MCKESSON CORP
424B3, 1997-06-19
DRUGS, PROPRIETARIES & DRUGGISTS' SUNDRIES
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<PAGE>
 
                                                FILED PURSUANT TO RULE 424(B)(3)
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-26443

PROSPECTUS
 
               4,000,000 TRUST CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES
                           MCKESSON FINANCING TRUST
                   5% TRUST CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES
          (LIQUIDATION AMOUNT $50 PER CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITY)
                 GUARANTEED TO THE EXTENT SET FORTH HEREIN BY
 
                             MCKESSON CORPORATION
                               ----------------
  This Prospectus relates to the 5% Trust Convertible Preferred Securities
(the "Convertible Preferred Securities") which represent preferred undivided
beneficial interests in the assets of McKesson Financing Trust, a statutory
business trust formed under the laws of the State of Delaware ("McKesson
Financing Trust" or the "Trust"), and the shares of common stock, par value
$.01 per share ("McKesson Common Stock" or the "Common Stock"), of McKesson
Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("McKesson" or the "Company"), issuable
upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Securities. The Convertible
Preferred Securities were issued and sold (the "Original Offering") on
February 20, 1997 (the "Original Offering Date") to the Initial Purchaser (as
defined herein) and were simultaneously sold by the Initial Purchaser in
transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), in the United States to persons
reasonably believed by the Initial Purchaser to be qualified institutional
buyers as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act, to certain qualified
institutional buyers acting on behalf of institutional "accredited investors"
(as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act) and
outside the United States to non-U.S. persons in offshore transactions in
reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act. The Company directly or
indirectly owns all the common securities (the "Common Securities" and,
together with the Convertible Preferred Securities, the "Trust Securities")
representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust. The
Trust exists for the sole purpose of issuing the Trust Securities and
investing the proceeds of the sale thereof in 5% Convertible Junior
Subordinated Debentures (the "Convertible Debentures") of McKesson in an
aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate liquidation amount of the
Trust Securities. Upon an event of default under the Declaration (as defined
herein), the holders of Convertible Preferred Securities will have a
preference over the holders of the Common Securities with respect to payments
in respect of distributions and payments upon redemption, liquidation or
otherwise.
 
  The Convertible Preferred Securities and the Company Common Stock issuable
upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Securities (collectively, the
"Offered Securities") may be offered and sold from time to time by the holders
named herein or by their transferees, pledgees, donees or their successors
(collectively, the "Selling Holders") pursuant to this Prospectus. The Offered
Securities may be sold by the Selling Holders from time to time (i) to or
through underwriters or dealers; (ii) directly to one or more other
purchasers; (iii) through agents on a best-efforts basis or otherwise; or (iv)
through a combination of any such methods of sale. The Offered Securities may
be sold from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed price or
prices, which may be changed, or at market prices prevailing at the time of
sale, at prices unrelated to such prevailing market prices, or at negotiated
prices. See "Selling Holders" and "Plan of Distribution." If required, the
names of any such agents or underwriters involved in the sale of the Offered
Securities and the applicable agent's commission, dealer's purchase price or
underwriter's discount, if any, will be set forth in an accompanying
supplement to this Prospectus (the "Prospectus Supplement"). The Selling
Holders will receive all of the net proceeds from the sale of the Offered
Securities and will pay all underwriting discounts, selling commissions and
transfer taxes, if any, applicable to any such sale. The Company is
responsible for payment of all other expenses incident to the registration of
the Offered Securities. The Selling Holders and any broker-dealers, agents or
underwriters that participate in the distribution of the Offered Securities
may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act,
and any commission received by them and any profit on the resale of the
Offered Securities purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting
commissions or discounts under the Securities Act. See "Plan of Distribution"
for a description of indemnification arrangements.
                                                       (continued on next page)
 
        SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 6 FOR CERTAIN INFORMATION
      RELEVANT TO AN INVESTMENT IN THE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES.
 
                               ----------------
 
 THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
  EXCHANGE  COMMISSION  OR  ANY  STATE  SECURITIES COMMISSION  NOR  HAS  THE
   SECURITIES AND  EXCHANGE COMMISSION  OR ANY STATE  SECURITIES COMMISSION
    PASSED  UPON  THE  ACCURACY  OR   ADEQUACY  OF  THIS  PROSPECTUS.  ANY
     REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
                 The date of this Prospectus is June 18, 1997.
<PAGE>
 
  Holders of the Convertible Preferred Securities are entitled to receive
cumulative cash distributions at an annual rate of 5% of the liquidation
amount of $50 per Convertible Preferred Security, accruing from the first date
that any Convertible Preferred Securities are issued and payable quarterly in
arrears on March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1 of each year,
commencing June 1, 1997 ("distributions"). The payment of distributions out of
monies held by McKesson Financing Trust and payments on liquidation of
McKesson Financing Trust or the redemption of Convertible Preferred
Securities, as set forth below, are guaranteed by McKesson (the "Guarantee")
to the extent described herein. The Guarantee covers payments of distributions
and other payments on the Convertible Preferred Securities only if and to the
extent that McKesson Financing Trust has funds available therefor, which will
not be the case unless McKesson has made corresponding payments of interest or
principal or other payments on the Convertible Debentures held by McKesson
Financing Trust. The Guarantee, when taken together with McKesson's
obligations under the Convertible Debentures and the Indenture (as defined
herein) and its obligations under the Declaration, including its liabilities
to pay costs, expenses, debts and obligations of McKesson Financing Trust
(other than with respect to the Trust Securities), provide a full and
unconditional guarantee, to the extent set forth herein, of amounts due on the
Convertible Preferred Securities. See "Risk Factors--Limitations of the
Guarantee."
 
  The obligations of McKesson under the Guarantee are subordinate and junior
in right of payment to all other liabilities of McKesson and pari passu with
the most senior preferred stock issued from time to time, if any, by McKesson.
The obligations of McKesson under the Convertible Debentures are subordinate
and junior in right of payment to all present and future Senior Indebtedness
(as defined herein) of McKesson.
 
  The Convertible Debentures purchased by the Trust may be subsequently
distributed pro rata to holders of the Trust Securities in connection with the
dissolution of the Trust, upon the occurrence of certain events.
 
  Each Convertible Preferred Security is convertible in the manner described
herein at the option of the holder, at any time beginning May 21, 1997 and
prior to the Conversion Expiration Date (as defined herein), into shares of
common stock, par value $.01 per share, of McKesson ("McKesson Common Stock"
or the "Common Stock"), at the rate of .6709 shares of McKesson Common Stock
for each Convertible Preferred Security (equivalent to a conversion price of
$74.53 per share (the "Conversion Price") of McKesson Common Stock), subject
to adjustment in certain circumstances. See "Description of Convertible
Preferred Securities--Conversion Rights." On June 17, 1997, the reported last
sale price of McKesson Common Stock, which is reported under the symbol "MCK"
on the New York Stock Exchange, was $79 7/8 per share.
 
  The distribution rate and the distribution payment dates and other payment
dates for the Convertible Preferred Securities correspond to the interest rate
and interest payment dates and other payment dates of the Convertible
Debentures, which are the sole assets of the Trust. As a result, if principal
and interest are not paid on the Convertible Debentures, no amounts will be
paid on the Convertible Preferred Securities.
 
  So long as McKesson shall not be in default in the payment of interest on
the Convertible Debentures, McKesson has the right to defer payments of
interest on the Convertible Debentures by extending the interest payment
period on the Convertible Debentures at any time for up to 20 consecutive
quarters (each, an "Extension Period"). If interest payments are so deferred,
distributions will continue to accumulate with interest thereon (to the extent
permitted by applicable law) at the distribution rate, compounded quarterly.
During any Extension Period, holders of Convertible Preferred Securities will
be required to include deferred interest income in their gross income for
United States federal income tax purposes in advance of receipt of the cash
distributions with respect to such deferred interest payments. There could be
multiple Extension Periods of varying lengths throughout the term of the
Convertible Debentures. See "Description of the Convertible Debentures--Option
to Extend Interest Payment Period," "Risk Factors--Delay of Interest Payments"
and "United States Federal Income Taxation--Potential Extension of Interest
Payment Period and Original Issue Discount."
 
  The Convertible Debentures are redeemable by McKesson, in whole or in part,
from time to time, on or after March 4, 2000, at the prices set forth herein
(the "Redemption Price"), plus accrued and unpaid interest
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
(continued from previous page)

thereon to the date fixed for redemption (the "Redemption Date"). In addition,
in certain circumstances upon the occurrence of a Tax Event (as defined
herein) the Convertible Debentures may be redeemed by McKesson at 100% of the
principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon. If McKesson
redeems the Convertible Debentures, the Trust must redeem Convertible
Preferred Securities having an aggregate liquidation amount equal to the
aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Debentures so redeemed. See
"Description of the Convertible Preferred Securities--Mandatory Redemption."
The outstanding Convertible Preferred Securities will be redeemed when the
Convertible Debentures mature on June 1, 2027.
 
  Upon the occurrence of a Special Event (as defined herein), unless the
Convertible Debentures are redeemed in the limited circumstances described
herein, the Trust may be dissolved (with the consent of McKesson), with the
result that the Convertible Debentures would be distributed to the holders of
the Convertible Preferred Securities, on a pro rata basis. If McKesson
declines to consent to such dissolution and distribution, McKesson may incur
an obligation to pay additional sums. See "Description of the Convertible
Preferred Securities--Special Event Distribution; Tax Event Redemption" and
"Description of the Convertible Debentures--Additional Sums."
 
  In addition, subject to certain conditions, McKesson has the right at any
time to cause the Trust to be dissolved and cause the Convertible Debentures
to be distributed to the holders of the Convertible Preferred Securities on a
pro rata basis, in lieu of any cash distribution. See "Description of the
Convertible Preferred Securities--Liquidation of Trust and Distribution of
Convertible Debentures to Holders" and "Description of the Convertible
Debentures."
 
  In the event of the involuntary dissolution, winding up or termination of
the Trust, the holders of the Convertible Preferred Securities are entitled to
receive for each Convertible Preferred Security a liquidation amount of $50
plus accrued and unpaid distributions thereon to the date of payment, unless,
in connection with such dissolution, winding up or termination of the Trust,
the Convertible Debentures are distributed to the holders of the Convertible
Preferred Securities. See "Description of the Convertible Preferred
Securities--Liquidation Distribution Upon Dissolution."
 
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
  Certain persons participating in this offering may engage in transactions
that stabilize, maintain, or otherwise affect the price of the Offered
Securities. Specifically, the underwriters, if any, may overallot in
connection with the offering, and may bid for, and purchase, shares of the
Offered Securities in the open market. For a description of those activities,
see "Plan of Distribution."
 
  Unless otherwise stated herein or the context otherwise requires, all
references herein to the "principal" of the Convertible Debentures shall be
deemed to include a reference to "and premium, if any."
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
  This Prospectus constitutes a part of a combined Registration Statement on
Form S-3 (together with all amendments and exhibits thereto, the "Registration
Statement") filed by McKesson and McKesson Financing Trust with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the "Securities Act"), with respect to the Offered Securities.
This Prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in such
Registration Statement, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with
the rules and regulations of the Commission, although it does include a
summary of the material terms of the Indenture and the Declaration (each as
defined herein). Reference is made to such Registration Statement and to the
exhibits relating thereto for further information with respect to the Company,
McKesson Financing Trust and the Offered Securities. Any statements contained
herein concerning the provisions of any document filed as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement or otherwise filed with the Commission or incorporated
by reference herein are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance,
reference is made to the copy of such document so filed for a more complete
description of the matter involved. Each such statement is qualified in its
entirety by such reference.
 
  The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Commission. Such reports, proxy statements and other information filed by the
Company with the Commission can be inspected and copied at the Commission's
Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, or at
the public reference facilities of the regional offices in Chicago and New
York. The addresses of these regional offices are as follows: 500 West Madison
Street, Chicago, Illinois 66061, and 7 World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New
York, New York 10048. Copies of such material also can be obtained by mail
from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, upon payment of the fees prescribed by the rules and
regulations of the Commission. Reports, proxy statements, and other
information concerning the Company may also be inspected at the offices of the
New York Stock Exchange, Inc. at 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005 and
at the offices of the Pacific Exchange, Inc. at 301 Pine Street, San
Francisco, California 94014. The Company's Common Stock is listed on both
exchanges. Such material may also be accessed electronically by means of the
Commission's home page on the Internet at http://www.sec.gov.
 
  No separate financial statements of the Trust have been included or
incorporated by reference herein. The Company and the Trust do not consider
that such financial statements would be material to holders of the Convertible
Preferred Securities because (i) all of the voting securities of the Trust
will be owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, a reporting company
under the 1934 Act, (ii) the Trust is a special purpose entity, has no
operating history, has no independent operations and is not engaged in, and
does not propose to engage in, any activity other than issuing Trust
Securities representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the
Trust and investing the proceeds thereof in Convertible Debentures issued by
the Company and (iii) McKesson's obligations described herein under the
Declaration, the Guarantee with respect to the Convertible Preferred
Securities issued by the Trust, the Convertible Debentures purchased by the
Trust and the Indenture, taken together, constitute a full and unconditional
guarantee of payments due on the Convertible Preferred Securities of the
Trust. See "McKesson Financing Trust," "Description of the Convertible
Preferred Securities," "Description of the Guarantee" and "Description of the
Convertible Debentures." The Trust is a statutory business trust formed under
the laws of the state of Delaware. The Company, as of the date of this
Prospectus, owns all of the beneficial interests in the Trust.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
  There are hereby incorporated by reference in this Prospectus the following
documents previously filed or to be filed by the Company with the Commission
pursuant to the Exchange Act:
 
  1. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996, as
amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A, filed on February 13, 1997 to
reflect Armor All (as defined herein) and Millbrook (as defined herein) as
discontinued operations (the "Form 10-K").
 
  2. Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended (i) June 30, 1996,
(as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-Q/A, filed on February 13, 1997 to
reflect Armor All and Millbrook as discontinued operations; and as further
amended by Amendment No. 2 on Form 10-Q/A, filed on June 6, 1997 to reflect in
the first quarter ended June 30, 1996, the $48.2 million charge to write off
the portion of the purchase price of Automated Healthcare, Inc. allocated to
technology for which feasibility had not been established as of the
acquisition date. Such charge was recorded in the third quarter ended December
31, 1996 in the originally filed financial statements (the "AHI Amendment"));
(ii) September 30, 1996, (as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-Q/A, filed
on February 13, 1997 to reflect Armor All and Millbrook as discontinued
operations; and as further amended by Amendment No. 2 on Form 10-Q/A, filed on
June 6, 1997 to reflect the AHI Amendment); and (iii) December 31, 1996, (as
amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-Q/A, filed on June 6, 1997 to reflect
the AHI Amendment).
 
  3. Current Reports on Form 8-K dated April 8, 1996, April 30, 1996, October
9, 1996 (as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 8-K/A filed December 20, 1996,
excluding Exhibit 99 thereto), November 22, 1996 (as amended by Amendment No.
1 on Form 8-K/A, filed on January 21, 1997, as further amended by Amendment
No. 2 on Form 8-K/A, filed on April 28, 1997), December 10, 1996, January 13,
1997, February 5, 1997, February 12, 1997, February 24, 1997, April 7, 1997
and June 16, 1997.
 
  All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the 1934 Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the termination of the offering of the Convertible Preferred Securities
offered hereby shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this
Prospectus and to be part hereof from the date of filing of such documents.
Any statement contained herein or in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained
herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed
to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement.
Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so
modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
 
  The Company will provide without charge to each person upon the written or
oral request of such person, a copy of any or all of the foregoing documents
incorporated herein by reference, other than exhibits to such documents
(unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into such
documents). Requests for such documents shall be directed to Nancy A. Miller,
Vice President and Corporate Secretary, McKesson Corporation, McKesson Plaza,
One Post Street, San Francisco, California 94104 (telephone number (415) 983-
8301).
 
               SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
  Certain of the matters discussed under the captions "Risk Factors,"
"Financial Review," "The Company" and elsewhere in this Prospectus or in the
information incorporated by reference herein may constitute forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995 (the "Reform Act") and as such may involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance
or achievements of McKesson to be materially different from any future
results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-
looking statements. Some of the factors that may cause such material
differences are set forth herein or attached hereto under the captions "Risk
Factors" and "Financial Review."
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                                 RISK FACTORS
 
  Prospective purchasers of Convertible Preferred Securities should carefully
review the information contained elsewhere and incorporated by reference in
this Prospectus and should particularly consider the following matters.
Certain statements set forth below under this caption constitute "forward-
looking statements" within the meaning of the Reform Act. See "Special Note
Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" above for additional factors relating to
such statements.
 
SUBORDINATE RANKING OF OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE GUARANTEE AND CONVERTIBLE
DEBENTURES
 
  McKesson's obligations under the Guarantee are subordinate and junior in
right of payment to all liabilities of McKesson (other than any other
obligations that may be made pari passu expressly by their terms) and pari
passu in right of payment with the most senior preferred stock issued, from
time to time, if any, by McKesson. The obligations of McKesson under the
Convertible Debentures are subordinate and junior in right of payment to all
present and future Senior Indebtedness of McKesson. No payment of principal
(including redemption payments, if any), premium, if any, or interest on the
Convertible Debentures may be made if (i) the payment of principal, premium,
if any, interest or any other payment due on any Senior Indebtedness of
McKesson is not paid when due and any applicable grace period with respect to
such default has ended with such default not having been cured or waived or
ceasing to exist or (ii) the maturity of any Senior Indebtedness has been
accelerated because of a default and such acceleration has not been rescinded.
There are no terms in the Convertible Preferred Securities, the Convertible
Debentures or the Guarantee that limit McKesson's ability to incur additional
indebtedness, including indebtedness that ranks senior to the Convertible
Debentures and the Guarantee, or to grant security interests to secure
outstanding or new indebtedness. There was approximately $825 million of
Senior Indebtedness outstanding as of March 31, 1997. See "Description of the
Guarantee--Status of the Guarantee" and "Description of the Convertible
Debentures--Subordination."
 
LIMITATIONS OF THE GUARANTEE
 
  The Guarantee Trustee (as defined herein) holds the Guarantee for the
benefit of the holders of the Convertible Preferred Securities. Under the
Guarantee, McKesson irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees on a
subordinated basis to the holders of the Convertible Preferred Securities, to
the extent not paid by the Trust, the payment in full of (i) all accrued and
unpaid distributions that are required to be paid on the Convertible Preferred
Securities to the extent the Trust has funds available therefor, (ii) the
Redemption Price plus accrued and unpaid distributions with respect to any
Convertible Preferred Securities called for redemption by the Trust, to the
extent the Trust has funds available therefor and (iii) upon a voluntary or
involuntary dissolution, winding-up or termination of the Trust (other than in
connection with the distribution of Convertible Debentures to the holders of
Convertible Preferred Securities or the redemption of all the Convertible
Preferred Securities), the lesser of (a) the aggregate of the liquidation
amount and all accrued and unpaid distributions on the Convertible Preferred
Securities to the date of the payment to the extent the Trust has funds
available therefor or (b) the amount of assets of the Trust remaining
available for distribution to holders of the Convertible Preferred Securities
in liquidation of the Trust. Because the Guarantee is limited by the amount of
the funds in the Trust, if McKesson were to default on its obligation to pay
amounts payable on the Convertible Debentures, the Trust would lack available
funds for the payment of distributions or amounts payable on redemption of the
Convertible Preferred Securities or otherwise, and, in such event, holders of
the Convertible Preferred Securities would not be able to rely upon the
Guarantee for payment of such amounts. Instead, holders of the Convertible
Preferred Securities would rely on the enforcement (1) by the Institutional
Trustee (as defined herein) of its rights as registered holder of the
Convertible Debentures against McKesson pursuant to the terms of the
Convertible Debentures or (2) by such holder of its right of Direct Action (as
defined herein) against McKesson as described below to enforce payments on the
Convertible Debentures. See "Description of the Guarantee--Events of Default."
The Declaration provides that each holder of Convertible Preferred Securities,
by acceptance thereof, agrees to the provisions of the Guarantee, including
the subordination provisions thereof, and the Indenture.
 
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
LIMITATION OF ENFORCEMENT OF CERTAIN RIGHTS BY HOLDERS OF CONVERTIBLE
PREFERRED SECURITIES
 
  If (i) McKesson Financing Trust fails to pay distributions in full on the
Convertible Preferred Securities (other than pursuant to a deferral pursuant
to an Extension Period) or (ii) a Declaration Event of Default (as defined
herein) occurs and is continuing, then the holders of Convertible Preferred
Securities would rely on the enforcement by the Institutional Trustee of its
rights as a holder of the Convertible Debentures against McKesson. In
addition, the holders of a majority in liquidation amount of the Convertible
Preferred Securities have the right to direct the time, method, and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Institutional
Trustee or to direct the exercise of any trust or power conferred upon the
Institutional Trustee under the Declaration, including the right to direct the
Institutional Trustee to exercise the remedies available to it as a holder of
the Convertible Debentures. If the Institutional Trustee fails to enforce its
rights under the Convertible Debentures, a holder of Convertible Preferred
Securities may institute a legal proceeding directly against McKesson to
enforce the Institutional Trustee's rights under the Convertible Debentures
without first instituting any legal proceeding against the Institutional
Trustee or any other person or entity. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a
Declaration Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and such event is
attributable to the failure of McKesson to pay interest or principal on the
Convertible Debentures on the date such interest or principal is otherwise
payable (or in the case of redemption, on the Redemption Date), then a holder
of Convertible Preferred Securities may directly institute a proceeding for
enforcement of payment to such holder of the principal of or interest on the
Convertible Debentures having a principal amount equal to the aggregate
liquidation amount of the Convertible Preferred Securities of such holder (a
"Direct Action") on or after the respective due date specified in the
Convertible Debentures. In connection with such Direct Action, McKesson will
be subrogated to the rights of such holder of Convertible Preferred Securities
under the Declaration to the extent of any payment made by McKesson to such
holder of Convertible Preferred Securities in such Direct Action. The holders
of Convertible Preferred Securities will not be able to exercise directly any
other remedy available to the holders of Convertible Debentures. See
"Description of the Convertible Preferred Securities--Declaration Events of
Default."
 
DELAY OF INTEREST PAYMENTS
 
  So long as McKesson shall not be in default in the payment of interest on
the Convertible Debentures, McKesson has the right under the Indenture to
defer payments of interest on the Convertible Debentures by extending the
interest payment period at any time, and from time to time, on the Convertible
Debentures. As a consequence of such an extension, quarterly distributions on
the Convertible Preferred Securities would be deferred by the Trust during any
such Extension Period. Prior to the termination of any such Extension Period,
McKesson may further extend such Extension Period; provided, that such
Extension Period, together with all such previous and further extensions
thereof, may not exceed 20 consecutive quarters or extend beyond the maturity
of the Convertible Debentures. Upon the termination of any Extension Period
and the payment of all amounts then due, McKesson may commence a new Extension
Period, subject to the above requirements. See "Description of the Convertible
Preferred Securities--Distributions" and "Description of the Convertible
Debentures--Option to Extend Interest Payment Period."
 
  Should McKesson exercise its right to defer payments of interest by
extending the interest payment period, each holder of Convertible Preferred
Securities will continue to accrue interest income (as original issue discount
("OID")) in respect of the deferred stated interest allocable to its share of
Convertible Preferred Securities for United States federal income tax
purposes. As a result, each such holder of Convertible Preferred Securities
will include such income in gross income for United States federal income tax
purposes in advance of the receipt of cash attributable thereto, and will not
receive the cash from McKesson Financing Trust related to such income if such
holder disposes of its Convertible Preferred Securities prior to the record
date on which distributions of such amounts are made. McKesson has no current
intention of exercising its right to defer payments of interest by extending
the interest payment period of the Convertible Debentures. However, should
McKesson elect to exercise such right in the future, the market price of the
Convertible Preferred Securities is likely to be affected. A holder that
disposes of its Convertible Preferred Securities during an Extension Period,
therefore, might not receive the same return on its investment as a holder
that continues to hold its Convertible Preferred Securities.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
In addition, as a result of the existence of McKesson's right to defer
interest payments, the market price of the Convertible Preferred Securities
(which represent an undivided beneficial interest in the Convertible
Debentures) may be more volatile than other OID securities that do not have
such interest deferral rights. See "United States Federal Income Taxation--
Potential Extension of Interest Payment Period and Original Issue Discount."
 
PROPOSED TAX LEGISLATION
 
  On February 6, 1997, as part of the fiscal 1998 budget proposal submitted to
Congress, the Clinton Administration proposed certain changes to Federal
income tax law which would, among other things, generally treat as equity, for
Federal income tax purposes, certain debt obligations, such as the Convertible
Debentures, that are "issued on or after the date of first Congressional
Committee action" (the "Clinton Proposal"). On June 9, 1997, House Ways and
Means Committee Chairman Bill Archer released the Chairman's Mark Relating to
Revenue Reconciliation Provisions that are proposed to be included in 1997 tax
legislation (the "Chairman's Mark"). The Chairman's Mark constitutes "first
Congressional Committee action" with respect to the provisions contained
therein. The Chairman's Mark does not include the Clinton Proposal that would
require instruments with terms similar to the Convertible Debentures to be
treated as equity for Federal income tax purposes.
 
  In light of the Chairman's Mark, it appears that "first Congressional
Committee action" has not yet occurred with respect to the Clinton Proposal.
Furthermore, given the issue date of the Convertible Debentures and the
effective date transitional rules relating to certain capital markets
provisions included in the Chairman's Mark (as well as transitional rules
provided for in 1996 proposed legislation similar to the Clinton Proposal), it
is anticipated that the Clinton Proposal, even if acted upon by Congress in
the future, would not apply to the Convertible Debentures.
 
  There can be no assurance, however, that the Clinton Proposal or similar
legislation will not ultimately be enacted into law, that the effective date
and transitional rules relating thereto would be enacted as anticipated, or
that other developments will not occur after the date hereof that would
adversely affect the tax treatment of the Convertible Debentures and could
result in the exchange of the Convertible Debentures for Convertible Preferred
Securities or, in certain limited circumstances, the redemption of the
Convertible Debentures by the Company and the distribution of the resulting
cash in redemption of the Convertible Preferred Securities. See "Description
of the Convertible Preferred Securities -- Special Event Distribution;
Redemption."
 
