 1997 through 2000.
 
    On September 3, 1991, the Company completed a financial restructuring
  (the "Restructuring") which involved issuing common and preferred stock to
  various parties. The Company believes that the Restructuring did not result
  in a "change in ownership" under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code.
  However, Section 382 and related regulations promulgated by the Internal
  Revenue Service (IRS) are extremely complex, and the Company's assessment
  of whether or not a "change in ownership" occurred involves judgments as to
  certain factual issues and interpretations as to certain legal issues for
  which there is little guidance.
 
                                     F-23
<PAGE>
 
                                DAN RIVER INC.
 
                   NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
                       FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
6. INCOME TAXES--(CONTINUED)
 
    From the date of the Restructuring through December 28, 1996, the Company
  utilized an aggregate of $16,876,000 in net operating loss carryforwards
  and $1,723,000 in general business credit carryforwards for federal income
  tax purposes that are subject to review by the IRS. The utilization of
  these carryforwards and related tax benefits could be significantly
  restricted or eliminated if the Restructuring is ultimately deemed to
  constitute a "change in ownership."
 
7. ACQUISITION
 
    On February 3, 1997, the Company acquired substantially all the assets of
  The New Cherokee Corporation ("Cherokee") for $65 million in cash, subject
  to a working capital adjustment, and the assumption of certain operating
  liabilities. The purchase price and associated fees and expenses of
  approximately $2 million were funded at closing with $12.1 million of cash
  on hand, and borrowings under a new working capital line of credit and term
  loan of $19.9 million and $35 million, respectively. In July 1997, as a
  result of the working capital adjustment, the Company received $1.7 million
  from an escrow deposit. The acquisition has been accounted for using the
  purchase method of accounting and the preliminary allocation of the
  purchase price did not result in the recording of goodwill.
 
    The following summarized, unaudited pro forma results of operations
  assume the acquisition of Cherokee had occurred at the beginning of each
  period presented. The pro forma information is presented for informational
  purposes and is not indicative of results which would have occurred or
  which may occur in the future.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                     ---------------------------
                                                     SEPTEMBER 28, SEPTEMBER 27,
                                                         1996          1997
                                                     ------------- -------------
                                                        (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT
                                                           PER SHARE DATA)
   <S>                                               <C>           <C>
   Net sales........................................   $350,294      $353,399
   Net income (loss)................................   $   (101)     $  7,794
   Earnings (loss) per share........................   $  (0.01)     $   0.55
</TABLE>
 
8. PRO FORMA SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
     
    If the offering mentioned in Note 4 is consummated under the terms
  presently anticipated, the put rights currently available to certain
  shareholders will terminate. Unaudited pro forma shareholders' equity
  reflects the assumed termination of these put rights.     
 
9. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT
     
    In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No.
  131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information",
  effective for years beginning after December 15, 1997. SFAS 131 requires
  that a public company report financial and descriptive information about
  its reportable operating segments pursuant to criteria that differ from
  those of SFAS 14, "Financial Reporting for Segments of a Business
  Enterprise". Operating segments, as defined, are components of an
  enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is
  evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how
  to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The financial
  information to be reported includes segment profit or loss, certain revenue
  and expense items and segment assets and reconciliations to corresponding
  amounts in the general purpose financial statements. SFAS 131 also requires
  information about products and services, geographic areas of operation, and
  major customers. The Company is required to adopt SFAS 131 at the end of
  its 1998 fiscal year. The Company has not completed its analysis of the
  effect of adoption on its financial statement disclosure, however, the
  adoption of SFAS 131 will not affect results of operations or financial
  position.     
 
                                     F-24
<PAGE>
 
                                DAN RIVER INC.
 
        UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
  On February 3, 1997 Dan River Inc. (the "Company") acquired substantially
all of the assets of The New Cherokee Corporation ("Cherokee") for $65 million
in cash, subject to a working capital adjustment, and the assumption of
certain operating liabilities.
 
  The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the
fiscal year ended December 28, 1996 and nine months ended September 27, 1997
give effect to the acquisition of Cherokee (the "Acquisition") and the
Company's initial public offering of common stock (the "Offering") as if the
Acquisition and Offering had occurred on the first day of the periods
presented. For purposes of presenting the pro forma financial information of
Cherokee for the year ended December 28, 1996, the results of Cherokee's
operations for its fiscal year ended September 28, 1996 were adjusted by
adding the results of operations for the quarter ended December 28, 1996 and
omitting the results for the comparative quarter ended December 30, 1995. The
revenues and net loss of Cherokee omitted for the quarter ended December 30,
1995 were $27,521,000 and $1,655,000, respectively.
 
  The pro forma information does not purport to reflect the results of
operations that actually would have resulted had the Acquisition and the
Offering occurred as of the dates indicated or to the project the results of
operations for any future period.
 
  The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income should
be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes and the audited financial
statements, including the notes thereto, of the Company and Cherokee,
respectively, included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
                                     F-25
<PAGE>
 
                                DAN RIVER INC.
 
        UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
 
                         YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 28, 1996
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                       PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS
                                                   -----------------------------
                          DAN RIVER INC. CHEROKEE  CHEROKEE ACQUISITION OFFERING   PRO FORMA
                          -------------- --------  -------------------- --------   ----------
                                  (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                       <C>            <C>       <C>                  <C>        <C>
Net Sales...............    $  379,567   $101,072                                  $  480,639
Cost and expenses:
  Cost of sales.........       307,383     93,667         (1,000)(1)                  399,602
                                                             372 (2)
                                                            (820)(3)
  Selling, general and
   administrative
   expenses.............        45,673     10,221            101 (2)                   51,863
                                                          (4,132)(4)
  Other operating costs,
   net..................          (428)     3,350         (3,350)(5)                      392
                                                             820 (3)
                            ----------   --------        -------         ------    ----------
Operating income (loss).        26,939     (6,166)         8,009                       28,782
Other income (expense),
 net....................           485        (47)                                        438
Interest expense........       (18,168)    (3,358)        (2,310)(6)      5,434(7)    (18,402)
                            ----------   --------        -------         ------    ----------
Income (loss) before
 income taxes...........         9,256     (9,571)         5,699          5,434        10,818
Provision for income
 taxes..................         3,570      9,324        (10,816)(8)      2,098(8)      4,176
                            ----------   --------        -------         ------    ----------
Net income (loss).......    $    5,686   $(18,895)       $16,515         $3,336    $    6,642
                            ==========   ========        =======         ======    ==========
Earnings per share......    $     0.40                                             $     0.35
                            ==========                                             ==========
Weighted average shares
 outstanding............    14,155,165                                             18,855,165
                            ==========                                             ==========
</TABLE>    
- --------
(1) Decrease in depreciation expense based on adjusted fixed asset values and
    related estimated remaining useful lives.
(2) Additional costs associated with providing a pension benefit to Cherokee
    employees hired by the Company.
   
(3) Reclassification of equipment writedowns from Cost of sales to Other
    operating costs, net.     
   
(4) Elimination of certain selling, general and administrative expenses,
    including: salaries and benefits of certain officers and other employees
    of Cherokee who were not employed by Dan River Inc. after the Acquisition;
    and costs associated with Cherokee's marketing offices, which Dan River
    vacated shortly after the Acquisition.     
   
(5) Elimination of expenses associated with Cherokee's Employee Stock
    Ownership Plan, the obligations which were not assumed in connection with
    the Acquisition.     
   
(6) Net increase in interest expense resulting from the Acquisition, as
    follows:     
 
<TABLE>
   <S>                                                             <C>
   Interest and amortization of related deferred finance costs on
    approximately $67 million in borrowings incurred to finance
    the Acquisition, with assumed average annual interest rates
    of approximately 7.8%........................................  $ 5,593,000
   Interest on debt assumed in the Acquisition...................       75,000
   Elimination of Cherokee historical interest expense...........   (3,358,000)
                                                                   -----------
   Net increase in interest expense..............................  $ 2,310,000
                                                                   ===========
</TABLE>
   
(7) Decrease in interest expense attributable to the assumed repayment of $65
    million in borrowings related to the Acquisition out of the net proceeds
    from the Offering.     
   
(8) Adjustment of income tax expense to reflect an assumed effective tax rate
    of 38.6% of pre-tax income.     
       
                                     F-26
<PAGE>
 
                                 DAN RIVER INC.
 
                   UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
                              STATEMENT OF INCOME
 
                      NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 27, 1997
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                    PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS
                                                    -----------------------------
                                                     CHEROKEE
                         DAN RIVER INC. CHEROKEE(1) ACQUISITION       OFFERING         PRO FORMA
                         -------------- ----------- ------------      -----------     -----------
                                (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                      <C>            <C>         <C>               <C>             <C>
Net Sales...............  $   344,189     $9,210                                      $   353,399
Cost and expenses:
  Cost of sales.........      268,739      7,208             (83)(2)                      275,895
                                                              31 (3)
  Selling, general and
   administrative
   expenses.............       39,212      1,085               8 (3)                       39,961
                                                            (344)(4)
Other operating costs,
 net....................        7,875        302            (302)(5)                        7,875
                          -----------     ------       ---------       -----------    -----------
Operating income........       28,363        615             690                           29,668
Other income (expense),
 net....................         (269)         7                                             (262)
Interest expense........      (16,177)      (318)           (224)(6)         4,144(7)     (12,575)
                          -----------     ------       ---------       -----------    -----------
Income before income
 taxes..................       11,917        304             466             4,144         16,831
Provision for income
 taxes..................        4,594          0             299 (8)         1,600(8)       6,493
                          -----------     ------       ---------       -----------    -----------
Net income..............  $     7,323     $  304       $     167       $     2,544    $    10,338
                          ===========     ======       =========       ===========    ===========
Earnings per share......  $      0.52                                                 $      0.55
                          ===========                                                 ===========
Weighted average shares
 outstanding............   14,155,165                                                  18,855,165
                          ===========                                                 ===========
</TABLE>    
- --------
(1) Reflects the operating results of Cherokee for the portion of 1997 prior to
    the Acquisition.
(2) Decrease in depreciation expense based on adjusted fixed asset values and
    related estimated remaining useful lives.
(3) Additional costs associated with providing a pension benefit to Cherokee
    employees hired by the Company.
(4) Elimination of certain selling, general and administrative expenses,
    including: salaries and benefits of certain officers and other employees of
    Cherokee who were not employed by Dan River Inc. after the Acquisition,
    and; costs associated with Cherokee's marketing offices, which Dan River
    vacated shortly after the Acquisition.
(5) Elimination of expenses associated with Cherokee's Employee Stock Ownership
    Plan, the obligations which were not assumed in connection with the
    Acquisition.
(6) Net increase in interest expense resulting from the Acquisition
    (representing the five week period prior to the consummation of the
    Acquisition on February 3, 1997) as follows:
<TABLE>
   <S>                                                             <C>
   Interest and amortization of certain deferred finance costs on
    approximately $67 million in borrowings incurred to finance
    the Acquisition, with assumed average annual interest rates of
    approximately 7.8%............................................ $ 535,000
   Interest on debt assumed in the Acquisition....................     7,000
   Elimination of Cherokee historical interest expense............  (318,000)
                                                                   ---------
    Net increase in interest expense.............................. $ 224,000
                                                                   =========
</TABLE>
(7) Decrease in interest expense attributable to the assumed repayment of $65
    million in borrowings related to the Acquisition out of the net proceeds
    from the Offering.
(8) Adjustment of income tax expense to reflect an assumed effective tax rate
    of 38.6% of pre-tax income.
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>
 
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
 
Board of Directors
The New Cherokee Corporation
Harris, North Carolina
 
  We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of The New Cherokee
Corporation as of September 30, 1995 and September 28, 1996 and the related
statements of operations, changes in shareholders' equity, and cash flows for
the years ended October 1, 1994, September 30, 1995 and September 28, 1996.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements
based on our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of The New Cherokee
Corporation as of September 30, 1995 and September 28, 1996, and the results
of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended October 1, 1994,
September 30, 1995 and September 28, 1996 in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
 
  As discussed in Note 15 to the financial statements, the Company changed its
method of accounting for certain inventories from the last-in, first-out
(LIFO) basis to the first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis in 1995.
 
  The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the
Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 9 to the
financial statements, as of September 28, 1996, the Company was in default
under certain covenants of its revolving and term credit agreements which
causes the balances to become due on demand. In addition, as discussed in Note
19, negotiations are presently under way with a third party to sell
substantially all the assets of the Company. These conditions raise
substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from
the outcomes of these uncertainties.
 
 
                                          Pugh & Company, P.C.
 
                                          Certified Public Accountants
                                          Knoxville, Tennessee
                                          October 18, 1996
                                          (Except for Notes 8 and 19, as to
                                          whichthe dates are October 31, 1996
                                          andNovember 20, 1996, respectively)
 
 
                                     F-28
<PAGE>
 
                          THE NEW CHEROKEE CORPORATION
 
                                 BALANCE SHEETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    SEPTEMBER 30,  SEPTEMBER 28,
                                                        1995           1996
                      ASSETS                        -------------  -------------
<S>                                                 <C>            <C>
Current Assets
  Cash............................................. $    315,614   $    497,726
  Trade Accounts Receivable........................   24,488,362     22,458,355
  Inventories......................................   20,024,645     12,389,823
  Prepaid Items and Other..........................       59,745        180,619
                                                    ------------   ------------
    Total Current Assets...........................   44,888,366     35,526,523
                                                    ------------   ------------
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net.................   53,867,962     51,961,090
                                                    ------------   ------------
Other Assets
  Cash Value of Life Insurance, Net of Policy Loans
   of $137,172.....................................    2,451,501      2,047,658
  Intangible Assets, Net of Accumulated
   Amortization of $303,184 and $335,161,
   respectively....................................      127,877        115,900
  Net Deferred Tax Asset...........................    8,466,647            -0-
  Other............................................      841,290      1,255,592
                                                    ------------   ------------
    Total Other Assets.............................   11,887,315      3,419,150
                                                    ------------   ------------
Total Assets....................................... $110,643,643   $ 90,906,763
                                                    ============   ============
       LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
  Checks Written in Excess of Cash on Deposit...... $  1,398,694   $  2,320,832
  Trade Accounts Payable...........................    5,504,068      4,228,776
  Accrued Expenses
    Litigation Settlement..........................    1,715,000            -0-
    ESOP Benefits..................................    1,500,000        646,630
    Other..........................................    2,021,401      2,018,585
  Notes Payable....................................    4,000,000      7,000,000
  Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt.............    2,576,179     35,896,284
                                                    ------------   ------------
    Total Current Liabilities......................   18,715,342     52,111,107
                                                    ------------   ------------
Long-Term Liabilities
  Long-Term Debt...................................   35,897,296        261,512
  Accrued Rent.....................................      325,000        346,739
  Deferred Compensation Plans......................    6,277,955      5,203,294
                                                    ------------   ------------
    Total Long-Term Liabilities....................   42,500,251      5,811,545
                                                    ------------   ------------
Shareholders' Equity
  Preferred Stock..................................   12,000,000     12,000,000
  Common Stock.....................................   17,979,310     17,979,310
  Capital in Excess of Par Value...................   20,384,496     20,384,496
  Retained Earnings (Deficit)......................    4,834,200    (14,172,239)
  Treasury Stock, 4,886 Shares at Par..............      (48,860)       (48,860)
  Deferred Compensation--Restricted Stock 47,709
   Shares at Cost..................................   (1,236,721)    (1,236,721)
  Notes Receivable from ESOP.......................   (4,484,375)    (1,921,875)
                                                    ------------   ------------
    Total Shareholders' Equity.....................   49,428,050     32,984,111
                                                    ------------   ------------
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity......... $110,643,643   $ 90,906,763
                                                    ============   ============
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
 
                                      F-29
<PAGE>
 
                          THE NEW CHEROKEE CORPORATION
 
                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                FOR THE YEARS ENDED
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                     OCTOBER 1,
                                        1994       SEPTEMBER 30,  SEPTEMBER 28,
                                      (RESTATED)        1995           1996
                                     ------------  -------------- --------------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>            <C>
Sales..............................  $110,202,321   $125,757,564   $105,783,472
Cost of Goods Manufactured and
 Sold..............................    95,238,678    110,767,026     99,073,099
                                     ------------   ------------   ------------
Gross Margin.......................    14,963,643     14,990,538      6,710,373
Selling, General and Administrative
 Expenses..........................    15,382,094     14,958,285     10,592,241
ESOP Contribution..................     6,995,259      7,085,499      3,697,774
                                     ------------   ------------   ------------
Net Operating Loss.................    (7,413,710)    (7,053,246)    (7,579,642)
                                     ------------   ------------   ------------
Other Income (Expense)
  Interest Income..................        25,382         13,088          8,988
  Miscellaneous Income.............        22,072        354,662        408,008
Interest Expense (Net of
 Capitalized Interest of $489,854,
 $-0- and $-0-, Respectively)......      (603,293)    (2,935,312)    (3,186,263)
Miscellaneous Expense (Including
 Litigation Settlements of
 $597,000, $1,715,000 and $-0-,
 Respectively).....................      (670,582)    (1,831,187)      (190,883)
                                     ------------   ------------   ------------
  Net Other Expense................    (1,226,421)    (4,398,749)    (2,960,150)
                                     ------------   ------------   ------------
Loss Before Income Taxes (Benefit).    (8,640,131)   (11,451,995)   (10,539,792)
Income Taxes (Benefit).............    (2,784,210)    (3,794,515)     8,466,647
                                     ------------   ------------   ------------
Net Loss...........................  $ (5,855,921)  $ (7,657,480)  $(19,006,439)
                                     ============   ============   ============
Loss per Share:
  Primary Loss Per Share Amounts...  $      (3.26)  $      (4.27)  $     (10.60)
                                     ============   ============   ============
  Fully Diluted Loss Per Share
   Amounts.........................  $      (2.55)  $      (3.20)  $      (7.94)
                                     ============   ============   ============
</TABLE>
 
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-30
<PAGE>
 
                          THE NEW CHEROKEE CORPORATION
 
                 STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
                  FOR THE THREE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 28, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     CAPITAL IN    RETAINED
                             PREFERRED     COMMON    EXCESS OF     EARNINGS
                                STOCK       STOCK     PAR VALUE    (DEFICIT)
                             ----------- ----------- -----------  ------------
<S>                          <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>
Balances, October 2, 1993,
 as Originally Stated....... $12,000,000 $17,979,310 $20,459,421  $ 14,891,613
  Restatement for Change in
   Accounting Principle;
   Change in Method of
   Accounting for Certain
   Inventories From LIFO to
   FIFO.....................         -0-         -0-         -0-     3,455,988
                             ----------- ----------- -----------  ------------
Balances, October 2, 1993,
 as Restated................  12,000,000  17,979,310  20,459,421    18,347,601
  Repayment of Loans to
   ESOP.....................         -0-         -0-         -0-           -0-
  Net Loss..................         -0-         -0-         -0-    (5,855,921)
                             ----------- ----------- -----------  ------------
Balances, October 1, 1994...  12,000,000  17,979,310  20,459,421    12,491,680
  Repayment of Loans to
   ESOP.....................         -0-         -0-         -0-           -0-
  Receipt of 4,682 Shares of
   Common Stock from
   Executive Deferred Stock
   Bonus Trust..............         -0-         -0-     (74,925)          -0-
  Net Loss..................         -0-         -0-         -0-    (7,657,480)
                             ----------- ----------- -----------  ------------
Balances, September 30,
 1995.......................  12,000,000  17,979,310  20,384,496     4,834,200
  Repayment of Loans to
   ESOP.....................         -0-         -0-         -0-           -0-
  Net Loss..................         -0-         -0-         -0-   (19,006,439)
                             ----------- ----------- -----------  ------------
Balances, September 28,
 1996....................... $12,000,000 $17,979,310 $20,384,496  $(14,172,239)
                             =========== =========== ===========  ============
</TABLE>
 
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-31
<PAGE>
 
                          THE NEW CHEROKEE CORPORATION
 
           STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (CONTINUED)
 
                  FOR THE THREE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 28, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         DEFERRED
                                       COMPENSATION-    NOTES          TOTAL
                            TREASURY    RESTRICTED   RECEIVABLE    SHAREHOLDERS'
                              STOCK        STOCK      FROM ESOP        EQUITY
                            ---------  ------------- ------------  --------------
<S>                         <C>        <C>           <C>           <C>
Balances, October 2, 1993,
 as Originally Stated.....  $ (2,040)   $(1,358,466) $(15,491,318)  $48,478,520
  Restatement for Change
   in Accounting
   Principle; Change in
   Method of Accounting
   for Certain Inventories
   From LIFO to FIFO......       -0-            -0-           -0-     3,455,988
                            --------    -----------  ------------   -----------
Balances, October 2, 1993,
 as Restated..............    (2,040)    (1,358,466)  (15,491,318)   51,934,508
  Repayment of Loans to
   ESOP...................       -0-            -0-     5,923,608     5,923,608
  Net Loss................       -0-            -0-           -0-    (5,855,921)
                            --------    -----------  ------------   -----------
Balances, October 1, 1994.    (2,040)    (1,358,466)   (9,567,710)   52,002,195
  Repayment of Loans to
   ESOP...................       -0-            -0-     5,083,335     5,083,335
  Receipt of 4,682 Shares
   of Common Stock from
   Executive Deferred
   Stock Bonus Trust......   (46,820)       121,745           -0-           -0-
  Net Loss................       -0-            -0-           -0-    (7,657,480)
                            --------    -----------  ------------   -----------
Balances, September 30,
 1995.....................   (48,860)    (1,236,721)   (4,484,375)   49,428,050
  Repayment of Loans to
   ESOP...................       -0-            -0-     2,562,500     2,562,500
  Net Loss................       -0-            -0-           -0-   (19,006,439)
                            --------    -----------  ------------   -----------
Balances, September 28,
 1996.....................  $(48,860)   $(1,236,721) $ (1,921,875)  $32,984,111
                            ========    ===========  ============   ===========
</TABLE>
 
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-32
<PAGE>
 
                          THE NEW CHEROKEE CORPORATION
 
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               FOR THE YEARS ENDED
                                    -------------------------------------------
                                    OCTOBER 1,
                                       1994       SEPTEMBER 30,  SEPTEMBER 28,
                                     (RESTATED)        1995           1996
                                    ------------  -------------- --------------
<S>                                 <C>           <C>            <C>
Cash Flows from Operating
 Activities:
  Cash Received from Customers..... $106,144,681   $126,116,453   $107,813,479
  Cash Paid to Suppliers, Employees
   and for Selling, General and
   Administrative Expenses.........  (97,408,911)  (119,973,720)   (99,478,559)
  ESOP Contributions...............   (6,995,259)    (7,085,499)    (3,697,774)
  Interest Received................       25,382         13,088          8,988
  Interest Paid....................   (1,093,147)    (2,854,811)    (3,321,526)
  Miscellaneous Receipts...........       22,072      1,489,626      1,018,014
                                    ------------   ------------   ------------
    Net Cash Provided by (Used in)
     Operating Activities..........      694,818     (2,294,863)     2,342,622
                                    ------------   ------------   ------------
Cash Flows from Investing
 Activities:
  Proceeds From Sales of Equipment.          -0-      2,117,327         77,076
  Purchases of Property, Plant and
   Equipment.......................  (30,981,220)    (5,658,132)    (6,347,636)
  (Increase) in Other Assets.......          -0-        (20,000)        20,000
  (Increase) in Cash Value of Life
   Insurance, Net..................     (325,410)      (459,537)       (80,363)
  Repayment on Loans to ESOP.......    5,923,608      5,083,335      2,562,500
  Receipt on Note Receivable.......          824          1,613          1,454
  Increase in Note Receivable......     (125,000)           -0-            -0-
                                    ------------   ------------   ------------
    Net Cash Provided by (Used in)
     Investing Activities..........  (25,507,198)     1,064,606     (3,766,969)
                                    ------------   ------------   ------------
Cash Flows from Financing
 Activities:
  Increase (Decrease) in Checks
   Written in Excess of Cash on
   Deposit.........................     (403,103)       263,610        922,138
  Net Proceeds From Notes Payable..          -0-      4,000,000      3,000,000
  Proceeds from Long-Term Debt
   Borrowing.......................   31,200,000      3,700,000        800,000
  Repayment on Long-Term Debt
   Borrowing.......................   (5,979,559)    (6,432,970)    (3,115,679)
                                    ------------   ------------   ------------
    Net Cash Activities by
     Financing Activities..........   24,817,338      1,530,640      1,606,459
                                    ------------   ------------   ------------
Net Increase in Cash...............        4,958        300,383        182,112
Cash at Beginning of Year..........       10,273         15,231        315,614
                                    ------------   ------------   ------------
Cash at End of Year................ $     15,231   $    315,614   $    497,726
                                    ============   ============   ============
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-33
<PAGE>
 
                          THE NEW CHEROKEE CORPORATION
 
                      STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  FOR THE YEARS ENDED
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        OCTOBER 1,
                                           1994      SEPTEMBER 30, SEPTEMBER 28,
                                        (RESTATED)       1995          1996
                                        -----------  ------------- -------------
<S>                                     <C>          <C>           <C>
Reconciliation of Net Loss to Net Cash
 Provided by (Used in) Operating
 Activities:
  Net Loss............................. $(5,855,921)  $(7,657,480) $(19,006,439)
                                        -----------   -----------  ------------
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Loss to
 Net Cash Provided by (Used in)
 Operating Activities:
  Depreciation.........................   7,540,814     8,688,294     7,567,426
  Amortization.........................      92,433        40,923        31,977
  Loss on Sales of Equipment...........         -0-       924,964       610,006
  Deferred Compensation Plans, Net.....     190,215      (327,914)   (1,026,211)
  Deferred Income Taxes (Benefit)......  (2,552,490)   (3,794,515)    8,466,647
  (Increase) Decrease in Assets:
  Trade Accounts Receivable............  (4,057,640)      358,889     2,030,007
  Inventories..........................   2,637,793    (3,466,709)    7,634,822
  Prepaid Items and Other..............     (47,064)      387,071      (140,874)
  Increase (Decrease) in Liabilities:
  Accounts Payable.....................   2,737,113      (566,489)   (1,275,292)
  Accrued Expenses and Other...........       9,565     3,118,103    (2,549,447)
                                        -----------   -----------  ------------
   Total Adjustments...................   6,550,739     5,362,617    21,349,061
                                        -----------   -----------  ------------
    Net Cash Provided by (Used in)
     Operating Activities.............. $   694,818   $(2,294,863) $  2,342,622
                                        ===========   ===========  ============
Supplementary Disclosure of Noncash
 Financing Activities:
 Transfer of Restricted Stock to
  Treasury Stock....................... $       -0-   $   121,745  $        -0-
                                        ===========   ===========  ============
</TABLE>
 
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-34
<PAGE>
 
                         THE NEW CHEROKEE CORPORATION
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
          OCTOBER 1, 1994, SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 AND SEPTEMBER 28, 1996
 
1. NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
    The New Cherokee Corporation (the "Company") is a manufacturer of yarn
  and woven fabrics for textile industry customers principally located in the
  eastern United States. The Company utilizes the fifty-two/fifty-three week
  method for its year-end, which is always the Saturday closest to September
  30. This summary of significant accounting policies of the Company is
  presented to assist in understanding the Company's financial statements.
  The financial statements and notes are representations of the Company's
  management who is responsible for their integrity and objectivity. These
  accounting policies conform to generally accepted accounting principles and
  have been consistently applied in the preparation of the financial
  statements. The summary of significant accounting policies is:
 
 Use of Estimates
 
    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
  accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
  assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
  disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the
  financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
  during the reporting period. Accordingly, actual results could differ from
  those estimates.
 
