MAIL WELL INC
10-Q, 1997-05-13
CONVERTED PAPER & PAPERBOARD PRODS (NO CONTANERS/BOXES)
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<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                 UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                   FORM 10-Q
            [ x ] QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
                        SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                 For the quarterly period ended March 31, 1997


                         Commission file number 0-26692


                                MAIL-WELL, INC.
            (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter.)


          DELAWARE                                        84-1250533
(State or other jurisdiction of             (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)


                 23 INVERNESS WAY EAST, ENGLEWOOD, CO           80112
               (Address of principal executive offices)      (Zip Code)


                                  303-790-8023
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)



Indicate by checkmark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

                          Yes  [X]           No   [ ]

As of April 30, 1997, the Registrant had 12,960,770 shares of Common Stock,
$0.01 par value, outstanding.

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
MAIL-WELL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS



                                                                 PAGE


PART I -  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.   Financial Statements                                      3
 
Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
            Condition and Results of Operations                     9
 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.   Legal Proceedings                                        14
 
Item 2.   Changes in securities                                    14
 
Item 3.   Defaults upon Senior Securities                          14
 
Item 4.   Submission of matters to a Vote of Securities Holders    14
 
Item 5.   Other information                                        14
 
Item 6.   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                         14
 

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
MAIL-WELL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             (Unaudited)
                                                              March 31,      December 31,
                                                                 1997            1996
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>             <C>
CURRENT ASSETS
  Cash and cash equivalents                                    $ 10,851       $  9,656
  Receivables, net                                               37,129         40,612
  Accounts receivable - other                                     7,491          7,743 
  Income tax receivable, net                                      3,170          3,504
  Inventories                                                    71,308         68,275
  Deferred tax asset                                              2,370          2,309
  Other current assets                                            3,621          3,513
                                                               --------       --------
     Total current assets                                       135,940        135,612
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT - NET                             185,124        183,302
DEFERRED FINANCING COSTS - NET                                   13,874         14,497
GOODWILL - NET                                                  127,535        128,812
OTHER ASSETS - NET                                               10,833          8,723
                                                               --------       --------
TOTAL                                                          $473,306       $470,946
                                                               ========       ========
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
  Accounts payable                                             $ 44,521       $ 44,539
  Accrued compensation and vacation                              22,503         23,312
  Accrued interest                                                2,798          4,455
  Other current liabilities                                      26,507         26,206
 
  Current portion of long-term debt and capital leases           14,652         14,975
                                                               --------       --------
     Total current liabilities                                  110,981        113,487
ACCRUED PENSION                                                   1,409          1,284
CAPITAL LEASES                                                    2,874          2,958
BANK BORROWINGS                                                 117,972        121,992
SUBORDINATED NOTES                                               85,000         85,000
 
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES                                            24,989         23,153
OTHER LONG TERM LIABILITIES                                       2,921          1,865
                                                               --------       --------
     Total liabilities                                          346,146        349,739
                                                               --------       --------
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 25,000 shares
    authorized, none issued and outstanding                           -              -
  Common stock, $0.01 par value; 15,000,000 shares
      authorized, 12,954,053 and 12,942,828 shares issued
      and 12,498,645 and 12,487,420 (including
      1,298,848 shares held by ESOP) outstanding, respectively      130            130
  Non-voting convertible common stock; $0.01 par value;
      35,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding           -              -
 
  Paid-in capital                                                98,787         98,280
  Retained earnings                                              33,612         27,631
  Unearned ESOP compensation                                     (3,291)        (2,896)
 
  Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment               (255)          (115)
  Pension liability adjustment                                     (110)          (110)
  Treasury stock - at cost; 455,408 shares                       (1,713)        (1,713)
                                                               --------       --------
     Total stockholders' equity                                 127,160        121,207
                                                               --------       --------
TOTAL                                                          $473,306       $470,946
                                                               ========       ========
 
</TABLE>
           See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
MAIL-WELL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Quarter Ended March 31,
                                                     1997          1996
                                                --------------------------    

NET SALES                                       $   212,032   $   193,725
 
COST OF SALES:
     Materials                                       89,958        90,930
     Labor and other                                 59,017        53,294
     Manufacturing                                   15,541        10,736
     Depreciation                                     3,355         3,485
     Waste recovery                                  (2,473)       (2,415)
                                                -----------   -----------
       Total cost of sales                          165,398       156,030
 
GROSS PROFIT                                         46,634        37,695
 
OTHER OPERATING COSTS
     Selling                                         15,421        14,032
     Administrative                                  13,045        10,020
     Amortization                                     1,117           946
     Loss on disposal of assets                         871             0
                                                -----------   -----------
       Total other operating costs                   30,454        24,998
 
OPERATING INCOME                                     16,180        12,697
 
OTHER EXPENSE
     Interest expense - debt                          4,554         7,081
     Interest expense - amortization
       of deferred financing costs                      724           732
     Discount on sale of accounts receivable          1,023             0
     Other (income) expense                            (530)           55
                                                -----------   -----------
 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES                           10,409         4,829
 
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
     Current                                          2,551         1,209
     Deferred                                         1,877           853
                                                -----------   -----------
 
NET INCOME                                      $     5,981   $     2,767
                                                ===========   ===========
 
NET INCOME PER SHARE                                  $0.50         $0.23
 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING              11,952,590    11,850,727
 

           See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 
 
 

                                       4
<PAGE>
 

MAIL-WELL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>  

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Quarter Ended March 31,
                                                                1997       1996
                                                            -----------------------
<S>                                                          <C>        <C>
CASH FLOW PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATIONS:
  Net income                                                 $  5,981   $  2,767
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by
    (used in) operations:
    Depreciation                                                3,355      3,485
    Amortization                                                1,841      1,678
    Deferred tax provision                                      1,877        853
    Loss on disposal of assets                                    871          0
    ESOP compensation expense                                      68        418
    Foreign currency gain                                           0       (119)
    Other                                                          20       (490)
 Change in operating assets and liabilities:
    Receivables                                                 3,724     (7,359)
    Current income taxes                                          334       (604)
    Inventories                                                (3,034)     7,686
    Accounts payable                                           (1,193)     1,672
    Accrued interest                                           (1,658)    (3,206)
    Other working capital                                      (1,128)    (6,943)
    Accrued pension, current and long term                        (40)        97
    Other assets and other long-term liabilities                  443     (1,080)
                                                             --------   --------
     Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities       11,461     (1,145)
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 Capital expenditures                                          (5,601)    (3,197)
 Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment               24      2,715
 Acquisition costs                                               (189)
 Maturity of temporary cash investments                             -        250
                                                             --------   --------
     Net cash used in investing activities                     (5,766)      (232)
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 Cash overdrafts                                                  361       (745)
 Proceeds from long-term debt                                   7,000     50,000
 Repayments of long-term debt                                 (11,333)   (47,768)
 Repayments of capital lease obligations                         (258)      (150)
 Issuance of common stock                                          44          -
                                                             --------   --------
 
     Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities       (4,186)     1,337
 
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH                          (314)        40
                                                             --------   --------
 
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                           1,195          0
BALANCE AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD                                  9,656          0
                                                             --------   --------
 
BALANCE AT END OF PERIOD                                     $ 10,851   $      0
                                                             ========   ========
 
NON-CASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
   Cash paid for interest                                    $  6,211   $ 10,287
   Cash paid for taxes                                          2,803        180
   Issuance of common stock for compensation                        0         51
</TABLE>
           See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
MAIL-WELL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)


1.   BASIS OF PRESENTATION

     NATURE OF OPERATIONS - Mail-Well, Inc. (the "Company") is one of the
     largest printers in North America, manufacturing both envelopes and high
     impact color commercial work.  Within envelope printing, the Company
     competes in the consumer direct segment in which envelopes are designed and
     manufactured to customer specifications.  In addition, the Company
     manufactures envelopes sold into the office products market.  The Company
     is also a leading high impact commercial printer specializing in printing
     advertising literature, high-end catalogs, annual reports, calendars and
     computer instruction books and is recognized as an innovative provider of
     quality printed products to leading companies in the United States.  The
     Company commenced operations on February 24, 1994 with the acquisition of
     the envelope businesses of Georgia-Pacific Corporation ("GP Envelope") and
     Pavey Envelope and Tag Corp. ("Pavey").



2.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

     PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION - The consolidated financial statements for all
     periods presented include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries.
     All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been
     eliminated.


     INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION - The interim financial information contained
     herein is unaudited and includes all normal and recurring adjustments
     which, in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly the
     information set forth.  The consolidated financial statements should be
     read in conjunction with the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
     which are included in the Company's Form 10-K.  The results for interim
     periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the
     fiscal year of the Company ending December 31, 1997.  The Company believes
     that the report filed on Form 10-Q is representative of its financial
     position, its results of operations and its cash flow for the quarters
     ended March 31, 1997 and 1996.


     EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN - Unearned ESOP compensation balance is
     presented in the accompanying financial statements as a reduction of
     equity.  As the ESOP shares are allocated to participants, the unearned
     ESOP compensation balance will decrease and compensation expense will be
     recorded.

     EARNINGS PER SHARE - Net income per share is computed by dividing net
     income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding (March
     31, 1997: 11,669,816; March 31, 1996: 11,676,917) and common stock
     equivalents (March 31, 1997: 282,774; March 31, 1996: 173,810). Common
     shares outstanding excludes unallocated and uncommitted shares held by the
     ESOP.

 
     RECLASSIFICATION - Certain amounts in the 1996 financial statements have
     been reclassified to conform to 1997 presentation.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
3.   DETAIL OF CERTAIN BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS (IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>
      
     INVENTORIES:
                                            March 31, 1997   December 31, 1996
<S>                                         <C>              <C>  
     Raw materials                               $27,482             $25,953
     Work in process                               7,360               7,549
     Finished goods                               39,165              37,385
     Reserve for obsolescence and loss            (2,699)             (2,612)
                                               ---------           --------- 
     Total                                     $  71,308           $  68,275
                                               =========           =========
 
 

     PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
                                            March 31, 1997    December 31, 1996
 
 
     Land and land improvements                $  11,699           $  11,429
     Buildings                                    46,478              45,385
     Leasehold improvements                        3,721               3,627
     Machinery and equipment                     123,336             124,028
     Furniture and fixtures                        3,255               3,066
     Automobiles and trucks                          479                 556
     Computers and software                        9,787               7,457
     Assets under capital lease                    3,430               3,584
     Construction in progress                      8,537               6,576
                                               ---------           --------- 
                                                 210,722             205,708
     Less accumulated depreciation               (25,598)            (22,406)
                                               ---------           ---------
          Total                                $ 185,124           $ 183,302
                                               =========           =========
 
4.   LONG-TERM DEBT
 
     Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):
 
                                            March 31, 1997   December 31, 1996
     Bank Borrowings:
       Revolving Credit Loans                  $     362           $     768
       Term Loans                                131,500             135,000
     Subordinated Notes                           85,000              85,000
     Other                                           297                 651
                                               ---------           ---------
                                                 217,159             221,419
     Less current maturities                     (14,187)            (14,427)
                                               ---------           ---------
     Long-term debt                             $202,972            $206,992
                                               =========           =========
</TABLE> 
     The bank credit agreements of the Company include a $30.0 million revolving
     credit facility, a C$10.0 million revolving credit facility, $135.0 million
     of term loans, a $30.0 million acquisitions loan facility, a $12.0 million
     letter of credit facility and a C$8.0 million letter of credit facility.
     The Company's obligations under the bank credit agreement are secured by
     substantially all of the assets of the domestic subsidiaries of the Company
     and by 66% of the common stock of Supremex.