SPECIAL EVENT DISTRIBUTION; TAX EVENT REDEMPTION
 
  Upon the occurrence of a Special Event (as defined herein), McKesson
Financing Trust could be dissolved (with the consent of McKesson), except in
the limited circumstance described below, with the result that the Convertible
Debentures would be distributed to the holders of the Trust Securities in
connection with the liquidation of the Trust. In certain circumstances,
McKesson would have the right to redeem the Convertible Debentures, in whole
or in part, in lieu of a distribution of the Convertible Debentures by the
Trust, in which event the Trust would redeem the Trust Securities on a pro
rata basis to the same extent as the Convertible Debentures are redeemed by
McKesson. See "Description of the Convertible Preferred Securities--Special
Event Distribution; Tax Event Redemption."
 
  Under current United States federal income tax law, a distribution of
Convertible Debentures upon the dissolution of McKesson Financing Trust would
not be a taxable event to holders of the Convertible Preferred Securities.
However, a dissolution of McKesson Financing Trust in which holders of the
Convertible Preferred Securities receive cash would be a taxable event to such
holders. See "United States Federal Income Taxation--Receipt of Convertible
Debentures or Cash Upon Liquidation of the Trust."
 
  There can be no assurance as to the market prices for the Convertible
Preferred Securities or the Convertible Debentures that may be distributed in
exchange for Convertible Preferred Securities if a dissolution or liquidation
of the Trust were to occur. Accordingly, the Convertible Preferred Securities
that an investor may purchase, whether pursuant to the offer made hereby or in
the secondary market, or the Convertible Debentures that a
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
holder of Convertible Preferred Securities may receive on dissolution and
liquidation of the Trust, may trade at a discount to the price that the
investor paid to purchase the Convertible Preferred Securities offered hereby.
Because holders of Convertible Preferred Securities may receive Convertible
Debentures upon the occurrence of a Special Event, prospective purchasers of
Convertible Preferred Securities are also making an investment decision with
regard to the Convertible Debentures and should carefully review all the
information regarding the Convertible Debentures contained herein. See
"Description of the Convertible Preferred Securities--Special Event
Distribution; Tax Event Redemption" and "Description of the Convertible
Debentures--General."
 
ABSENCE OF VOTING RIGHTS
 
  Generally, holders of the Convertible Preferred Securities do not have any
voting rights with respect to McKesson's governance, nor are they entitled to
vote to appoint, remove or replace, or to increase or decrease the number of,
MFT Trustees (as defined herein), which voting rights are vested exclusively
in the holder of the Common Securities. See "Description of the Convertible
Preferred Securities--Voting Rights."
 
TRADING PRICE
 
  The Convertible Preferred Securities may trade at a price that does not
accurately reflect the value of accrued but unpaid interest (or OID if the
Convertible Debentures are treated as having been issued, or reissued, with
OID) with respect to the underlying Convertible Debentures. A holder who
disposes of his Convertible Preferred Securities will be required to include
in ordinary income (i) any portion of the amount realized that is attributable
to such accrued but unpaid interest to the extent not previously included in
income or (ii) any amount of OID, in either case, that has accrued on his pro
rata share of the underlying Convertible Debentures during the taxable year of
sale through the date of disposition. Any such income inclusion will increase
the holder's adjusted tax basis in his Convertible Preferred Securities
disposed of. To the extent that the amount realized in the sale is less than
the holder's adjusted tax basis, a holder will recognize a capital loss.
Subject to certain limited exceptions, capital losses cannot be applied to
offset ordinary income for United States federal income tax purposes.
 
RISKS GENERALLY ASSOCIATED WITH ACQUISITIONS
 
  An element of the Company's growth strategy is to pursue strategic
acquisitions that either expand or complement the Company's business.
Acquisitions involve a number of special risks, including the diversion of
management's attention to the assimilation of the operations from other
business concerns, difficulties in the integration of operations and systems,
the assimilation and retention of the personnel of the acquired companies,
challenges in retaining the acquired business' customers and potential adverse
short-term effects on the Company's operating results. In addition, the
Company may require additional debt or equity financing for future
acquisitions, which may not be available on terms favorable to the Company, if
at all. The inability of the Company to successfully finance, complete and
integrate strategic acquisitions in a timely manner could have an adverse
impact on the Company's results of operations and its ability to effect a
portion of its growth strategy.
 
CHANGING UNITED STATES HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENT
 
  In recent years, the healthcare industry has undergone significant change
driven by various efforts to reduce costs, including potential national
healthcare reform, trends toward managed care, cuts in Medicare, consolidation
of pharmaceutical and medical/surgical supply distributors and the development
of large, sophisticated purchasing groups. The Company cannot predict whether
any healthcare reform efforts will be enacted and what effect or to what
extent any such reforms may have on the Company, its practices and products or
its customers and suppliers. Changes in governmental support of healthcare
services, the method by which such services are delivered, the prices for such
services or other legislation or regulations governing such services or
mandated benefits may have a material adverse effect on the Company's results
of operations.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
  McKesson is the largest health care supply management company in
North America. The Company also develops and manages innovative marketing
programs for drug manufacturers and, through McKesson Water Products Company,
processes and markets pure drinking water.
 
  The Company's objective is to become the world leader in health care supply
and comprehensive pharmaceutical management across the entire supply chain,
from manufacturer to patient. In pursuit of this goal, the Company has
completed a number of acquisitions in its core health care business. Since
late 1995, the Company has acquired General Medical Inc. ("General Medical"),
a leading distributor of medical and surgical supplies to the acute care,
physician care and extended care markets, the drug distribution business of
FoxMeyer Corporation ("FoxMeyer"), Automated Healthcare, Inc. ("AHI"), a
manufacturer of automated drug dispensing equipment for hospitals, and Ogden
BioServices Corporation (now "McKesson Bioservices Corporation"), a provider
of support services to government and commercial organizations engaged in drug
research and development.
 
  The Company conducts its operations through two operating business segments
which generated annual sales in fiscal 1996 of $9.95 billion, approximately
97% of which were generated by the Health Care Services segment and
approximately 3% of which were generated primarily by McKesson's Water
Products (as hereinafter defined) business. In fiscal 1996, operating profits
for the Health Care Services business and the Water Products business were
$206.1 million and $39.6 million, respectively.
 
  The principal executive offices of the Company are located at McKesson
Plaza, One Post Street, San Francisco, California, 94104, and the telephone
number is (415) 983-8300.
 
RECENT ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS
 
  McKesson has recently undertaken several initiatives to further focus the
Company on its core health care business:
 
  .  In March 1997, McKesson disposed of Millbrook Distribution Services Inc.
     ("Millbrook") for an amount on an after-tax basis which approximates
     Millbrook's book value. Millbrook is reflected as a discontinued
     operation in the Company's financial statements. Millbrook is engaged in
     distributing health and beauty care products, general merchandise, and
     specialty foods to retail stores.
 
  .  In February 1997, McKesson acquired General Medical, the largest multi-
     market distributor of medical and surgical supplies, for $775 million.
 
  .  In December 1996, the Company disposed of its 55% equity interest in
     Armor All Products Corporation ("Armor All"), a non-health care business.
 
  .  In November 1996, the Company acquired FoxMeyer out of bankruptcy for
     approximately $600 million.
 
  .  In April 1996, the Company acquired AHI, a business that specializes in
     centralized robotic pharmaceutical dispensing systems for hospitals, for
     $65 million.
 
  .  In December 1995, the Company acquired McKesson Bioservices Corporation,
     a business that provides product marketing and support services for the
     pharmaceutical industry, for approximately $20 million.
 
MCKESSON HEALTH CARE SERVICES
 
  Through its Health Care Services segment, the Company is the largest
distributor of ethical and proprietary drugs and health and beauty care
products in North America, generating approximately 84% of the Company's
operating profits from continuing operations in fiscal 1996. The Company is
the market leader in its core U.S. drug distribution business. U.S. health
care operations also include Healthcare Delivery Systems, Inc. ("HDS") and
McKesson Bioservices Corporation, through which the Company provides marketing
and other support services to drug manufacturers, AHI, a business that
specializes in automated pharmaceutical dispensing systems for hospitals, and
Zee Medical, Inc., a distributor of first-aid products and supplies to
industrial and commercial customers.
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
International operations include Medis Health and Pharmaceutical Services
Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary and the largest drug distributor in Canada,
and the Company's 22.7% equity interest in Nadro, S.A. de C.V., the largest
drug distributor in Mexico.
 
  The Company's domestic distribution operations supply drugs and health and
beauty care products to independent and chain drug stores, hospitals,
alternate-site facilities, food stores and mass merchandisers in all 50
states. Using the names "Economost" and "Econolink" and a number of related
service marks, the Company has promoted electronic order entry systems and a
wide range of computerized merchandising and asset management services for
drug retailers and hospitals. The Company also supplies computer-based
practice management systems to drug retailers. The Company believes that its
financial strength, purchasing leverage, nationwide network of distribution
centers, and advanced logistics and information technologies provide
competitive advantages to its drug distribution operations. For example, the
Company uses Acumax(R), a computerized bar-code scanning system, to track
items in its warehouses. Acumax enables the Company to achieve order filling
and inventory accuracy levels of more than 99%, ensuring that the right
product arrives at the right time and place for both the Company's customers
and their patients.
 
  Health Care Services serves three primary customer segments: retail
independent pharmacies, retail chains and institutional providers (including
hospitals, health care facilities and pharmacy service operators) which
represented approximately 41%, 30%, and 21%, respectively, of U.S. Health Care
Services revenues for fiscal 1996. A fourth customer category is
pharmaceutical manufacturers, which is managed by McKesson's Pharmaceutical
and Retail Services Business group.
 
    INDEPENDENT PHARMACIES. In addition to distribution services, the Company
  provides value added services to independent retail pharmacies through
  management information systems, including inventory management, electronic
  billing, current pricing and other financial management offerings. In
  February 1996, McKesson launched the OmniLink(SM) centralized pharmacy
  technology platform and the associated CareMax(SM) network of independent
  pharmacies. The combined offering links independent pharmacies, creating a
  "virtual chain" for contracting with pharmaceutical suppliers and managed
  care organizations. As of December 31, 1996, OmniLink had been installed in
  over 1,600 pharmacies.
 
    OmniLink offers pharmacies streamlined transaction processing through
  OmniLink's connectivity with managed care organizations, while promoting
  compliance with managed care formularies and appropriate reimbursement from
  managed care plans. The service also improves cash flow for pharmacies and
  enhances pharmacy revenues through programs such as 24-hour advanced
  funding of third-party reimbursements, prescription refill reminders,
  patient direct marketing and distribution of coupons and samples for over-
  the-counter products.
 
    The Company currently has two pharmacy programs for independent
  pharmacies--Valu-Rite(R), a voluntary cooperative program, and Health
  Mart(R), a franchise program. Through Valu-Rite, the Company provides its
  independent U.S. retail drug store customers with a common marketing
  identity, group advertising, purchasing programs, promotional merchandise
  and access to a pharmacy provider network. At December 31, 1996, over 5,200
  stores were participating in the Valu-Rite program. Through Health Mart,
  acquired as part of FoxMeyer, the Company provides its community
  pharmacists with a franchise program. Currently, Health Mart has
  approximately 700 franchisees. Together, Valu-Rite and Health Mart
  pharmacies comprise approximately 20% of the nation's independent retail
  pharmacies.
 
    RETAIL CHAINS. Retail drug chains do business with the Company in three
  ways: primary sourcing, secondary sourcing and dock-to-dock (warehousing).
  In primary sourcing, a chain depends on the Company to supply its
  logistics, warehousing and contract administration functions, much as the
  Company performs primary distribution for all other retail customers. In
  secondary sourcing, the Company "backs up" the chains' own warehouses with
  deliveries on an as-needed basis. In dock-to-dock, the Company transfers
  large-quantity (bulk) shipments from manufacturers to chains and provides
  billing services.
 
    INSTITUTIONAL BUSINESS. The Company, through its McKesson Health Systems
  unit, provides drug distribution services, and related logistics and
  management information systems support, to the institutional
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
  market, which includes hospitals, alternate-sites and integrated health
  networks. The acquisition of FoxMeyer strengthened the Company's position
  in the institutional marketplace. Similarly, the completion of the
  acquisition of General Medical further enhances the Company's
  competitiveness, particularly in the fast-growing alternate-site segment.
 
    MANUFACTURERS. Pharmaceutical and Retail Services develops innovative
  marketing and distribution services to build and sustain sales for
  manufacturers' pharmaceutical products. Through its HDS unit, this group
  operates integrated systems for specialized delivery of biotech and other
  high-cost pharmaceutical therapies. These systems manage manufacturer cost
  and information requirements through financial assistance programs for
  patients, reimbursement support and patient advocacy programs, product hot-
  lines, pharmacy-based sampling and physician and patient information
  programs. These services are also provided to manufacturers on a stand-
  alone basis outside of integrated service systems. Through McKesson
  Bioservices Corporation, this group also provides support services to
  commercial, non-profit and governmental organizations engaged in drug
  development and biomedical research including biological repository
  management, clinical trials support and regulatory process management
  services.
 
    McKesson also provides a key service to drug manufacturers with McKesson
  Select Generics(SM), an enhancement of the Company's Multi-Source Complete(R)
  generic drug program which was launched in May 1996. Through the Select
  Generics program, retail customers have access to a broad line of over
  1,300 generic items, and single suppliers are chosen for each item, thereby
  offering to manufacturers the advantage of exclusivity and compliance.
 
GENERAL MEDICAL ACQUISITION
 
  On February 21, 1997, McKesson acquired General Medical for approximately
$775 million, including $347 million for the equity, half in the Company's
Common Stock and half in cash, and the assumption of approximately $428
million in debt. The acquisition of General Medical extends the Company's
product line to include medical and surgical supplies in addition to the drugs
and health and beauty care products it currently distributes. The combination
of McKesson and General Medical creates a strong force to address the
increasingly complex clinical supply needs of physicians, extended-care
facilities and integrated health care networks.
 
  General Medical is the nation's leading supplier of medical-surgical
supplies to the full range of alternate-site health care facilities, including
physicians and clinics (primary care), long-term care and home-care sites
(extended care), and is the third largest distributor of medical-surgical
supplies to hospitals. In the year ended December 31, 1995, General Medical
had revenues of approximately $1.5 billion, of which 58% were derived from the
acute care market, 31% from primary care and 11% from extended care. In
addition to marketing to each market segment separately, General Medical
emphasizes sales to these three market segments through integrated health care
networks which operate health care facilities across the market spectrum.
 
  General Medical distributes a broad array of products, comprising
approximately 130,000 products supplied by over 4,000 medical and surgical
product manufacturers, through a 700-person sales force to more than
200,000 care providers nationwide, including 500 account managers calling on
physicians. Additionally, General Medical offers a variety of value-added
services to its customers, particularly in the area of cost containment and
inventory management. The acquisition of General Medical is a major step
forward in solidifying the Company's position as the world leader in health
care supply management.
 
FOXMEYER ACQUISITION
 
  Prior to its acquisition by the Company, FoxMeyer's drug distribution
business was the fourth largest in the United States. The acquisition of
FoxMeyer pairs the Company's financial capabilities and information technology
expertise with the substantial customer base of FoxMeyer and strengthens the
Company's position in all three customer segments (health care institutions,
retail independents and retail chains). The acquisition also gives the Company
access to new customers and opportunities for consolidation economics,
particularly cost reduction and distribution network reconfiguration.
 
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
MCKESSON WATER PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
  McKesson Water Products Company ("Water Products") is a leading provider in
the $3.4 billion bottled water industry in the United States. Except in the
State of Washington, it is the largest bottled water company in the geographic
markets in which it competes. In fiscal 1996, Water Products generated
approximately $40 million in pretax operating profit, and its operating margin
was 15%. Water Products is primarily engaged in the processing and sale of
bottled drinking water delivered to more than 500,000 homes and businesses
under its Sparkletts(R), Alhambra(R), and Crystal(TM) brands in California,
Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma, Washington and Texas. It also sells packaged water
through retail stores in approximately 40 states.
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
  The Selling Holders will receive all of the proceeds from the sale of the
Offered Securities. Neither the Company nor the Trust will receive any
proceeds from the sale of the Offered Securities.
 
                             ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
 
  The financial statements of the Trust will be consolidated with McKesson's
financial statements, with the Preferred Securities accounted for as minority
interests and captioned in the consolidated balance sheet as "McKesson-
obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary grantor
trust whose sole assets are junior subordinated debentures of McKesson."
 
                      RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
  The following table sets forth the Company's ratio of earnings to fixed
charges on a historical basis for each of the five fiscal years in the period
ended March 31, 1996, and for each of the nine months ended December 31, 1996
and December 31, 1995. The deficiency of earnings to fixed charges for fiscal
1995 totaled $0.7 million.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 NINE MONTHS
                               FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,    ENDED DECEMBER 31
                              ------------------------------- -----------------
                              1996   1995   1994  1993  1992    1996     1995
                              ----- ------  ----- ----- ----- -------- --------
<S>                           <C>   <C>     <C>   <C>   <C>   <C>      <C>
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
 Charges..................... 4.71x (0.01x) 3.42x 2.97x 1.45x    0.43x    4.40x
</TABLE>
 
  The ratio of earnings to fixed charges was computed by dividing fixed
charges (interest expense including the interest portion of capital and
operating leases) into earnings available for fixed charges (income from
continuing operations plus taxes on income and fixed charges).
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
                           MCKESSON FINANCING TRUST
 
  McKesson Financing Trust is a statutory business trust formed under Delaware
law pursuant to (i) a Declaration of Trust, as amended by an Amended and
Restated Declaration of Trust (the "Declaration"), executed by McKesson, as
sponsor (the "Sponsor"), and the trustees of McKesson Financing Trust (the
"MFT Trustees") and (ii) the filing of a certificate of trust with the
Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. McKesson owns Common Securities
in an aggregate liquidation amount equal to 3% of the total capital of
McKesson Financing Trust. The assets of the Trust consist solely of the
Convertible Debentures. McKesson Financing Trust exists for the exclusive
purposes of (i) issuing the Trust Securities representing undivided beneficial
interests in the assets of the Trust, (ii) investing the gross proceeds of the
Trust Securities in the Convertible Debentures, and (iii) engaging in only
those other activities necessary or incidental thereto.
 
  Pursuant to the Declaration, the number of MFT Trustees is initially five.
Three of the MFT Trustees (the "Regular Trustees") are persons who are
employees or officers of or who are affiliated with McKesson. The fourth
trustee is an entity that maintains its principal place of business in the
state of Delaware (the "Delaware Trustee"). The fifth trustee (the
"Institutional Trustee") is a financial institution that is unaffiliated with
McKesson and serves as institutional trustee under the Declaration and acts as
indenture trustee under the Declaration for the purposes of compliance with
the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "Trust
Indenture Act"). The First National Bank of Chicago, is the Institutional
Trustee until removed or replaced by the holder of the Common Securities. The
First National Bank of Chicago also acts as trustee (the "Guarantee Trustee")
under the Guarantee and as trustee (the "Debt Trustee") under the Indenture.
First Chicago Delaware Inc., an affiliate of the Institutional Trustee, acts
as Delaware Trustee. See "Description of the Convertible Preferred
Securities--Voting Rights."
 
  The Institutional Trustee holds title to the Convertible Debentures for the
benefit of the holders of the Trust Securities and the Institutional Trustee
has the power to exercise all rights, powers and privileges under the
Indenture as the holder of the Convertible Debentures. In addition, the
Institutional Trustee maintains exclusive control of a segregated non-interest
bearing bank account (the "Property Account") to hold all payments made in
respect of the Convertible Debentures for the benefit of the holders of the
Trust Securities. The Institutional Trustee will make payments of
distributions and payments on liquidation, redemption and otherwise to the
holders of the Trust Securities out of funds from the Property Account. The
Guarantee Trustee holds the Guarantee for the benefit of the holders of the
Convertible Preferred Securities. McKesson, as the holder of all of the Common
Securities, has the right to appoint, remove or replace any MFT Trustee and to
increase or decrease the number of MFT Trustees. McKesson is to pay all fees
and expenses related to McKesson Financing Trust and the Original Offering of
the Trust Securities. See "Description of the Convertible Debentures--
Miscellaneous."
 
  The Common Securities rank pari passu, and payments are made thereon pro
rata, with the Convertible Preferred Securities, except that upon the
occurrence and continuance of an event of default under the Declaration
resulting from an Event of Default under the Indenture, the rights of the
holders of the Common Securities to payment in respect of distributions and
payments upon liquidation, redemption or otherwise will be subordinated to the
rights of holders of the Convertible Preferred Securities. See "Description of
Convertible Preferred Securities--General."
 
  The rights of the holders of the Convertible Preferred Securities, including
economic rights, rights to information and voting rights, are set forth in the
Declaration and the Delaware Business Trust Act (the "Trust Act"). The
Declaration, the Indenture and the Guarantee also incorporate by reference the
terms of the Trust Indenture Act. It is expected that, at the time the Shelf
Registration Statement becomes effective, the Declaration, the Indenture and
the Guarantee will be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act.
 
  The place of business and the telephone number of the Trust are the
principal executive offices and telephone number of the Company. See "The
Company."
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
              DESCRIPTION OF THE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES
 
  The Convertible Preferred Securities were issued pursuant to the terms of
the Declaration. The Declaration incorporates by reference terms of the Trust
Indenture Act. The Declaration will be qualified under the Trust Indenture
Act. The Institutional Trustee acts as indenture trustee for the Convertible
Preferred Securities under the Declaration for purposes of compliance with the
provisions of the Trust Indenture Act. The terms of the Convertible Preferred
Securities include those stated in the Declaration and those made part of the
Declaration by the Trust Indenture Act. The following summary of certain terms
and provisions of the Convertible Preferred Securities does not purport to be
complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the
Declaration, the Trust Act and the Trust Indenture Act.
 
GENERAL
 
  The Declaration authorized the Regular Trustees to issue, on behalf of the
Trust, the Trust Securities, which represent undivided beneficial interests in
the assets of the Trust. All of the Common Securities are owned by McKesson.
The Common Securities rank pari passu, and payments are made thereon on a pro
rata basis, with the Convertible Preferred Securities, except that upon the
occurrence and during the continuance of a Declaration Event of Default, the
rights of the holders of the Common Securities to receive payment of periodic
distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption and otherwise will be
subordinated to the rights of the holders of the Convertible Preferred
Securities. The Declaration does not permit the issuance by the Trust of any
securities other than the Trust Securities or the incurrence of any
indebtedness by the Trust. Pursuant to the Declaration, the Institutional
Trustee holds the Convertible Debentures purchased by the Trust for the
benefit of the holders of the Trust Securities. The payment of distributions
out of money held by the Trust, and payments upon redemption of the
Convertible Preferred Securities or liquidation of the Trust, are guaranteed
by McKesson to the extent described under "Description of the Guarantee." The
Guarantee is held by the Guarantee Trustee for the benefit of the holders of
the Convertible Preferred Securities. The Guarantee does not cover payment of
distributions when the Trust does not have sufficient available funds to pay
such distributions. In such event, the remedy of a holder of Convertible
Preferred Securities is to vote to direct the Institutional Trustee to enforce
the Institutional Trustee's rights under the Convertible Debentures or, in
certain limited circumstances, to take Direct Action. See "--Voting Rights"
and "--Declaration Events of Default."
 
DISTRIBUTIONS
 
  Distributions on the Convertible Preferred Securities are fixed at a rate
per annum (the "distribution rate") of 5% of the stated liquidation amount of
$50 per Convertible Preferred Security. Distributions in arrears for more than
one quarter will accrue interest thereon at the distribution rate (to the
extent permitted by applicable law), compounded quarterly. The term
"distribution" as used herein includes any such interest payable unless
otherwise stated. The amount of distributions payable for any period will be
computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. The amount of
distributions payable for any period shorter than a full quarterly period for
which distributions are computed will be computed on the basis of the actual
number of days elapsed per 30-day month.
 
  Distributions on the Convertible Preferred Securities will be cumulative,
will accrue from the first date that any Convertible Preferred Securities are
issued, and will be payable quarterly in arrears on March 1, June 1, September
1 and December 1 of each year, commencing June 1, 1997, when, as and if
available for payment. Distributions will be made by the Institutional
Trustee, except as otherwise described below.
 
  So long as McKesson shall not be in default in the payment of interest on
the Convertible Debentures, McKesson has the right under the Indenture to
defer payments of interest on the Convertible Debentures by extending the
interest payment period from time to time on the Convertible Debentures,
which, if exercised, would defer quarterly distributions on the Convertible
Preferred Securities (though such distributions would continue to accumulate
with interest thereon (to the extent permitted by applicable law) at the
distribution rate, compounded quarterly, since interest would continue to
accrue on the Convertible Debentures) during any such
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
Extension Period. Such right to extend the interest payment period for the
Convertible Debentures is limited to a period not exceeding 20 consecutive
quarters and such period may not extend beyond the maturity of the Convertible
Debentures. Each Extension Period, if any, will end on an Interest Payment
Date (as defined herein) for the Convertible Debentures; such date will also
be a distribution payment date for the Convertible Preferred Securities. In
the event that McKesson exercises its right to defer payment of interest,
then, during such Extension Period McKesson shall not (a) declare or pay
dividends on, make distributions with respect to, or redeem, purchase or
acquire, or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of its capital
stock or (b) make any payment of interest, principal or premium, if any, on or
repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities issued by McKesson that rank
pari passu with or junior in interest to the Convertible Debentures or make
any guarantee payments with respect to any guarantee by the Company of the
debt securities of any subsidiary of the Company if such guarantee ranks pari
passu with or junior in interest to the Convertible Debentures (other than (i)
as a result of a reclassification of McKesson capital stock or the exchange or
conversion of one class or series of McKesson capital stock for another class
or series of McKesson capital stock, (ii) the purchase of fractional interests
in shares of McKesson capital stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange
provisions of such McKesson capital stock or the security being converted or
exchanged for McKesson capital stock, (iii) dividends or distributions in
Common Stock of the Company, (iv) any declaration of a dividend in connection
with the implementation of a stockholders' rights plan, or the issuance of
stock under any such plan in the future, or the redemption or repurchase of
any such rights pursuant thereto, (v) payments under the Guarantee and Common
Securities Guarantee (as defined herein), (vi) purchases of Common Stock
related to the issuance of Common Stock or rights under any of the Company's
benefit plans for its directors, officers or employees and (vii) obligations
under any dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plans). Prior to the
termination of any such Extension Period, McKesson may further extend the
interest payment period; provided that such Extension Period, together with
all such previous and further extensions, may not exceed 20 consecutive
quarters or extend beyond the maturity of the Convertible Debentures. Upon the
termination of any Extension Period and the payment of all amounts then due,
McKesson may commence a new Extension Period, subject to the above
requirements. Consequently, there could be multiple Extension Periods of
varying length throughout the term of the Convertible Debentures. See
"Description of the Convertible Debentures--Interest" and "--Option to Extend
Interest Payment Period." If distributions are deferred, the deferred
distributions and interest thereon shall be payable on the distribution
payment date on which the relevant Extension Period terminates and shall be
paid to holders of record of the Convertible Preferred Securities as they
appear on the books and records of the Trust at the close of business on the
record date next preceding such distribution payment date.
 