 Inventories
 
    Inventories, consisting of finished goods, stock in process, raw
  materials in bales, purchased yarn and other manufacturing supplies are
  stated at the lower of cost or market, using the first-in, first-out (FIFO)
  method (see Notes 3 and 15).
 
 Futures Contracts
 
    The Company enters into futures contracts to hedge certain raw material
  purchases, principally cotton, with the objective of minimizing cost risk
  due to market fluctuations. Any gains or losses from hedging transactions
  are included as part of the inventory cost.
 
 Intangible Assets
 
    Intangible assets consist of organization costs, which represent past
  merger expenses and are being amortized using the straight-line method over
  a five year period; and loan costs, which represent expenses incurred in
  regards to long-term debt borrowing or refinancing and are being amortized
  using the straight-line method over the lives of the loans, which range
  from two to eight years.
 
 Property, Plant and Equipment
 
    Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is
  computed using both straight-line and accelerated methods based on
  estimated useful lives of 5 to 50 years. The Company uses accelerated
  methods for income tax reporting purposes, except for the asset under
  capital lease which is treated as an operating lease for income tax
  reporting purposes.
 
 Income Taxes
 
    Income taxes are provided for the tax effects of transactions reported in
  the financial statements and consist of taxes currently due plus deferred
  taxes related primarily to differences between the basis of certain notes
  receivable from the Company's employee stock ownership plan, inventories,
  accrued expenses, deferred compensation plans liabilities; and calculation
  of depreciation expense for financial and income tax reporting. The
  deferred tax assets and liabilities represent the future tax return
  consequences of those differences, which will either be taxable or
  deductible when the assets and liabilities are recovered or settled.
  Deferred taxes also are recognized for operating losses which are available
  to offset future taxable income and tax credits which are available to
  offset future federal income taxes.
 
                                     F-35
<PAGE>
 
                         THE NEW CHEROKEE CORPORATION
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
          OCTOBER 1, 1994, SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 AND SEPTEMBER 28, 1996
 
1. NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES--
(CONTINUED)
 
 Checks Written in Excess of Cash on Deposit
 
    Checks written in excess of cash on deposit represents checks which have
  not yet been presented for payment. The Company's policy is to fund certain
  zero-balance accounts as checks are presented for payment.
 
2. TRADE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
 
 Factoring Agreement
 
    The Company factors principally all of its receivables from yarn and
  fabric sales with the factor assuming all credit risk. The Company receives
  payment from the factor based on the average due date of the invoices plus
  seven days for delays. Receivables consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     SEPTEMBER 30, SEPTEMBER 28,
                                                         1995          1996
                                                     ------------- -------------
   <S>                                               <C>           <C>
   Factored.........................................  $23,409,234   $21,277,099
   Other............................................    1,079,128     1,181,256
                                                      -----------   -----------
                                                      $24,488,362   $22,458,355
                                                      ===========   ===========
</TABLE>
 
    Included in accounts receivable--other as of September 30, 1995 and
  September 28, 1996 are receivables totalling $802,170 for the sales of
  cotton and equipment relating to the closure of the Spindale plant's yarn
  mill and $140,695 for the sales of cotton related to the closure of the
  Spindale plant's yarn mill (see Note 16), respectively.
 
3. INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories, priced on the basis described in Note 1, consist of the
  following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     SEPTEMBER 30, SEPTEMBER 28,
                                                         1995          1996
                                                     ------------- -------------
     <S>                                             <C>           <C>
     Finished goods.................................  $12,124,461   $ 6,177,616
     Stock in process...............................    5,103,017     4,422,010
     Cotton in bales................................      702,154       556,181
     Polyester in bales.............................       81,553        57,904
     Rayon in bales.................................      126,603       429,861
     Purchased yarn.................................    1,442,934       337,627
     Dyes and chemicals.............................      392,736       348,093
     Supplies.......................................       41,603        41,603
     Waste..........................................        9,584        18,928
                                                      -----------   -----------
                                                      $20,024,645   $12,389,823
                                                      ===========   ===========
</TABLE>
 
    In 1995, the Company changed its method of accounting for certain
  inventories from the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method to the first-in,
  first-out (FIFO) method of inventory valuation (see Note 15).
 
                                     F-36
<PAGE>
 
                         THE NEW CHEROKEE CORPORATION
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
          OCTOBER 1, 1994, SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 AND SEPTEMBER 28, 1996
 
 
4. EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN (ESOP)
 
    The Company has a defined contribution employee stock ownership plan
  (ESOP) covering substantially all employees. The ESOP was originally funded
  primarily by loans from the Company, which obtained the funds through loans
  from banks. The Company's bank loans and loans to the ESOP have similar
  terms and each is repayable within one year with interest at 4.898% for
  both 1995 and 1996 (4.386% to 4.898% in 1994). The ESOP obtains the funds
  to repay its loans primarily through tax deductible contributions made by
  the Company to the ESOP. The maximum contributions to all defined
  contribution plans cannot exceed twenty-five percent of the compensation of
  eligible employees plus contributions to pay interest on the ESOP loans. A
  summary of total ESOP contributions for 1994, 1995, and 1996 is:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  1994       1995       1996
                                               ---------- ---------- ----------
     <S>                                       <C>        <C>        <C>
     Contributions to ESOP for:
      Debt Service:
       Principal Payments..................... $5,923,608 $5,083,335 $2,562,500
       Interest Payments......................    486,374    338,132    164,646
      Administrative Expenses.................     89,594     54,247     17,797
      Benefits Accrued or Paid to
       Participants...........................    495,683  1,609,785    952,831
                                               ---------- ---------- ----------
                                               $6,995,259 $7,085,499 $3,697,774
                                               ========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
    In 1995, benefits accrued to participants include approximately
  $1,125,000 related to employees terminated due to the closure of the
  Spindale plant's yarn mill (see Note 16).
 
    Certain notes, which were expensed as contributions in a prior year for
  financial accounting purposes, will be deducted for income tax purposes as
  contributions are made to retire the debt. For financial accounting
  purposes, the bank loans are reflected as liabilities and the Company loans
  to the ESOP are reflected as a reduction of stockholders' equity. The notes
  receivable from the ESOP are secured by a stock pledge agreement which
  pledges all shares of stock owned by the ESOP, including any stock rights,
  to the Company (see Note 8). The bank, and subsequently the Company,
  release a calculated number of pledged shares annually as specified by the
  agreements. Subsequently, the ESOP allocates to plan participants' accounts
  the shares released. Since the Company's common stock is not readily
  tradeable on an established market, the ESOP requires that participants'
  distributions be made in the form of cash payments in the amount of each
  participant's account value, unless the participant specifically requests
  to receive shares of the Company's common stock. As of September 30, 1995
  and September 28, 1996, the shares released and allocated and their market
  value per share, which is based on the 1994 and 1995 ESOP stock valuations
  as performed by a third party appraiser, Management Planning, Inc., were
  1,374,539 and 1,496,660, respectively, and $14.74 and $10.60, respectively,
  which represents a contingent repurchase obligation of $20,260,705 and
  $15,864,596, respectively.
 
5. PROFIT SHARING PLAN
 
    The Company has a profit sharing plan to enable employees to share in its
  profits. All employees with one year of service are eligible to contribute
  two percent of their total compensation, while the Company may contribute a
  discretionary amount as determined annually by the board of directors. The
  Company's board of directors elected not to make a discretionary
  contribution for the years 1994, 1995 and 1996.
 
                                     F-37
<PAGE>
 
                         THE NEW CHEROKEE CORPORATION
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
          OCTOBER 1, 1994, SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 AND SEPTEMBER 28, 1996
 
 
6. DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS
 
    To provide compensation for the Company's chairman (effective May 1,
  1990) and the president (effective March 1, 1992), the Company contracted
  to defer certain payments of bonuses and salaries due them until they
  retire. The terms of the contracts permit the Company to invest the funds
  at the officers' risk, with the income or loss from such investments, net
  of applicable income taxes, being credited or charged to the deferred
  compensation plans. The Company deducts this compensation for income tax
  purposes in the year it is actually paid. The net deferred compensation
  expense under the contracts for the years ended October 1, 1994, September
  30, 1995 and September 28, 1996 was ($10,231), $10,488 and ($96,464),
  respectively. As of September 28, 1996, the total accumulated deferred
  compensation liability under the contracts was $458,654 ($437,244 in 1995).
 
    Effective October 2, 1988, the Company entered into deferred compensation
  agreements with certain key employees. At the discretion of the executive
  committee of the board of directors, the Company may accrue compensation
  based on the key employees' years of service and position with the Company.
  For the year ended October 1, 1994, the Company accrued $573,641 in
  deferred compensation expense. The Company did not accrue any compensation
  in 1995 and 1996. Deferred compensation generally only becomes payable on
  retirement of a participant. Participants that are terminated will receive
  only the vested portion of their deferred compensation based on the
  agreement's vesting schedule, which is pro-rata over a period of ten years.
  As of September 30, 1995 and September 28, 1996, the total accumulated
  deferred compensation liability under the preceding agreements was
  $3,150,155.
 
    Effective June 1, 1989, the Company entered into a trust agreement for
  the benefit of the Company's chairman. The Company agreed to contribute to
  the trust shares of its common stock sufficient to equal the difference
  between each actual allocation of stock to the Company's chairman by The
  New Cherokee Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and the
  allocation of stock he would have received, but for the Internal Revenue
  Code Section 1042 election by the chairman's family. As of September 30,
  1995 and September 28, 1996, 1,800 shares with a fair value of $26,532 and
  $19,080, respectively, were either held in trust or accrued for the benefit
  of the Company's chairman. The assets of the trust are to be distributed to
  the Company's chairman upon termination of employment or to his estate at
  death. The Company adjusted the deferred liability to the fair value of the
  shares held in the trust, which resulted in a decrease of $7,452 ($3,528 in
  1995). In 1994 the Company recorded deferred compensation expense related
  to the plan of $11,010.
 
    Effective June 1, 1989, the Company also entered into an executive
  deferred stock bonus trust agreement with certain key employees as
  beneficiaries. At the discretion of the executive committee of the board of
  directors, the Company may contribute shares of common stock to the trust.
  The shares of stock will be allocated to each participant's trust account
  based on the participant's years of service and position with the Company.
  Upon a participant's retirement, disability or death the Company is to pay
  to the participant or his estate, within a period not to exceed five years,
  an amount equal to the fair market value of the stock held in the
  participant's trust account in exchange for the shares. Participants that
  are terminated will receive their trust account's value at termination date
  within a period not to exceed five years. As of September 27, 1994, the
  Company, at the request of the chairman of the board of directors of the
  Company, retroactively amended the trust agreement effective October 1,
  1989, so that any amounts resulting from forfeiture by a terminated
  participant which were reallocated to the chairman's account shall be
  either returned to the Company or used to reduce future contributions to
  the trust by the Company. As a result of the preceding amendment, the
  Company's deferred liability under the trust agreement was reduced by
  $121,745. Under terms of the agreement, the Company will not pay any
  deferred compensation to participants or their estates until the earlier of
  October 1, 1995, or the payment in full of the Company's
 
                                     F-38
<PAGE>
 
                         THE NEW CHEROKEE CORPORATION
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
          OCTOBER 1, 1994, SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 AND SEPTEMBER 28, 1996
 
 
6. DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS--(CONTINUED)
 
  term debt obligations which were obtained to fund the Company's loans to
  its ESOP (see Note 9). As of September 30, 1995 and September 28, 1996,
  49,103 shares and 42,029 shares with a fair value of $790,638 and $499,289,
  respectively, were held in trust or accrued by the Company. Of the shares
  held in trust as of September 30, 1995 and September 28, 1996, 7,589 shares
  and 4,153 shares related to terminated participants and were frozen at a
  value of $178,721 and $97,803, respectively. During 1996, the Company did
  not accrue an imputed dividend and also reversed the imputed dividends of
  $45,355 and $53,114 accrued during 1994 and 1995, respectively. The Company
  also adjusted the deferred liability to the fair value of the shares held
  in trust, which resulted in a net decrease in the Company's deferred
  liability under the plan of $345,768 in 1994, $28,251 in 1995, and $177,930
  in 1996).
 
    Effective September 29, 1991, the Company adopted an executive
  performance share plan. At the discretion of the executive committee of the
  board of directors, the Company may award certain key employees a specified
  number of "performance" shares. Each "performance" share is equivalent in
  value to the fair value as of the award date of one share of the Company's
  common stock. Effective each December 31, the value of an outstanding
  "performance" share will be adjusted to reflect any increase or decrease in
  the fair value of the Company's common stock. Participants in the plan are
  fifty percent vested as to the number of their "performance" shares upon
  receipt of an award. Participants become fully vested in their
  "performance" shares after ten years of continuous service. As of September
  30, 1995 and September 28, 1996, the Company had outstanding 123,492
  "performance" shares under the plan with a vested value of $1,820,272 and
  $1,172,580, respectively. While the executive committee did not award any
  "performance" shares for the years ended October 1, 1994, September 30,
  1995 and September 28, 1996, the Company did adjust its deferred liability
  based on changes in the fair value of the "performance" shares outstanding
  under the plan which resulted in an increase of $83,208 and decreases in
  its deferred liability of $306,623 and $647,692, respectively.
 
7. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   SEPTEMBER 30,  SEPTEMBER 28,
                                                        1995           1996
                                                   -------------- --------------
   <S>                                             <C>            <C>
   Land...........................................  $    782,277   $    782,277
   Buildings and Improvements.....................    24,309,693     28,035,703
   Machinery and Equipment........................    76,243,240     58,846,585
   Furniture and Fixtures.........................     3,685,998      3,645,575
   Transportation Equipment.......................       222,157        124,968
   Asset Under Capital Lease......................     2,769,738      2,769,738
                                                    ------------   ------------
                                                     108,013,103     94,204,846
   Less Accumulated Depreciation..................    54,145,141     42,243,756
                                                    ------------   ------------
     Net Property, Plant and Equipment............  $ 53,867,962   $ 51,961,090
                                                    ============   ============
</TABLE>
 
8. NOTE PAYABLE
 
    Effective October 31, 1996, the Company has available a line of credit
  with their factor of up to $19,000,000 or 90% of factored accounts
  receivable. Interest is payable monthly at 1.5% over the highest publicly
  announced prime rate of certain financial institutions. The line is
  scheduled to mature on October 31, 1998. Total advances on the existing
  line as of September 30, 1995 and September 28, 1996 were $4,000,000 and
  $7,000,000, with interest at prime plus 1.0% (9.75% as of September 30,
  1995 and September 28, 1996, respectively.
 
                                     F-39
<PAGE>
 
                         THE NEW CHEROKEE CORPORATION
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
          OCTOBER 1, 1994, SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 AND SEPTEMBER 28, 1996
 
 
9. LONG-TERM DEBT
 
    The following term notes are secured by deeds of trust on all real
  property and improvements and a security interest in all receivables,
  finished goods inventories, certain insurance policies, equipment and
  furniture and fixtures. The Company has also assigned the stock pledge
  agreements with the ESOP, which are discussed in Note 4, as collateral for
  the term notes.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   SEPTEMBER 30, SEPTEMBER 28,
                                                       1995          1996
                                                   ------------- -------------
   <S>                                             <C>           <C>
   Spindale, North Carolina Operations:
     Equipment obligation, due in monthly
      installments based on usage, non-interest
      bearing, due in 1997........................  $       -0-   $   760,500
   Sevierville, Tennessee Operations:
     Term note, due in quarterly principal
      installments of $320,313 on the last day of
      February, May, August and November, plus
      interest at 4.898% payable monthly, and a
      final payment due May 31, 1997. (Loan is
      under technical default, therefore due on
      demand.)....................................    2,242,188       960,938
     Term note, due in quarterly principal
      installments of $320,312 on the last day of
      February, May, August and November, plus
      interest at 4.898% payable monthly, and a
      final payment due May 31, 1997. (Loan is
      under technical default, therefore due on
      demand.)....................................    2,242,188       960,938
     Term line of credit agreement with maximum
      borrowings of $8,000,000, due January 1997,
      with interest payable monthly at the bank's
      prime rate, currently 8.87% (8.75% in 1995).
      (Loan is under technical default, therefore
      due on demand.).............................    6,700,000     6,200,000
     Term loan, due in quarterly principal
      installments of $1,350,000 beginning in
      January 1997, with interest currently
      ranging from 7.68% to 8.08%, through 2001.
      (Loan is under technical default, therefore
      due on demand.).............................   27,000,000    27,000,000
     Capital lease obligation, due in annual
      installments of $18,544 through January
      1999, reducing to $15,000 through January
      2019, including interest at 2%..............      289,099       275,420
                                                    -----------   -----------
                                                     38,473,475    36,157,796
     Less current maturities......................    2,576,179    35,896,284
                                                    -----------   -----------
                                                    $35,897,296   $   261,512
                                                    ===========   ===========
</TABLE>
 
    Maturities of long-term debt as of September 28, 1996 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
       <S>                                                           <C>
       1997......................................................... $35,896,284
       1998.........................................................       3,938
       1999.........................................................      10,781
       2000.........................................................      10,963
       2001.........................................................      11,147
       Thereafter...................................................     224,683
                                                                     -----------
                                                                     $36,157,796
                                                                     ===========
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-40
<PAGE>
 
                         THE NEW CHEROKEE CORPORATION
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
          OCTOBER 1, 1994, SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 AND SEPTEMBER 28, 1996
 
 
9. LONG-TERM DEBT--(CONTINUED)
 
    The term note and line of credit agreements in effect as of September 28,
  1996 contain restrictive covenants. Under certain of these covenants, the
  Company is restricted as to the amounts which may be expended for property
  and equipment, the amount of property and equipment which may be sold, and
  the use of the proceeds. The covenants also prohibit or restrict changes in
  senior management, dividends, loans or advances, investments in other
  entities, incurrence of any new mortgages or liens and require the
  maintenance of certain working capital, debt and net worth ratios. As of
  September 28, 1996, the Company was not in compliance with certain of the
  loan covenants described above. The Company has not received waivers of the
  covenant violations and is in technical default under the terms of the note
  agreements, which causes the balances to become due on demand. As a result,
  the callable balances have been classified as current maturities as of
  September 28, 1996. The Company is currently negotiating a sale of
  substantially all of the assets of the Company which would facilitate
  repayment of the above debts (see Note 19).
 
    The fair value of the Company's long-term debt is estimated based on the
  current rates offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining
  maturities. As of September 30, 1995 and September 28, 1996, the fair value
  of the long-term debt approximates the amounts recorded in the financial
  statements.
 
10. INCOME TAXES (BENEFIT)
 
    Income taxes (benefit) are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                1994         1995        1996
                                             -----------  ----------  ----------
   <S>                                       <C>          <C>         <C>
   Current.................................. $  (231,720) $      -0-  $      -0-
   Deferred.................................  (2,552,490) (3,794,515)  8,466,647
                                             -----------  ----------  ----------
                                             $(2,784,210) $3,794,515  $8,466,647
                                             ===========  ==========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
    Income taxes (benefit) as shown in the statements of operations varied
  from the statutory federal income tax rate for the following reasons:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     1994                     1995                     1996
                            ------------------------ ------------------------ ------------------------
                                         PERCENT OF               PERCENT OF               PERCENT OF
                              AMOUNT     PRETAX LOSS   AMOUNT     PRETAX LOSS   AMOUNT     PRETAX LOSS
                            -----------  ----------- -----------  ----------- -----------  -----------
   <S>                      <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>
   At "expected" tax rate.. $(2,937,645)    (34.0)%  $(3,893,678)    (34.0)%  $(3,616,327)    (34.0)%
   Change in valuation
    allowance..............         -0-       -0-            -0-       -0-     12,082,974     113.6
   Other, net..............     153,435       1.8         99,163        .9            -0-       0.0
                            -----------     -----    -----------     -----    -----------     -----
                            $(2,784,210)    (32.2)%  $(3,794,515)    (33.1)%  $ 8,466,647      79.6%
                            ===========     =====    ===========     =====    ===========     =====
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-41
<PAGE>
 
                         THE NEW CHEROKEE CORPORATION
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
          OCTOBER 1, 1994, SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
 
 
10. INCOME TAXES (BENEFIT)--(CONTINUED)
 
    As of September 28, 1996, the Company had available for federal income
  tax purposes net operating loss and tax credit carryovers which expire on
  the following dates in the approximate amounts shown below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                NET OPERATING LOSSES TAX CREDITS
                                                -------------------- -----------
       <S>                                      <C>                  <C>
       1999....................................     $       -0-       $183,716
       2000....................................             -0-         52,880
       2001....................................             -0-         34,485
       2003....................................             -0-            -0-
       2004....................................       6,298,000            -0-
       2005....................................       7,270,000            -0-
       2009....................................       6,905,000            -0-
       2010....................................       8,867,000            -0-
       2011....................................      13,920,000            -0-
                                                    -----------       --------
                                                    $43,260,000       $271,081
                                                    ===========       ========
</TABLE>
 
    The net deferred tax asset in the 1995 and 1996 balance sheets include
  the following components:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1995         1996
                                                       -----------  -----------
   <S>                                                 <C>          <C>
   Current:
    Deferred Tax Assets............................... $   853,238  $   870,340
    Deferred Tax......................................    (261,441)    (284,953)
                                                       -----------  -----------
    Net Deferred Tax Assets...........................     591,797      585,387
    Less Valuation Allowance..........................    (591,797)    (585,387)
                                                       -----------  -----------
       Net Current Deferred Tax Asset................. $       -0-  $       -0-
                                                       ===========  ===========
   Long-Term:
    Deferred Tax Assets............................... $16,445,233  $20,293,880
    Deferred Tax Liabilities..........................  (6,611,639)  (6,837,549)
                                                       -----------  -----------
    Net Deferred Tax Assets...........................   9,833,594   13,456,331
    Less Valuation Allowance..........................  (1,366,947) (13,456,331)
                                                       -----------  -----------
       Net Long-Term Deferred Tax Asset............... $ 8,466,647  $       -0-
                                                       ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
11. LEASE COMMITMENTS
 
    The Company leases its Sevierville, Tennessee operating facility, a sales
  office and storage space in New York City, certain equipment, and warehouse
  space on an as needed basis for its Sevierville, Tennessee and its Spindale
  and Harris, North Carolina locations. The operating facility lease is
  classified as a capital lease and is included in property and equipment.
  The Company is required to pay real and personal city property taxes on the
  operating facility over the remaining lease term. The Company can purchase
  the facility at the end of the lease for $1. All other leases are
  classified as operating leases. Rental expense under all operating leases
  amounted to $293,685 in 1994, $685,560 in 1995 and $614,987 in 1996. Future
  minimum rental payments under all noncancellable operating leases with
  remaining terms in excess of one year as of September 28, 1996 are:
  $478,344 in 1997; $423,447 in 1998; $366,975 in 1999; $361,830 in 2000;
  $357,841 in 2001; and $1,555,797 thereafter.
 
                                     F-42
<PAGE>
 
                         THE NEW CHEROKEE CORPORATION
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
          OCTOBER 1, 1994, SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 AND SEPTEMBER 28, 1996
 
 
12. LITIGATION
 
    The nature and scope of the Company's business brings it into regular
  contact with the general public and a variety of businesses and
  governmental entities in the ordinary course of business. Such activities
  inherently subject the Company to the hazards of litigation.
 
    In April 1991, a former customer of the Company filed suit seeking
  damages contending that the Company breached an alleged "Confinement
  Agreement", that is, an arrangement pursuant to which the Company
  purportedly agreed to sell certain fabrics exclusively to the customer for
  an indefinite period of time. In addition, the customer was seeking
  additional damages related to the continued sales of these fabrics by the
  Company in the open market. On December 27, 1995, the Company entered into
  a settlement agreement which required the Company to pay $1,715,000 on
  January 17, 1996 to release them from the above suit. The settlement amount
  was recorded in miscellaneous expense in the Company's 1995 statement of
  operations.
 
    During the year ended October 1, 1994, the Company incurred aggregate
  settlement costs of approximately $597,000 related to litigation with
  certain former employees. In regard to the preceding, the Company also
  amended its executive deferred stock bonus trust agreement which resulted
  in a reduction of the Company's deferred compensation plans liability of
  $121,745 (see Note 6). The preceding items are recorded net in
  miscellaneous expense in the Company's 1994 statement of operations.
 
    The Company is currently involved in certain employment/labor relations
  proceedings. On August 5, 1996, a textile converter filed an arbitration
  demand and commenced an action against the Company in the Supreme Court of
  the State of New York. The Company has filed for a permanent stay and a
  dismissal, respectively, of these matters. It is the opinion of management
  that the Company will prevail in these matters. At present, the Company's
  management is not aware of any other pending or threatened litigation.
  Although the final outcome of these matters cannot be determined based on
  the facts presently known, it is Management's opinion that the final
  resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the
  Company's financial position or results of operations.
 
13. CAPITAL STOCK
 
    Capital stock consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1995        1996
                                                       ----------- -----------
   <S>                                                 <C>         <C>
   Preferred Stock--Voting--Par Value $20, Authorized
    Issued and Outstanding 600,000 Shares in 1995 and
    1996.............................................. $12,000,000 $12,000,000
   Common Stock--Par Value $10, Authorized 3,000,000
    Shares; Issued 1,797,931 Shares in 1995 and 1996..  17,979,310  17,979,310
                                                       ----------- -----------
                                                       $29,979,310 $29,979,310
                                                       =========== ===========
</TABLE>
 
    On October 29, 1992, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement
  with a third party to sell 600,000 shares of the Company's voting preferred
  stock at a price of $20.50 per share. Subsequently, the Company amended its
  charter to authorize an additional 1,200,000 shares of common stock and
  600,000 shares of voting preferred stock, and on December 3, 1992, issued
  the 600,000 shares of voting preferred stock in exchange for cash and notes
  totalling $12,300,000. The preferred stock is non-cumulative and is
  convertible into common stock through December 31, 1998 at which time the
  conversion rights expire. The stock purchase agreement requires that the
  Company repurchase from the third party at fair market value all or any
  portion of the 600,000 shares of voting preferred stock bought, if certain
  conditions of the agreement are not fulfilled (see Note 19).
 
