MCKESSON CORP
S-4/A, 1998-01-02
DRUGS, PROPRIETARIES & DRUGGISTS' SUNDRIES
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<PAGE>
 
    
 AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JANUARY 2, 1998     
                                                   
                                                REGISTRATION NO. 333-40587     
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                                ---------------
                                
                             AMENDMENT NO. 1     
                                       
                                    TO     
                                   FORM S-4
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     Under
                          The Securities Act of 1933
                                ---------------
                             MCKESSON CORPORATION
            (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
                                ---------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                  <C>                                            <C> 
            DELAWARE                                    5122                           94-3207296
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF      (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION       IRS EMPLOYER
 INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                     CODE NUMBER)                    IDENTIFICATION NO.)
</TABLE>
 
                                MCKESSON PLAZA
                                ONE POST STREET
                        SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 94104
                                (415) 983-8300
              (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,
       INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
                                ---------------
                                NANCY A. MILLER
                    VICE PRESIDENT AND CORPORATE SECRETARY
                             MCKESSON CORPORATION
                                MCKESSON PLAZA
                                ONE POST STREET
                        SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 94104
                                (415) 983-8300
           (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,
                  INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
                                ---------------
                                  COPIES TO:
 
<TABLE>   
<S>                              <C>                                   <C>                                <C> 
     IVAN D. MEYERSON, ESQ.              STEPHEN FRAIDIN, P.C.            TERESA T. CICCOTELLI, ESQ.        CRAIG L. GODSHALL, ESQ.
     MCKESSON  CORPORATION       FRIED, FRANK, HARRIS,  SHRIVER &      VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL COUNSEL      DECHERT PRICE & RHOADS
      VICE PRESIDENT AND                      JACOBSON                          AND SECRETARY                 1717 ARCH STREET
        GENERAL COUNSEL                  ONE NEW YORK PLAZA            AMERISOURCE HEALTH CORPORATION     PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
        ONE POST STREET              NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10004             300 CHESTER FIELD PARKWAY                 19103
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 94104            (212) 859-8000                MALVERN, PENNSYLVANIA 19355           (215) 994-4000
        (415) 983-8300                                                         (610) 296-4480
</TABLE>    
                                ---------------
   
  Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to public: As soon as
practicable after the Registration Statement becomes effective and all other
conditions to the merger (the "Merger") of AmeriSource Health Corporation
("AmeriSource") with and into McKesson Corporation ("McKesson"), pursuant to
the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 22, 1997, as amended,
described in the enclosed Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, have been
satisfied or waived.     
  If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance
with General Instruction G, check the following box. [_]
  If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. [_]
  If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [_]
                                ---------------
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF                    PROPOSED MAXIMUM  PROPOSED MAXIMUM
       SECURITIES          AMOUNT TO BE     OFFERING PRICE       AGGREGATE         AMOUNT OF
    TO BE REGISTERED        REGISTERED         PER SHARE      OFFERING PRICE   REGISTRATION FEE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                      <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Common Stock, par value
 $0.01 per share,
 of McKesson...........  33,872,997(1)(2)         N/A        $1,435,070,056(2)    $434,870(2)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock, par value
 $0.01 per share,
 of McKesson...........      16,330(3)            N/A           $640,406(4)         $189(4)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rights to Purchase
 Preferred Stock(5)....     33,889,327            N/A               N/A               N/A
</TABLE>    
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          
(1) Represents 23,854,223 outstanding shares of common stock of AmeriSource on
    November 17, 1997, multiplied by the exchange ratio of 1.42 (which was
    0.71 prior to the two-for-one stock split of McKesson Common Stock
    effective January 2, 1998).     
   
(2) Reflects the market price of the common stock of AmeriSource to be
    converted into common stock of the Registrant in connection with the
    Merger computed in accordance with Rule 457(f) and Rule 457(c) under the
    Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Market Price"), based upon the
    average of the high and low sale prices of the capital stock of
    AmeriSource as reported by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. on November
    13, 1997. The proposed maximum aggregate offering price is estimated
    solely to determine the registration fee. This registration fee was
    previously paid.     
   
(3) Represents 11,500 shares of common stock of AmeriSource (reflecting the
    increase in number of outstanding shares from November 17, 1997 to
    December 29, 1997) multiplied by the exchange ratio of 1.42.     
   
(4) Reflects the Market Price based upon the average of the high and low sale
    prices of the capital stock of AmeriSource as reported by the New York
    Stock Exchange, Inc. on December 30, 1997. The proposed maximum aggregate
    offering price of the additional shares is estimated solely to determine
    the additional registration fee.     
   
(5) Associated with the Common Stock are Rights to purchase Series A Junior
    Participating Preferred Stock that will not be exercisable or evidenced
    separately from the Common Stock prior to the occurrence of certain
    events.     
       
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
          
MCKESSON CORP.     
      
   One Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94104     
                                                                
                                                             [LOGO] MCKESSON    
   
January 2, 1998     
 
To Our Stockholders:
   
  You are cordially invited to attend a special meeting (the "Special Meeting")
of stockholders (the "Stockholders") of McKesson Corporation ("McKesson"), to
be held on Monday, February 9, 1998, in the Franciscan Room at the ANA Hotel,
50 Third Street, San Francisco, California, at 1:00 p.m., local time.     
   
  At the Special Meeting, you will be asked to consider and vote upon a
proposal to approve the issuance (the "Stock Issuance") of common stock, par
value $0.01 per share, of McKesson ("McKesson Common Stock") in connection with
the transactions contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of
September 22, 1997, as amended (the "Merger Agreement"), by and among McKesson,
Patriot Acquisition Corp., a newly formed, wholly owned subsidiary of McKesson,
and AmeriSource Health Corporation ("AmeriSource"). Subject to the terms and
conditions of the Merger Agreement, AmeriSource will be merged with and into
McKesson (the "Merger"), and each share of common stock, par value $0.01 per
share, of AmeriSource outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of
the Merger will be converted into 1.42 shares of McKesson Common Stock (the
"Exchange Ratio") together with associated preferred stock purchase rights
pursuant to the Rights Agreement dated as of October 21, 1994 between McKesson
and First Chicago Trust Company of New York.     
   
  After careful consideration, the Board of Directors of McKesson has
determined that the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby,
including the Merger, are fair to and in the best interests of McKesson and its
stockholders and has approved the Merger Agreement. In connection with the
proposed transactions, the Board retained as financial advisor Peter J. Solomon
Company Limited ("PJSC"), which firm has delivered to the Board of Directors
its written opinion, dated as of September 22, 1997, to the effect that the
Exchange Ratio is fair as of the date thereof to McKesson from a financial
point of view. A copy of the PJSC opinion letter, which sets forth the
assumptions made, matters considered and the scope of review undertaken in
connection therewith, is set forth as Appendix C to the accompanying Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus, and should be read carefully in its entirety.     
 
  The Board of Directors recommends that you vote in favor of the Stock
Issuance.
   
  All Stockholders are invited to attend the Special Meeting in person.
Stockholders of record at the close of business on December 29, 1997 will be
entitled to one vote for each share of McKesson Common Stock held. The
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of McKesson Common
Stock present in person or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting and
entitled to vote on the Stock Issuance will be necessary for approval of the
Stock Issuance. Your vote is important to us no matter how many shares you
hold.     
 
  The Merger, the Merger Agreement and the Stock Issuance are described in the
accompanying Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus which you should read carefully.
If you have any questions or require additional information about the Special
Meeting or the Merger, please call Georgeson & Company, Inc., our proxy
solicitor/information agent, at (800) 223-2064.
 
                                   Sincerely,
 
     /s/ Mark A. Pulido                        /s/ Alan Seelenfreund

     Mark A. Pulido                            Alan Seelenfreund
     President and                             Chairman of the Board
     Chief Executive Officer
<PAGE>
 
       
       
                       [LOGO] AMERISOURCE
                              HEALTH CORPORATION
                                                              
                                                           January 2, 1998     
 
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF AMERISOURCE HEALTH CORPORATION:
   
  You are cordially invited to attend a special meeting (the "Special
Meeting") of stockholders of AmeriSource Health Corporation ("AmeriSource")
scheduled to be held on Monday, February 9, 1998 at noon, local time, at The
Desmond Great Valley Hotel & Conference Center, Malvern, Pennsylvania. A
notice of the Special Meeting, a proxy card and a Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus containing important information about the matters to be
acted upon at the Special Meeting are enclosed.     
   
  At the Special Meeting, you will be asked to consider and vote upon a
proposal to approve an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 22,
1997, as amended (the "Merger Agreement"), by and among AmeriSource, McKesson
Corporation ("McKesson") and Patriot Acquisition Corp., a newly formed, wholly
owned subsidiary of McKesson, which provides for the merger of AmeriSource
with and into McKesson (the "Merger").     
   
  If the Merger Agreement is approved, upon consummation of the Merger, each
issued and outstanding share of AmeriSource common stock (regardless of class)
will be converted into the right to receive 1.42 shares (the "Exchange Ratio")
of McKesson's common stock together with associated preferred stock purchase
rights pursuant to the Rights Agreement dated as of October 21, 1994 between
McKesson and First Chicago Trust Company of New York (the "Rights"). The
accompanying Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the Appendices thereto
provide you with detailed information concerning, among other things, the
Merger Agreement (a copy of which is included therein as Appendix A) and
McKesson's common stock. Please give all of this information your careful
attention.     
 
  The Board of Directors has carefully reviewed and considered the terms of
the Merger Agreement. In addition, the Board retained as financial advisors
Goldman, Sachs & Co. ("Goldman Sachs") which has delivered to the Board of
Directors its written opinion dated as of September 22, 1997 to the effect
that, as of the date of the Merger Agreement, the Exchange Ratio is fair from
a financial point of view to the holders of common stock of AmeriSource. A
copy of the Goldman Sachs opinion letter, which sets forth the assumptions
made, matters considered and the scope of review undertaken in connection
therewith, is set forth as Appendix D to the accompanying Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus, and should be read carefully in its entirety.
 
  THE BOARD HAS DETERMINED THAT THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS
CONTEMPLATED THEREBY, INCLUDING THE MERGER, ARE FAIR TO AND IN THE BEST
INTERESTS OF THE AMERISOURCE STOCKHOLDERS. ACCORDINGLY, THE BOARD HAS APPROVED
THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY AND RECOMMENDS
THAT YOU VOTE IN FAVOR THEREOF.
   
  Approval of the Merger Agreement by the requisite vote of stockholders of
AmeriSource entitled to vote thereon is a condition to the consummation of the
Merger. Only holders of shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per
share, of AmeriSource ("Class A Common Stock") who are holders of record at
the close of business on December 29, 1997 will be entitled to vote at the
Special Meeting; those holders will be entitled to one vote for each share of
Class A Common Stock held. The Merger Agreement and the transactions
contemplated thereby must be approved by the holders of a majority of
outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock. Your vote is important no matter
how many shares you hold.     
<PAGE>
 
  WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING, PLEASE COMPLETE,
SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND RETURN IT IN THE ENCLOSED PREPAID
ENVELOPE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. You may revoke your proxy in writing if you so
desire at any time before it is voted. If you attend the Special Meeting, you
may vote in person, whether or not you have sent in your proxy.
 
  IF YOU DO NOT VOTE AT THE SPECIAL MEETING AND DO NOT SEND IN YOUR PROXY, IT
WILL HAVE THE SAME EFFECT AS IF YOU VOTE AGAINST THE MERGER.
 
  Promptly after the Merger is consummated, you will be sent a letter of
transmittal which will include instructions as to the procedures to be used in
exchanging your shares of AmeriSource common stock for shares of McKesson's
common stock and the associated Rights. PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR STOCK
CERTIFICATES WITH THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD.
   
  If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact
Corporate Investor Communications, Inc., our proxy solicitor/information
agent, at (201) 896-1900.     
 
                                    Sincerely,
 
                                    /s/ R. David Yost

                                    R. David Yost
                                    President and Chief Executive Officer
<PAGE>
 
   
[LOGO] MCKESSON
    
          
MCKESSON CORP.     
      
   One Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 Tel 415 983 8300     
          
       
       
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
   
TO BE HELD FEBRUARY 9, 1998     
   
  A special meeting (the "Special Meeting") of stockholders of McKesson
Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("McKesson"), will be held in the
Franciscan Room at the ANA Hotel, 50 Third Street, San Francisco, California,
on Monday, February 9, 1998, at 1:00 p.m., local time, to consider and vote
upon a proposal to approve the issuance of shares of McKesson common stock,
par value $0.01 per share (the "McKesson Common Stock"), in the merger (the
"Merger") of AmeriSource Health Corporation ("AmeriSource") with and into
McKesson in accordance with the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of
September 22, 1997, as amended (the "Merger Agreement"), by and among
McKesson, Patriot Acquisition Corp., a newly formed, wholly owned subsidiary
of McKesson, and AmeriSource (the "McKesson Proposal").     
 
  A copy of the Merger Agreement is attached to the accompanying Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus as Appendix A.
   
  Stockholders of record at the close of business on December 29, 1997 are
entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Special Meeting and at any and all
adjournments or postponements thereof. Reference is made to the attached Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus for a more complete description of the Merger
Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger. A
complete list of the holders of record of McKesson Common Stock entitled to
vote at the Special Meeting will be open to examination, during ordinary
business hours, at McKesson's corporate headquarters, for the ten days
preceding the Special Meeting by any McKesson stockholder for any purpose
germane to the Special Meeting.     
 
  It is important that your shares of McKesson Common Stock be represented at
the Special Meeting, regardless of the number of shares you hold. You are
urged to specify your voting preference by marking, dating and signing the
enclosed proxy card and returning it in the enclosed business reply envelope.
No postage is required if mailed in the United States. If you wish to vote in
accordance with the recommendation of the McKesson Board of Directors, all you
need to do is date and sign the proxy card and return it in the enclosed
envelope. If you receive more than one form of proxy, it is an indication that
your shares are registered in more than one account. All proxy forms received
by you should be signed and returned promptly to ensure that all of your
shares are voted.
   
  If your shares are not registered in your own name and you plan to attend
the Special Meeting and vote your shares in person, you will need to ask the
broker, trust company, bank or other nominee that holds your shares to provide
you with evidence of your share ownership on December 29, 1997 and bring that
evidence to the Special Meeting.     
 
  Please complete and return your proxy card whether or not you plan to attend
the Special Meeting.
 
                                          By order of the Board of Directors,
 

                                          /s/ Nancy A. Miller

                                          Nancy A. Miller
                                          Vice President and Corporate
                                           Secretary
          
January 2, 1998     
<PAGE>
 
  YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE TO APPROVE THE MCKESSON
PROPOSAL WHICH IS DESCRIBED IN DETAIL IN THE ACCOMPANYING JOINT PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF THE
HOLDERS OF A MAJORITY OF THE SHARES OF MCKESSON COMMON STOCK PRESENT IN PERSON
OR REPRESENTED BY PROXY AT THE SPECIAL MEETING AND ENTITLED TO VOTE IS
REQUIRED TO APPROVE THE MCKESSON PROPOSAL. YOU ARE URGED TO COMPLETE, SIGN,
DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE,
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING. IF YOU ATTEND THE
SPECIAL MEETING, YOU MAY, IF YOU WISH, REVOKE ANY PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED PROXY
CARD AND VOTE IN PERSON.
<PAGE>
 
       
                        AMERISOURCE HEALTH CORPORATION
 
                               ----------------
 
                           300 CHESTER FIELD PARKWAY
                          MALVERN, PENNSYLVANIA 19355
                                (610) 296-4480
 
                               ----------------
 
                   NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                          
                       TO BE HELD FEBRUARY 9, 1998     
 
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF AMERISOURCE HEALTH CORPORATION:
   
  NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special meeting (the "Special Meeting") of
stockholders of AmeriSource Health Corporation, a Delaware corporation
("AmeriSource"), will be held at The Desmond Great Valley Hotel & Conference
Center, Malvern, Pennsylvania on Monday, February 9, 1998, at noon, local
time, to consider and vote upon the following proposal:     
     
  1. To approve the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 22,
     1997, as amended (the "Merger Agreement"), by and among McKesson
     Corporation ("McKesson"), Patriot Acquisition Corp., a newly formed,
     wholly owned subsidiary of McKesson, and AmeriSource and the
     transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, including the merger
     of AmeriSource with and into McKesson (the "Merger"). Pursuant to the
     Merger, AmeriSource stockholders (regardless of class) will receive, for
     each share of AmeriSource common stock held, 1.42 shares of McKesson's
     common stock, par value $0.01 per share, together with associated
     preferred stock purchase rights pursuant to the Rights Agreement dated
     as of October 21, 1994 between McKesson and First Chicago Trust Company
     of New York (the "AmeriSource Proposal"); and     
 
  2. To transact any other business which may be properly brought before the
     Special Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
   
  Only holders of record of Class A Common Stock at the close of business on
December 29, 1997 are entitled to vote at the Special Meeting and at any and
all adjournments or postponements thereof. Reference is made to the attached
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus for a more complete description of the Merger
Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger. A
list of the holders of Class A Common Stock will be available at the Special
Meeting and, during the ten-day period prior to the Special Meeting, at the
offices of AmeriSource, 300 Chester Field Parkway, Malvern, Pennsylvania
19355, during ordinary business hours for any purpose germane to the Special
Meeting.     
 
  Stockholders are cordially invited to attend the Special Meeting. It is
important that your shares of Class A Common Stock of AmeriSource be
represented at the Special Meeting regardless of the number of shares you
hold. You are urged to cast your vote by marking, dating and signing the
enclosed proxy card and returning it in the enclosed business reply envelope.
No postage is required if mailed in the United States. If you wish to vote in
accordance with the recommendation of the AmeriSource Board of Directors, all
you need to do is date and sign the proxy card and return it in the enclosed
envelope. If you receive more than one form of proxy, it is an indication that
your shares are registered in more than one account. All proxy forms received
by you should be signed and returned promptly to ensure that all your shares
are voted.
<PAGE>
 
  If your shares are held in the name of a broker, trust, bank or other nominee
and you plan to attend the Special Meeting and vote your shares in person, you
will need to bring with you to the Special Meeting a proxy or letter from the
broker, trustee, bank or nominee confirming your beneficial ownership of the
shares.
 
                                           By order of the Board of Directors,
 
                                           /s/ Teresa T. Ciccotelli

                                           Teresa T. Ciccotelli
                                           Vice President, General Counsel and
                                            Secretary
   
January 2, 1998     
 
  YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE TO APPROVE THE AMERISOURCE
PROPOSAL WHICH IS DESCRIBED IN DETAIL IN THE ACCOMPANYING JOINT PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF THE
HOLDERS OF A MAJORITY OF ALL VOTES ENTITLED TO BE CAST BY ALL HOLDERS OF THE
CLASS A COMMON STOCK OF AMERISOURCE IS REQUIRED TO APPROVE THE AMERISOURCE
PROPOSAL. YOU ARE URGED TO COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY
CARD IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE, WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND
THE SPECIAL MEETING. IF YOU ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING, YOU MAY, IF YOU WISH,
REVOKE ANY PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED PROXY CARD AND VOTE IN PERSON.
 
<PAGE>
 
       
                             MCKESSON CORPORATION
                                      AND
                        AMERISOURCE HEALTH CORPORATION
                             JOINT PROXY STATEMENT
                                      FOR
                       SPECIAL MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
                          
                       TO BE HELD FEBRUARY 9, 1998     
 
                               ---------------
                             MCKESSON CORPORATION
                                  PROSPECTUS
 
                               ---------------
   
  This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus constitutes the proxy statement of
each of McKesson Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("McKesson"), and
AmeriSource Health Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("AmeriSource"),
relating to the solicitation of proxies for use at the special meetings of
stockholders of each of McKesson and AmeriSource scheduled to be held on
February 9, 1998, and at any adjournments or postponements thereof
(respectively, the "McKesson Special Meeting" and the "AmeriSource Special
Meeting" and, collectively, the "Special Meetings"). This Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus relates to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of
September 22, 1997, as amended (the "Merger Agreement"), by and among
McKesson, Patriot Acquisition Corp., a newly formed, wholly owned subsidiary
of McKesson ("Merger Sub"), and AmeriSource, pursuant to which AmeriSource
will merge with and into McKesson (the "Merger") (the combined company after
the Merger is sometimes referred to herein as the "Surviving Corporation"). In
the Merger, each AmeriSource stockholder will receive 1.42 shares (the
"Exchange Ratio") of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of McKesson
common stock (the "McKesson Common Stock"), together with the associated
preferred stock purchase rights ("Rights") pursuant to the Rights Agreement
dated as of October 21, 1994 between McKesson and First Chicago Trust Company
of New York (the "Rights Agreement"), for each share of Class A Common Stock,
Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock, each $0.01 par value per share,
of AmeriSource (the "AmeriSource Class A Common Stock," "AmeriSource Class B
Common Stock" and "AmeriSource Class C Common Stock," respectively, and
collectively, the "AmeriSource Common Stock") held by such AmeriSource
stockholder. Cash will be paid in lieu of any fractional share of McKesson
Common Stock.     
 