  Distributions on the Convertible Preferred Securities must be paid on the
date payable to the extent that the Trust has funds available for the payment
of such distributions. The Trust's funds available for distribution to the
holders of the Convertible Preferred Securities will be limited to payments
received from McKesson on the Convertible Debentures. See "Description of the
Convertible Debentures." The payment of distributions out of monies held by
the Trust is guaranteed by McKesson to the extent set forth under "Description
of the Guarantee."
 
  Distributions on the Convertible Preferred Securities will be payable to the
holders thereof as they appear on the books and records of the Trust at the
close of business on the relevant record dates, which will be fifteen days
prior to the relevant payment dates. Such distributions will be paid through
the Institutional Trustee who will hold amounts received in respect of the
Convertible Debentures for the benefit of the holders of the Trust Securities.
Subject to any applicable laws and regulations and the provisions of the
Declaration, each such payment will be made as described under "--Form,
Denomination and Registration" below. In the event that any date on which
distributions are to be made on the Convertible Preferred Securities is not a
Business Day (as defined herein), then payment of the distributions payable on
such date will be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day (and
without any interest or other payment in respect of any such delay), except
that, if such Business Day is in the next succeeding calendar year, such
payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day, in each case
with the same force and effect as if made on such date. A "Business Day" shall
mean any day other than Saturday, Sunday or any other day on which banking
institutions in The City of New York or Wilmington, Delaware are permitted or
required by any applicable law to close.
 
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
CONVERSION RIGHTS
 
  General. The Convertible Preferred Securities are convertible at any time
beginning May 21, 1997 through the close of business on the Business Day prior
to the maturity date of the Convertible Debentures (or, in the case of
Convertible Preferred Securities called for redemption, prior to the close of
business on the Business Day prior to the Redemption Date) (the "Conversion
Expiration Date"), at the option of the holders thereof and in the manner
described below, into shares of McKesson Common Stock at an initial conversion
rate of .6709 shares of McKesson Common Stock for each Convertible Preferred
Security (equivalent to a conversion price (the "Conversion Price") of $74.53
per share of McKesson Common Stock), subject to adjustment as described under
"--Conversion Price Adjustments--General" below.
 
  The terms of the Convertible Preferred Securities provide that a holder of a
Convertible Preferred Security wishing to exercise its conversion right shall
surrender such Convertible Preferred Security, together with an irrevocable
conversion notice, to the Institutional Trustee, as conversion agent (the
"Conversion Agent") which shall, on behalf of such holder, exchange such
Convertible Preferred Security for an equivalent portion of the Convertible
Debentures and immediately convert an equivalent amount of Convertible
Debentures into McKesson Common Stock. Holders may obtain copies of the
required form of the conversion notice from the Conversion Agent. Additional
procedures for converting book-entry Convertible Preferred Securities into
shares of McKesson Common Stock are described below under "--Form,
Denomination and Registration."
 
  Accrued distributions will not be paid on the Convertible Preferred
Securities that are converted, provided, however, that if any Convertible
Preferred Security is converted after the close of business on a record date
for payment of distributions thereon, the distributions payable on the related
payment date with respect to such Convertible Preferred Security shall be paid
on such distribution date to the person who was the registered holder thereof
at the close of business on such record date, despite such conversion, unless
such Convertible Preferred Security has been called for redemption on a
Redemption Date falling between such record date and the corresponding
distribution payment date, in which case the amount of such payment shall
include distributions accrued to, but excluding, such Redemption Date and such
payment shall be made to the converting holder. Except as provided in the
immediately preceding sentence, neither the Trust nor McKesson shall make any
payment, allowance or adjustment for accumulated and unpaid distributions on
converted Convertible Preferred Securities. McKesson will make no payment or
allowance for distributions on the shares of McKesson Common Stock issued upon
such conversion, except to the extent that such shares of McKesson Common
Stock are held of record on the record date for any such distributions.
 
  No fractional shares of McKesson Common Stock will be issued as a result of
conversion, but in lieu thereof such fractional interest will be paid by
McKesson in cash based on the Closing Price (as defined in the Declaration) of
McKesson Common Stock on the date such Convertible Preferred Securities are
surrendered for conversion.
 
  Conversion Price Adjustments--General. The initial conversion price of
$74.53 per share of McKesson Common Stock is subject to adjustment (under
formulae set forth in the Indenture) in certain events, including (i) the
issuance of shares of McKesson Common Stock as a dividend or a distribution
with respect to McKesson Common Stock, (ii) certain subdivisions and
combinations of McKesson Common Stock, (iii) the issuance to all holders of
McKesson Common Stock of certain rights or warrants entitling them to
subscribe for or purchase shares of McKesson Common Stock, (iv) the
distribution to all holders of McKesson Common Stock of shares of capital
stock (other than McKesson Common Stock) or evidences of indebtedness of
McKesson or of assets (including securities, but excluding those rights,
warrants, dividends and distributions referred to above or paid in cash), (v)
distributions consisting of cash, excluding any quarterly cash dividend on
McKesson Common Stock to the extent that the aggregate cash dividend per share
of McKesson Common Stock in any quarter does not exceed the greater of (x) the
amount per share of McKesson Common Stock of the next preceding quarterly
dividend on McKesson Common Stock to the extent that such preceding quarterly
dividend did not require an adjustment of the conversion rate pursuant to this
clause (v) (as adjusted to reflect subdivisions or combinations of McKesson
Common Stock), and (y) 3.75% of the average of the daily Closing Price (as
defined in the
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
Indenture) of McKesson Common Stock during the ten consecutive Trading Days
(as defined in the Indenture) immediately prior to the date of declaration of
such dividend, and excluding any dividend or distribution in connection with
the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of McKesson, (vi) payment to
holders of McKesson Common Stock in respect of a tender or exchange offer by
McKesson or any subsidiary for McKesson Common Stock to the extent that the
cash and value of any other consideration included in such payment per share
of McKesson Common Stock exceeds the Closing Price (as defined in the
Indenture) per share of Common Stock on the Trading Day next succeeding the
last date on which tenders or exchanges may be made pursuant to such tender or
exchange offer, and (vii) payment in respect of a tender offer or exchange
offer by a person other than McKesson or any subsidiary of McKesson in which,
as of the closing date of the offer, the Board of Directors is not
recommending rejection of the offer. If an adjustment is required to be made
as set forth in clause (v) above as a result of a distribution that is a
quarterly dividend, such adjustment would be based upon the amount by which
such distribution exceeds the amount of the quarterly cash dividend permitted
to be excluded pursuant to such clause (v). If an adjustment is required to be
made based upon the full amount of the distribution that is not a quarterly
dividend, such adjustment would be based upon the full amount of the
distribution. The adjustment referred to in clause (vii) above will only be
made (A) if the tender offer or exchange offer is for an amount that increases
that person's ownership of McKesson Common Stock to more than 25% of the total
shares of McKesson Common Stock outstanding and (B) if the cash and value of
any other consideration included in such payment per share of McKesson Common
Stock exceeds the Closing Price per share of McKesson Common Stock on the
Business Day next succeeding the last date on which tenders or exchanges may
be made pursuant to such tender or exchange offer. The adjustment referred to
in clause (vii) above will not be made, however, if, as of the closing of the
offer, the offering documents with respect to such offer disclose a plan or an
intention to cause McKesson to engage in a consolidation or merger of McKesson
or a sale of all or substantially all of McKesson's assets. The Convertible
Debentures provide for corresponding anti-dilution adjustments.
 
  McKesson from time to time may to the extent permitted by law reduce the
conversion price of the Convertible Debentures (and thus the conversion price
of the Convertible Preferred Securities) by any amount for any period of at
least 20 days, in which case McKesson shall give at least 15 days' notice of
such reduction.
 
  No adjustment in the conversion price will be required unless such
adjustment would require a change of at least one percent (1%) in the
conversion price then in effect; provided, however, that any adjustment that
would not be required to be made shall be carried forward and taken into
account in any subsequent adjustment. If any action would require adjustment
of the conversion price pursuant to more than one of the provisions described
above, only one adjustment shall be made and such adjustment shall be the
amount of adjustment that has the highest absolute value to the holder of the
Convertible Preferred Securities. Except as stated above, the conversion price
will not be adjusted for the issuance of McKesson Common Stock or any
securities convertible into or exchangeable for McKesson Common Stock or
carrying the right to purchase any of the foregoing.
 
  Conversion Price Adjustments--Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets of
McKesson. If any transaction shall occur (including without limitation (i) any
recapitalization or reclassification of shares of McKesson Common Stock (other
than a change in par value, or from par value to no par value, or from no par
value to par value, or as a result of a subdivision or combination of McKesson
Common Stock), (ii) any consolidation or merger of McKesson with or into
another person or any merger of another person into McKesson (other than a
merger that does not result in a reclassification, conversion, exchange or
cancellation of McKesson Common Stock), (iii) any sale or transfer of all or
substantially all of the assets of McKesson, or (iv) any compulsory share
exchange) pursuant to which either shares of McKesson Common Stock shall be
converted into the right to receive other securities, cash or other property,
or, in the case of a sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the
assets of McKesson, the holders of McKesson Common Stock shall be entitled to
receive other securities, cash or other property, then appropriate provision
shall be made so that the holder of each Convertible Preferred Security then
outstanding shall have the right thereafter to convert such Convertible
Preferred Security only into:
 
    (x) in the case of any such transaction that does not constitute a Common
  Stock Fundamental Change (as defined below) and subject to funds being
  legally available for such purpose under applicable law at the time of such
  conversion, the kind and amount of the securities, cash or other property
  that would have been
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
  receivable upon such recapitalization, reclassification, consolidation,
  merger, sale, transfer or share exchange by a holder of the number of
  shares of McKesson Common Stock issuable upon conversion of such
  Convertible Preferred Security immediately prior to such recapitalization,
  reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or share exchange,
  after giving effect, in the case of any Non-Stock Fundamental Change (as
  defined below), to any adjustment in the conversion price in accordance
  with clause (i) of the second following paragraph, and
 
    (y) in the case of any such transaction that constitutes a Common Stock
  Fundamental Change, common stock of the kind received by holders of
  McKesson Common Stock as a result of such Common Stock Fundamental Change
  in an amount determined in accordance with clause (ii) of the second
  following paragraph.
 
  The company formed by such consolidation or resulting from such merger or
that acquires assets or that acquires McKesson's shares, as the case may be,
shall make provisions in its certificate or articles of incorporation or other
constituent document to establish such right. Such certificate or articles of
incorporation or other constituent document shall provide for adjustments
that, for events subsequent to the effective date of such certificate or
articles of incorporation or other constituent documents, shall be as nearly
equivalent as may be practicable to the relevant adjustments provided for in
the preceding paragraphs and in this paragraph.
 
  Notwithstanding any other provision in the preceding paragraphs to the
contrary, if any Fundamental Change (as defined below) occurs, then the
conversion price in effect will be adjusted immediately after such Fundamental
Change as follows:
 
    (i) in the case of a Non-Stock Fundamental Change, the conversion price
  of the Convertible Preferred Securities immediately following such Non-
  Stock Fundamental Change shall be the lower of (A) the conversion price in
  effect immediately prior to such Non-Stock Fundamental Change, but after
  giving effect to any other prior adjustments effected pursuant to the
  preceding paragraphs, and (B) the product of (1) the greater of the
  Applicable Price (as defined below) and the then applicable Reference
  Market Price (as defined below) and (2) a fraction, the numerator of which
  is $50 and the denominator of which is (x) the amount of the redemption
  price for one Convertible Preferred Security if the redemption date were
  the date of such Non-Stock Fundamental Change (or, for the twelve-month
  periods commencing March 4, 1997, March 4, 1998 and March 4, 1999, the
  product of 105.0%, 104.5% and 104.0%, respectively, times $50) plus (y) any
  then-accrued and unpaid distributions on one Convertible Preferred
  Security; and
 
    (ii) in the case of a Common Stock Fundamental Change, the conversion
  price of Convertible Preferred Securities immediately following such Common
  Stock Fundamental Change shall be the conversion price in effect
  immediately prior to such Common Stock Fundamental Change, but after giving
  effect to any other prior adjustments effected pursuant to the preceding
  paragraphs, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the
  Purchaser Stock Price (as defined below) and the denominator of which is
  the Applicable Price; provided, however, that in the event of a Common
  Stock Fundamental Change in which (A) 100% of the value of the
  consideration received by a holder of McKesson Common Stock is common stock
  of the successor, acquiror or other third party (and cash, if any, paid
  with respect to any fractional interests in such common stock resulting
  from such Common Stock Fundamental Change) and (B) all of the McKesson
  Common Stock shall have been exchanged for, converted into or acquired for,
  common stock of the successor, acquiror or other third party (and any cash
  with respect to fractional interests), the conversion price of the
  Convertible Preferred Securities immediately following such Common Stock
  Fundamental Change shall be the conversion price in effect immediately
  prior to such Common Stock Fundamental Change multiplied by a fraction, the
  numerator of which is one (1) and the denominator of which is the number of
  shares of common stock of the successor, acquiror or other third party
  received by a holder of one share of McKesson Common Stock as a result of
  such Common Stock Fundamental Change.
 
  Depending upon whether a Fundamental Change is a Non-Stock Fundamental
Change or a Common Stock Fundamental Change, a holder may receive
significantly different consideration upon conversion. In the event of a Non-
Stock Fundamental Change, the holder has the right to convert Convertible
Preferred Securities into the
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
kind and amount of the shares of stock and other securities or property or
assets (including cash), except as otherwise provided above, as is determined
by the number of shares of McKesson Common Stock receivable upon conversion at
the conversion price as adjusted in accordance with clause (i) of the
preceding paragraph. However, in the event of a Common Stock Fundamental
Change in which less than 100% of the value of the consideration received by a
holder of McKesson Common Stock is common stock of the successor, acquiror or
other third party, a holder of a Convertible Preferred Security who converts
such share following the Common Stock Fundamental Change will receive
consideration in the form of such common stock only, whereas a holder who
converted such share prior to the Common Stock Fundamental Change would have
received consideration in the form of such common stock as well as any other
securities or assets (which may include cash) issuable upon conversion of such
Convertible Preferred Security immediately prior to such Common Stock
Fundamental Change.
 
  The term "Applicable Price" means (i) in the event of a Non-Stock
Fundamental Change in which the holders of McKesson Common Stock receive only
cash, the amount of cash received by a holder of one share of McKesson Common
Stock and (ii) in the event of any other Fundamental Change, the average of
the daily Closing Price (as defined in the Indenture) for one share of
McKesson Common Stock during the 10 Trading Days immediately prior to the
record date for the determination of the holders of McKesson Common Stock
entitled to receive cash, securities, property or other assets in connection
with such Fundamental Change or, if there is no such record date, prior to the
date upon which the holders of McKesson Common Stock shall have the right to
receive such cash, securities, property or other assets.
 
  The term "Common Stock Fundamental Change" means any Fundamental Change in
which more than 50% of the value (as determined in good faith by the Board of
Directors of McKesson) of the consideration received by holders of McKesson
Common Stock consists of common stock that, for the 10 Trading Days
immediately prior to such Fundamental Change, has been admitted for listing or
admitted for listing subject to notice of issuance on a national securities
exchange or quoted on The Nasdaq National Market; provided, however, that a
Fundamental Change shall not be a Common Stock Fundamental Change unless
either (i) McKesson continues to exist after the occurrence of such
Fundamental Change and the outstanding Convertible Preferred Securities
continue to exist as outstanding Convertible Preferred Securities, or (ii) not
later than the occurrence of such Fundamental Change, the outstanding
Convertible Preferred Securities are converted into or exchanged for shares of
convertible preferred stock or debentures of a corporation succeeding to the
business of McKesson, which convertible preferred stock has powers,
preferences and relative, participating, optional or other rights, and
qualifications, limitations and restrictions substantially similar to those of
the Convertible Preferred Securities and which debentures have terms
substantially similar to those of the Convertible Debentures.
 
  The term "Fundamental Change" means the occurrence of any transaction or
event or series of transactions or events pursuant to which all or
substantially all of the McKesson Common Stock shall be exchanged for,
converted into, acquired for or shall constitute solely the right to receive
cash, securities, property or other assets (whether by means of an exchange
offer, liquidation, tender offer, consolidation, merger, combination,
reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise); provided, however, in the
case of any such series of transactions or events, for purposes of adjustment
of the conversion price, such Fundamental Change shall be deemed to have
occurred when substantially all of the McKesson Common Stock shall have been
exchanged for, converted into or acquired for, or shall constitute solely the
right to receive, such cash, securities, property or other assets, but the
adjustment shall be based upon the consideration that the holders of McKesson
Common Stock received in the transaction or event as a result of which more
than 50% of the McKesson Common Stock shall have been exchanged for, converted
into or acquired for, or shall constitute solely the right to receive, such
cash, securities, property or other assets.
 
  The term "Non-Stock Fundamental Change" means any Fundamental Change other
than a Common Stock Fundamental Change.
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
  The term "Purchaser Stock Price" means, with respect to any Common Stock
Fundamental Change, the average of the daily Closing Price for one share of
the common stock received by holders of McKesson Common Stock (determined as
provided in the Declaration) in such Common Stock Fundamental Change during
the 10 Trading Days immediately prior to the date fixed for the determination
of the holders of McKesson Common Stock entitled to receive such common stock
or, if there is no such date, prior to the date upon which the holders of
McKesson Common Stock shall have the right to receive such common stock.
 
  The Term "Reference Market Price" shall initially mean $39.75 (which is an
amount equal to 66 2/3% of the reported last sale price for McKesson Common
Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on February 13, 1997 (the date of the
pricing of the Original Offering)) and, in the event of any adjustment to the
conversion price other than as a result of a Fundamental Change, the Reference
Market Price shall also be adjusted so that the ratio of the Reference Market
Price to the conversion price after giving effect to any such adjustment shall
also be the same as the ratio of the initial Reference Market Price to the
initial conversion price of $74.53 per share.
 
MANDATORY REDEMPTION
 
  The Convertible Preferred Securities will be redeemed upon repayment of the
Convertible Debentures at their maturity or to the extent that the Convertible
Debentures are redeemed or repaid upon acceleration. The Convertible
Debentures will mature on June 1, 2027, and may be redeemed, in whole or in
part, at any time on or after March 4, 2000, or at any time in certain
circumstances upon the occurrence of a Tax Event (as defined below). Upon the
repayment of the Convertible Debentures, whether at maturity, upon redemption
or otherwise, the proceeds from such repayment shall simultaneously be applied
to redeem Trust Securities having an aggregate liquidation amount equal to the
aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Debentures so repaid or redeemed
at the appropriate Redemption Price (expressed as percentages of the
liquidation amount of the Convertible Preferred Securities) set forth below,
together with accrued and unpaid distributions (including, if distributions
shall have been deferred as the result of an Extension Period, interest
thereon to the extent permitted by applicable law) to, but excluding, the
redemption date, if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning March 4 of
the applicable year set forth below; provided, that holders of Trust
Securities shall be given not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice of
such redemption. See "Description of the Convertible Debentures--Redemption at
the Option of McKesson." In the event that fewer than all of the outstanding
Convertible Preferred Securities are to be redeemed, the Convertible Preferred
Securities will be redeemed pro rata as described under "--Form, Denomination
and Registration" below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            YEAR                         REDEMPTION PRICE
            ----                         ----------------
            <S>                          <C>
            2000........................      103.5%
            2001........................      103.0
            2002........................      102.5
            2003........................      102.0
            2004........................      101.5
            2005........................      101.0
            2006........................      100.5
</TABLE>
 
and 100.0% if redeemed on or after March 4, 2007. If Convertible Preferred
Securities are redeemed on any distribution payment date, accumulated and
unpaid distributions shall be payable to holders of record on the relevant
record date.
 
SPECIAL EVENT DISTRIBUTION; TAX EVENT REDEMPTION
 
  "Tax Event" means that the Regular Trustees shall have received an opinion
of nationally recognized independent tax counsel experienced in such matters
(a "Dissolution Tax Opinion") to the effect that as a result of (a) any
amendment to, clarification of, or change (including any announced prospective
change) in the laws,
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
or any regulations thereunder, of the United States or any political
subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, (b) any judicial decision,
official administrative pronouncement, ruling, regulatory procedure, notice or
announcement, including any notice or announcement of intent to adopt such
procedures or regulations (an "Administrative Action"), or (c) any amendment
to, clarification of, or change in the official position or the interpretation
of such Administrative Action or judicial decision that differs from the
theretofore generally accepted position, in each case, by any legislative
body, court, governmental authority or regulatory body, irrespective of the
manner in which such amendment, clarification or change is made known, which
amendment, clarification, or change is effective or such pronouncement or
decision is announced, in each case, on or after February 13, 1997, there is
the creation by such amendment, clarification, change or Administrative Action
of more than an insubstantial risk that (i) the Trust is or will be subject to
United States federal income tax with respect to interest accrued or received
on the Convertible Debentures, (ii) the Trust is or will be subject to more
than a de minimis amount of taxes (other than withholding taxes), duties or
other governmental charges, or (iii) interest paid in cash by McKesson to the
Trust on the Convertible Debentures is not, or will not be, deductible, in
whole or in part, by McKesson for United States federal income tax purposes.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Tax Event shall not include any change in tax
law that requires McKesson for United States federal income tax purposes to
defer taking a deduction for any OID that accrues with respect to the
Convertible Debentures until the interest payment related to such OID is paid
by the Company in cash; provided, that such change in tax law does not create
more than an insubstantial risk that McKesson will be prevented from taking a
deduction for OID accruing with respect to the Convertible Debentures at a
date that is no later than the date the interest payment related to such OID
is actually paid by McKesson in cash.
 
  "Investment Company Event" means that the Regular Trustees shall have
received an opinion of nationally recognized independent counsel experienced
in such matters to the effect that, as a result of the occurrence of a change
in law or regulation or a written change in interpretation or application of
law or regulation by any legislative body, court, governmental agency or
regulatory authority on or after February 13, 1997, there is more than an
insubstantial risk that the Trust is or will be considered an "investment
company" that is required to be registered under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (the "1940 Act").
 
  If, at any time, a Tax Event or an Investment Company Event (each, a
"Special Event") shall occur and be continuing, the Trust may with the consent
of McKesson, except in the limited circumstances described below, be dissolved
with the result that Convertible Debentures with an aggregate principal amount
equal to the aggregate stated liquidation amount of, with an interest rate
identical to the distribution rate of, and accrued and unpaid interest equal
to accrued and unpaid distributions on, the Trust Securities, would be
distributed to the holders of the Trust Securities in liquidation of such
holders' interest in the Trust on a pro rata basis within 90 days following
the occurrence of the Special Event; provided, that such dissolution and
distribution shall be conditioned on (i) the Regular Trustees' receipt of an
opinion of independent tax counsel experienced in such matters (a "No
Recognition Opinion"), which opinion may rely on published revenue rulings of
the Internal Revenue Service, to the effect that the holders of the Trust
Securities will not recognize any income, gain or loss for United States
federal income tax purposes as a result of such dissolution and distribution
of Convertible Debentures, (ii) McKesson or the Trust being unable to avoid
such Special Event within such 90-day period by taking some ministerial action
or pursuing some other reasonable measure that will have no adverse effect on
the Trust, McKesson or the holders of the Trust Securities and (iii)
McKesson's prior written consent to such dissolution and distribution. If
McKesson declines to consent to such dissolution and distribution, McKesson
may incur an obligation to pay Additional Sums. See "Description of the
Convertible Debentures--Additional Sums." Furthermore, if after receipt of a
Dissolution Tax Opinion by the Regular Trustees (i) McKesson has received an
opinion (a "Redemption Tax Opinion") of nationally recognized independent tax
counsel experienced in such matters that, as a result of a Tax Event, there is
more than an insubstantial risk that McKesson would be precluded from
deducting the interest on the Convertible Debentures for United States federal
income tax purposes even after the Convertible Debentures were distributed to
the holders of Trust Securities in liquidation of such holders' interests in
the Trust as described above, or (ii) the Regular Trustees shall have been
informed by such tax counsel that it cannot deliver a No Recognition Opinion
to the Trust,
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
McKesson shall have the right, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days
notice, to redeem the Convertible Debentures, in whole or in part, at 100% of
the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon for cash
within 90 days following the occurrence of such Tax Event. Following such
redemption, Trust Securities with an aggregate liquidation amount equal to the
aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Debentures so redeemed shall be
redeemed by the Trust at the liquidation amount thereof plus accrued and
unpaid distributions thereon to the redemption date on a pro rata basis;
provided, however, that if at the time there is available to McKesson or the
Trust the opportunity to eliminate, within such 90 day period, the Tax Event
by taking some ministerial action, such as filing a form or making an election
or pursuing some other similar reasonable measure that will have no adverse
effect on the Trust, McKesson or the holders of Trust Securities, McKesson or
the Trust will pursue such measure in lieu of redemption.
 