                                     F-43
<PAGE>
 
                         THE NEW CHEROKEE CORPORATION
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
          OCTOBER 1, 1994, SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 AND SEPTEMBER 28, 1996
 
 
14. LOSS PER SHARE
 
    Primary loss per share of common stock is computed based on the weighted
  average number of common stock shares outstanding during the year. Fully
  diluted loss per share of common stock is computed based on the weighted
  average number of common stock and convertible preferred stock shares
  outstanding during the year.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  1994      1995      1996
                                                --------- --------- ---------
   <S>                                          <C>       <C>       <C>
   Number of Shares Used in Per Share
    Computations:
     Primary................................... 1,797,727 1,793,045 1,793,045
                                                ========= ========= =========
     Fully Diluted............................. 2,298,162 2,393,045 2,393,045
                                                ========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
 
15. CHANGE IN METHOD OF ACCOUNTING FOR INVENTORY
 
    The Company recorded its inventories at the lower of cost or market using
  the first-in, first out (FIFO) method in 1995, whereas in prior years
  certain inventories were recorded at the lower of cost or market using the
  last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. The new method of accounting for
  inventory was adopted to more closely recognize current cost of inventory.
  The effect of the accounting change on the loss as previously reported for
  1994 and on the loss in 1995 is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1994       1995
                                                            ---------  --------
   <S>                                                      <C>        <C>
   Effect on:
     (Increase) decrease in net loss (net of income taxes
      of $211,711 and $419,506)............................ $(410,968) $814,335
                                                            =========  ========
     (Increase) decrease in loss per common share assuming
      no dilution.......................................... $    (.23) $    .45
                                                            =========  ========
     (Increase) decrease in loss per common share assuming
      full dilution........................................ $    (.18) $    .34
                                                            =========  ========
</TABLE>
 
16. SPINDALE PLANT YARN MILL CLOSURE
 
    In July 1995, the Spindale plant stopped processing yarn. The Company
  incurred various expenses in the closure of the yarn mill facilities which
  included retention pay of approximately $320,000 for employees who worked
  until the yarn mill stopped production and also a loss on the sale of
  certain yarn mill production equipment of approximately $903,000. Both
  amounts are included in operating expenses in the Company's 1995 statement
  of operations.
 
17. MAJOR CUSTOMERS
 
    During 1994, 1995 and 1996 the Company had sales (as a percentage of
  total sales) to one customer of 17%, 15% and 11%, respectively, and sales
  to another customer of 11%, 14% and 11%, respectively, and in 1994, sales
  to a third customer of 10%.
 
18. SELF INSURANCE OF HEALTH BENEFITS
 
    The Company has recorded liabilities for health benefits of $414,684 and
  $451,924 at September 30, 1995 and September 28, 1996, respectively, based
  upon analysis of historical actual results. The Company self-insures health
  benefits. Stop-loss insurance is maintained for claims paid in excess of
  $150,000 for each insured individual. Claims were $588,053, $1,167,111, and
  $756,288 for the years ended October 1, 1994, September 30, 1995 and
  September 28, 1996, respectively.
 
 
                                     F-44
<PAGE>
 
                         THE NEW CHEROKEE CORPORATION
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
          OCTOBER 1, 1994, SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 AND SEPTEMBER 28, 1996
 
19. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
    On November 20, 1996, the Company's Chairman signed a letter of intent to
  negotiate the sale, subject to the shareholders approval, of substantially
  all of the Company's assets to a third party for approximately $65,000,000
  and the assumption by the buyer of certain operating liabilities
  (liabilities considered ordinary in the course of business) of the Company.
  The Company would be responsible for liquidation of all liabilities other
  than those considered ordinary in the course of business, such as notes
  payable and current maturities of long-term debt, using the proceeds from
  the sale. Also, on November 20, 1996, the Company's Chairman and the
  preferred shareholders entered into a letter agreement whereby the Company
  would redeem its outstanding preferred shares for an aggregate minimum cost
  of approximately $6,600,000, subject to consummation of the third party
  asset sale by no later than May 31, 1997. The agreement provides that if
  the Company's common shareholders either through liquidation or redemption
  were to have available for distribution aggregate funds representing an
  amount greater than $10.50 per share of common stock the preferred
  shareholders would receive a pro-rata portion of such excess amount, if
  any. Should the Company consummate the third party asset sale, any monies
  remaining after secured debt repayment and the preferred stock redemption
  would be available for distribution to general creditors and common
  shareholders, in that respective order. The Company's common shareholders
  could receive an amount significantly less than the book value per common
  share.
 
                                     F-45
<PAGE>
 
                          THE NEW CHEROKEE CORPORATION
 
                       UNAUDITED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           DECEMBER 28, 1996
                                                         ----------------------
                                                         (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                      <C>
                         ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents.............................        $    882
  Accounts receivable, net..............................          15,101
  Inventories...........................................          10,172
  Prepaid expenses and other............................             340
                                                                --------
    Total current assets................................          26,495
  Property, plant and equipment.........................          93,895
  Less accumulated depreciation and amortization........         (43,649)
                                                                --------
    Net property, plant and equipment...................          50,246
Other Assets............................................           3,497
                                                                --------
                                                                $ 80,238
                                                                ========
          LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Current maturities of long-term debt and notes
   payable..............................................        $ 37,877
  Accounts payable......................................           1,881
  Accrued expenses......................................           2,516
                                                                --------
    Total current liabilities...........................          42,274
Long-term debt..........................................             262
Deferred compensation plans.............................           5,278
Other liabilities.......................................             343
Shareholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, $20 par value, 600,000 shares
   authorized, issued and outstanding...................          12,000
  Common stock, $10 par value, 3,000,000 shares
   authorized, 1,797,931 shares issued and outstanding..          17,979
  Capital in excess of par value........................          20,385
  Retained deficit......................................         (15,716)
  Treasury stock........................................             (49)
  Deferred compensation--restricted stock...............          (1,237)
  Notes receivable from ESOP............................          (1,281)
                                                                --------
    Total shareholders' equity..........................          32,081
                                                                --------
                                                                $ 80,238
                                                                ========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-46
<PAGE>
 
                          THE NEW CHEROKEE CORPORATION
 
                  UNAUDITED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                               -------------------------------
                                               DECEMBER 30,      DECEMBER 28,
                                                   1995              1996
                                               -------------     -------------
                                                 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                            <C>               <C>
Net Sales....................................    $      27,521     $      22,810
Costs and expenses:
  Cost of sales..............................           25,302            19,897
  Selling, general and administrative ex-
   penses....................................            2,929             2,558
                                                 -------------     -------------
Operating income (loss) before ESOP contribu-
 tions.......................................             (710)              355
ESOP contributions...........................            1,199               851
                                                 -------------     -------------
Net operating loss...........................           (1,909)             (496)
Other income (expense), net..................              127              (145)
  Interest expense...........................             (731)             (903)
                                                 -------------     -------------
Loss before income taxes.....................           (2,513)           (1,544)
Income tax benefit...........................              858               --
                                                 -------------     -------------
Net loss.....................................    $      (1,655)    $      (1,544)
                                                 =============     =============
</TABLE>
 
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-47
<PAGE>
 
                          THE NEW CHEROKEE CORPORATION
 
                  UNAUDITED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                              -------------------------------
                                              DECEMBER 30,      DECEMBER 28,
                                                  1995              1996
                                              -------------     -------------
                                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                           <C>               <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
 Net loss....................................   $      (1,655)    $      (1,544)
 Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net
  cash provided by operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization............           2,014             1,824
    Deferred income tax benefit..............            (874)              --
    Deferred compensation plans, net.........             (76)               75
    Loss on sale of fixed assets.............             --                 41
    Changes in operating assets and
     liabilities:
     Accounts receivable.....................           4,944             7,357
     Inventories.............................           5,529             2,218
     Prepaid expenses and other assets.......            (161)             (237)
     Accounts payable and accrued expenses...          (2,334)           (4,818)
     Other liabilities.......................              43                (4)
                                                -------------     -------------
      Net cash provided by operating
       activities............................           7,430             4,912
Cash flows from investing activities:
 Capital expenditures........................          (1,527)             (326)
 Proceeds from sale of equipment.............             --                176
 Repayment on loans to ESOP..................             640               641
                                                -------------     -------------
      Net cash provided (used) by investing
       activities............................            (887)              491
Cash flows from financing activities:
 Payments of long-term debt and notes
  payable....................................          (6,540)           (5,019)
                                                -------------     -------------
      Net cash used by financing activities..          (6,540)           (5,019)
                                                -------------     -------------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents....               3               384
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
 period......................................             316               498
                                                -------------     -------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period...   $         319     $         882
                                                =============     =============
</TABLE>
 
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-48
<PAGE>
 
                         THE NEW CHEROKEE CORPORATION
 
               NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
    In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed
  financial statements of the New Cherokee Corporation ("TNCC") reflect all
  adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the financial
  position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods
  presented. Such adjustments consist of normal recurring accruals. Interim
  results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. For
  further information, refer to the financial statements and notes thereto
  for the year ended September 28, 1996.
 
    On February 3, 1997, TNCC sold substantially all of its assets to Dan
  River Inc. for $65 million in cash, subject to a working capital
  adjustment, and the assumption of certain operating liabilities. The
  unaudited condensed financial statements do not include any adjustments
  attributable to the sale.
 
    Also on February 3, 1997, TNCC redeemed its outstanding preferred shares
  for $6.6 million in cash. The redemption agreement provides for additional
  payments to the preferred shareholders in the event funds available to
  common shareholders either through liquidation or redemption represent
  greater than $10.50 per share of common stock.
 
2. INVENTORIES
 
    The components of inventory are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       DECEMBER 30, DECEMBER 28,
                                                           1995         1996
                                                       ------------ ------------
                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
     <S>                                               <C>          <C>
     Finished goods...................................   $ 6,178      $ 6,062
     Work in process..................................     4,422        2,651
     Raw materials....................................     1,381          816
     Supplies.........................................       409          643
                                                         -------      -------
       Total inventories..............................   $12,390      $10,172
                                                         =======      =======
</TABLE>
 
3. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
    Activity in Shareholders' Equity is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             PREFERRED               CAPITAL IN     RETAINED
                               STOCK   COMMON STOCK EXCESS OF PAR    DEFICIT
                             --------- ------------ ------------- -------------
                                           (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                       <C>       <C>          <C>           <C>
   Balance at September 28,
    1996...................   $12,000    $17,979       $20,385      $(14,172)
   Net loss................       --         --            --         (1,544)
   Repayment on loans to
    ESOP...................       --         --            --            --
                              -------    -------       -------      --------
   Balance at December 28,
    1996...................   $12,000    $17,979       $20,385      $(15,716)
                              =======    =======       =======      ========
<CAPTION>
                                                        NOTES         TOTAL
                             TREASURY    DEFERRED    RECEIVABLE   SHAREHOLDERS'
                               STOCK   COMPENSATION   FROM ESOP      EQUITY
                             --------- ------------ ------------- -------------
                                           (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                       <C>       <C>          <C>           <C>
   Balance at September 28,
    1996...................   $   (49)   $(1,237)      $(1,922)     $ 32,984
   Net loss................       --         --            --         (1,544)
   Repayment on loans to
    ESOP...................       --         --            641           641
                              -------    -------       -------      --------
   Balance at December 28,
    1996...................   $   (49)   $(1,237)      $(1,281)     $ 32,081
                              =======    =======       =======      ========
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-49
<PAGE>
 
                       [FOUR COLOR GRAPHICS APPEAR HERE]

Automated raw material bale opening is a critical first step in a quality cost 
effective textile operation.

Efficient open-end spinning produces excellent low cost yarn.

Flexible warpers are key to reducing lead times and enhancing quick response for
yard-dyed products.

State of the art airjet weaving makes the home fashions' greige mill a low cost 
manufacturing operation.

Major investments in home fashions' bed accessory sewing and distribution 
facilities are part of achieving seamless growth.
<PAGE>
 
                             [LOGO OF DAN RIVER INC.]
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
 
                  INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
 
    The following table sets forth the various expenses and costs (other than
  underwriting discounts) expected to be incurred in connection with the sale
  and distribution of the shares of Class A Common Stock being registered.
  All of such expenses and costs will be paid by the Company. All of the
  amounts shown are estimated except for the filing fees of the Securities
  and Exchange Commission and the National Association of Securities Dealers,
  Inc.:
 
<TABLE>   
   <S>                                                                 <C>
   Securities and Exchange Commission Filing Fee...................... $ 34,849
   NASD Filing Fee....................................................   12,000
   New York Stock Exchange Listing Fee................................  125,600
   Printing and Engraving Expenses....................................   65,000
   Legal Fees and Expenses............................................  200,000
   Accounting Fees and Expenses.......................................  115,000
   Blue Sky Fees and Expenses.........................................    3,000
   Transfer Agent Fees and Expenses...................................    5,000
   Miscellaneous......................................................    4,551
                                                                       --------
       Total.......................................................... $565,000
                                                                       ========
</TABLE>    
 
ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
    Section 9 of the Underwriting Agreement filed as Exhibit 1.1 hereto
  contains certain provisions pursuant to which certain officers, directors
  and controlling persons of Dan River may be entitled to be indemnified by
  the underwriters named therein.
 
    The Company's Restated Charter eliminates, to the fullest extent
  permitted by applicable law, the personal liability of directors to the
  Company or its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of duty of care
  or any other duty owed to the Company as a director. The GBCC currently
  provides that such provision shall not eliminate or limit the liability of
  a director (i) for any appropriation, in violation of his duties, of any
  business opportunity of the Company, (ii) for acts or omissions that
  involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) for
  unlawful corporate distributions or (iv) for any transaction from which the
  director received an improper personal benefit.
 
    Article VI of Dan River's Bylaws, as well as Article 8, Part 5 of the
  GBCC, provide for the indemnification by Dan River of, and advancement of
  expenses to, its directors, officers, employees and agents under certain
  circumstances.
 
 Statutory Authority
 
14-2-850. PART DEFINITIONS.
 
  As used in this part, the term:
 
    (1) "Corporation" includes any domestic or foreign predecessor entity of
  a corporation in a merger or other transaction in which the predecessor's
  existence ceased upon consummation of the transaction.
 
    (2) "Director" or "officer" means an individual who is or was a director
  or officer, respectively, of a corporation or who, while a director or
  officer of the corporation, is or was serving at the corporation's request
  as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, or agent of another
  domestic or foreign corporation,
 
                                     II-1
<PAGE>
 
  partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan, or other entity.
  A director or officer is considered to be serving an employee benefit plan
  at the corporation's request if his or her duties to the corporation also
  impose duties on, or otherwise involve services by, the director or officer
  to the plan or to participants in or beneficiaries of the plan. Director or
  officer includes, unless the context otherwise requires, the estate or
  personal representative of a director or officer.
 
    (3) "Disinterested director" means a director who at the time of a vote
  referred to in subsection (c) of Code Section 14-2-853 or a vote or
  selection referred to in subsection (b) or (c) of Code Section 14-2-855 or
  subsection (a) of Code Section 14-2-856 is not:
 
      (A) A party to the proceeding; or
 
      (B) An individual who is a party to a proceeding having a familial,
    financial, professional, or employment relationship with the director
    whose indemnification or advance for expenses is the subject of the
    decision being made with respect to the proceeding, which relationship
    would, in the circumstances, reasonably be expected to exert an
    influence on the director's judgment when voting on the decision being
    made.
 
    (4) "Expenses" includes counsel fees.
 
    (5) "Liability" means the obligation to pay a judgment, settlement,
  penalty, fine (including an excise tax assessed with respect to an employee
  benefit plan), or reasonable expenses incurred with respect to a
  proceeding.
 
    (6) "Official capacity" means:
 
      (A) When used with respect to a director, the office of director in a
    corporation; and
 
      (B) When used with respect to an officer, as contemplated in Code
    Section 14-2-857, the office in a corporation held by the officer.
 
Official capacity does not include service for any other domestic or foreign
corporation or any partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan,
or other entity.
 
    (7) "Party" means an individual who was, is, or is threatened to be made
  a named defendant or respondent in a proceeding.
 
    (8) "Proceeding" means any threatened, pending, or completed action,
  suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, arbitrative
  or investigative and whether formal or informal.
 
14-2-851. AUTHORITY TO INDEMNIFY.
 
  (a) Except as provided in this Code section, a corporation may indemnify an
individual who is a party to a proceeding because he or she is or was a
director against liability incurred in the proceeding if:
 
    (1) Such individual conducted himself or herself in good faith; and
 
    (2) Such individual reasonably believed:
 
      (A) In the case of conduct in his or her official capacity, that such
    conduct was in the best interests of the corporation;
 
      (B) In all other cases, that such conduct was at least not opposed to
    the best interests of the corporation; and
 
      (C) In the case of any criminal proceeding, that the individual had
    no reasonable cause to believe such conduct was unlawful.
 
  (b) A director's conduct with respect to an employee benefit plan for a
purpose he or she believed in good faith to be in the interests of the
participants in and beneficiaries of the plan is conduct that satisfies the
requirement of subsection (a)(2)(B) of this Code section.
 
  (c) The termination of a proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, or
conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent is not, of
itself, determinative that the director did not meet the standard of conduct
described in this Code section.
 
                                     II-2
<PAGE>
 
        (d) A corporation may not indemnify a director under this Code
      section:
 
                (1) In connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the
              corporation, except for reasonable expenses incurred in
              connection with the proceeding if it is determined that the
              director has met the relevant Standard of Conduct under this
              Code section; or
 
                (2) In connection with any proceeding with respect to conduct
              for which he or she was adjudged liable on the basis that
              personal benefit was improperly received by him or her, whether
              or not involving action in his or her official capacity.
 
14-2-852. MANDATORY INDEMNIFICATION.
 
  A corporation shall indemnify a director who was wholly successful, on the
merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she was a
party because he is or was a director of the corporation against reasonable
expenses incurred by the director in connection with the proceeding.
 
14-2-853. ADVANCE FOR EXPENSES.
 
  (a) A corporation may, before final disposition of the proceeding, advance
funds to pay for or reimburse the reasonable expenses incurred by a director
who is a party to a proceeding because he or she is a director if he or she
delivers to the corporation:
 
    (1) A written affirmation of his or her good faith belief that he or she
  has met the relevant standard of conduct described in Code Section 14-2-851
  or that the proceeding involves conduct for which liability has been
  eliminated under a provision of the articles of incorporation as authorized
  by paragraph (4) of subsection (b) of Code Section 14-2-202; and
 
    (2) His or her written undertaking to repay any funds advanced if it is
  ultimately determined that the director is not entitled to indemnification
  under this part.
 
  (b) The undertaking required by paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of this Code
section must be an unlimited general obligation of the director but need not
be secured and may be accepted without reference to financial ability to make
repayment.
 
  (c) Authorizations under this Code section shall be made:
 
    (1) By the board of directors:
 
      (A) When there are two or more disinterested directors, by a majority
    vote of all the disinterested directors (a majority of whom shall for
    such purpose constitute a quorum) or by a majority of the members of a
    committee of two or more disinterested directors appointed by such a
    vote; or
 
      (B) When there are fewer than two disinterested directors, by the
    vote necessary for action by the board in accordance with subsection
    (c) of Code Section 14-2-824, in which authorization directors who do
    not qualify as disinterested directors may participate; or
 
    (2) By the shareholders, but shares owned or voted under the control of a
  director who at the time does not qualify as a disinterested director with
  respect to the proceeding may not be voted on the authorization.
 
14-2-854. COURT-ORDERED INDEMNIFICATION.
 
  (a) A director who is a party to a proceeding because he or she is a
director may apply for indemnification or advance for expenses to the court
conducting the proceeding or to another court of competent jurisdiction. After
receipt of an application and after giving any notice it considers necessary,
the court shall:
 
    (1) Order indemnification or advance for expenses if it determines that
  the director is entitled to indemnification under this part; or
 
    (2) Order indemnification or advance for expenses if it determines, in
  view of all the relevant circumstances, that it is fair and reasonable to
  indemnify the director or to advance expenses to the director,
 
                                     II-3
<PAGE>
 
  even if the director has not met the relevant standard of conduct set fort
  in subsections (a) and (b) of Code Section 14-2-851, failed to comply with
  Code Section 14-2-853, or was adjudged liable in a proceeding referred to
  in paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (d) of Code Section 14-2-851, but if
  the director was adjudged so liable, the indemnification shall be limited
  to reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding.
 
  (b) If the court determines that the director is entitled to indemnification
or advance for expenses under this part, it may also order the corporation to
pay the director's reasonable expenses to obtain court-ordered indemnification
or advance for expenses.
 
14-2-855. DETERMINATION AND AUTHORIZATION OF INDEMNIFICATION.
 
  (a) A corporation may not indemnify a director under Code Section 14-2-851
unless authorized thereunder and a determination has been made for a specific
proceeding that indemnification of the director is permissible in the
circumstances because he or she has met the relevant standard of conduct set
forth in Code Section 14-2-851.
 
  (b) The determination shall be made:
 
    (1) If there are two or more disinterested directors, by the board of
  directors by a majority vote of all the disinterested directors (a majority
  of whom shall for such purpose constitute a quorum) or by a majority of the
  members of a committee of two or more disinterested directors appointed by
  such a vote;
 
    (2) By special legal counsel:
 
      (A) Selected in the manner prescribed in paragraph (1) of this
    subsection; or
 
      (B) If there are fewer than two disinterested directors, selected by
    the board of directors (in which selection directors who do not qualify
    as disinterested directors may participate); or
 
    (3) By the shareholders, but shares owned by or voted under the control
  of a director who at the time does not qualify as a disinterested director
  may not be voted on the determination.
 
  (c) Authorization of indemnification or an obligation to indemnify and
evaluation as to reasonableness of expenses shall be made in the same manner
as the determination that indemnification is permissible, except that if there
are fewer than two disinterested directors or if the determination is made by
special legal counsel, authorization of indemnification and evaluation as to
reasonableness of expenses shall be made by those entitled under subparagraph
(b)(2)(B) of this Code section to select special legal counsel.
 
14-2-856. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS.
 
  (a) If authorized by the articles of incorporation or a bylaw, contract, or
resolution approved or ratified by the shareholders by a majority of the votes
entitled to be cast, a corporation may indemnify or obligate itself to
indemnify a director made a party to a proceeding including a proceeding
brought by or in the right of the corporation, without regard to the
limitations in other Code sections of this part, but shares owned or voted
under the control of a director who at the time does not qualify as a
disinterested director with respect to any existing or threatened proceeding
that would be covered by the authorization may not be voted on the
authorization.
 
  (b) The corporation shall not indemnify a director under this Code section
for any liability incurred in a proceeding in which the director is adjudged
liable to the corporation or is subjected to injunctive relief in favor of the
corporation:
 
    (1) For any appropriation, in violation of the directors duties, of any
  business opportunity of the corporation;
 
    (2) For acts or omissions which involve intentional misconduct or a
  knowing violation of law;
 
    (3) For the types of liability set forth in Code Section 14-2-832; or
 
    (4) For any transaction from which he or she received an improper
  personal benefit.
 
 
                                     II-4
<PAGE>
 
  (c) Where approved or authorized in the manner described in subsection (a)
of this Code section, a corporation may advance or reimburse expenses incurred
in advance of final disposition of the proceeding only if:
 
    (1) The director furnishes the corporation a written affirmation of his
  good faith belief that his conduct does not constitute behavior of the kind
  described in subsection (b) of this Code section; and
 
    (2) The director furnishes the corporation a written undertaking,
  executed personally or on his behalf, to repay any advances if it is
  ultimately determined that he is not entitled to indemnification under this
  Code section.
 
14-2-857. INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS.
 
  (a) A corporation may indemnify and advance expenses under this part to an
officer of the corporation who is a party to a proceeding because he or she is
an officer of the corporation:
 
    (1) To the same extent as a director; and
 
    (2) If he or she is not a director, to such further extent as may be
  provided by the articles of incorporation, the bylaws, a resolution of the
  board of directors, or contract except for liability arising out of conduct
  that constitutes:
 
      (A) Appropriation, in violation of his or her duties, of any business
    opportunity of the corporation;
 
      (B) Acts or omissions which involve intentional misconduct or a
    knowing violation of law;
 
      (C) The types of liability set forth in Code Section 14-2-832; or
 
      (D) Receipt of an improper personal benefit.
 
  (b) The provisions of paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of this Code section
shall apply to an officer who is also a director if the sole basis on which he
or she is made a party to the proceeding is an act or omission solely as an
officer.
 
  (c) An officer of a corporation who is not a director is entitled to
mandatory indemnification under Code Section 14-2-852, and may apply to a
court under Code Section 14-2-854 for indemnification or advances for
expenses, in each case to the same extent to which a director may be entitled
to indemnification or advances for expenses under those provisions.
 
  (d) A corporation may also indemnify and advance expenses to an employee or
agent who is not a director to the extent, consistent with public policy, that
may be provided by its articles of incorporation, bylaws, general or specific
action of its board of directors, or contract.
 
14-2-858. INSURANCE.
 
  A corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of an individual
who is a director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation or who,
while a director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation, serves at
the corporation's request as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee,
or agent of another domestic or foreign corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust, employee benefit plan, or other entity against liability
asserted against or incurred by him or her in that capacity or arising from
his or her status as a director, officer, employee, or agent, whether or not
the corporation would have power to indemnify or advance expenses to him or
her against the same liability under this part.
 
14-2-859. APPLICATION OF PART.
 
  (a) A corporation may, by a provision in its articles of incorporation or
bylaws or in a resolution adopted or a contract approved by its board of
directors or shareholders, obligate itself in advance of the act or omission
giving rise to a proceeding to provide indemnification or advance funds to pay
for or reimburse expenses
 
                                     II-5
<PAGE>
 
consistent with this part. Any such obligatory provision shall be deemed to
satisfy the requirements for authorization referred to in subsection (c) of
Code Section 14-2-853 or subsection (c) of Code Section 14-2-855. Any such
provision that obligates the corporation to provide indemnification to the
fullest extent permitted by law shall be deemed to obligate the corporation to
advance funds to pay for or reimburse expenses in accordance with Code Section
14-2-853 to the fullest extent permitted by law, unless the provision
specifically provides otherwise.
 
  (b) Any provision pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section shall not
obligate the corporation to indemnify or advance expenses to a director of a
predecessor of the corporation, pertaining to conduct with respect to the
predecessor, unless otherwise specifically provided. Any provision for
indemnification or advance for expenses in the articles of incorporation,
bylaws, or a resolution of the board of directors or shareholders, partners,
or, in the case of limited liability companies, members or managers of a
predecessor of the corporation or other entity in a merger or in a contract to
which the predecessor is a party, existing at the time the merger takes
effect, shall be governed by paragraph (3) of subsection (a) of Code Section
14-2-1106.
 
  (c) A corporation may, by a provision in its articles of incorporation,
limit any of the rights to indemnification or advance for expenses created by
or pursuant to this part.
 
  (d) This part does not limit a corporation's power to pay or reimburse
expenses incurred by a director or an officer in connection with his or her
appearance as a witness in a proceeding at a time when he or she is not a
party.
 
  (e) Except as expressly provided in Code Section 14-2-857, this part does
not limit a corporation's power to indemnify, advance expenses to, or provide
or maintain insurance on behalf of an employee or agent.
 
 Bylaw Authority
 
 ARTICLE VI OF DAN RIVER'S BYLAWS PROVIDES:
 
  INDEMNITY.
 
  Section 1. Mandatory Indemnification. The Corporation shall indemnify to the
fullest extent permitted under the Georgia Business Corporation Code as it
presently exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such
amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Corporation to
provide broader indemnification rights than said law permitted the Corporation
to provide prior to such amendment), any individual made a party to a
proceeding (as defined in the Georgia Business Corporation Code) because he or
she is or was a director or officer against liability (as director, officer
and liability are defined in the Georgia Business Corporation Code), incurred
in the proceeding, if he or she acted in a manner he or she believed in good
faith to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation and, in
the case of any criminal proceeding, if he or she had no reasonable cause to
believe his or her conduct was unlawful.
 