  The consummation of the Merger is subject to (i) the approval of the
issuance of shares of McKesson Common Stock in the Merger in accordance with
the terms of the Merger Agreement (the "Stock Issuance") by the affirmative
vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of McKesson Common Stock
present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the matter
at the McKesson Special Meeting; (ii) the approval of the Merger Agreement and
the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, by holders of a
majority of the shares of AmeriSource Class A Common Stock outstanding; and
(iii) certain other conditions. A copy of the Merger Agreement is attached
hereto as Appendix A.
   
  This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus also constitutes the prospectus of
McKesson with respect to the McKesson Common Stock to be issued to AmeriSource
stockholders in the Merger. A registration statement has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), with respect to the shares of
McKesson Common Stock to be so issued. Based on the current number of shares
of AmeriSource Common Stock outstanding, McKesson will issue approximately
33,889,327 share     s of McKesson Common Stock in the aggregate to
AmeriSource stockholders in the Merger. As a result of and
                                                  (continued on following page)
   
  This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the accompanying forms of proxy
are first being mailed to stockholders of each of McKesson and AmeriSource on
or about January 6, 1998.     
   
  SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 20 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN MATTERS
THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY STOCKHOLDERS OF EACH OF MCKESSON AND AMERISOURCE
IN CONNECTION WITH THE MERGER.     
 
                               ---------------
 
 THE  SECURITIES  TO  BE  ISSUED  PURSUANT  TO THIS  JOINT  PROXY  STATEMENT/
  PROSPECTUS HAVE  NOT BEEN  APPROVED OR  DISAPPROVED BY THE  SECURITIES AND
   EXCHANGE COMMISSION  OR  ANY  STATE SECURITIES  COMMISSION  NOR  HAS THE
    SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION  OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
     PASSED  UPON   THE  ACCURACY  OR   ADEQUACY  OF   THIS  JOINT  PROXY
      STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS.  ANY REPRESENTATION  TO  THE  CONTRARY  IS A
       CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
     
  The date of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is January 2, 1998.     
<PAGE>
 
(continued from prior page)
   
immediately following the Stock Issuance, AmeriSource stockholders will hold
approximately 27%, and the current McKesson stockholders will hold
approximately 73%, of all of the outstanding McKesson Common Stock after the
Merger. In addition, at the effective time of the Merger (the "Effective
Time"), each option outstanding under AmeriSource's stock option plans to
purchase shares of AmeriSource Common Stock (an "AmeriSource Option") will be
automatically converted into an option to purchase that number of shares of
McKesson Common Stock equal to the number of shares of AmeriSource Common
Stock issuable immediately prior to the Effective Time upon exercise of the
AmeriSource Option multiplied by the Exchange Ratio, with an exercise price
per share equal to the exercise price per share of the AmeriSource Option
immediately prior to the Effective Time divided by the Exchange Ratio and with
other terms and conditions that are the same as those of the AmeriSource
Option. As of December 29, 1997, there were outstanding AmeriSource Options to
purchase an aggregate of approximately 1,687,194 shares of AmeriSource Common
Stock, which would be converted into options to purchase an aggregate of
approximately 2,395,815 shares of McKesson Common Stock. The shares of
McKesson Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to the Merger or upon
exercise of outstanding AmeriSource Options will be authorized for listing,
subject to official notice of issuance, on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
(the "NYSE") and the Pacific Exchange, Inc. ("PE") prior to the Effective
Time.     
 
  NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS JOINT PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOLICITATION OF PROXIES OR THE
OFFERING OF SECURITIES MADE BY THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND, IF
GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS
HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY MCKESSON OR AMERISOURCE. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF
THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS NOR ANY DISTRIBUTION OF SECURITIES MADE
HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS
BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE INFORMATION SET FORTH HEREIN SINCE THE DATE OF THIS
JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS DOES
NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY, ANY
SECURITIES, OR THE SOLICITATION OF A PROXY, BY ANYONE IN ANY JURISDICTION IN
WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT AUTHORIZED OR IN WHICH THE PERSON
MAKING SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT QUALIFIED TO DO SO OR TO ANYONE TO
WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH SOLICITATION.
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           ----
<S>                                                                        <C>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION.....................................................   1
INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE...................................   2
  McKesson Commission Filings.............................................   2
  AmeriSource Commission Filings..........................................   2
SUMMARY...................................................................   3
  The Companies...........................................................   3
  Special Meetings........................................................   3
  The Merger and the Merger Agreement.....................................   5
  Market Price and Dividend Information...................................  12
  Comparative Per Share Data..............................................  13
  Summary Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data of McKesson.....  15
  Summary Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data of AmeriSource..  17
  Summary Selected Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Consolidated Financial
   Data of McKesson and AmeriSource.......................................  18
RISK FACTORS..............................................................  20
THE SPECIAL MEETINGS......................................................  22
  General.................................................................  22
  Voting Securities and Record Date.......................................  22
  Purpose of Special Meetings.............................................  22
  Proxies.................................................................  23
THE COMPANIES.............................................................  24
THE MERGER................................................................  25
  General.................................................................  25
  Background of the Merger................................................  25
  Reasons for the Merger; Recommendations of the Boards...................  26
  Opinion of McKesson's Financial Advisor.................................  27
  Opinion of AmeriSource's Financial Advisor..............................  31
  Anticipated Accounting Treatment........................................  35
  Board and Management of the Surviving Corporation Following the Merger..  35
  Regulatory Approvals....................................................  36
  Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger..............................  36
  No Dissenters' Rights...................................................  37
  Stock Exchange Listing..................................................  37
  Delisting and Deregistration of AmeriSource Stock.......................  37
  Treatment of Stock Certificates.........................................  38
  Tax Free Reorganization.................................................  38
THE MERGER AGREEMENT......................................................  39
  The Merger..............................................................  39
  Exchange Procedures.....................................................  39
  Corporate Organization and Governance...................................  41
  Stockholders' Meetings..................................................  41
  Representations and Warranties..........................................  41
  Certain Covenants.......................................................  42
  No Solicitation of Transactions.........................................  44
  Benefit Plans...........................................................  45
  Indemnification and Insurance...........................................  45
  Conditions..............................................................  46
  Resale Restrictions.....................................................  47
  Termination.............................................................  47
  Termination Fee.........................................................  48
  Expenses................................................................  49
  Amendment...............................................................  49
</TABLE>    
 
                                       i
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           ----
<S>                                                                        <C>
THE STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT................................................  50
  General.................................................................  50
  Certain Covenants.......................................................  50
  Repurchase..............................................................  51
  Registration Rights.....................................................  51
  Listing.................................................................  51
  Certain Adjustments.....................................................  51
  Additional Option.......................................................  52
  Termination.............................................................  52
THE VOTING/SUPPORT AGREEMENTS.............................................  53
  Voting/Support Agreement with VPI.......................................  53
  Voting/Support Agreements with Certain Executives of AmeriSource........  54
THE REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT.........................................  55
THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS.................................................  56
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER.....................  58
COMPARATIVE RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDERS........................................  60
  Classified Board of Directors...........................................  60
  Stockholder Rights Plan.................................................  60
  Number of Directors; Removal; Filling Vacancies.........................  61
  No Stockholder Action by Written Consent; Special Meetings..............  61
  Fair Price Provisions...................................................  62
  Advance Notice Provisions for Stockholder Nominations and Stockholder
   Proposals..............................................................  64
  Common Stock............................................................  65
  Preferred Stock.........................................................  65
  Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws...............  66
  Business Combinations...................................................  66
  Limitation of Liability of Directors....................................  66
  Indemnification of Directors and Officers...............................  67
  Significant Stockholders................................................  67
MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION.....................................  68
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF McKESSON COMMON STOCK.............................  70
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF AMERISOURCE COMMON STOCK..........................  72
SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA OF McKESSON...............  73
SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA OF AMERISOURCE............  75
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA OF McKESSON AND
 AMERISOURCE..............................................................  77
EXPERTS...................................................................  85
LEGAL MATTERS.............................................................  85
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS.....................................................  85
</TABLE>    
 
APPENDICES:
     
  A -- Merger Agreement, including amendments thereto     
  B -- Stock Option Agreement
  C -- Fairness Opinion of Peter J. Solomon Company Limited
  D -- Fairness Opinion of Goldman, Sachs & Co.
  E -- VPI Voting/Support Agreement
  F -- Form of AmeriSource Executive Voting/Support Agreement
  G -- Registration Rights Agreement
 
                                       ii
<PAGE>
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
   
  Each of McKesson and AmeriSource 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 may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities
maintained by the Commission at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the following Regional Offices of the
Commission: Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago,
Illinois 60661; and 7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York
10048. Copies of such material may also be obtained from the Public Reference
Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington D.C. 20549, at
prescribed rates. The Commission also maintains a World Wide Web site that
contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information
regarding registrants (including McKesson and AmeriSource) that file
electronically with the Commission (at http://www.sec.gov). The McKesson
Common Stock is listed on each of the NYSE and the PE, and the AmeriSource
Common Stock is listed on the NYSE. Reports, proxy statements and other
information relating to each of McKesson and AmeriSource can be inspected at
the offices of the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005 and, in the
case of McKesson, at the offices of the PE, 301 Pine Street, San Francisco,
California 94104.     
 
  This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus does not contain all of the
information set forth in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the
"Registration Statement") under the Securities Act filed with the Commission
by McKesson, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules
and regulations of the Commission. Reference is made to the Registration
Statement and the exhibits thereto for further information. Exhibits to the
Registration Statement that are omitted from this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus may also be obtained at the Commission's World Wide Web
site described above. Statements contained or incorporated by reference herein
concerning the provisions of any agreement or other document filed as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement or otherwise filed with the Commission
are not necessarily complete, and readers are referred to the copy so filed
for more detailed information, each such statement being qualified in its
entirety by such reference.
 
  Each of McKesson and AmeriSource has supplied all information contained or
incorporated by reference in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus relating to
McKesson and AmeriSource, respectively.
   
  THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
THAT ARE NOT PRESENTED HEREIN OR DELIVERED HEREWITH. COPIES OF SUCH DOCUMENTS
(OTHER THAN EXHIBITS THERETO WHICH ARE NOT SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE HEREIN) ARE AVAILABLE, WITHOUT CHARGE, TO ANY PERSON, INCLUDING ANY
BENEFICIAL OWNER OF SHARES OF McKESSON COMMON STOCK OR AMERISOURCE COMMON
STOCK TO WHOM THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS SENT, UPON WRITTEN OR
ORAL REQUEST TO, IN THE CASE OF DOCUMENTS RELATING TO McKESSON, NANCY A.
MILLER, VICE PRESIDENT AND CORPORATE SECRETARY, McKESSON CORPORATION, ONE POST
STREET, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 94104, TELEPHONE (415) 983-8300, AND, IN THE
CASE OF DOCUMENTS RELATING TO AMERISOURCE, TERESA T. CICCOTELLI, VICE
PRESIDENT, GENERAL COUNSEL AND SECRETARY, AMERISOURCE HEALTH CORPORATION, 300
CHESTER FIELD PARKWAY, MALVERN, PENNSYLVANIA 19355, TELEPHONE (610) 296-4480.
IN ORDER TO ENSURE DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS PRIOR TO THE APPLICABLE SPECIAL
MEETING, ANY SUCH REQUEST SHOULD BE MADE NOT LATER THAN FEBRUARY 2, 1998.     
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
 
                    INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
  The following documents heretofore filed with the Commission pursuant to the
Exchange Act are incorporated herein by reference and shall be deemed a part
hereof:
 
MCKESSON COMMISSION FILINGS (FILE NO. 001-13252)
 
1. Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A dated June 18, 1997;
 
2. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997;
 
3. Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended June 30, 1997 and
   September 30, 1997;
 
4. Current Reports on Form 8-K dated 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), April 7, 1997,
   June 13, 1997, June 24, 1997, September 5, 1997, September 24, 1997 and
   October 31, 1997;
 
5. The description of McKesson's capital stock contained in its Registration
   Statement on Form 10 and the Rights Agreement dated as of October 21, 1994
   between McKesson and First Chicago Trust Company of New York, as Rights
   Agent, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment No. 3 to McKesson's Registration
   Statement on Form 10;
 
6. Schedule 13D filed on October 2, 1997; and
   
7. Amendment No. 1 to Schedule 13D filed on October 28, 1997.     
 
AMERISOURCE COMMISSION FILINGS (FILE NO. 000-20485)
   
1.Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1997;
       
2. Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A dated January 14, 1997; and     
          
3. Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 24, 1997.     
   
  All reports and other documents filed by either McKesson or AmeriSource
pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent
to the date of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and prior to the date of
the Special Meetings shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
and to be a part hereof from the dates of filing of such reports and
documents. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus to the extent that a
statement contained herein, or in any other subsequently filed document that
also is incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein,
modifies or supersedes the earlier statement. Any statement so modified shall
not be deemed, except as so modified, to constitute a part of this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus, and any statement so superseded shall not be deemed to
constitute a part of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.     
 
 
                             ---------------------
 
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                                    SUMMARY
 
  The following is a summary of certain information contained elsewhere in this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Reference is made to, and this summary is
qualified in its entirety by, the more detailed information contained elsewhere
or incorporated by reference in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and in
the appendices hereto including, but not limited to, the Merger Agreement set
forth as Appendix A hereto. Unless otherwise defined, capitalized terms used in
this summary have the respective meanings ascribed to them elsewhere in this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Stockholders of McKesson and AmeriSource are
urged to read carefully this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the
appendices hereto, and the documents incorporated by reference herein, in their
entirety.
 
                                 THE COMPANIES
 
  McKesson. McKesson is one of the leading health care supply management
companies in North America. McKesson also develops and manages innovative
marketing programs for pharmaceutical manufacturers and, through McKesson Water
Products Company, processes and markets pure drinking water.
 
  McKesson's principal executive offices are located at One Post Street, San
Francisco, California 94104, and its telephone number at that address is (415)
983-8300.
 
  AmeriSource. AmeriSource, through its direct wholly owned subsidiary
AmeriSource Corporation, is the fourth largest full-service wholesale
distributor of pharmaceutical products and related health care services in the
United States.
 
  AmeriSource's principal executive offices are located at 300 Chester Field
Parkway, Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355, and its telephone number at that address
is (610) 296-4480.
   
  Merger Sub. Merger Sub is a newly formed, wholly owned subsidiary of
McKesson, incorporated in Delaware on September 19, 1997 for the sole purpose
of effecting the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. Prior to
the consummation of the Merger, Merger Sub will not engage in any activity
other than activities related to the transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement. Merger Sub's principal executive offices are located at One Post
Street, San Francisco, California 94104, and its telephone number at that
address is (415) 983-8300.     
 
                                SPECIAL MEETINGS
 
DATE, TIME AND PLACE
   
  McKesson. The McKesson Special Meeting will be held on Monday, February 9,
1998, in the Franciscan Room at the ANA Hotel, 50 Third Street, San Francisco,
California, commencing at 1:00 p.m., local time. See "The Special Meetings --
General."     
   
  AmeriSource. The AmeriSource Special Meeting will be held on Monday, February
9, 1998, at The Desmond Great Valley Hotel & Conference Center, Malvern,
Pennsylvania, commencing at noon, local time. See "The Special Meetings --
General."     
 
PURPOSE OF THE SPECIAL MEETINGS
 
  McKesson. The purpose of the McKesson Special Meeting is to consider and vote
upon a proposal to approve the Stock Issuance (the "McKesson Proposal"). See
"The Special Meetings -- Purpose of Special Meetings -- McKesson."
 
  AmeriSource. The purpose of the AmeriSource Special Meeting is (i) to
consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the Merger Agreement and the
transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger (the "AmeriSource
Proposal") and (ii) to transact such other business as may properly come before
the AmeriSource Special Meeting and at any and all adjournments or
postponements thereof. See "The Special Meetings -- Purpose of Special Meetings
- -- AmeriSource."
 
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
RECORD DATES; SHARES ENTITLED TO VOTE
   
  McKesson. Each share of McKesson Common Stock will be entitled to one vote on
each matter to be acted upon at the McKesson Special Meeting. See "The Special
Meetings -- Voting Securities and Record Date." Only holders of record of
shares of McKesson Common Stock at the close of business on December 29, 1997
(the "McKesson Record Date") are entitled to notice of and to vote at the
McKesson Special Meeting. On such date, there were 46,285,912 shares of
McKesson Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the McKesson Special
Meeting. On October 29, 1997, the McKesson Board of Directors (the "McKesson
Board") declared a two-for-one split of the McKesson Common Stock (the
"McKesson Stock Split") which was effected in the form of a stock dividend
distributed January 2, 1998 to stockholders of record on December 1, 1997.     
   
  AmeriSource. Only holders of record of shares of AmeriSource Class A Common
Stock at the close of business on December 29, 1997 (the "AmeriSource Record
Date") are entitled to vote at the AmeriSource Special Meeting. On such date,
there were 20,950,445 shares of AmeriSource Class A Common Stock outstanding.
Each share of AmeriSource Class A Common Stock will be entitled to one vote on
each matter to be acted upon at the AmeriSource Special Meeting. See "The
Special Meetings -- Voting Securities and Record Date."     
 
QUORUM; VOTE REQUIRED
   
  McKesson. The presence, in person or by proxy, at the McKesson Special
Meeting of the holders of a majority of the shares of McKesson Common Stock
outstanding and entitled to vote at the McKesson Special Meeting is necessary
to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the meeting. The
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of McKesson Common
Stock present in person or represented by proxy at the McKesson Special Meeting
and entitled to vote on the Stock Issuance is required to approve the Stock
Issuance, provided that there is a quorum. An abstention or a failure to vote
with respect to the McKesson Proposal will have the effect of a vote cast
against the McKesson Proposal. Brokers who hold shares of McKesson Common Stock
as nominees will not have discretionary authority to vote such shares in the
absence of instructions from the beneficial owners thereof. Any votes which are
not cast by a nominee-broker will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on
the McKesson Proposal. See "The Special Meetings -- Voting Securities and
Record Date -- McKesson" and "The Special Meetings -- Proxies."     
 
  AmeriSource. The presence, in person or by proxy, at the AmeriSource Special
Meeting of the holders of a majority of the shares of AmeriSource Class A
Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the AmeriSource Special
Meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum at the meeting. The affirmative
vote of the holders of a majority of all votes entitled to be cast by all
holders of AmeriSource Class A Common Stock is required to approve the Merger
Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger. An
abstention or a failure to vote with respect to the AmeriSource Proposal will
have the effect of a vote cast against the AmeriSource Proposal. Brokers who
hold shares of AmeriSource Class A Common Stock as nominees will not have
discretionary authority to vote such shares in the absence of instructions from
the beneficial owners thereof. Any votes which are not cast by a nominee-broker
will have the effect of votes cast against the Merger. See "The Special
Meetings -- Voting Securities and Record Date -- AmeriSource" and "The Special
Meeting-- Proxies."
   