  After the date for any distribution of Convertible Debentures upon
dissolution of the Trust, (i) the Trust Securities will no longer be deemed to
be outstanding and (ii) certificates representing Trust Securities will be
deemed to represent Convertible Debentures having an aggregate principal
amount equal to the aggregate stated liquidation amount of, with an interest
rate identical to the distribution rate of, and accrued and unpaid interest
(including Compound Interest (as defined herein)) equal to accrued and unpaid
distributions on, such Trust Securities until such certificates are presented
to McKesson or its agent for transfer or reissuance.
 
REDEMPTION PROCEDURES FOR REDEMPTION BY THE TRUST
 
  The Trust may not redeem fewer than all of the outstanding Convertible
Preferred Securities unless all accrued and unpaid distributions have been
paid on all Convertible Preferred Securities for all quarterly distribution
periods terminating on or prior to the date of redemption.
 
  The Trust shall not be required to (i) in the event of any redemption in
part, issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Convertible Preferred
Securities during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before
any selection for redemption of Convertible Preferred Securities and ending at
the close of business on the earliest date in which the relevant notice of
redemption is deemed to have been given to all holders of Convertible
Preferred Securities to be so redeemed or (ii) register the transfer of or
exchange any Convertible Preferred Securities selected for redemption, in
whole or in part, except for the unredeemed portion of any Convertible
Preferred Securities being redeemed in part.
 
  If the Trust gives a notice of redemption in respect of Convertible
Preferred Securities (which notice will be irrevocable), then, by 12:00 noon,
New York City time, on the redemption date, provided that McKesson has paid to
the Institutional Trustee a sufficient amount of cash in connection with the
related redemption of the Convertible Debentures, the Trust will irrevocably
deposit with the depositary for the Global Securities (the "Depository") funds
sufficient to pay the amount payable on redemption of all book-entry
certificates and will give the Depository irrevocable instructions and
authority to pay such amount in respect of the Global Securities and will
irrevocably deposit with the paying agent for the Convertible Preferred
Securities funds sufficient to pay such amount in respect of any certificated
Convertible Preferred Securities and will give such paying agent irrevocable
instructions and authority to pay such amount to the holders of certificated
Convertible Preferred Securities upon surrender of their certificates. If
notice of redemption shall have been given and funds deposited as required,
then, from and after the redemption date, distributions will cease to accrue
and all rights of holders of such Convertible Preferred Securities so called
for redemption will cease, except the right of the holders of such Convertible
Preferred Securities to receive the Redemption Price plus accrued and unpaid
distributions on the Convertible Preferred Securities to be redeemed, but
without interest on such Redemption Price. In the event that any date fixed
for redemption of Convertible Preferred Securities is not a Business Day, then
payment of the Redemption Price payable on such date will be made on the next
succeeding day that is a Business Day (without any interest or other payment
in respect of any such delay) except that, if such Business Day falls in the
next calendar year, such payment will be made on the immediately preceding
Business Day. In the event that payment of the Redemption Price in respect of
Convertible Preferred Securities is improperly withheld or refused and not
paid either by the Trust or by McKesson pursuant to the Guarantee,
distributions on such Convertible Preferred
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
Securities will continue to accrue at the then applicable rate from the
original redemption date to the date of payment, in which case the actual
payment date will be considered the date fixed for redemption for purposes of
calculating the Redemption Price.
 
  In the event that fewer than all of the outstanding Convertible Preferred
Securities are to be redeemed, the Convertible Preferred Securities will be
redeemed pro rata.
 
  Subject to the foregoing and applicable law (including without limitation,
United States federal securities laws), McKesson or its subsidiaries may at
any time, and from time to time, purchase outstanding Convertible Preferred
Securities by tender, in the open market or by private agreement.
 
SUBORDINATION OF COMMON SECURITIES
 
  Payment of distributions on, and the amount payable upon redemption of, the
Trust Securities, as applicable, shall be made pro rata based on the
liquidation amount of the Trust Securities; provided however, that, if on any
distribution date or Redemption Date a Declaration Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing, no payment of any distribution on, or amount
payable upon redemption of, any Common Security and no other payment on
account of the redemption, liquidation or other acquisition of any Common
Security shall be made unless payment in full in cash of all accumulated and
unpaid distributions on all outstanding Convertible Preferred Securities for
all distribution periods terminating on or prior thereto, or in the case of
payment of the amount payable upon redemption of the Convertible Preferred
Securities, the full Redemption Price, together with accumulated and unpaid
distributions, in respect of all outstanding Convertible Preferred Securities
called for redemption shall have been made or provided for, and all funds
available to the Institutional Trustee shall first be applied to the payment
in full in cash of all distributions on, or the amount payable upon redemption
of, Convertible Preferred Securities then due and payable.
 
  In the case of any Declaration Event of Default, the holder of Common
Securities will be deemed to have waived any such Declaration Event of Default
until all Declaration Events of Default with respect to the Convertible
Preferred Securities have been cured, waived or otherwise eliminated. Until
any such Declaration Events of Default with respect to the Convertible
Preferred Securities have been so cured, waived or otherwise eliminated, the
Institutional Trustee shall act solely on behalf of the holders of the
Convertible Preferred Securities and not the holder of the Common Securities,
and only the holders of the Convertible Preferred Securities will have the
right to direct the Institutional Trustee to act in accordance with the terms
of the Convertible Preferred Securities and the Common Securities.
 
LIQUIDATION OF TRUST AND DISTRIBUTION OF CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES TO HOLDERS
 
  McKesson has the right at any time to cause the Trust to be dissolved with
the result that, after satisfaction of creditors of the Trust, Convertible
Debentures with an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate stated
liquidation amount of the Convertible Preferred Securities and the Common
Securities would be distributed on a pro rata basis to the holders of the
Convertible Preferred Securities and the Common Securities in liquidation of
such holders' interests in the Trust within 90 days following notice given to
the holders of the Convertible Preferred Securities, subject to the Regular
Trustees' having received an opinion of nationally recognized independent
counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that the holders will not
recognize any income, gain or loss for United States federal income tax
purposes as a result of the dissolution of the Trust and such distribution to
holders of Convertible Preferred Securities.
 
LIQUIDATION DISTRIBUTION UPON DISSOLUTION
 
  In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution,
winding-up or termination of the Trust (each a "Liquidation"), the then
holders of the Convertible Preferred Securities will be entitled to receive
out of the assets of the Trust, after satisfaction of liabilities to
creditors, distributions in an amount equal to the aggregate of the stated
liquidation amount of $50 per Convertible Preferred Security plus accrued and
unpaid
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
distributions thereon (including, if distributions have been deferred as the
result of an Extension Period, interest thereon to the extent permitted by
applicable law) to the date of payment (the "Liquidation Distribution"),
unless, in connection with such Liquidation, Convertible Debentures in an
aggregate stated principal amount equal to the aggregate stated liquidation
amount of, with an interest rate identical to the distribution rate of, and
accrued and unpaid interest equal to accrued and unpaid distributions on, the
Convertible Preferred Securities have been distributed on a pro rata basis to
the holders of the Convertible Preferred Securities.
 
  If, upon any such Liquidation, the Liquidation Distribution can be paid only
in part because the Trust has insufficient assets available to pay in full the
aggregate Liquidation Distribution, then the amounts payable directly by the
Trust on the Convertible Preferred Securities shall be paid on a pro rata
basis. The holders of the Common Securities will be entitled to receive
distributions upon any such dissolution pro rata with the holders of the
Convertible Preferred Securities, except that if a Declaration Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing, the Convertible Preferred Securities
shall have a preference over the Common Securities with regard to such
distributions.
 
  Pursuant to the Declaration, the Trust shall terminate (i) on June 1, 2032,
the expiration of the term of the Trust, (ii) upon the bankruptcy of McKesson
or the holder of the Common Securities, (iii) upon the filing of a certificate
of dissolution or its equivalent with respect to the holder of the Common
Securities or McKesson, the filing of a certificate of cancellation with
respect to the Trust after obtaining the consent of the holders of at least a
majority in liquidation amount of the Trust Securities voting together as a
single class to file such certificate of cancellation, or the revocation of
the charter of the holder of the Common Securities or McKesson and the
expiration of 90 days after the date of revocation without a reinstatement
thereof, (iv) upon the distribution of Convertible Debentures upon the
occurrence of a Special Event, (v) upon the entry of a decree of a judicial
dissolution of the holder of the Common Securities, McKesson or the Trust,
(vi) upon the redemption of all the Trust Securities or (vii) upon the
distribution of McKesson Common Stock to all holders of Convertible Preferred
Securities upon conversion of all outstanding Convertible Preferred
Securities.
 
  There can be no assurance as to the market price for the Convertible
Debentures which may be distributed in exchange for Trust Securities if a
dissolution and liquidation of the Trust were to occur. Accordingly, the
Convertible Debentures that the investor may subsequently receive on
dissolution and liquidation of the Trust may trade at a discount to the price
of the Trust Securities exchanged.
 
DECLARATION EVENTS OF DEFAULT
 
  An event of default under the Indenture (an "Indenture Event of Default")
constitutes an event of default under the Declaration with respect to the
Trust Securities (a "Declaration Event of Default"), provided, that pursuant
to the Declaration, the holder of the Common Securities will be deemed to have
waived any Declaration Event of Default with respect to the Common Securities
until all Declaration Events of Default with respect to the Convertible
Preferred Securities have been cured, waived or otherwise eliminated. Until
such Declaration Events of Default with respect to the Convertible Preferred
Securities have been so cured, waived or otherwise eliminated, the
Institutional Trustee will be deemed to be acting solely on behalf of the
holders of the Convertible Preferred Securities and only the holders of the
Convertible Preferred Securities will have the right to direct the
Institutional Trustee with respect to certain matters under the Declaration,
and therefore the Indenture.
 
  If the Institutional Trustee fails to enforce its rights under the
Convertible Debentures, any holder of Convertible Preferred Securities may
institute a legal proceeding against any person to enforce the Institutional
Trustee's rights under the Convertible Debentures. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if a Declaration Event of Default has occurred and is continuing
and such event is attributable to the failure of McKesson to pay interest or
principal on the Convertible Debentures on the date such interest or principal
is otherwise payable (or in the case of redemption, the Redemption Date), then
a holder of Convertible Preferred Securities may institute a Direct Action for
payment on or after the respective due dates specified in the Convertible
Debentures. In connection with such Direct Action, McKesson will be subrogated
to the rights of such holders of Convertible
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
Preferred Securities under the Declaration to the extent of any payment made
by McKesson to such holder of Convertible Preferred Securities in such Direct
Action. The holders of Convertible Preferred Securities will not be able to
exercise directly any other remedy available to the holders of the Convertible
Debentures.
 
  Upon the occurrence of a Declaration Event of Default, the Institutional
Trustee as the sole holder of the Convertible Debentures will have the right
under the Indenture to declare the principal of and accrued and unpaid
interest on the Convertible Debentures to be immediately due and payable.
McKesson and the Trust are each required to file annually with the
Institutional Trustee an officer's certificate as to its compliance with all
conditions and covenants under the Declaration.
 
VOTING RIGHTS
 
  Except as described herein, under the Trust Act and under the Trust
Indenture Act, and as otherwise required by law and the Declaration, the
holders of the Convertible Preferred Securities have no voting rights.
 
  Subject to the requirement of the Institutional Trustee obtaining a tax
opinion in certain circumstances set forth in the last sentence of the next
paragraph, the holders of a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the
Convertible Preferred Securities then outstanding have the right to direct the
time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available
to the Institutional Trustee, or direct the exercise of any trust or power
conferred upon the Institutional Trustee under the Declaration, including the
right to direct the Institutional Trustee, as holder of the Convertible
Debentures, to (i) exercise the remedies available under the Indenture with
respect to the Convertible Debentures, (ii) waive any past Indenture Event of
Default that is waivable under the Indenture, or (iii) exercise any right to
rescind or annul a declaration that the principal of all the Convertible
Debentures shall be due and payable; provided, however, that if an Indenture
Event of Default has occurred and is continuing then, the holders of 25% of
the aggregate liquidation amount of the Convertible Preferred Securities then
outstanding may direct the Institutional Trustee to declare the principal of
and interest on the Convertible Debentures immediately due and payable;
provided, further, that, where a consent or action under the Indenture would
require the consent or action of holders of more than a majority in principal
amount of the Convertible Debentures then outstanding (a "Super-Majority")
affected thereby, only the holders of at least such Super-Majority in
aggregate liquidation amount of the Convertible Preferred Securities then
outstanding may direct the Institutional Trustee to give such consent or take
such action.
 
  The Institutional Trustee shall notify all holders of the Convertible
Preferred Securities of any notice of default received from the Debt Trustee
with respect to the Convertible Debentures. Such notice shall state that such
Indenture Event of Default also constitutes a Declaration Event of Default.
Except with respect to directing the time, method and place of conducting a
proceeding for a remedy, the Institutional Trustee shall not take any of the
actions described in clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) above unless the Institutional
Trustee has obtained an opinion of nationally recognized independent tax
counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that, as a result of such
action, the Trust will not be classified as other than a grantor trust for
United States federal income tax purposes.
 
  In the event the consent of the Institutional Trustee, as the holder of the
Convertible Debentures, is required under the Indenture with respect to any
amendment, modification or termination of the Indenture or the Convertible
Debentures, the Institutional Trustee shall request the direction of the
holders of the Trust Securities with respect to such amendment, modification
or termination and shall vote with respect to such amendment, modification or
termination as directed by a majority in liquidation amount of the Trust
Securities then outstanding, voting together as a single class; provided,
however, that where a consent under the Indenture would require the consent of
a Super-Majority, the Institutional Trustee may only give such consent at the
direction of the holders of at least the proportion in liquidation amount of
the Trust Securities then outstanding which the relevant Super-Majority
represents of the aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Debentures
then outstanding. The Institutional Trustee shall be under no obligation to
take any such action in accordance with the directions of the holders of the
Trust Securities unless the Institutional Trustee has obtained an opinion of
nationally recognized independent tax counsel experienced in such matters to
the effect that for the purposes of United States federal income tax the Trust
will not be classified as other than a grantor trust.
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
  A waiver of an Indenture Event of Default will constitute a waiver of the
corresponding Declaration Event of Default.
 
  Any required approval or direction of holders of Convertible Preferred
Securities may be given at a separate meeting of holders of Convertible
Preferred Securities convened for such purpose, at a meeting of all of the
holders of Trust Securities or pursuant to written consent. The Regular
Trustees will cause a notice of any meeting at which holders of Convertible
Preferred Securities are entitled to vote, or of any matter upon which action
by written consent of such holders is to be taken, to be mailed to each holder
of record of Convertible Preferred Securities. Each such notice will include a
statement setting forth the following information: (i) the date of such
meeting or the date by which such action is to be taken; (ii) a description of
any resolution proposed for adoption at such meeting on which such holders are
entitled to vote or of such matter upon which written consent is sought; and
(iii) instructions for the delivery of proxies or consents. No vote or consent
of the holders of Convertible Preferred Securities is required for the Trust
to redeem and cancel Convertible Preferred Securities or distribute
Convertible Debentures in accordance with the Declaration.
 
  Notwithstanding that holders of Convertible Preferred Securities are
entitled to vote or consent under any of the circumstances described above,
any of the Convertible Preferred Securities that are owned at such time by
McKesson or any entity directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by, or
under direct or indirect common control with, McKesson, shall not be entitled
to vote or consent and shall, for purposes of such vote or consent, be treated
as if such Convertible Preferred Securities were not outstanding.
 
  The procedures by which holders of Convertible Preferred Securities may
exercise their voting rights are described below. See "--Form, Denomination
and Registration."
 
  Holders of the Convertible Preferred Securities have no rights to appoint or
remove the Regular Trustees, who may be appointed, removed or replaced solely
by McKesson as the indirect or direct holder of all of the Common Securities.
 
MODIFICATION OF THE DECLARATION
 
  The Declaration may be amended from time to time by the holders of a
majority of the Common Securities and the Institutional Trustee, without the
consent of the holders of the Convertible Preferred Securities (i) to cure any
ambiguity, correct or supplement any provisions in the Declaration that may be
inconsistent with any other provision, or to make any other provisions with
respect to matters or questions arising under the Declaration, which shall not
be inconsistent with the other provisions of the Declaration, or (ii) to
modify, eliminate or add to any provisions of the Declaration to such extent
as shall be necessary to ensure that the Trust will be classified for United
States federal income tax purposes as a grantor trust at all times that any
Trust Securities are outstanding or to ensure that the Trust will not be
required to register as an investment company under the 1940 Act; provided,
however, such action shall not adversely affect in any material respect the
interests of any holder of Trust Securities, and any amendments of the
Declaration shall become effective when notice thereof is given to the holders
of Trust Securities. The Declaration may be amended by the holders of a
majority of the Common Securities and the Institutional Trustee with (i) the
consent of holders representing not less than a majority (based upon
liquidation amounts) of the outstanding Convertible Preferred Securities and
(ii) receipt by the Regular Trustees of an opinion of nationally recognized
independent counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that such
amendment or the exercise of any power granted to the Regular Trustees in
accordance with such amendment will not affect the Trust's status as a grantor
trust for United States federal income tax purposes or the Trust's exemption
from status as an "investment company" under the 1940 Act, provided that
without the consent of each holder of Trust Securities, the Declaration may
not be amended to (i) change the amount or timing of any distribution on the
Trust Securities or otherwise adversely affect the amount of any distribution
required to be made in respect of the Trust Securities as of a specified date
or (ii) restrict the right of a holder of Trust Securities to institute suit
for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such date.
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
  No vote or consent of the holders of Convertible Preferred Securities will
be required to redeem and cancel Convertible Preferred Securities in
accordance with the Declaration.
 
PROPOSED TAX LEGISLATION
 
  On February 6, 1997, as part of the fiscal 1998 budget proposal submitted to
Congress, the Clinton Administration proposed certain changes to Federal
income tax law which would, among other things, generally treat as equity, for
Federal income tax purposes, certain debt obligations, such as the Convertible
Debentures, that are "issued on or after the date of first Congressional
Committee action" (the "Clinton Proposal"). On June 9, 1997, House Ways and
Means Committee Chairman Bill Archer released the Chairman's Mark Relating to
Revenue Reconciliation Provisions that are proposed to be included in 1997 tax
legislation (the "Chairman's Mark"). The Chairman's Mark constitutes "first
Congressional Committee action" with respect to the provisions contained
therein. The Chairman's Mark does not include the Clinton Proposal that would
require instruments with terms similar to the Convertible Debentures to be
treated as equity for Federal income tax purposes.
 
  In light of the Chairman's Mark, it appears that "first Congressional
Committee action" has not yet occurred with respect to the Clinton Proposal.
Furthermore, given the issue date of the Convertible Debentures and the
effective date transitional rules relating to certain capital markets
provisions included in the Chairman's Mark (as well as transitional rules
provided for in 1996 proposed legislation similar to the Clinton Proposal), it
is anticipated that the Clinton Proposal, even if acted upon by Congress in
the future, would not apply to the Convertible Debentures.
 
  There can be no assurance, however, that the Clinton Proposal or similar
legislation will not ultimately be enacted into law, that the effective date
and transitional rules relating thereto would be enacted as anticipated, or
that other developments will not occur after the date hereof that would
adversely affect the tax treatment of the Convertible Debentures and could
result in the exchange of the Convertible Debentures for Convertible Preferred
Securities or, in certain limited circumstances, the redemption of the
Convertible Debentures by the Company and the distribution of the resulting
cash in redemption of the Convertible Preferred Securities. See "Description
of the Convertible Preferred Securities -- Special Event Distribution;
Redemption."
 
MERGERS, CONSOLIDATIONS OR AMALGAMATION
 
  The Trust may not consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or be
replaced by, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets as an
entirety or substantially as an entirety to, any corporation or other entity,
except as described below. The Trust may, with the consent of the Regular
Trustees or, if there are more than two Regular Trustees, a majority of the
Regular Trustees and without the consent of the holders of the Trust
Securities, the Institutional Trustee or the Delaware Trustee, consolidate,
amalgamate, merge with or into, or be replaced by a trust organized as such
under the laws of any state of the United States: provided, that (i) if the
Trust is not the survivor, such successor entity either (x) expressly assumes
all of the obligations of the Trust under the Trust Securities or (y)
substitutes for the Convertible Preferred Securities other securities having
substantially the same terms as the Convertible Preferred Securities (the
"Successor Securities"), so long as the Successor Securities rank the same as
the Convertible Preferred Securities with respect to distributions and
payments upon liquidation, redemption and otherwise, (ii) McKesson expressly
acknowledges a trustee of such successor entity possessing the same powers and
duties as the Institutional Trustee as the holder of the Convertible
Debentures, (iii) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement does
not cause the Convertible Preferred Securities (including any Successor
Securities) to be downgraded by any nationally recognized statistical rating
organization, (iv) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement
does not adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the
holders of the Trust Securities (including any Successor Securities) in any
material respect (other than with respect to any dilution of the holders'
interest in the new entity), (v) such successor entity has a purpose identical
to that of the Trust, (vi) prior to such merger, consolidation, amalgamation
or replacement, McKesson has received an opinion of a nationally recognized
independent counsel to the Trust experienced in such matters to the effect
that: (A) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement does not
adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of the
Trust Securities (including any Successor Securities) in any material respect
(other than with respect to any
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
dilution of the holders' interest in the new entity), (B) following such
merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement, neither the Trust nor such
successor entity will be required to register as an investment company under
the 1940 Act, and (C) following such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or
replacement, the Trust (or such successor entity) will continue to be
classified as a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes
and (vii) McKesson guarantees the obligations of such successor entity under
the Successor Securities at least to the extent provided by the Guarantee and
the Common Securities Guarantee (as defined herein). Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Trust shall not, except with the consent of holders of 100% in
liquidation amount of the Trust Securities, consolidate, amalgamate, merge
with or into, or be replaced by any other entity or permit any other entity to
consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or replace it, if such
consolidation, amalgamation, merger or replacement would cause the Trust or
the successor entity to be classified as other than a grantor trust for United
States federal income tax purposes.
 
REGISTRATION RIGHTS
 
  In connection with the Original Offering, McKesson and the Trust (together,
the "Registrants") entered into a registration rights agreement with the
Initial Purchaser (the "Registration Rights Agreement") pursuant to which the
Registrants, at McKesson's expense, agreed for the benefit of the holders of
the Convertible Preferred Securities, to (i) file with the commission the
Shelf Registration Statement covering resale of the Convertible Preferred
Securities, the Guarantee, the Convertible Debentures and the McKesson Common
Stock issuable upon conversion of the convertible securities within 90 days
after the latest date of original issuance of the Convertible Preferred
Securities, (ii) use their reasonable best efforts to cause the Shelf
Registration Statement to become effective as promptly as practicable and
(iii) use their reasonable best efforts to keep the Shelf Registration
Statement effective until the earlier of (a) the sale pursuant to the Shelf
Registration Statement or Rule 144 under the Securities Act of all the
Registrable Securities and (b) the expiration of the holding period applicable
to sales of Registrable Securities under Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act,
or any successor provision. The Registrants are permitted to suspend the use
of the prospectus which is a part of the Shelf Registration Statement for a
period not to exceed 60 days (whether or not consecutive) in any 12-month
period under certain circumstances relating to pending corporate developments,
public filings with the Commission and similar events, or because the
prospectus contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the
statements therein not misleading. The Registrants have agreed to pay a
Liquidated Damages Amount (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) to
holders of Registrable Securities if the Shelf Registration Statement is not
timely filed, or if the prospectus is unavailable for periods in excess of the
period set forth above, until such time as the Shelf Registration Statement is
filed or the prospectus is again made available, as the case may be. A holder
who wishes to sell Registerable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration
Statement is required to provide certain advance notification of such proposed
sales to the Company, and generally is required to be named as a selling
securityholder in the related prospectus, deliver a prospectus to purchasers
and be bound by those provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement that are
applicable to such holder (including indemnification provisions). In addition,
the Registration Rights Agreement provides that, if the prospectus contains an
untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact
necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading, the
Registrants are to notify the holders to suspend the use of the prospectus
until such time as the Registrants have amended or supplemented the prospectus
so that it does not contain such material misstatement or omission, and the
holders are required to suspend their use of the prospectus during such
period. McKesson is to pay all expenses of the Shelf Registration Statement,
provide to each registered holder copies of such prospectus, notify each
registered holder when the Shelf Registration Statement has become effective
and take certain other actions as are required to permit, subject to the
foregoing, unrestricted resales of the Registrable Securities. The plan of
distribution of the Shelf Registration Statement permits resales of
Registrable Securities by selling securityholders through brokers and dealers.
However, neither McKesson nor the Trust is obligated under the Registration
Rights Agreement to pay certain costs and expenses, such as opinions of
counsel of such selling securityholders or accountants' "cold comfort"
letters, and neither the officers and directors of McKesson nor the trustees
of the Trust are obligated under the Registration Rights Agreement to
participate in marketing efforts on behalf of such selling securityholders.
 
  McKesson agreed in the Registration Rights Agreement to use its reasonable
best efforts to cause the Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the
Convertible Securities to be listed on each securities exchange
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
or quotation system on which the McKesson Common Stock is listed upon
effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement.
 
  The summary herein of certain provisions of the Registration Rights
Agreement does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified
in its entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the Registration Rights
Agreement, a copy of which is attached as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part and is available upon request
to McKesson.
 
FORM, DENOMINATION AND REGISTRATION
 
  The Convertible Preferred Securities were issued in fully registered form.
The description of book-entry procedures in this Prospectus includes summaries
of certain rules and operating procedures of The Depository Trust Company, New
York, New York ("DTC") that effect transfers of interest in the global
certificate or certificates issued in connection with sales of Convertible
Preferred Securities made pursuant to this Prospectus. Except for those sold
to institutional "accredited investors" (as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2),
(3) or (7) under the Securities Act), the Convertible Preferred Securities
were issued only as fully registered securities registered in the name of Cede
& Co. ("Cede") (as nominee for DTC). One or more fully registered global
Convertible Preferred Security certificates (the "Global Securities") will be
issued, representing, in the aggregate, Convertible Preferred Securities sold
pursuant to this Prospectus, and will be deposited with DTC. In the event of a
transfer of securities that were issued in fully registered, certificated
form, the holder of such certificates will be required to exchange them for
interests in the Global Certificates representing the number of Convertible
Preferred Securities being transferred. Except as set forth below, the record
ownership of the Global Security may be transferred, in whole or in part, only
to DTC, another nominee of DTC or to a successor of DTC or its nominee.
 