  Section 2. Permissive Indemnification. The Corporation shall have the power
to indemnify to the fullest extent permitted by the Georgia Business
Corporation Code, any individual made a party to a proceeding (as defined in
the Georgia Business Corporation Code) because he or she is or was an employee
or agent of the Corporation against liability (as defined in the Georgia
Business Corporation Code), incurred in the proceeding, if he or she acted in
a manner he or she believed in good faith to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of the Corporation and, in the case of any criminal proceeding, if
he or she had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.
 
  Section 3. Advances for Expenses. The Corporation shall pay for or reimburse
the reasonable expenses incurred by a director or officer who is a party to a
proceeding, and shall have the authority to pay for or reimburse the
reasonable expenses of an employee or agent of the Company who is a party to a
proceeding, in each case in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding
if:
 
 
                                     II-6
<PAGE>
 
    (i) Such person furnishes the Corporation a written affirmation of his or
  her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct set
  forth in Section 1 or Section 2 above, as applicable; and
 
    (ii) Such person furnishes the Corporation a written undertaking,
  executed personally on his or her behalf to repay any advances if it is
  ultimately determined that he or she is not entitled to indemnification.
 
  The written undertaking required by paragraph (ii) above must be an
unlimited general obligation of such person but need not be secured and may be
accepted without reference to financial ability to make repayment.
 
  Section 4. Indemnification Not Exclusive. The right to indemnification and
the payment of expenses incurred in defending a proceeding in advance of its
final disposition conferred in this Article VI shall not be exclusive of any
other right that any person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute,
provision of the Restated and Amended Articles of Incorporation, provision of
these Bylaws, agreement, vote of shareholders or disinterested directors or
otherwise.
 
  Section 5. Amendment or Repeal. Any repeal or modification of the foregoing
provisions of this Article VI shall not adversely affect any right or
protection hereunder of any person in respect of any act or omission occurring
prior to the time of such repeal or modification.
 
  For the undertaking with respect to indemnification, see Item 17 herein.
 
ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
 
  None.
 
                                     II-7
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
  (A) EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
 -------------- ----------------------
 <C>            <S>
  1.1**         Form of Underwriting Agreement relating to the Class A Common
                Stock.
  2.1           Plan and Agreement of Merger of Braelan Corp. with and into Dan
                River Inc.(1)
  2.2           Asset Purchase Agreement dated January 10, 1997 by and between
                Dan River Inc. and The New Cherokee Corporation.(2)
  2.3           First Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement between Dan River
                Inc. and The New Cherokee Corporation dated as of February 2,
                1997.(2)
  3.1**         Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Dan River
                Inc.
  3.2**         Bylaws of Dan River Inc.
  4.1           Form of Indenture between Dan River and Marine Midland Bank,
                N.A., as Trustee (including Form of Note).(3)
  4.2           Specimen Stock Certificate.
  5.1           Opinion and Consent of King & Spalding.
 10.1           Loan and Security Agreement, dated February 3, 1997 among Dan
                River Inc. and Fleet Capital Corporation.(4)
 10.4           Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of September 3, 1991,
                among Dan River Inc. and the Investors.(5)
 10.5           Voting Agreement among Joseph L. Lanier, Jr., Richard L.
                Williams and Barry F. Shea
                and certain members of their family.
 10.7           Employment Agreement, dated as of October 29, 1997, between Dan
                River Inc. and Joseph L. Lanier, Jr.
 10.8           Employment Agreement, dated as of October 29, 1997, between Dan
                River Inc. and Richard L. Williams.
 10.9           Employment Agreement, dated as October 29, 1997, between Dan
                River Inc. and Barry F. Shea.
 10.10          Form of Post-employment Letter Agreement between Dan River Inc.
                and certain of its officers.(5)
 10.12          Post-employment Letter Agreement between Dan River Inc. and
                Gregory R. Boozer.(6)
 10.13          Post-employment Letter Agreement between Dan River Inc. and
                Harry L. Goodrich.(7)
 10.14          Dan River Inc. Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan and form
                of Option Agreement in effect prior to December 30, 1994.(5)
 10.14.1        Dan River Inc. Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan and form
                of Option Agreement, as amended as of December 30, 1994.(6)
 10.15          Dan River Management Incentive Plan.(5)
 10.16**        Form of Dan River Inc. 1997 Stock Incentive Plan.
 10.19**        Form of Dan River Inc. 1997 Stock Plan for Outside Directors.
 10.21          Equipment Lease Agreement No. 2891-0, dated as of December 29,
                1989, as amended, between MDFC Equipment Leasing Corporation
                and Dan River Inc.(5)
 21.1           List of Subsidiaries.(5)
 23.1           Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
 23.2           Consent of Pugh & Company, P.C.
 23.3           Consent of King & Spalding (included in Exhibit 5.1).
 99.1           Directed Share Program materials (excluding Prospectus).
</TABLE>    
- --------
       
** Previously filed.
(1) Exhibit 2.1 incorporated by reference to corresponding exhibit number in
    Dan River's Report on Form 10-K (No. 33-70442) for the fiscal year ended
    December 30, 1995.
(2) Exhibit Nos. 2.2 and 2.3 incorporated by reference to Exhibit Nos. 2.1 and
    2.2 in Dan River's Current Report on form 8-K (No. 33-70442) dated February
    3, 1997.
   
(3) Exhibit 4.1 incorporated by reference to exhibit 4 in Dan River's Report on
    Form 10-K (No. 33-70442) for the fiscal year ended January 1, 1994.     
   
(4) Exhibit 10.1 incorporated by reference to corresponding exhibit number in
    Dan River's Report on Form 10-K (No. 33-70442) for the fiscal year ended
    December 28, 1996.     
 
                                      II-8
<PAGE>
 
   
(5) Incorporated by reference to corresponding exhibit number in Dan River's
    Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-70442) filed on October 15,
    1993.     
   
(6) Exhibit Nos. 10.12 and 10.14.1 incorporated by reference to corresponding
    exhibit numbers in Dan River's Report on Form 10-K (No. 33-70442) for the
    fiscal year ended December 31, 1994.     
   
(7) Exhibit No. 10.13 incorporated by reference to exhibit number 10.12 in the
    Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-70442) filed on October 15,
    1993.     
 
  (B)  FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES:
 
      Schedule II--Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
 
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS
 
  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), may be permitted to directors, officers and
controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or
otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the
Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event
that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the
payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer
or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any
action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or
controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the
Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been
settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication
of such issue.
 
  The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
    (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Act, the
  information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this
  registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form
  of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or
  497(h) under the Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration
  statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
    (2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Act, each
  post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed
  to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
  therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed
  to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
                                     II-9
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES
   
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
Registrant has duly caused this Amendment to its Registration Statement to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the
City of Danville, State of Virginia on November 17, 1997.     
 
                                          DAN RIVER INC.
 
                                              
                                          By:    /s/ Joseph L. Lanier, Jr.
                                              ---------------------------------
                                                   Joseph L. Lanier, Jr.
                                               Chairman and Chief Executive
                                                          Officer
 
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, THIS
AMENDMENT TO REGISTRATION STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS
IN THE CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATES INDICATED:

<TABLE>     
<CAPTION> 
 
              SIGNATURE                        TITLE                 DATE
              ---------                        -----                 ----
<S>                                    <C>                       <C>  
      /s/ Joseph L. Lanier, Jr.        Chairman of the           November 17,
- -------------------------------------   Board, Chief              1997       
        JOSEPH L. LANIER, JR.           Executive Officer        
                                        and Director
 
                  *                    Vice President-Chief
- -------------------------------------   Financial Officer
            BARRY F. SHEA               (Principal
                                        Financial and
                                        Accounting Officer)
 
                  *                    President, Chief
- -------------------------------------   Operating Officer
         RICHARD L. WILLIAMS            and Director
 
                  *                    Director                      
- -------------------------------------                                
           EDWARD J. LILL
 
                  *                    Director
- -------------------------------------
           JOHN F. MAYPOLE
 
                                        
*By: /s/ Joseph L. Lanier, Jr.                                   November 17,
     --------------------------------                             1997
        JOSEPH L. LANIER, JR.                                          
          ATTORNEY-IN-FACT

</TABLE>      
 
                                     II-10
<PAGE>
 
                                                                     SCHEDULE II
 
                                 DAN RIVER INC.
                       VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, DECEMBER 30, 1995 AND DECEMBER 28, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       ADDITIONS
                                    ----------------
                         BALANCE AT CHARGED TO                      BALANCE AT
                         BEGINNING  COSTS AND                          END
                          OF YEAR    EXPENSES  OTHER    DEDUCTIONS   OF YEAR
                         ---------- ---------- -----    ----------  ----------
                                            (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                      <C>        <C>        <C>      <C>         <C>
Year ended December 31,
 1994
  Allowance for uncol-
   lectible accounts,      $6,340     7,557       21(A)   8,026(B)    5,892
   discounts and claims.   ------     -----    -----      -----       -----
    Totals..............   $6,340     7,557       21      8,026       5,892
                           ======     =====    =====      =====       =====
Year ended December 30,
 1995
  Allowance for uncol-
   lectible accounts,      $5,892     7,060       19(A)   7,831(B)    5,140
   discounts and claims.   ------     -----    -----      -----       -----
    Total...............   $5,892     7,060       19      7,831       5,140
                           ======     =====    =====      =====       =====
Year ended December 28,
 1996
  Allowance for uncol-
   lectible accounts,      $5,140     6,937      145      7,591(B)    4,631
   discounts and claims.   ------     -----    -----      -----       -----
    Totals..............   $5,140     6,937      145      7,591       4,631
                           ======     =====    =====      =====       =====
</TABLE>
 
Notes:
 
(A) Recoveries of amounts previously written off.
(B) Includes writeoff of receivables and claims allowed.
 
                                      S-1

<PAGE>

                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.2
 
        NUMBER                                      SHARES


       Class A                                      Class A
       COMMON STOCK                                 COMMON STOCK

INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE       THIS CERTIFICATE IS TRANSFERABLE      
       STATE OF GEORGIA                        EITHER IN NEW YORK, N.Y.,      
                                         BOSTON, MA OR WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. 


                                Dan River Inc.


THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT                             IS THE OWNER OF


                                         SEE REVERSE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

                                                        CUSIP 235774 10 6


FULLY PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE SHARES OF THE CLASS A COMMON STOCK OF

 Dan River Inc. (hereinafter called the "Corporation"), transferable on the 
books of the Corporation by the holder hereof in person or by duly  authorized 
Attorney upon surrender of this Certificate properly endorsed. This Certificate 
and the shares represented hereby are issued and shall be subject to all of the 
provisions of the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation, as amended (a 
copy of which is on file with the Transfer Agent), to all of which the holder of
this Certificate assents by acceptance hereof. This Certificate is not valid 
unless countersigned by the Transfer Agent and registered by the Registrar.
  Witness the facsimile signatures of the duly authorized officers of the 
Corporation,

                             CERTIFICATE OF STOCK

Dated:


/s/ Harry L. Goodrich  SECRETARY         /s/ Joseph L. Lanier, Jr. CHAIRMAN


COUNTERSIGNED AND REGISTERED:            TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
WACHOVIA BANK, N.A.                               
(Winston Salem, N.C.)

BY


<PAGE>
 
                                DAN RIVER INC.



     The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of 
this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full 
according to applicable laws or regulations:

                                                 UNIF GIFT
     TEN COM--as tenants in common               MIN ACT--       Custodian
     TEN ENT--as tenants by the entireties                .......         ......
     JT TEN --as joint tenants with right of              (Cust)         (Minor)
              survivorship and not as tenants             under Uniform Gifts to
              in common                                   Minors Act............
                                                                      (State)
                    Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the
                    above list.

           For value received;___________ hereby sell, assign and transfer unto
           PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY
           OR OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF
                     ASSIGNEE
           -----------------------------


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


           ------------------------------------------------------------------
           (PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, 
                                     OF ASSIGNEE)

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

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

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

                                                                       shares
           ------------------------------------------------------------
           of the capital stock represented by the within Certificate, and do 
           hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint ________________________
           Attorney to transfer the said stock on the books of the within named
           Corporation with the full power of substitution in the premises.

           Dated
                ------------------


                        -----------------------------------------------------
                NOTICE: THE SIGNATURE TO THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND WITH 
                        THE NAME AS WRITTEN UPON THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATE 
                        IN EVERY PARTICULAR WITHOUT ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT 
                        OR ANY CHANGE WHATEVER.


                SIGNATURE(S) GUARANTEED:
                                        ------------------------------------
                                        THE SIGNATURE(S) SHOULD BE MEDALLION
                                        GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR
                                        INSTITUTION (BANKS, STOCKBROKERS,
                                        SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS AND CREDIT
                                        UNIONS WITH MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED
                                        SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION PROGRAM),
                                        PURSUANT TO S.C.C. RULE 17A-12.

KEEP THIS CERTIFICATE IN A SAFE PLACE. IF IT IS LOST, STOLEN, MUTILATED OR 
DESTROYED, THE CORPORATION WILL REQUIRE A BOND OF INDEMNITY AS A CONDITION TO 
THE ISSUANCE OF A REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATE.


<PAGE>
                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1

                 [LETTERHEAD OF KING & SPALDING APPEARS HERE]

                               November 17, 1997


Dan River Inc.
2291 Memorial Drive
Danville, Virginia 24541


     Re:   Form S-1 Registration Statement (File No. 333-36479)
           ----------------------------------------------------


Ladies and Gentlemen:

     We have acted as counsel for Dan River Inc., a Georgia corporation (the 
"Company"), in connection with the preparation of the Registration Statement on 
Form S-1 (the "Registration Statement") filed with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, relating to 6,700,000 
shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company (the 
"Common Stock"), to be sold by the Company and certain shareholders of the 
Company (the "Selling Shareholders") to the underwriters named in the 
Registration Statement pursuant to an Underwriting Agreement, the form of which 
has been filed as an Exhibit to the Registration Statement (the "Underwriting 
Agreement").  As such counsel, we have examined and relied upon such records, 
documents, certificates and other instruments as in our judgment are necessary 
or appropriate to form the basis for the opinions hereinafter set forth.  In all
such examinations, we have assumed the genuineness of signatures on original 
documents and the conformity to such original documents of all copies submitted 
to us as certified, conformed or photographic copies, and as to certificates of 
public officials, we have assumed the same to have been properly given and to be
accurate.

     Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:

           (i)   The Company is a corporation incorporated and validly existing
     and, based solely on a certificate of the Secretary of State of the State
     of Georgia, in good standing under the laws of the State of Georgia; and

<PAGE>
 

Dan River Inc.
November 17, 1997
Page 2

           (ii)  The 4,700,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share,
     of the Company to be issued pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement are duly
     authorized and, when the price per share has been established by the
     Pricing Committee of the Board of Directors and the shares are issued in
     accordance with the terms of the Underwriting Agreement and against payment
     therefor as set forth therein, will be validly issued, fully paid and
     nonassessable.

     We consent to the filing of this opinion as an Exhibit to the Registration 
Statement and to the reference to us under the caption "Legal Matters" in the 
Prospectus that is included in the Registration Statement.

                                            Very truly yours,

                                            KING & SPALDING 

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.5

                                VOTING AGREEMENT

     THIS VOTING AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as of the
19th day of November, 1997, by and among Dan River Inc., a Georgia corporation
(the "Company"), Joseph L. Lanier, Jr., an individual resident of the State of
Alabama ("Joseph Lanier"), and Richard L. Williams, an individual resident of
the State of New Jersey, Barry F. Shea, an individual resident of the State of
Virginia, J.C. Bradford f/b/o Barry F. Shea ("J.C. Bradford"), Ann L. Jackson,
an individual resident of the State of Florida, Joseph L. Lanier, III, an
individual resident of the State of Virginia, Ann M. Lanier, an individual
resident of the State of Alabama, and Suzanne S. Williams, an individual
resident of the State of New Jersey (all of such individuals and J.C. Bradford
shall be referred to collectively as the "Shareholders" and individually as a
"Shareholder");

                              W I T N E S S E T H:
                              - - - - - - - - - - 

     WHEREAS, the Company and certain of the Shareholders are party to a Voting
Agreement dated September 3, 1991 (the "1991 Voting Agreement"); and

     WHEREAS, on September 26, 1997, the Company filed a Registration Statement
on Form S-1 (File No. 333-36479) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
relating to a proposed initial public offering (the "IPO") of Class A Common
Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company ("New Class A Common");

     WHEREAS, in connection with the IPO, effective November 3, 1997, the
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company were amended and
restated to, among other things, authorize the issuance of supervoting Class B
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company ("New Class B Common");
and

     WHEREAS, in connection with the IPO, the Company and each Shareholder has
entered into an exchange agreement pursuant to which each Shareholder has
exchanged (the "Exchange Offer") each share of New Class A Common owned by such
Shareholder for one share of New Class B Common; and

     WHEREAS, in connection with the IPO and the Exchange Offer, the Company and
the Shareholders have determined to terminate the 1991 Voting Agreement and to
enter into this Agreement which will contain certain voting arrangements among
the Shareholders;

     NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements contained herein,
and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of
which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
<PAGE>
 
     SECTION 1.  VOTING ARRANGEMENT.

     1.1  CONTROL BY PROXY.  Each of the Shareholders hereby irrevocably grants
to Joseph Lanier a proxy, in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto, to vote any
and all shares of New Class B Common owned by each of them (the "Shareholder
Group Stock"), whether such shares are owned by them currently or are acquired
by them in the future.  Each such proxy shall survive the death, disability or
incapacity of the individual granting such proxy.

     SECTION 2.  TERMINATION.  This Agreement shall terminate and shall be of no
further force and effect, upon the earlier of (i) November 19, 2007, (ii) the
death or mental incapacity of Joseph Lanier or (iii) the date on which the
parties hereto agree in writing to terminate this Agreement.

     SECTION 3.  LEGEND.  Each certificate representing shares of Shareholder
Group Stock and each certificate issued in exchange for or upon the transfer of
any Shareholder Group Stock shall be stamped or otherwise imprinted
conspicuously with a legend in substantially the following form:

          "The securities represented by this certificate are subject to a
          Voting Agreement dated as of November 19, 1997, among the issuer of
          such securities (the "Company") and certain of the Company's
          shareholders.  A copy of such Voting Agreement will be furnished
          without charge by the Company to the holder hereof upon written
          request."

The legend set forth above shall be removed from the certificates evidencing any
shares upon the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 2 hereof.

     SECTION 4.  MISCELLANEOUS.

     4.1  TERMINATION OF 1991 AGREEMENT.  The Shareholders and the Company
hereby terminate the 1991 Voting Agreement, and the 1991 Voting Agreement shall
be of no further force or effect.

     4.2  STATUTORY AUTHORITY.  The intent of the parties hereto is that this
Agreement shall serve as a voting agreement contemplated in Section 14-2-731 of
the Georgia Business Corporation Code.

     4.3  RESTRICTION ON TRANSFER.  During the term of this Agreement, no
transfer of the Shareholder Group Stock shall be permitted unless the transferee
of such Shareholder Group Stock shall have agreed in writing to be bound by the
provisions of this Agreement.

     4.4  AMENDMENT AND WAIVER.  No modification, amendment or waiver of any
provision of this Agreement will be effective unless such modification,
amendment or waiver 

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
is approved in writing by all of the parties hereto. The failure of any party to
enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement will in no way be construed as a
waiver of such provisions of this Agreement and will not affect the right of
such party thereafter to enforce each and every provision of this Agreement in
accordance with its terms.

     4.5   SEVERABILITY.  Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement
will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable
law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or
unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any
jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect
any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this Agreement will be
reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid,
illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.

     4.6   ENTIRE AGREEMENT.  Except as otherwise expressly set forth herein,
this document embodies the complete agreement and understanding among the
parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and
preempts any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the
parties, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in
any way.

     4.7   SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.  Except as otherwise provided herein, this
Agreement will bind and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the
Company and its successors and assigns, and the Shareholders and any subsequent
holders of shares of Shareholder Group Stock and the respective successors and
assigns of each of them, so long as they hold shares of Shareholder Group Stock.

     4.8   COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be executed in separate
counterparts each of which will be an original and all of which taken together
will constitute one and the same agreement.

     4.9   REMEDIES.  The Shareholders shall be entitled to enforce their rights
under this Agreement specifically to recover damages by reason of any breach of
any provision of this Agreement and to exercise all other rights existing in
their favor.  The parties hereto agree and acknowledge that money damages may
not be an adequate remedy for any breach of the provisions of this Agreement and
that any Shareholder may in its sole discretion apply to any court of law or
equity of competent jurisdiction for specific performance and/or injunctive
relief in order to enforce or prevent any violation of the provisions of this
Agreement.

     4.10  NOTICES.  Any notice provided for in this Agreement shall be in
writing and shall be either personally delivered, or mailed first class mail
(postage prepaid) or sent by reputable overnight courier service (charges
prepaid) to the recipient at the address indicated on Schedule A hereto and to
any subsequent holder of any shares of Shareholder Group Stock subject to this
Agreement at such address as indicated by the Company's records, or at such
other address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party
has specified by 

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
prior written notice to the sending party. Notices will be deemed to have been
given hereunder when delivered personally, three days after deposit in the U.S.
mail and one day after deposit with a reputable overnight courier service.

     4.11  GOVERNING LAW.  This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the
State of Georgia.

     4.12  DESCRIPTIVE HEADINGS.  The descriptive headings of this Agreement are
inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a part of this Agreement.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of
the date first above written.

                                    DAN RIVER INC.


                                    By:
                                       --------------------------------------
                                         Joseph L. Lanier, Jr.
                                         Chief Executive Officer


                                    -----------------------------------------
                                    JOSEPH L. LANIER, JR.


                                    ----------------------------------------- 
                                    ANN M. LANIER


                                    -----------------------------------------
                                    ANN L. JACKSON


                                    -----------------------------------------
                                    JOSEPH LANIER, III


                                    -----------------------------------------
                                    BARRY F. SHEA


                                    J.C. BRADFORD F/B/O
                                    BARRY F. SHEA


                                    By:
                                       --------------------------------------


                                    -----------------------------------------
                                    RICHARD L. WILLIAMS

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                                    -----------------------------------------
                                    SUZANNE S. WILLIAMS

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
                                   SCHEDULE A
                                   ----------

DAN RIVER INC.
2291 Memorial Drive
Danville, Virginia 24541
Attn: Corporate Secretary

JOSEPH L. LANIER, JR.
c/o Dan River Inc.
2291 Memorial Drive
Danville, Virginia 24541

ANN L. JACKSON
7845 Groveton Hills Place
Jacksonville, Florida 32256

JOSEPH LANIER, III
143 Linden Drive
Danville, Virginia 24541

BARRY F. SHEA
c/o Dan River Inc.
2291 Memorial Drive
Danville, Virginia 24543

J.C. BRADFORD F/B/O BARRY F. SHEA
120 Crown Drive
Danville, Virginia 24540

RICHARD L. WILLIAMS
c/o Dan River Inc.
2291 Memorial Drive
Danville, Virginia 24541

ANN M. LANIER
1703 Spring Road
Laneh, Alabama 36863

SUZANNE S. WILLIAMS
59 Warren Place
Montclair, New Jersey 07042

<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT A
                                   ---------


                                 DAN RIVER INC.

                               IRREVOCABLE PROXY


     The undersigned agrees to, and hereby grants to Joseph L. Lanier, Jr., an
irrevocable proxy pursuant to the provisions of Section 14-2-722 of the Georgia
Business Corporation Code to vote, or to execute and deliver written consents or
otherwise act with respect to, all shares of Class B Common Stock, par value
$.01 per share (the "Stock") of DAN RIVER INC. (the "Corporation") now owned or
hereafter acquired by the undersigned as fully and to the same extent and with
the same effect as the undersigned might or could do under any applicable laws
or regulations governing the rights and powers of shareholders of a Georgia
corporation in connection with the election of directors of the Corporation as
provided in a certain Voting Agreement, dated as of November 19, 1997, among the
undersigned and certain other shareholders of the Corporation (the "Voting
Agreement").  The undersigned hereby affirms that this proxy is given as a
condition of the Voting Agreement and as such is coupled with an interest and is
irrevocable.  It is further understood by the undersigned that this proxy may be
exercised by Joseph L. Lanier, Jr. for the period beginning on the date hereof
and continuing until the earlier of (i) the death or incapacity of Joseph L.
Lanier, Jr. or (ii) the termination of the Voting Agreement.


     THIS PROXY SHALL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT AND BE ENFORCEABLE AGAINST
ANY DONEE, TRANSFEREE OR ASSIGNEE OF THE STOCK.

     Dated this ______ day of November, 1997.


                                            By:
                                               ---------------------------------

<PAGE>

                                                                EXHIBIT 10.7
 
                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
                              --------------------


     THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), is made and entered into as
of the 31st day of October, 1997, by and between JOSEPH L. LANIER, JR. (the
"Executive"), and DAN RIVER INC., a Georgia corporation (the "Company");


                              W I T N E S S E T H:
                              - - - - - - - - - --


     WHEREAS, the Executive has been employed by the Company as the Chief
Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of the Company since November, 1989;
and

     WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue to employ the Executive, and the
Executive desires to continue to be employed by the Company, on the terms and
conditions contained herein; and

     WHEREAS, to induce the Executive to continue in the employ of the Company,
the Company wishes to enter into this Agreement;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements
contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to
be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:


     Section 1.  Employment
     ---------   ----------

     1.1.  Duties.  Subject to the terms hereof, the Company hereby employs the
           ------                                                              
Executive as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors
of the Company, and the Executive hereby accepts such employment.  Subject to
customary responsibility and oversight of the Board of Directors of the Company
(the "Board"), the Executive will have such responsibility and authority
regarding the operations and management of the Company as is customary for a
chief executive officer, including, without limitation, (i) the responsibility
and authority to make day-to-day manufacturing, marketing, procurement and
strategy decisions, (ii) the responsibility and authority to make personnel
decisions, including hiring and termination decisions, and, subject to
compliance with the merit budget to be approved annually by the Board,
compensation decisions relating to all employees of the Company (other than with
respect to the Executive and other than with respect to the other corporate
officers of the Company whose compensation will be determined by the Executive,
subject to approval by the Board) including decisions concerning participation
in the Dan River Inc. Management Incentive Plan (the "MIP") and any other
employee
<PAGE>
 
benefit and incentive plans, and (iii) the responsibility and authority to take
other actions necessary to implement the annual business plan of the Company.
The Executive agrees that during the employment of the Executive pursuant to
this Agreement, the Executive shall devote such business time and attention to
the business of the Company as is consistent with his past practices as Chief
Executive Officer of the Company.