     An interest rate cap agreement is used to reduce the potential impact of
     increases in the rates on floating-rate long-term debt.  At March 31, 1997,
     the Company was party to an interest rate cap agreement for the notional
     amount of $55.0 million which provides an effective LIBOR interest rate cap
     of 9.0% and expires June 30, 1999.  The agreement entitles the Company to
     receive from

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
     counterparties the amounts, if any, by which the Company's interest
     payments exceed the interest rate cap.


5.   PRO FORMA EARNINGS PER SHARE

     In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
     of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" ("SFAS
     128").  SFAS 128 establishes standards for computing and presenting
     earnings per share and applies to all entities with publicly held common
     stock or potential common stock.  SFAS 128 replaces the presentation of
     primary earnings per share and fully diluted earnings per share with a
     presentation of basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share,
     respectively.  Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed
     by dividing earnings available to common stockholders by the weighted
     average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  Similar to
     fully diluted earnings per share, diluted earnings per share reflects the
     potential dilution of securities that could share in the earnings.  SFAS
     128 is effective for periods ending after December 15, 1997, including
     interim periods, and will require restatement of all prior period earnings
     per share data presented; earlier application is not permitted.  The
     following pro forma disclosure illustrates earnings per share if calculated
     in accordance with SFAS 128.  The unallocated shares issued under the
     Employee Stock Ownership Plan are excluded from both the basic and diluted
     earnings per share calculations.

     <TABLE>      
     <CAPTION>
                                                                       
                                                 FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1997
                                                -------------------------------------
                                                   INCOME       SHARES      PER-SHARE
     (dollars in thousands)                     (NUMERATOR)  (DENOMINATOR)   AMOUNT  
     --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     <S>                                        <C>          <C>            <C>      
     BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE                                                        
     Income available to common stockholders        $5,981     11,851,033    $   0.51
                                                                            =========
                                                                                     
     EFFECT OF DILUTIVE SECURITIES                                                   
     Stock options                                       0        270,871            
                                                    ------     ----------            
                                                                                     
     DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE                                                      
     Income available to common stockholders                                         
       including assumed conversions                $5,981     12,121,904    $   0.49
                                                    ======     ==========   =========
<CAPTION> 

                                                 FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1996 

     BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE                                                        
     Income available to common stockholders        $2,767     11,651,070    $   0.24
                                                                            =========
                                                                                     
     EFFECT OF DILUTIVE SECURITIES                                                   
     Stock options                                       0        173,830            
                                                    ------     ----------            
                                                                                     
     DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE                                                      
     Income available to common stockholders                                         
       including assumed conversions                $2,767     11,824,900    $   0.23
                                                    ======     ==========   =========
                                                                                     
     </TABLE>
6.   STOCK OPTIONS

     On March 31, 1997, the Company's Board of Directors adopted a non-qualified
     stock option plan for key employees, authorizing future grants of up to
     650,000 stock options for Company common stock.  Also at that time,
     approximately 400,000 stock options were granted under this non-qualified
     stock option plan in addition to the granting of 125,000 stock options
     under the Company's 1994 stock option plan. The exercise price of all
     options granted equals or exceeds the fair market value of the Company's
     common stock on the date of grant.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS


ACQUISITIONS - In April 1996, the Company acquired Quality Park Products, Inc.
("QPP"), a printer and manufacturer of envelopes.  In November 1996, the Company
acquired Pac National Group Products, Inc. ("PNG"), a Canadian envelope printer
and manufacturer based in Ontario.  In December 1996, the Company acquired
Shepard Poorman Communications Corporation ("SP"), a high impact color printer
located in Indianapolis, Indiana.

OVERVIEW - First quarter sales for 1997 increased 9% to $212.0 million from
$193.7 million for the first quarter of 1996.  Net income for the quarter ended
March 31, 1997 increased to $6.0 million ($0.50 per share) from $2.8 million
($0.23 per share) for the quarter ended March 31, 1996.  During the first
quarter of 1997, Mail-Well, Inc. (the "Company") focused efforts on integrating
the operations of PNG and SP into the Canadian Envelope and High Impact Color
Printing segments of the Company, respectively.  These efforts included
reviewing the acquired operations to determine changes to be made to cost
structures, pricing and strategic markets.  The High Impact Color Printing
segment continued to address market pressures by  repositioning its marketing
efforts toward the channels within this segment for which the gross margins were
higher.  In November 1996, the bank credit agreement was amended, the Company
refinanced certain equipment under a sale/leaseback arrangement and a receivable
securitization facility was arranged. The effects of these transactions are
reflected in the results for the first quarter of 1997.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
U.S. Envelope
- -------------

The following table presents 1997 historical financial data for the U.S.
Envelope operations of the Company, including the operations of QPP.  The 1996
data includes the historical operations of the Company and the historical
operations of QPP for the three months ended March 31, 1996 which was included
to provide comparability to the 1997 information.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31,
                                -----------------------
                                1997               1996
                                ----               ----
 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)      $        %        $        %
                          ---------------------------------
<S>                       <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>
 
Net sales                 $139,700  100.0   $151,943  100.0
Cost of sales              108,323   77.5    122,546   80.6
Operating expenses          16,733   12.0     16,549   10.9
Operating income          $ 14,644   10.5   $ 12,848    8.5
                           
 
</TABLE>

QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1997 COMPARED TO THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1996

Net sales - Net sales decreased  8.1% for the quarter ended March 31, 1997
compared to the quarter ended March 31, 1996.  The average selling price
decreased 9.0% to $19.46 per thousand units for the quarter ended March 31, 1997
from $21.39 per thousand units for the quarter ended March 31, 1996.  The
primary cause for the decrease was lower paper costs of approximately 25%.  The
paper price decrease was offset by additional sales of more complex, higher
margin products for which fewer units were sold.  Additionally, in the office
products market, the entrance of two additional competitors has put pressure on
prices.  Total volume for the U.S. Envelope segment increased 1.1% to 7.2
billion units in 1997 from 7.1 billion units in 1996. The volume increase
occurred despite the fact that 1997 units reflect the decline of 0.1 million
units due to the loss of a major customer by QPP (which occurred prior to the
acquisition of QPP by the Company).  The additional volume is predominantly from
the contract stationer customer group that is growing at a pace faster than the
industry as a whole due to rapid consolidation of small dealers.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
Cost of sales - Total cost of sales, as a percentage of sales, decreased from
80.6% in 1996 to 77.5% in 1997.  Cost of sales includes material, labor,
manufacturing, depreciation, other manufacturing costs and waste recovery
revenue.  The 25% decrease in average paper costs was the major factor in the
reduction in total cost of sales.  The Company uses material gross margin per
unit (measured on a per thousand envelope basis) and volume of units sold as an
indicator of trends in revenues, since historically the Company has passed on to
its customers changes in its cost of paper.  When measured on a unit basis,
material gross margin increased from $10.92 per thousand units in the first
quarter of 1996 to $11.28 per thousand units for the first quarter of 1997.  The
increase in material gross margin on a unit basis is attributable to the
Company's ability to manage selling price relative to declining paper prices.

Operating expenses - For the quarter ended March 31, 1997, selling and
administrative expenses, as a percent of sales, increased to 11.9% from 11.7%
compared to the same period in 1996. The increase was less than $0.2 million and
includes increases in salaries, profit sharing and health insurance.


Canadian Envelope
- -----------------

The following table presents financial information with respect to the Canadian
Envelope operations for the quarters ended March 31, 1997 and 1996.   The 1996
information excludes the operations of PNG for the three months ended March 31,
1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31,
                          --------------------------------
                                1997             1996
                                ----             ----
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)       $       %        $       %
                          -------  ------  -------  ------
<S>                       <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>
 
Net sales                 $31,616  100.0   $22,150  100.0
Cost of sales              22,777   72.0    16,163   73.0
Operating expenses          4,570   14.5     2,984   13.5
Operating income          $ 4,269   13.5   $ 3,003   13.6
 
</TABLE>

QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1997 COMPARED TO THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1996


Net sales - The 42.7% increase in net sales for the first quarter ended March
31, 1997 compared to the quarter ended March 31, 1996 was mainly due to the
acquisition of PNG.  Total volume for Supremex (excluding PNG) increased by 4.1%
for the first quarter of 1997 compared to the first quarter of 1996.  The
average selling price decreased 1.7% despite a 15% decrease in paper costs as
compared to the first quarter of 1996.  This decrease in average selling price
was partially offset by a higher average selling price in the courier envelope
division.

Cost of sales - Total cost of sales, as a percentage of sales, decreased from
73.0% to 72.0% in 1997. Material gross margin increased from $10.57 per thousand
units in the quarter ended March 31, 1996 to $11.29 per thousand units for the
same quarter in 1997.  The higher added value was attributable to the Company's
ability to manage selling price relative to declining paper prices.  The gross
profit per thousand units increased 2.2% from 1996.  The general manufacturing
expenses included expenses related to the closure of a plant which were higher
than the amount that had been accrued.  As PNG's operations are integrated with
those of Supremex, the cost of sales (as a percentage of net sales), is expected
to decrease as Supremex's operating strategies are applied to PNG's operations.

Operating expenses -  As a percentage of sales, the operating expenses have
increased to 14.5% of net sales for 1997 from 13.5% of net sales in 1996 due to
the higher cost structure of PNG.  Operating expenses as a percentage of net
sales are expected to decrease as PNG's cost structure is changed to reflect
that of Supremex.  Specifically, PNG's costs for administrative expenses
exceeded the parameters of Supremex's cost structure.