  Holders of Convertible Preferred Securities may hold their interests in the
Global Security directly through DTC, or indirectly through organizations
which are participants in DTC ("Participants"). Transfers between Participants
will be effected in the ordinary way in accordance with DTC rules and will be
settled in immediately available funds. Holders of Convertible Preferred
Securities who are not Participants may beneficially own interests in the
Global Security held by DTC only through Participants, or certain banks,
brokers, dealers, trust companies and other parties that clear through or
maintain a custodial relationship with a Participant, either directly or
indirectly ("Indirect Participants"). So long as Cede, as the nominee of DTC,
is the registered owner of the Global Security, Cede for all purposes will be
considered the sole holder of the Global Security. Except as provided below,
owners of beneficial interests in the Global Security will not be entitled to
have certificates registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled
to receive physical delivery of certificates in definitive form, and will not
be considered the holder thereof.
 
  Distributions on the Global Security will be made to Cede, the nominee for
DTC, as the registered owner of the Global Security by wire transfer of
immediately available funds. None of McKesson, the Trust or any Trustee will
have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to
or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the Global
Security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to
such beneficial ownership interests.
 
  DTC's practice is to credit Participants' accounts on the relevant payment
date with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial
interests in the Convertible Preferred Securities represented by the Global
Security as shown on the records of DTC (adjusted as necessary so that such
payments are made with respect to whole Convertible Preferred Securities
only), unless DTC has reason to believe that it will not receive payment on
such payment date. Payments by Participants to owners of beneficial interests
in Convertible Preferred Securities represented by the Global Security held
through such Participants will be the responsibility of such Participants, as
is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers registered
in "street name."
 
  Beneficial holders of Convertible Preferred Securities who desire to convert
them into Underlying Common Stock (as defined herein) should contact their
brokers or other Participants or Indirect Participants to obtain information
on procedures, including proper forms and cut-off times, for submitting such
request. Because DTC
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
can only act on behalf of Participants, who in turn act on behalf of Indirect
Participants, the ability of a person having a beneficial interest in the
Convertible Preferred Securities represented by the Global Security to pledge
such interest to persons or entities that do not participate in the DTC
system, or otherwise take actions in respect of such interest, may be affected
by the lack of a physical certificate evidencing such interest.
 
  None of McKesson, the Trust or any Trustee (or any registrar, paying agent
or conversion agent) will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC
or its Participants or Indirect Participants of their respective obligations
under the rules and procedures governing their operations. DTC has advised
McKesson and the Trust that it will take any action permitted to be taken by a
holder of Convertible Preferred Securities (including, without limitation, the
presentation of Convertible Preferred Securities for conversion) only at the
direction of one or more Participants to whose account with DTC interests in
the Global Security are credited.
 
  DTC has advised McKesson and the Trust as follows: DTC is a limited purpose
trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York, a member of
the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the
Uniform Commercial Code and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the
provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC was created to hold
securities for its Participants and to facilitate the clearance and settlement
of securities transactions between Participants through electronic book-entry
changes to accounts of its Participants, thereby eliminating the need for
physical movement of certificates. Participants include securities brokers and
dealers, banks, trust companies and clearing corporations and may include
certain other organizations such as the Initial Purchaser. Certain of such
Participants (or their representatives), together with other entities, own
DTC. Indirect access to the DTC system is available to others such as banks,
brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through, or maintain a
custodial relationship with a Participant, either directly or indirectly.
 
  The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of securities
take physical delivery of securities in definitive form. Such laws may impair
the ability to transfer beneficial interests in the Global Security.
 
  Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to Participants, by
Participants to Indirect Participants and Indirect Participants to beneficial
owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory
or regulatory requirements that may be in effect from time to time. Redemption
notices shall be sent to Cede. If less than all of the Convertible Preferred
Securities are being redeemed, DTC will reduce the amount of the interest of
each Participant in such Convertible Preferred Securities in accordance with
its procedures.
 
  Although voting with respect to the Convertible Preferred Securities is
limited, in those cases where a vote is required, neither DTC nor Cede will
itself consent or vote with respect to Convertible Preferred Securities. Under
its usual procedures, DTC would mail an Omnibus Proxy to the Trust as soon as
possible after the record date. The Omnibus Proxy assigns Cede consenting or
voting rights to those Participants to whose accounts the Convertible
Preferred Securities are credited on the record date (identified in a listing
attached to the Omnibus Proxy). McKesson and the Trust believe that the
arrangements among DTC, the Participants and Indirect Participants, and
beneficial owners will enable the beneficial owners to exercise rights
equivalent in substance to the rights that can be directly exercised by a
holder of a beneficial interest in the Trust.
 
  DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depositary with
respect to the Convertible Preferred Securities at any time by giving notice
to the Trust. In the event that (i) DTC notifies the Trust that it is
unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for the Global Securities or if
at any time DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered as such under the
Exchange Act when DTC is required to be so registered to act as such
depositary and no successor depositary shall have been appointed within 90
days of such notification or of the Trust becoming aware of DTC's ceasing to
be so registered, as the case may be, (ii) the Regular Trustees (with the
consent of the Company) in their sole discretion determine that the Global
Securities shall be exchanged for certificated Convertible Preferred
Securities or (iii) there shall have occurred and be continuing a Declaration
Event of Default, certificates for the Convertible Preferred Securities will
be printed and delivered in exchange for interests in the Global Securities.
Any Global Security that is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
sentence shall be exchangeable for Convertible Preferred Securities registered
in such names as DTC shall direct. It is expected that such instructions will be
based upon directions received by DTC from its Participants with respect to
ownership of beneficial interests in such Global Security.
 
  The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC's book-entry system
has been obtained from sources that McKesson and the Trust believe to be
reliable, but neither McKesson nor the Trust takes responsibility for the
accuracy thereof.
 
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE INSTITUTIONAL TRUSTEE
 
  The Institutional Trustee, prior to the occurrence of a default with respect
to the Trust Securities and after the curing of any defaults that may have
occurred, undertakes to perform only such duties as are specifically set forth
in the Declaration and, after default, shall exercise the same degree of care
as a prudent person would exercise in the conduct of his or her own affairs.
Subject to such provisions, the Institutional Trustee is under no obligation
to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the Declaration at the request
of any holder of Convertible Preferred Securities, unless offered reasonable
indemnity by such holder against the costs, expenses and liabilities which
might be incurred thereby. The holders of Convertible Preferred Securities
will not be required to offer such indemnity in the event such holders, by
exercising their voting rights, direct the Institutional Trustee to take any
action it is empowered to take under the Declaration following a Declaration
Event of Default. The Institutional Trustee also serves as Guarantee Trustee
under the Guarantee and as Debt Trustee under the Indenture.
 
CONVERSION AGENT, PAYING AGENT, REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT
 
  The Institutional Trustee acts as Registrar, Transfer Agent, Conversion
Agent and Paying Agent for the Convertible Preferred Securities.
 
  Registration of transfers of Convertible Preferred Securities will be
effected without charge by or on behalf of the Trust, but upon payment in
respect of any tax or other government charges that may be imposed in relation
to it.
 
  The Trust will not be required to register or cause to be registered the
transfer of Convertible Preferred Securities after such Convertible Preferred
Securities have been selected for redemption.
 
GOVERNING LAW
 
  The Declaration and the Convertible Preferred Securities are governed by,
and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of Delaware.
 
MISCELLANEOUS
 
  The Regular Trustees are authorized and directed to operate the Trust in
such a way so that the Trust will not be required to register as an
"investment company" under the 1940 Act or characterized as other than a
grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes and so that the
Convertible Debentures will be treated as indebtedness of the Company for
United States federal income tax purposes. In this connection, McKesson and
the Regular Trustees are authorized to take any action, not inconsistent with
applicable law, the certificate of trust of the Trust, the Declaration or the
articles of incorporation of McKesson, that each of McKesson and the Regular
Trustees determine in their discretion to be necessary or desirable to achieve
such end, as long as such action does not adversely affect the interests of
the holders of the Convertible Preferred Securities or vary the terms thereof.
 
  Holders of the Convertible Preferred Securities have no preemptive rights.
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF THE GUARANTEE
 
  Set forth below is a summary of information concerning the Guarantee that
was executed and delivered by McKesson for the benefit of the holders from
time to time of Convertible Preferred Securities. The summary does not purport
to be complete and is subject in all respects to the provisions of, and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Guarantee. The Guarantee
incorporates by reference the terms of the Trust Indenture Act. The Guarantee
will be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act. The Guarantee Trustee holds
the Guarantee for the benefit of the holders of the Convertible Preferred
Securities.
 
GENERAL
 
  Pursuant to and to the extent set forth in the Guarantee, McKesson agrees,
to the extent set forth therein, to pay in full to the holders of the
Convertible Preferred Securities (except to the extent paid by the Trust), as
and when due, regardless of any defense, right of set off or counterclaim
which the Trust may have or assert, the following payments (the "Guarantee
Payments"), without duplication: (i) all accrued and unpaid distributions that
are required to be paid on the Convertible Preferred Securities to the extent
the Trust has funds available therefor, (ii) the Redemption Price plus accrued
and unpaid distributions with respect to any Convertible Preferred Securities
called for redemption by the Trust, to the extent the Trust has funds
available therefor, and (iii) upon a voluntary or involuntary dissolution,
winding-up or termination of the Trust (other than in connection with the
distribution of Convertible Debentures to the holders of Convertible Preferred
Securities or the redemption of all the Convertible Preferred Securities), the
lesser of (a) the aggregate of the liquidation amount and all accrued and
unpaid distributions on the Convertible Preferred Securities to the date of
payment to the extent the Trust has funds available therefor and (b) the
amount of assets of the Trust remaining available for distribution to holders
of Convertible Preferred Securities then outstanding upon the liquidation of
the Trust. The holders of a majority in liquidation amount of the Convertible
Preferred Securities have the right to direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Guarantee Trustee or
to direct the exercise of any trust or power conferred upon the Guarantee
Trustee under the Guarantee. If the Guarantee Trustee fails to enforce the
Guarantee, any holder of Convertible Preferred Securities may directly
institute a legal proceeding against McKesson to enforce the Guarantee
Trustee's rights under the Guarantee without first instituting a legal
proceeding against the Trust, the Guarantee Trustee or any other person or
entity. If McKesson were to default on its obligation to pay amounts payable
on the Convertible Debentures, the Trust would lack available funds for the
payment of distributions or amounts payable on redemption of the Convertible
Preferred Securities or otherwise, and in such event holders of the
Convertible Preferred Securities would not be able to rely upon the Guarantee
for payment of such amounts. Instead, a holder of the Convertible Preferred
Securities would be required to rely on the enforcement (1) by the
Institutional Trustee of its rights, as registered holder of the Convertible
Debentures, against McKesson pursuant to the terms of the Convertible
Debentures or (2) by such holder of Convertible Preferred Securities of its
rights against McKesson to enforce payments on Convertible Debentures. See
"Description of the Convertible Debentures." The Declaration provides that
each holder of Convertible Preferred Securities, by acceptance thereof, agrees
to the provisions of the Guarantee, including the subordination provisions
thereof, and the Indenture.
 
  The Guarantee is a guarantee on a subordinated basis with respect to the
Convertible Preferred Securities from the time of issuance of such Convertible
Preferred Securities but does apply to any payment of distributions or
Redemption Price, or to payments upon the dissolution, winding-up or
termination of the Trust, except to the extent the Trust shall have funds
available therefor. If McKesson does not make interest payments on the
Convertible Debentures, the Trust will not pay distributions on the
Convertible Preferred Securities and will not have funds available therefor.
See "Risk Factors--Limitations of the Guarantee" and "Description of the
Convertible Debentures." The Guarantee, when taken together with McKesson's
obligations under the Convertible Debentures, the Indenture and the
Declaration, including its obligations to pay costs, expenses, debts and
liabilities of the Trust (other than with respect to the Trust Securities)
provides a full and unconditional guarantee on a subordinated basis by
McKesson on payments due on the Convertible Preferred Securities.
 
  McKesson has also agreed separately to irrevocably and unconditionally
guarantee the obligations of the Trust with respect to the Common Securities
(the "Common Securities Guarantee") to the same extent as the
 
                                      33
<PAGE>
 
Guarantee, except that upon the occurrence and during the continuation of a
Declaration Event of Default, holders of Convertible Preferred Securities
shall have priority over holders of Common Securities with respect to
Guarantee Payments.
 
CERTAIN COVENANTS OF MCKESSON
 
  In the Guarantee, McKesson has covenanted that, so long as any Convertible
Preferred Securities remain outstanding, if (i) the Company has exercised its
option to defer interest payments on the Convertible Debentures by extending
the interest payment period and such extension period, or any extension
thereof, shall be continuing, (ii) the Company shall be in default with
respect to its payment or other obligations under the Guarantee or (iii) there
shall have occurred and be continuing a Declaration Event of Default or any
event that, with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both, would
constitute a Declaration Event of Default, then McKesson shall not (a) declare
or pay dividends on, make distributions with respect to, or redeem, purchase
or acquire, or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of its capital
stock or (b) make any payment of interest, principal or premium, if any, on or
repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities of the Company that rank pari
passu with or junior in interest to the Convertible Debentures or make any
guarantee payment with respect to any guarantee by the Company of the debt
securities of any subsidiary of the Company if such guarantee ranks pari passu
with or junior in interest to the Convertible Debentures (other than (i) as a
result of a reclassification of McKesson capital stock or the exchange or
conversion of one class or series of McKesson capital stock for another class
or series of McKesson capital stock, (ii) the purchase of fractional interests
in shares of McKesson capital stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange
provisions of such capital stock of McKesson or the security being converted
into or exchanged for capital stock of McKesson, (iii) dividends or
distributions in McKesson Common Stock, (iv) any declaration of a dividend in
connection with the implementation of a stockholders' rights plan, or the
issuance of stock under any such plan in the future, or the redemption or
repurchase of any such rights pursuant thereto, (v) payments under the
Guarantee and Common Securities Guarantee, (vi) purchases of McKesson Common
Stock related to the issuance of McKesson Common Stock or rights under any of
the Company's benefit plans for its directors, officers or employees and (vii)
obligations under any dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plans).
 
  As part of the Guarantee, the Company agreed that it would honor all
obligations relating to the conversion of the Convertible Preferred Securities
into McKesson Common Stock as described in "Description of the Convertible
Preferred Securities--Conversion Rights."
 
AMENDMENTS AND ASSIGNMENT
 
  Except with respect to any changes that do not materially adversely affect
the rights of holders of Convertible Preferred Securities (in which case no
vote will be required), the Guarantee may be amended only with the prior
approval of the holders of at least a majority in liquidation amount of all
the Convertible Preferred Securities then outstanding. The manner of obtaining
any such approval of holders of the Convertible Preferred Securities will be
as set forth under "Description of the Convertible Preferred Securities--
Voting Rights." All guarantees and agreements contained in the Guarantee shall
bind the successors, assigns, receivers, trustees and representatives of
McKesson and shall inure to the benefit of the holders of the Convertible
Preferred Securities then outstanding. Except in connection with any permitted
merger or consolidation of McKesson with or into another entity or any
permitted sale, transfer or lease of McKesson's assets to another entity as
described under "Description of the Convertible Debentures--Certain
Covenants," the Company may not assign its rights or delegate its obligations
under the Guarantee without the prior approval of the holders of at least a
majority of the aggregate stated liquidation amount of the Convertible
Preferred Securities then outstanding.
 
TERMINATION OF THE GUARANTEE
 
  The Guarantee will terminate as to each holder of Convertible Preferred
Securities upon (i) full payment of the Redemption Price and accrued and
unpaid distributions with respect to all Convertible Preferred Securities,
(ii) distribution of the Convertible Debentures held by the Trust to the
holders of the Convertible Preferred
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
Securities, (iii) full payment of the amounts payable under the Declaration
upon liquidation of the Trust or (iv) the distribution of McKesson Common
Stock to such holder upon conversion of such holder's Convertible Preferred
Securities into McKesson Common Stock, and will terminate completely upon full
payment of the amounts payable in accordance with the Declaration. The
Guarantee will continue to be effective or will be reinstated, as the case may
be, if at any time any holder of Convertible Preferred Securities must restore
payment of any sum paid under such Convertible Preferred Securities or the
Guarantee.
 
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
 
  An event of default under the Guarantee will occur upon (a) the failure of
McKesson to perform any of its payment or other obligations thereunder or (b)
if applicable, the failure by McKesson to deliver McKesson Common Stock upon
an appropriate election by the holder or holders of Convertible Preferred
Securities to convert the Convertible Preferred Securities into shares of
McKesson Common Stock.
 
  The holders of a majority in liquidation amount of Convertible Preferred
Securities then outstanding relating to the Guarantee have the right to direct
the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy
available to the Guarantee Trustee in respect of the Guarantee or to direct
the exercise of any trust or power conferred upon the Guarantee Trustee under
the Convertible Preferred Securities. If the Guarantee Trustee fails to
enforce the Guarantee, any holder of Convertible Preferred Securities may
institute a legal proceeding directly against McKesson to enforce the
Guarantee Trustee's rights under the Guarantee, without first instituting a
legal proceeding against the Trust, the Guarantee Trustee or any other person
or entity. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if McKesson has failed to make a
guarantee payment, a holder of Convertible Preferred Securities may directly
institute a proceeding against McKesson for enforcement of the Guarantee for
such payment. McKesson waives any right or remedy to require that any action
be brought first against the Trust or any other person or entity before
proceeding directly against McKesson.
 
STATUS OF THE GUARANTEE; SUBORDINATION
 
  The Guarantee constitutes an unsecured obligation of McKesson and ranks (i)
subordinate and junior in right of payment to all other liabilities of
McKesson (except any liabilities that may be pari passu expressly by their
terms), (ii) pari passu with the most senior preferred or preference stock now
or hereafter issued by McKesson and with any guarantee now or hereafter
entered into by McKesson in respect of any preferred or preference stock of
any affiliate of McKesson, and (iii) senior to McKesson Common Stock. The
terms of the Convertible Preferred Securities provide that each holder of
Convertible Preferred Securities issued by the Trust by acceptance thereof
agrees to the subordination provisions and other terms of the Guarantee
relating thereto. See, also, "Risk Factors--Subordinate Ranking of Obligations
Under the Guarantee and Convertible Debentures."
 
  The Guarantee constitutes a guarantee of payment and not of collection (that
is, the guaranteed party may institute a legal proceeding directly against the
Company to enforce its rights under the Guarantee without instituting a legal
proceeding against any other person or entity). The Guarantee does not place a
limitation on the amount of additional indebtedness that may be incurred by
McKesson. McKesson expects from time to time to incur additional indebtedness
senior to the Convertible Debentures.
 
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE GUARANTEE TRUSTEE
 
  The Guarantee Trustee, prior to the occurrence of a default with respect to
the Guarantee, undertakes to perform only such duties as are specifically set
forth in the Guarantee and, after default with respect to the Guarantee, shall
exercise the same degree of care as a prudent person would exercise in the
conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to such provision, the Guarantee
Trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by
the Guarantee at the request of any holder of Convertible Preferred Securities
unless it is offered reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and
liabilities that might be incurred thereby.
 
GOVERNING LAW
 
  The Guarantee is governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of
the State of New York.
 
                                      35
<PAGE>
 
                   DESCRIPTION OF THE CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES
 
  Set forth below is a description of certain terms of the Convertible
Debentures in which the Trust invested the proceeds from the issuance and sale
of the Trust Securities. The following description does not purport to be
complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to
the Indenture entered into by McKesson and the Debt Trustee, a copy of which
may be obtained from McKesson upon request. Certain capitalized terms used
herein are defined in the Indenture. The Indenture will be qualified under the
Trust Indenture Act.
 
  Under certain circumstances involving the dissolution of the Trust following
the occurrence of a Special Event, Convertible Debentures may be distributed
to the holders of the Trust Securities in liquidation of the Trust. See
"Description of the Convertible Preferred Securities--Special Event
Distribution; Tax Event Redemption."
 
GENERAL
 
  The Convertible Debentures were issued as unsecured debt under the
Indenture. The Convertible Debentures are limited in aggregate principal
amount to $206,186,000, such amount being the sum of the aggregate stated
liquidation amount of the Convertible Preferred Securities and the capital
contributed by McKesson in exchange for the Common Securities.
 
  The Convertible Debentures are not subject to a sinking fund provision. The
entire principal amount of the Convertible Debentures will mature and become
due and payable, together with any accrued and unpaid interest thereon,
including Additional Sums (as defined herein), if any, and (to the extent
permitted by applicable law) Compound Interest, if any, on June 1, 2027.
McKesson has the right at any time to cause the Trust to be dissolved with the
result that, after satisfaction of creditors of the Trust, Convertible
Debentures with an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate stated
liquidation amount of the Convertible Preferred Securities and the Common
Securities would be distributed on a pro rata basis to the holders of the
Convertible Preferred Securities and the Common Securities in liquidation of
such holders' interests in the Trust, within 90 days following notice given to
the holders of the Convertible Preferred Securities, subject to the Regular
Trustees' having received an opinion of nationally recognized independent
counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that the holders will not
recognize any income, gain or loss for United States federal income tax
purposes as a result of the dissolution of the Trust and such distribution to
holders of Convertible Preferred Securities.
 
  If Convertible Debentures are distributed to holders of Convertible
Preferred Securities in liquidation of such holders' interests in the Trust,
such Convertible Debentures will initially be issued in the same form as the
Convertible Preferred Securities that such Convertible Debentures replace.
Under certain limited circumstances, Convertible Debentures may be issued in
certificated form in exchange for a Global Security. See "--Book-Entry and
Settlement" below. In the event that Convertible Debentures are issued in
certificated form, such Convertible Debentures will be in denominations of $50
and integral multiples thereof and may be transferred or exchanged at the
offices described below. Payments on Convertible Debentures issued as a Global
Security will be made to DTC, a successor depositary or, in the event that no
depositary is used, to a paying agent for the Convertible Debentures. With
respect to Convertible Debentures issued in certificated form, principal and
interest is payable, the transfer of the Convertible Debentures is registrable
and Convertible Debentures are exchangeable for Convertible Debentures of
other denominations of a like aggregate principal amount at the office or
agency of the Company maintained for such purpose in the Borough of Manhattan,
The City of New York; provided that payment of interest may be made at the
option of McKesson by check mailed to the address of the holder entitled
thereto or by wire transfer to an account appropriately designated by the
holder entitled thereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, so long as the holder
of any Convertible Debenture is the Institutional Trustee, the payment of
principal and interest on such Convertible Debenture will be made at such
place and to such account as may be designated by the Institutional Trustee.
 
  The Indenture does not contain provisions that afford holders of the
Convertible Debentures protection in the event of a highly levered transaction
involving McKesson that would adversely affect such holders.
 
                                      36
<PAGE>
 
INTEREST
 
  Each Convertible Debenture shall bear interest at the rate of 5% per annum
from the first date of original issuance, payable quarterly in arrears on
March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1 of each year (each an "Interest
Payment Date"), commencing June 1, 1997, to the person in whose name such
Convertible Debenture is registered, subject to certain exceptions, 15 days
prior to such Interest Payment Date.
 
  The amount of interest payable for any period will be computed on the basis
of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. The amount of interest payable for
any period shorter than a full quarterly period for which interest is computed
will be computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed per 30-day
month. In the event that any date on which interest is payable on the
Convertible Debentures is not a Business Day, then payment of the interest
payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day that is a
Business Day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of any such
delay), except that, if such Business Day is in the next succeeding calendar
year, then such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business
Day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made on such date.
 
OPTION TO EXTEND INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD
 
  So long as McKesson shall not be in default in the payment of interest on
the Convertible Debentures, McKesson shall have the right at any time, and
from time to time, during the term of the Convertible Debentures to defer
payments of interest by extending the interest payment period for a period not
exceeding 20 consecutive quarters, at the end of which Extension Period
McKesson shall pay all interest then accrued and unpaid; together with
interest thereon compounded quarterly at the rate specified for the
Convertible Debentures to the extent permitted by applicable law ("Compound
Interest") and any Additional Sums; provided that during any such Extension
Period, McKesson shall not (a) declare or pay dividends on, make any
distributions with respect to, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a
liquidation payment with respect to, any of its capital stock or (b) make any
payment of interest, principal or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or
redeem any debt securities issued by McKesson that rank pari passu with or
junior in interest to the Convertible Debentures or make any guarantee
payments with respect to any guarantee by the Company of the debt securities
of any subsidiary of the Company if such guarantee ranks pari passu with or
junior in interest to the Convertible Debentures (other than (i) as a result
of a reclassification of McKesson capital stock or the exchange or conversion
of one class or series of McKesson capital stock for another class or series
of McKesson capital stock, (ii) the purchase of fractional interests in shares
of McKesson capital stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange provisions of
such McKesson capital stock or the security being converted into or exchanged
for McKesson capital stock, (iii) dividends or distributions in common stock
of the Company, (iv) any declaration of a dividend in connection with the
implementation of a stockholders' rights plan, or the issuance of stock under
any such plan in the future, or the redemption or repurchase of any such
rights pursuant thereto, (v) payments under the Guarantee and Common
Securities Guarantee, (vi) purchases of common stock related to the issuance
of common stock or rights under any of the Company's benefit plans for its
directors, officers or employees and (vii) obligations under any dividend
reinvestment and stock purchase plans). Prior to the termination of any such
Extension Period, McKesson may further defer payments of interest by extending
the interest payment period; provided, however, that, such Extension Period,
including all such previous and further extensions, may not exceed 20
consecutive quarters or extend beyond the maturity of the Convertible
Debentures. Upon the termination of any Extension Period and the payment of
all amounts then due, McKesson may commence a new Extension Period, subject to
the terms set forth in this section. Each Extension Period, if any, will end
on an Interest Payment Date. No interest shall be due and payable during an
Extension Period, except on the last day thereof, but McKesson may prepay at
any time all or any portion of the interest accrued during an Extension
Period. On the last day of each Extension Period, all accrued and unpaid
interest (including Additional Sums, if any, and, to the extent permitted by
applicable law, Compound Interest) shall be due and payable and shall be paid
to the holders of record of the Convertible Debentures at the close of
business on the record date next preceding such Interest Payment Date.
McKesson has no present intention of exercising its right to defer payments of
interest by extending the interest payment period on the Convertible
Debentures. If the Institutional Trustee shall be the sole holder of the
Convertible Debentures, McKesson shall give the Regular Trustees, the
Institutional Trustee and the Debt
 
                                      37
<PAGE>
 
Trustee notice of its selection of such Extension Period at least one Business
Day prior to the earlier of (i) the date distributions on the Convertible
Preferred Securities are payable or (ii) the date the Regular Trustees are
required to give notice to any applicable self-regulatory organization or to
holders of the Convertible Preferred Securities of the record or payment date
of such related distribution, but in any event not less than 10 Business Days
prior to such record date. McKesson shall cause the Trust to give notice of
McKesson's selection of such Extension Period to holders of the Convertible
Preferred Securities. If the Institutional Trustee shall not be the sole
holder of the Convertible Debentures, McKesson shall give the Debt Trustee,
the Institutional Trustee and the holders of the Convertible Debentures notice
of its selection of such Extension Period at least 10 Business Days prior to
the earlier of (i) the next succeeding Interest Payment Date and (ii) the date
McKesson is required to give notice to any applicable self-regulatory
organization or to holders of Convertible Debentures of the record or payment
date of such related interest payment, but in any event not less than two
Business Days prior to such record date.
 