     1.2.  Other Activities.  The Executive may, without limitation, (i) serve
           ----------------                                                   
on corporate, civic or charitable boards or committees, (ii) deliver lectures,
fulfill speaking engagements or teach at educational institutions and (iii)
manage personal investments, provided such activities do not materially
interfere with the performance of the Executive's responsibilities to the
Company hereunder.  The parties hereto expressly understand and agree that to
the extent the Executive has engaged in any such activities prior to the date of
this Agreement, any subsequent conduct of activities similar in nature and scope
to such previous activities shall not be deemed to materially interfere with the
performance of the Executive's duties hereunder.


     Section 2.  Compensation; Expenses
     ---------   ----------------------

     2.1.  Salary.  During the term of his employment hereunder, the Company
           ------                                                           
shall pay the Executive a base salary (the "Base Salary") at a rate of
$460,000.00 per annum.  The Board shall review the compensation payable to the
Executive hereunder annually and shall increase such compensation at the time of
each such review by an amount which the Board deems appropriate in light of the
Company's performance; provided, however, that the Base Salary shall be
increased during the term of this Agreement by at least an amount necessary to
give effect to the consumer price index (excluding housing) as published by the
United States Department of Labor or any substantially similar successor index
(the "CPI Adjustment"); provided, further, however, that no CPI Adjustment shall
be made during any year of the term of this Agreement if, during the immediately
preceding year, there has been a material adverse change in the business or
operations of the Company.  The Base Salary shall be paid to the Executive in
equal bi-monthly or monthly installments in accordance with applicable payroll
policies, less all applicable withholding taxes.

     2.2.  Bonus.  In addition to the Base Salary, the Company shall pay the
           -----                                                            
Executive, for each fiscal year ending during the term of this Agreement, an
annual bonus (the "Bonus") pursuant to the MIP in existence as of the date
hereof, or any comparable or successor plan.  The Bonus shall be payable in cash
promptly after the date on which the audited financial statements of the Company
are first available for the fiscal year for which the Bonus is awarded, unless
the Executive shall otherwise timely elect to defer the receipt of such Bonus
under any deferred compensation plan of the Company then in effect.  Under no
circumstances shall the MIP, as in effect as of the date hereof,

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
including, without limitation, any performance targets that have been
established with respect thereto, be amended during the term of this Agreement
without the consent of the Executive, which consent shall be evidenced by a
writing to such effect or the affirmative vote by the Executive at the Board
meeting approving any such amendment to the MIP.

     2.3.  Expenses.  The Executive shall be reimbursed promptly for all
           --------                                                     
reasonable business-related expenses incurred by the Executive in accordance
with the policies and procedures of the Company applicable to other senior
executives thereof.


     Section 3. Term; Termination of Agreement.
     ---------  ------------------------------ 

     3.1.  Term; Termination.  This Agreement shall become effective if and only
           -----------------                                                    
if the Company consummates an initial public offering of the Company's Common
Stock on or before January 31, 1998.  Provided that the Executive is employed on
the date the initial public offering is consummated as provided above, the
employment of the Executive pursuant to this Agreement shall continue for a
period of five (5) years from such date or, if earlier, the occurrence of any of
the following events:

               (a)  the death or total disability of the Executive (total
          disability meaning the failure of the Executive to perform his normal
          required services hereunder for a period of six consecutive months
          during the term hereof by reason of the Executive's mental or physical
          disability) (a "Disability Termination Event");

               (b)  termination by the Company of the Executive's employment
          hereunder for "Good Cause," which shall exist upon the occurrence of
          any of the following: (i) the Executive is convicted of, pleads guilty
          to, or confesses to any felony or any act of fraud, misappropriation
          or embezzlement, (ii) the Executive engages in a fraudulent act to the
          material damage or prejudice of the Company, or (iii) the Executive
          otherwise fails to comply with the terms of this Agreement or deviates
          from any written policies or directives of the Board, in either such
          case to the material detriment of the Company, and, within 30 days
          after written notice from the Board of such failure or deviation, the
          Executive has not corrected such failure (in any such case, a "Good
          Cause Termination Event");

               (c)  termination by the Company of the Executive's employment
          hereunder for any reason other than as a result of a Good Cause
          Termination Event (a "No Cause Termination Event");

               (d)  termination by the Executive of the Executive's employment
          hereunder for "Good Reason",


                                       3
<PAGE>
 
          which shall mean (i) the assignment to the Executive of any duties
          inconsistent in any material respect with the Executive's position
          (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements),
          authority or duties or responsibilities as contemplated by Section 1
          hereof or any other action by the Company that results in a material
          diminishment in such position, authority, duties or responsibilities,
          other than action or inaction on the part of the Company that is
          corrected by the Company within 30 days after receipt of written
          notice thereof given by the Executive, (ii) any failure by the Company
          to comply with the terms of this Agreement, including, without
          limitation, Sections 2 and 5 hereof, which is not corrected by the
          Company within 30 days after receipt of written notice thereof given
          by the Executive, (iii) the Company's requiring the Executive to be
          based at any office or location more than 40 miles away from that at
          which the Executive is based as of the date of this Agreement, except
          for travel reasonably required consistent with past practices, in the
          performance of the Executive's responsibilities, or (iv) any purported
          termination by the Company of the Executive's employment pursuant to
          this Agreement other than as permitted herein, in each such case
          without the prior written consent of the Executive (in any such case,
          a "Good Reason Termination Event"); or

               (e)  voluntary termination by the Executive of the Executive's
          employment hereunder other than for "Good Reason" (as defined above)
          (a "Voluntary Termination Event");

               (f)  the occurrence of a "Change in Control" in respect of the
          Company, which shall mean any event or series of events, other than
          events or series of events proposed or approved in writing by the
          Executive, which result in any "Person" (as hereinafter defined) and
          its "Affiliates" (as hereinafter defined) or any group of Persons (as
          the term "group" is used in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange
          Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules thereunder), other than the
          Executive and Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and his or its
          Affiliates as a group, owning or controlling capital stock of the
          Company possessing the voting power (under ordinary circumstances) to
          elect a majority of the Board (a "Control Termination Event").  For
          purposes of this Agreement, "Person" shall mean an individual, a
          partnership, a corporation, an association, a joint stock company, a
          trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization or a
          governmental entity or any department, agency or political subdivision
          thereof.  For purposes of this Agreement, "Affiliate" shall mean (i)
          with respect to any particular natural Person, such Person's spouse,
          descendants (whether


                                       4
<PAGE>
 
          natural or adopted) and other relatives, and (ii) with respect to any
          particular Person, any other Person, controlling, controlled by or
          under common control with such particular Person.

          3.2. Notice of Termination.  Any termination of the Executive's
               ---------------------                                     
employment hereunder by the Company or the Executive (other than by reason of
death) shall be communicated by a Notice of Termination to the other party
hereto given in accordance with the requirements of Section 7.10 of this
Agreement and in the case of terminations contemplated by Sections 3.1(a) and
(b) of this Agreement, no termination shall become effective sooner than 10 days
after the date of delivery of the Notice of Termination.  For purposes of this
Agreement, a "Notice of Termination" means a written notice which (i) indicates
the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, and (ii) sets
forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a
basis for termination of the Executive's employment under the provision so
indicated.


          Section 4.     Result of Termination.
          ---------      --------------------- 

          4.1. Termination As Result Of Voluntary or Good Cause Termination
               ------------------------------------------------ -----------
Events.  If the Executive's employment hereunder is terminated prior to the
- ------                                                                     
fifth anniversary of the date hereof as a result of the occurrence of a
Voluntary Termination Event or a Good Cause Termination Event, as of the date of
the termination of Executive's employment hereunder, the Company shall have no
further obligation to pay to the Executive any Base Salary, Bonus or any other
benefits pursuant to this Agreement; provided, however, that the Company shall
pay to the Executive any vested compensation previously deferred by the
Executive and not paid as of the date of such termination; provided, further,
however, that the Company shall have the right to deduct from any such deferred
compensation any amounts owed to the Company by the Executive pursuant to any
promissory notes or Company advances.  If such termination occurs prior to the
end of any pay period, the Executive shall be entitled to receive a portion of
the Base Salary and Bonus for such pay period prorated to the date on which the
Executive's employment is terminated.

          4.2. Termination As Result Of No Cause, Control or Good Reason
               -------------------------------------------------- ------
Termination Event.  If the Executive's employment hereunder is terminated as a
- -----------------                                                             
result of the occurrence of a No Cause Termination Event, a Control Termination
Event or a Good Reason Termination Event, the Company shall pay to the Executive
(a) an amount equal to 100% of the aggregate Base Salary then in effect that
would have been payable to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement if the
Executive had remained employed by the Company for the twenty-four consecutive
months immediately following the termination of his employment hereunder, (b) if
such termination occurs prior to the end of any pay period, a portion of the
Base Salary and Bonus for such pay period prorated to the date on which the
Executive's employment is terminated,


                                       5
<PAGE>
 
(c) any vested compensation previously deferred by the Executive and not yet
paid, and (d) all reasonable business-related expenses incurred by the Executive
prior to such termination for which the Executive would have been reimbursed
pursuant to Section 2.5 hereof (the amounts referred to in clauses (a), (b), (c)
and (d) being the "Severance Payments").  The Severance Payments shall be paid
by the Company to the Executive within 10 days after such termination.  In
addition to the Severance Payments, the Company shall continue to provide to the
Executive all benefits set forth in Section 5.1 for twenty-four consecutive
months following such termination (the "Severance Benefits").  To the extent
that all or any portion of the Severance Payments and the Severance Benefits is
subject to excise tax under Section 280G and 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended, the Company shall pay to the Executive any amounts
necessary to reimburse the Executive in full for any such excise tax payable by
the Executive in respect of the Severance Payments and the Severance Benefits
and for any income taxes payable by the Executive in respect of such payments by
the Company to the Executive (the "Tax Reimbursement").  Other than the
Severance Payments, the Severance Benefits and the Tax Reimbursement, the
Company shall have no further obligation to pay the Executive the Base Salary,
Bonus or any other benefits pursuant to this Agreement.

          4.3. INTENTIONALLY OMITTED.

          4.4. Termination As Result of Disability Termination Event.  If the
               ----------------------------------------------- -----         
Executive's employment hereunder is terminated as a result of a Disability
Termination Event, as of the date of the termination of the Executive's
employment hereunder, the Company shall have no further obligation to pay the
Executive any Base Salary, Bonus or any other benefits pursuant to this
Agreement; provided, however, that the Company shall pay to the Executive any
vested compensation previously deferred by the Executive and not paid as of the
date of such termination.  If such termination occurs prior to the end of any
pay period, the Executive shall be entitled to receive a portion of the Base
Salary and Bonus for such pay period prorated to the date on which the
Executive's employment is terminated. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if this
Agreement is terminated as a result of the (a) death of the Executive, the
Executive's family shall be entitled to receive benefits at least equal to those
provided by the Company to surviving families of senior executives of the
Company under such plans, programs and policies relating to family death
benefits, if any, in effect on the date of the Executive's death, or (b) total
disability of the Executive as described in Section 3.1(a), in addition to the
benefits contemplated by Section 5.2, the Executive shall be entitled to receive
disability and other benefits at least equal to those provided by the Company to
disabled employees and their families in accordance with such plans, program and
policies relating to disability, if any, in effect on the date of the
Executive's total disability.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
          Section 5.  Additional Employment Benefits
          ---------   ------------------------------

          5.1. Benefits.  The Company shall provide the Executive with such
               --------                                                    
medical, dental, life and disability insurance as the Board shall authorize from
time to time for the benefit of senior executives of the Company generally.  In
addition, the Executive shall have the right to participate in all incentive,
savings and retirement plans available to senior executives of the Company
generally and to receive such additional fringe benefits as the Board shall
authorize from time to time for the benefit of senior executives of the Company
generally.

          5.2. Vacation.  The Executive shall receive at least four (4) weeks of
               --------                                                         
paid vacation time each calendar year during the term of his employment
hereunder, which vacation shall be prorated if the Executive's employment
hereunder is terminated prior to December 31 of any year.


          Section 6. Covenants
          ---------  ---------

          6.1. Confidential Information.  Other than in connection with
               ------------------------                                
performing his duties in good faith hereunder, the Executive hereby agrees that
he will hold in confidence any confidential information relating to the business
or operations of the Company ("Confidential Information") and will not use or
disclose the same to any third party for any reason (unless disclosure is
compelled by judicial or administrative process, or in the reasonable opinion of
the Executive's counsel, by other requirements of law).  Confidential
Information shall not include information (a) known by the Executive prior to
his employment by the Company in any capacity, (b) ascertained by the Executive
other than in his capacity as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, (c)
ascertainable or obtained from public or published sources, or (d) that is or
becomes known to the public (other than through a breach of this Agreement).

          6.2. Nonsolicitation.  If the Executive's employment hereunder is
               ---------------                                             
terminated as a result of the occurrence of a Voluntary Termination Event or a
Good Cause Termination Event, the Executive agrees that he shall not, during the
two year period after the date of such termination, without the Company's prior
written consent, directly or indirectly, knowingly solicit or encourage to leave
the employment of the Company, any salaried employee of the Company or hire any
salaried employee (other than the personal secretary of the Executive or a
relative of the Executive) who has left the employment of the Company within one
year of such termination of the Executive's employment; provided, however, that
the Executive shall not be prohibited from hiring any employee of the Company
whose employment has been terminated by the Company without good cause.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
          Section 7.     Miscellaneous
          ---------      -------------

          7.1. Indemnification.  The Company shall indemnify and hold the
               ---------------                                           
Executive harmless to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law as it
presently exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such
amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Company to provide
broader indemnification rights than said law permitted prior to such amendment)
against all expense, liability and loss (including attorneys' fees, judgements,
fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts to be paid in settlement)
incurred in connection with any asserted or threatened action, suit or
proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason
of the fact that he was an officer, director or employee of the Company or its
former parent, Braelan Corp. ("Braelan") or was serving at the request of the
Company or Braelan as an officer, director, employee, fiduciary or agent of
another corporation or other entity.  In the event that the Executive shall
receive written notice of any claim or proceeding against him that, if
successful, might result in a claim under this Section 7.1, the Executive shall
give written notice to the Company of such claim or proceeding and shall permit
the Company to participate in the defense of such claim or proceeding by counsel
of the Company's own choosing and at the expense of the Company.  In addition,
upon the written request of the Company, the Company may assume at its own
expense the defense of any such claim or proceeding, provided that the Executive
may participate at his expense in any such defense to the extent he may deem
necessary or appropriate to protect his interests.  Upon the final determination
of any such claim or proceeding, the defense of which has been assumed by the
Company, the Company shall fully discharge at its own expense all liability of
the Executive and shall be entitled at its own expense, but without any
liability of the Executive therefor, to compromise or settle any such claim or
proceeding upon terms reasonably satisfactory to both the Company and the
Executive.

          7.2. No Disclosure.  Each party hereto agrees that if the Executive's
               -------------                                                   
employment by the Company is terminated for any reason whatsoever, each party
hereto will keep confidential and not make any public disclosures concerning the
circumstances relating to such termination.

          7.3. No Litigation.  The Executive represents and warrants to the
               -------------                                               
Company that there are no litigation proceedings pending or, to his knowledge,
threatened against the Executive in his individual capacity or in any capacity
that might give rise to a claim for indemnification under Section 7.1 hereof.

          7.4. Binding Effect.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and
               --------------                                                   
shall be binding upon the Executive and his executor, administrator, heirs,
personal representative and assigns, and the Company and its successors and
assigns; provided, however, that the Executive shall not be entitled to



                                       8
<PAGE>
 
assign or delegate any of his rights or obligations hereunder without the prior
written consent of the Company.

          7.5.  No Mitigation.  In no event shall the Executive be obligated to
                -------------                                                  
seek employment in mitigation of amounts payable to the Executive pursuant to
Section 4 hereof, and the employment of the Executive after the termination of
the Executive's employment by the Company shall not affect in any way or offset
any amounts payable to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement.

          7.6.  Fees.  The Company agrees to pay to the Executive to the fullest
                ----                                                            
extent permitted by law all fees and expenses (including reasonable attorneys'
fees) incurred by the Executive in seeking to enforce any provision of this
Agreement, provided that the Executive shall refund such fee and expense
payments if it is finally judicially determined that the Executive is not
entitled to any relief.

          7.7.  Governing Law. This Agreement shall be deemed to be made in, and
                -------------
in all respects shall be interpreted, construed and governed by and in
accordance with, the laws of the State of Georgia, without reference to
principles of conflict of laws. No provision of this Agreement or any related
document shall be construed against or interpreted to the disadvantage of any
party hereto by any court or other governmental or judicial authority by reason
of such party having or being deemed to have structured or drafted such
Provision.

          7.8.  Survival of Certain Agreements. The agreements and covenants set
                ------------------------------
forth in Section 6.1 hereof shall survive the termination of the Executive's
employment under this Agreement for any reason, and the agreements and covenants
set forth in Section 6.2 hereof shall survive the termination of the Executive's
employment under this Agreement as a result of the occurrence of a Voluntary
Termination Event or a Good Cause Termination Event.

          7.9.  Headings.  The section and paragraph headings contained in this
                --------                                                       
Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the
meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

          7.10. Notices.  Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the parties
                -------                                                       
hereto, all communications provided for hereunder shall be in writing and shall
be deemed to be given when delivered in person or five (5) business days after
being sent by first class mail, certified, return receipt requested, and
addressed as follows:

          (a)  If to the Executive, addressed to:

               Mr. Joseph L. Lanier, Jr.
               P.O. Box 610
               802 3rd Avenue
               West Point, Georgia  31833


                                       9
<PAGE>
 
          (b)  If to the Company, addressed to:

               Dan River Inc.
               2291 Memorial Drive
               Danville, Virginia  24541

               Attention:     Board of Directors
                              c/o Corporate Secretary

or to such other person or address as shall be furnished in writing by any party
to the other prior to the giving of the applicable notice or communication.

          7.11. Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in two or more
                ------------                                                
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

          7.12. Entire Agreement.  This Agreement is intended by the parties
                ----------------                                            
hereto to be the final expression of their agreement with respect to the subject
matter hereof and is the complete and exclusive statement of the terms thereof,
notwithstanding any representations, statements or agreements to the contrary
heretofore made.  This Agreement may be modified only by a written instrument
signed by each of the parties hereto.

          7.13. Non-exclusivity of Rights.  Nothing in this Agreement shall
                -------------------------                                  
prevent or limit the Executive's continuing or future participation in any
benefit, bonus, incentive or other plan or program provided by the Company or
any of its Affiliates for which the Executive may qualify, nor shall anything
herein limit or otherwise affect such rights as the Executive may have under any
other agreements with the Company or any of its Affiliates.  Amounts which are
vested benefits or which the Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under
any plan or program of the Company or any of its Affiliates at or subsequent to
the date on which his employment hereunder is terminated shall be payable in
accordance with such plan or program.

          7.14. Severability.  In the event that any provision of this Agreement
                ------------                                                    
shall be deemed invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this
Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

          7.15. Prior Agreement.  Subject to the conditions set forth in the
                ---------------                                             
introductory paragraph of Section 3.1 above, this Agreement succeeds an
Employment Agreement dated September 3, 1996.  Should the aforementioned
conditions remain unsatisfied, the September 3, 1996 agreement shall remain in
full force and effect.


                                      10
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of
the date first above written.


                                    THE COMPANY
                                    DAN RIVER INC.


                                    By:  /s/ Richard L. Williams
                                       ---------------------------

                                    Title:   President
                                          ------------------------



[CORPORATE SEAL]


ATTEST:


By:   /s/ Harry L. Goodrich
   ----------------------------

Title:  Secretary
      -------------------------



                                    THE EXECUTIVE



                                     /s/ Joseph L. Lanier, Jr.
                                    -----------------------------
                                       Joseph L. Lanier, Jr.


                                      11

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.8

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
                              --------------------


          THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), is made and entered into
as of the 31st day of October, 1997, by and between RICHARD L. WILLIAMS (the
"Executive"), and DAN RIVER INC., a Georgia corporation, (the "Company");

                              W I T N E S S E T H:
                              - - - - - - - - - --


          WHEREAS, the Executive has been employed by the Company as the
President of the Company since November, 1989; and

          WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue to employ the Executive, and
the Executive desires to continue to be employed by the Company, on the terms
and conditions contained herein; and

          WHEREAS, to induce the Executive to continue in the employ of the
Company, the Company wishes to enter into this Agreement;

          NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements
contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to
be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:


          Section 1.     Employment
          ---------      ----------

          1.1. Duties.  Subject to the terms hereof, the Company hereby employs
               ------                                                          
the Executive as the President of the Company, and the Executive hereby accepts
such employment.  The Executive agrees that during the employment of the
Executive pursuant to this Agreement, the Executive shall devote his full
business time and attention to the business of the Company.

          1.2. Other Activities.  The Executive may, without limitation, (i)
               ----------------                                             
serve on corporate, civic or charitable boards or committees, (ii) deliver
lectures, fulfill speaking engagements or teach at educational institutions and
(iii) manage personal investments, provided such activities do not materially
interfere with the performance of the Executive's responsibilities to the
Company hereunder.  The parties hereto expressly understand and agree that to
the extent the Executive has engaged in any such activities prior to the date of
this Agreement, any subsequent conduct of activities similar in nature and scope
to such previous activities shall not be deemed to materially interfere with the
performance of the Executive's duties hereunder.
<PAGE>
 
          Section 2.     Compensation; Expenses
          ---------      ----------------------

          2.1. Salary.  Commencing on the date of this Agreement, the Company
               ------                                                        
shall pay the Executive a base salary (the "Base Salary") at a rate equal to the
rate being paid to the Executive immediately prior to the execution of this
Agreement.  During the term of this Agreement, the Chief Executive Officer of
the Company shall determine the Base Salary payable to the Executive, subject to
approval by the Board.

          2.2. Bonus.  In addition to the Base Salary, the Company shall pay the
               -----                                                            
Executive, for each fiscal year ending during the term of this Agreement, an
annual bonus (the "Bonus") pursuant to the MIP in existence as of the date
hereof, or any comparable or successor plan.  The Bonus shall be payable in cash
promptly after the date on which the audited financial statements of the Company
are first available for the fiscal year for which the Bonus is awarded, unless
the Executive shall otherwise timely elect to defer the receipt of such Bonus
under any deferred compensation plan of the Company then in effect.  Under no
circumstances shall the MIP, as in effect as of the date hereof, including,
without limitation, any performance targets that have been established with
respect thereto, be amended during the term of this Agreement without the
consent of the Executive, which consent shall be evidenced by a writing to such
effect or the affirmative vote by the Executive at the Board meeting approving
any such amendment to the MIP.

          2.3. Expenses.  The Executive shall be reimbursed promptly for all
               --------                                                     
reasonable business-related expenses incurred by the Executive in accordance
with the policies and procedures of the Company applicable to other senior
executives thereof.


          Section 3.     Term; Termination of Agreement
          ---------      ------------------------------

          3.1. Term; Termination.  This Agreement shall become effective if and
               -----------------                                               
only if the Company consummates an initial public offering of the Company's
Common Stock on or before January 31, 1998.  Provided that the Executive is
employed on the date the initial public offering is consummated as provided
above, the employment of the Executive pursuant to this Agreement shall continue
for a period of five (5) years from such date or, if earlier, the occurrence of
any of the following events:

               (a)  the death or total disability of the Executive (total
          disability meaning the failure of the Executive to perform his normal
          required services hereunder for a period of six consecutive months
          during the term hereof by reason of the Executive's mental or physical
          disability) (a "Disability Termination Event");

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
               (b)  termination by the Company of the Executive's employment
          hereunder for "Good Cause," which shall exist upon the occurrence of
          any of the following: (i) the Executive is convicted of, pleads guilty
          to, or confesses to any felony or any act of fraud, misappropriation
          or embezzlement, (ii) the Executive engages in a fraudulent act to the
          material damage or prejudice of the Company, or (iii) the Executive
          otherwise fails to comply with the terms of this Agreement, breaches
          any obligation or violates any duty to the Company or Dan River under
          applicable law or deviates from any written policies or directives of
          the Board, in any such case to the material detriment of the Company
          or Dan River, and, within 30 days after written notice from the Board
          of such failure, breach, violation or deviation, the Executive has not
          corrected such failure (in any such case, a "Good Cause Termination
          Event");

               (c)  termination by the Company of the Executive's employment
          hereunder for any reason other than as a result of a Good Cause
          Termination Event (a "No Cause Termination Event");

               (d)  termination by the Executive of the Executive's employment
          hereunder for "Good Reason", which shall mean (i) the assignment to
          the Executive of any duties inconsistent in any material respect with
          the Executive's position (including status, offices, titles and
          reporting requirements), authority or duties or responsibilities as
          contemplated by Section 1 hereof or any other action by the Company
          that results in a material diminishment in such position (including,
          without limitation, reduction in the Executive's Base Salary from that
          in effect on the date hereof), authority, duties or responsibilities,
          other than action or inaction on the part of the Company that is
          corrected by the Company within 30 days after receipt of written
          notice thereof given by the Executive, (ii) any material failure by
          the Company to comply with the terms of this Agreement, including,
          without limitation, Sections 2 and 5 hereof, which is not corrected by
          the Company within 30 days after receipt of written notice thereof
          given by the Executive, (iii) the Company's requiring the Executive to
          be based at any office or location more than 40 miles away from that
          at which the Executive is based as of the date of this Agreement,
          except for travel reasonably required consistent with past practices,
          in the performance of the Executive's responsibilities, or (iv) any
          purported termination by the Company of the Executive's employment
          pursuant to this Agreement other than as permitted herein, in each
          such case without the prior written consent of the Executive (in any
          such case, a "Good Reason Termination Event"); or

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
               (e)  voluntary termination by the Executive of the Executive's
          employment hereunder other than for "Good Reason" (as defined above)
          (a "Voluntary Termination Event");

               (f)  the occurrence of a "Change in Control" in respect of the
          Company, which shall mean any event or series of events which result
          in any "Person" (as hereinafter defined) and its "Affiliates" (as
          hereinafter defined) or any group of Persons (as the term "group" is
          used in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
          amended, and the rules thereunder), other than Joseph L. Lanier, Jr.
          and Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and his or its Affiliates as a
          group, owning or controlling capital stock of the Company possessing
          the voting power (under ordinary circumstances) to elect a majority of
          the Board (a "Control Termination Event").  For purposes of this
          Agreement, "Person" shall mean an individual, a partnership, a
          corporation, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint
          venture, an unincorporated organization or a governmental entity or
          any department, agency or political subdivision thereof. For purposes
          of this Agreement, "Affiliate" shall mean (i) with respect to any
          particular natural Person, such Person's spouse, descendants (whether
          natural or adopted) and other relatives, and (ii) with respect to any
          particular Person, any other Person, controlling, controlled by or
          under common control with such particular Person.

          3.2. Notice of Termination.  Any termination of the Executive's
               ---------------------                                     
employment hereunder by the Company or the Executive (other than by reason of
death) shall be communicated by a Notice of Termination to the other party
hereto given in accordance with the requirements of Section 7.10 of this
Agreement and in the case of terminations contemplated by Sections 3.1(a) and
(b) of this Agreement, no termination shall become effective sooner than 10 days
after the date of delivery of the Notice of Termination.  For purposes of this
Agreement, a "Notice of Termination" means a written notice which (i) indicates
the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, and (ii) sets
forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a
basis for termination of the Executive's employment under the provision so
indicated.