  Security Ownership of Management. As of the McKesson Record Date, the
directors and executive officers of McKesson and their affiliates owned an
aggregate of approximately 1.1% of the outstanding shares of McKesson Common
Stock entitled to vote at the McKesson Special Meeting. As of the AmeriSource
Record Date, the directors and executive officers of AmeriSource and their
affiliates owned an aggregate of approximately 3.67% of the outstanding shares
of AmeriSource Class A Common Stock entitled to vote at the AmeriSource Special
Meeting. Three senior executives of AmeriSource, one of whom is an AmeriSource
director, have entered into Voting/Support Agreements with McKesson and Merger
Sub pursuant to which each of these executives granted to Merger Sub an
irrevocable proxy to vote all of his shares of AmeriSource Class A     
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
   
Common Stock in favor of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated
thereby, including the Merger, and to vote against a Competing Transaction (as
defined in the Merger Agreement). As of September 30, 1997 these three
executives held, in the aggregate, shares representing approximately 1.4% of
the voting power of AmeriSource. See "The Voting/Support Agreements." Each of
the other directors and executive officers of McKesson and AmeriSource, other
than one AmeriSource director, has advised the respective companies that he or
she plans to vote or to direct the vote of all shares of McKesson Common Stock
or AmeriSource Class A Common Stock, as the case may be, owned by him or her
and entitled to vote in favor of the McKesson Proposal, in the case of
McKesson, and in favor of AmeriSource Proposal, in the case of AmeriSource. See
"The Merger--Reasons for the Merger; Recommendations of the Boards."     
   
  Security Ownership of 399 Venture Partners, Inc. 399 Venture Partners, Inc.
("VPI") has entered into a Voting/Support Agreement with McKesson and Merger
Sub pursuant to which it granted to Merger Sub an irrevocable proxy to vote all
of its shares of AmeriSource Class A Common Stock in favor of the Merger
Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, and
to vote against a Competing Transaction. VPI holds shares representing
approximately 19% of the outstanding voting shares of AmeriSource and
approximately 28% of the equity of AmeriSource. See "The Voting/Support
Agreements."     
 
                      THE MERGER AND THE MERGER AGREEMENT
 
GENERAL
 
  The Merger Agreement is attached as Appendix A to this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
  The Merger will become effective upon the filing of a Certificate of Merger
(the "Certificate of Merger") with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware. The filing of the Certificate of Merger will occur as soon as
practicable following the satisfaction or waiver (where permissible) of the
conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, including receipt of requisite
regulatory and stockholder approvals. See "The Merger Agreement -- Conditions."
In the Merger Agreement and herein, the time at which the Merger becomes
effective is called the "Effective Time."
   
  At the Effective Time, AmeriSource will be merged with and into McKesson,
with McKesson (sometimes referred to as the "Surviving Corporation") surviving
the Merger. In the Merger, each share of AmeriSource Common Stock issued and
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (excluding those held in
the treasury of AmeriSource), without any action on the part of the holder
thereof, will be converted into and represent 1.42 shares of McKesson Common
Stock together with associated Rights issued pursuant to the Rights Agreement.
Cash will be paid in lieu of any fractional share of McKesson Common Stock. See
"The Merger Agreement -- The Merger."     
 
OWNERSHIP OF MCKESSON FOLLOWING THE MERGER
 
  The shares of McKesson Common Stock issued to AmeriSource stockholders in the
Merger will constitute approximately 27% of all of the outstanding McKesson
Common Stock after the Merger, and the current McKesson stockholders will hold
approximately 73% of all of the outstanding McKesson Common Stock after the
Merger.
 
  At the Effective Time, each outstanding AmeriSource Option will be
automatically converted into an option to purchase that number of shares of
McKesson Common Stock (each, a "Parent Exchange Option") equal to the number of
shares of AmeriSource Common Stock issuable immediately prior to the Effective
Time upon exercise of the AmeriSource Option multiplied by the Exchange Ratio,
with an exercise price per share equal to the exercise price per share of the
AmeriSource Option immediately prior to the Effective Time divided by the
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
   
Exchange Ratio, and with other terms and conditions that are the same as those
of the AmeriSource Option. Approximately 2,395,815 shares of McKesson Common
Stock will be issuable upon exercise of Parent Exchange Options based on the
number of shares of AmeriSource Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the
existing AmeriSource Options multiplied by the Exchange Ratio.     
 
REASONS FOR THE MERGER; RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARDS
 
  To McKesson Stockholders:
   
  THE MCKESSON BOARD BELIEVES THAT THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS
CONTEMPLATED THEREBY, INCLUDING THE MERGER, ARE FAIR TO AND IN THE BEST
INTERESTS OF MCKESSON AND MCKESSON'S STOCKHOLDERS AND, ACCORDINGLY, HAS
APPROVED THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND HAS RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE
STOCKHOLDERS OF MCKESSON VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THE STOCK ISSUANCE. In arriving
at its conclusions, the McKesson Board, in consultation with McKesson's
management and its legal and financial advisors, considered, among other
things, (i) the ability of the Merger to enhance McKesson's corporate strategy
to remain the distributor of choice and to lead in developing health care
supply management services, (ii) the accretive impact of the Merger on the
earnings of McKesson even before synergies, (iii) the operating efficiencies,
synergies and reductions in working capital that would be realized by the
combined entity following the Merger, (iv) the leveraging of complementary
capabilities of McKesson and AmeriSource and (v) the achievements to date with
the integration of the pharmaceutical distribution business of FoxMeyer
Corporation ("FoxMeyer") into McKesson and McKesson's demonstrated ability to
develop and implement an effective integration plan for companies that it
acquires.     
 
  See "The Merger -- Reasons for the Merger; Recommendations of the Boards" and
"The Merger -- Background of the Merger."
 
  To AmeriSource Stockholders:
 
  THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF AMERISOURCE (THE "AMERISOURCE BOARD") BELIEVES THAT
THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY, INCLUDING THE
MERGER, ARE FAIR TO AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF AMERISOURCE'S STOCKHOLDERS.
ACCORDINGLY, THE AMERISOURCE BOARD HAS APPROVED THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE
TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY AND HAS RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE
STOCKHOLDERS OF AMERISOURCE VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THE AMERISOURCE PROPOSAL. In
arriving at its conclusions, the AmeriSource Board, in consultation with
AmeriSource's management and its legal and financial advisors, considered,
among other things, (i) the complementary customer bases and geographic
customer concentrations of AmeriSource and McKesson, (ii) the opportunities for
economies of scale and synergies available through a combination of AmeriSource
and McKesson, (iii) the opportunities presented by the stronger balance sheet
of the post-Merger combined entity, (iv) McKesson's record of post-acquisition
integration and (v) enhanced cross-selling opportunities available to the post-
Merger combined entity.
 
  See "The Merger -- Reasons for the Merger; Recommendations of the Boards" and
"The Merger -- Background of the Merger."
 
OPINIONS OF FINANCIAL ADVISORS
 
  In determining whether to approve the Merger, the McKesson Board and the
AmeriSource Board considered opinions from their respective financial advisors
as to the fairness of the Exchange Ratio. McKesson received a written opinion
(the "PJSC Opinion") from its financial advisor, Peter J. Solomon Company
Limited ("PJSC"), to the effect that, as of the date of such opinion, the
Exchange Ratio was fair to McKesson from a financial point of view. AmeriSource
received a written opinion (the "Goldman Opinion") from its financial advisor,
Goldman, Sachs & Co. ("Goldman Sachs"), to the effect that, as of the date of
such opinion, the Exchange Ratio was fair from a financial point of view to the
stockholders of AmeriSource. The PJSC Opinion and the Goldman Opinion are
attached as Appendices C and D, respectively, to this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus. Stockholders are strongly encouraged to read these
opinions.
 
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
 
  Both McKesson and AmeriSource believe that the Merger will qualify as a
pooling of interests for accounting purposes. The obligation of each of
AmeriSource and McKesson to consummate the Merger is conditioned upon the
receipt by McKesson of a letter from McKesson's independent auditors stating
that they concur with the conclusion of McKesson's management that the Merger
will qualify for pooling of interests accounting treatment. See "The Merger --
Anticipated Accounting Treatment" and "The Merger Agreement-- Conditions."
 
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
 
  The parties intend that the Merger be treated for federal income tax purposes
as a so-called "tax free reorganization" pursuant to Section 368(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and the obligation of
AmeriSource to consummate the Merger is conditioned on the receipt of an
opinion of its counsel, Dechert Price & Rhoads, to the effect that the Merger
will be treated as such. If so, no gain or loss will be recognized by
AmeriSource stockholders upon the receipt of McKesson Common Stock in exchange
for AmeriSource Common Stock except with respect to cash received in lieu of a
fractional interest in McKesson Common Stock. See "Certain Federal Income Tax
Consequences of the Merger" and "The Merger Agreement -- Conditions."
 
GOVERNANCE FOLLOWING THE MERGER
   
  If the Merger is consummated, holders of AmeriSource Common Stock will become
stockholders of McKesson, which will be under the direction of the McKesson
Board and management of McKesson. At the Effective Time, the directors and
officers of McKesson immediately prior to the Effective Time will continue as
the directors and officers, respectively, of McKesson as the Surviving
Corporation.     
 
  Immediately following the Effective Time, the McKesson Board will take all
action necessary to elect the following persons, who are currently serving on
the Board of Directors of AmeriSource, to the McKesson Board: (i) James Urry,
who will be assigned to the class of directors whose term of office expires at
McKesson's first annual meeting of stockholders after the Effective Time, (ii)
Michael Delaney, who will be assigned to the class of directors whose term of
office expires at McKesson's second annual meeting of stockholders after the
Effective Time, and (iii) R. David Yost, who will be assigned to the class of
directors whose term of office expires at McKesson's third annual meeting of
stockholders after the Effective Time. The McKesson Board also will appoint R.
David Yost as Group President of the AmeriSource Services Group and as a
corporate Vice President, effective as of the Effective Time.
 
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER
 
  In considering the recommendation of the AmeriSource Board with respect to
the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, stockholders
should be aware that certain members of the management of AmeriSource and
certain members of the AmeriSource Board have interests in the Merger that are
in addition to the interests of stockholders of AmeriSource generally
(including, without limitation, the entering into of employment agreements with
AmeriSource and new employment agreements with McKesson and the acceleration of
stock options). See "The Merger -- Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger,"
"The Merger Agreement -- Indemnification and Insurance," and "The Employment
Agreements."
 
CONDITIONS
 
  The obligations of McKesson and AmeriSource to consummate the Merger are
subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including, among others, (i)
obtaining requisite stockholder approvals; (ii) the expiration or termination
of the waiting period applicable to the consummation of the Merger under the
Hart-Scott-Rodino
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and the rules and regulations
thereunder (the "HSR Act"); (iii) the effectiveness of the Registration
Statement and the absence of a stop order suspending such effectiveness; (iv)
the absence of any suit, claim, action, proceeding, audit or investigation (an
"Action") by any governmental or regulatory body, agency or authority (a
"Governmental Authority") challenging or seeking to prohibit consummation of
the Merger or any of the other transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement; (v) the absence of any Applicable Law (as defined in the Merger
Agreement), or judgment, injunction, order or decree prohibiting consummation
of the Merger or any of the other transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement; (vi) the listing on the NYSE, subject only to official notice of
issuance, of the shares of McKesson Common Stock and the Rights to be issued in
the Merger; (vii) the absence of any change in the business, assets,
liabilities, results of operations or financial condition of either McKesson or
AmeriSource which individually or in the aggregate would reasonably be expected
to have a Material Adverse Effect (as defined in the Merger Agreement) on that
party; (viii) the receipt of certain legal opinions with respect to the federal
income tax consequences of the Merger; and (ix) the receipt of an accountants'
letter with respect to qualification of the Merger as a pooling of interests.
See "The Merger Agreement -- Conditions," "Certain Federal Income Tax
Consequences of the Merger," and "The Merger -- Anticipated Accounting
Treatment."
 
EFFECTIVE TIME OF THE MERGER
 
  McKesson and AmeriSource have agreed to cause the Merger to be consummated
concurrently with the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement (the "Closing"), by filing the Certificate of Merger with the
Delaware Secretary of State. Subject to the satisfaction or waiver (where
permissible) of the other conditions to the obligations of McKesson and
AmeriSource to consummate the Merger, it is currently expected that the Merger
will be consummated immediately following the Special Meetings or as soon
thereafter as such other conditions are satisfied.
 
EXCHANGE OF AMERISOURCE COMMON STOCK CERTIFICATES
 
  Upon consummation of the Merger, each holder of a stock certificate
representing shares of AmeriSource Common Stock outstanding immediately prior
to the Merger will, upon the surrender thereof (duly endorsed, if required) to
First Chicago Trust Company of New York (the "Exchange Agent"), be entitled to
receive a stock certificate representing the number of whole shares of McKesson
Common Stock into which such shares of AmeriSource Common Stock will have been
automatically converted as a result of the Merger. After the consummation of
the Merger, the Exchange Agent will mail a letter of transmittal with
instructions to all holders of record of AmeriSource Common Stock as of the
Effective Time for use in surrendering their stock certificates in exchange for
stock certificates representing shares of McKesson Common Stock. STOCK
CERTIFICATES SHOULD NOT BE SURRENDERED UNTIL THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND
INSTRUCTIONS ARE RECEIVED. See "The Merger Agreement -- Exchange Procedures."
 
NO DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
 
  Holders of McKesson Common Stock and holders of AmeriSource Common Stock are
not entitled to dissenters' rights in connection with the Merger.
 
RESALE RESTRICTIONS
 
  All shares of McKesson Common Stock received by AmeriSource stockholders in
the Merger will be freely transferable, except that shares of McKesson Common
Stock received by persons who are deemed to be "affiliates" (as such term is
defined under the Securities Act) of AmeriSource at the time of the AmeriSource
Meeting may be resold by them only in certain permitted circumstances. See "The
Merger Agreement -- Resale Restrictions."
 
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
TERMINATION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT
 
  The Merger Agreement may be terminated and the Merger may be abandoned at any
time prior to the Effective Time (notwithstanding any approval of the Merger
Agreement by the stockholders of AmeriSource (except as provided below) and the
stockholders of McKesson): (i) by mutual written consent of McKesson and
AmeriSource; (ii) by either McKesson or AmeriSource if any Applicable Law
(other than Antitrust Laws (as defined in the Merger Agreement)), as supported
by written opinion of outside legal counsel, makes consummation of the Merger
illegal or otherwise prohibited, or if there shall be a final non-appealable
judgment, injunction, order or decree enjoining McKesson or AmeriSource from
consummating the Merger; (iii) by either McKesson or AmeriSource if the Merger
has not been consummated by May 31, 1998 (subject to extension to June 7, 1998
or to June 30, 1998 in certain circumstances); (iv) by McKesson if the
AmeriSource Board withdraws or changes its recommendation of the Merger in a
manner adverse to McKesson, or if the AmeriSource Board refuses to affirm its
recommendation as promptly as practicable (but in any case within ten business
days) after receipt of any written request from McKesson which request is made
on a reasonable basis; (v) by McKesson or AmeriSource if at the AmeriSource
Special Meeting the requisite vote of the stockholders of AmeriSource to
approve the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby,
including the Merger, is not obtained; (vi) by McKesson or AmeriSource if at
the McKesson Special Meeting the requisite vote of the stockholders of McKesson
to approve the issuance of shares of McKesson Common Stock in the Merger is not
obtained; (vii) by AmeriSource, prior to approval by the AmeriSource
stockholders, if the AmeriSource Board enters into a Competing Transaction in
compliance with the terms of the Merger Agreement (as described below in "The
Merger Agreement -- No Solicitation of Transactions") and pays the fees and
expenses described below under "-- Termination Fee; Reimbursement of Expenses";
(viii) by McKesson if there has been a breach by AmeriSource, or by AmeriSource
if there has been a breach by McKesson, of its representation that it has not
taken any actions that would prevent McKesson from accounting for the Merger as
a pooling of interests; (ix) by McKesson or AmeriSource, in certain
circumstances where there has been a breach by the other party of its
representations and warranties, or in certain circumstances in which the other
party has a change in business conditions that would reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect on it; (x) by McKesson or AmeriSource (but only
for a limited period of time specified in the Merger Agreement) if either party
receives any communication from the Federal Trade Commission or the Antitrust
Division of the Department of Justice (the "Antitrust Division") indicating
that it has authorized the institution of litigation challenging the
transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement under the Antitrust Laws,
which litigation would include a motion seeking an order or injunction
prohibiting the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by the
Merger Agreement; (xi) by McKesson if AmeriSource has breached in any material
respect any of its obligations under the Stock Option Agreement; or (xii) by
AmeriSource on March 31, 1998 if the transaction has not yet been cleared under
federal Antitrust Laws, unless, prior to that date, AmeriSource had the
opportunity to terminate the Merger Agreement as described in clause (x) above
and declined to do so. See "The Merger Agreement -- Termination."
 
TERMINATION FEE; REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES
 
  In connection with certain of the termination rights discussed above,
AmeriSource will be obligated to pay to McKesson a termination fee of $65
million and to reimburse McKesson's expenses, up to $12 million. In connection
with other termination rights discussed above, McKesson or AmeriSource, as
applicable, may be obligated to reimburse the other party for the other party's
costs and expenses up to a specified maximum. See "The Merger Agreement --
Termination Fee."
 
REGULATORY APPROVAL
 
  Under the HSR Act, the Merger cannot be consummated until notifications and
certain information have been furnished to the Federal Trade Commission and the
Antitrust Division and specified waiting period requirements have been
satisfied. McKesson and AmeriSource each filed notification and report forms
under the HSR Act on September 24, 1997. Because a request for additional
information and documentary material (a
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
   
"Second Request") was timely received by McKesson and AmeriSource from the
Federal Trade Commission, the waiting period ordinarily would terminate 20 days
after McKesson and AmeriSource have each "substantially complied" (as such term
is defined under the HSR Act) with such request. In order to permit the Federal
Trade Commission time to complete its review of the transaction, McKesson and
AmeriSource each agreed to an extension of the waiting period. In the opinion
of McKesson and AmeriSource, each of them has substantially complied with the
Second Request from the Federal Trade Commission. Additionally, in response to
a request from certain states which are members of the National Association of
Attorneys General Voluntary Premerger Compact (the "NAAGVPC"), McKesson and
AmeriSource each waived certain confidentiality protections under the HSR Act
solely for the purpose of facilitating confidential communications between the
Federal Trade Commission and the member states of the NAAGVPC.     
 
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
   
  Pursuant to the Stock Option Agreement dated as of September 22, 1997 by and
between McKesson and AmeriSource (the "Stock Option Agreement"), AmeriSource
has granted McKesson an irrevocable option (the "Option") to purchase from
AmeriSource, under certain circumstances, up to 3,418,601 authorized and
unissued shares of either AmeriSource Class A Common Stock or AmeriSource Class
B Common Stock, or a combination thereof, at a price of $70.87 per share (which
was 0.71, the Exchange Ratio prior to the McKesson Stock Split, multiplied by
the closing price of a share of McKesson Common Stock on the trading day
immediately preceding the execution of the Merger Agreement). The Option will
be increased to cover an additional 1,325,939 shares of AmeriSource Class B
Common Stock if the NYSE advises McKesson that the Option may be so increased
without approval by AmeriSource stockholders. See "The Stock Option Agreement
- -- General," "The Merger Agreement -- Termination" and "The Merger Agreement --
Amendment." A copy of the Stock Option Agreement is attached as Appendix B to
this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.     
 
VOTING/SUPPORT AGREEMENTS
   
  McKesson has entered into Voting/Support Agreements with R. David Yost, Kurt
J. Hilzinger, David M. Flowers and VPI pursuant to which each granted Merger
Sub an irrevocable proxy to vote his or its shares in favor of the Merger
Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, and
to vote his or its shares against a Competing Transaction. As of September 30,
1997, Messrs. Yost, Hilzinger and Flowers owned in the aggregate approximately
1.4% of the outstanding voting shares of AmeriSource. As of December 19, 1997,
VPI owned approximately 19% of the outstanding voting shares of AmeriSource.
See "The Voting/Support Agreements."     
 
COMPARATIVE STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS
 
  The rights of holders of AmeriSource Common Stock are currently governed by
Delaware law, AmeriSource's Certificate of Incorporation and AmeriSource's By-
laws. If the Merger is consummated and becomes effective pursuant to the terms
of the Merger Agreement, the rights of former AmeriSource stockholders who
become McKesson stockholders pursuant to the Merger will be governed by
Delaware law, McKesson's Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the "McKesson
Certificate") and McKesson's Restated By-laws (the "McKesson By-laws"). The
rights of McKesson stockholders differ in certain respects from those of the
AmeriSource stockholders. See "Comparative Rights of Stockholders" for a
description of such differences.
 