ADDITIONAL SUMS
 
  If at any time the Trust shall be required to pay any taxes, duties,
assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature (other than withholding
taxes) imposed by the United States, or any other taxing authority, then, in
any such case, McKesson will pay as additional sums ("Additional Sums") such
additional amounts as shall be required so that the net amounts received and
retained by the Trust after paying any such taxes, duties, assessments or
other governmental charges will be not less than the amounts the Trust would
have received had no such taxes, duties, assessments or other governmental
charges been imposed so long as the Trust is the holder of the Convertible
Debentures.
 
PROPOSED TAX LEGISLATION
 
  Please refer to discussion above under the heading "Description of the
Convertible Preferred Securities--Proposed Tax Legislation."
 
SUBORDINATION
 
  The Indenture provides that the Convertible Debentures are subordinated and
junior in right of payment to all existing and future Senior Indebtedness of
McKesson. No payment of principal (including redemption payments, if any),
premiums, if any, or interest on the Convertible Debentures may be made (i) if
any principal, premium if any, interest or any other payment due on any Senior
Indebtedness of McKesson is not paid when due and any applicable grace period
with respect to such default has ended with such default not having been cured
or waived or ceasing to exist or (ii) if the maturity of any Senior
Indebtedness of McKesson has been accelerated because of a default and such
acceleration has not been rescinded.
 
  Upon any distribution of assets of McKesson to creditors upon any
dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization, whether voluntary or
involuntary, or in bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other proceedings,
all principal, premium, if any, and interest due or to become due on all
Senior Indebtedness of McKesson must be paid in full before the holders of
Convertible Debentures are entitled to receive or retain any payment. Upon
satisfaction of all claims of all Senior Indebtedness then outstanding, the
rights of the holders of the Convertible Debentures will be subrogated to the
rights of the holders of Senior Indebtedness of McKesson to receive payments
or distributions applicable to Senior Indebtedness until all amounts owing on
the Convertible Debentures are paid in full.
 
  The term "Senior Indebtedness" means, with respect to McKesson, (i) the
principal, premium, if any, and interest in respect of (A) indebtedness of
such obligor for money borrowed (but excluding trade accounts payable arising
in the ordinary course of business) under any credit agreements, notes,
guarantees or similar documents and (B) indebtedness evidenced by securities,
debentures, bonds or other similar instruments issued by such obligor, (ii)
all capital lease obligations of such obligor, (iii) all obligations of such
obligor issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property, all
conditional sale obligations of such obligor and all obligations of
 
                                      38
<PAGE>
 
such obligor under any title retention agreement (but excluding trade accounts
payable arising in the ordinary course of business), (iv) all obligations of
such obligor for the reimbursement on any letter of credit, bankers'
acceptance, security purchase facility or similar credit transaction, (v) all
obligations of such obligor (contingent or otherwise) with respect to an
interest rate or other swap, cap or collar agreements or other similar
instruments or agreements or foreign currency hedge, exchange, purchase or
similar instruments or agreements, (vi) all obligations of the types referred
to in clauses (i) through (v) above of other persons for the payment of which
such obligor is responsible or liable as obligor, guarantor or otherwise and
(vii) all obligations of the types referred to in clauses (i) through (vi)
above of other persons secured by any lien on any property or asset of such
obligor (whether or not such obligation is assumed by such obligor), whether
outstanding on the date of the Indenture or thereafter created, incurred,
assumed, guaranteed or in effect guaranteed by such obligor, except for any
such indebtedness that is by its terms subordinated to or pari passu with the
Convertible Debentures. Such Senior Indebtedness shall continue to be Senior
Indebtedness and be entitled to the benefits of the subordination provisions
irrespective of any deferrals, renewals, extensions or refundings of, or
amendments, modifications, supplements or waivers of any term of such Senior
Indebtedness. There was approximately $825 million of Senior Indebtedness
outstanding as of March 31, 1997.
 
  The Indenture does not limit the aggregate amount of Senior Indebtedness
that may be issued by McKesson.
 
  In the event of (i) any insolvency, bankruptcy, receivership, liquidation,
reorganization, readjustment, composition or other similar proceeding relating
to the Company, its creditors or its property, (ii) any proceeding for the
liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of the Company voluntary or
involuntary, whether or not involving insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings,
(iii) any assignment by the Company for the benefit of creditors or (iv) any
other marshalling of the assets of the Company, all Senior Indebtedness
(including any interest thereon accruing after the commencement of any such
proceedings) shall first be paid in full before any payment or distribution,
whether in cash, securities or other property, shall be made on account of the
principal of or premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the Convertible
Debentures. In such event, any payment or distribution on account of the
principal of or premium, if any, or interest, on the Convertible Debentures,
whether in cash, securities or other property (other than securities of the
Company or any other corporation provided for by a plan of reorganization or
readjustment the payment of which is subordinate, at least to the extent
provided in the subordination provisions with respect to the Convertible
Debentures, to the payment of all Senior Indebtedness at the time outstanding,
and to any securities issued in respect thereof under any such plan of
reorganization or readjustment), which would otherwise (but for the
subordination provisions) be payable or deliverable in respect of the
Convertible Debentures shall be paid or delivered directly to the holders of
Senior Indebtedness in accordance with the priorities then existing among such
holders until all Senior Indebtedness (including any interest thereon accruing
after the commencement of any such proceedings) shall have been paid in full.
 
  In the event of any such proceeding, after payment in full of all sums owing
with respect to Senior Indebtedness the holders of Convertible Debentures,
together with the holders of any obligations of the Company ranking on a
parity with the Convertible Debentures, shall be entitled to be paid from the
remaining assets of the Company the amounts at the time due and owing on
account of unpaid principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on
the Convertible Debentures and such other obligations before any payment or
other distribution, whether in cash, property or otherwise, shall be made on
account of any capital stock or obligations of the Company ranking junior to
the Convertible Debentures and such other obligations. If any payment or
distribution on account of the principal of or interest on the Convertible
Debentures of any character or any security, whether in cash, securities or
other property (other than securities of the Company or any other corporation
provided for by a plan of reorganization or readjustment the payment of which
is subordinate, at least to the extent provided in the subordination
provisions with respect to the Convertible Debentures, to the payment of all
Senior Indebtedness at the time outstanding and to any securities issued in
respect thereof under any such plan of reorganization or readjustment) shall
be received by the Debt Trustee or any holder of any Convertible Debentures in
contravention of any of the terms hereof and before all the Senior
Indebtedness shall have been paid in full, such payment or distribution or
security shall be received in trust for the benefit of, and shall be paid over
or delivered and transferred to, the holders of the Senior Indebtedness at the
time outstanding
 
                                      39
<PAGE>
 
in accordance with the priorities then existing among such holders and
creditors for application to the payment of all Senior Indebtedness remaining
unpaid to the extent necessary to pay all such Senior Indebtedness in full. By
reason of such subordination, in the event of the insolvency of the Company
holders of Senior Indebtedness may receive more, ratably, and holders of the
Convertible Debentures having a claim pursuant to such securities may receive
less, ratably, than the other creditors of the Company. Such subordination
will not prevent the occurrence of any Event of Default in respect of the
Convertible Debentures.
 
CERTAIN COVENANTS
 
  In the Indenture, McKesson has covenanted that, so long as any Convertible
Debentures are outstanding, if (i) there shall have occurred and be continuing
any Indenture Event of Default or any event that, with the giving of notice or
lapse of time or both, would constitute an Indenture Event of Default, (ii)
McKesson shall be in default with respect to its payment or other obligations
under the Guarantee, or (iii) McKesson shall have given notice of its election
to defer interest payments on the Convertible Debentures by extending the
interest payment period and such period, or any extension thereof, shall be
continuing, then McKesson (a) shall not declare or pay dividends on, make
distributions with respect to, or redeem, purchase or acquire, or make a
liquidation payment with respect to, any of its capital stock or (b) shall not
make any payment of interest, principal or premium, if any, on or repay,
repurchase or redeem any debt securities issued by McKesson that rank pari
passu with or junior in interest to the Convertible Debentures or make any
guarantee payments with respect to any guarantee by the Company of the debt
securities of any subsidiary of the Company if such guarantee ranks pari passu
with or junior in interest to the Convertible Debentures (other than (i) as a
result of a reclassification of McKesson capital stock or the exchange or
conversion of one class or series of McKesson capital stock for another class
or series of McKesson capital stock, (ii) the purchase of fractional interests
in shares of McKesson capital stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange
provisions of such capital stock of McKesson or the security being converted
or exchanged for McKesson capital stock, (iii) dividends or distributions in
Common Stock of the Company, (iv) any declaration of a dividend in connection
with the implementation of a stockholders' rights plan, or the issuance of
stock under any such plan in the future, or the redemption or repurchase of
any such rights pursuant thereto, (v) payments under the Guarantee and Common
Securities Guarantee, (vi) purchases of Common Stock related to the issuance
of Common Stock or rights under any of the Company's benefit plans for its
directors, officers or employees and (vii) obligations under any dividend
reinvestment and stock purchase plan).
 
  McKesson has covenanted (i) to directly or indirectly maintain 100%
ownership of the Trust's Common Securities; provided, however, that any
permitted successor of McKesson under the Indenture may succeed to McKesson's
ownership of such Common Securities, (ii) to use its reasonable efforts to
cause the Trust (x) to remain a statutory business trust, except in connection
with the distribution of Convertible Debentures to the holders of Trust
Securities in liquidation of the Trust, the redemption of all the Trust
Securities of the Trust, or certain mergers, consolidations or amalgamations,
each as permitted by the Declaration, and (y) to continue to be classified as
a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes and (iii) to use
its reasonable efforts to cause each holder of Trust Securities to be treated
as owning an undivided beneficial interest in the Convertible Debentures.
 
  The Indenture provides that McKesson will not merge or consolidate with or
into any other person or entity or sell, transfer, lease or otherwise convey
all or substantially all of its assets on a consolidated basis to any person
unless (a)(i) McKesson is the surviving corporation in any such merger or (ii)
if McKesson is not the survivor, the successor is a corporation organized and
existing under the laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or
the District of Columbia and expressly assumes the due and punctual payment of
the principal of, premium, if any, and interest (including Additional Sums and
Compound Interest) on all Convertible Debentures issued thereunder and the
performance of every other covenant and agreement in the Indenture and the
Registration Rights Agreement on the part of the Company, (b) immediately
thereafter no Indenture Event of Default and no event which, after notice or
lapse of time or both, would become an Indenture Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing, and (c) McKesson has delivered to the Debt Trustee
the officers'
 
                                      40
<PAGE>
 
certificate and opinion of counsel required by the Indenture. Upon any such
consolidation, merger, sale, transfer, lease or conveyance, the successor
corporation shall succeed to and be substituted for McKesson under the
Indenture and thereafter (except in the case of a lease) the predecessor
corporation shall be relieved of all obligations and covenants under the
Indenture, the Convertible Debentures and the Registration Rights Agreement.
 
REDEMPTION AT THE OPTION OF MCKESSON
 
  McKesson has the right to redeem the Convertible Debentures, in whole or in
part, from time to time, on or after March 4, 2000, upon not less than 30 nor
more than 60 days notice, at the following prices (expressed as percentages of
the principal amount of the Convertible Debentures), together with accrued and
unpaid interest (including Additional Sums, if any, and, to the extent
permitted by applicable law, Compound Interest, if any), to but excluding the
redemption date, if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning March 4 of
the applicable year set forth below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            YEAR                         REDEMPTION PRICE
            ----                         ----------------
            <S>                          <C>
            2000........................      103.5%
            2001........................      103.0
            2002........................      102.5
            2003........................      102.0
            2004........................      101.5
            2005........................      101.0
            2006........................      100.5
</TABLE>
 
and 100.0% if redeemed on or after March 4, 2007.
 
  McKesson may not redeem fewer than all of the outstanding Convertible
Debentures unless all accrued and unpaid interest has been paid on all
Convertible Debentures for all quarterly interest payment periods terminating
on or prior to the date of redemption. If Convertible Debentures are redeemed
on any interest payment date, accrued and unpaid interest shall be payable to
holders of record on the relevant record date.
 
  McKesson also has the right to redeem the Convertible Debentures, in whole
or in part, at any time in certain circumstances upon the occurrence of a Tax
Event as described under "Description of the Convertible Preferred
Securities--Special Event Distribution; Tax Event Redemption" at 100% of the
principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest (including
Additional Sums, if any, and, to the extent permitted by applicable law,
Compound Interest, if any) to the Redemption Date.
 
  Any redemption of Convertible Debentures shall be made on not less than 30
nor more than 60 days notice to holders of the Convertible Debentures. In the
event that fewer than all of the outstanding Convertible Debentures are to be
redeemed, the Convertible Debentures will be redeemed pro rata. So long as the
corresponding Trust Securities are outstanding, the proceeds from the
redemption of the Convertible Debentures will be used to redeem the Trust
Securities.
 
CONVERSION OF THE CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES
 
  The Convertible Debentures are convertible into McKesson Common Stock at the
option of the holders of the Convertible Debentures at any time beginning May
21, 1997 and prior to the close of business on the Business Day prior to the
maturity date of the Convertible Debentures (or, in the case of Convertible
Debentures called for redemption, the close of business on the Business Day
prior to the Redemption Date) at an initial conversion rate of .6709 shares of
McKesson Common Stock for each $50 in principal amount of Convertible
Debentures (equivalent to a conversion price of $74.53 per share of McKesson
Common Stock), subject to adjustment and reset as described under "Description
of the Convertible Preferred Securities--Conversion Rights." The Trust has
agreed not to convert Convertible Debentures held by it except pursuant to a
notice of
 
                                      41
<PAGE>
 
conversion delivered to the Conversion Agent by a holder of Convertible
Preferred Securities. Upon surrender of a Convertible Preferred Security to
the Conversion Agent for conversion, the Trust will distribute $50 principal
amount of Convertible Debentures for each $50 in liquidation amount of
Convertible Preferred Securities surrendered to the Conversion Agent on behalf
of the holder of the Convertible Preferred Securities so converted, whereupon
the Conversion Agent will convert such Convertible Debentures into McKesson
Common Stock on behalf of such holder. McKesson's delivery to the holders of
the Convertible Debentures (through the Conversion Agent) of the fixed number
of shares of McKesson Common Stock into which the Convertible Debentures are
convertible (together with the cash payment, if any, in lieu of fractional
shares) will be deemed to satisfy McKesson's obligation to pay the principal
amount of the Convertible Debentures so converted, and the accrued and unpaid
interest thereon attributable to the period from the last date to which
interest has been paid or duly provided for; provided, however, that if any
Convertible Debenture is converted after the close of business on a record
date for payment of interest, the interest payable on the related Interest
Payment Date with respect to such Convertible Debenture shall be paid on such
Interest Payment Date to the person who was the registered holder thereof on
such record date, despite such conversion, unless such Convertible Debenture
has been called for redemption on a Redemption Date falling between such
record date and the corresponding Interest Payment Date, in which case the
amount of such payment shall include interest accrued to, but excluding, such
Redemption Date and such payment shall be made to the converting holder.
 
INDENTURE EVENTS OF DEFAULT
 
  The Indenture provides that any one or more of the following described
events, which has occurred and is continuing, constitutes an "Indenture Event
of Default" with respect to the Convertible Debentures: (i) failure for 30
days to pay interest on the Convertible Debentures, including any Additional
Sums, Compound Interest and Liquidated Damages in respect thereof, when due;
provided that a valid extension of an interest payment period will not
constitute a default in the payment of interest (including any Additional
Sums, Compound Interest or Liquidated Damages) for this purpose; or (ii)
failure to pay principal of or premium, if any, on the Convertible Debentures
when due whether at maturity, upon redemption, by declaration or otherwise, or
(iii) failure by McKesson to deliver shares of McKesson Common Stock upon an
election by a holder of Convertible Preferred Securities or Convertible
Debentures to convert such Convertible Preferred Securities or Convertible
Debentures, as the case may be, (iv) failure to observe or perform any other
covenant contained in the Indenture for 30 days after notice to McKesson by
the Debt Trustee or by the holders of at least 25% in aggregate outstanding
principal amount of the Convertible Debentures; (v) the dissolution, winding
up or termination of the Trust, except in connection with the distribution of
Convertible Debentures to the holders of Convertible Preferred Securities in
liquidation of the Trust upon the occurrence of a Special Event or upon the
occurrence of events as described under "Description of the Convertible
Preferred Securities--Liquidation of Trust and Distribution of Convertible
Debentures to Holders," upon the redemption of all outstanding Convertible
Preferred Securities, upon the conversion of all outstanding Convertible
Preferred Securities into McKesson Common Stock or in connection with certain
mergers, consolidations or amalgamations permitted by the Declaration; or (vi)
certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of McKesson which
are voluntary or, if involuntary, continue for a period of 90 days.
 
  If any Indenture Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the
Institutional Trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate
principal amount of the Convertible Debentures then outstanding may declare
the principal of and the accrued and unpaid interest on the Convertible
Debentures (including Additional Sums, if any, and (to the extent permitted by
applicable law) Compound Interest, if any) and any other amounts payable under
the Indenture to be forthwith due and payable and to enforce its other rights
as a creditor with respect to the Convertible Debentures; provided, however,
that after such acceleration, but before a judgment or decree based on such
acceleration is obtained, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the Convertible Debentures then outstanding may, under certain
circumstances, rescind and annul such acceleration if all Indenture Events of
Default, other than the nonpayment of accelerated principal and interest, have
been cured or waived as provided in the Indenture. An Indenture Event of
Default also constitutes a Declaration Event of Default. The holders of
Convertible Preferred Securities in certain circumstances have the right to
direct the Institutional Trustee to exercise its rights as the holder of the
Convertible Debentures. See "Description of the
 
                                      42
<PAGE>
 
Convertible Preferred Securities--Declaration Events of Default" and "--Voting
Rights." Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Indenture Event of Default has
occurred and is continuing and such event is attributable to the failure of
McKesson to pay interest or principal on the Convertible Debentures on the
date such interest or principal is otherwise payable (or in the case of
redemption, the Redemption Date), then a holder of Convertible Preferred
Securities may institute a Direct Action for payment on or after the
respective due dates specified in the Convertible Debentures. Notwithstanding
any payments made to such holder of Convertible Preferred Securities by
McKesson in connection with a Direct Action, McKesson shall remain obligated
to pay the principal of and interest on the Convertible Debentures held by the
Trust or the Institutional Trustee of the Trust, and McKesson shall be
subrogated to the rights of the holder of such Convertible Preferred
Securities with respect to payments on the Convertible Preferred Securities to
the extent of any payments made by McKesson to such holder in any Direct
Action. The holders of Convertible Preferred Securities will not be able to
exercise directly any other remedy available to the holders of the Convertible
Debentures.
 
  The Indenture contains provisions permitting the holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Debentures then outstanding, on
behalf of all of the holders of the Convertible Debentures, to waive any past
default in the performance of any of the covenants contained in the Indenture,
except a default in the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or
interest on any of the Convertible Debentures and certain other defaults;
provided, however, that if the Convertible Debentures are held by the Trust or
the Institutional Trustee of the Trust, such waiver shall not be effective
until the holders of a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of Trust
Securities shall have consented to such waiver; provided, further, that if the
consent of the holder of each outstanding Convertible Debenture affected is
required, such waiver shall not be effective until each holder of the Trust
Securities shall have consented to such waiver.
 
  A default under any other indebtedness of the Company would not constitute
an Indenture Event of Default.
 
  Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the
Debt Trustee in case an Indenture Event of Default shall occur and be
continuing, the Debt Trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of its
rights or powers under the Indenture at the request or direction of any
holders of Convertible Debentures, unless such holders shall have offered to
the Debt Trustee reasonable indemnity. Subject to such provisions for the
indemnification of the Debt Trustee, the holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the Convertible Debentures then outstanding have the right
to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any
remedy available to the Debt Trustee, or exercising any trust or power
conferred on the Debt Trustee.
 
  No holder of any Convertible Debenture has any right to institute any
proceeding with respect to the Indenture or for any remedy thereunder, unless
(i) such holder shall have previously given to the Debt Trustee written notice
of a continuing Indenture Event of Default, (ii) if the Trust is not the sole
holder of Convertible Debentures, the holders of at least 25% in aggregate
principal amount of the Convertible Debentures then outstanding shall have
made written request to the Debt Trustee to institute proceedings, (iii) such
holder has offered reasonable indemnity to the Debt Trustee to institute such
proceeding as Indenture Trustee, (iv) the Debt Trustee shall have failed to
institute such proceeding within 60 days of such notice and offer of
indemnity, and (v) the Debt Trustee shall not have received from the holders
of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Convertible
Debentures a direction inconsistent with such request. However, such
limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by a holder of a Convertible
Debenture for enforcement of payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or
interest on such Convertible Debenture on or after the respective due dates
expressed in such Convertible Debenture.
 
  The Company is required to file annually with the Debt Trustee and the
Institutional Trustee a certificate as to whether or not the Company is in
compliance with all the conditions and covenants under the Indenture.
 
BOOK-ENTRY AND SETTLEMENT
 
  If distributed to holders of Convertible Preferred Securities in connection
with the involuntary or voluntary dissolution, winding-up or liquidation of
the Trust as a result of the occurrence of a Special Event, the
 
                                      43
<PAGE>
 
Convertible Debentures will be issued in the same form as the Convertible
Preferred Securities that such Convertible Debentures replace. Except under
the limited circumstances described below, Convertible Debentures represented
by a global security (a "Global Debenture") are not exchangeable for, and are
not otherwise issuable as, Convertible Debentures in definitive form. The
Global Debenture may not be transferred except by DTC to a nominee of DTC or
by a nominee of DTC to DTC or another nominee of DTC or to successor
depositary or its nominee.
 
  The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of securities
take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such laws may
impair the ability to transfer or pledge beneficial interests in a Global
Debenture.
 
  Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in a Global
Debenture are not entitled to receive physical delivery of Convertible
Debentures in definitive form and are not considered the holders (as defined
in the Indenture) thereof for any purpose under the Indenture, and no Global
Debenture representing Convertible Debentures shall be exchangeable, except
for another Global Debenture of like denomination and tenor to be registered
in the name of DTC or its nominee or a successor depositary or its nominee.
Accordingly, each beneficial owner must rely on the procedures of DTC or if
such person is not a Participant, on the procedures of the Participant through
which such person owns its interest to exercise any rights of a holder under
the Indenture.
 
THE DEPOSITARY
 
  If Convertible Debentures are distributed to holders of Convertible
Preferred Securities in liquidation of such holders' interests in the Trust
and a Global Debenture is issued, DTC will act as securities depositary for
the Global Debenture. For a description of DTC and the specific terms of the
depositary arrangements, see "Description of the Convertible Preferred
Securities--Form, Denomination and Registration--Global Convertible Preferred
Securities; Book-Entry Form." As of the date of this Prospectus, the
description therein of DTC's book-entry system and DTC's practices as they
relate to purchases, transfers, notices and payments with respect to the
Convertible Preferred Securities apply in all material respects to any debt
obligations represented by one or more global securities held by DTC. McKesson
may appoint a successor to DTC or any successor depositary in the event DTC or
such successor depositary is unable or unwilling to continue as a depositary
for such Global Debenture.
 
  None of McKesson, the Trust, the Debt Trustee, any paying agent and any
other agent of McKesson or the Debt Trustee have any responsibility or
liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on
account of beneficial ownership interests in a Global Debenture or for
maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial
ownership interests.
 
DISCONTINUANCE OF THE DEPOSITARY'S SERVICES
 
  DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depositary with
respect to the Global Debenture at any time by giving notice to the Company.
In the event that (i) DTC notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable
to continue as a depositary for the Global Debenture or if at any time DTC
ceases to be a clearing agency registered as such under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 when DTC is required to be so registered to act as such
depositary and no successor depositary shall have been appointed within 90
days of such notification or of the Company becoming aware of DTC's ceasing to
be so registered, as the case may be, (ii) the Company in its sole discretion
determines that the Global Debenture shall be exchanged for certificated
Convertible Debentures or (iii) there shall have occurred and be continuing an
Indenture Event of Default, certificates for the Convertible Debentures will
be printed and delivered in exchange for interests in the Global Debentures.
Any Global Debenture that is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding sentence
shall be exchangeable for Convertible Debentures registered in such names as
DTC shall direct. It is expected that such instructions will be based upon
directions received by DTC from its Participants with respect to ownership of
beneficial interests in such Global Debenture.
 