          Section 4.     Result of Termination
          ---------      ---------------------

          4.1. Termination As Result Of Voluntary or Good Cause Termination
               ------------------------------------------------ -----------
Events.  If the Executive's employment hereunder is terminated prior to the
- ------                                                                     
fifth anniversary of the date hereof as a result of the occurrence of a
Voluntary Termination Event or a Good Cause Termination Event, as of the date of
the termination of Executive's employment hereunder, the Company shall have no

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
further obligation to pay to the Executive any Base Salary, Bonus or any other
benefits pursuant to this Agreement; provided, however, that the Company shall
pay to the Executive any vested compensation previously deferred by the
Executive and not paid as of the date of such termination; provided, further,
however, that the Company shall have the right to deduct from any such deferred
compensation any amounts owed to the Company by the Executive pursuant to any
promissory notes or Company advances.  If such termination occurs prior to the
end of any pay period, the Executive shall be entitled to receive a portion of
the Base Salary and Bonus for such pay period prorated to the date on which the
Executive's employment is terminated.

          4.2. Termination As Result of No Cause, Control or Good Reason
               ---------------------------------------------------------
Termination Event.  If the Executive's employment hereunder is terminated as a
- -----------------                                                             
result of the occurrence of a No Cause Termination Event, a Control Termination
Event or a Good Reason Termination Event, the Company shall pay or shall cause
Dan River to pay to the Executive (a) an amount equal to 100% of the aggregate
Base Salary then in effect that would have been payable to the Executive
pursuant to this Agreement if the Executive had remained employed by the Company
for the twenty-four consecutive months immediately following the termination of
his employment hereunder, (b) if such termination occurs prior to the end of any
pay period, a portion of the Base Salary and Bonus for such pay period prorated
to the date on which the Executive's employment is terminated, (c) any vested
compensation previously deferred by the Executive and not yet paid, and (d) all
reasonable business-related expenses incurred by the Executive prior to such
termination for which the Executive would have been reimbursed pursuant to
Section 2.5 hereof (the amounts referred to in clauses (a), (b), (c) and (d)
being the "Severance Payments").  The Severance Payments shall be paid by the
Company to the Executive within 10 days after such termination.  In addition to
the Severance Payments, the Company shall continue to provide to the Executive
all benefits set forth in Section 5.1 for twenty-four consecutive months
following such termination (the "Severance Benefits").  To the extent that all
or any portion of the Severance Payments and the Severance Benefits is subject
to excise tax under Section 280G and 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended, the Company shall pay to the Executive any amounts necessary to
reimburse the Executive in full for any such excise tax payable by the Executive
in respect of the Severance Payments and the Severance Benefits and for any
income taxes payable by the Executive in respect of such payments by the Company
to the Executive (the "Tax Reimbursement").  Upon the written request of the
Executive at any time within one year after the date of the termination of the
Executive's employment hereunder as a result of the occurrence of a No Cause
Termination Event, a Control Termination Event or a Good Reason Termination
Event, the Company shall reimburse any reasonable expenses incurred by the
Executive in relocating the Executive and his dependents to any location within
the 48 contiguous United States that is more than 40 miles from the Executive's
residence on the date of such termination to

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
the extent any such expenses are not reimbursed by a new employer of the
Executive (the "Relocation Expenses"), and the Company shall also pay the
Executive such additional amounts necessary to reimburse the Executive in full
for any taxes payable with respect to Relocation Expenses paid by the Company to
the Executive (the "Relocation Tax Expense").  Other than the Severance
Payments, the Severance Benefits, the Tax Reimbursement, the Relocation
Expenses and the Relocation Tax Expense, the Company shall have no further
obligation to pay the Executive the Base Salary, Bonus or any other benefits
pursuant to this Agreement.

          4.3. Termination As Result of Disability Termination Event.  If the
               -----------------------------------------------------         
Executive's employment hereunder is terminated as a result of a Disability
Termination Event, as of the date of the termination of the Executive's
employment hereunder, the Company shall have no further obligation to pay the
Executive any Base Salary, Bonus or any other benefits pursuant to this
Agreement; provided, however, that the Company shall pay the Executive any
vested compensation previously deferred by the Executive and not paid as of the
date of such termination.  If such termination occurs prior to the end of any
pay period, the Executive shall be entitled to receive a portion of the Base
Salary and Bonus for such pay period prorated to the date on which the
Executive's employment is terminated. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if this
Agreement is terminated as a result of the (a) death of the Executive, the
Executive's family shall be entitled to receive benefits at least equal to those
provided by the Company to surviving families of senior executives of the
Company under such plans, programs and policies relating to family death
benefits, if any, in effect on the date of the Executive's death, or (b) total
disability of the Executive as described in Section-3.1(a), in addition to the
benefits contemplated by Section 5.2, the Executive shall be entitled to receive
disability and other benefits at least equal to those provided by the Company to
disabled employees and their families in accordance with such plans, programs
and policies relating to disability, if any, in effect on the date of the
Executive's total disability.


          Section 5.     Additional Employment Benefits
          ---------      ------------------------------

          5.1. Benefits.  The Company shall provide the Executive with such
               --------                                                    
medical, dental, life and disability insurance as the Board shall authorize from
time to time for the benefit of senior executives of the Company generally.  In
addition, the Executive shall have the right to participate in all incentive,
savings and retirement plans available to senior executives of the Company
generally and to receive such additional fringe benefits as the Board shall
authorize from time to time for the benefit of senior executives of the Company
generally.

          5.2. Vacation.  The Executive shall receive at least four (4) weeks of
               --------                                                         
paid vacation time each calendar year during the term of his employment
hereunder, which vacation shall be

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
prorated if the Executive's employment hereunder is terminated prior to December
31 of any year.


          Section 6.     Covenants
          ---------      ---------

          6.1. Confidential Information.  Other than in connection with
               ------------------------                                
performing his duties in good faith hereunder, the Executive hereby agrees that
he will hold in confidence any confidential information relating to the business
or operations of the Company ("Confidential Information") and that he will not
use or disclose the same to any third party for any reason (unless disclosure is
compelled by judicial or administrative process, or in the reasonable opinion of
the Executive's counsel, by other requirements of law).  Confidential
Information shall not include information (a) known by the Executive prior to
his employment by the Company in any capacity, (b) ascertained by the Executive
other than in his capacity as the President of the Company, (c) ascertainable or
obtained from public or published sources, or (d) that is or becomes known to
the public (other than through a breach of this Agreement).

          6.2. Nonsolicitation.  If the Executive's employment hereunder is
               ---------------                                             
terminated as a result of the occurrence of a Voluntary Termination Event or a
Good Cause Termination Event, the Executive agrees that he shall not, during the
two year period after the date of such termination, without the Company's prior
written consent, directly or indirectly, knowingly solicit or encourage to leave
the employment of the Company, any salaried employee of the Company or hire any
salaried employee (other than the personal secretary of the Executive or a
relative of the Executive) who has left the employment of the Company within one
year of such termination of the Executive's employment; provided, however, that
the Executive shall not be prohibited from hiring any employee of the Company
whose employment has been terminated by the Company without good cause.


          Section 7.     Miscellaneous
          ---------      -------------

          7.1. Indemnification.  The Company shall indemnify and hold the
               ---------------                                           
Executive harmless to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law as it
presently exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such
amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Company to provide
broader indemnification rights than said law permitted prior to such amendment)
against all expense, liability and loss (including attorneys' fees, judgements,
fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts to be paid in settlement)
incurred in connection with any asserted or threatened action, suit or
proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason
of the fact that he was an officer, director or employee of the Company or its
former parent, Braelan Corp. ("Braelan") or was serving at the request of the
Company or Braelan as an officer, director, employee, fiduciary or agent of

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
another corporation or other entity.  In the event that the Executive shall
receive written notice of any claim or proceeding against him that, if
successful, might result in a claim under this Section 7.1, the Executive shall
give written notice to the Company of such claim or proceeding and shall permit
the Company to participate in the defense of such claim or proceeding by counsel
of the Company's own choosing and at the expense of the Company.  In addition,
upon the written request of the Company, the Company may assume at its own
expense the defense of any such claim or proceeding, provided that the Executive
may participate at his expense in any such defense to the extent he may deem
necessary or appropriate to protect his interests.  Upon the final determination
of any such claim or proceeding, the defense of which has been assumed by the
Company, the Company shall fully discharge at its own expense all liability of
the Executive and shall be entitled at its own expense, but without any
liability of the Executive therefor, to compromise or settle any such claim or
proceeding upon terms reasonably satisfactory to both the Company and the
Executive.

          7.2. No Disclosure.  Each party hereto agrees that if the Executive's
               -------------                                                   
employment by the Company is terminated for any reason whatsoever, each party
hereto will keep confidential and not make any public disclosures concerning the
circumstances relating to such termination.

          7.3. No Litigation.  The Executive represents and warrants to the
               -------------                                               
Company that there are no litigation proceedings pending or, to his knowledge,
threatened against the Executive in his individual capacity or in any capacity
that might give rise to a claim for indemnification under Section 7.1 hereof.

          7.4. Binding Effect.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and
               --------------                                                   
shall be binding upon the Executive and his executor, administrator, heirs,
personal representative and assigns, and the Company and its respective
successors and assigns; provided, however, that the Executive shall not be
entitled to assign or delegate any of his rights or obligations hereunder
without the prior written consent of the Company.

          7.5. No Mitigation.  In no event shall the Executive be obligated to
               -------------                                                  
seek employment in mitigation of amounts payable to the Executive pursuant to
Section 4 hereof, and, other than as specifically provided in Section 4.2, the
employment of the Executive after the termination of the Executive's employment
by the Company shall not affect in any way or offset any amounts payable to the
Executive pursuant to this Agreement.

          7.6. Fees.  The Company agrees to pay to the Executive to the fullest
               ----                                                            
extent permitted by law all fees and expenses (including reasonable attorneys'
fees) incurred by the Executive in seeking to enforce any provision of this
Agreement, provided that the Executive shall refund such fees and expense
payments if it is finally judicially determined that the Executive is not
entitled to any relief.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
          7.7.  Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be deemed to be made in,
                -------------                                                
and in all respects shall be interpreted, construed and governed by and in
accordance with, the laws of the State of Georgia, without reference to
principles of conflict of laws.  No provision of this Agreement or any related
document shall be construed against or interpreted to the disadvantage of any
party hereto by any court or other governmental or judicial authority by reason
of such party having or being deemed to have structured or drafted such
provision.

          7.8. Survival of Certain Agreements.  The agreements and covenants set
               ------------------------------                                   
forth in Section 6.1 hereof shall survive the termination of the Executive's
employment under this Agreement for any reason.

          7.9. Headings.  The section and paragraph headings contained in this
               --------                                                       
Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the
meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

          7.10. Notices.  Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the parties
                -------                                                       
hereto, all communications provided for hereunder shall be in writing and shall
be deemed to be given when delivered in person or five (5) business days after
being sent by first class mail, certified return receipt requested, and
addressed as follows:

          (a)  If to the Executive, addressed to:

               Mr. Richard L. Williams
               59 Warren Place
               Montclair, New Jersey 07042

          (b)  If to the Company, addressed to:

               Dan River Inc.
               2291 Memorial Drive
               Danville, Virginia  24541

               Attention:     Board of Directors
                              c/o Corporate Secretary

or to such other person or address as shall be furnished in writing by any party
to the other prior to the giving of the applicable notice or communication.

          7.11. Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in two or more
                ------------                                                
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

          7.12. Entire Agreement.  This Agreement is intended by the parties
                ----------------                                            
hereto to be the final expression of their agreement with respect to the subject
matter hereof and is the complete and exclusive statement of the terms thereof,
notwithstanding any

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
representations, statements or agreements to the contrary heretofore made.  This
Agreement may be modified only by a written instrument signed by each of the
parties hereto.

          7.13. Non-exclusivity of Rights.  Nothing in this Agreement shall
                -------------------------                                  
prevent or limit the Executive's continuing or future participation in any
benefit, bonus, incentive or other plan or program provided by the Company or
any of its Affiliates for which the Executive may qualify, nor shall anything
herein limit or otherwise affect such rights as the Executive may have under any
other agreements with the Company or any of its Affiliates.  Amounts which are
vested benefits or which the Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under
any plan or program of the Company or any of its Affiliates at or subsequent to
the date on which his employment hereunder is terminated shall be payable in
accordance with such plan or program.

          7.14. Severability.  In the event that any provision of this Agreement
                ------------                                                    
shall be deemed invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this
Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

          7.15. Prior Agreement.  Subject to the conditions set forth in the
                ---------------                                             
introductory paragraph of Section 3.1 above, this Agreement succeeds an
Employment Agreement dated September 3, 1996.  Should the aforementioned
conditions remain unsatisfied, the September 3, 1996 agreement shall remain in
full force and effect.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of
the date first above written.

                                    THE COMPANY
                                    DAN RIVER INC.


                                    By: /s/ Joseph L. Lanier, Jr.
                                       ---------------------------
                                        Joseph L. Lanier, Jr.
                                        Chairman and CEO


[CORPORATE SEAL]

ATTEST:


By: /s/ Harry L. Goodrich
   ---------------------------

Title: Secretary
      ------------------------

                                        THE EXECUTIVE


                                            /s/ Richard L. Williams
                                        -----------------------------
                                          Richard L. Williams

                                      10

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.9

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
                              --------------------

     THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), is made and entered into as
of the 31st day of October, 1997, by and between BARRY F. SHEA (the
"Executive"), and DAN RIVER INC., a Georgia corporation (the "Company");


                              W I T N E S S E T H:
                              - - - - - - - - - --

     WHEREAS, the Executive has been employed by the Company as the Chief
Financial Officer of the Company since November, 1989; and

     WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue to employ the Executive, and the
Executive desires to continue to be employed by the Company, on the terms and
conditions contained herein; and

     WHEREAS, to induce the Executive to continue in the employ of the Company,
the Company wishes to enter into this Agreement;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements
contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to
be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:


     Section 1. Employment
     ---------  ----------

     1.1.  Duties.  Subject to the terms hereof, the Company hereby employs the
           ------                                                              
Executive as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, and the Executive
hereby accepts such employment.  The Executive agrees that during the employment
of the Executive pursuant to this Agreement, the Executive shall devote his full
business time and attention to the business of the Company.

     1.2.  Other Activities.  The Executive may, without limitation, (i) serve
           ----------------                                                   
on corporate, civic or charitable boards or committees, (ii) deliver lectures,
fulfill speaking engagements or teach at educational institutions and (iii)
manage personal investments, provided such activities do not materially
interfere with the performance of the Executive's responsibilities to the
Company hereunder.  The parties hereto expressly understand and agree that to
the extent the Executive has engaged in any such activities prior to the date of
this Agreement, any subsequent conduct of activities similar in nature and scope
to such previous activities shall not be deemed to materially interfere with the
performance of the Executive's duties hereunder.

<PAGE>
 
     Section 2. Compensation; Expenses
     ---------  ----------------------

     2.1.  Salary.  Commencing on the date of this Agreement, the Company shall
           ------                                                              
pay the Executive a base salary (the "Base Salary") at a rate equal to the rate
being paid to the Executive immediately prior to the execution of this
Agreement.  During the term of this Agreement, the Chief Executive Officer of
the Company shall determine the Base Salary payable to the Executive, subject to
approval by the Board.

     2.2.  Bonus.  In addition to the Base Salary, the Company shall pay the
           -----                                                            
Executive, for each fiscal year ending during the term of this Agreement, an
annual bonus (the "Bonus") pursuant to the MIP in existence as of the date
hereof, or any comparable or successor plan.  The Bonus shall be payable in cash
promptly after the date on which the audited financial statements of the Company
are first available for the fiscal year for which the Bonus is awarded, unless
the Executive shall otherwise timely elect to defer the receipt of such Bonus
under any deferred compensation plan of the Company then in effect.  Under no
circumstances shall the MIP, as in effect as of the date hereof, including,
without limitation, any performance targets that have been established with
respect thereto, be amended during the term of this Agreement without the
consent of the Executive, which consent shall be evidenced by a writing to such
effect or the affirmative vote by the Executive at the Board meeting approving
any such amendment to the MIP.

     2.3.  Expenses.  The Executive shall be reimbursed promptly for all
           --------                                                     
reasonable business-related expenses incurred by the Executive in accordance
with the policies and procedures of the Company applicable to other senior
executives thereof.


     Section 3.  Term; Termination of Agreement
     ---------   ------------------------------

     3.1.  Term; Termination.  This Agreement shall become effective if and only
           -----------------                                                    
if the Company consummates an initial public offering of the Company's Common
Stock on or before January 31, 1998.  Provided that the Executive is employed on
the date the initial public offering is consummated as provided above, the
employment of the Executive pursuant to this Agreement shall continue for a
period of five (5) years from such date or, if earlier, the occurrence of any of
the following events:

     (a)  the death or total disability of the Executive (total disability
meaning the failure of the Executive to perform his normal required services
hereunder for a period of six consecutive months during the term hereof by
reason of the Executive's mental or physical disability) (a "Disability
Termination Event");

     (b)  termination by the Company of the Executive's employment hereunder for
"Good Cause," which shall exist upon the occurrence of any of the following: (i)
the Executive is convicted of, pleads guilty to, or confesses to any felony or
any

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
act of fraud, misappropriation or embezzlement, (ii) the Executive engages in a
fraudulent act to the material damage or prejudice of the Company, or (iii) the
Executive otherwise fails to comply with the terms of this Agreement, breaches
any obligation or violates any duty to the Company under applicable law or
deviates from any written policies or directives of the Board, in any such case
to the material detriment of the Company, and, within 30 days after written
notice from the Board of such failure, breach, violation or deviation, the
Executive has not corrected such failure (in any such case, a "Good Cause
Termination Event");

     (c)  termination by the Company of the Executive's employment hereunder for
any reason other than as a result of a Good Cause Termination Event (a "No Cause
Termination Event");

     (d)  termination by the Executive of the Executive's employment hereunder
for "Good Reason", which shall mean (i) the assignment to the Executive of any
duties inconsistent in any material respect with the Executive's position
(including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority or
duties or responsibilities as contemplated by Section 1 hereof or any other
action by the Company that results in a material diminishment in such position
(including, without limitation, reduction in the Executive's Base Salary from
that in effect on the date hereof), authority, duties or responsibilities, other
than action or inaction on the part of the Company that is corrected by the
Company within 30 days after receipt of written notice thereof given by the
Executive, (ii) any material failure by the Company to comply with the terms of
this Agreement, including, without limitation, Sections 2 and 5 hereof, which is
not corrected by the Company within 30 days after receipt of written notice
thereof given by the Executive, (iii) the Company's requiring the Executive to
be based at any office or location more than 40 miles away from that at which
the Executive is based as of the date of this Agreement, except for travel
reasonably required consistent with past practices, in the performance of the
Executive's responsibilities, or (iv) any purported termination by the Company
of the Executive's employment pursuant to this Agreement other than as permitted
herein, in each such case without the prior written consent of the Executive (in
any such case, a "Good Reason Termination Event"); or

     (e)  voluntary termination by the Executive of the Executive's employment
hereunder other than for "Good Reason" (as defined above) (a "Voluntary
Termination Event"):

     (f) the occurrence of a "Change in Control" in respect of the Company,
which shall mean any event or series of events which result in any "Person" (as
hereinafter defined) and its "Affiliates" (as hereinafter defined) or any group
of Persons (as the term "group" is used in Section 13(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules thereunder), other than Joseph
L. Lanier, Jr. and Metropolitan Life Insurance

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
Company and his or its Affiliates as a group, owning or controlling capital
stock of the Company possessing the voting power (under ordinary circumstances)
to elect a majority of the Board (a "Control Termination Event").  For purposes
of this Agreement, "Person" shall mean an individual, a partnership, a
corporation, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an
unincorporated organization or a governmental entity or any department, agency
or political subdivision thereof. For purposes of this Agreement, "Affiliate"
shall mean (i) with respect to any particular natural Person, such Person's
spouse, descendants (whether natural or adopted) and other relatives, and (ii)
with respect to any particular Person, any other Person, controlling, controlled
by or under common control with such particular Person.

     3.2.  Notice of Termination.  Any termination of the Executive's employment
           ---------------------                                                
hereunder by the Company or the Executive (other than by reason of death) shall
be communicated by a Notice of Termination to the other party hereto given in
accordance with the requirements of Section 7.10 of this Agreement and in the
case of terminations contemplated by Sections 3.1(a) and (b) of this Agreement,
no termination shall become effective sooner than 10 days after the date of
delivery of the Notice of Termination.  For purposes of this Agreement, a
"Notice of Termination" means a written notice which (i) indicates the specific
termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, and (ii) sets forth in
reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for
termination of the Executive's employment under the provision so indicated.


     Section 4. Result of Termination
     ---------  ---------------------

     4.1.  Termination As Result Of Voluntary or Good Cause Termination Events.
           -------------------------------------------------------------------  
If the Executive's employment hereunder is terminated prior to the fifth
anniversary of the date hereof as a result of the occurrence of a Voluntary
Termination Event or a Good Cause Termination Event, as of the date of the
termination of Executive's employment hereunder, the Company shall have no
further obligation to pay to the Executive any Base Salary, Bonus or any other
benefits pursuant to this Agreement; provided, however, that the Company shall
pay to the Executive any vested compensation previously deferred by the
Executive and not paid as of the date of such termination; provided, further,
however, that the Company shall have the right to deduct from any such deferred
compensation any amounts owed to the Company by the Executive pursuant to any
promissory notes or Company advances.  If such termination occurs prior to the
end of any pay period, the Executive shall be entitled to receive a portion of
the Base Salary and Bonus for such pay period prorated to the date on which the
Executive's employment is terminated.

     4.2.  Termination As Result of No Cause, Control or Good Reason Termination
           ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Event.  If the Executive's employment hereunder is terminated as a result of the
- -----                                                                           
occurrence of a No

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
Cause Termination Event, a Control Termination Event or a Good Reason
Termination Event, the Company shall pay to the Executive (a) an amount equal to
100% of the aggregate Base Salary then in effect that would have been payable to
the Executive pursuant to this Agreement if the Executive had remained employed
by the Company for the twenty-four consecutive months immediately following the
termination of his employment hereunder, (b) if such termination occurs prior to
the end of any pay period, a portion of the Base Salary and Bonus for such pay
period prorated to the date on which the Executive's employment is terminated,
(c) any vested compensation previously deferred by the Executive and not yet
paid, and (d) all reasonable business-related expenses incurred by the Executive
prior to such termination for which the Executive would have been reimbursed
pursuant to Section 2.5 hereof (the amounts referred to in clauses (a), (b), (c)
and (d) being the "Severance Payments").  The Severance Payments shall be paid
by the Company to the Executive within 10 days after such termination.  In
addition to the Severance Payments, the Company shall continue to provide to the
Executive all benefits set forth in Section 5.1 for twenty-four consecutive
months following such termination (the "Severance Benefits").  To the extent
that all or any portion of the Severance Payments and the Severance Benefits is
subject to excise tax under Section 280G and 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended, the Company shall pay to the Executive any amounts
necessary to reimburse the Executive in full for any such excise tax payable by
the Executive in respect of the Severance Payments and the Severance Benefits
and for any income taxes payable by the Executive in respect of such payments by
the Company to the Executive (the "Tax Reimbursement").  Upon the written
request of the Executive at any time within one year after the date of the
termination of the Executive's employment hereunder as a result of the
occurrence of a No Cause Termination Event, a Control Termination Event or a
Good Reason Termination Event, the Company shall reimburse any reasonable
expenses incurred by the Executive in relocating the Executive and his
dependents to any location within the 48 contiguous United States that is more
than 40 miles from the Executive's residence on the date of such termination to
the extent any such expenses are not reimbursed by a new employer of the
Executive (the "Relocation Expenses"), and the Company shall also pay to the
Executive such additional amounts necessary to reimburse the Executive in full
for any taxes payable with respect to Relocation Expenses paid by the Company to
the Executive (the "Relocation Tax Expense").  Other than the Severance
Payments, the Severance Benefits, the Tax Reimbursement, the Relocation Expenses
and the Relocation Tax Expense, the Company shall have no further obligation to
pay the Executive the Base Salary, Bonus or any other benefits pursuant to this
Agreement.

     4.3.  Termination As Result of Disability Termination Event.  If the
           -----------------------------------------------------         
Executive's employment hereunder is terminated as a result of a Disability
Termination Event, as of the date of the termination of the Executive's
employment hereunder, the Company shall have no further obligation to pay the
Executive any Base

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
Salary, Bonus or any other benefits pursuant to this Agreement; provided,
however, that the Company shall pay to the Executive any vested compensation
previously deferred by the Executive and not paid as of the date of such
termination.  If such termination occurs prior to the end of any pay period, the
Executive shall be entitled to receive a portion of the Base Salary and Bonus
for such pay period prorated to the date on which the Executive's employment is
terminated.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if this Agreement is terminated as a
result of the (a) death of the Executive, the Executive's family shall be
entitled to receive benefits at least equal to those provided by the Company to
surviving families of senior executives of the Company under such plans,
programs and policies relating to family death benefits, if any, in effect on
the date of the Executive's death, or (b) total disability of the Executive as
described in Section 3.1(a), in addition to the benefits contemplated by Section
5.2, the Executive shall be entitled to receive disability and other benefits at
least equal to those provided by the Company to disabled employees and their
families in accordance with such plans, programs and policies relating to
disability, if any, in effect on the date of the Executive's total disability.


     Section 5. Additional Employment Benefits
     ---------  ------------------------------

     5.1.  Benefits.  The Company shall provide the Executive with such
           --------                                                    
medical, dental, life and disability insurance as the Board shall authorize from
time to time for the benefit of senior executives of the Company generally.  In
addition, the Executive shall have the right to participate in all incentive,
savings and retirement plans available to senior executives of the Company
generally and to receive such additional fringe benefits as the Board shall
authorize from time to time for the benefit of senior executives of the Company
generally.

     5.2.  Vacation.  The Executive shall receive at least four (4) weeks of
           --------                                                         
paid vacation time each calendar year during the term of his employment
hereunder, which vacation shall be prorated if the Executive's employment
hereunder is terminated prior to December 31 of any year.


     Section 6.  Covenants
     ---------   ---------

     6.1.  Confidential Information.  Other than in connection with performing
           ------------------------                                           
his duties in good faith hereunder, the Executive hereby agrees that he will
hold in confidence any confidential information relating to the business or
operations of the Company ("Confidential Information") and that he will not use
or disclose the same to any third party for any reason (unless disclosure is
compelled by judicial or administrative process, or in the reasonable opinion of
the Executive's counsel, by other requirements of law).  Confidential
Information shall not include information (a) known by the Executive prior to
his

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
employment by the Company in any capacity, (b) ascertained by the Executive
other than in his capacity as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, (c)
ascertainable or obtained from public or published sources, or (d) that is or
becomes known to the public (other than through a breach of this Agreement).