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
High Impact Color Printing.
- ---------------------------
 
The following table presents financial information with respect to the High
Impact Color Printing operations for the quarters ended March 31, 1997 and 1996.
The operations of SP are excluded from the results for the quarter ended March
31, 1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                              QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31,
                          --------------------------------
                                1997             1996
                                ----             ----
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)       $       %        $       %
                          --------------------------------
<S>                       <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>
 
Net sales                 $40,716  100.0   $42,898  100.0
Cost of sales              33,702   82.8    36,974   86.2
Operating expenses          5,165   12.7     5,042   11.7
Operating income          $ 1,849    4.5   $   882    2.1
 
</TABLE>

QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1997 COMPARED TO THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1996


Net sales - Net sales for the quarter ended March 31, 1997 were $40.7 million, a
5.1% decrease from the prior year.  Net sales produced at SP constituted $12.1
million of the quarter's net sales and represented flat volumes compared with
those of the prior year (before SP was owned by the Company).  Exclusive of SP,
net sales fell short of prior year actual figures by 33%.  This decline is due
to several factors.  The Company has targeted higher margin markets and is
aggressively allocating sales resources to these markets. Operating income
margins for the High Impact Color Printing segment of the Company have increased
to 4.5% of net sales from 2.1% of net sales.  Another factor affecting the
decline in sales dollars was the decrease in paper costs.  The final factor in
the net sales decline is the shift of annual report work from the first quarter
to the second quarter.  Sales recorded for the month of April are unseasonably
strong for annual reports.

Cost of sales - Total cost of sales declined from 86.2% in the first quarter of
1996 to 82.8% in the first quarter of 1996.  Reductions in paper prices, coupled
with improved corporate purchasing power, resulted in lower paper costs of
approximately $6.1 million as compared to the quarter ended March 31, 1996.
Outside tradework declined both as a percentage of revenue and by $2.0 million
in nominal dollars.  A reduction in factory costs constitutes the remainder of
the favorable variance and corresponds largely to the downward movement in
volumes.  Improved control over overtime and factory chargeability also yielded
favorable variances.  SP cost of sales of $10.6 million is included in the 1997
amounts and represents 87.5% of SP's sales.

Operating expenses - Total operating expense is $0.1 million greater than the
amount for the quarter ended March 31, 1996.  The fluctuation includes $1.2
million of operating expenses related to SP offset by $1.1 million in operating
expense reductions implemented by the GAC operations of the High Impact Color
Printing segment.  The reductions include $0.3 million reduction in salary
expense, $0.3 million reduction in bad debt expense and $0.1 million decrease in
insurance expense.  The remaining decrease is due to reductions in other general
and administrative expenses.

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
Corporate Expenses
- ------------------

The following table presents historical financial information for the Company
and includes the operations of each acquired company from the date of its
acquisition.  The percentage column presents the specific expense items as a
percentage of historical net sales for the year.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31,
                                                 ---------------------------
                                                     1997            1996
                                                     -----           ----
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                             $       %      $      %
                                                 ---------------------------
<S>                                              <C>     <C>    <C>     <C>
                                                 
                                                 
Cost of sales - operating lease expenses         $  596   0.3   $    0  0.0
Operating expenses                                1,998   0.9    1,172  0.6
Amortization expense                              1,117   0.5      946  0.5
Loss on disposal of assets                          871   0.4        0  0.0
Interest expense - debt                           4,554   2.1    7,081  3.7
Interest expense - amortization of deferred      
 financing costs                                    724   0.3      732  0.4
Discount on sale of accounts receivable           1,023   0.5        0  0.0
Other (income) expense                             (530) (0.2)      55  0.0
Income taxes                                      4,428   2.1    2,062  1.1
 
</TABLE>

Cost of sales - operating lease expenses - Certain property, plant and equipment
of the Company was sold as part of a sales/leaseback transaction. This amount
represents the operating lease payments for the first quarter of 1997. This
transaction occurred in the fourth quarter of 1996, thus, there is not a
comparative number in the first quarter of 1996.

Operating expenses - Total operating expenses increased $0.8 million for the
quarter ended March 31, 1997 compared to the quarter ended March 31, 1996.  The
increases included $0.2 million in legal expenses for litigation reserves, $0.2
million of shareholders' expenses which include the printing of the annual
report and proxy materials and, $0.2 million of administrative expenses which
include sales and benefits. Also included in operating expenses in 1997 is $0.2
million of administrative expenses related to the accounts receivable
securitization program.

Amortization expense - The amortization expense increased due to the
acquisitions of QPP, PNG and SP and the amortization of the intangibles acquired
in these transactions.

Loss on disposal of assets - The majority of the loss on disposal of assets
relates to $0.8 million of building and equipment costs written off related to
the closing of the Pittsburgh warehouse and reorganizations of the plants in
Salt Lake City and Chicago.

Interest expense- debt -  The interest expense decreased for the quarter ended
March 31, 1997 as compared to the quarter ended March 31, 1996 primarily as a
result of the lower average bank debt balance which was $132.4 million in 1997
as compared to $218.7 million in 1996.  The bank debt restructuring, the
sale/leaseback transaction and the accounts receivable securitization
transaction resulted in the reduction of outstanding debt balances toward the
end of 1996.  The average interest rate of 7.65% for the quarter ended March 31,
1997 is less than the average interest rate of 8.0% for the same period in 1996.

Discount on sale of accounts receivable - This amount represents the 5.6%
discount paid on the accounts receivable sold under the accounts receivable
securitization program.

Other (income) expense - This line item includes a $0.3 million foreign
exchange gain and $0.2 million of interest income earned from the investment of
funds in cash equivalents.

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
Income taxes - The effective tax rate for the quarter ended March 31, 1997 is
42.5% as compared to an effective tax rate of 42.7% for the quarter ended March
31, 1996.  The effective tax rate for both quarters is higher than the federal
statutory rate due to state and provincial income taxes.  Additionally, certain
goodwill amortization and a portion of the employee stock ownership contribution
is not tax deductible.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Historical Cash Flow - Net cash provided by operating activities was $11.5
million for the quarter ended March 31, 1997 as compared to net cash used in
operating activities of $1.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 1996.
Capital expenditures totaled $5.6 million for the first quarter of 1997 as
compared to $3.2 million for the first quarter of 1996.  Proceeds from the sale
of property, plant and equipment totaled $2.7 million in 1996 compared to
proceeds of less than $0.1 million for the same period in 1997.

In November 1996, the Company entered into a five year agreement whereby it can
sell, on a revolving basis, an undivided percentage interest in a designated
pool of accounts receivable up to a maximum of $100.0 million. At March 31,
1997, $64.4 million of accounts receivable were sold under this agreement.

Debt obligations - In November 1996, the Company amended its bank credit
agreement which now includes a $30.0 million revolving credit facility, a $C10.0
million revolving credit facility, $135.0 million of term loans, a $30.0 million
acquisition loans facility, a $12.0 million letter of credit facility and an
C$8.0 million letter of credit facility.  As of March 31, 1997, the Company had
borrowed $6.4 million (including $6.0 million in letters of credit) under the
revolving credit facility of the bank credit agreement and $131.5 million under
the term loans.  Availability at March 31, 1997 included $36.9 million under the
revolving credit facilities and $30.0 million under the acquisition loan
facility.  Interest rates on the Company's bank debt ranged from 5.25% to 8.5%
as of March 31, 1997.  The weighted average interest rate on bank debt was 7.65%
for the quarter ended March 31, 1997.  The senior subordinated debt balance
remained stable at $85.0 million at an interest rate of 10.5%.

Capital requirements - The Company estimates that, based on current utilization
of its existing equipment and expected demand, it will spend $20.0 to $30.0
million per year on capital expenditures exclusive of acquisitions.

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.   Legal Proceedings - None

Item 2.   Changes in Securities - None

Item 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities - None

Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Securities Holders - None

Item 5.   Other Information - None

ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
 
      (a) Exhibits
Exhibit
Number                   Description of Exhibit
- ------                   ----------------------

3.1       Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended - incorporated
          by reference from Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's Registration Statement
          on Form S-1 dated March 25, 1994.
3.2       Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the
          Company dated December 8, 1994 - incorporated by reference from
          Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated
          May 9, 1995.
3.3       Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the
          Company - incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.3 of the Company's
          Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated September 21, 1995.
3.4       Bylaws of the Company - incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.4 of
          the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated September 21,
          1995.
4.1       Form of Certificate representing the Common Stock, par value $0.01 per
          share, of the Company - incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 of
          the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated March 25, 1994.
4.2       Indenture dated February 24, 1994 by and between the Company and
          Shawmut Bank, National Association, as Trustee, with respect to the
          $39,500,000 in aggregate principal amount of Original Senior Deferred
          Coupon Notes and Exchange Senior Deferred Coupon Notes due 2006,
          including the form of Deferred Coupon Note - incorporated by reference
          from Exhibit 4.2 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1
          dated March 25, 1994.
4.3       Indenture dated as of February 24, 1994 by and between M-W Corp. and
          Shawmut Bank, National Association, as Trustee, with respect to the
          10-1/2% Original Senior Subordinated Notes and the 10-1/2% Exchange
          Senior Subordinated Notes due 2004, including the form of Note and the
          guarantees of the Company, Wisco and Pavey -incorporated by reference
          from Exhibit 4.3 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1
          dated March 25, 1994.
4.3.1     Supplemental Indenture dated July 31, 1995 to the Indenture identified
          in Exhibit 4.3 -incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.4.1 of the
          Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated September 21, 1995.
4.3.2     Form of Second Supplemental Indenture to the Indenture identified in
          Exhibit 4.3 -incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.4.2 of the
          Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated September 21, 1995.
4.4       Form of Stockholders Agreement among the Company and certain holders
          of the Common Stock effective as of February 24, 1994 and Amendment
          No. 1 thereto -incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.4 of the
          Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated March 25, 1994.