                                      44
<PAGE>
 
MODIFICATIONS AND AMENDMENTS OF THE INDENTURE
 
  The Indenture contains provisions permitting the Company and the Debt
Trustee, with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Convertible Debentures, to
modify the Indenture or the rights of the holders of Convertible Debentures;
provided, however, that no such modification may, without the consent of the
holder of each outstanding Convertible Debenture affected thereby, (i) extend
the stated maturity of the Convertible Debentures or reduce the principal
amount thereof, or reduce the rate or extend the time for payment of interest
thereon, or reduce any premium payable upon the redemption thereof, or
adversely affect the right to convert Convertible Debentures or the
subordination provisions of the Indenture, or (ii) reduce the percentage in
aggregate principal amount of outstanding Convertible Debentures, the holders
of which are required to consent to any such supplemental indenture.
 
  In addition, the Company and the Debt Trustee may execute, without the
consent of any holder of Convertible Debentures, any supplemental indenture to
cure any ambiguities, defects or inconsistencies, comply with the Trust
Indenture Act and for certain other customary purposes.
 
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE DEBT TRUSTEE
 
  The Debt Trustee, prior to default, undertakes to perform only such duties
as are specifically set forth in the Indenture and, after default, shall
exercise the same degree of care as a prudent person would exercise in the
conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to such provision, the Debt Trustee
is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the
Indenture at the request of any holder of Convertible Debentures, unless
offered reasonable indemnity by such holder against the costs, expenses and
liabilities which might be incurred thereby. The Debt Trustee is not required
to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur personal financial
liability in the performance of its duties if the Debt Trustee reasonably
believes that repayment or adequate indemnity is not reasonably assured to it.
 
  The Indenture also contains limitations on the right of the Debt Trustee, as
a creditor of McKesson, to obtain payment of claims in certain cases or to
realize on certain property received in respect of any such claim as security
or otherwise. In addition, the Debt Trustee may be deemed to have a
conflicting interest and may be required to resign as Debt Trustee if at the
time of a default under the Indenture it is a creditor of McKesson. The
Company may from time to time maintain deposit accounts and conduct its
banking transactions with the Debt Trustee in the ordinary course of business.
 
GOVERNING LAW
 
  The Indenture and the Convertible Debentures are governed by, and construed
in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York.
 
MISCELLANEOUS
 
  The Indenture provides that McKesson is to pay all fees and expenses related
to (i) the original offering of the Trust Securities and the Convertible
Debentures, (ii) the organization, maintenance and dissolution of the Trust,
(iii) the retention of the MFT Trustees and (iv) the enforcement by the
Institutional Trustee of the rights of the holders of the Convertible
Preferred Securities.
 
  McKesson will have the right at all times to assign any of its respective
rights or obligations under the Indenture to a direct or indirect wholly-owned
subsidiary of McKesson; provided that, in the event of any such assignment,
McKesson will remain liable for all of its obligations. Subject to the
foregoing, the Indenture is binding upon and inures to the benefit of the
parties thereto and their respective successors and assigns. The Indenture
provides that it may not otherwise be assigned by the parties thereto.
 
                                      45
<PAGE>
 
                        EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE
                   CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES AND THE GUARANTEE
 
  As set forth in the Declaration, the sole purpose of the Trust is to issue
the Trust Securities evidencing undivided beneficial interests in the assets
of the Trust, and to invest the proceeds from such issuance and sale in the
Convertible Debentures.
 
  As long as payments of interest and other payments are made when due on the
Convertible Debentures, such payments will be sufficient to cover
distributions and payments due on the Trust Securities because of the
following factors: (i) the aggregate principal amount of Convertible
Debentures is equal to the sum of the aggregate stated liquidation amount of
the Trust Securities; (ii) the interest rate and the interest and other
payment dates on the Convertible Debentures match the distribution rate and
distribution and other payment dates for the Convertible Preferred Securities;
(iii) McKesson shall pay all, and the Trust shall not be obligated to pay,
directly or indirectly, any costs, expenses, debt and obligations of the Trust
(other than with respect to the Trust Securities); and (iv) the Declaration
further provides that the MFT Trustees shall not take or cause or permit the
Trust to, among other things, engage in any activity that is not consistent
with the purposes of the Trust.
 
  Payments of distributions (to the extent funds therefor are available) and
other payments due on the Convertible Preferred Securities (to the extent
funds therefor are available) are guaranteed by McKesson as and to the extent
set forth under "Description of the Guarantee" herein. If McKesson does not
make interest payments on the Convertible Debentures purchased by the Trust,
it is expected that the Trust will not have sufficient funds to pay
distributions on the Convertible Preferred Securities. The Guarantee is a full
guarantee on a subordinated basis with respect to the Convertible Preferred
Securities issued by the Trust from the time of its issuance but does not
apply to any payment of distributions unless and until the Trust has
sufficient funds for the payment of such distributions. The Guarantee covers
the payment of distributions and other payments on the Convertible Preferred
Securities only if and to the extent that McKesson has made a payment of
interest or principal on the Convertible Debentures held by the Trust as its
sole asset. See "Risk Factors--Limitations of the Guarantee." The Guarantee,
when taken together with McKesson's obligations under the Convertible
Debentures, the Indenture and the Declaration, including its obligations to
pay costs, expenses, debts and liabilities of the Trust (other than with
respect to the Trust Securities), provides a full and unconditional guarantee
of amounts on the Convertible Preferred Securities.
 
  If McKesson fails to make interest or other payments on the Convertible
Debentures when due (taking account of any Extension Period), the Declaration
provides a mechanism whereby a holder of the Convertible Preferred Securities,
using the procedures described in "Description of the Convertible Preferred
Securities--Voting Rights," may direct the Institutional Trustee to enforce
its rights under the Convertible Debentures. If the Institutional Trustee
fails to enforce its rights under the Convertible Debentures, any holder of
Convertible Preferred Securities may directly institute a legal proceeding
against McKesson to enforce the Institutional Trustee's rights under the
Convertible Debentures without first instituting legal proceedings against the
Institutional Trustee or any other person or entity. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if a Declaration Event of Default has occurred and is continuing
and such event is attributable to the failure of the Company to pay interest
or principal on the Convertible Debentures on the date such interest or
principal is otherwise payable (or in the case of redemption on the Redemption
Date), a holder of Convertible Preferred Securities may institute a Direct
Action for payment on or after the respective due dates specified in the
Convertible Debentures. In connection with such Direct Action, McKesson will
be subrogated to the rights of such holder of Convertible Preferred Securities
under the Declaration to the extent of any payment made by McKesson to such
holder of Convertible Preferred Securities in such Direct Action. McKesson,
under the Guarantee, acknowledges that the Guarantee Trustee shall enforce the
Guarantee on behalf of holders of the Convertible Preferred Securities. If
McKesson fails to make payments under the Guarantee, the Guarantee provides a
mechanism whereby the holders of the Convertible Preferred Securities may
direct the Guarantee Trustee to enforce its rights thereunder. Any holder of
Convertible Preferred Securities may institute a legal proceeding directly
against McKesson to enforce such holder's right to receive payment under the
Guarantee without first instituting a legal proceeding against the Trust, the
Guarantee Trustee or any other person or entity.
 
                                      46
<PAGE>
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
  The description of the Company's capital stock and of certain provisions of
Delaware law do not purport to be complete and are subject to and qualified in
their entirety by reference to the Company's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation (the "Certificate") and Restated By-Laws (the "By-Laws") and
Delaware law, and, with respect to certain rights of holders of shares of
Common Stock, the Rights Agreement (as hereinafter defined). Copies of such
documents have been filed with the Commission.
 
  As of the date hereof, the capital stock of McKesson consists of 200,000,000
authorized shares of Common Stock and 100,000,000 authorized shares of
preferred stock.
 
COMMON STOCK
 
  As of June 2, 1997, there were 45,897,016 shares of Common Stock issued and
outstanding. The holders of outstanding shares of Common Stock are entitled to
receive dividends out of assets legally available therefor at such times and
in such amounts as the McKesson Board of Directors (the "Board") may from time
to time determine. The shares of Common Stock are neither redeemable nor
convertible, and the holders thereof have no preemptive or subscription rights
to purchase any securities of McKesson. Upon liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of McKesson, the holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive
the assets of McKesson, which are legally available for distribution, after
payment of all debts, other liabilities and any liquidation preferences of
outstanding preferred stock. Each outstanding share of Common Stock is
entitled to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. There
is no cumulative voting.
 
SERIES PREFERRED STOCK
 
  As of June 2, 1997, there were no shares of series preferred stock issued
and outstanding. The Board is authorized to issue series preferred stock in
classes or series and to fix the designations, preferences, qualifications,
limitations, or restrictions of any class or series with respect to the rate
and nature of dividends, the price and terms and conditions on which shares
may be redeemed, the amount payable in the event of voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, the terms and conditions for conversion or exchange into any
other class or series of the stock, voting rights and other terms.
 
ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECTS OF PROVISIONS OF THE COMPANY'S RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF
INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS
 
  The Certificate and By-Laws of McKesson contain certain provisions that may
be deemed to have an anti-takeover effect and may delay, deter or prevent a
tender offer or takeover attempt that a stockholder might consider in its best
interest, including those attempts that might result in a premium over the
market price for the shares held by stockholders.
 
  Pursuant to the Certificate, the Board is divided into three classes serving
staggered three-year terms. Directors can be removed from office only for
cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority
of the voting power of the then outstanding shares of any class or series of
capital stock of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of
directors. Vacancies and newly created directorships on the Board may be
filled only by a majority of the remaining directors or by the plurality vote
of the stockholders.
 
  The Certificate also provides that any action required or permitted to be
taken by the holders of Common Stock may be effected only at an annual or
special meeting of such holders, and that stockholders may act in lieu of such
meetings only by unanimous written consent. The By-Laws provide that special
meetings of holders of Common Stock may be called only by the Chairman or the
President of the Company or the Board. Holders of Common Stock are not
permitted to call a special meeting or to require that the Board call a
special meeting of stockholders.
 
  The By-Laws establish an advance notice procedure for the nomination, other
than by or at the direction of the Board, of candidates for election as
directors as well as for other stockholder proposals to be considered at
 
                                      47
<PAGE>
 
annual meetings of stockholders. In general, notice of intent to nominate a
director or raise business at such meetings must be received by the Company
not less than 60 nor more than 90 days prior to the date of the annual meeting
and must contain certain specified information concerning the person to be
nominated or the matters to be brought before the meeting and concerning the
stockholder submitting the proposal.
 
  The Certificate also provides that certain provisions of the By-Laws may
only be amended by the affirmative vote of the holders of 75% of the shares of
the Company outstanding and entitled to vote. The Certificate also provides
that, in addition to any affirmative vote required by law, the affirmative
vote of holders of 80% of the voting stock of the Company and two-thirds of
the voting stock other than voting stock held by an interested stockholder
shall be necessary to approve certain business combinations proposed by an
interested stockholder.
 
  The foregoing summary is qualified in its entirety by the provisions of the
Certificate and By-Laws, copies of which have been filed with the Commission.
 
RIGHTS PLAN
 
  Pursuant to the Company's Rights Agreement (as defined below), the Board
declared a dividend distribution of one right (a "Right") for each outstanding
share of Common Stock to stockholders of record of the Company at November 1,
1994 (the "Record Date"). Each Right entitles the registered holder to
purchase from the Company a unit consisting of one one-hundredth of a share of
Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (the "Series A Preferred Stock")
at a purchase price of $100 per unit. The terms of the Rights are set forth in
a Rights Agreement between the Company and a Rights Agent (the "Rights
Agreement"), a copy of which is filed with the Commission. The following
summary outlines certain provisions of the Rights Agreement and is qualified
by reference to the full text of the form of the Rights Agreement.
 
  The Rights are attached to all Common Stock certificates representing shares
outstanding at the Record Date and shares issued between the Record Date and
the Distribution Date (as hereinafter defined), and no separate rights
certificates (the "Rights Certificates") have been distributed. The Rights
will separate from the Common Stock, separate Rights Certificates will be
issued and a distribution date (the "Distribution Date") will occur upon the
earlier to occur of (i) ten business days following the date of a public
announcement that there is an Acquiring Person (as defined below) (such date,
the "Stock Acquisition Date"), (ii) ten business days following commencement
of a tender or exchange offer that would result in the offeror beneficially
owning 15% or more of the Common Stock or (iii) ten business days after the
Board determines that the ownership of 10% or more of the Company's
outstanding Common Stock by a person is (A) intended to cause the Company to
repurchase the Common Stock beneficially owned by such person or (B) is
causing, or is reasonably likely to cause, a material adverse impact on the
Company.
 
  The term "Acquiring Person" means any person who, together with affiliates
and associates, acquires beneficial ownership of shares of Common Stock
representing 15% or more of the Common Stock, but shall not include the
Company, any subsidiary of the Company, any employee benefit plan of the
Company or of any Subsidiary of the Company, or any person or entity
organized, appointed or established by the Company for or pursuant to the
terms of such plan.
 
  In the event that a person becomes an Acquiring Person (except pursuant to
an offer for all outstanding shares of Common Stock which the independent
directors determine to be fair to and otherwise in the best interests of the
Company and its stockholders), each holder of a Right will thereafter have the
right to receive, upon exercise, Common Stock (or, in certain circumstances,
cash, property or other securities of the Company) having a calculated value
equal to two times the exercise price of the Right. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, following the occurrence of such event, all Rights that are, or
(under certain circumstances specified in the Rights Agreement) were,
beneficially owned by an Acquiring Person and certain related persons and
transferees will be null and void. However, Rights are not exercisable
following the occurrence of such event until such time as the Rights are no
longer redeemable as set forth below.
 
                                      48
<PAGE>
 
  The Rights expire on September 14, 2004, unless redeemed earlier by the
Board.
 
  At any time prior to the tenth day following the Stock Acquisition Date, the
Company may redeem the Rights, in whole, but not in part, at a price of $.01
per Right.
 
  Until a Right is exercised, the holder thereof, as such, will have no rights
as a stockholder of the Company, including without limitation, the right to
vote or to receive dividends.
 
  In general, the Rights Agreement may be amended by the Board (i) prior to
the Distribution Date in any manner, and (ii) on or after the Distribution
Date in certain respects including (a) to shorten or lengthen any time period
and (b) in a manner not adverse to the interests of Rights holders. However,
amendments extending the redemption period must be made while the Rights are
still redeemable.
 
  The Rights have certain anti-takeover effects and will cause substantial
dilution to a person or group that attempts to acquire the Company on terms
not approved by the Board. The Rights should not interfere with any merger or
other business combination approved by the Board, since the Board may redeem
the Rights as provided above.
 
SECTION 203 OF DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW
 
  The Company is subject to the "business combination" statute of the Delaware
General Corporation Law (Section 203). In general, such statute prohibits a
publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a "business combination"
with any "interested stockholder" for a period of three years after the date
of the transaction in which the person became an "interested stockholder,"
unless (i) such transaction is approved by the board of directors prior to the
date the interested stockholder obtains such status, (ii) upon consummation of
such transaction, the "interested stockholder" beneficially owned at least 85%
of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction
commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the number of shares
outstanding those shares owned by (a) persons who are directors and also
officers and (b) employee stock plans in which employee participants do not
have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the
plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer, or (iii) the "business
combination" is approved by the board of directors and authorized at an annual
or special meeting of stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3%
of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the "interested
stockholder." A "business combination" includes mergers, asset sales and other
transactions resulting in financial benefit to the "interested stockholder."
An "interested stockholder" is a person who, together with affiliates and
associates, owns (or within three years, did own) beneficially 15% or more of
a corporation's voting stock. The statute could prohibit or delay mergers or
other takeover or change in control attempts with respect to the Company and,
accordingly, may discourage attempts to acquire the Company.
 
CERTAIN EFFECTS OF AUTHORIZED BUT UNISSUED STOCK
 
  The Company's authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock and series
preferred stock may be issued without additional stockholder approval and may
be utilized for a variety of corporate purposes, including future offerings to
raise additional capital or to facilitate corporate acquisitions.
 
  The issuance of series preferred stock could have the effect of delaying or
preventing a change in control of the Company. The issuance of preferred stock
could decrease the amount of earnings and assets available for distribution to
the holders of Common Stock or could adversely affect the rights and powers,
including voting rights, of the holders of the Common Stock. In certain
circumstances, such issuance could have the effect of decreasing the market
price of the Common Stock.
 
  One of the effects of the existence of unissued and unreserved Common Stock
or series preferred stock may be to enable the Board to issue shares to
persons friendly to current management which could render more difficult or
discourage an attempt to obtain control of the Company by means of a merger,
tender offer, proxy
 
                                      49
<PAGE>
 
contest or otherwise, and thereby protect the continuity of management. Such
additional shares also could be used to dilute the stock ownership of persons
seeking to obtain control of the Company.
 
  The Company plans to issue additional shares of Common Stock (i) upon the
exercise of options which have been granted or which may be granted in the
future to directors, officers and employees of the Company and (ii) upon
conversion of the Trust Securities. The Company does not currently have any
plans to issue shares of preferred stock, although, 10,000,000 shares of
Series A Preferred Stock have been designated pursuant to the Company's Rights
Plan. See "--Rights Plan."
 
LIMITATION OF DIRECTORS LIABILITY
 
  The Certificate contains a provision that limits the liability of McKesson's
directors for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director to
the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law. Such
limitation does not, however, affect the liability of a director (i) for any
breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the Company or its stockholders,
(ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional
misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) in respect of certain unlawful
dividend payments or stock redemptions or purchases and (iv) for any
transaction from which the director derives an improper personal benefit. The
effect of this provision is to eliminate the rights of the Company and its
stockholders (through stockholders' derivative suits on behalf of the Company)
to recover monetary damages against a director for breach of the fiduciary
duty of care as a director (including breaches resulting from negligent or
grossly negligent behavior) except in the situations described in clauses (i)
through (iv) above. This provision does not limit or eliminate the rights of
the Company or any stockholder to seek non-monetary relief such as an
injunction or rescission in the event of a breach of a director's duty of
care. In addition, the directors and officers of the Company have
indemnification protection.
 
                                      50
<PAGE>
 
                     UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION
 
GENERAL
 
  The following is a summary of certain United States federal income tax
consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Convertible
Preferred Securities. Unless otherwise stated, this summary only deals with
Convertible Preferred Securities held as capital assets (generally, assets
held for investment). The tax treatment of a holder of Convertible Preferred
Securities may vary depending on his particular situation. This summary does
not address all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to holders who
may be subject to special tax treatment such as, for example, insurance
companies, broker-dealers, tax-exempt organizations, or, except to the extent
described below, foreign taxpayers. In addition, this summary does not address
any aspects of state, local, or foreign tax laws. This summary is based on the
United States federal income tax law in effect as of the date hereof, which is
subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. Each investor is urged to
consult his tax advisor as to the particular tax consequences of purchasing,
owning, and disposing of the Convertible Preferred Securities, including the
application and effect of United States federal, state, local, foreign, and
other tax laws.
 
CLASSIFICATION OF THE CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES
 
  In connection with the issuance of the Convertible Debentures, Skadden,
Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, special tax counsel to the Company and the
Trust ("Tax Counsel"), will render an opinion generally to the effect that
under current law and assuming full compliance with the terms of the Indenture
and certain other documents, and based on certain facts and assumptions
contained in such opinion, the Convertible Debentures to be held by the Trust
will be classified, for United States federal income tax purposes, as
indebtedness of the Company.
 
CLASSIFICATION OF THE TRUST
 
  In connection with the issuance of the Convertible Preferred Securities, Tax
Counsel will render an opinion generally to the effect that, under current law
and assuming full compliance with the terms of the Declaration, the Indenture,
and certain other documents, and based on certain facts and assumptions
contained in such opinion, the Trust will be classified for United States
federal income tax purposes, as a grantor trust and not as an association
taxable as a corporation. Accordingly, for United States federal income tax
purposes, each holder of Convertible Preferred Securities will generally be
treated as the owner of an undivided interest in the Convertible Debentures,
and as further discussed below, each holder will be required to include in
ordinary income his allocable share of interest (or OID, if any) paid or
accrued on the Convertible Debentures.
 
POTENTIAL EXTENSION OF INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD AND ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT
 
  Under recently issued Treasury regulations (the "Regulations"), a debt
instrument will be deemed to be issued with OID if there is more that a
"remote" contingency that periodic stated interest payments due on the
instrument will not be timely paid. Because the exercise by the Company of its
option to defer the payment of stated interest on the Convertible Debentures
would prevent the Company from declaring dividends on any class of equity, the
Company believes that the likelihood of its exercising the option is "remote"
within the meaning of the Regulations. As a result, the Company intends to
take the position, based on the advice of Tax Counsel, that the Convertible
Debentures will not be deemed to be issued with OID. Accordingly, based on
this position, stated interest payments on the Convertible Debentures will be
includible in the ordinary income of a holder at the time that such payments
are paid or accrued in accordance with the holder's regular method of
accounting. Because the Regulations have not yet been addressed in any
published rulings or other published interpretations issued by the Internal
Revenue Service, it is possible that the Internal Revenue Service could take a
position contrary the position taken by the Company.
 
  Exercise of Deferral Option. If the Company were to exercise its option to
defer the payment of stated interest on the Convertible Debentures, the
Convertible Debentures would be treated, solely for purpose of the
 
                                      51
<PAGE>
 
OID rules, as being "re-issued" at such time with OID. Under these rules, a
holder of the Convertible Debentures would be required to include OID in
ordinary income, on a current basis, over the period that the instrument is
held even though the Company would not be making any actual cash payments
during the extended interest payment period. The amount of interest income
includible in the taxable income of a holder of the Convertible Debentures
would be determined on the basis of a constant yield method over the remaining
term of the instrument and the actual receipt of future payments of stated
interest on the Convertible Debentures would no longer be separately reported
as taxable income. The amount of OID that would accrue, in the aggregate,
during the extended interest payment period would be approximately equal to
the amount of the cash payment due at the end of such period. Any OID included
in income would increase the holder's adjusted tax basis in the Convertible
Debentures and the holder's actual receipt of interest payments would reduce
such basis.
 
  Because income on the Convertible Preferred Securities will constitute
interest income for United States Federal income tax purposes, corporate
holders of Convertible Preferred Securities will not be entitled to claim a
dividends received deduction in respect of such income.
 
MARKET DISCOUNT AND BOND PREMIUM
 
  To the extent a holder acquires Convertible Preferred Securities at a price
that is greater or less than the adjusted issue price (which should generally
approximate the face amount plus accrued but unpaid interest on the
Convertible Debentures) of such holder's proportionate share of the
Convertible Debentures, the holder may be deemed to have acquired its
undivided interest in the Convertible Debentures with acquisition premium or
market discount.
 
  A holder who acquires an undivided beneficial interest in the Convertible
Debentures at a market discount will generally be required to recognize
ordinary income to the extent of accrued market discount on the Convertible
Debentures upon their retirement or, to the extent of any gain, upon the
disposition of the Convertible Preferred Securities. Such market discount will
accrue ratably or, at the election of the holder, under a constant yield
method over the remaining term of the Convertible Debentures. A holder will
also be required to defer the deduction of a portion of the interest paid or
accrued on indebtedness incurred to purchase or carry Convertible Preferred
Securities that represent an undivided interest in Convertible Debentures
acquired with market discount. In lieu of the foregoing, a holder may elect to
include market discount in income currently as it accrues on all market
discount instruments acquired by such holder in the taxable year of the
election or thereafter, in which case the interest deferral rule will not
apply. A holder will not recognize income for any accrued market discount
attributable to Convertible Preferred Securities surrendered for conversion
into McKesson Common Stock. Upon disposition of the McKesson Common Stock
received however, any gain will be treated as ordinary income to the extent of
such accrued market discount.
 
  A holder who acquires an undivided beneficial interest in the Convertible
Debentures at a premium will be able to offset the amount of such holder's
amortizable bond premium attributable to that taxable year against such
holder's allocable share of interest (or OID, if any) paid or accrued on the
Convertible Debentures.
 
  Holders are advised to consult their tax advisors regarding the market
discount and acquisition premium rules.
 
RECEIPT OF CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES OR CASH UPON LIQUIDATION OF THE TRUST
 
  If Company exercises its right to liquidate the Trust and cause the
Convertible Debentures to be distributed on a pro rata basis to the holders of
the Convertible Preferred Securities, such distribution would be treated as a
nontaxable event to the holders. In such event, each holder of Convertible
Preferred Securities would have an adjusted tax basis in the Convertible
Debentures received in the liquidation equal to the adjusted tax basis in his
Convertible Preferred Securities surrendered therefor and the holding period
of the Convertible Debentures would include the period during which the holder
had held the Convertible Preferred Securities. If, however, the Trust is
characterized, for United States Federal income tax purposes, as an
association taxable as a corporation
 
                                      52
<PAGE>
 
at the time of such liquidation, the distribution of the Convertible
Debentures would constitute a taxable event to the holders of Convertible
Preferred Securities.
 
  If the Convertible Debentures are redeemed for cash and the proceeds of such
redemption are distributed to holders in redemption of their Convertible
Preferred Securities, the redemption would be treated as a sale of the
Convertible Preferred Securities, in which gain or loss would be recognized,
as described immediately below.
 
SALE OF CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES
 
  Upon the sale of the Convertible Preferred Securities, a holder will
recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between his
adjusted tax basis in the Convertible Preferred Securities and the amount
realized in the sale (except to the extent of any amount received in respect
of accrued but unpaid interest not previously included in income). Subject to
the market discount rules described above, such gain or loss will be a capital
gain or loss and will be a long term capital gain or loss if the Convertible
Preferred Securities have been held for more than one year.
 