THE MCKESSON STOCK SPLIT; EFFECT ON EXCHANGE RATIO
   
  On October 29, 1997, the McKesson Board declared a two-for-one split of
McKesson Common Stock which was effected in the form of a stock dividend,
distributed on January 2, 1998, of one additional share of McKesson Common
Stock for each share held of record as of December 1, 1997. The Merger
Agreement provides that as of the Effective Time each issued and outstanding
share of AmeriSource Common Stock will be converted into     
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
 
   
0.71 of a share of McKesson Common Stock but that if the McKesson Board
declares a stock split on the outstanding shares of McKesson Common Stock with
a record date that is prior to the Effective Time, the Exchange Ratio will be
appropriately adjusted. Accordingly, the Exchange Ratio has been adjusted to
1.42 following the McKesson Stock Split.     
 
RISK FACTORS
 
  STOCKHOLDERS OF MCKESSON AND OF AMERISOURCE SHOULD CONSIDER CAREFULLY THE
FACTORS DISCUSSED UNDER "RISK FACTORS" IN EVALUATING THE PROPOSED MERGER AND
THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY.
 
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
  This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus contains or incorporates by reference
forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties.
Forward-looking statements include information concerning possible or assumed
future results of operations of McKesson and AmeriSource such as certain
statements set forth under "Risk Factors," "The Merger -- Background of the
Merger," "The Merger -- Reasons for the Merger," "The Merger -- Opinion of
McKesson's Financial Advisor" and "The Merger -- Opinion of AmeriSource's
Financial Advisor," and those preceded by, followed by or that include the
words "believes," "expects," "anticipates" or similar expressions. The
following important factors, in addition to those discussed elsewhere in this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and in the documents which are incorporated
herein by reference, could affect the future results of the health care
industry in general, and McKesson and/or AmeriSource in particular, and could
cause future results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-
looking statements: the speed of integration of acquired businesses, continued
competitive pressures, success of strategic initiatives, the changing United
States health care environment, the effect of existing and future regulatory
actions, any supplier and/or customer actions in response to the Merger or
industry consolidation in general, and a significant delay in the expected
closing of the Merger.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
 
                     MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION
   
  The McKesson Common Stock is listed and traded on the NYSE and the PE and the
AmeriSource Class A Common Stock is listed and traded on the NYSE. The
following table sets forth the high and low trading prices per share of each of
the McKesson Common Stock (without adjustment for the McKesson Stock Split) and
AmeriSource Class A Common Stock on the NYSE for the calendar quarters
indicated as reported on the NYSE Composite Tape, and the dividends paid per
share for such periods by McKesson (AmeriSource did not pay any dividends
during the periods):     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                        MCKESSON                    AMERISOURCE
                                      COMMON STOCK     MCKESSON    COMMON STOCK
                                         PRICES     DIVIDENDS PAID    PRICES
                                     --------------  PER  COMMON   -------------
                                      HIGH    LOW       SHARE       HIGH   LOW
                                     ------- ------ -------------- ------ ------
<S>                                  <C>     <C>    <C>            <C>    <C>
1994
  First Quarter..................... $ 68.50 $52.50     $ 0.42        --     --
  Second Quarter....................   87.00  58.50       0.42        --     --
  Third Quarter.....................  103.63  70.75       0.42        --     --
  Fourth Quarter....................  109.25  30.13      76.25(1)     --     --
1995
  First Quarter.....................   40.75  31.88       0.25        --     --
  Second Quarter....................   47.38  37.25       0.25     $24.50 $20.75
  Third Quarter.....................   46.63  42.63       0.25      27.75  19.75
  Fourth Quarter....................   53.25  44.88       0.25      34.25  25.25
1996
  First Quarter.....................   55.63  46.50       0.25      34.00  28.00
  Second Quarter....................   51.38  44.00       0.25      37.50  31.63
  Third Quarter.....................   48.38  39.00       0.25      44.50  27.88
  Fourth Quarter....................   57.00  45.38       0.25      48.25  37.63
1997
  First Quarter.....................   69.63  51.75       0.25      53.00  42.50
  Second Quarter....................   80.13  63.00       0.25      51.38  41.25
  Third Quarter.....................  106.25  76.50       0.25      65.25  45.13
  Fourth Quarter....................  113.75  97.38       0.25      66.31  52.00
</TABLE>    
- --------
(1)  In November 1994 McKesson completed a plan of merger and a reorganization
     and distribution agreement providing for the acquisition by Eli Lilly and
     Company of McKesson's pharmaceutical benefits management business ("PCS"),
     which was primarily operated by PCS Health Systems, Inc. and Clinical
     Pharmaceuticals, Inc., both of which were wholly owned subsidiaries of
     McKesson, for approximately $4 billion. As a result of the sale of PCS,
     each existing McKesson stockholder received a cash payment of $76.00 per
     share representing the proceeds from the sale of PCS and one share of
     McKesson Common Stock representing such stockholder's continuing interest
     in the businesses retained by McKesson.
 
  On September 22, 1997, the last full trading day prior to the first public
announcement of the execution of the Merger Agreement, the reported high and
low sale prices per share and closing price per share of McKesson Common Stock
and AmeriSource Class A Common Stock on the NYSE were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           SEPTEMBER 22, 1997
                                                        ------------------------
                                                          HIGH     LOW    CLOSE
                                                        -------- ------- -------
      <S>                                               <C>      <C>     <C>
        McKesson....................................... $ 100.31 $ 99.25 $ 99.81
        AmeriSource....................................    54.00   53.50   53.69
</TABLE>
   
  On December 31, 1997, the last full trading day prior to the date of this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the reported high and low sale prices per
share and closing price per share of McKesson Common Stock (without adjustment
for the McKesson Stock Split) and AmeriSource Class A Common Stock on the NYSE
were as follows:     
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                            DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                                         -----------------------
                                                          HIGH     LOW    CLOSE
                                                         ------- ------- -------
      <S>                                                <C>     <C>     <C>
      McKesson.......................................... $108.38 $105.00 $108.38
      AmeriSource.......................................   59.31   57.00   58.25
</TABLE>    
 
  STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO OBTAIN CURRENT MARKET QUOTATIONS FOR SHARES OF
MCKESSON COMMON STOCK AND AMERISOURCE CLASS A COMMON STOCK.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
 
                           COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA
   
  The following table sets forth certain per share data for McKesson and
AmeriSource on both historical and pro forma combined bases and on a per share
equivalent pro forma basis for AmeriSource after giving effect to the proposed
Merger on a pooling of interests basis at the original Exchange Ratio of 0.71
of a share of McKesson Common Stock for each share of AmeriSource Common Stock
and at the current Exchange Ratio (which has been adjusted to reflect the
McKesson Stock Split) of 1.42 shares of McKesson Common Stock for each share of
AmeriSource Common Stock. The data should be read in conjunction with the
selected historical consolidated financial data and the unaudited pro forma
combined consolidated financial data included in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and the separate historical consolidated financial
statements of McKesson and AmeriSource and the notes thereto incorporated by
reference in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. The unaudited pro forma
combined and equivalent financial data are not necessarily indicative of the
operating results or financial position of the combined entities had the Merger
been consummated at the beginning of the earliest period presented nor should
they be construed as indicative of future results of operations or financial
position.     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                     SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                      SEPTEMBER 30,      YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
                                     ------------------------------------------
                                      1997    1996     1997    1996     1995
                                    -------- ---------------- -----------------
<S>                                 <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>
HISTORICAL - MCKESSON
 Earnings (loss) per common share
 Continuing operations
  Fully diluted...................  $   1.58 $  0.10 $   0.13 $  2.59 $   (3.34)
  Primary.........................      1.61    0.10     0.12    2.59     (3.52)
 Net income
  Fully diluted...................      1.58    0.22     2.98    2.90      8.86
  Primary.........................      1.61    0.22     3.01    2.90      9.20
 Cash dividends declared per
  common share....................      0.50    0.50     1.00    1.00      1.34
 Cash distribution from sale of
  PCS per common share............                                        76.00
 Book value per common share......     28.82            27.53
 Earnings (loss) per common
  share--adjusted to reflect
  McKesson Stock Split (1)
 Continuing operations
  Fully diluted...................  $   0.79 $  0.05 $   0.06 $  1.29 $   (1.67)
  Primary.........................      0.81    0.05     0.06    1.29     (1.76)
 Net income
  Fully diluted...................      0.79    0.11     1.49    1.45      4.43
  Primary.........................      0.81    0.11     1.51    1.45      4.60
 Cash dividends declared per
  common share....................      0.25    0.25     0.50    0.50      0.67
 Cash distribution from sale of
  PCS per common share............                                        38.00
 Book value per common share......     14.41            13.76
<CAPTION>
                                                      YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                     --------------------------
                                                       1997    1996     1995
                                                     -------- -----------------
<S>                                 <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>
HISTORICAL - AMERISOURCE
 Earnings per common share
 Before extraordinary items and cumulative effect
  of accounting changes
  Fully diluted..................................... $   1.94 $  1.84 $    1.53
  Primary...........................................     1.95    1.85      1.54
 Net income
  Fully diluted.....................................     1.86    1.53      0.55
  Primary...........................................     1.87    1.54      0.56
 Book value per common share........................      .60
</TABLE>    
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                       SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                         SEPTEMBER 30,  YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
                                       ---------------- ---------------------
                                        1997     1996    1997   1996   1995
                                      -------- -------- ------ ------ -------
<S>                                   <C>      <C>      <C>    <C>    <C>
PRO FORMA COMBINED
 Earnings (loss) per common share
  Continuing operations
   Fully diluted..................... $   1.49 $   0.48 $ 0.84 $ 2.54 $ (5.79)
   Primary...........................     1.51     0.48   0.84   2.54   (6.02)
  Net income
   Fully diluted.....................     1.49     0.45   2.77   2.68    3.90
   Primary...........................     1.51     0.45   2.79   2.68    4.01
 Cash dividends declared per common
  share..............................     0.50     0.50   1.00   1.00    1.34
 Book value per common share......... $  21.21
PRO FORMA COMBINED--ADJUSTED TO
 REFLECT MCKESSON STOCK SPLIT (1)
 Earnings (loss) per common share
  Continuing operations
   Fully diluted..................... $   0.75 $   0.24 $ 0.42 $ 1.27 $ (2.90)
   Primary...........................     0.76     0.24   0.42   1.27   (3.01)
  Net income
   Fully diluted.....................     0.75     0.23   1.38   1.34    1.95
   Primary...........................     0.76     0.23   1.39   1.34    2.01
 Cash dividends declared per common
  share..............................     0.25     0.25   0.50   0.50    0.67
 Book value per common share......... $  10.59
EQUIVALENT PRO FORMA COMBINED PER
 AMERISOURCE SHARE
 Earnings (loss) per common share
  Continuing operations
   Fully diluted..................... $   1.06 $   0.34 $ 0.60 $ 1.80 $ (4.11)
   Primary...........................     1.07     0.34   0.60   1.80   (4.27)
  Net income
   Fully diluted.....................     1.06     0.32   1.97   1.90    2.77
   Primary...........................     1.07     0.32   1.98   1.90    2.85
 Cash dividends declared per common
  share..............................     0.36     0.36   0.71   0.71    0.95
 Book value per common share.........   $15.06
</TABLE>    
- --------
   
(1) Reflects the pro forma effect of the McKesson two-for-one stock split
    declared October 29, 1997, distributed January 2, 1998 to stockholders of
    record on December 1, 1997.     
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
 
                    SUMMARY SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED
                           FINANCIAL DATA OF MCKESSON
 
  The following table sets forth summary selected historical consolidated
financial data of McKesson for each of the five years in the period ended March
31, 1997 and for the six-month periods ended September 30, 1997 and 1996. Such
data have been derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, the
audited consolidated financial statements and other financial information
contained in McKesson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31,
1997 and the unaudited consolidated interim financial information contained in
McKesson's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the six months ended September 30,
1997, including the notes thereto, incorporated by reference herein. The
selected financial data as of September 30, 1997 and for the six-month periods
ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, reflect all adjustments (consisting only of
normal recurring adjustments except for the item discussed in Note 2 recorded
in the six-month period ended September 30, 1996) necessary for a fair
presentation of the results for such periods. The results for the six-month
periods are not indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or
for any other interim period, due in part to the adjustment described in Note
2. See "Available Information" and "Incorporation of Documents by Reference."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           SIX MONTHS ENDED
                             SEPTEMBER 30,                    YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
                           ------------------     -------------------------------------------------------------
                             1997      1996         1997          1996      1995            1994         1993
                           --------  --------     ---------     --------  --------        --------     --------
                                       (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                        <C>       <C>          <C>           <C>       <C>             <C>          <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA
Revenues.................. $8,810.5  $5,401.5     $12,886.7     $9,953.7  $9,438.7        $8,520.8     $7,991.8
Costs and expenses
 Cost of sales............  8,078.0   4,938.6      11,849.4      9,038.2   8,630.5 (1)     7,737.2      7,214.6
 Selling, distribution and
  administration..........    554.9     404.7 (2)     944.5 (3)    674.2     817.2 (1)       630.0 (4)    620.7
 Interest.................     48.1      21.1          55.7         44.4      44.5            39.3         47.5
                           --------  --------     ---------     --------  --------        --------     --------
  Total...................  8,681.0   5,364.4      12,849.6      9,756.8   9,492.2         8,406.5      7,882.8
                           --------  --------     ---------     --------  --------        --------     --------
Income (loss) before
 income taxes and
 dividends on convertible
 preferred securities of
 subsidiary trust.........    129.5      37.1 (2)      37.1 (3)    196.9     (53.5)(1)       114.3 (4)    109.0
Income taxes..............    (49.2)    (32.7)        (31.3)       (76.2)    (96.6)(5)       (45.0)       (42.2)
Dividends on convertible
 preferred securities of
 subsidiary trust, net of
 tax benefit..............     (3.1)                   (0.7)
                           --------  --------     ---------     --------  --------        --------     --------
Income (loss) after taxes
 Continuing operations....     77.2       4.4 (2)       5.1 (3)    120.7    (150.1)(1)(5)     69.3 (4)     66.8
 Discontinued operations..                5.6           8.6         14.7     (23.1)           55.1         47.9
 Discontinued operations--
  Gain on sale/donation of
   Armor All stock (6)....                            120.2                    1.0            32.7
  Gain on sale of PCS.....                                                   576.7
 Extraordinary item.......                                                                    (4.2)
 Cumulative effect of ac-
  counting changes........                                                                   (16.7)
                           --------  --------     ---------     --------  --------        --------     --------
Net income ............... $   77.2  $   10.0     $   133.9     $  135.4  $  404.5        $  136.2     $  114.7
                           ========  ========     =========     ========  ========        ========     ========
Fully diluted earnings
 (loss) per common share
 Continuing operations.... $   1.58  $   0.10     $    0.13     $   2.59  $  (3.34)       $   1.49     $   1.44
 Discontinued operations..               0.12          0.19         0.31     (0.51)           1.25         1.07
 Discontinued operations--
  Gain on sale/donation of
   Armor All stock........                             2.66                   0.02            0.74
  Gain on sale of PCS.....                                                   12.69
 Extraordinary item.......                                                                   (0.10)
 Cumulative effect of ac-
  counting changes........                                                                   (0.38)
                           --------  --------     ---------     --------  --------        --------     --------
  Total................... $   1.58  $   0.22     $    2.98     $   2.90  $   8.86        $   3.00     $   2.51
                           ========  ========     =========     ========  ========        ========     ========
Fully diluted shares......     50.8      44.6          45.1         46.7      45.5            44.1         44.8
Primary earnings (loss)
 per common share
 Continuing operations.... $   1.61  $   0.10     $    0.12     $   2.59  $  (3.52)       $   1.53     $   1.49
 Discontinued operations..               0.12          0.19         0.31     (0.53)           1.35         1.20
 Discontinued operations--
  Gain on sale/donation of
   Armor All stock........                             2.70                   0.02            0.80
  Gain on sale of PCS.....                                                   13.23
 Extraordinary item.......                                                                   (0.10)
 Cumulative effect of ac-
  counting changes........                                                                   (0.41)
                           --------  --------     ---------     --------  --------        --------     --------
  Total................... $   1.61  $   0.22     $    3.01     $   2.90  $   9.20        $   3.17     $   2.69
                           ========  ========     =========     ========  ========        ========     ========
Primary shares............     47.8      44.6          44.5         46.6      43.6            40.8         40.0
Cash dividends declared
 per common share......... $   0.50  $   0.50     $    1.00     $   1.00  $   1.34        $   1.66     $   1.60
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             SIX MONTHS ENDED
                               SEPTEMBER 30,        YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
                             ----------------- --------------------------------
                               1997     1996   1997  1996   1995   1994   1993
                             -------- -------- ----- ----- ------  -----  -----
                                 (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                          <C>      <C>      <C>   <C>   <C>     <C>    <C>
Earnings (loss) per share--
 adjusted to reflect
 McKesson Stock Split (7)
 Fully diluted earnings
  (loss) per common share
 Continuing operations.....  $   0.79 $   0.05 $0.06 $1.29 $(1.67) $0.74  $0.72
 Discontinued operations...               0.06  0.10  0.16  (0.25)  0.63   0.53
 Discontinued operations--
  Gain on sale/donation of
   Armor All stock.........                     1.33         0.01   0.37
  Gain on sale of PCS......                                  6.34
 Extraordinary item........                                        (0.05)
 Cumulative effect of
  accounting changes.......                                        (0.19)
                             -------- -------- ----- ----- ------  -----  -----
   Total...................  $   0.79 $   0.11 $1.49 $1.45 $ 4.43  $1.50  $1.25
                             ======== ======== ===== ===== ======  =====  =====
 Fully diluted shares......     101.6     89.3  90.2  93.5   90.9   88.2   89.6
 Primary earnings (loss)
  per common share
 Continuing operations.....  $   0.81 $   0.05 $0.06 $1.29 $(1.76) $0.76  $0.75
 Discontinued operations...               0.06  0.10  0.16  (0.27)  0.68   0.60
 Discontinued operations--
  Gain on sale/donation of
   Armor All stock.........                     1.35         0.01   0.40
  Gain on sale of PCS......                                  6.62
 Extraordinary item........                                        (0.05)
 Cumulative effect of
  accounting changes.......                                        (0.21)
                             -------- -------- ----- ----- ------  -----  -----
   Total...................  $   0.81 $   0.11 $1.51 $1.45 $ 4.60  $1.58  $1.35
                             ======== ======== ===== ===== ======  =====  =====
 Primary shares............      95.7     89.2  89.1  93.3   87.1   81.6   80.1
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         MARCH 31,
                         SEPTEMBER 30,  -----------------------------------------------
                             1997         1997        1996     1995     1994     1993
                         -------------  --------    -------- -------- -------- --------
                                               (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                      <C>            <C>         <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA
Cash, cash equivalents
 and marketable
 securities.............   $  176.3(8)  $  229.8(8) $  456.2 $  670.4 $   62.7 $   77.5
Working capital.........    1,121.2      1,123.9       820.5    879.0    301.4    191.4
Total assets............    5,235.5      5,172.8     3,360.2  3,260.2  2,676.6  2,458.4
Total debt (9)..........    1,205.5        985.2       398.3    425.1    499.0    397.6
Convertible preferred
 securities of
 subsidiary trust.......      195.1        194.8
Stockholders' equity....    1,331.5      1,260.8     1,064.6  1,013.5    678.6    619.4
</TABLE>
- -------
(1) Includes $59.4 million in compensation costs (classified in administration
    expense) related to the sale of PCS and $139.5 million in charges for asset
    impairment, restructuring and other operating items ($35.9 million included
    in cost of sales and $103.6 million included in administration expense),
    $130.6 million after-tax in the aggregate.
(2) Includes a $48.2 million write-off for in-process technology related to the
    acquisition of McKesson Automated Healthcare, Inc.
(3) Includes $98.8 million in charges for restructuring, asset impairment and
    other operating items and $48.2 million for the write-off of in-process
    technology related to the acquisition of McKesson Automated Healthcare,
    Inc. (see Note 2), $109.5 million after-tax in the aggregate.
(4) Includes a $13.4 million loss ($8.2 million after-tax) on the termination
    of interest rate swap arrangements.
(5) Includes $107.0 million of income tax expense related to the sale of PCS.
(6) Includes $1.0 million and $0.4 million of income after-tax from donations
    of Armor All common stock to the McKesson Foundation in fiscal 1995 and
    1994, respectively, $32.3 million after-tax from the sale of Armor All
    common stock to the public in fiscal 1994 and $120.2 million after-tax from
    the sale of the Company's equity interest in Armor All in fiscal 1997.
   