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
4.5       Form of Employee Stockholders Agreement among the Company and certain
          employee holders of the Common Stock effective as of February 24, 1994
          - incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.5 of the Company's
          Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated March 25, 1994.
4.6       Form of American Mail-Well Employee Stockholders Agreement among the
          Company and certain holders of the Common Stock - incorporated by
          reference from Exhibit 10.44 of the Company's Registration Statement
          on Form S-1 dated May 9, 1995.
4.7       Form of Registration Rights Agreement among the Company and certain
          holders of the Common Stock effective as of February 24, 1994 -
          incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.6 of the Company's
          Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated March 25, 1994.
4.8       Form of Registration Rights Agreement among M-W Corp., the Company and
          Merrill Lynch effective as of February 24, 1994 - incorporated by
          reference from Exhibit 4.7 of the Company's Registration Statement on
          Form S-1 dated March 25, 1994.
10.1      Asset Purchase Agreement dated December 7, 1993 by and among GP
          Envelope, G-P, M-W Corp. and the Company, as amended - incorporated by
          reference from Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Registration Statement on
          Form S-1 dated March 25, 1994.
10.2      Letter Agreement dated December 13, 1993 by and between Sterling, M-W
          Corp. and the Company relating to compensation payable by M-W Corp.
          and the Company to Sterling for services performed in connection with
          the Acquisition and the financing thereof -incorporated by reference
          from Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1
          dated March 25, 1994.
10.3      Letter Agreement dated December 13, 1993 by and between The Unicorn
          Group and Sterling regarding engagement of The Unicorn Group by
          Sterling - incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 of the
          Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated March 25, 1994.
10.4      Letter Agreement dated December 13, 1993 from Saddle River Capital to
          Sterling regarding engagement of Saddle River Capital by Sterling -
          incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.4 of the Company's
          Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated March 25, 1994.
10.5      Communications Paper Supply Agreement dated February 24, 1994 between
          G-P and M-W Corp. - incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.11 of
          the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated March 25, 1994.
10.6      Computer Services Agreement dated February 24, 1994 between G-P and M-
          W Corp. -incorporated by reference from exhibit 10.12 of the Company's
          Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated March 25, 1994.
10.7      Trademark License Agreement dated February 24, 1994 by and among G-P,
          Great Northern Nekoosa Corporation and M-W Corp. - incorporated by
          reference from Exhibit 10.13 of the Company's Registration Statement
          on Form S-1 dated March 25, 1994.
10.8      Securities Exchange Agreement dated February 22, 1994 by and among the
          Company First Sterling, Unicorn, The Unicorn Group and Gerald F.
          Mahoney, including the form of Escrow Agreement by and among the
          parties to the Securities Exchange Agreement -incorporated by
          reference from Exhibit 10.14 of the Company's Registration Statement
          on Form S-1 dated March 25, 1994.
10.9      Tax Sharing Agreement dated February 24, 1994 among the Company, M-W
          Corp., Wisco and Pavey - incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.15
          of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated March 25,
          1994.
10.10     General Indemnity Agreement between M-W Corp. and Amwest Surety
          Insurance Company together with form of Letter of Credit -
          incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.16 of the Company's
          Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated March 25, 1994.
10.11     Form of Indemnity Agreement between the Company and each of its
          officers and directors - incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.17
          of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated March 25,
          1994.

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
10.12     Form of Indemnity Agreement between M-W Corp. and each of its officers
          and directors -incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.18 of the
          Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated March 25, 1994.
10.13     Form of M-W Corp. Employee Stock Ownership Plan effective as of
          February 23, 1994 and related Employee Stock Ownership Plan Trust
          Agreement - incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.19 of the
          Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated March 25, 1994.
10.14     Form of M-W Corp. 401(k) Savings Retirement Plan - incorporated by
          reference from Exhibit 10.20 of the Company's Registration Statement
          on Form S-1 dated March 25, 1994.
10.15     Company 1994 Stock Option Plan, as amended - incorporated by reference
          from Exhibit 10.15 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1
          dated September 21, 1995.
10.16     Form of the Company Incentive Stock Option Agreement - incorporated by
          reference from Exhibit 10.22 of the Company's Registration Statement
          on Form S-1 dated March 25, 1994.
10.17     Form of the Company Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement - incorporated
          by from Exhibit 10.23 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form
          S-1 dated March 25, 1994.
10.18     Asset Purchase Agreement dated October 31, 1994 by and between
          American and M-W Corp., as amended - incorporated by reference from
          Exhibit 10.30 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1
          dated May 9, 1995.
10.19     Transition Services Agreement dated December 19, 1994 by and among CC
          Industries or American and M-W Corp. - incorporated by reference from
          Exhibit 10.31 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1
          dated May 9, 1995.
10.20     Guaranty dated December 19, 1994, executed by CC Industries in favor
          of M-W Corp. -incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.33 of the
          Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 9, 1995.
10.21     Commitment Letter dated December 19, 1994, from Henry Crown & Company
          to M-W Corp. - incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.34 of the
          Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 9, 1995.
10.22     Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of July 31, 1995
          by and among M-W Corp., the banks parties thereto and Banque Paribas,
          as Agent - incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.22 of the
          Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated September 21, 1995.
10.23     Credit Agreement dated as of July 31, 1995 by and among Supremex, M-W
          Corp., the banks parties thereto and Bank Paribas, as Agent -
          incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.23 of the Company's
          Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated September 21, 1995.
10.24     Second Amended and Restated Guaranty Agreement dated as of July 31,
          1995, executed by the Company in favor of Banque Paribas, as Agent -
          incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.24 of the Company's
          Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated September 21, 1995.
10.25     Share Purchase Agreement dated July 20, 1995, by and among the
          shareholders of Supremex, 3159051 Canada Inc. and Schroder Investment
          Canada Limited and Schroder Venture Managers (North America) Inc. -
          incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.25 of the Company's
          Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated September 21, 1995.
10.26     Indemnification Escrow Agent dated July 31, 1995, by and among 3159051
          Canada Inc., Royal Trust Company of Canada and Schroder Investment
          Canada Limited and Schroder Venture Mangers (North America) Inc. -
          incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.26 of the Company's
          Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated September 21, 1995.
10.27     Guaranty dated July 31, 1995, executed by M-W Corp. in favor of
          Schroder Investment Canada Limited and Schroder Venture Mangers (North
          America) Inc., as Agents -incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.27
          of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated September
          21, 1995.

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
10.28     Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of August 2, 1995, as amended,
          by and among GAC Acquisition Company, Inc., GAC and the
          securityholders of GAC and McCown De Leeuw & Co., as Agents -
          incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.28 of the Company's
          Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated September 21, 1995.
10.29     Escrow Agreement dated as of August 2, 1995, by and among GAC
          Acquisition Company, Inc., GAC and securityholders of GAC and McCown
          De Leeuw & Co., as Agents - incorporated by reference from Exhibit
          10.29 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated
          September 21, 1995.
10.30     Guaranty dated as of August 2, 1995, by M-W Corp. in favor of McCown
          De Leeuw & Co., as Agents - incorporated by reference from Exhibit
          10.30 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated
          September 21, 1995.
10.31     Second Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement -
          incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.31 of the Company's Form 10-
          Q dated March 31, 1996.
10.32     Asset Purchase Agreement dated April 26, 1996 by and between Quality
          Park Products, Inc. and Mail-Well I Corporation - incorporated by
          reference from Exhibit 1 of the Company's Form 8-K dated May 2, 1996.
10.33     Acquisition Agreement and Plan of Share Exchange by and among Graphic
          Arts Center, Inc. and Shepard Poorman Communications Corporation dated
          November 6, 1996 -incorporated by reference from exhibit 10.33 of the
          Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996.
10.34     Amendment No. 1 to Acquisition Agreement and Plan of Share Exchange by
          and among Graphic Arts Center, Inc. and Shepard Poorman Communications
          Corporation dated November 6, 1996- incorporated by reference from
          exhibit 10.34 of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December
          31, 1996.
10.35     Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of October 15, 1996 by and between
          Supremex, Inc. and PNG Products, Inc. Pac National Group and PNG
          Envelope Internationale, Inc-incorporated by reference from exhibit
          10.35 of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996.
10.36     Master Lease Agreement dated as of August 1, 1996 between General
          Electric Capital Corporation and Mail-Well, Inc., Mail-Well I
          Corporation, Graphic Arts Center, Inc., Mail-Well West, Pavey Envelope
          and Tag Corp., Wisco II, L.L.C and Wisco Envelope Corp- incorporated
          by reference from exhibit 10.36 of the Company's Form 10-K for the
          year ended December 31, 1996.
10.37     Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of November 15,
          1996, executed by Mail-Well I Corporation, as Borrower, and Wisco
          Envelope Corp., Pavey Envelope and Tag Corp., Mail-Well West, Inc.,
          Wisco II, L.L.C., Mail-Well Canada Holdings, Inc., Graphic Arts
          Center, Inc. and Wisco III, L.L.C., as Guarantors, in favor of Banque
          Paribas, as Agent, and the Lenders named herein - incorporated by
          reference from exhibit 10.37 of the Company's Form 10-K for the year
          ended December 31, 1996.
10.38     Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of November 15, 1996,
          executed by Supremex, Inc., as borrower, and Mail-Well I Corporation
          and Innova Envelope, Inc., as Guarantors, in favor of Banque Paribas,
          as Agent, and the Lenders named herein -incorporated by reference from
          exhibit 10.38 of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December
          31, 1996.
10.39     Purchase and Contribution Agreement dated as of November 15, 1996
          between Mail-Well I Corporation, Wisco Envelope Corp., Pavey Envelope
          and Tag Corp., Mail-Well West, Inc., Graphic Arts Center, Inc.,  Wisco
          III, L.L.C., Supremex, Inc., Innova Envelope, Inc., as Sellers, and
          Mail-Well Trade Receivables Corp., as Purchaser -incorporated by
          reference from exhibit 10.39 of the Company's Form 10-K for the year
          ended December 31, 1996.
10.40     Mail-Well Receivables Master Trust Pooling and Servicing Agreement
          dated as of November 15, 199 by and between Mail-Well Trade
          Receivables Corporation, Seller, Mail-Well I Corporation, Servicer,
          and Norwest Bank Colorado, National Association,