     6.2.  Nonsolicitation.  If the Executive's employment hereunder is
           ---------------                                             
terminated as a result of the occurrence of a Voluntary Termination Event or a
Good Cause Termination Event, the Executive agrees that he shall not, during the
two year period after the date of such termination, without the Company's prior
written consent, directly or indirectly, knowingly solicit or encourage to leave
the employment of the Company, any salaried employee of the Company or hire any
salaried employee (other than the personal secretary of the Executive or a
relative of the Executive) who has left the employment of the Company within one
year of such termination of the Executive's employment; provided, however, that
the Executive shall not be prohibited from hiring any employee of the Company
whose employment has been terminated by the Company without good cause.


     Section 7.  Miscellaneous
     ---------   -------------

     7.1.  Indemnification.  The Company shall indemnify and hold the Executive
           ---------------                                                     
harmless to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law as it presently
exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only
to the extent that such amendment permits the Company to provide broader
indemnification rights than said law permitted prior to such amendment) against
all expense, liability and loss (including attorneys' fees, judgements, fines,
ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts to be paid in settlement) incurred
in connection with any asserted or threatened action, suit or proceeding,
whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact
that he was an officer, director or employee of the Company or its former
parent, Braelan Corp. ("Braelan") or was serving at the request of the Company
or Braelan as an officer, director, employee, fiduciary or agent of another
corporation or other entity.  In the event that the Executive shall receive
written notice of any claim or proceeding against him that, if successful, might
result in a claim under this Section 7.1, the Executive shall give written
notice to the Company of such claim or proceeding and shall permit the Company
to participate in the defense of such claim or proceeding by counsel of the
Company's own choosing and at the expense of the Company.  In addition, upon the
written request of the Company, the Company may assume at its own expense the
defense of any such claim or proceeding, provided that the Executive may
participate at his expense in any such defense to the extent he may deem
necessary or appropriate to protect his interests.  Upon the final determination
of any such claim or proceeding, the defense of which has been assumed by the
Company, the Company shall fully discharge at its own expense all liability of
the Executive and shall be entitled at its own expense, but without any
liability

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
of the Executive therefor, to compromise or settle any such claim or proceeding
upon terms reasonably satisfactory to both the Company and the Executive.

     7.2.  No Disclosure.  Each party hereto agrees that if the Executive's
           -------------                                                   
employment by the Company is terminated for any reason whatsoever, each party
hereto will keep confidential and not make any public disclosures concerning the
circumstances relating to such termination.

     7.3.  No Litigation.  The Executive represents and warrants to the Company
           -------------                                                       
that there are no litigation proceedings pending or, to his knowledge,
threatened against the Executive in his individual capacity or in any capacity
that might give rise to a claim for indemnification under Section 7.1 hereof.

     7.4.  Binding Effect.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and
           --------------                                                   
shall be binding upon the Executive and his executor, administrator, heirs,
personal representative and assigns, and the Company and its respective
successors and assigns; provided, however, that the Executive shall not be
entitled to assign or delegate any of his rights or obligations hereunder
without the prior written consent of the Company.

     7.5.  No Mitigation.  In no event shall the Executive be obligated to seek
           -------------                                                       
employment in mitigation of amounts payable to the Executive pursuant to Section
4 hereof, and, other than as specifically provided in Section 4.2, the
employment of the Executive after the termination of the Executive's employment
by the Company shall not affect in any way or offset any amounts payable to the
Executive pursuant to this Agreement.

     7.6.  Fees.  The Company agrees to pay to the Executive to the fullest
           ----                                                            
extent permitted by law all fees and expenses (including reasonable attorneys'
fees) incurred by the Executive in seeking to enforce any provision of this
Agreement, provided that the Executive shall refund such fees and expense
payments if it is finally judicially determined that the Executive is not
entitled to any relief.

     7.7.  Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be deemed to be made in, and in
           -------------                                                       
all respects shall be interpreted, construed and governed by and in accordance
with, the laws of the State of Georgia, without reference to principles of
conflict of laws.  No provision of this Agreement or any related document shall
be construed against or interpreted to the disadvantage of any party hereto by
any court or other governmental or judicial authority by reason of such party
having or being deemed to have structured or drafted such provision.

     7.8.  Survival of Certain Agreements.  The agreements and covenants set
           ------------------------------                                   
forth in Section 6.1 hereof shall survive the termination of the Executive's
employment under this Agreement for any reason.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
     7.9.  Headings.  The section and paragraph headings contained in this
           --------                                                       
Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the
meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

     7.10. Notices.  Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the parties
           -------                                                       
hereto, all communications provided for hereunder shall be in writing and shall
be deemed to be given when delivered in person or five (5) business days after
being sent by first class mail, certified, return receipt requested, and
addressed as follows:

     (a)   If to the Executive, addressed to:

           Mr. Barry F. Shea
           444 Hawthorne Drive
           Danville, Virginia  24541


     (b)   If to the Company, addressed to:

           Dan River Inc.
           2291 Memorial Drive
           Danville, Virginia  24541

           Attention:  Board of Directors
                       c/o Corporate Secretary

or to such other person or address as shall be furnished in writing by any party
to the other prior to the giving of the applicable notice or communication.

     7.11. Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in two or more
           ------------                                                
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

     7.12. Entire Agreement.  This Agreement is intended by the parties hereto
           ----------------                                                   
to be the final expression of their agreement with respect to the subject matter
hereof and is the complete and exclusive statement of the terms thereof,
notwithstanding any representations, statements or agreements to the contrary
heretofore made.  This Agreement may be modified only by a written instrument
signed by each of the parties hereto.

     7.13. Non-exclusivity of Rights.  Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent
           -------------------------                                          
or limit the Executive's continuing or future participation in any benefit,
bonus, incentive or other plan or program provided by the Company or any of its
Affiliates for which the Executive may qualify, nor shall anything herein limit
or otherwise affect such rights as the Executive may have under any other
agreements with the Company or any of its Affiliates.  Amounts which are vested
benefits or which the Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan
or program of the Company or any of its Affiliates at or subsequent

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
to the date on which his employment hereunder is terminated shall be payable in
accordance with such plan or program.

     7.14. Severability.  In the event that any provision of this Agreement
           ------------                                                    
shall be deemed invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this
Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

     7.15. Prior Agreement.  Subject to the conditions set forth in the
           ---------------                                             
introductory paragraph of Section 3.1 above, this Agreement succeeds an
Employment Agreement dated September 3, 1996.  Should the aforementioned
conditions remain unsatisfied, the September 3, 1996 agreement shall remain in
full force and effect.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of
the date first above written.


                                    THE COMPANY
                                    DAN RIVER INC.
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    By:  /s/ Joseph L. Lanier, Jr.
                                       ---------------------------
                                        Joseph L. Lanier, Jr.
                                        Chairman and CEO

[CORPORATE SEAL]


ATTEST:


By: /s/ Harry L. Goodrich
   ----------------------------

Title:      Secretary
        -----------------------



                                    THE EXECUTIVE:

                                        
                                                                
                                         /s/ Barry F. Shea
                                    -----------------------------
                                         Barry F. Shea

                                       10

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                         CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP
   
  We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to
the use of our report dated February 7, 1997, except as to Note 3 and the last
paragraph of Note 7, as to which the date is November 3, 1997, in Amendment
No. 2 to the Registration Statement (Form S-1 No. 333-36479) and related
Prospectus of Dan River Inc. for the registration of 6,700,000 shares of its
common stock.     
 
  Our audits also include the financial statement schedules of Dan River Inc.
listed in Item 16(b). These schedules are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits.
In our opinion, the financial statement schedules referred to above, when
considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole,
present fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
                                             
                                          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP     
 
Charlotte, North Carolina
   
November 14, 1997     

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
   
  We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to
the use of our report dated October 18, 1996 (except for Notes 8 and 19, as to
which the dates are October 31, 1996 and November 20, 1996, respectively), in
Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement (Form S-1 No. 333-36479) and
related Prospectus of Dan River Inc. for the registration of 6,700,000 shares
of its common stock.     
 
                                          /s/ Pugh & Company, P.C.
                                          Knoxville, Tennessee
                                             
                                          November 14, 1997     

<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.1
 
                   [LETTERHEAD OF DAN RIVER INC. APPEARS HERE]

TO:        Salaried Employees

FROM:      Charles S. Bolt, Jr.
           Treasurer

SUBJECT:   Dan River Inc.
           Employee Participation in Initial Public Offering ("IPO")

DATE:      November 10, 1997


In connection with the recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission
of a registration statement relating to the proposed initial public offering of 
6,700,000 shares of Class A Common Stock of Dan River Inc. (the "Company"), 
salaried employees of the Company may be able to purchase shares in the IPO.

Attached are several documents for you to read and determine whether or not you 
have an interest in purchasing stock.  If you are interested, follow the steps 
outlined in the "Procedural Memorandum".

While the Company chooses to provide you an easy way to purchase shares as an 
individual on a similar basis as a large institution can, your decision to 
invest or not to invest through this program is strictly a personal investment 
decision.  Your choice has no bearing upon your employment with Dan River Inc.

Very truly yours,


/s/ Charles S. Bolt, Jr.

Charles S. Bolt, Jr.
Treasurer

         
/ch

Enclosures
       
<PAGE>
 
                             PROCEDURAL MEMORANDUM
                                        
                                 DAN RIVER INC.
                              Class A Common Stock


In connection with the recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC") of a registration statement relating to the proposed initial public
offering of shares of Class A Common Stock of Dan River Inc. (the "Company"), we
are sending you a copy of the preliminary prospectus included in the
registration statement.

If, after reading the preliminary prospectus, you have an interest in purchasing
shares in the public offering, please complete the enclosed four page Indication
of Interest Form and Form W-9 (or Forms W-8 and 1001, if applicable), and return
them in the self-addressed envelope provided so that they are received no later
than 5:00pm (EST) on NOVEMBER 17, 1997.  DO NOT SEND MONEY NOW.

Arrangements have been made by the Company with Morgan Stanley & Co.
Incorporated ("Morgan Stanley") to handle the sale of the reserved shares. A
Morgan Stanley representative may contact you prior to the pricing of the IPO to
determine whether you wish to open a brokerage account if you do not currently
have one (in order to purchase shares, it is necessary to have an account open
in which to place those shares). Morgan Stanley will need all the information
requested on the enclosed forms to comply with various regulatory agencies, so
be certain to complete all sections. All information submitted will be treated
by Dan River Inc. and Morgan Stanley in the strictest of confidence.

If the Company determines that you are to be allocated shares for purchase,
Morgan Stanley will contact you after the registration statement is declared
effective and the offering has priced in order to confirm purchase price, number
of shares allocated, account number, and other pertinent information. If you
confirm your intention to purchase, a copy of the final form of the prospectus
will be sent to you along with a written confirmation of the sale.

Full payment of the purchase price of your shares must arrive at Morgan Stanley
& Co. Incorporated, Attn. Brian Murphy, 1221 Avenue of the Americas, 4th Floor,
                    ----                                                       
New York, NY 10020 by settlement date, which is three days after the pricing
date.  Checks must be made payable to Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated. Third
party checks (checks drawn by a payer other than the account name) are not
acceptable.  If payment is not received by due date, the shares allocated for
purchase by you will be made available for purchase by the general public.

Stock certificates, if requested, will be registered in the name and address of
the account and mailed to that address. Allow three weeks for receipt of the
stock certificates. Once you have received the stock certificate, changes of
name and/or address may be made by

                                                                               1
<PAGE>
 
mailing the certificate with a letter of instruction to the Transfer Agent (the
bank listed on the certificate).

You will not be able to sell, transfer, assign, pledge, or hypothecate the
shares of the Company's Common Stock for a period of 180  days following the
effective date of the registration statement.

The Internal Revenue Code requires that Form W-9 (alternatively, Forms W-8 and
1001 if you are a non-U.S. citizen or non-U.S. resident), a copy of which is
attached, must be completed and signed and returned to Morgan Stanley. Failure
to submit the applicable form could result in as much as 31% of the gross
proceeds and/or dividends being withheld from your account and the funds sent to
the Internal Revenue Service. Should this happen, you would have to claim the
funds on your year-end tax report.

The following statement is required to be included in this letter in accordance
with Rule 134(b)(1) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended:

          A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed
          with the SEC but has not yet become effective. These securities may
          not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the
          registration statement becomes effective. This letter shall not
          constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor
          shall there be any sale of these securities in any State in which such
          offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or
          qualification under the securities laws of any such State.



Very truly yours,


DAN RIVER INC.
MORGAN STANLEY & CO. INCORPORATED


- -----------------------------
 
                                                                               2
<PAGE>
 
                          INDICATION OF INTEREST FORM
                                        

Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated
1221 Avenue of the Americas, 4th Floor
New York, NY  10020

Attention: Brian Murphy

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am expressing an interest in purchasing shares of Dan River Inc. Common Stock.
Although I understand that the price is subject to change at any time prior to
effectiveness of the Registration Statement, the expected price range is $14 to
$16 per share.  The total number of shares I wish to purchase is __________
(subject to a minimum of 100 shares; additional shares in multiples of 100).

I acknowledge that:

1.  I have received and read my copy of the preliminary prospectus.
 
2.  The number of shares requested is for my own personal account and not on
    behalf of any other person.
 
3.  I AM NOT ASSURED OF OBTAINING ANY OR ALL OF THE NUMBER OF SHARES REQUESTED,
    AND I UNDERSTAND THAT IF ANY SHARES ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE BY ME, I WILL
    BE NOTIFIED OF THE NUMBER OF SUCH SHARES.
 
4.  No offer to buy any of the shares can be accepted and no part of the
    purchase price can be received by Morgan Stanley until the Registration
    Statement covering the proposed offering has been declared effective by the
    Securities and Exchange Commission and until the shares have been qualified
    for sale, where required, by the administrative authorities of the
    jurisdiction in which I reside, and any such offer may be withdrawn or
    revoked, without obligation or commitment of any kind, at any time prior to
    notice of its acceptance given after the effective date of the Registration
    Statement. This indication of interest involves no obligation or commitment
    of any kind by Morgan Stanley or by me.
 
5.  I understand that I will not be permitted to sell, transfer, assign, pledge
    or hypothecate shares of Dan River Inc. Common Stock for a period of 180
    days after purchasing the shares.
 
6.  I represent that my purchase of Dan River Inc. Class A Common Stock
    hereunder does not and will not violate any Ethics or Conflict of Interest
    policies or guidelines of my employer.
    

Name                                   Fax to Brian Murphy at 212-762-8557    1 
    --------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
7.  I am not, and no member of my immediate family is, nor am I materially
    supported directly or indirectly by, an officer, director, general partner,
    shareholder, employee or agent of any broker-dealer in securities or
    otherwise associated with any broker-dealer in securities, except for a
    broker-dealer which is engaged solely in the purchase or sale of either
    investment company/variable contracts securities or direct participation
    program securities. Otherwise, please name the broker-dealer and describe
    the relationship.

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

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    As used in this question, the term "immediate family" includes parents,
    mother-in-law or father-in-law, husband or wife, brother or sister, brother-
    in-law or sister-in-law, son-in-law or daughter-in-law, and children.
 
8.  I am not, nor am I materially supported by, a senior officer of a bank,
    savings and loan institution, insurance company, registered investment
    company, registered investment advisory firm, or any other institutional
    type account. Otherwise, please name the bank, etc., and describe the
    relationship.

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

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
9.  I am not, nor am I materially supported by, a person who may influence, or
    whose activities directly or indirectly involve or are related to, the
    function of buying or selling securities for any bank, savings and loan
    institution, insurance company, registered investment company, registered
    investment advisory firm, or any other institutional type account.
    Otherwise, please name the bank, etc., and describe the relationship.

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

10. I am not, nor am I materially supported by, a person acting in a fiduciary
    capacity to Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, including, among others,
    attorneys, accountants and financial consultants. Otherwise, please name the
    person and describe the relationship.

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

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
Name (printed):
                ----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature:
           ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Date:
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------


    IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING SHARES, YOU MUST COMPLETE ALL FOUR 
 PAGES OF THIS FORM AND RETURN IT SO THAT IT IS RECEIVED BY NOVEMBER 17, 1997 
                        NO LATER THAN 5:00 P.M. (EST).

Name                                   Fax to Brian Murphy at 212-762-8557    2
    --------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
PLEASE COMPLETE ALL OF THE REQUESTED INFORMATION.
PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY.
 
Full Name (first, middle, last):
                                ------------------------------------------------
Street:
       -------------------------------------------------------------------------
City:                                State:                    Zip:
     -------------------------------       --------------------    -------------
Business Phone: (    )                  Home Phone: (    )
                 ---- ------------------             ---- ----------------------
Citizen of what country?                   Date of Birth (MM/DD/YY)
                        ------------------                         -------------
Social Security Number
                      ----------------------------------------------------------
Estimated Net Worth                               Annual Income
                                               
      Below $100,000                              Below $30,000
- ------                                      ------
      $100,000 to $250,000                        $30,000 to $50,000
- ------                                      ------
      $250,000 to $500,000                        $50,000 to $100,000
- ------                                      ------
      $500,000 to $1,000,000                      $100,000 to $200,000
- ------                                      ------
      $1,000,000 to $2,500,000                    $200,000 to $500,000
- ------                                      ------
      $2,500,000 to $5,000,000                    $500,000 to $1,000,000
- ------                                      ------
      Above $5,000,000                            Above $1,000,000
- ------                                      ------
 
Marital Status:         Single         Married        Divorced        Separated
                 -------        -------         ------          ------
Name of your Bank:
                   -------------------------------------------------------------
Name of your Employer:
                       ---------------------------------------------------------
Business Address:
                  --------------------------------------------------------------
Years employed:                             Year retired:
               -----------------------------              ----------------------
Position:
          ----------------------------------------------------------------------

For a joint account, complete the following:
Full Name (first, middle, last):
                                ------------------------------------------------
Name of Employer:
                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
Business Address:
                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
Years employed:                             Year retired:
               ---------------------------               -----------------------
Position:
          ----------------------------------------------------------------------

Do you currently have an account at Morgan Stanley?
                                                    ----------------------------
     If yes,  address of branch:
                                 -----------------------------------------------
     Name of Account Executive:
                                ------------------------------------------------


What is your relationship to the Company?
- -----------------------------------------
     Employee
- -----
     Friend of the Company - explain:
- -----                                 ------------------------------------------
     Relative of an Employee - explain:
- -----                                   ----------------------------------------
     Other - describe:
- -----                  ---------------------------------------------------------


Name                                   Fax to Brian Murphy at 212-762-8557     3
    --------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
Investment Experience   How many years of experience do you have with the
- ---------------------                                                    
following products?

Stocks                Bonds              Options            Other
      ------------         ------------         -----------      --------------


Investment Objectives
- ---------------------

         Conservation of Capital
- --------
         Growth/Income
- --------
         Long Term Growth/Income Secondary
- --------
         Speculative Capital Gain
- --------
         Short Term Trading
- --------






Name                                   Fax to Brian Murphy at 212-762-8557    4
    --------------------------------
<PAGE>
 



MORGAN STANLEY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The following share-price matrix has been created to give you examples of
possible investment amounts based on the number of shares purchased at various
purchase prices. The current range for the Dan River Inc. initial public
offering, which is subject to change without notice at any time prior to
effectiveness of the Registration Statement, is $14.00 to $16.00

THIS MATRIX IS FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT IN ANY WAY GUARANTEE
THAT THE SHARES WILL BE PRICED WITHIN THE RANGE INDICATED; THE OFFERING MAY BE
PRICED ABOVE OR BELOW THE CURRENT ESTIMATE.


Dan River Inc. Class A Share Price Matrix
================================================================================
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                Price per Share
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    $13         $14         $15         $16         $17
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
      <S>         <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C> 
       100        $1,300       $1,400      $1,500      $1,600      $1,700
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
       200        $2,600       $2,800      $3,000      $3,200      $3,400
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
       300        $3,900       $4,200      $4,500      $4,800      $5,100
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
       400        $5,200       $5,600      $6,000      $6,400      $6,800
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
       500        $6,500       $7,000      $7,500      $8,000      $8,500
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
       600        $7,800       $8,400      $9,000      $9,600      $10,200
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number 700        $9,100       $9,800      $10,500     $11,200     $11,900
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
of     800       $10,400      $11,200      $12,000     $12,800     $13,600
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares 900       $11,700      $12,600      $13,500     $14,400     $15,300
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
       1000      $13,000      $14,000      $15,000     $16,000     $17,000
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
       1100      $14,300      $15,400      $16,500     $17,600     $18,700
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
       1200      $15,600      $16,800      $18,000     $19,200     $20,400
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
       1300      $16,900      $18,200      $19,500     $20,800     $22,100
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
       1400      $18,200      $19,600      $21,000     $22,400     $23,800
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
       1500      $19,500      $21,000      $22,500     $24,000     $25,500
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
       2000      $26,000      $28,000      $30,000     $32,000     $34,000
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

Example 1:   If you indicate for and are allocated 200 shares and Dan River Inc.
             is priced at $14 per share, the net amount due Morgan Stanley would
             be $2,800.

Example 2:   If you indicate for and are allocated 800 shares and Dan River Inc.
             is priced at $16 per share, the net amount due Morgan Stanley would
             be $12,800.

<PAGE>
 
                              METHODS OF PAYMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At pricing, a Morgan Stanley Representative will contact you with information
regarding the amount of shares you have been allocated, the price per share and
the amount owed to Morgan Stanley.  At this time, you will also receive your
Morgan Stanley account number which should be indicated on the check or wire.

Full payment of the purchase price of your shares must arrive at Morgan Stanley
& Co. Incorporated, Attn. Brian Murphy at Morgan Stanley, 1221 Avenue of the
                    ----                                                    
Americas, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10020 by settlement date, which is three
business days after the pricing date.

If payment is not received by due date, the shares allocated for purchase by you
will be made available for purchase by the general public.


PAYMENT BY CHECK
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 .  Checks must be made payable to Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated.
 .  Third party checks (checks drawn by a payer other than the account name) are
   not acceptable.
 .  Please indicate your account number on the check.  Your account number can be
   obtained from Brian Murphy at 212-762-6355.
 .  Check should be mailed to the above address so that it is received no later
   than three business days after the pricing date.


PAYMENT BY BANK WIRE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 .  If you would like to pay by wire, please use the following instructions:
 
     Citibank, NYC
     ABA    021000089
     A/C Name:      Morgan Stanley and Co. Incorporated
     A/C  #:        3889-0774

     Sub A/C Name:  [Your Name as specified on the Indication of Interest form]
     Sub A/C  #:    [Morgan Stanley Account number]


 .  Important:  Before initiating the wire transfer, please call Brian Murphy at
212-762-6355 with the dollar amount being wired and the name of the bank that
will be wiring the funds.
<PAGE>
 
                            SUMMARY OF INSTRUCTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



1.  Complete four-page Indication of Interest Form and Form W-9.

2.  Fax a copy of the Indication of Interest to Brian Murphy at 212-762-8557.

3.  Mail the Indication of Interest form to:

          Brian Murphy
          Morgan Stanley and Co., Incorporated
          1221 Avenue of the Americas, 4th Floor
          New York, NY 10020

4.  You will be contacted when the offering has priced by a Morgan Stanley
    Representative. You will be given information regarding the number of shares
    you have been allocated, the price of the offering, the amount owed to
    Morgan Stanley, and your Morgan Stanley account number.

5.  Payment can be made by check or bank wire. Checks should be sent directly to
    Brian Murphy at the above address. Please ensure that your payment is
    received by Morgan Stanley no later than the third business day after
    pricing.
<PAGE>
 
                             PROCEDURAL MEMORANDUM
                                        
                                Dan River, Inc.
                              Class A Common Stock

In connection with the recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC") of a registration statement relating to the proposed offering of shares
of Class A Common Stock of Dan River Inc. (the "Company"), we are enclosing a
copy of the preliminary prospectus included in the registration statement.

If, after reading the preliminary prospectus, you have an interest in purchasing
shares in the public offering, please complete the enclosed two page Indication
of Interest Form, New Account Form and Form W-9 (or Forms W-8 and 1001 if you
are not a US citizen or a US resident), and return them to your assigned Dean
Witter Account Executive, (see enclosed Contact Listing) so they are received no
later than 5:00 PM (EST) on November 17, 1997.  DO NOT SEND MONEY NOW.

Arrangements have been made by the Company with Dean Witter Reynolds Inc. ("Dean
Witter") to handle the sale of the reserved shares.  You must have an account
with Dean Witter to purchase shares through the Directed Share Program.  If you
indicate on the New Account Form that you have an existing account with Dean
Witter, your account representative will be notified of your intent to purchase
shares through this program.  If you do not have an account with Dean Witter, an
account will be established for you.  Dean Witter will need all the information
requested on the enclosed forms to comply with various regulatory agencies, so
be certain to complete all sections.  All information submitted will be treated
by Dean Witter in the strictest of confidence.

If the Company determines that you are to be allocated shares for purchase, the
Dean Witter representative assigned to your location, (see enclosed Dean Witter
Contact Listing), will contact you after the registration statement is declared
effective and the offering has priced in order to confirm purchase price, number
of shares allocated, account number, and other pertinent information.  If you
confirm your intention to purchase, a copy of the final form of the prospectus
will be sent to you along with a written confirmation of the sale.

Full payment of the purchase price of your shares must arrive at Dean Witter
Reynolds Inc., by settlement date, which is three days after the pricing date.
Checks should be made payable to Dean Witter Reynolds Inc. and must be mailed to
the account executive assigned to your location.  Third party checks (checks
drawn by a payer other than the account name) are not acceptable.  If payment is
not received by due date, the shares allocated for purchase by you will be made
available for purchase by the general public.

                                                                               1
<PAGE>
 
After the purchase is completed, any shares you purchased will be held in your
Dean Witter account.  If you wish to receive a stock certificate, please contact
your Dean Witter account representative who will explain the procedure for
obtaining a stock certificate.  Once you have received the stock certificate,
changes of name and/or address may be made by mailing the certificate with a
letter of instruction to the Transfer Agent (the bank listed on the
certificate).

You will not be able to sell, transfer, assign, pledge, or hypothecate (pledging
of securities as collateral for loans made to purchase securities) the shares of
the Company's Class A Common Stock for a period of 180 days following the
effective date of the registration statement.

The Internal Revenue Code requires that Form W-9 (alternatively, Forms W-8 and
1001 if you are a non-U.S. citizen or non-U.S. resident), a copy of which is
attached, must be completed and signed and returned to Dean Witter.  Failure to
submit the applicable form could result in as much as 31% of the sale proceeds
and/or dividends being withheld from your account and such funds sent to the
Internal Revenue Service.  Should this happen, you would have to claim the funds
on your year-end tax report.

The following statement is required to be included in this letter in accordance
with Rule 134(b)(1) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended:

          A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed
          with the Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become
          effective.  These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be
          accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes
          effective.  This letter shall not constitute an offer to sell or the
          solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these
          securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale
          would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the
          securities laws of any such State.

Should you have any questions concerning the above, please call the appropriate
Dean Witter Account Executive on the enclosed contact listing.


                                     Very truly yours,


                                     DAN RIVER, INC.
                                     DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC.