(7) Reflects the effect of the two-for-one stock split declared October 29,
    1997, distributed January 2, 1998 to stockholders of record on December 1,
    1997.     
(8) Includes $86.6 million at September 30, 1997 and $109.8 million at March
    31, 1997 of after-tax proceeds from the sale of Armor All shares which were
    placed in a trust as exchange property for McKesson's exchangeable
    debentures.
(9) Total debt includes all interest-bearing debt of McKesson and consolidated
    subsidiaries, including the current portion and capital lease obligations.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
 
                    SUMMARY SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED
                         FINANCIAL DATA OF AMERISOURCE
   
  The following table sets forth summary selected historical consolidated
financial data for AmeriSource for each of the five years in the period ended
September 30, 1997. Such data have been derived from, and should be read in
conjunction with, the audited consolidated financial statements and other
financial information contained in AmeriSource's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended September 30, 1997, including the notes thereto, incorporated by
reference herein. See "Available Information" and "Incorporation of Documents
by Reference."     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                      YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                            ------------------------------------------------------------
                              1997         1996            1995      1994         1993
                            --------     --------        --------  --------     --------
                                  (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                         <C>          <C>             <C>       <C>          <C>       <C> <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA
Revenues..................  $7,815.9     $5,551.7        $4,668.9  $4,182.2     $3,658.9
Costs and expenses
 Cost of sales............   7,428.4      5,249.2 (1)     4,402.6   3,947.0      3,449.4
 Selling, distribution and
  administration..........     267.8 (2)    204.5           168.5     337.2 (3)    143.9
 Interest.................      41.6         36.0            52.3      62.6         66.7
                            --------     --------        --------  --------     --------
  Total...................   7,737.8      5,489.7         4,623.4   4,346.8      3,660.0
                            --------     --------        --------  --------     --------
Income (loss) before tax-
 es, extraordinary items
 and cumulative effect of
 accounting changes.......      78.1 (2)     62.0 (1)        45.5    (164.6)(3)     (1.1)
Income taxes..............     (30.6)       (19.3)(4)       (17.3)     (7.8)        (6.4)
                            --------     --------        --------  --------     --------
Income (loss) after taxes
 Before extraordinary
  items and cumulative ef-
  fect of accounting
  changes.................      47.5 (2)     42.7 (1)(4)     28.2    (172.4)(3)     (7.5)
 Extraordinary items......      (2.0)        (7.3)          (18.0)     (0.7)       (11.1)
 Cumulative effect of ac-
  counting changes........                                            (34.6)(5)
                            --------     --------        --------  --------     --------
Net income (loss).........  $   45.5     $   35.4        $   10.2  $ (207.7)    $  (18.6)
                            ========     ========        ========  ========     ========
Fully diluted earnings
 (loss) per common share
 Before extraordinary
  items and cumulative ef-
  fect of accounting
  changes.................  $   1.94     $   1.84        $   1.53  $ (11.69)    $  (0.51)
 Extraordinary items......     (0.08)       (0.31)          (0.98)    (0.04)       (0.75)
 Cumulative effect of ac-
  counting changes........                                            (2.35)
                            --------     --------        --------  --------     --------
  Total...................  $   1.86     $   1.53        $   0.55  $ (14.08)    $  (1.26)
                            ========     ========        ========  ========     ========
Fully diluted shares......      24.4         23.2            18.4      14.8         14.8
Primary earnings (loss)
 per common share
 Before extraordinary
  items and cumulative ef-
  fect of accounting
  changes.................  $   1.95     $   1.85        $   1.54  $ (11.69)    $  (0.51)
 Extraordinary items......     (0.08)       (0.31)          (0.98)    (0.04)       (0.75)
 Cumulative effect of ac-
  counting changes........                                            (2.35)
                            --------     --------        --------  --------     --------
  Total...................  $   1.87     $   1.54        $   0.56  $ (14.08)    $  (1.26)
                            ========     ========        ========  ========     ========
Primary shares............      24.3         23.0            18.3      14.8         14.8
</TABLE>    
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                SEPTEMBER 30,
                                   -------------------------------------------
                                     1997     1996     1995     1994     1993
                                   -------- --------  -------  -------  ------
                                                (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA
Cash and cash equivalents and re-
 stricted cash.................... $   68.9 $   71.2  $  46.8  $  25.3  $ 27.1
Working capital...................    494.5    329.3    243.2    133.4   217.2
Total assets......................  1,745.0  1,188.0    838.7    711.6   867.9
Long-term debt....................    589.8    433.7    435.8    487.7   549.3
Stockholders' equity (deficit)....     14.3    (36.8)  (135.7)  (300.7)  (93.0)
</TABLE>    
- -------
(1) Includes a one-time cumulative non-cash charge of $10.9 million, $7.1
    million after-tax.
(2) Includes a $6.4 million charge to consolidate facilities and restructure
    the sales force and a $5.2 million charge related to executive management
    changes, $7.1 million after-tax in the aggregate.
(3) Includes the effect of a $179.8 million write-off of goodwill.
(4) Reflects a reduction of $7.1 million due to a favorable settlement of an
    Internal Revenue Service audit.
(5) Represents the cumulative effect of accounting changes for income taxes of
    $33.4 million and postretirement benefits other than pensions of $1.2
    million.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
 
                      SUMMARY SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA
        COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA OF MCKESSON AND AMERISOURCE
   
  The following table sets forth summary selected unaudited pro forma combined
consolidated financial data of McKesson and AmeriSource for each of the three
years in the period ended March 31, 1997, and for the six-month periods ended
September 30, 1997 and 1996, under the pooling of interests accounting method,
and assumes that the Merger had occurred at the beginning of the earliest
period presented. The unaudited pro forma combined consolidated financial data
reflect preliminary estimated adjustments necessary to conform inventory
accounting policies of the separate companies, but do not reflect any cost
savings or other synergies anticipated by McKesson management as a result of
the Merger nor any Merger-related expenses and are not necessarily indicative
of the actual results of operations or the actual financial position of the
combined entities had the Merger been consummated at the beginning of the
earliest period presented, nor are the data necessarily indicative of future
results of operations or financial position. The summary selected unaudited pro
forma combined consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with
the historical consolidated financial statements of McKesson and AmeriSource
and the Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Consolidated Financial Data of McKesson
and AmeriSource, including the notes thereto, incorporated by reference or
appearing elsewhere in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. See "Available
Information," "Incorporation of Documents by Reference" and "Unaudited Pro
Forma Combined Consolidated Financial Data of McKesson and AmeriSource."     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                 SIX MONTHS
                            ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,                   YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
                            ------------------------          ---------------------------------------
                               1997          1996               1997              1996        1995
                            ----------     ---------          ---------         ---------   ---------
                                 (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                         <C>            <C>                <C>               <C>         <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA
Revenues..................  $ 13,094.0     $ 8,308.6          $19,326.2         $14,960.1   $13,874.6
Costs and expenses
 Cost of sales............    12,155.1       7,689.2(1)        17,958.4 (1)      13,761.5    12,816.6 (2)
 Selling, distribution and
  administration..........       705.3(3)      513.0(4)         1,170.4 (5)         857.4     1,162.4 (2)
 Interest expense.........        69.3          38.1               93.0              83.7       107.0
                            ----------     ---------          ---------         ---------   ---------
  Total...................    12,929.7       8,240.3           19,221.8          14,702.6    14,086.0
                            ----------     ---------          ---------         ---------   ---------
Income (loss) before
 income taxes and
 dividends on convertible
 preferred securities of
 subsidiary trust.........       164.3(3)       68.3(1)(4)        104.4 (1)(5)      257.5      (211.4)(2)
Income taxes..............       (62.8)        (39.0)(6)          (51.9)(6)         (98.5)     (111.0)(7)
Dividends on convertible
 preferred securities of
 subsidiary trust, net of
 tax benefit..............        (3.1)                            (0.7)
                            ----------     ---------          ---------         ---------   ---------
Income (loss) after taxes
 Continuing operations....        98.4(3)       29.3(1)(4)(6)      51.8 (1)(5)      158.9      (322.4)(2)(7)
                                                                        (6)
 Discontinued operations..                       5.6                8.6              14.7       (23.1)
 Discontinued operations--
  gains on sales/donation.                                        120.2                         577.7
 Extraordinary items......                      (7.2)              (9.2)             (6.2)      (11.9)
                            ----------     ---------          ---------         ---------   ---------
Net income................  $     98.4     $    27.7          $   171.4         $   167.4   $   220.3
                            ==========     =========          =========         =========   =========
Fully diluted earnings
 (loss) per common share
 Continuing operations....  $     1.49     $    0.48          $    0.84         $    2.54   $   (5.79)
 Discontinued operations..                      0.09               0.14              0.24       (0.41)
 Discontinued operations--
  gains on sales/donation.                                         1.94                         10.31
 Extraordinary items......                     (0.12)             (0.15)            (0.10)      (0.21)
                            ----------     ---------          ---------         ---------   ---------
  Total...................  $     1.49     $    0.45          $    2.77         $    2.68   $    3.90
                            ==========     =========          =========         =========   =========
Fully diluted shares (8)..        68.1          61.5               62.1              62.5        56.0
Primary earnings (loss)
 per common share
 Continuing operations....  $     1.51     $    0.48          $    0.84         $    2.54   $   (6.02)
 Discontinued operations..                      0.09               0.14              0.24       (0.43)
 Discontinued operations--
  gains on sales/donation.                                         1.96                         10.68
 Extraordinary items......                     (0.12)             (0.15)            (0.10)      (0.22)
                            ----------     ---------          ---------         ---------   ---------
  Total...................  $     1.51     $    0.45          $    2.79         $    2.68   $    4.01
                            ==========     =========          =========         =========   =========
Primary shares (8)........        65.1          61.4               61.5              62.4        54.1
</TABLE>    
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                   SIX MONTHS
                                      ENDED
                                  SEPTEMBER 30,      YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
                                 ---------------  -----------------------------
                                  1997    1996      1997      1996      1995
                                 ---------------  --------  --------  ---------
                                   (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                              <C>    <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Fully diluted earnings (loss)
 per common share--adjusted to
 reflect McKesson Stock Split
 (9)
 Continuing operations.........  $ 0.75 $   0.24  $   0.42  $   1.27  $   (2.90)
 Discontinued operations.......             0.05      0.07      0.12      (0.21)
 Discontinued operations--gains
  on sales/donation............                       0.97                 5.16
 Extraordinary items...........            (0.06)    (0.08)    (0.05)     (0.10)
                                 ------ --------  --------  --------  ---------
  Total........................  $ 0.75 $   0.23  $   1.38  $   1.34  $    1.95
                                 ====== ========  ========  ========  =========
 Fully diluted shares..........   136.3    123.0     124.3     125.2      111.9
Primary earnings (loss) per
 common share--adjusted to
 reflect McKesson Stock
 Split (9)
 Continuing operations.........  $ 0.76 $   0.24  $   0.42  $   1.27  $   (3.01)
 Discontinued operations.......             0.05      0.07      0.12      (0.21)
 Discontinued operations--gains
  on sales/donation............                       0.98                 5.34
 Extraordinary items...........            (0.06)    (0.08)    (0.05)     (0.11)
                                 ------ --------  --------  --------  ---------
  Total........................  $ 0.76 $   0.23  $   1.39  $   1.34  $    2.01
                                 ====== ========  ========  ========  =========
 Primary shares................   130.2    122.7     123.0     124.8      108.1
</TABLE>    
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                          SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                              1997
                                                          -------------
                                                          (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                       <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities........    $  245.2(10)
Working capital.........................................     1,608.0
Total assets............................................     6,974.4
Total debt..............................................     1,795.3
Convertible preferred securities of subsidiary trust....       195.1
Stockholders' equity....................................     1,338.1
</TABLE>    
- --------
          
(1)Includes a one-time cumulative non-cash charge by AmeriSource of $10.9
million, $7.1 million after-tax.     
   
(2) Includes $59.4 million in compensation costs (classified in administration
    expense) related to the sale by McKesson of PCS and $139.5 million in
    charges by McKesson for asset impairment, restructuring and other operating
    items ($35.9 million included in cost of sales and $103.6 million included
    in administration expense), $130.6 million after-tax in the aggregate. Also
    includes a $179.8 million write-off of AmeriSource goodwill (classified in
    administration expense).     
   
(3) Includes a $6.4 million charge by AmeriSource to consolidate facilities and
    restructure the sales force and a $5.2 million charge by AmeriSource
    related to executive management changes, $7.1 million after-tax in the
    aggregate.     
   
(4) Includes a $48.2 million write-off for in-process technology related to the
    acquisition of McKesson Automated Healthcare, Inc.     
   
(5) Includes $98.8 million in charges for restructuring, asset impairment and
    other operating items and $48.2 million for the write-off of in-process
    technology related to the acquisition of McKesson Automated Healthcare,
    Inc. (see note 4), $109.5 million after-tax in the aggregate.     
   
(6) Reflects a reduction of $7.1 million due to a favorable settlement of an
    Internal Revenue Service audit of AmeriSource's federal income tax return.
           
(7) Includes $107.0 million of income tax expense related to the sale by
    McKesson of PCS.     
   
(8) Reflects the effect of the original Exchange Ratio of 0.71 of a share of
    McKesson Common Stock for each share of AmeriSource Common Stock before
    giving effect to the McKesson two-for-one stock split declared October 29,
    1997, distributed January 2, 1998 to stockholders of record on December 1,
    1997.     
   
(9) Reflects the effect of the Exchange Ratio of 1.42 shares of McKesson Common
    Stock for each share of AmeriSource Common Stock.     
   
(10) Includes $86.6 million held in trust as exchange property for McKesson's
     exchangeable subordinated debentures and $8.9 million deposited in trust
     pursuant to AmeriSource's trade receivables securitization program.     
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
 
                                 RISK FACTORS
 
  In considering whether to vote in favor of the McKesson Proposal or the
AmeriSource Proposal, as the case may be, the stockholders of McKesson and of
AmeriSource should consider, in conjunction with the other information
included in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the following matters:
       
 Fixed Exchange Ratio Despite Change in Relative Stock Prices
 
  The Exchange Ratio is a fixed ratio and will not be adjusted in the event of
any increase or decrease in the price of either McKesson Common Stock or
AmeriSource Common Stock. The price of McKesson Common Stock at the Effective
Time may be higher or lower than its price at the date of this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus or at the date of the Special Meetings. Such variations
may be the result of changes in the business, operations or prospects of
McKesson or AmeriSource, market assessments of the likelihood that the Merger
will be consummated and the timing thereof, regulatory considerations, general
market and economic conditions or other factors. Because the Effective Time
will occur on a date later than the Special Meetings, there can be no
assurance that the price of McKesson Common Stock on the date of the Special
Meetings will be indicative of its price at the Effective Time. The Effective
Time will occur as soon as practicable following the Special Meetings and the
satisfaction or waiver (where permissible) of the other conditions set forth
in the Merger Agreement. Stockholders of McKesson and AmeriSource are urged to
obtain current market quotations for McKesson Common Stock and AmeriSource
Class A Common Stock. See "The Merger Agreement -- Conditions."
 
 Uncertainties in Integrating Business Operations
 
  In determining that the Merger is in the best interests of McKesson or
AmeriSource, as the case may be, each of the McKesson Board and the
AmeriSource Board considered the potential complementary effects of combining
the respective companies' assets, personnel and operational expertise. The
integration of businesses, however, involves 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, delays or difficulties in opening and operating larger
distribution centers in an integrated distribution network, the assimilation
and retention of the personnel of the acquired companies, challenges in
retaining the customers of the combined businesses and potential adverse
short-term effects on operating results.
   
 Risks Generally Associated with Acquisitions     
   
  An element of McKesson's growth strategy is the pursuit of strategic
acquisitions that either expand or complement its business, and McKesson
routinely reviews such potential acquisition opportunities. Acquisitions
involve a number of special risks, including the risks pertaining to
integration of the business acquired that are noted above under "--
 Uncertainties in Integrating Business Operations." In addition, McKesson may
incur debt to finance future acquisitions, and McKesson may issue securities
in connection with future acquisitions which may have a dilutive effect on its
stockholders. The inability of McKesson to successfully complete and integrate
strategic acquisitions in a timely manner could have an adverse impact on a
portion of McKesson's growth strategy.     
       
 Changing United States Health Care Environment
 
  In recent years, the health care industry has undergone significant change
driven by various efforts to reduce costs, including potential national health
care reform, trends toward managed care, cuts in Medicare, consolidation of
pharmaceutical and medical/surgical supply distributors and the development of
large, sophisticated purchasing groups. This industry is expected to continue
to undergo significant changes for the foreseeable future. Changes in
governmental support of health care services, the method by which such
services are delivered or the prices for such services, or other legislation
or regulations governing such services or mandated benefits, or changes in
pharmaceutical manufacturers' pricing or distribution policies, may have a
material adverse effect on McKesson's and AmeriSource's results of operations.
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
   
 Computer Technologies     
   
  Both McKesson and AmeriSource utilize computer technologies throughout their
businesses. Each of the companies has conducted an assessment of its computer
systems to identify and address all changes necessary to make its systems Year
2000 compliant. Each of the companies believes that with modifications to or
replacements of existing systems, Year 2000 issues will not pose significant
operational problems in meeting its internal needs or the needs of its
customers. AmeriSource expects to be Year 2000 compliant by the end of its
fiscal year ending September 30, 1998, and McKesson expects to be compliant by
the end of its fiscal year ending March 31, 1999. Amounts expensed by each
company for Year 2000 projects have not been, and neither company anticipates
that such costs will be, significant to such company's results of operations.
    
       
 Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger
 
  In considering the recommendation of the Merger by the AmeriSource Board,
the stockholders of McKesson and AmeriSource should be aware that certain
directors and executive officers of AmeriSource may be deemed to have
conflicts of interest with respect to the Merger in that, pursuant to the
Merger Agreement, and, in the case of the three senior executives, pursuant to
new employment agreements entered into with McKesson concurrently with the
execution of the Merger Agreement, they will have positions with McKesson
after the Effective Time. In addition, certain of such persons have entered
into employment agreements pursuant to which they may receive benefits after
the Merger and certain of such persons hold options the vesting of which will
accelerate as a result of the Merger. Such interests, together with other
relevant factors, were considered by the AmeriSource Board in recommending the
Merger to the stockholders of AmeriSource and approving the Merger Agreement.
See "The Merger -- Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger" and "The
Employment Agreements."
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
                             THE SPECIAL MEETINGS
 
GENERAL
   
  The McKesson Special Meeting will be held at 1:00 p.m., local time, on
Monday, February 9, 1998, in the Franciscan Room at the ANA Hotel, 50 Third
Street, San Francisco, California, for the purpose set forth in the Notice of
the McKesson Special Meeting and as described below. The AmeriSource Special
Meeting will be held at noon, local time, on Monday, February 9, 1998, at The
Desmond Great Valley Hotel & Conference Center, Malvern, Pennsylvania, for the
purpose set forth in the Notice of the AmeriSource Special Meeting and as
described below. This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is furnished in
connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors of each of McKesson
and AmeriSource of proxies to be used at their respective Special Meetings and
at any and all adjournments of the Special Meetings. Any person executing a
proxy card may revoke it prior to its exercise by filing with the Secretary of
McKesson or AmeriSource, as the case may be, prior to or at the applicable
Special Meeting, at the address specified in the last paragraph of "Available
Information," either an instrument revoking the proxy or a duly executed proxy
bearing a later date.     
 