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
          Trustee -incorporated by reference from exhibit 10.40 of the Company's
          Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996.
10.41     Series 1996-1 Supplement dated as of November 15, 1996 to Pooling and
          Servicing Agreement, dated as of November 15, 1996, by and between
          Mail-Well Trade Receivables Corporation, Seller, Mail-Well I
          Corporation, Servicer, and Norwest Bank Colorado, National
          Association, as Trustee on behalf of the Series 1996-1
          Certificateholders - incorporated by reference from exhibit 10.41 of
          the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996.
10.42     Series 1996-1 Certificate Purchase Agreement dated as of November 15,
          1996 among Mail-Well Trade Receivables Corporation, as Seller,
          Corporate Receivables Corporation, as Purchaser, Norwest Bank
          Colorado, National Association, as Trustee, and Mail-Well I
          Corporation, as Servicer- incorporated by reference from exhibit 10.42
          of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996.
10.43     Intercreditor Agreement dated as of November 15, 1996 by and among
          Citicorp North America, Inc., as Securitization Company Agent, Banque
          Paribas, New York Branch, as Liquidity Agent, Banque Paribas, as
          Credit Lenders' Agent, Norwest Bank Colorado, National Association, as
          Trustee, Mail-Well Trade Receivables Corporation, as Servicer,
          originator and Mail-Well Credit Borrower, Supremex, Inc., as the
          Supremex Credit Borrower and the other parties hereto - incorporated
          by reference from exhibit 10.43 of the Company's Form 10-K for the
          year ended December 31, 1996 .
10.44     Series 1996-1 Asset Purchase Agreement among Corporate Receivables
          Corporation, the Liquidity Providers Parties hereto, Citicorp North
          America, Inc., as Securitization Company Agent, Banque Paribas, New
          York Branch, as Liquidity Agent, and Norwest Bank Colorado, National
          Association, as trustee, dated as of November 15, 1996 -incorporated
          by reference from exhibit 10.44 of the Company's Form 10-K for the
          year ended December 31, 1996.
10.45     Participation Agreement dated as of November 15, 1996 among Mail-Well
          I Corporation, as Lessee and Guarantor, Certain Subsidiaries of Mail-
          Well I Corporation, as Subsidiary Guarantors, Paribas Properties,
          Inc., as Lessor, Various Financial Institutions Identified herein, as
          Equity Lenders, Various Financial Institutions Identified herein, as
          Financing Lenders and Banque Paribas, as Agent for the Financing
          Lenders and Equity Lenders -incorporated by reference from exhibit
          10.45 of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996.
10.46     Loan Agreement dated as of November 15, 1996 among Paribas Properties,
          Inc., as Lessor, Various Financial Institutions Identified herein, as
          Financing Lenders, Various Financial Institutions Identified herein,
          as Equity Lenders, and Banque Paribas, as Agent for the Lenders -
          incorporated by reference from exhibit 10.46 of the Company's Form 10-
          K for the year ended December 31, 1996.
10.47     Master Equipment Lease and Security Agreement dated November 15, 1996
          between Mail-Well I Corporation, as the Lessee or Debtor and Paribas
          Properties, Inc., as the Lessor or Secured Party - incorporated by
          reference from exhibit 10.47 of the Company's Form 10-K for the year
          ended December 31, 1996.
10.48     Security Agreement (Second and Subordinated Security Interest) made
          and entered into by Paribas Properties, Inc. and Mail-Well I
          Corporation, as Debtors, and Banque Paribas, as Agent for Secured
          Party date November 15, 1996 - incorporated by reference from exhibit
          10.48 of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996.
10.49     Appendix A to Participation Agreement, Master Lease, and Loan
          Agreement -incorporated by reference from exhibit 10.49 of the
          Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996.
10.50     Lease Facility Guaranty dated as of November 15, 1996 made by Mail-
          Well I Corporation, Mail-Well, Inc. and certain of their Subsidiaries,
          as Guarantors, in favor of Various Financial Institutions, as the
          Lenders, and Banque Paribas, as Agent for the Lenders - incorporated
          by reference from exhibit 10.50 of the Company's Form 10-K for the
          year ended December 31, 1996.

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
10.51     Assignment of Lease and rent dated as of November 15, 1996 from
          Paribas Properties, Inc., as Assignor to Banque Paribas, as Agent for
          the Lenders, as Assignee - incorporated by reference from exhibit
          10.51 of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996.
10.52     Security Agreement (First and Prior Security Interest) made and
          entered into by Paribas Properties, Inc. and Mail-Well I Corporation,
          as Debtors, and Banque Paribas, as Agent for Secured Party dated
          November 15, 1996 - incorporated by reference from exhibit 10.52 of
          the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996.
10.53     Bill of Sale and Assignment of Equipment made and entered into on this
          15th day of November, 1996 by Mail-Well I Corporation to and for the
          benefit of Paribas Properties, Inc. - incorporated by reference from
          exhibit 10.53 of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December
          31, 1996.
10.54*    1997 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan

10.55*    1997 Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement
_____________
*  Filed herewith.



     (B)  REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

          None.

 

 

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

                              MAIL-WELL, INC.
                              (Registrant)


                              By /s/  PAUL V. REILLY
                                 -------------------
                              Paul V. Reilly
                              Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer


May 13, 1997

                                       20

<PAGE>
 
                    MAIL-WELL HOLDINGS, INC.MAIL-WELL, INC.
                     1997 NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION PLAN


       SECTION 1. Purpose of the Plan.  The purpose of this Mail-Well, Inc. 1997
                  -------------------                                           
Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, as amended ("Plan") is to encourage ownership
of common stock, $.01 par value ("Common Stock"), of Mail-Well, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), by eligible key employees of the Company and its
Affiliates (as defined below) and to provide increased incentive for such
employees and directors to render services and to exert maximum effort for the
business success of the Company.  In addition, the Company expects that the Plan
will further strengthen the identification of employees and directors with the
stockholders.  Options to be granted under this Plan are not intended to qualify
as Incentive Stock Options pursuant to Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended ("Code").  As used in this Plan, the term "Affiliates" means
any "parent corporation" of the Company and any "subsidiary corporation" of the
Company within the meaning of Code Sections 424(e) and (f), respectively.

       SECTION 2. Administration of the Plan.
                  -------------------------- 

            (a) Composition of Committee. The Plan shall be administered by the
                ------------------------
       Compensation Committee (the "Committee") comprised of two or more
       directors designated by the Board of Directors of the Company (the
       "Board"), which shall also designate the Chairman of the Committee. No
       director shall serve as a member of the Committee unless he is a "Non-
       Employee Director" within the meaning of such Rule 16b-3 under the
       Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("Exchange Act").

            (b) Committee Action. The Committee shall hold its meetings at such
                ----------------
       times and places as it may determine. A majority of its members shall
       constitute a quorum, and all determinations of the Committee shall be
       made by not less than a majority of its members. Any decision or
       determination reduced to writing and signed by a majority of the members
       shall be fully effective as if it had been made by a majority vote of its
       members at a meeting duly called and held. The Committee may designate
       the Secretary of the Company or other Company employees to assist the
       Committee in the administration of the Plan, and may grant authority to
       such persons to execute award agreements or other documents on behalf of
       the Committee and the Company. Any duly constituted committee of the
       Board satisfying the qualifications of this Section 2 may be appointed as
       the Committee.

            (c) Committee Expenses. All expenses and liabilities incurred by the
                ------------------
       Committee in the administration of the Plan shall be borne by the
       Company. The Committee may employ attorneys, consultants, accountants or
       other persons.

       SECTION 3. Stock Reserved for the Plan.  Subject to adjustment as
                  ---------------------------                           
provided in Section 6(i) hereof, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock
that may be optioned under the Plan is 650,000.  The shares subject to the Plan
shall consist of authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock and such number
of shares shall be and is hereby reserved

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
for sale for such purpose. Any of such shares which may remain unsold and which
are not subject to outstanding options at the termination of the Plan shall
cease to be reserved for the purpose of the Plan, but until termination of the
Plan or the termination of the last of the options granted under the Plan,
whichever last occurs, the Company shall at all times reserve a sufficient
number of shares to meet the requirements of the Plan. Should any option expire
or be canceled prior to its exercise in full, the shares theretofore subject to
such option may again be made subject to an option under the Plan.

       SECTION 4. Eligibility.  The persons eligible to participate in the Plan
                  -----------                                                  
as a recipient of options ("Optionee") shall include only key employees of the
Company or its Affiliates at the time the option is granted.  An employee who
has been granted an option hereunder may be granted an additional option or
options, if the Committee shall so determine.

       SECTION 5. Grant of Options.  The Committee shall have sole and absolute
                  ----------------                                             
discretionary authority (i) to determine, authorize, and designate those key
employees of the Company or its Affiliates who are to receive options under the
Plan, (ii) to determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be covered by
such options, (iii) to determine the exercise price for options granted under
the Plan, and (iv) to determine the other terms of such options and the
conditions for exercise thereof. The Committee shall thereupon grant options in
accordance with such determinations and such options shall be evidenced by a
written option agreement. Subject to the express provisions of the Plan, the
Committee shall have discretionary authority to prescribe, amend and rescind
rules and regulations relating to the Plan, to interpret the Plan, to prescribe
and amend the terms of the option agreements (which need not be identical) and
to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for the
administration of the Plan.

       SECTION 6. Terms and Conditions.  Each option granted under the Plan
                  --------------------                                     
shall be evidenced by an agreement, in a form approved by the Committee, which
shall be subject to the following express terms and conditions and to such other
terms and conditions as the Committee may deem appropriate.

            (a) Option Period. The Committee shall promptly notify the Optionee
                -------------
       of the option grant and a written agreement shall promptly be executed
       and delivered by and on behalf of the Company and the Optionee. The date
       of grant shall be the date the option is actually granted by the
       Committee, even though the written agreement may be executed and
       delivered by the Company and the Optionee after that date. Each option
       agreement shall specify the period for which the option thereunder is
       granted (which in no event shall exceed ten years from the date of grant)
       and shall provide that the option shall expire at the end of such period.
       If the original term of an option is less than ten years from the date of
       grant, the option may be amended prior to its expiration, with the
       approval of the Committee and the Optionee, to extend the term so that
       the term as amended is not more than ten years from the date of grant.

            (b) Exercise Period. The Committee may provide in the option
                ---------------
       agreement that an option may be exercised in whole, immediately, or is to
       be exercisable in increments.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
            (c) Procedure for Exercise. Options shall be exercised by the
                ----------------------
       delivery of written notice to the Secretary of the Company setting forth
       the number of shares with respect to which the option is being exercised.
       Such notice shall be accompanied by cash or cashier's check, bank draft,
       postal or express money order payable to the order of the Company, or at
       the option of the Committee, in Common Stock theretofore owned by such
       Optionee (or any combination of cash and Common Stock). Notice may also
       be delivered by fax or telecopy provided that the purchase price of such
       shares is delivered to the Company via wire transfer on the same day the
       fax is received by the Company. The notice shall specify the address to
       which the certificates for such shares are to be mailed. An Optionee
       shall be deemed to be a stockholder with respect to shares covered by an
       option on the date the Company receives such written notice and such
       option payment.

            As promptly as practicable after receipt of such written
       notification and payment, the Company shall deliver to the Optionee
       certificates for the number of shares with respect to which such option
       has been so exercised, issued in the Optionee's name or such other name
       as Optionee directs; provided, however, that such delivery shall be
       deemed effected for all purposes when a stock transfer agent of the
       Company shall have deposited such certificates in the United States mail,
       addressed to the Optionee at the address specified pursuant to this
       Section 6(c).