  The Convertible Preferred Securities may trade at a price that does not
accurately reflect the value of accrued but unpaid interest (or OID if the
Convertible Debentures are treated as having been issued, or reissued, with
OID) with respect to the underlying Convertible Debentures. A holder who
disposes of his Convertible Preferred Securities will be required to include
in ordinary income (i) any portion of the amount realized that is attributable
to such accrued but unpaid interest to the extent not previously included in
income or (ii) any amount of OID, in either case, that has accrued on his pro
rata share of the underlying Convertible Debentures during the taxable year of
sale through the date of disposition. Any such income inclusion will increase
the holder's adjusted tax basis in his Convertible Preferred Securities
disposed of. To the extent that the amount realized in the sale is less than
the holder's adjusted tax basis, a holder will recognize a capital loss.
Subject to certain limited exceptions, capital losses cannot be applied to
offset ordinary income for United States Federal income tax purposes.
 
CONVERSION OF CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES INTO MCKESSON COMMON STOCK
 
  Except possibly to the extent attributable to accrued and unpaid interest
(including OID, if any) on the Convertible Debentures, a holder of Convertible
Preferred Securities will not recognize income, gain or loss upon the
conversion of the Convertible Preferred Securities into McKesson Common Stock
through the Conversion Agent. A holder of Convertible Preferred Securities
will, however, recognize gain upon the receipt of cash in lieu of a fractional
share of McKesson Common Stock equal to the amount of cash received less such
holder's tax basis in such fractional share. Such a holder's tax basis in the
McKesson Common Stock received upon conversion should generally be equal to
such holder's tax basis in the Convertible Preferred Securities delivered to
the Conversion Agent for exchange less the basis allocated to any fractional
share for which cash is received and such holder's holding period in the
McKesson Common Stock received upon conversion should generally begin on the
date such holder acquired the Convertible Preferred Securities delivered to
the Conversion Agent for exchange.
 
ADJUSTMENT OF CONVERSION PRICE
 
  If at any time the Company makes a distribution of property to stockholders
that would be taxable to such stockholders as a dividend for United States
federal income tax purposes and, in accordance with the antidilution
provisions of the Convertible Preferred Securities, the Conversion Price of
the Convertible Preferred Securities is decreased, the amount of such decrease
may be deemed to be the payment of a taxable dividend to holders of the
Convertible Preferred Securities. For example, a decrease in the Conversion
Price in the event of distributions of evidences of indebtedness or assets of
the Company will generally result in deemed dividend treatment to holders of
the Convertible Preferred Securities, but generally a decrease in the event of
stock dividends or the distribution of rights to subscribe for McKesson Common
Stock will not. See "Description of the Convertible Preferred Securities--
Conversion Rights."
 
                                      53
<PAGE>
 
PROPOSED TAX LEGISLATION
 
  On February 6, 1997, as part of the fiscal 1998 budget proposal submitted to
Congress, the Clinton Administration proposed certain changes to Federal
income tax law which would, among other things, generally treat as equity, for
Federal income tax purposes, certain debt obligations, such as the Convertible
Debentures, that are "issued on or after the date of first Congressional
Committee action" (the "Clinton Proposal"). On June 9, 1997, House Ways and
Means Committee Chairman Bill Archer released the Chairman's Mark Relating to
Revenue Reconciliation Provisions that are proposed to be included in 1997 tax
legislation (the "Chairman's Mark"). The Chairman's Mark constitutes "first
Congressional Committee action" with respect to the provisions contained
therein. The Chairman's Mark does not include the Clinton Proposal that would
require instruments with terms similar to the Convertible Debentures to be
treated as equity for Federal income tax purposes.
 
  In light of the Chairman's Mark, it appears that "first Congressional
Committee action" has not yet occurred with respect to the Clinton Proposal.
Furthermore, given the issue date of the Convertible Debentures and the
effective date transitional rules relating to certain capital markets
provisions included in the Chairman's Mark (as well as transitional rules
provided for in 1996 proposed legislation similar to the Clinton Proposal), it
is anticipated that the Clinton Proposal, even if acted upon by Congress in
the future, would not apply to the Convertible Debentures.
 
  There can be no assurance, however, that the Clinton Proposal or similar
legislation will not ultimately be enacted into law, that the effective date
and transitional rules relating thereto would be enacted as anticipated, or
that other developments will not occur after the date hereof that would
adversely affect the tax treatment of the Convertible Debentures and could
result in the exchange of the Convertible Debentures for Convertible Preferred
Securities or, in certain limited circumstances, the redemption of the
Convertible Debentures by the Company and the distribution of the resulting
cash in redemption of the Convertible Preferred Securities. See "Description
of the Convertible Preferred Securities -- Special Event Distribution;
Redemption."
 
NON-U.S. HOLDERS
 
  For purposes of this discussion, a "Non-U.S. Holder" is any corporation,
individual, partnership, estate or trust that is, as to the United States, a
foreign corporation, a nonresident alien individual, a foreign partnership, or
a nonresident fiduciary of a foreign estate or trust.
 
  Payments made to a holder of Convertible Preferred Securities who is a Non-
U.S. Holder will not be subject to withholding of United States federal income
tax, provided that (a) the beneficial owner of the Convertible Preferred
Securities does not actually or constructively own 10% or more of the total
combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company entitled to vote,
(b) the beneficial owner of the Convertible Preferred Securities is not a
controlled foreign corporation that is related to the Company through stock
ownership, and (c) either (A) the beneficial owner of the Convertible
Preferred Securities certifies to the Trust or its agent, under the penalty of
perjury, that it is not a United States holder and provides his name and
address or (B) a securities clearing organization, bank or other financial
institution that holds customers' securities in the ordinary course of its
trade or business (a "Financial Institution"), and holds the Convertible
Preferred Securities in such capacity, certifies to the Trust or its agent,
under the penalty of perjury, that such statement has been received from the
beneficial owner by it or by a Financial Institution between it and the
beneficial owner and furnishes the Trust or its agent with a copy thereof. In
addition, a Non-U.S. Holder of Convertible Preferred Securities will not be
subject to withholding of United States federal income tax on any gain
realized upon the sale or other disposition of a Preferred Security.
 
  If the Convertible Preferred Securities are converted into McKesson Common
Stock, any dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder will be subject to withholding
of United States Federal income tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be
specified by an applicable income tax treaty unless the dividend is
effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business of a Non-U.S.
Holder with the U.S.
 
INFORMATION REPORTING
 
  Generally, income on the Convertible Preferred Securities will be reported
to holders on Forms 1099, which forms should be mailed to holders of
Convertible Preferred Securities by January 31 following each calendar year.
 
                                      54
<PAGE>
 
                             ERISA CONSIDERATIONS
 
  The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"),
and the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"),
impose certain restrictions on (a) employee benefit plans (as defined in
Section 3(3) of ERISA), (b) plans described in section 4975(e)(1) of the Code,
including individual retirement accounts or Keogh plans, (c) any entities
whose underlying assets include plan assets by reason of a plan's investment
in such entities (each a "Plan") and (d) persons who have certain specified
relationships to such Plans ("Parties-in-Interest" under ERISA and
"Disqualified Persons" under the Code). Moreover, based on the reasoning of
the United States Supreme Court in John Hancock Life Ins. Co. v. Harris Trust
and Sav. Bank, 114 S. Ct. 517 (1993), an insurance company's general account
may be deemed to include assets of the Plans investing in the general account
(e.g., through the purchase of an annuity contract), and the insurance company
might be treated as a Party-in-Interest with respect to a Plan by virtue of
such investment. ERISA also imposes certain duties on persons who are
fiduciaries of Plans subject to ERISA and prohibits certain transactions
between a Plan and Parties-in-Interest or Disqualified Persons with respect to
such Plans.
 
  The Department of Labor ("DOL") has issued a regulation (29 C.F.R.
(S) 2510.3-101) concerning the definition of what constitutes the assets of a
Plan (the "Plan Assets Regulation"). This regulation provides that, as a
general rule, the underlying assets and properties of corporations,
partnerships, trusts and certain other entities in which a Plan purchases an
"equity interest" will be deemed for purposes of ERISA to be assets of the
investing Plan unless certain exceptions apply.
 
  The Plan Assets Regulation defines an "equity interest" as any interest in
an entity other than an instrument that is treated as indebtedness under
applicable local law and which has no substantial equity features. It is
likely that the Convertible Preferred Securities would be treated as "equity
interests" for purposes of the Plan Assets Regulation. In addition, there can
be no assurance that any of the exceptions set forth in the Plan Assets
Regulation will apply to the purchase of the Convertible Preferred Securities.
Information regarding the potential applicability of any such exceptions will
be provided in the Prospectus Supplement.
 
  Under the terms of the Plan Assets Regulation, if the Trust were deemed to
hold Plan assets by reason of a Plan's investment in the Convertible Preferred
Securities, such Plan assets would include an undivided interest in the assets
held by the Trust, including the Convertible Debentures. In such event, any
party exercising authority or control regarding the management or disposition
of the Convertible Debentures may be deemed to be a Plan "fiduciary," and thus
subject to the fiduciary requirements and prohibited transaction provisions of
ERISA and the Code. Furthermore, inasmuch as the Trustee may become a
fiduciary with respect to the ERISA Plans that purchase the Convertible
Preferred Securities, there may be an improper delegation by such ERISA Plans
of the responsibility to manage Plan assets.
 
  In addition, if McKesson or any affiliate is a Party-in-Interest or
Disqualified Person with respect to an investing Plan, such Plan's investment
could be deemed to constitute a transaction prohibited under Title I of ERISA
or Section 4975 of the Code (e.g., the extension of credit between a Plan and
a Party-in-Interest or Disqualified Person). Such transactions may, however,
be subject to one or more statutory or administrative exemptions such as
Prohibited Transaction Class Exemption ("PTCE") 90-1, which exempts certain
transactions involving insurance company pooled separate accounts; PTCE 95-60,
which exempts certain transactions involving insurance company general
accounts; PTCE 91-38, which exempts certain transactions involving bank
collective investment funds; PTCE 84-14, which exempts certain transactions
effected on behalf of a Plan by a "qualified professional asset manager"; and
PTCE 96-23, which exempts certain transactions effected on behalf of a Plan by
an "in-house asset manager"; or pursuant to any other available exemption.
Such exemptions may not, however, apply to all of the transactions that could
be deemed prohibited transactions in connection with the Convertible Preferred
Securities.
 
  Each purchaser of the Convertible Preferred Securities will be deemed to
have represented and agreed that either (i) it is not purchasing the
Convertible Preferred Securities with the assets of any Plan or (ii) one or
more exemptions from the prohibited transaction rules of ERISA and the Code
applies to such purchase, such that the
 
                                      55
<PAGE>
 
use of such assets to acquire and hold the Convertible Preferred Securities
does not and will not constitute a non-exempt prohibited transaction for
purposes of Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code.
 
  Any purchaser that is an insurance company using the assets of an insurance
company general account should note that the Small Business Job Protection Act
of 1996 added new Section 401(c) of ERISA relating to the status of the assets
of insurance company general accounts under ERISA and Section 4975 of the
Code. Pursuant to Section 401(c), the Department of Labor is required to issue
final regulations (the "General Account Regulations") not later than December
31, 1997 with respect to insurance policies issued on or before December 31,
1998 that are supported by an insurer's general account. The General Account
Regulations are to provide guidance on which assets held by the insurer
constitute "plan assets" for purposes of the fiduciary responsibility
provisions of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code. Section 401(c) also provides
that, except in the case of avoidance of the General Account Regulation and
actions brought by the Secretary of Labor relating to certain breaches of
fiduciary duties that also constitute breaches of state or federal criminal
law, until the date that is 18 months after the General Account Regulations
become final, no liability under the fiduciary responsibility and prohibited
transaction provisions of ERISA and Section 4975 may result on the basis of a
claim that the assets of the general account of an insurance company
constitute the plan assets of any such plan. The plan asset status of
insurance company separate accounts is unaffected by new Section 401(c) of
ERISA, and separate account assets continue to be treated as the assets of any
Plan invested in a separate account.
 
  Any Plan fiduciary that proposes to cause a Plan to purchase Convertible
Preferred Securities should consult with its counsel as to the potential
applicability of ERISA and the Code to such investment and whether any
exemption from the prohibited transaction rules would be applicable and
determine on its own whether all conditions of such exemption or exemptions
are satisfied. Moreover, each Plan fiduciary should take into account, among
other considerations, whether the fiduciary has the authority to make the
investment; the composition of the Plan's portfolio with respect to
diversification by type of asset; the Plan's funding objectives; the tax
effects of the investment; and whether under the general fiduciary standards
of investment prudence and diversification an investment in the Convertible
Preferred Securities is appropriate for the Plan, taking into account the
overall investment policy of the Plan and the composition of the Plan's
investment portfolio.
 
                                SELLING HOLDERS
 
  The Convertible Preferred Securities were originally issued by the Trust and
sold by Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated (the "Initial Purchaser"), in a
transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act,
to persons reasonably believed by such Initial Purchaser to be "qualified
institutional buyers" (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act), to
certain qualified institutional buyers acting on behalf of institutional
"accredited investors" (as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under
the Securities Act), or outside the United States to non-U.S. persons in
offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act.
The Selling Holders may from time to time offer and sell pursuant to this
Prospectus any or all of the Convertible Preferred Securities, any Convertible
Debentures and McKesson Common Stock issued upon conversion of the Preferred
Securities. The term Selling Holder includes the holders listed below and the
beneficial owners of the Convertible Preferred Securities and their
transferees, pledgees, donees or other successors.
 
  The following table sets forth information with respect to the Selling
Holders of the Convertible Preferred Securities and the respective number of
Convertible Preferred Securities beneficially owned by each Selling Holder
that may be offered pursuant to this Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      NUMBER OF
                                                                     CONVERTIBLE
                                                                      PREFERRED
                               SELLING HOLDER                        SECURITIES
                               --------------                        -----------
     <S> <C>                                                         <C>
      1. FIDELITY HASTINGS STREET TRUST: FIDELITY FUND(1)..........    297,400
      2. AIM CHARTER FUND..........................................    230,000
      3. PALISADE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT L.L.C.........................    211,000
</TABLE>
 
                                      56
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  NUMBER OF
                                                                 CONVERTIBLE
                                                                  PREFERRED
                             SELLING HOLDER                      SECURITIES
                             --------------                      -----------
     <S> <C>                                                     <C>
      4. NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY.......................    210,000
      5. EQUITY PORTFOLIO(2)...................................    200,000
      6. THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY(3).....    145,000
      7. THE TCW GROUP, INC....................................    125,600
      8. FROLEY, REVY INVESTMENT CO. INC.......................    125,025
      9. FIDELITY FINANCIAL TRUST: FIDELITY CONVERTIBLE
          SECURITIES FUND(1)...................................    112,200
     10. NORWEST BANK N.A......................................     99,900
     11. ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY............................     72,500
     12. NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE CORE GROWTH FUND...................     68,100
     13. ALLSTATE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY.......................     65,000
     14. PIMCO RENAISSANCE FUND................................     65,000
     15. NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE & ANNUITY CORPORATION.........     60,000
     16. OCM CONVERTIBLE TRUST.................................     56,000
     17. SAN DIEGO COUNTY......................................     47,550
     18. SELIGMAN INCOME FUND, INC.............................     46,000
     19. STATE OF CONNECTICUT COMBINED INVESTMENT FUNDS........     42,600
     20. GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO...................................     40,000
     21. NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE INCOME & GROWTH FUND...............     36,100
     22. DELTA AIR LINES MASTER TRUST..........................     31,600
     23. NICHOLAS-APPLEGATE GROWTH EQUITY FUND.................     31,200
     24. PHOENIX DUFF & PHELPS.................................     27,500
     25. MASSACHUSETTS MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY...........     26,140
     26. BOND FUND SERIES--OPPENHEIMER BOND FUND FOR GROWTH....     25,000
     27. VANGUARD CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES FUND, INC.............     24,000
     28. AIM BALANCED FUND.....................................     22,100
     29. AIM VI GROWTH AND INCOME FUND.........................     22,000
     30. GLOBAL SERIES FUND II--PRUDENTIAL INCONVERTIBLE
          FUND I...............................................     20,000
     31. KEMPER BLUE CHIP FUND INC.............................     20,000
     32. PACIFIC MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE CO......................     20,000
     33. NAC REINSURANCE CORPORATION...........................     17,500
     34. FIDELITY MANAGEMENT TRUST COMPANY(4)..................     16,200
     35. LUTHERAN BROTHERHOOD SERIES INCOME FUND, INC..........     15,000
     36. THE PAUL REVERE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY................     12,000
     37. SAN DIEGO CITY RETIREMENT.............................     11,150
     38. HUGHES AIRCRAFT COMPANY MASTER RETIREMENT TRUST.......     10,800
     39. FIDUCIARY TRUST COMPANY INTERNATIONAL.................     10,000
     40. STATE EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT FUND OF THE STATE OF
          DELAWARE.............................................     10,000
     41. VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND III: GROWTH & INCOME
          PORTFOLIO(1).........................................      9,400
     42. MASSMUTUAL HIGH YIELD PARTNERS LLC....................      9,150
     43. WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY................................      8,900
     44. THE PAUL REVERE VARIABLE ANNUITY INSURANCE GROUP......      8,000
     45. MASSMUTUAL CORPORATE VALUE PARTNERS LIMITED...........      7,840
     46. MORGAN STANLEY & CO., INC.............................      5,900
     47. ENGINEERS JOINT PENSION FUND..........................      5,700
     48. PHYSICIANS LIFE.......................................      5,000
     49. MASSMUTUAL CORPORATE INVESTORS........................      4,580
     50. AUSTIN FIREFIGHTERS...................................      4,100
     51. SELIGMAN PORTFOLIOS INC.--SELIGMAN INCOME PORTFOLIO...      4,000
     52. BAPTIST HOSPITAL......................................      3,600
</TABLE>
 
                                       57
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  NUMBER OF
                                                                 CONVERTIBLE
                                                                  PREFERRED
                             SELLING HOLDER                      SECURITIES
                             --------------                      -----------
     <S> <C>                                                     <C>
     53. OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE....................................       3,350
     54. FIDELITY ADVISOR SERIES I: FIDELITY ADVISOR GROWTH &
          INCOME FUND(1).......................................       3,200
     55. MASSMUTUAL PARTICIPATION INVESTORS....................       2,290
     56. BOSTON MUSEUM OF FINE ART.............................       1,550
     57. DUNHAM & ASSOCIATES FUND II...........................       1,000
     58. DUNHAM & ASSOCIATES SER III...........................         400
     59. ANY OTHER HOLDER OF CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES
          OR FUTURE TRANSFEREE FROM ANY SUCH HOLDER............   1,184,875
                                                                  ---------
         Total.................................................   4,000,000
                                                                  =========
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) The entity is either an investment company or a portfolio of an investment
    company registered under Section 8 of the Investment Company Act of 1940,
    as amended, or a private investment account advised by Fidelity Management
    & Research Company ("FMR Co."). FMR Co. is a Massachusetts corporation and
    an investment advisor registered under Section 203 of the Investment
    Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and provides investment advisory
    services to each of such Fidelity entities identified above, and to other
    registered investment companies and to certain other funds which are
    generally offered to a limited group of investors. FMR Co. is a wholly-
    owned subsidiary of FMR Corp. ("FMR"), a Massachusetts corporation. The
    holdings are as of June 10, 1997.
 
(2) Equity Portfolio is a portfolio in the Preferred Master Trust Group (the
    "Trust Group") and is a series of an investment company registered under
    the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. American Express Financial
    Corporation ("AEFC"), an investment adviser registered under the
    Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, provides investment advisory
    services to the Trust Group and to certain other registered investment
    companies. AEFC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Express Company.
    The information set forth in the table with respect to each portfolio in
    the Fund and the information set forth in this footnote was provided by
    AEFC.
 
(3) Includes 5000 shares held in The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance
    Company Group Annuity Separate Account.
 
(4) Shares indicated as owned by such entity are owned directly by various
    private investment accounts, primarily employee benefit plans for which
    Fidelity Management Trust Company ("FMTC") serves as trustee or managing
    agent. FMTC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of FMR and a bank as defined in
    Section 3(a)(6) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The
    holdings are as of June 10, 1997.
 
  Because the Selling Holders may, pursuant to this Prospectus, offer all or
some portion of the Convertible Preferred Securities, the Convertible
Debentures or the McKesson Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the
Convertible Preferred Securities, no estimate can be given as to the amount of
the Convertible Preferred Securities, the Convertible Debentures or the
McKesson Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred
Securities that will be held by the Selling Holders upon termination of any
such sales. In addition, the Selling Holders identified above may have sold,
transferred or otherwise disposed of all or a portion of their Convertible
Preferred Securities since the date on which they provided the information
regarding their Convertible Preferred Securities, in transactions exempt from
the registration requirements of the Securities Act.
 
                                      58
<PAGE>
 
                             PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
  The Selling Holders may offer the Offered Securities from time to time
following effectiveness of the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus
constitutes a part. The Selling Holders may sell the Offered Securities (i) to
or through underwriters, brokers or dealers; (ii) directly to one or more
other purchasers; (iii) through agents on a best-efforts basis or otherwise;
or (iv) through a combination of any such methods of sale. The Offered
Securities may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions at a
fixed price or prices, which may be changed, or at market prices prevailing at
the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices, or at
negotiated prices. The Selling Holders and any underwriters, broker-dealers or
agents that participate in the distribution of Offered Securities may be
deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act and any
profit on the sale of such securities and any discounts, commissions,
concessions or other compensation received by any such underwriter, broker-
dealer or agent may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions
under the Securities Act. At the time a particular offering of the Offered
Securities is made, a Prospectus Supplement, if required, will be distributed
which will set forth the aggregate amount and type of Offered Securities being
offered and the terms of the offering, including the name or names of any
underwriters, broker-dealers or agents, any discounts, commissions and other
terms constituting compensation from the Selling Holders and any discounts,
commissions or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to broker-dealers.
 
  To comply with the securities laws of certain jurisdictions, if applicable,
the Offered Securities will be offered or sold in such jurisdictions only
through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, in certain
jurisdictions the Offered Securities may not be offered or sold unless they
have been registered or qualified for sale in such jurisdictions or any
exemption from registration or qualification is available and is complied
with.
 
  In order to facilitate the offering of the Offered Securities, the
underwriters, if any, may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or
otherwise affect the price of the Offered Securities. Specifically, the
underwriters, if any, may overallot in connection with the offering, creating
a short position in the Offered Securities for their own account. In addition,
to cover overallotments or to stabilize the price of the Offered Securities,
the underwriters, if any, may bid for, and purchase, the Offered Securities in
the open market. Finally, the underwriting syndicate, if any, may reclaim
selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a dealer for distributing the
Offered Securities in the offering, if the syndicate repurchases previously
distributed Offered Securities in transactions to cover syndicate short
positions, in stabilization transactions or otherwise. Any of these activities
may stabilize or maintain the market price of the Offered Securities above
independent market levels. The underwriters, if any, are not required to
engage in these activities, and may end any of these activities at any time.
 
  Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, all expenses of the
registration of the Offered Securities will be paid by the Company, including,
without limitation, Commission filing fees and expenses of compliance with
state securities or "blue sky" laws; provided, however, that the Selling
Holders will pay all underwriting discounts and selling commissions, if any.
The Selling Holders will be indemnified by the Company and the Trust, jointly
and severally, against certain civil liabilities, including certain
liabilities under the Securities Act, or will be entitled to contribution in
connection therewith. The Company and the Trust will be indemnified by the
Selling Holders severally against certain civil liabilities, including certain
liabilities under the Securities Act, or will be entitled to contribution in
connection therewith.
 
                                      59
<PAGE>
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
  The consolidated financial statements of McKesson and the related financial
statement schedule incorporated in this Prospectus by reference from the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended March 31, 1996 and
the consolidated financial statements of FoxMeyer Corporation for the year
ended March 31, 1996 incorporated in this Prospectus by reference from the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the Commission on April 28,
1997 have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as
stated in their reports incorporated herein by reference (which report dated
May 13, 1996 (December 31, 1996 as to Notes 8 and 17) on the Company's
consolidated financial statements expresses an unqualified opinion and
includes an explanatory paragraph relating to a change in the Company's method
of accounting for post employment benefits to conform with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 112 and report on FoxMeyer Corporation's
consolidated financial statements dated June 28, 1996 (March 18, 1997 as to
paragraph seven of Note Q), which report expresses an unqualified opinion and
includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the sale of the principal assets
of FoxMeyer Corporation and its Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing). Such
consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule have been
so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their
authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
  Certain legal matters with respect to the Convertible Preferred Securities,
the Convertible Debentures and the Guarantee being offered hereby and the
Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Debentures and
certain United States federal income taxation matters have been passed upon
for McKesson and the Trust by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.
 
                                      60
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS IN CONNECTION
WITH THE OFFERING MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS. IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION
OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY
MCKESSON FINANCING TRUST, MCKESSON CORPORATION, THE SELLING HOLDERS OR ANY OF
THEIR AGENTS. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY, ANY OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY IN ANY
JURISDICTION WHERE, OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM, IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH
OFFER OR SOLICITATION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE
MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT
THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN
THE AFFAIRS OF MCKESSON FINANCING TRUST OR MCKESSON CORPORATION SINCE THE DATE
HEREOF.
 
                               ----------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
Available Information......................................................   4
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference............................   5
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements..........................   5
Risk Factors...............................................................   6
The Company................................................................  10
Use of Proceeds............................................................  13
Accounting Treatment.......................................................  13
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.........................................  13
McKesson Financing Trust...................................................  14
Description of the Convertible Preferred Securities........................  15
Description of the Guarantee...............................................  33
Description of the Convertible Debentures..................................  36
Effect of Obligations Under the Convertible Debentures and the Guarantee...  46
Description of Capital Stock...............................................  47
United States Federal Income Taxation......................................  51
ERISA Considerations.......................................................  55
Selling Holders............................................................  56
Plan of Distribution.......................................................  59
Experts....................................................................  60
Legal Matters..............................................................  60
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                             4,000,000 CONVERTIBLE
                             PREFERRED SECURITIES
 
                                   MCKESSON
                                FINANCING TRUST
 
                             5% TRUST CONVERTIBLE
                             PREFERRED SECURITIES
                           GUARANTEED TO THE EXTENT
                             SET FORTH HEREIN BY,
 
                                   MCKESSON
                                  CORPORATION
 
                               ----------------
                                  PROSPECTUS
                               ----------------
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------


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