VOTING SECURITIES AND RECORD DATE
   
  McKesson. At the close of business on December 29, 1997 there were
46,285,912 shares of McKesson Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote at
the Special Meeting and no shares of Preferred Stock outstanding. Each share
of McKesson Common Stock outstanding on such date entitles the stockholder of
record thereof to one vote on each matter to be voted upon at the Special
Meeting. The presence, in person or by proxy, at the McKesson Special Meeting
of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of McKesson Common
Stock is necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at
the McKesson Special Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted
for the purpose of determining the existence of a quorum. The affirmative vote
of the holders of a majority of the shares of McKesson Common Stock present in
person or represented by proxy at the McKesson Special Meeting and entitled to
vote on the Stock Issuance is required to approve the Stock Issuance, provided
there is a quorum. Abstentions will have the same practical effect as a
negative vote on the Stock Issuance. A broker non-vote or a failure to vote
with respect to the McKesson Proposal will not be included in the calculations
(other than, in the case of a broker non-vote, for purposes of determining the
existence of a quorum) and therefore will have no effect on the outcome of the
vote. See "-- Proxies."     
   
  AmeriSource. Only those persons who are holders of record of shares of
AmeriSource Class A Common Stock at the close of business on December 29, 1997
are entitled to vote at the AmeriSource Special Meeting. At the close of
business on December 29, 1997, there were 20,950,445 outstanding shares of
AmeriSource Class A Common Stock. Each share of AmeriSource Class A Common
Stock is entitled to one vote. The presence, in person or by proxy, at the
AmeriSource Special Meeting of the holders of a majority of the shares of
AmeriSource Class A Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the
AmeriSource Special Meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum at the
AmeriSource Special Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted
for the purpose of determining the existence of a quorum. The affirmative vote
of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of AmeriSource Class A
Common Stock is required to approve the AmeriSource Proposal. An abstention, a
broker non-vote or a failure to vote with respect to the AmeriSource Proposal
will have the effect of a vote cast against the AmeriSource Proposal. See "--
 Proxies."     
 
PURPOSE OF SPECIAL MEETINGS
 
  McKesson. The purpose of the McKesson Special Meeting is to consider and
vote upon the issuance of McKesson Common Stock to AmeriSource stockholders in
exchange for their shares of AmeriSource Common Stock in the Merger. A copy of
the Merger Agreement is attached hereto as Appendix A.
 
  AmeriSource. The purpose of the AmeriSource Special Meeting is (i) to
consider and vote to approve the Merger Agreement and the transactions
contemplated thereby, including the Merger, and (ii) to transact such other
business as may properly come before the AmeriSource Special Meeting and at
any and all adjournments or postponements thereof. A copy of the Merger
Agreement is attached hereto as Appendix A.
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
PROXIES
 
  All shares of McKesson Common Stock represented by properly executed proxies
received prior to or at the McKesson Special Meeting, and not duly and timely
revoked, and all shares of AmeriSource Class A Common Stock represented by
properly executed proxies received prior to or at the AmeriSource Special
Meeting, and not duly and timely revoked, will be voted in accordance with the
instructions indicated on such proxies. If no instructions are indicated on a
properly executed returned proxy, such proxies will be voted FOR the approval
of the McKesson Proposal or AmeriSource Proposal, as the case may be.
 
  A properly executed proxy marked "ABSTAIN," although counted for purposes of
determining whether there is a quorum and for purposes of determining the
aggregate voting power and number of shares represented and entitled to vote
at the applicable Special Meeting, will not be voted. Accordingly, since the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of shares present in person or
represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the McKesson Proposal at the
McKesson Special Meeting is required for approval of the McKesson Proposal, a
proxy marked "ABSTAIN" will have the effect of a vote against the McKesson
Proposal. Similarly, since the affirmative vote of a majority of all votes
entitled to be cast by all holders of AmeriSource Class A Common Stock is
required for approval of the AmeriSource Proposal, a proxy marked "ABSTAIN"
will have the effect of a vote against the AmeriSource Proposal. IN ACCORDANCE
WITH NYSE RULES, BROKERS AND NOMINEES WHO HOLD SHARES OF STOCK IN THEIR NAMES
BUT ARE NOT THE BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF SUCH SHARES ARE PRECLUDED FROM EXERCISING
THEIR VOTING DISCRETION WITH RESPECT TO SUCH SHARES. THUS, BROKERS AND
NOMINEES ARE NOT EMPOWERED TO VOTE SHARES OF MCKESSON COMMON STOCK OR
AMERISOURCE CLASS A COMMON STOCK HELD BY THEM WITH RESPECT TO THE APPROVAL OF
THE MCKESSON PROPOSAL OR THE AMERISOURCE PROPOSAL, AS THE CASE MAY BE, ABSENT
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF SUCH SHARES. Because
shares represented by "broker non-votes" will be counted for purposes of
determining the existence of a quorum at a Special Meeting but will not be
included in vote totals, they will have no effect on the outcome of the
McKesson Proposal but will have the effect of a vote against the AmeriSource
Proposal.
 
  Any proxy given pursuant to this solicitation may be revoked at any time
before the proxy is voted. Attendance at the McKesson Special Meeting or the
AmeriSource Special Meeting will not in and of itself constitute a revocation
of a proxy.
 
  The AmeriSource Board is not currently aware of any business to be
transacted at the AmeriSource Special Meeting other than as described herein.
If, however, other matters are properly brought before the AmeriSource Special
Meeting, or any adjournments or postponements thereof, the persons appointed
as proxies will have discretion to vote or act thereon according to their
judgment. Such adjournments may be for the purpose of soliciting additional
proxies. Shares represented by proxies voting against the approval of the
McKesson Proposal or AmeriSource Proposal will be voted against a proposal to
adjourn the respective Special Meeting for the purpose of soliciting
additional proxies. Neither McKesson nor AmeriSource currently intends to seek
an adjournment of its Special Meeting.
   
  In addition to the use of the mail, arrangements will be made with brokerage
houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to send proxy material
to the beneficial owners of stock held of record by such persons, and McKesson
and AmeriSource will, upon request, reimburse their respective stockholders
for their reasonable expenses in so doing. McKesson has retained Georgeson &
Company, Inc. and AmeriSource has retained Corporate Investor Communications,
Inc. to aid in the solicitation of proxies and to verify certain records
related to the solicitation at a maximum fee of $7,000 and $5,500,
respectively, plus out-of-pocket costs and expenses. To the extent necessary
in order to ensure sufficient representation at its Special Meeting, McKesson
or AmeriSource may request by telephone or telegram the return of proxy cards.
The extent to which this will be necessary depends entirely upon how promptly
proxy cards are returned. Stockholders are urged to send in their proxies
without delay.     
 
  AMERISOURCE STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD NOT SEND IN ANY STOCK CERTIFICATES WITH
THEIR PROXY CARDS. A TRANSMITTAL FORM WITH INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE SURRENDER OF
STOCK CERTIFICATES FOR AMERISOURCE COMMON STOCK WILL BE MAILED BY THE EXCHANGE
AGENT AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THE CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGER.
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
                                 THE COMPANIES
 
  McKesson. McKesson operates its business in two segments: the McKesson
Health Care Services segment and the McKesson Water Products Company.
 
  Through its Health Care Services segment, McKesson is one of the leading
distributors of ethical and proprietary drugs and health and beauty care
products in North America. In fiscal 1997, the McKesson Health Care Services
segment generated approximately 98% of McKesson's annual sales and
approximately 73% of McKesson's operating profits from continuing operations
(approximately 85% before charges for restructuring, asset impairment, write-
off of in-process technology and other operating items).
 
  The U.S. operations of the McKesson Health Care Services segment also
include Healthcare Delivery Systems, Inc. and McKesson Bioservices
Corporation, through which McKesson provides marketing and other support
services to pharmaceutical manufacturers; McKesson Automated Healthcare, Inc.,
a business that specializes in the manufacture and sale of automated
pharmaceutical dispensing systems for hospitals; Zee Medical, Inc., a
distributor of first-aid and safety products and supplies to industrial and
commercial customers; and McKesson General Medical, the nation's leading
supplier of medical-surgical supplies. International operations include Medis
Health and Pharmaceutical Services Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary and the
largest pharmaceutical distributor in Canada; and the Company's 22.7% equity
interest in Nadro, S.A. de C.V., the largest pharmaceutical distributor in
Mexico.
 
  Through McKesson Water Products Company, McKesson processes and markets pure
drinking water and is one of the leading providers in the bottled water
industry. The Water Products segment of McKesson generated approximately 2% of
McKesson's annual sales in fiscal 1997.
 
  McKesson's principal executive offices are located at One Post Street, San
Francisco, California 94104, and its telephone number at that address is (415)
983-8300.
 
  AmeriSource. AmeriSource, through its direct wholly owned subsidiary
AmeriSource Corporation, is the fourth largest full-service wholesale
distributor of pharmaceutical products and related health care services in the
United States. AmeriSource serves its customers nationwide through 19 drug
distribution facilities and two specialty products distribution facilities.
AmeriSource is typically the primary source of supply to its customers and
offers a broad range of services designed to enhance the operating
efficiencies and competitive position of its customers and suppliers.
AmeriSource benefits from a diverse customer base that includes hospitals and
managed care facilities (47%), independent community pharmacies (33%), and
chain drug stores including pharmacy departments of supermarkets and mass
merchandisers (20%).
 
  AmeriSource's principal executive offices are located at 300 Chester Field
Parkway, Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355, and its telephone number at that address
is (619) 296-4480.
   
  Merger Sub. Merger Sub is a newly formed wholly owned subsidiary of
McKesson, incorporated in Delaware on September 19, 1997 for the sole purpose
of effecting the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. Prior to
the consummation of the Merger, Merger Sub will not engage in any activity
other than activities related to the transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement. Merger Sub's principal executive offices are located at One Post
Street, San Francisco, California 94104, and its telephone number at that
address is (415) 983-8300.     
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
                                  THE MERGER
 
GENERAL
   
  At the Effective Time of the Merger, AmeriSource will be merged with and
into McKesson, with McKesson surviving the Merger. In the Merger, each share
of AmeriSource Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately before the
Effective Time (excluding those held in the treasury of AmeriSource and those
owned by McKesson or Merger Sub), without any action on the part of the holder
thereof, will be converted into the right to receive 1.42 shares of McKesson
Common Stock. Each share of McKesson Common Stock issued to holders of
AmeriSource Common Stock in the Merger will be issued together with an
associated preferred stock purchase right issued pursuant to the Rights
Agreement. See "Comparative Rights of Stockholders -- Stockholder Rights Plan"
for a description of the Rights. Cash will be paid in lieu of fractional
shares of McKesson Common Stock. The Merger will become effective at the
Effective Time when the Certificate of Merger has been filed with the Delaware
Secretary of State or at such later time as may be agreed upon by McKesson and
AmeriSource and specified in the Certificate of Merger.     
   
  The shares of McKesson Common Stock issued to AmeriSource stockholders in
the Merger will constitute approximately 27% of all of the outstanding
McKesson Common Stock after the Merger, and the current McKesson stockholders
will hold approximately 73% of all of the outstanding McKesson Common Stock
after the Merger.     
   
  Each outstanding and unexercised AmeriSource Option to purchase shares of
AmeriSource Common Stock will be converted into an option to purchase shares
of McKesson Common Stock. Approximately 2,395,815 million shares of McKesson
Common Stock will be subject to such converted options based on the number of
shares of AmeriSource Common Stock subject to AmeriSource Options outstanding
on December 29, 1997 multiplied by the Exchange Ratio. The exercise price with
respect thereto will equal the exercise price under the AmeriSource Options
divided by the Exchange Ratio.     
 
BACKGROUND OF THE MERGER
   
  McKesson has pursued a two-part corporate strategy: (i) to remain the
distributor of choice, and (ii) to lead in developing health care supply
management services to meet customer needs, capture growth opportunities in
the market and improve its profit margins. AmeriSource has focused on
opportunities to increase its service offerings to its customers and lower its
operating cost structure and has consistently evaluated strategic alternatives
over the years to further these goals.     
 
  In light of McKesson's strategy, senior management of McKesson had, from
time to time, considered and had preliminary discussions with AmeriSource's
management regarding the possibility of a business combination between
McKesson and AmeriSource. The discussions that culminated in the proposed
Merger began in late August with meetings among executives of AmeriSource and
McKesson. Subsequent contacts and due diligence meetings among the senior
management of McKesson and AmeriSource and their respective financial and
legal advisors explored the strategic and operational synergies of a possible
transaction. A telephonic meeting of the McKesson Board on August 29, 1997
acquainted the Board members with the opportunity and gained consensus that
McKesson management should continue to evaluate a possible combination with
AmeriSource on an expedited basis. A second telephonic meeting of the McKesson
Board on September 5, 1997 updated the directors on the status of negotiations
and reviewed the strategic and financial implications of a possible
transaction with AmeriSource. The results of the due diligence efforts led
McKesson management to conclude that the proposed acquisition of AmeriSource
should be pursued. The Chief Executive Officer of AmeriSource began informal
discussions with members of the AmeriSource Board on August 29, 1997, and the
AmeriSource Board held a series of meetings, with the first on September 4,
1997, to review the advantages and disadvantages of the potential transaction
and to review the status of negotiations.
 
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
REASONS FOR THE MERGER; RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE BOARDS
 
 Reasons for the Merger--McKesson
 
  At a telephonic meeting on September 20, 1997, the McKesson Board approved
the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby and resolved to
recommend that the McKesson stockholders approve the Stock Issuance. The
McKesson Board believes that the Merger is in the best interests of McKesson
and its stockholders and recommends that McKesson's stockholders vote "FOR"
approval of the Stock Issuance.
 
  In reaching its determination, the McKesson Board consulted with McKesson's
management, as well as its financial and legal advisors, and considered the
following material factors:
   
  The McKesson Board considered the Merger to have strong potential for
reinforcing and accelerating the Corporation's dual strategy discussed above
and for providing a broader platform for delivering health care supply
management services. Further, the results of financial analyses indicated that
the Merger would be accretive to earnings before synergies, would result in
operating efficiencies, synergies and reductions in working capital, and would
leverage complementary capabilities of McKesson and AmeriSource. The McKesson
Board also recognized McKesson's achievements to date with the integration of
FoxMeyer into McKesson and McKesson's demonstrated ability to develop and
implement an effective integration plan for companies it acquires.     
 
  The foregoing discussion sets forth the material information and factors
considered and given weight by the McKesson Board. In view of the variety of
factors considered in connection with its evaluation of the Merger, the
McKesson Board did not find it practicable or necessary to and did not
quantify or otherwise assign relative weights to the specific factors
considered in reaching its determination. In addition, individual members of
the McKesson Board may have given different weights to different factors.
 
  THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF McKESSON RECOMMENDS THAT THE HOLDERS OF McKESSON
COMMON STOCK VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THE STOCK ISSUANCE.
 
 Reasons for the Merger -- AmeriSource
   
  At a meeting on September 21, 1997, the AmeriSource Board approved, by a
vote of seven to one, the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated
thereby and resolved to recommend that the AmeriSource stockholders approve
the AmeriSource Proposal. The AmeriSource Board believes that the Merger
Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, are
fair to and in the best interests of AmeriSource's stockholders. The
AmeriSource Board recommends that the stockholders of AmeriSource vote "FOR"
approval of the AmeriSource Proposal. The dissenting director, Bruce C.
Bruckmann, did so because he believes that under the terms of the Merger
Agreement, if the Merger is consummated, the stockholders of AmeriSource other
than VPI will be under-represented on the McKesson Board and that VPI will be
over-represented on the McKesson Board.     
 
  In arriving at its conclusions, the AmeriSource Board consulted with
AmeriSource's management and its legal and financial advisors. The factors
considered by the AmeriSource Board included, among other things, (i) the
complementary customer bases and geographic customer concentrations of
AmeriSource and McKesson, (ii) the opportunities for economies of scale and
synergies available through a combination of AmeriSource and McKesson, (iii)
the opportunities presented by the stronger balance sheet of the post-Merger
combined entity, (iv) McKesson's record of post-acquisition integration and
(v) enhanced cross-selling opportunities available to the post-Merger combined
entity.
 
  The foregoing discussion sets forth the material information and factors
considered and given weight by the AmeriSource Board. In view of the variety
of factors considered in connection with its evaluation of the Merger
Agreement and the Merger, the AmeriSource Board did not find it practicable or
necessary to and did not quantify or otherwise assign relative weights to the
specific factors considered in reaching its determination, and individual
members of the AmeriSource Board may have given different weight to different
factors.
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
  THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF AMERISOURCE RECOMMENDS THAT THE HOLDERS OF
AMERISOURCE CLASS A COMMON STOCK VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND
THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY, INCLUDING THE MERGER.
 
OPINION OF MCKESSON'S FINANCIAL ADVISOR
 
  PJSC has acted as financial advisor to McKesson in connection with the
Merger. At the September 20, 1997 meeting of the McKesson Board, PJSC
delivered its oral opinion to the McKesson Board, subsequently confirmed in a
written opinion dated September 22, 1997 (the "PJSC Opinion"), to the effect
that, based upon and subject to various considerations set forth in such
opinion, as of September 22, 1997, the Exchange Ratio is fair to McKesson from
a financial point of view. No limitations were imposed by the McKesson Board
upon PJSC with respect to investigations made or procedures followed by PJSC
in rendering the PJSC Opinion.
 
  THE FULL TEXT OF THE PJSC OPINION, WHICH SETS FORTH ASSUMPTIONS MADE,
PROCEDURES FOLLOWED, MATTERS CONSIDERED, LIMITATIONS ON AND SCOPE OF THE
REVIEW BY PJSC IN RENDERING THE PJSC OPINION, IS ATTACHED TO THIS JOINT PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AS APPENDIX C AND IS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN.
THE PJSC OPINION IS DIRECTED ONLY TO THE FAIRNESS OF THE EXCHANGE RATIO TO
McKESSON FROM A FINANCIAL POINT OF VIEW, HAS BEEN PROVIDED TO THE McKESSON
BOARD IN CONNECTION WITH ITS EVALUATION OF THE MERGER, DOES NOT ADDRESS ANY
OTHER ASPECT OF THE MERGER AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A RECOMMENDATION TO ANY
HOLDER OF McKESSON COMMON STOCK AS TO HOW TO VOTE AT THE McKESSON SPECIAL
MEETING. THE SUMMARY OF THE PJSC OPINION SET FORTH IN THIS JOINT PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE FULL
TEXT OF SUCH OPINION. HOLDERS OF McKESSON COMMON STOCK ARE URGED TO READ THE
PJSC OPINION CAREFULLY AND IN ITS ENTIRETY.
 
  In connection with the PJSC Opinion, PJSC: (i) reviewed certain publicly
available financial statements and other information of McKesson and
AmeriSource, respectively; (ii) reviewed certain internal financial statements
and other financial and operating data concerning McKesson and AmeriSource
prepared by the management of McKesson and AmeriSource, respectively; (iii)
reviewed certain financial projections for McKesson and AmeriSource, including
estimates of certain potential benefits of the proposed business combination,
prepared by the management of McKesson and AmeriSource, respectively; (iv)
discussed the past and current operations, financial condition and prospects
of McKesson and AmeriSource with management of McKesson and AmeriSource,
respectively; (v) reviewed the reported prices and trading activity of
McKesson Common Stock and AmeriSource Common Stock; (vi) compared the
financial performance and condition of McKesson and AmeriSource and the
reported prices and trading activity of McKesson Common Stock and AmeriSource
Common Stock with those of certain other comparable publicly traded companies;
(vii) reviewed publicly available information regarding the financial terms of
certain transactions comparable, in whole or in part, to the Merger; (viii)
participated in certain discussions among representatives of each of McKesson
and AmeriSource; (ix) reviewed the Merger Agreement; and (x) performed such
other analyses as PJSC deemed appropriate for purposes of arriving at and
preparing the PJSC Opinion.
 
  In rendering the PJSC Opinion, PJSC assumed and relied upon the accuracy and
completeness of the information reviewed by PJSC for the purposes of the PJSC
Opinion and PJSC did not assume any responsibility for independent
verification of such information. With respect to the financial projections,
including, but not limited to, the estimates made by McKesson's and
AmeriSource's management of certain potential benefits of the proposed
business combination, PJSC assumed that the financial projections were
reasonably prepared in good faith and on bases reflecting the best currently
available estimates and judgments of the future financial performance of
McKesson and AmeriSource, respectively. PJSC expresses no view as to, and
assumes no responsibility for, such projections or the assumptions on which
they are based. PJSC did not assume any responsibility for any independent
valuation or appraisal of the assets or liabilities of McKesson or
AmeriSource, nor was PJSC furnished with any such valuation or appraisal. The
PJSC Opinion was necessarily prepared and
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
delivered based on economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and
the information made available to PJSC as of, September 19, 1997. Although
subsequent developments may affect the PJSC Opinion, PJSC does not have any
obligation to update, revise or reaffirm its opinion.
 