            (d) Termination of Employment. If an employee to whom an option is
                -------------------------
       granted ceases to be employed by the Company for any reason other than
       death or disability, any option which is exercisable on the date of such
       termination of employment shall expire upon such date of such termination
       of employment; provided, however, the Committee, in its sole discretion,
       may allow an Optionee to exercise all or a portion of the Options granted
       but unexercised for a period of time after the Optionee's termination of
       employment, such extension not to exceed three months from the date of
       termination.

            (e) Disability or Death of Optionee. In the event of the
                -------------------------------
       determination of disability or death of an Optionee under the Plan while
       he is employed by the Company, the options previously granted to him may
       be exercised (to the extent he would have been entitled to do so at the
       date of the determination of disability or death) at any time and from
       time to time, within a three-month period after such determination of
       disability or death, by the former employee, the guardian of his estate,
       the executor or administrator of his estate or by the person or persons
       to whom his rights under the option shall pass by will or the laws of
       descent and distribution, but in no event may the option be exercised
       after its expiration under the terms of the option agreement. An Optionee
       shall be deemed to be disabled if, in the opinion of a physician selected
       by the Committee, he is incapable of performing services for the Company
       of the kind he was performing at the time the disability occurred by
       reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which
       can be expected to result in death or to be of long, continued and
       indefinite duration. The date of determination of disability for purposes
       hereof shall be the date of such determination

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
       by such physician. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may allow an
       Optionee to exercise all or a portion of the Options granted but
       unexercised for a longer period than three months after disability or
       death.

            (f)  Assignability.  An option shall not be assignable or otherwise
                 -------------                                                 
       transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution or
       pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order as defined in the Code
       or Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, as amended, or
       the rules thereunder. During the lifetime of an Optionee, an option shall
       be exercisable only by the Optionee.

            (g) No Rights as Stockholder. No Optionee shall have any rights as a
                ------------------------
       stockholder with respect to shares covered by an option until the option
       is exercised by the written notice and accompanied by payment as provided
       in clause (c) above.

            (h) Extraordinary Corporate Transactions. The existence of
                ------------------------------------
       outstanding options shall not affect in any way the right or power of the
       Company or its stockholders to make or authorize any or all adjustments,
       recapitalizations, reorganizations, exchanges, or other changes in the
       Company's capital structure or its business, or any merger or
       consolidation of the Company, or any issuance of Common Stock or other
       securities or subscription rights thereto, or any issuance of bonds,
       debentures, preferred or prior preference stock ahead of or affecting the
       Common Stock or the rights thereof, or the dissolution or liquidation of
       the Company, or any sale or transfer of all or any part of its assets or
       business, or any other corporate act or proceeding, whether of a similar
       character or otherwise. If the Company recapitalizes or otherwise changes
       its capital structure, or merges or consolidates, (each of the foregoing
       a "Fundamental Change"), then thereafter upon any exercise of an option
       theretofore granted the Optionee shall be entitled to purchase under such
       option, in lieu of the number of shares of Common Stock as to which
       option shall then be exercisable, the number and class of shares of stock
       and securities to which the Optionee would have been entitled pursuant to
       the terms of the Fundamental Change if, immediately prior to such
       Fundamental Change, the Optionee had been the holder of record of the
       number of shares of Common Stock as to which such option is then
       exercisable.

            (i) Changes in Company's Capital Structure. If the outstanding
                --------------------------------------
       shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company, or both, for
       which the option is then exercisable shall at any time be changed or
       exchanged by declaration of a stock dividend, stock split, or combination
       of shares, the number and kind of shares of Common Stock or other
       securities which are subject to the Plan or subject to any options
       theretofore granted, and the option prices, shall be appropriately and
       equitably adjusted so as to maintain the proportionate number of shares
       or other securities without changing the aggregate option price.

            (j) Acceleration of Options. Except as hereinbefore expressly
                -----------------------
       provided, (i) the issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class
       of securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, for cash,
       property, labor or services, upon direct sale,

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
       upon the exercise of rights or warrants to subscribe therefor, or upon
       conversion of shares or obligations of the Company convertible into such
       shares or other securities, (ii) the payment of a dividend in property
       other than Common Stock or (iii) the occurrence of any similar
       transaction, and in any case whether or not for fair value, shall not
       affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect
       to, the number of shares of Common Stock subject to options theretofore
       granted or the purchase price per share, unless the Committee shall
       determine in its sole discretion that an adjustment is necessary to
       provide equitable treatment to Optionee. Notwithstanding anything to the
       contrary contained in this Plan, the Committee may in its sole discretion
       accelerate the time at which any option may be exercised, including, but
       not limited to, upon the occurrence of the events specified in this
       Section 6, and is authorized at any time (with the consent of the
       Optionee) to purchase options pursuant to Section 7.

            (k) Stockholders Agreement. The Committee shall provide in the
                ---------------------- 
       option agreement that prior to receiving any shares of Common Stock or
       other securities on the exercise of the option, the Optionee (or the
       Optionee's representative upon the Optionee's death) shall be required to
       execute the American Mail-Well Employee Stockholders Agreement, or the
       Company's Stockholders Agreement, whichever the Committee deems
       appropriate.

            (l) Change of Control. In the event that (i) there is a proposed
                -----------------
       action whereby the Company would not be the surviving entity in any
       merger or consolidation (or survives only as a subsidiary of another
       entity) other than a merger for the sole purpose of changing the
       Company's state of incorporation, (ii) there is a proposed action whereby
       the Company would sell all or substantially all of its assets to any
       person or entity (other than a wholly-owned subsidiary), (iii) any person
       or entity (including a "group" as contemplated by Section 13(d)(3) of the
       Exchange Act), acquires or gains ownership or control of (including,
       without limitation, power to vote) more than 50% of the outstanding
       shares of Common Stock, (iv) there is a proposed action whereby the
       Company would be dissolved and liquidated, or (v) as a result of or in
       connection with a contested election of directors, the persons who were
       directors of the Company before such election shall cease to constitute a
       majority of the Board (each such event in clauses (i) through (v) above
       is referred to herein as a "Corporate Change"), all Optionees hereunder
       shall be given notice of such Corporate Change and shall have a period of
       thirty (30) days thereafter to exercise their options after receipt of
       such notice whether such options had vested in accordance with their
       terms or not.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 7.  Relinquishment of Options.
                   ------------------------- 

            (a) The Committee, in granting options hereunder, shall have
       discretion to determine whether or not options shall include a right of
       relinquishment as hereinafter provided by this Section 7. The Committee
       shall also have discretion to determine whether an option agreement
       evidencing an option initially granted by the Committee without a right
       of relinquishment shall be amended or supplemented to include such a
       right of relinquishment. Neither the Committee nor the Company shall be
       under any obligation or incur any liability to any person by reason of
       the Committee's refusal to grant or include a right of relinquishment in
       any option granted hereunder or in any option agreement evidencing the
       same. Subject to the Committee's determination in any case that the grant
       by it of a right of relinquishment is consistent with Section 1 hereof,
       any option granted under this Plan, and the option agreement evidencing
       such option, may provide:

                i) That the Optionee, or his heirs or other legal
          representatives to the extent entitled to exercise the option under
          the terms thereof, in lieu of purchasing the entire number of shares
          subject to purchase thereunder, shall have the right to relinquish all
          or any part of the then unexercised portion of the option (to the
          extent then exercisable) for a number of shares of Common Stock, for
          an amount of cash or for a combination of Common Stock and cash to be
          determined in accordance with the following provisions of this clause
          (i):

                   a)  The written notice of exercise of such right of
               relinquishment shall state the percentage, if any, of the
               Appreciated Value (as defined below) that the Optionee elects to
               receive in cash ("Cash Percentage"), such Cash Percentage to be
               in increments of 10% of such Appreciated Value up to 100%
               thereof;

                   b)  The number of shares of Common Stock, if any, issuable
               pursuant to such relinquishment shall be the number of such
               shares, rounded to the next greater number of full shares, as
               shall be equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (A) the
               difference between (I) the Appreciated Value and (II) the result
               obtained by multiplying the Appreciated Value and the Cash
               Percentage by (B) the then current market value per share of
               Common Stock;

                   c)  The amount of cash payable pursuant to such
               relinquishment shall be an amount equal to the Appreciated Value
               less the aggregate current market value of the Common Stock
               issued pursuant to such relinquishment, if any, which cash shall
               be paid by the Company subject to such conditions as are deemed
               advisable by the Committee to permit compliance by the Company
               with the withholding provisions applicable to employers under the
               Code and any applicable state income tax laws;

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
                     d)  For the purpose of this clause (i), "Appreciated Value"
               means the excess of (x) the aggregate current market value of the
               shares of Common Stock covered by the option or the portion
               thereof to be relinquished over (y) the aggregate purchase price
               for such shares specified in such option;

               ii)  That such right of relinquishment may be exercised only upon
          receipt by the Company of a written notice of such relinquishment
          which shall be dated the date of election to make such relinquishment;
          and that, for the purposes of this Plan, such date of election shall
          be deemed to be the date when such notice is sent by registered or
          certified mail, or when receipt is acknowledged by the Company, if
          mailed by other than registered or certified mail or if delivered by
          hand or by any telegraphic communications equipment of the sender or
          otherwise delivered; provided, that, in the event the method just
          described for determining such date of election shall not be or remain
          consistent with the provisions of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or
          the rules and regulations adopted by the Commission thereunder, as
          presently existing or as may be hereafter amended, which regulations
          exempt from the operation of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act in
          whole or in part any such relinquishment transaction, then such date
          of election shall be determined by such other method consistent with
          Section 16 (b) of the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations
          thereunder as the Committee shall in its discretion select and apply;

               iii) That the "current market value" of a share of Common Stock
          on a particular date shall be equal to the mean of the reported high
          and low sales prices of the Common Stock on the New York Stock
          Exchange Composite Tape on that date, or if no prices are reported on
          that date, on the last preceding date on which such prices of the
          Common Stock are so reported provided if the Common Stock is not
          traded on the New York Stock Exchange at the time a determination of
          its fair market value is required to be made hereunder, its fair
          market value shall be deemed to be equal to the average between the
          closing bid and ask prices of the Common Stock on the most recent date
          the Common Stock was publicly traded, and, provided further, in the
          event the Common Stock is not publicly traded at the time a
          determination of its value is required to be made hereunder, the
          determination of its fair market value shall be made by the Committee
          in such manner as it deems appropriate; and

               iv)  That the option, or any portion thereof, may be relinquished
          only to the extent that (A) it is exercisable on the date written
          notice of relinquishment is received by the Company, (B) the
          Committee, subject to the provisions of Section 7(b), shall consent to
          the election of the holder to relinquish such option in whole or in
          part for cash as set forth in such written notice of relinquishment
          and (C) the holder of such option pays, or makes

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
          provision satisfactory to the Company for the payment of, any taxes
          which the Company is obligated to collect with respect to such
          relinquishment.