                                                                               2
<PAGE>
 
                          INDICATION OF INTEREST FORM
                                        
Date:
     -------------------

Attention:  Dean Witter Account Representative

Re: Dan River, Inc. - Directed Share Program

Ladies and Gentleman:

As an employee or retiree of Dan River, Inc., I am expressing an interest in
purchasing shares of Dan River, Inc. Class A Common Stock.  Although I
understand that the price is subject to change at any time prior to
effectiveness of the Registration Statement, the expected price range is $14 to
$16 per share.  The total number of shares I wish to purchase is __________
(subject to a minimum of 100 shares; additional shares in multiples of 100
shares).

I acknowledge that:

1.   I have received and read my copy of the preliminary prospectus.
 
2.   The number of shares requested is for my own personal account and not on
     behalf of any other person.
 
3.   I AM NOT ASSURED OF OBTAINING ANY OR ALL OF THE NUMBER OF SHARES REQUESTED,
     AND I UNDERSTAND THAT IF ANY SHARES ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE BY ME, I
     WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE NUMBER OF SUCH SHARES.
 
4.   No offer to buy any of the shares can be accepted and no part of the
     purchase price can be received by Dean Witter until the Registration
     Statement covering the proposed offering has been declared effective by the
     Securities and Exchange Commission and until the shares have been qualified
     for sale, where required, by the administrative authorities of the
     jurisdiction in which I reside, and any such offer may be withdrawn or
     revoked, without obligation or commitment of any kind, at any time prior to
     notice of its acceptance given after the effective date of the Registration
     Statement. This indication of interest involves no obligation or commitment
     of any kind by Dean Witter or by me.
 
5.   I understand that I will not be permitted to sell, transfer, assign, pledge
     or hypothecate (pledging securities as collateral for loans made to
     purchase securities) shares of Dan River, Inc. Common Stock for a period of
     90 days after purchasing the shares.
 
6.   I represent that my purchase of Dan River, Inc. Class A Common Stock
     hereunder does not and will not violate any Ethics or Conflict of Interest
     policies or guidelines of my employer.
 
Name (printed):
               -------------------------------------- 
 
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING SHARES, YOU MUST COMPLETE BOTH PAGES OF THIS
FORM AND RETURN IT SO THAT IT IS RECEIVED BY NOVEMBER 17TH, 1997, NO LATER THAN
5:00P.M. (EST).
<PAGE>
 
7.   I am not, and no member of my immediate family is, nor am I materially
     supported directly or indirectly by, an officer, director, general partner,
     shareholder, employee or agent of any broker-dealer in securities or
     otherwise associated with any broker-dealer in securities, except for a
     broker-dealer which is engaged solely in the purchase or sale of either
     investment company/variable contracts securities or direct participation
     program securities. Otherwise, please name the broker-dealer and describe
     the relationship.
 
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     As used in this question, the term "immediate family" includes parents,
     mother-in-law or father-in-law, husband or wife, brother or sister, 
     brother-in-law or sister-in-law, son-in-law or daughter-in-law, and
     children.

8.   I am not, nor am I materially supported by, a senior officer of a bank,
     savings and loan institution, insurance company, registered investment
     company, registered investment advisory firm, or any other institutional
     type account. Otherwise, please name the bank, etc., and describe the
     relationship.
 
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

9.   I am not, nor am I materially supported by, a person who may influence, or
     whose activities directly or indirectly involve or are related to, the
     function of buying or selling securities for any bank, savings and loan
     institution, insurance company, registered investment company, registered
     investment advisory firm, or any other institutional type account.
     Otherwise, please name the bank, etc., and describe the relationship.

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

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

10.  I am not, nor am I materially supported by, a person acting in a fiduciary
     capacity to Dean Witter Reynolds Inc., including, among others, attorneys,
     accountants and financial consultants. Otherwise, please name the person
     and describe the relationship.

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

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

Name (printed):
               -----------------------------------
Signature:
          ----------------------------------------
Date:
     ---------------------------------------------

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING SHARES, YOU MUST COMPLETE BOTH PAGES OF THIS
FORM AND RETURN IT SO THAT IT IS RECEIVED BY NOVEMBER 17TH, 1997, NO LATER THAN
5:00P.M. (EST).

                                                                          Page 2
<PAGE>
 
                             PROCEDURAL MEMORANDUM
                                        
                                Dan River, Inc.
                              Class A Common Stock

In connection with the recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC") of a registration statement relating to the proposed offering of shares
of Class A Common Stock of Dan River Inc. (the "Company"), we are enclosing a
copy of the preliminary prospectus included in the registration statement.

If, after reading the preliminary prospectus, you have an interest in purchasing
shares in the public offering, please complete the enclosed two page Indication
of Interest Form, New Account Form and Form W-9 (or Forms W-8 and 1001 if you
are not a US citizen or a US resident), and return them to your assigned Dean
Witter Account Executive, (see enclosed Contact Listing) so they are received no
later than 5:00 PM (EST) on November 17, 1997.  DO NOT SEND MONEY NOW.

Arrangements have been made by the Company with Dean Witter Reynolds Inc. ("Dean
Witter") to handle the sale of the reserved shares.  You must have an account
with Dean Witter to purchase shares through the Directed Share Program.  If you
indicate on the New Account Form that you have an existing account with Dean
Witter, your account representative will be notified of your intent to purchase
shares through this program.  If you do not have an account with Dean Witter, an
account will be established for you.  Dean Witter will need all the information
requested on the enclosed forms to comply with various regulatory agencies, so
be certain to complete all sections.  All information submitted will be treated
by Dean Witter in the strictest of confidence.

If the Company determines that you are to be allocated shares for purchase, the
Dean Witter representative assigned to your location, (see enclosed Dean Witter
Contact Listing), will contact you after the registration statement is declared
effective and the offering has priced in order to confirm purchase price, number
of shares allocated, account number, and other pertinent information.  If you
confirm your intention to purchase, a copy of the final form of the prospectus
will be sent to you along with a written confirmation of the sale.

Full payment of the purchase price of your shares must arrive at Dean Witter
Reynolds Inc., by settlement date, which is three days after the pricing date.
Checks should be made payable to Dean Witter Reynolds Inc. and must be mailed to
the account executive assigned to your location.  Third party checks (checks
drawn by a payer other than the account name) are not acceptable.  If payment is
not received by due date, the shares allocated for purchase by you will be made
available for purchase by the general public.

                                                                              1
<PAGE>
 
After the purchase is completed, any shares you purchased will be held in your
Dean Witter account.  If you wish to receive a stock certificate, please contact
your Dean Witter account representative who will explain the procedure for
obtaining a stock certificate.  Once you have received the stock certificate,
changes of name and/or address may be made by mailing the certificate with a
letter of instruction  to the Transfer Agent (the bank listed on the
certificate).

You will not be able to sell, transfer, assign, pledge, or hypothecate (pledging
of securities as collateral for loans made to purchase securities) the shares of
the Company's Class A Common Stock for a period of 180 days following the
effective date of the registration statement.

The Internal Revenue Code requires that Form W-9 (alternatively, Forms W-8 and
1001 if you are a non-U.S. citizen or non-U.S. resident), a copy of which is
attached, must be completed and signed and returned to Dean Witter.  Failure to
submit the applicable form could result in as much as 31% of the sale proceeds
and/or dividends being withheld from your account and such funds sent to the
Internal Revenue Service.  Should this happen, you would have to claim the funds
on your year-end tax report.

The following statement is required to be included in this letter in accordance
with Rule 134(b)(1) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended:

            A registration statement relating to these securities
            has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
            Commission but has not yet become effective. These
            securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be
            accepted prior to the time the registration statement
            becomes effective. This letter shall not constitute an
            offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor
            shall there be any sale of these securities in any State
            in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be
            unlawful prior to registration or qualification under
            the securities laws of any such State.

Should you have any questions concerning the above, please call the appropriate
Dean Witter Account Executive on the enclosed contact listing.


                                   Very truly yours,
            
            
                                   DAN RIVER, INC.
                                   DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC.            

                                                                               2
<PAGE>
 
                          INDICATION OF INTEREST FORM
                                        
Date: __________________


Attention:  Dean Witter Account Representative

Re: Dan River, Inc. - Directed Share Program

Ladies and Gentleman:

As an employee or retiree of Dan River, Inc., I am expressing an interest in
purchasing shares of Dan River, Inc. Class A Common Stock.  Although I
understand that the price is subject to change at any time prior to
effectiveness of the Registration Statement, the expected price range is $14 to
$16 per share.  The total number of shares I wish to purchase is __________
(subject to a minimum of 100 shares; additional shares in multiples of 100
shares).

I acknowledge that:

1.  I have received and read my copy of the preliminary prospectus.
 
2.  The number of shares requested is for my own personal account and not on
    behalf of any other person.
 
3.  I AM NOT ASSURED OF OBTAINING ANY OR ALL OF THE NUMBER OF SHARES REQUESTED,
    AND I UNDERSTAND THAT IF ANY SHARES ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE BY ME, I WILL
    BE NOTIFIED OF THE NUMBER OF SUCH SHARES.
 
4.  No offer to buy any of the shares can be accepted and no part of the
    purchase price can be received by Dean Witter until the Registration
    Statement covering the proposed offering has been declared effective by the
    Securities and Exchange Commission and until the shares have been qualified
    for sale, where required, by the administrative authorities of the
    jurisdiction in which I reside, and any such offer may be withdrawn or
    revoked, without obligation or commitment of any kind, at any time prior to
    notice of its acceptance given after the effective date of the Registration
    Statement. This indication of interest involves no obligation or commitment
    of any kind by Dean Witter or by me.
 
5.  I understand that I will not be permitted to sell, transfer, assign, pledge
    or hypothecate (pledging securities as collateral for loans made to purchase
    securities) shares of Dan River, Inc. Common Stock for a period of 180 days
    after purchasing the shares.
 
6.  I represent that my purchase of Dan River, Inc. Class A Common Stock
    hereunder does not and will not violate any Ethics or Conflict of Interest
    policies or guidelines of my employer.
 
 
Name (printed):
               ---------------------------------- 
 
 
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING SHARES, YOU MUST COMPLETE BOTH PAGES OF THIS
FORM AND RETURN IT SO THAT IT IS RECEIVED BY NOVEMBER 17TH, 1997, NO LATER THAN
5:00P.M. (EST).
<PAGE>
 
7.  I am not, and no member of my immediate family is, nor am I materially
    supported directly or indirectly by, an officer, director, general partner,
    shareholder, employee or agent of any broker-dealer in securities or
    otherwise associated with any broker-dealer in securities, except for a
    broker-dealer which is engaged solely in the purchase or sale of either
    investment company/variable contracts securities or direct participation
    program securities. Otherwise, please name the broker-dealer and describe
    the relationship.
 
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    As used in this question, the term "immediate family" includes parents,
    mother-in-law or father-in-law, husband or wife, brother or sister, brother-
    in-law or sister-in-law, son-in-law or daughter-in-law, and children.

8.  I am not, nor am I materially supported by, a senior officer of a bank,
    savings and loan institution, insurance company, registered investment
    company, registered investment advisory firm, or any other institutional
    type account. Otherwise, please name the bank, etc., and describe the
    relationship.
 
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
9.  I am not, nor am I materially supported by, a person who may influence, or
    whose activities directly or indirectly involve or are related to, the
    function of buying or selling securities for any bank, savings and loan
    institution, insurance company, registered investment company, registered
    investment advisory firm, or any other institutional type account.
    Otherwise, please name the bank, etc., and describe the relationship.

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

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

10. I am not, nor am I materially supported by, a person acting in a fiduciary
    capacity to Dean Witter Reynolds Inc., including, among others, attorneys,
    accountants and financial consultants. Otherwise, please name the person and
    describe the relationship.

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

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


Name (printed):
               -------------------------------
Signature:
          ------------------------------------
Date:
     -----------------------------------------


IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING SHARES, YOU MUST COMPLETE BOTH PAGES OF THIS
FORM AND RETURN IT SO THAT IT IS RECEIVED BY NOVEMBER 17TH, 1997, NO LATER THAN
5:00P.M. (EST).

                                                                          Page 2
<PAGE>
 
PLEASE COMPLETE ALL OF THE REQUESTED INFORMATION.
PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY.

Number of Shares Indicated (please repeat the indication provided on the 
Indication of the Interest Form)
 
Full Name (first, middle, last):
                                ------------------------------------------------
Street:
       -------------------------------------------------------------------------
City:                                State:                    Zip:
     -------------------------------       --------------------    -------------
SS#:       -        -
    ------   ------   ------
Business Phone: (    )                  Home Phone: (    )
                 ---- ------------------             ---- ----------------------
Citizen of what country?                   Date of Birth (MM/DD/YY)
                        ------------------                         -------------
Do you currently have an account at Dean Witter?      YES      NO

        If yes, Account #:       -                    -
                          ------   ------------------   ------
        Name of Account Executive:
                                  ---------------------------------------------
    If you currently have a Dean Witter account, it is not necessary to complete
the following information.

Estimated Net Worth                               Annual Income
                                               
      Below $100,000                              Below $30,000
- ------                                      ------
      $100,000 to $250,000                        $30,000 to $50,000
- ------                                      ------
      $250,000 to $500,000                        $50,000 to $100,000
- ------                                      ------
      $500,000 to $1,000,000                      $100,000 to $200,000
- ------                                      ------
      $1,000,000 to $2,500,000                    $200,000 to $500,000
- ------                                      ------
      $2,500,000 to $5,000,000                    $500,000 to $1,000,000
- ------                                      ------
      Above $5,000,000                            Above $1,000,000
- ------                                      ------
 
Marital Status:      Single      Married                  # of Dependents
                -----       -----                                        -------
Name of your Bank:
                   -------------------------------------------------------------
Name of your Employer:
                       ---------------------------------------------------------
Business Address:
                  --------------------------------------------------------------
Years employed:                             Year retired:
               -----------------------------              ----------------------
Position:
          ----------------------------------------------------------------------

For a joint account, complete the following:
Full Name (first, middle, last):
                                ------------------------------------------------
Relation (i.e. spouse):
                       ---------------------------------------------------------
SS#:       -        -            Date of Birth:  (MM/DD/YY):
    ------   ------   ------                                --------------------
Name of Employer:
                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
Business Address:
                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
Years employed:                             Year retired:
               ----------------------------              -----------------------
Position:
          ----------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
Investment Experience   How many years of experience do you have with the
- ---------------------                                                    
following products?

Stocks                Bonds              Options            Other
      ------------         ------------         -----------      --------------


Investment Objectives
- ---------------------

         Conservation of Capital
- --------
         Growth/Income
- --------
         Long Term Growth/Income Secondary
- --------
         Speculative Capital Gain
- --------
         Short Term Trading
- --------
<PAGE>
 
                                   W-9 FORM


IMPORTANT TAX NOTICE
Must be Signed and Returned Immediately!!

Substitute Form W-9

Dear Client,
        On August 5, 1983, The Interest and Dividend Tax Compliance Act of 1983
was signed into law. This law has serious implications for accounts opened with 
Dean Witter Reynolds Inc. on or after January 1, 1984.
        The Backup Withholding section of the law requires the withholding of 
31% of Dividends, Interest and GROSS PROCEEDS OF SALES OF SECURITIES for any 
account which has not filed a signed W-9 or a substitute form with us regardless
of whether a Social Security or Federal Employer Identification Number was 
provided at the time the account was opened.
        To avoid the withholding penalties required by this law, please fill in 
your Social Security or Federal Employer Identification Number in Box #1 and 
check Box #2 if you are not subject to backup withholding under the notified 
payee under reporting provisions, that is, either because you have not been 
notified by the Internal Revenue Service that you are subject to backup 
withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or the
Internal Revenue Service has notified you that you are no longer subject to 
backup withholding. If you are awaiting issuance of a Social Security or Federal
Employer Identification Number from the IRS, write "Applied For" in Box #1.

BOTH BOXES MUST BE COMPLETED TO AVOID BACKUP WITHHOLDING.

BOX #1  Social Security or              BOX #2  Not subject to Backup 
        Employee Identification                 Withholding under the notified 
        Number                                  payee underreporting provisions

 _____________________________           _____________
[_____________________________]         [_____________]


I certify, under the penalties of perjury, that the information provided on this
form is true, correct and complete.


Signature_________________________ DATE____________________


For Dean Witter Use Only


Account Number____________________




DWR-9586(7/84)REV.1-93
<PAGE>
 
DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The following share-price matrix has been created to give you examples of
possible investment amounts based on the number of shares purchased at various
purchase prices. The current range for the Dan River Inc. initial public
offering, which is subject to change without notice at any time prior to
effectiveness of the Registration Statement, is $14.00 to $16.00

THIS MATRIX IS FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT IN ANY WAY GUARANTEE
THAT THE SHARES WILL BE PRICED WITHIN THE RANGE INDICATED; THE OFFERING MAY BE
PRICED ABOVE OR BELOW THE CURRENT ESTIMATE.


Dan River Inc. Class A Common Stock Share Price Matrix
================================================================================
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                Price per Share
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    $13         $14         $15         $16         $17
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
      <S>         <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C> 
       100        $1,300       $1,400      $1,500      $1,600      $1,700
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
       200        $2,600       $2,800      $3,000      $3,200      $3,400
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
       300        $3,900       $4,200      $4,500      $4,800      $5,100
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
       400        $5,200       $5,600      $6,000      $6,400      $6,800
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
       500        $6,500       $7,000      $7,500      $8,000      $8,500
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
       600        $7,800       $8,400      $9,000      $9,600      $10,200
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number 700        $9,100       $9,800      $10,500     $11,200     $11,900
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
of     800       $10,400      $11,200      $12,000     $12,800     $13,600
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares 900       $11,700      $12,600      $13,500     $14,400     $15,300
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
       1000      $13,000      $14,000      $15,000     $16,000     $17,000
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
       1100      $14,300      $15,400      $16,500     $17,600     $18,700
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
       1200      $15,600      $16,800      $18,000     $19,200     $20,400
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
       1300      $16,900      $18,200      $19,500     $20,800     $22,100
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
       1400      $18,200      $19,600      $21,000     $22,400     $23,800
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
       1500      $19,500      $21,000      $22,500     $24,000     $25,500
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
       2000      $26,000      $28,000      $30,000     $32,000     $34,000
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

Example 1:   If you indicate for and are allocated 200 shares and Dan River Inc.
             is priced at $14 per share, the net amount due Dean Witter would be
             $2,800.

Example 2:   If you indicate for and are allocated 800 shares and Dan River Inc.
             is priced at $16 per share, the net amount due Dean Witter would be
             $12,800.
<PAGE>
 
                                    Q & A'S

                   THE DAN RIVER INC. DIRECTED SHARE PROGRAM


WHAT IS THE DAN RIVER INC. DIRECTED SHARE PROGRAM?

The Directed Share Program offers active salaried employees an opportunity to 
purchase shares of Common Stock at the Initial Public Offering (IPO) price.

HOW MANY SHARES OF DAN RIVER INC. COMMON STOCK CAN I PURCHASE THROUGH THE 
DIRECTED SHARE PROGRAM?

You are required to purchase a minimum of 100 shares. You may request to
purchase additional shares in units of 100 shares.

HOW DO I PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM?

Enclosed is a packet of forms and information about the Directed Share Program, 
including a Preliminary Prospectus.


One of the forms you must complete is an Indication of Interest form. On this 
form you will indicate the number of shares you are interested in purchasing. 
Dean Witter will tabulate the number of shares salaried employees express an 
interest in purchasing. If the total number of shares exceeds the amount 
reserved to be sold through the Directed Share Program, we will make the 
necessary reallocation. As a result, you may receive fewer than the number of 
shares you indicate an interest in purchasing.

DO I NEED AN ACCOUNT WITH DEAN WITTER IN ORDER TO PURCHASE SHARES THROUGH THE 
DIRECTED SHARE PROGRAM?

Yes, even if you have an account with another broker, you can only purchase 
shares if you have an account with Dean Witter. A Dean Witter broker will set up
an account for you when you return your completed forms.

WHAT IF I CURRENTLY HAVE A DEAN WITTER ACCOUNT?

If you indicate on the Indication of Interest form that you have an account with
Dean Witter, your account representative will be notified of your intention to 
purchase shares through the Direct Share Program.

HOW WILL I BE NOTIFIED OF THE NUMBER OF SHARES I CAN PURCHASE THROUGH THE 
DIRECTED SHARE PROGRAM?

A representative of Dean Witter will contact you after all approvals are 
received from the SEC and other regulatory authorities and the offering has been
priced. Your assigned Dean Witter representative will inform you of the number 
of shares you are eligible to purchase, the price per share and will confirm 
your intention to purchase the shares through the Directed Share Program. The 
NASD rules governing the sale of securities to certain "restricted" persons may 
prohibit some individuals from participating in the program.

CAN I CHANGE THE NUMBER OF SHARES I INDICATE AN INTENTION TO PURCHASE OR CANCEL 
AND NOT PURCHASE ANY SHARES?

All changes must be made prior to the pricing of the offering. Depending on the 
number of shares other employees have indicated an intention to purchase, your 
Dean Witter representative may permit you to increase the number of shares you 
would like to purchase. You may also decrease the number of shares or cancel 
your purchase prior to the pricing of the offering.

<PAGE>
 
WHAT IS THE PRICE PER SHARE OF THE DAN RIVER INC. COMMON STOCK UNDER THE
DIRECTED SHARE PROGRAM?

The price per share you will be required to pay will be the Initial Public 
Offering (IPO) price. The current price range for the Dan River Inc. Common 
Stock offering, which is subject to change without notice at any time prior to 
the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, is $14.00 to $16.00 per share.

WHEN MUST I MAKE PAYMENT FOR THE SHARES PURCHASED?

Full payment of the purchase price must arrive at the office of Dean Witter 
three business days after the stock is priced (approximately mid-November). 
Your check must be made payable to Dean Witter Reynolds, Inc. You will be 
notified where to mail your check. If payment is not received by the due date, 
the shares allocated for your purchase will be made available for purchase by
the general public.

HOW LONG MUST I HOLD SHARES PURCHASED THROUGH THE DIRECTED SHARE PROGRAM?

You are not permitted to sell, transfer, assign, pledge or hypothecate shares 
purchased through the Directed Share Program for a period of 90 days following 
the purchase of the shares. After that, you may either continue to hold the
shares or dispose of them in any manner your choose.

MUST I PAY ANY COMMISSIONS OR FEES FOR SELLING THE SHARES?

Dean Witter has agreed to charge a discounted rate of ten cents per share plus a
nominal handling and mailing fee for selling shares purchased through the 
Directed Share Program. These charges may change at some future date.

WHAT IF I WANT MY SHARES TRANSFERRED TO AN ACCOUNT AT ANOTHER BROKERAGE FIRM OR 
IF I WANT TO RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE FOR THE SHARES I PURCHASE THROUGH THE
DIRECTED SHARE PROGRAM?

These transactions can be requested through the Dean Witter representative on 
your account. If you wish to transfer your shares to an account at another 
brokerage firm Dean Witter will do so for you at no charge. If you request a 
certificate be mailed to you, Dean Witter will arrange for this.

                               IMPORTANT NOTICE

THESE Q & A's ARE DESIGNED TO PROVIDE YOU WITH A GENERAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE 
DAN RIVER INC. DIRECTED SHARE PROGRAM. THE MATERIAL YOU RECEIVE IN THE NEAR 
FUTURE FROM DEAN WITTER WILL BE MORE SPECIFIC. IF YOU INTEND TO PARTICIPATE IN 
THE DIRECTED SHARE PROGRAM YOU MUST COMPLETE THE REQUIRED FORMS AND PROVIDE ALL 
THE INFORMATION THAT IS REQUESTED. ANY INFORMATION SUBMITTED TO DAN RIVER INC. 
OR DEAN WITTER WILL BE HELD IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENCE. PLEASE BE CERTAIN YOU 
FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND RETURN THE COMPLETED FORMS IN A TIMELY MANNER IN 
ORDER TO ENSURE THAT YOU REMAIN ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DIRECTED SHARE 
PROGRAM.

THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DIRECTED SHARE PROGRAM IS SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF 
REGISTRATION STATEMENT BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION AND THE SHARES 
BEING QUALIFIED FOR SALE BY THE APPROPRIATE REGULATORY AUTHORITIES.

The following statement is required to be included in accordance with Rule 
134(b)(1) of the Securities Act of 1993, as amended:

    A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with
    the SEC but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold
    nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration
    statement becomes effective. This letter shall not constitute an offer
    to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there by any sale
    of these securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale
    would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the
    securities laws of any such state.

<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                       DEAN WITTER CONTACT LISTING
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    FOR DAN RIVER EMPLOYEES LOCATED AT:
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Location                    Please Contact       Branch Address                City      State         Zip     
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>                  <C>                         <C>         <C>       <C> 
Wetupka, AL                 Judy Shirk           2862 Dauphin Street          Mobile      AL          36606    
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Brian Wilson
Danville, VA                or                   4437-A Starkey Road         Roanoke      VA       24014-2812  
                            Doug Dameron
                            or
                            Brian Thomas
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sevierville, TN             Jim Kinser           9648 Kingston Pike         Knoxville     TN          37922    
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harris, NC                  Scott Daily          Two First Union Center,    Charlotte     NC          28282    
(Harris Plant)              or                   Suite 1600
                            Tim Daily
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spindale, NC                Jim Lock             Two First Union Center,    Charlotte     NC          28282    
(Spindale Plant)                                 Suite 1600
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION> 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Location                    Please Contact     Phone             800 Number       Fax
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>                <C>               <C>              <C> 
Wetupka, AL                 Judy Shirk         (334) 476-0075    (800) 786-7786   (334) 473-8832
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Brian Wilson
Danville, VA                or                 (540) 772-0760    (800) 755-5127   (540) 772-1777
                            Doug Dameron
                            or
                            Brian Thomas
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sevierville, TN             Jim Kinser         (423) 694-1031    (800) 786-0786   (423) 694-1001
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harris, NC                  Scott Daily        (704) 379-7624    (800) 676-6676   (704) 379-7690
(Harris Plant)              or                
                            Tim Daily
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spindale, NC                Jim Lock           (704) 379-7628    (800) 676-6676   (704) 379-7690
(Spindale Plant)                              
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      FOR DAN RIVER MARKETING EMPLOYEES IN THEIR VARIOUS LOCATIONS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Location                    Please Contact:      Branch Address                City      State         Zip     
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>                  <C>                         <C>         <C>       <C> 
                            Dan Shepler          2 World Trade Center,       New York     NY          10048    
                                                 73rd Floor
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION> 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Location                    Please Contact:    Phone             800 Number       Fax
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>                <C>               <C>              <C> 
                            Dan Shepler        (212) 392-4313    (800) 776-4477   (212) 392-7742
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         FOR DAN RIVER FACTORY EMPLOYEES IN THEIR VARIOUS LOCATIONS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Location                    Please Contact:      Branch Address                City      State         Zip     
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>                  <C>                         <C>         <C>       <C> 
                            Brian Wilson
                            or                   4437-A Starkey Road         Roanoke      VA       24014-2812  
                            Doug Dameron
                            or
                            Brian Thomas
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Location                    Please Contact:    Phone             800 Number       Fax
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>                <C>               <C>              <C> 
                            Brian Wilson
                            or                 (540) 772-0760    (800) 755-5127   (540) 772-1777
                            Doug Dameron
                            or
                            Brian Thomas
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


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