  The forecasts or projections furnished to PJSC for McKesson and AmeriSource
were prepared by the management of McKesson and AmeriSource. As a matter of
policy, McKesson and AmeriSource do not publicly disclose internal management
forecasts, projections or estimates of the type furnished to PJSC in
connection with its analysis of the Merger, and such forecasts, projections
and estimates were not prepared with a view towards public disclosure. These
forecasts, projections and estimates were based on numerous variables and
assumptions which are inherently uncertain and which may not be within the
control of the management of McKesson and AmeriSource, including, without
limitation, general economic, regulatory and competitive conditions.
Accordingly, actual results could vary materially from those set forth in such
forecasts, projections and estimates. See "Summary -- Cautionary Statement
Concerning Forward-Looking Statements."
 
  The following summarizes the significant financial analyses performed by
PJSC and reviewed with the McKesson Board on September 20, 1997 in connection
with the delivery of the PJSC Opinion:
   
  AmeriSource Common Stock Performance. PJSC reviewed the closing prices and
trading volumes of AmeriSource Common Stock from April 4, 1995 (the date of
AmeriSource's initial public offering) to September 19, 1997. During the
period from April 4, 1995 to September 19, 1997, the high closing price for
AmeriSource Common Stock was $55.94 per share and the low closing price was
$20.00 per share. The price per share of AmeriSource Common Stock to be paid
pursuant to the Merger Agreement (based on the original Exchange Ratio of 0.71
(pre-McKesson Stock Split) and the closing price of McKesson Common Stock on
September 19, 1997 of $99.31 per share) of $70.51 (the "Implied Price")
represented a premium of 30.9% based on the September 19, 1997 closing price
of $53.88 per share of AmeriSource Common Stock.     
 
  McKesson Common Stock Performance. PJSC reviewed the closing prices and
trading volumes of McKesson Common Stock from November 10, 1994 to September
19, 1997 and McKesson's indexed price performance from April 4, 1995 to
September 19, 1997 relative to the S&P 400 index and AmeriSource's indexed
performance. During the period from November 10, 1994 to September 19, 1997,
the high closing price for McKesson Common Stock was $99.31 per share and the
low closing price was $30.50 per share.
 
  Historical Stock Price Ratio Analysis. PJSC reviewed the ratios determined
by dividing the closing prices of AmeriSource Common Stock by the closing
prices of McKesson Common Stock (the "Stock Price Ratio") for a range of
periods prior to and including September 19, 1997. Such analysis indicated
that for the 30 days ending September 19, 1997 the average Stock Price Ratio
was 0.549, for the 60 days ending September 19, 1997 the average Stock Price
Ratio was 0.552, for the 90 days ending September 19, 1997 the average Stock
Price Ratio was 0.572, for the 180 days ending September 19, 1997 the average
Stock Price Ratio was 0.603, and for the 365 days ending on September 19, 1997
the average Stock Price Ratio was 0.707.
 
  Analysis of Selected Publicly Traded Comparable Companies. Using publicly
available information, PJSC reviewed and compared selected financial data of
AmeriSource with similar data of the following group of publicly traded
companies engaged in the wholesale pharmaceutical distribution industry:
Bergen Brunswig Corporation ("Bergen"), Bindley Western Industries, Inc.,
Cardinal Health, Inc. ("Cardinal"), D&K Wholesale Drug, Inc. and McKesson (the
"PJSC Comparable Companies").
 
  PJSC calculated and compared various financial multiples and ratios,
including, among other things, the stock price per share as a multiple of
earnings per share ("EPS") for the latest twelve months ("LTM") and estimated
EPS for the twelve months ended March 31, 1998 ("March 1998") and March 31,
1999 ("March 1999"), based upon EPS estimates from First Call Investment
Research as of September 19, 1997, and enterprise value (which represents
total equity value plus book values of total debt, preferred stock and
minority interests less cash) ("Enterprise Value") as a multiple of LTM
revenues, earnings before interest and taxes ("EBIT") and earnings before
interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"). As of September 19,
1997, this
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
analysis resulted in (i) a range of closing stock prices to LTM EPS of 18.3x
to 35.9x for the PJSC Comparable Companies compared to 33.4x for AmeriSource
at the Implied Price; (ii) a range of closing stock prices to March 1998
estimated EPS of 15.0x to 29.3x for the PJSC Comparable Companies compared to
28.6x for AmeriSource at the Implied Price; (iii) a range of closing stock
prices to March 1999 estimated EPS of 11.3x to 24.0x for the PJSC Comparable
Companies compared to 23.6x for AmeriSource at the Implied Price; (iv) a range
of Enterprise Value to LTM net sales of 8.2% to 69.9% for the PJSC Comparable
Companies compared to 30.6% for AmeriSource at the Implied Price; (v) a range
of Enterprise Value to LTM EBIT of 10.7x to 22.0x for the PJSC Comparable
Companies compared to 17.4x for AmeriSource at the Implied Price; and (vi) a
range of Enterprise Value to LTM EBITDA of 9.0x to 17.3x for the PJSC
Comparable Companies compared to 15.9x for AmeriSource at the Implied Price.
The multiples were based on closing stock prices as of September 19, 1997 for
all of the PJSC Comparable Companies except for Bergen which was based on a
closing stock price on August 22, 1997, the trading day prior to the
announcement of the merger between Cardinal and Bergen.
 
  Analysis of Selected Comparable Transactions. Using publicly available
information, PJSC reviewed certain mergers and acquisitions transactions in
the wholesale pharmaceutical distribution industry and determined that the
only relevant comparable transaction was the pending merger between Cardinal
and Bergen (the "Cardinal/Bergen Transaction") which was announced on August
24, 1997. The Cardinal/Bergen Transaction is the only selected negotiated
transaction involving a stock-for-stock exchange in the wholesale
pharmaceutical distribution industry in the United States, as determined
through publicly available information, with a transaction value in excess of
$1.0 billion during the past five years. PJSC calculated the per share price
paid by Cardinal for Bergen (based on the exchange ratio in the
Cardinal/Bergen Transaction of 0.775x and Cardinal's closing stock price on
August 22, 1997) as a multiple of LTM EPS and March 1998 and March 1999
estimated EPS (based on First Call estimates), and the Enterprise Value paid
by Cardinal for Bergen as a multiple of LTM revenues, EBIT and EBITDA. This
analysis resulted in (i) a per share price to LTM EPS multiple of 29.6x for
Bergen compared to 33.4x for AmeriSource at the Implied Price; (ii) a per
share price to March 1998 estimated EPS multiple of 26.6x for Bergen compared
to 28.6x for AmeriSource at the Implied Price; (iii) a per share price to
March 1999 estimated EPS multiple of 23.1x for Bergen compared to 23.6x for
AmeriSource at the Implied Price; (iv) an Enterprise Value to LTM net sales
multiple of 25.4x for Bergen compared to 30.6x for AmeriSource at the Implied
Price; (v) an Enterprise Value to LTM EBIT multiple of 16.9x for Bergen
compared to 17.4x for AmeriSource at the Implied Price; and (vi) an Enterprise
Value to LTM EBITDA multiple of 13.7x for Bergen compared to 15.9x for
AmeriSource at the Implied Price. PJSC noted that AmeriSource had an LTM
operating income margin (calculated as LTM EBIT divided by LTM revenues) of
1.8% compared to a 1.5% LTM operating income margin for Bergen. PJSC further
noted that, for the period from the fiscal year ended September 1995 to the
estimated fiscal year ended September 1997, AmeriSource had experienced
compound annual EBIT growth of 16.0% and compound annual net income growth of
38.9%, compared to compound annual EBIT growth of 12.1% and compound annual
net income growth of 15.4% for Bergen over the same time period.
 
  Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. PJSC performed a discounted cash flow
analysis to calculate the net present value per share of AmeriSource Common
Stock based on the financial projections for AmeriSource as prepared by the
management of McKesson for the fiscal years (ended September) 1998 to 2001. In
performing its discounted cash flow analysis, PJSC considered various
assumptions that it deemed appropriate based on a review with the management
of McKesson of AmeriSource's prospects and risks. PJSC believed it appropriate
to utilize various discount rates ranging from 11.0% to 13.0% and EBITDA
terminal value multiples ranging from 10.0x to 14.0x to apply to forecasted
EBITDA for the fiscal year 2001.
 
  Based on the foregoing, in PJSC's judgment, this analysis yielded a range of
net present values from $51.43 to $83.84 per share for AmeriSource if
AmeriSource were to perform on a stand alone basis, without giving effect to
any cost savings or synergies and integration or one-time costs as estimated
by the management of McKesson to be realized in the Merger (the "Cost Savings
and One-Time Costs"). The analysis showed a range of net present values from
$87.88 to $138.41 per share for AmeriSource assuming the Cost Savings and One-
Time Costs. The analysis showed a range of net present values from $66.98 to
$108.39 per share for AmeriSource assuming 50% of the Cost Savings and One-
Time Costs.
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
  Contribution Analysis. PJSC reviewed the relative contributions of McKesson
and AmeriSource with respect to revenues, EBIT, EBITDA and fully-diluted net
income on a pro forma basis assuming the companies had been combined for the
LTM period ended June 30, 1997 and for the projected twelve months ended March
1998, based on the financial projections for McKesson and AmeriSource as
prepared by the management of McKesson and assuming no Cost Savings and One-
Time Costs. This analysis showed that McKesson would have contributed 67.3%
and 68.5%, respectively, to pro forma combined LTM and March 1998 revenues,
68.1% and 72.4%, respectively, to pro forma combined LTM and March 1998 EBIT,
71.5% and 74.7%, respectively, to pro forma combined LTM and March 1998
EBITDA, 71.3% and 74.6%, respectively, to pro forma combined LTM and March
1998 fully-diluted net income. PJSC noted that based on the Exchange Ratio,
McKesson's total equity value would represent 74.3% of the combined equity
value and McKesson's Enterprise Value would represent 74.5% of the combined
Enterprise Value.
 
  Pro Forma Merger Analysis. PJSC analyzed certain pro forma effects of the
Merger on McKesson's EPS for the fiscal years ended March 31, 1999, 2000 and
2001 assuming the Merger had been completed on March 31, 1998. Such analysis
was based upon the stand alone financial projections for McKesson and
AmeriSource as prepared by the management of McKesson. PJSC analyzed the
impact of the Merger both with and without giving effect to the Cost Savings
and One-Time Costs. The analysis demonstrated that the Merger would be
accretive by 1.0%, 0.6% and 0.3% to McKesson's 1999, 2000 and 2001 EPS,
respectively, without the Cost Savings and One-Time Costs, and that the Merger
would be accretive by 8.2%, 18.4% and 21.8% to McKesson's 1999, 2000 and 2001
EPS, respectively, with the Cost Savings and One-Time Costs.
 
  In arriving at the Fairness Opinion, PJSC performed a variety of financial
analyses, the material portions of which are summarized above. The preparation
of a fairness opinion is a complex process involving various determinations as
to the most appropriate and relevant methods of financial analyses and the
application of those methods to the particular circumstances and, therefore,
such an opinion is not necessarily susceptible to a partial analysis or
summary description. In arriving at its opinion, PJSC did not attribute any
particular weight to any analysis or factor considered by it, but rather made
qualitative judgments as to significance and relevance of each analysis and
factor. Accordingly, PJSC believes that its analysis must be considered as a
whole and that selecting portions of its analysis, without considering all
such analyses, could create an incomplete view of the process underlying the
PJSC Opinion.
   
  In performing its analyses, PJSC relied on numerous assumptions made by the
management of McKesson and AmeriSource and made numerous judgments of its own
with regard to industry performance, general business and economic conditions
and other matters, many of which are beyond the control of McKesson and
AmeriSource. Actual values will depend upon several factors, including changes
in interest rates, dividend rates, market conditions, general economic
conditions and other factors that generally influence the price of securities.
The analyses performed by PJSC are not necessarily indicative of actual values
or actual future results, which may be significantly more or less favorable
than suggested by such analyses. Such analyses were prepared solely as a part
of PJSC's analysis of the fairness of the Exchange Ratio to McKesson from a
financial point of view and were provided to the McKesson Board in connection
with the delivery of the PJSC Opinion. The analyses do not purport to be
appraisals or necessarily reflect the prices at which businesses or securities
might actually be sold, which are inherently subject to uncertainty. Since
such estimates are inherently subject to uncertainty, none of McKesson,
AmeriSource, PJSC or any other person assumes responsibility for their
accuracy. With regard to the comparable public company analysis and the
comparable transactions analysis summarized above, PJSC selected comparable
public companies on the basis of various factors; however, no public company
or transaction utilized as a comparison is identical to AmeriSource or the
Merger. Accordingly, an analysis of the foregoing is not mathematical; rather,
it involves complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in
financial and operating characteristics of the comparable companies and other
factors that could affect the acquisition or public trading value of the
comparable companies and transactions to which AmeriSource and the Merger are
being compared. In addition, as described above, the PJSC Opinion and the
information provided by PJSC to the McKesson Board were two of many factors
taken into consideration by the McKesson Board in making its determination to
approve the Merger. Consequently, the PJSC analyses described above should not
    
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
be viewed as determinative of the opinion of the McKesson Board or the view of
McKesson management with respect to the value of AmeriSource.
 
  As part of its investment banking activities, PJSC is regularly engaged in
the evaluation of businesses and their securities in connection with mergers
and acquisitions, restructurings and valuations for corporate or other
purposes. In the past, PJSC has provided investment banking services to
McKesson for which services PJSC has received customary fees.
 
  Pursuant to the terms of a letter agreement dated September 17, 1997 (the
"PJSC Engagement Letter"), PJSC was retained by McKesson as its exclusive
financial advisor and to render an opinion to the McKesson Board with respect
to the Merger. Under the PJSC Engagement Letter, McKesson has paid PJSC
$500,000 upon signing the Merger Agreement and a fairness opinion fee of
$2,500,000. Upon consummation of the Merger, McKesson has agreed to pay PJSC a
transaction fee (the "Transaction Fee") equal to a percentage, ranging from
0.458% at $2.0 billion to 0.438% at $2.5 billion, of the aggregate
consideration paid in the Merger; provided, however, that the Transaction Fee
shall not be lower than $9,500,000 or greater than $11,500,000. For purpose of
the PJSC Engagement Letter, "aggregate consideration" includes the total
consideration paid (including amounts paid to holders of options, warrants and
convertible securities), plus the principal amount of all indebtedness less
the cash outstanding as set forth on the most recent consolidated balance
sheet of AmeriSource prior to the consummation of the Merger. Such Transaction
Fee will be reduced by the $3,000,000 already paid by McKesson to PJSC.
McKesson has also agreed to reimburse PJSC for reasonable expenses incurred by
PJSC and to indemnify PJSC and its affiliates, counsel and other professional
advisors, and their respective directors, officers, controlling persons,
agents and employees against certain liabilities and expenses, including
certain liabilities under the federal securities laws, relating to or arising
out of such engagement.
 
OPINION OF AMERISOURCE'S FINANCIAL ADVISOR
 
  On September 20, 1997, Goldman Sachs delivered its oral opinion
(subsequently confirmed by delivery of a written opinion) to the AmeriSource
Board that as of the date of such opinion the Exchange Ratio pursuant to the
Merger Agreement was fair from a financial point of view to the holders of
AmeriSource Common Stock other than McKesson or any of its subsidiaries.
Goldman Sachs subsequently confirmed its earlier opinion by delivery of its
written opinion, dated September 22, 1997, that, based upon the facts and
assumptions described in such opinion, as of the date thereof the Exchange
Ratio pursuant to the Merger Agreement is fair from a financial point of view
to the holders of AmeriSource Common Stock (other than McKesson or any of its
subsidiaries).
 
  THE FULL TEXT OF THE WRITTEN OPINION OF GOLDMAN SACHS DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER
22, 1997, WHICH SETS FORTH ASSUMPTIONS MADE, MATTERS CONSIDERED AND LIMITS OF
THE REVIEW UNDERTAKEN IN CONNECTION WITH THE OPINION, IS ATTACHED HERETO AS
APPENDIX D AND IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. HOLDERS OF SHARES OF
AMERISOURCE COMMON STOCK ARE URGED TO, AND SHOULD, READ SUCH OPINION IN ITS
ENTIRETY. GOLDMAN SACHS' WRITTEN OPINION IS ADDRESSED TO THE AMERISOURCE BOARD
AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A RECOMMENDATION TO ANY AMERISOURCE STOCKHOLDER AS TO
HOW SUCH STOCKHOLDER SHOULD VOTE AT THE AMERISOURCE SPECIAL MEETING, AND
SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON BY ANY STOCKHOLDER AS SUCH. THE SUMMARY OF THE
WRITTEN OPINION OF GOLDMAN SACHS SET FORTH IN THIS JOINT PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE FULL
TEXT OF SUCH OPINION.
 
  In connection with its opinion, Goldman Sachs reviewed, among other things,
the Merger Agreement; the Annual Reports to Stockholders and Annual Reports on
Form 10-K of AmeriSource for the two fiscal years ended September 30, 1996;
the Annual Reports on Form 10-K of AmeriSource Distribution Corporation (the
predecessor corporation to AmeriSource) for the fiscal year ended September
30, 1994; the Annual Reports on Form 10-K of Alco Health Distribution
Corporation (the predecessor corporation to AmeriSource Distribution
Corporation) for the two fiscal years ended September 30, 1993; the Annual
Reports to Stockholders and Annual
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
Reports on Form 10-K of McKesson for the five fiscal years ended March 31,
1997; certain interim reports to stockholders and Quarterly Reports on Form
10-Q of AmeriSource and McKesson; certain other communications from
AmeriSource and McKesson to their respective stockholders; and certain
internal financial analyses and forecasts for AmeriSource and McKesson
prepared by their respective managements. Goldman Sachs also has held
discussions with members of the senior managements of AmeriSource and McKesson
regarding the strategic rationale for, and the potential benefits of, the
transaction contemplated by the Agreement and the past and current business
operations, financial condition and future prospects of their respective
companies. In addition, Goldman Sachs reviewed the reported price and trading
activity for the AmeriSource Common Stock and for the McKesson Common Stock,
compared certain financial and stock market information for AmeriSource and
McKesson with similar information for certain other companies the securities
of which are publicly traded, reviewed the financial terms of certain recent
business combinations in the drug distribution industry specifically and in
other industries generally, and performed such other studies and analyses as
Goldman Sachs considered appropriate.
 
  Goldman Sachs relied, without independent verification, upon the accuracy
and completeness of all of the financial and other information reviewed by it
for the purposes of its opinion. With respect to financial forecasts and
projections provided by the respective managements of AmeriSource and
McKesson, Goldman Sachs assumed, with the consent of the AmeriSource Board,
that such financial forecasts and projections were reasonably prepared on
bases reflecting the best available estimates and judgments as to the future
financial and other performance of AmeriSource and McKesson, as applicable.
Goldman Sachs further assumed, with the consent of the AmeriSource Board, that
obtaining any necessary regulatory or third-party approvals for the
transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement will not have an adverse
effect on AmeriSource or McKesson, as applicable. Goldman Sachs has not made
an independent evaluation or appraisal of the assets and liabilities of
AmeriSource or McKesson or any of their respective subsidiaries and Goldman
Sachs has not been furnished with any such evaluation or appraisal.
 
  The following is a summary of certain of the financial analyses used by
Goldman Sachs believed by it to be material in connection with providing its
oral opinion (subsequently confirmed in writing) to the AmeriSource Board on
September 20, 1997. Goldman Sachs utilized substantially the same type of
financial analyses in connection with providing the written opinion attached
hereto as Appendix D.
 