          (b) The Committee shall have sole discretion to consent to or
     disapprove, and neither the Committee nor the Company shall be under any
     liability by reason of the Committee's disapproval of, any election by a
     holder of an option to relinquish such option in whole or in part for cash
     as provided in Section 7(a), except that no such consent to or approval of
     a relinquishment for cash shall be required under the following
     circumstances.  Each Optionee who is subject to the short-swing profits
     recapture provisions of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act ("Covered
     Optionee") shall be entitled to receive payment only in cash when options
     are relinquished during any window period commencing on the third business
     day following the Company's release of a quarterly or annual summary
     statement of sales and earnings and ending on the twelfth business day
     following such release ("Window Period"); provided, however, that  payment
     shall be so made in cash only in respect of 50% of the options covered by
     any stock option agreement.  A Covered Optionee shall be entitled to
     receive payment only in shares of Common Stock upon (a) the relinquishment
     of options outside a Window Period and (b) the relinquishment of options
     during a Window Period once such Optionee has received payment in cash for
     the relinquishment of 50% of the options covered by any stock option
     agreement.

          (c) The Committee, in granting options hereunder, shall have
     discretion to determine the terms upon which such options shall be
     relinquishable, subject to the applicable provisions of this Plan, and
     including such provisions as are deemed advisable to permit the exemption
     from the operation from Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act of any such
     relinquishment transaction, and options outstanding, and option agreements
     evidencing such options, may be amended, if necessary, to permit such
     exemption.  If an option is relinquished, such option shall be deemed to
     have been exercised to the extent of the number of shares of Common Stock
     covered by the option or part thereof which is relinquished, and no further
     options may be granted covering such shares of Common Stock.

          (d) Neither any option nor any right to relinquish the same to the
     Company as contemplated by this Section 7 shall be assignable or otherwise
     transferable except by will or the laws of descent and distribution or
     pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order as defined in the Code or
     Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, as amended, or the
     rules thereunder.

          (e) Except as provided in Section 7(f) below, no right of
     relinquishment may be exercised within the first six months after the
     initial award of any Option containing, or the amendment or supplementation
     of any existing option agreement adding, the right of relinquishment.

          (f) No right of relinquishment may be exercised after the initial
     award of any option containing, or the amendment or supplementation of any
     existing option agreement adding the right of relinquishment, unless such
     right of relinquishment is

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
       effective upon the Optionee's death, disability or termination of his
       relationship with the Company and the payment upon the exercise of such
       right is only in cash.

     SECTION 8. Amendments or Termination.  The Board may amend, alter or
                -------------------------                                
discontinue the Plan, but no amendment or alteration shall be made which would
impair the rights of any Optionee, without his or her consent.

     SECTION 9. Compliance With Other Laws and Regulations.  The Plan, the
                ------------------------------------------                
grant and exercise of options thereunder, and the obligation of the Company to
sell and deliver shares under such options, shall be subject to all applicable
federal and state laws, rules and regulations and to such approvals by any
governmental or regulatory agency as may be required. The Company shall not be
required to issue or deliver any certificates for shares of Common Stock prior
to the completion of any registration or qualification of such shares under any
federal or state law or issuance of any ruling or regulation of any government
body which the Company shall, in its sole discretion, determine to be necessary
or advisable.

     SECTION 10. Purchase for Investment.  Unless the options and shares of
                 -----------------------                                   
Common Stock covered by this Plan have been registered under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, or the Company has determined that such registration is
unnecessary, each person exercising an option under this Plan may be required by
the Company to give a representation in writing that he is acquiring such shares
for his own account for investment and not with a view to, or for sale in
connection with, the distribution of any part thereof.

     SECTION 11. Taxes.
                 ----- 

          (a) The Company may make such provisions as it may deem appropriate
     for the withholding of any taxes which it determines is required in
     connection with any options granted under this Plan.

          (b) Notwithstanding the terms of Section 11(a), any Optionee may pay
     all or any portion of the taxes required to be withheld by the Company or
     paid by him in connection with the exercise of a nonqualified option by
     electing to have the Company withhold shares of Common Stock, or by
     delivering previously owned shares of Common Stock, having a current market
     value, determined in accordance with Section 7(a)(iii), equal to the amount
     required to be withheld or paid.  An Optionee must make the foregoing
     election on or before the date that the amount of tax to be withheld is
     determined ("Tax Date").  All such elections are irrevocable and subject to
     disapproval by the Committee.

     SECTION 12. Replacement of Options.  The Committee from time to time may
                 ----------------------                                      
permit an Optionee under the Plan to surrender for cancellation any unexercised
outstanding option and receive from the Company in exchange an option for such
number of shares of Common Stock as may be designated by the Committee.  The
Committee may, with the consent of the person entitled to exercise any
outstanding option, amend such option, including reducing the exercise price of
any option to not less than the fair market value of the Common Stock at the
time of the amendment and extending the term thereof.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 13. No Right to Company Employment.  Nothing in this Plan or as
                   ------------------------------                             
a result of any option granted pursuant to this Plan shall confer on any
individual any right to continue in the employ of the Company or interfere in
any way with the right of the Company to terminate an individual's employment at
any time.  The option agreements may contain such provisions as the Committee
may approve with reference to the effect of approved leaves of absence.

       SECTION 14. Liability of Company.  The Company and any Affiliate which
                   --------------------                                      
is in existence or hereafter comes into existence shall not be liable to an
Optionee or other persons as to:

                   (a) The Non-Issuance of Shares.  The non-issuance or sale of
                       --------------------------                              
            shares as to which the Company has been unable to obtain from any
            regulatory body having jurisdiction with the authority deemed by the
            Company's counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of
            any shares hereunder; and

                   (b) Tax Consequences.  Any tax consequence expected, but not
                       ----------------                                        
            realized, by any Optionee or other person due to the exercise of any
            option granted hereunder.

       SECTION 15. Effectiveness and Expiration of Plan.  The Plan shall be
                   ------------------------------------                    
effective as of March 31, 1997.

       SECTION 16. Non-Exclusivity of the Plan.  Neither the adoption by the
                   ---------------------------                              
Board nor the submission of the Plan to the stockholders of the Company for
approval shall be construed as creating any limitations on the power of the
Board to adopt such other incentive arrangements as it may deem desirable,
including without limitation, the granting of restricted stock or stock options
otherwise than under the Plan, and such arrangements may be either generally
applicable or applicable only in specific cases.

       SECTION 17. Governing Law.  This Plan and any agreements hereunder shall
                   -------------                                               
be interpreted and construed in accordance with the laws of the state in which
the Company is incorporated and applicable federal law.

       SECTION 18. Cashless Exercise.  The Committee also may allow cashless
                   -----------------                                        
exercises as permitted under Federal Reserve Board's Regulation T, subject to
applicable securities law restrictions, or by any other means which the
Committee determines to be consistent with the Plan's purpose and applicable
law.  The proceeds from such a payment shall be added to the general funds of
the Company and shall be used for general corporate purposes.

       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, and as conclusive evidence of the adoption of the
foregoing by directors of the Company, Mail-Well, Inc. has caused these presents
to be duly executed in its name and behalf by its proper officers thereunto duly
authorized.

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
                                    Mail-Well, Inc.


                                    By: ________________________________________
                                    Name: ______________________________________
                                    Title: _____________________________________

ATTEST:


____________________________
Secretary


[CORPORATE SEAL]

                                       11

<PAGE>
 
                                MAIL-WELL, INC.
                      1997 NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION PLAN

                      NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT


     This Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement ("Option Agreement") is between
Mail-Well, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and ___________________
(the "Optionee").

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

     WHEREAS, the Company has heretofore adopted the Mail-Well, Inc. 1997 Non-
Qualified Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") for the purpose of providing employees
and directors of the Company and its Affiliates (as defined in the Plan) with
additional incentive to promote the success of the business, to increase their
proprietary interest in the success of the Company, and to encourage them to
remain in the employ or remain as a director of the Company and its Affiliates;
and

     WHEREAS, the Company, acting through the Compensation Committee of its
Board of Directors (the "Committee"), has determined that its interests will be
advanced by the issuance to Optionee of a nonqualified stock option under the
Plan;

     NOW THEREFORE, for and in consideration of these premises it is agreed as
follows:

     1.  Option.  Subject to the terms and conditions contained herein, the
         -------  
Company hereby irrevocably grants to Optionee the right and option ("Option") to
purchase from the Company __________ shares of the Company's common stock, $0.01
par value ("Common Stock"), at a price at $______ per share.

     2.  Option Period.    The Option herein granted may be exercised by
         --------------    
Optionee in whole or in part at any time during a ten (10) year period beginning
on ________________ (the "Option Period"), subject to the limitation that said
Option shall not be exercisable for more than a percentage of the aggregate
number of shares offered by this Option determined by the number of full years
of employment with the Company or its Affiliates from the effective date of the
Optionee's grant, to the date of such exercise, in accordance with the following
schedule:

                   Number of        Percentage of
                   Full Years       Shares Purchasable
                   ----------       ------------------

     Nothwithstanding the above vesting schedule, in the event that (i) there is
a proposed action whereby the Company would not be the surviving entity in any
merger or consolidation (or survives only as a subsidiary of another entity)
other than a merger 

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
for the sole purpose of changing the Company's state of incorporation, (ii)
there is a proposed action whereby the Company would sell all or substantially
all of its assets to any person or entity (other than a wholly-owned
subsidiary), (iii) any person or entity (including a "group" as contemplated by
Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), acquires or gains ownership or control of
(including, without limitation, power to vote) more than 50% of the outstanding
shares of Common Stock, (iv) there is a proposed action whereby the Company
would be dissolved and liquidated, or (v) as a result of or in connection with a
contested election of directors, the persons who were directors of the Company
before such election shall cease to constitute a majority of the Board (each
such event in clauses (i) through (v) above is referred to herein as a
"Corporate Change"), the entire Option shall vest and be exercisable for a
period of thirty (30) days after receipt of notice from the Company of such
Change of Control, after which this Option shall terminate. Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Committee, in its sole
discretion may waive the foregoing schedule of vesting and upon written notice
to the Optionee, accelerate the earliest date or date on which any of the
Options granted hereunder are exercisable.

     3.  Procedure for Exercise.  The Option herein granted may be exercised by
         -----------------------  
written notice by Optionee to the Secretary of the Company setting forth the
number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which the Option is to be
exercised accompanied by payment for the shares to be purchased, and specifying
the address to which the certificate for such shares is to be mailed.  Payment
shall be by means of cash, or a cashier's check, bank draft, postal or express
money order payable to the order of the Company, or at the option of the
Optionee, in Common Stock theretofore owned by such Optionee (or a combination
of cash and Common Stock).  As promptly as practicable after receipt of such
written notification and payment, the Company shall deliver to Optionee
certificates for the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which such
Option has been so exercised.

     4.  Termination of Employment.  If Optionee's employment with the Company
         --------------------------  
or its Affiliates is terminated during the Option Period for any reason,
Options granted to him which are not exercisable on such date thereupon
terminate.  Subject to paragraph 5 below, any Options which are exercisable on
the date of his termination of employment  which have not been exercised within
thirty (30) days of such termination shall expire and be of no force or effect.

     5.  Disability or Death.  If Optionee's employment with the Company or its
         --------------------  
Affiliates is terminated by his disability or death, all Options hereunder
exercisable at the date of such disability or death shall be thereafter
exercisable by Optionee, his executor or administrator, or the person or persons
to whom his rights under this Option Agreement shall pass by will or by the laws
of descent and distribution, as the case may be, for a period of six months from
the date of Optionee's disability or death, unless this Option Agreement should
earlier terminate in accordance with its other terms.  In no event may any
Option be exercised after the end of the Option Period.  Optionee shall be
deemed to be disabled if, in the option of a physician selected by the
Committee, he is incapable of 

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
performing services for the Company by reason of any medically determinable
physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or to be
of long, continued and indefinite duration.

     6.  Transferability.  This Option shall not be transferable by Optionee
         ----------------  
otherwise than by Optionee's will or by the laws of descent and distribution.
During the lifetime of Optionee, the Option shall be exercisable only by him.
Any heir or legatee of Optionee shall take rights herein granted subject to the
terms and conditions hereof.  No such transfer of this Option Agreement to heirs
or legatees of Optionee shall be effective to bind the Company unless the
Company shall have been furnished with written notice thereof and a copy of such
evidence as the Committee may deem necessary to establish the validity of the
transfer and the acceptance by the transferee or transferees of the terms and
conditions hereof.

     7.  No Rights as Stockholder.  Optionee shall have no rights as a
         -------------------------  
stockholder with respect to any shares of Common Stock covered by this Option
Agreement until the date of issuance of a certificate for shares of Common Stock
purchased pursuant to this Option Agreement.  Until such time, Optionee shall
not be entitled to dividends or to vote at meetings of the stockholders of the
Company.  Except as provided in paragraph 9 hereof, no adjustment shall be made
for dividends (ordinary or extraordinary, whether in cash or securities or other
property) paid or distributions or other rights granted in respect of any share
of Common Stock for which the record date for such payment, distribution or
grant is prior to the date upon which the Optionee shall have been issued share
certificates, as provided hereinabove.

     8.  Extraordinary Corporate Transactions.  If the Company recapitalizes or
         -------------------------------------  
otherwise changes its capital structure, or merges, consolidates, sells all of
its assets or dissolves (each of the foregoing a "Fundamental Change"), then
thereafter upon any exercise of an option theretofore granted the Optionee shall
be entitled to purchase under such option, in lieu of the number of shares of
Common Stock as to which option shall then be exercisable, the number and class
of shares of stock and securities to which the Optionee would have been entitled
pursuant to the terms of the Fundamental Change if, immediately prior to such
Fundamental Change, the Optionee had been the holder or record of the number of
shares of Common Stock as to which such option is then exercisable.  If the
Company shall not be the surviving entity upon the occurrence of a Fundamental
Change the Options granted hereunder shall be governed by subparagraph 6(j) of
the Plan.

     9.  Changes in Capital Structure.  The existence of outstanding Options
         -----------------------------  
shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Company or its
shareholders to make or authorize any or all adjustments, recapitalizations,
reorganizations or other changes in the Company's capital structure or its
business, or any merger or consolidation of the Company, or any issuance of
Common Stock or subscription rights thereto, or any issuance of bonds,
debentures, preferred or prior preference stock ahead of or affecting the Common
Stock or the rights thereof, or the dissolution or liquidation of the Company,

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
or any sale or transfer of all or any part of its assets or business, or any
other corporate act or proceedings, whether of a similar character or otherwise.
If the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company shall at any time be
changed or exchanged by declaration of a stock dividend, stock split,
combination of shares, or recapitalization, the number and kind of shares
subject to the Plan or subject to any Options theretofore granted, and the
Option prices, shall be appropriately and equitably adjusted so as to maintain
the proportionate number of shares without changing the aggregate Option price.

     10.  Compliance With Securities Laws.  Upon the acquisition of any shares
          --------------------------------  
pursuant to the exercise of the Option herein granted, Optionee (or any person
acting under paragraph 6) will enter into such written representations,
warranties and agreements as the Company may reasonably request in order to
comply with applicable securities laws or with this Option Agreement.

     11.  Compliance With Laws.  Notwithstanding any of the other provisions
          ---------------------  
hereof, Optionee agrees that he will not exercise the Option(s) granted hereby,
and that the Company will not be obligated to issue any shares pursuant to this
Option Agreement, if the exercise of the Option(s) or the issuance of such
shares of Common Stock would constitute a violation by the Optionee or by the
Company of any provision of any law or regulation of any governmental authority.

     12.  Withholding of Tax.  To the extent that the exercise of this Option or
          -------------------  
the disposition of shares of Common Stock acquired by exercise of this Option
results in compensation income to the Optionee for federal or state income tax
purposes, the Optionee shall pay to the Company at the time of such exercise or
disposition (or such other time as the law permits if the Optionee is subject to
Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) such amount of
money as the Company may require to meet its obligation under applicable tax
laws or regulations; and, if the Optionee fails to do so, the Company is
authorized to withhold from any cash remuneration then or thereafter payable to
the Optionee, any tax required to be withheld by reason of such resulting
compensation income or Company may otherwise refuse to issue or transfer any
shares otherwise required to be issued or transferred pursuant to the terms
hereof.  Payment of the withholding tax by the Optionee shall be made in
accordance with Section 11 of the Plan.

     13.  Resolution of Disputes.  As a condition of the granting of the Option
          -----------------------  
hereby, the Optionee and his heirs and successors agree that any dispute or
disagreement which may arise hereunder shall be determined by the Committee in
its sole discretion and judgment, and that any such determination and any
interpretation by the Committee of the terms of this Option Agreement shall be
final and shall be binding and conclusive, for all purposes, upon the Company,
Optionee, his heirs and personal representatives.

     14.  Stockholder Agreement.  Optionee, or the Optionee's representative
          ----------------------  
upon the Optionee's death, prior to the exercise of an Option granted hereunder,
agrees to 

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
enter into the Company's Stockholders Agreement or the American Mail-Well
Employee Stockholders Agreement, whichever the Committee deems appropriate.

     15.  Legends on Certificate.  The certificates representing the shares of
          -----------------------  
Common Stock purchased by exercise of an Option will be stamped or otherwise
imprinted with legends in such form as the Company or its counsel may require
with respect to any applicable restrictions on sale or transfer and the stock
transfer records of the Company will reflect stop-transfer instructions with
respect to such shares.

     16.  Notices.  Every notice hereunder shall be in writing and shall be
          --------  
given by registered or certified mail.  All notices of the exercise of any
Option hereunder shall be directed to Mail-Well Holdings, Inc. 23 Inverness Way
East, Englewood, Colorado 80112, Attention:  Secretary.  Any notice given by the
Company to Optionee directed to him at his address on file with the Company
shall be effective to bind him and any other person who shall acquire rights
hereunder.  The Company shall be under no obligation whatsoever to advise
Optionee of the existence, maturity or termination of any of Optionee's rights
hereunder and Optionee shall be deemed to have familiarized himself with all
matters contained herein and in the Plan which may affect any of Optionee's
rights or privileges hereunder.

     17.  Construction and Interpretation.  Whenever the term "Optionee" is used
          --------------------------------  
herein under circumstances applicable to any other person or persons to whom
this award, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 6 hereof, may be
transferred, the word "Optionee" shall be deemed to include such person or
persons.  References to the masculine gender herein also include the feminine
gender for all purposes.

     18.  Agreement Subject to Plan.  This Option Agreement is subject to the
          --------------------------  
Plan.  The terms and provisions of the Plan (including any subsequent amendments
thereto) are hereby incorporated herein by reference thereto.  In the event of a
conflict between any term or provision contained herein and a term or provision
of the Plan, the applicable terms and provisions of the Plan will govern and
prevail.  All definitions of words and terms contained in the Plan shall be
applicable to this Option Agreement.

     19.  Employment Relationship.  Employees shall be considered to be in the
          ------------------------  
employment of the Company as long as they remain employees of the Company or a
parent or subsidiary corporation (as defined in Section 424 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended).  Any questions as to whether and when there
has been a termination of such employment and the cause of such termination,
shall be determined by the Committee, and its determination shall be final.
Nothing contained herein shall be construed as conferring upon the Optionee the
right to continue in the employ of the Company, nor shall anything contained
herein be construed or interpreted to limit the "employment at will"
relationship between the Optionee and the Company.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
     20.  Binding Effect.  This Option Agreement shall be binding upon and inure
          ---------------  
to the benefit of any successors to the Company and all persons lawfully
claiming under Optionee.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Option Agreement has been executed as of the ___
day of ________________, 19__.

                                       MAIL-WELL HOLDINGS, INC.


ATTEST:                                By: ________________________


___________________________

                                       OPTIONEE


                                       ____________________________

                                       7

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                                        <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                              3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1997
<CASH>                                          10,851
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   37,129
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     71,308
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               135,940
<PP&E>                                         210,722
<DEPRECIATION>                                (25,598)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 473,306
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          110,981
<BONDS>                                              0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           130
<OTHER-SE>                                     127,030
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   473,306
<SALES>                                        212,032
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               212,032
<CGS>                                          165,398
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  165,398
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                30,947
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               5,278
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 10,409
<INCOME-TAX>                                     4,428
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              5,981
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     5,981
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .50
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .50
        

</TABLE>


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