    (i) Historical Stock Trading Analysis. Goldman Sachs reviewed the
  historical trading prices and volumes for the AmeriSource Common Stock and
  the relationship between movements of the AmeriSource Common Stock and
  McKesson Common Stock and movements in the S&P 500 Index and the common
  stock of Bergen and Cardinal. This analysis indicated that for the period
  from April 4, 1995 (the date of AmeriSource's initial public offering)
  through September 16, 1997, both the AmeriSource Common Stock and the
  McKesson Common Stock outperformed the S&P 500 Index by 26% and 29%
  respectively, the common stock of Bergen by 17% and 20% respectively and
  the common stock of Cardinal by 5% and 7% respectively. Over the same
  period, the AmeriSource Common Stock closed at a high of $55.94 per share
  and a low of $20 per share, and McKesson Common Stock closed at a high of
  $97 per share and a low of $37.75 per share.
 
    (ii) Selected Companies Analysis. Goldman Sachs reviewed and compared
  certain actual and estimated financial information relating to AmeriSource
  and McKesson to corresponding financial information, ratios and public
  market multiples for three publicly-traded drug distribution companies (the
  "Selected Drug Distribution Companies"): Bergen, Cardinal and Bindley
  Western Industries, Inc. (collectively with AmeriSource and McKesson, the
  "GS Comparable Companies"). The Selected Drug Distribution Companies were
  chosen because they are publicly-traded companies with operations that for
  purposes of this analysis may be considered similar to AmeriSource and
  McKesson. Goldman Sachs calculated and compared various financial multiples
  and ratios for each of AmeriSource, McKesson and the GS Comparable
  Companies. The multiples and ratios of GS Comparable Companies were
  calculated using closing market prices on September 16, 1997, publicly
  reported financial results and publicly available information and
  estimates.
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
    Goldman Sachs considered for the GS Comparable Companies the levered
  market capitalization (defined as equity value (share price times latest
  reported total shares outstanding) plus straight debt, minority interest,
  straight preferred stock, all out-of-the-money convertible instruments,
  less investments in unconsolidated affiliates and excess cash) as a
  multiple of LTM sales, LTM EBITDA and LTM EBIT for each of the GS
  Comparable Companies. Goldman Sachs' analysis for the GS Comparable
  Companies indicated multiples of LTM sales which ranged from 0.08x to
  0.76x, with a median of 0.25x, compared to 0.25x and 0.39x for AmeriSource
  and McKesson respectively; multiples of levered market capitalization to
  LTM EBITDA which ranged from 8.3x to 19.6x, with a median of 15.2x,
  compared to 15.2x and 19.1x for AmeriSource and McKesson respectively; and
  multiples of levered market capitalization to LTM EBIT which ranged from
  9.5x to 25.5x, with a median of 17.2x, compared to 17.2x and 25.5x for
  AmeriSource and McKesson respectively.
 
    Goldman Sachs also considered for each GS Comparable Company the ratios
  of current stock prices to projected earnings per share ("EPS") for the
  current (1997) and next (1998) calendar years (based on Institutional
  Broker Estimate Systems' ("IBES") estimates as of September 16, 1997). The
  ratios of current stock prices to projected 1997 EPS ranged from 17.3x to
  29.9x, with a median of 25.2x, compared to 23.5x and 29.3x for AmeriSource
  and McKesson respectively. The ratios of current stock prices to projected
  1998 EPS ("1998 P/E") ranged from 15.8x to 24.6x, with a median of 21.8x,
  compared to 19.4x and 23.5x for AmeriSource and McKesson respectively.
  Goldman Sachs also considered for each GS Comparable Company the ratio of
  estimated 1998 P/E to the estimated future earnings growth rate ("LT Growth
  Rate") as projected by IBES. The ratio of estimated 1998 P/E to the LT
  Growth Rate ranged from 0.97x to 1.62x, with a median of 1.31x for the GS
  Comparable Companies, compared to 0.97x and 1.62x for AmeriSource and
  McKesson respectively.
 
    (iii) Historical Exchange Ratio. Goldman Sachs reviewed certain
  historical trading prices for the shares of AmeriSource Common Stock and
  the shares of McKesson Common Stock over the period from April 4, 1995 (the
  date of AmeriSource's initial public offering) through September 16, 1997.
  Such analysis demonstrated a range of exchange ratios (calculated by
  dividing the price per share of AmeriSource Common Stock by the price per
  share of McKesson Common Stock) from 0.482x to 0.954x and an exchange ratio
  of 0.575x as of September 16, 1997 (based on the closing per share prices
  of $55.50 per share of AmeriSource Common Stock and $96.50 per share of
  McKesson Common Stock on September 16, 1997).
 
    (iv) Contribution Analysis. Goldman Sachs calculated the percentage
  contribution by AmeriSource and McKesson to the pro forma combined company,
  without regard to any cost reductions or other earnings enhancements that
  might accrue through the combination. The calculations were based on
  September 16, 1997 market values, March 31, 1997 financial information and
  AmeriSource and McKesson managements' financial forecasts for each
  respective company. This analysis showed that AmeriSource would contribute
  22.9% of market capitalization, 23.6% of levered market capitalization,
  33.3% of fiscal year 1997 sales, 31.8% of estimated fiscal year 1998 sales,
  29.9% of fiscal year 1997 EBITDA, 25.9% of estimated fiscal year 1998
  EBITDA, 33.9% of fiscal year 1997 EBIT, 24.1% of estimated fiscal year 1998
  EBIT, 28.7% of fiscal year 1997 net income, 25.9% of estimated fiscal year
  1998 net income and 26.2% of estimated fiscal year 1999 net income of the
  pro forma combined company. By comparison, based on the Exchange Ratio,
  AmeriSource stockholders would hold approximately 25.5% of the pro forma
  equity.
     
    (v) Pro Forma Merger Analysis. Goldman Sachs prepared pro forma analyses
  of the financial impact of the Merger on holders of shares of AmeriSource
  Common Stock. Using EPS estimates of IBES for McKesson and for AmeriSource
  for the fiscal years 1999, 2000 and 2001, Goldman Sachs, among other
  things, compared the estimated EPS of AmeriSource Common Stock, on a stand-
  alone basis, to the estimated EPS of the combined company's common stock on
  a pro forma basis. Goldman Sachs performed this analysis based on certain
  assumptions and financial forecasts (as provided by AmeriSource and
  McKesson management and IBES). Based on such analysis and a closing
  McKesson Common Stock price of $96.50 on September 16, 1997, the proposed
  Merger would be accretive to AmeriSource's stockholders     
 
                                      33
<PAGE>
 
  on an EPS basis in the fiscal years ended March 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001 at
  levels of 1.2%, 1.8% and 1.8% respectively, before synergies. Goldman Sachs
  also performed a sensitivity analysis assuming various levels of synergies
  realized in the combined company.
 
    (vi) Selected Transactions Analysis. Goldman Sachs analyzed certain
  information relating to fifty-two selected merger and acquisition
  transactions in the drug distribution industry since 1984 (the "Selected
  Transactions"). Such analysis indicated, among other things, that for the
  Selected Transactions the premium over market value ranged from (3.8)% to
  118.0%, with a median of 46.6%, compared to a 23.5% premium over the market
  value of the AmeriSource Common Stock in the Merger (based on the September
  16, 1997 closing prices); multiple of levered consideration to LTM EBITDA
  ranged from 5.5x to 22.9x, with a median of 10.1x, compared to 15.4x for
  the Merger; multiple of levered consideration to LTM EBIT ranged from 6.4x
  to 76.8, with a median of 11.7x, compared to 16.9x for the Merger; multiple
  of levered consideration to LTM sales ranged from 0.01x to 16.3x, with a
  median of 0.24x, compared to 0.29x for the Merger; and multiple of levered
  consideration to LTM net income ranged from 11.2x to 60.2x, with a median
  of 21.6x, compared to 29.9x for the Merger. For the purposes of the
  analysis set forth in this paragraph, LTM EBITDA, LTM EBIT, LTM sales and
  LTM net income for the Merger were based on estimates provided by
  AmeriSource management for the twelve months ending September 30, 1997.
   
  Goldman Sachs also analyzed certain information relating to the pending
combination of Cardinal and Bergen. Goldman Sachs calculated, among other
things, the total consideration paid to Bergen as a multiple of estimated
sales, estimated EBITDA, estimated EBIT and estimated EPS for fiscal year 1997
as well as estimated EPS for fiscal years 1998 and 1999. Such analysis
indicated multiples that, when applied to the same financial information for
AmeriSource, implied an Exchange Ratio ranging from 0.607 to 0.753 and 0.624
to 0.765 based on Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Research/IBES estimates and
AmeriSource management's projections, respectively. By comparison, the
Exchange Ratio pursuant to the Merger Agreement is 0.710 (pre-McKesson Stock
Split).     
 
  The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process and is not
necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. Selecting
portions of the analyses or of the summary set forth above, without
considering the analyses as a whole, could create an incomplete view of the
processes underlying Goldman Sachs' opinion. In arriving at its fairness
determination, Goldman Sachs considered the results of all such analyses,
taken as a whole. Furthermore, in arriving at its fairness opinion, Goldman
Sachs did not attribute any particular weight to any analysis or factor
considered by it; rather, Goldman Sachs made its determination as to fairness
on the basis of qualitative judgments as to the significance and relevance of
the financial and comparative analyses and factors described above, taken as a
whole. No company or transaction used in the above analyses as a comparison is
identical to AmeriSource or McKesson or the contemplated transaction. The
analyses were prepared solely for purposes of Goldman Sachs in providing its
opinion to the AmeriSource Board as to the fairness from a financial point of
view of the Exchange Ratio to the holders of shares of AmeriSource Common
Stock and do not purport to be appraisals or necessarily reflect the prices at
which businesses or securities actually may be sold. Analyses based upon
forecasts of future results are not necessarily indicative of actual future
results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by
such analyses. Because such analyses are inherently subject to uncertainty,
being based upon numerous factors or events beyond the control of the parties
or their respective advisors, none of AmeriSource, McKesson, Goldman Sachs or
any other person assumes responsibility if future results are materially
different from those forecast.
 
  As described above, Goldman Sachs' opinion to the AmeriSource Board was one
of many factors taken into consideration by the AmeriSource Board in making
its determination to approve the Merger Agreement. Although Goldman Sachs
evaluated the fairness of the Exchange Ratio to the holders of shares of
AmeriSource Common Stock, the specific Exchange Ratio was determined by
McKesson and AmeriSource through arm's-length negotiation. The foregoing
summary does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses
performed by Goldman Sachs and is qualified by reference to the written
opinion of Goldman Sachs set forth in Appendix D hereto.
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
  Goldman Sachs, as part of its investment banking business, is continually
engaged in the valuation of businesses and their securities in connection with
mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, competitive biddings,
secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements
and valuations for estate, corporate and other purposes. AmeriSource selected
Goldman Sachs as its financial advisor because it is a nationally recognized
investment banking firm that has substantial experience in transactions
similar to the Merger. Goldman Sachs is familiar with AmeriSource, having
provided certain investment banking services to AmeriSource from time to time,
including acting as an underwriter of the public offering of 4.5 million
shares of AmeriSource Common Stock in May 1996, and having acted as its
financial advisor in connection with, and having participated in certain of
the negotiations leading to, the Merger Agreement.
 
  Goldman Sachs provides a full range of financial, advisory and brokerage
services and in the course of its normal trading activities may from time to
time effect transactions and hold positions in the securities or options on
securities of AmeriSource or McKesson for its own account and for the account
of customers.
 
  Pursuant to a letter agreement dated August 29, 1997 (the "Engagement
Letter"), AmeriSource engaged Goldman Sachs to act as its exclusive financial
advisor in connection with the possible merger or sale of all or a portion of
AmeriSource. Pursuant to the terms of the Engagement Letter, AmeriSource has
agreed to pay Goldman Sachs a fee of 0.50% of the Merger Consideration (valued
as described in the Engagement Letter). AmeriSource has agreed to pay $500,000
of that fee upon the rendering of the opinion of Goldman Sachs as to the
fairness from a financial point of view of the Merger Consideration to be
received by the holders of AmeriSource Common Stock. AmeriSource has agreed to
reimburse Goldman Sachs for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, including
attorneys' fees, and to indemnify Goldman Sachs against certain liabilities,
including certain liabilities under the federal securities laws.
 
ANTICIPATED ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
 
  The Merger is expected to be accounted for as a pooling of interests in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Under this
accounting method, the historical financial information of McKesson and
AmeriSource will be restated to reflect the combined financial position and
operations of both companies. The combined financial position and operations
will be adjusted to conform the accounting practices of the companies.
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, each of McKesson and AmeriSource will use
its best efforts to cause the Merger to qualify for "pooling of interests"
accounting treatment. The obligations of each of AmeriSource and McKesson to
consummate the Merger are conditioned upon the receipt by McKesson of a letter
from McKesson's independent auditors stating that they concur with the
conclusion of McKesson's management that the Merger will qualify for pooling
of interests accounting treatment.
 
BOARD AND MANAGEMENT OF THE SURVIVING CORPORATION FOLLOWING THE MERGER
   
  If the Merger is consummated, holders of AmeriSource Common Stock will
become stockholders of McKesson, which will be under the direction of the
Board of Directors and management of McKesson. The directors of McKesson
immediately prior to the Effective Time will be the directors of the Surviving
Corporation, and the officers of McKesson immediately prior to the Effective
Time will be the officers of the Surviving Corporation.     
          
  In addition, immediately following the Effective Time, the McKesson Board
will take all action necessary to elect the following persons, who are
currently serving on the AmeriSource Board, to the McKesson Board: (i) James
Urry, who will be assigned to the class of directors whose term of office
expires at McKesson's first annual meeting of stockholders after the Effective
Time, (ii) Michael Delaney, who will be assigned to the class of directors
whose term expires at McKesson's second annual meeting of stockholders after
the Effective Time, and (iii) R. David Yost, who will be assigned to the class
of directors whose term of office expires at McKesson's third annual meeting
of stockholders after the Effective Time. The McKesson Board will appoint Mr.
Yost as Group President of the AmeriSource Services Group and as a corporate
Vice President, effective as of the Effective Time. Messrs. Urry and Delaney
are officers of VPI.     
 
                                      35
<PAGE>
 
REGULATORY APPROVALS
 
  Under the HSR Act and the rules promulgated thereunder by the Federal Trade
Commission, the Merger may not be consummated until Premerger Notification and
Report Forms (the "HSR Forms") have been submitted and certain information has
been furnished by McKesson and AmeriSource to the Federal Trade Commission and
the Antitrust Division, and required waiting periods have expired or been
terminated. The initial waiting period is 30 days from the date the HSR Forms
are submitted, but is extended, if the Federal Trade Commission or the
Antitrust Division issues a so-called "second request" for further
information, until 20 days after the "second request" is "substantially
complied with" (as such term is defined in the HSR Act).
   
  McKesson and AmeriSource agreed in the Merger Agreement to use their
respective best efforts to file as promptly as practicable the HSR Forms with
the Federal Trade Commission and the Antitrust Division, and to respond as
promptly as practicable to any requests for additional information made by
either the Federal Trade Commission or the Antitrust Division. McKesson and
AmeriSource each filed Premerger Notification and Report Forms with the
Federal Trade Commission and the Antitrust Division on September 24, 1997. The
initial statutory waiting period was to have expired for McKesson and
AmeriSource on October 23, 1997. On October 23, 1997, McKesson and AmeriSource
received a Second Request from the Federal Trade Commission and accordingly,
the waiting period would have terminated 20 days after McKesson and
AmeriSource each "substantially complied" with such request. In order to
permit the Federal Trade Commission time to complete its review of the
transaction, McKesson and AmeriSource each agreed to an extension of the
waiting period. In the opinion of McKesson and AmeriSource, each of them has
substantially complied with the Second Request from the Federal Trade
Commission. Additionally, in response to a request from certain states which
are members of the National Association of Attorneys General Voluntary
Premerger Compact (the "NAAGVPC"), McKesson and AmeriSource each waived
certain confidentiality protections under the HSR Act solely for the purpose
of facilitating confidential communications between the Federal Trade
Commission and the member states of the NAAGVPC.     
   
  At any time before or after the consummation of the Merger and
notwithstanding the expiration or termination of the HSR Act waiting period,
any federal or state antitrust authorities could take action under the
Antitrust Laws as they deem necessary or desirable in the public interest.
Such action could include seeking to enjoin the consummation of the Merger or
seeking divestiture of all or part of the assets of McKesson or AmeriSource.
Private parties may also seek to take legal action under the Antitrust Laws,
if circumstances permit. In the Merger Agreement McKesson and AmeriSource have
each agreed: (i) to use its best efforts to resolve any objections to the
Merger under the Antitrust Laws that may be asserted by any Governmental
Authority; (ii) to use its best efforts to contest any legal proceedings
challenging the Merger under the Antitrust Laws unless both parties agree that
litigation is not in their respective best interests; and (iii) if required to
avoid the institution of litigation challenging the Merger under the Antitrust
Laws (or if required to settle such a litigation), to agree to divest or
otherwise hold separate, or take such other action with respect to, any of its
assets and properties as may be necessary to avoid (or settle) the litigation,
unless, in the reasonable opinion of the McKesson Board, the divestiture or
other action would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on
the business, assets, liabilities, results of operations or financial
condition of McKesson combined with AmeriSource after the Effective Time or
reduce or render more uncertain the financial or strategic benefits expected,
as of the date of the Merger Agreement, to be realized from the consummation
of the Merger.     
   
  IF THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION, OR ANY OTHER FEDERAL OR STATE ANTITRUST
AUTHORITY, WERE TO CHALLENGE THE MERGER, THE CLOSING COULD BE POSTPONED BEYOND
MAY 31, 1998, IN WHICH EVENT EITHER MCKESSON OR AMERISOURCE MAY TERMINATE THE
MERGER AGREEMENT, PURSUANT TO ITS TERMS, AT ANY TIME AFTER MAY 31, 1998,
SUBJECT TO EXTENSIONS IN CERTAIN CASES. See "The Merger Agreement --
Conditions" and "The Merger Agreement -- Termination."     
 
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER
 
  In considering the recommendation of the AmeriSource Board with respect to
the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, stockholders
should be aware that certain members of the management of
 
                                      36
<PAGE>
 
AmeriSource and the AmeriSource Board have certain interests in the Merger
that are in addition to the interests of stockholders of AmeriSource
generally.
 
  For example, simultaneously with the execution of the Merger Agreement,
McKesson entered into employment agreements with R. David Yost, David M.
Flowers and Kurt J. Hilzinger, each of whom is an executive of AmeriSource.
Under these agreements, the three executives will have positions with McKesson
after the Merger, and will receive certain stock options and restricted stock
awards of McKesson Common Stock, as well as other benefits, including
severance benefits. The execution of these agreements was a condition to
McKesson's entering into the Merger Agreement. The AmeriSource Board
considered the commitment of these executives to continue in the employ of
McKesson after consummation of the Merger, and concluded that their industry
experience would serve to strengthen the management of the post-Merger
combined entity. See "The Employment Agreements."
   
  Moreover, McKesson has agreed to elect Messrs. Urry, Delaney and Yost to the
McKesson Board following the Merger. All three persons are members of the
AmeriSource Board. Messrs. Urry and Delaney are officers of VPI.     
 
  Certain members of the management of AmeriSource have AmeriSource Options
that become immediately exercisable upon satisfaction of certain conditions
after the occurrence of a change of control of AmeriSource. According to the
terms of the AmeriSource Options, upon a Change of Control (as defined in the
Stock Option Agreement) each AmeriSource Option becomes fully exercisable so
long as (i) the grantee is employed by AmeriSource at the time of the Change
of Control and (ii) either (A) the grantee is employed by AmeriSource on the
first anniversary of the Change of Control, (B) the grantee's employment is
terminated by AmeriSource other than for cause during the one-year period
following the Change of Control, (C) the grantee voluntarily terminates
employment with AmeriSource during the one-year period following the Change of
Control as a result of a "constructive termination" (as defined in the
agreements governing the AmeriSource Options) or (D) the grantee's employment
with AmeriSource terminates on account of death or disability during the one-
year period following the Change of Control.
 
  Additionally, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, McKesson has agreed to
indemnify the directors and officers of AmeriSource and its subsidiaries
against certain types of claims, and has agreed to maintain AmeriSource's
existing directors' and officers' liability insurance policy or policies of
substantially similar coverage for the six-year period after the Effective
Date. See "The Merger Agreement -- Indemnification and Insurance."
 
NO DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
 
  No holder of McKesson Common Stock or AmeriSource Stock will have any
dissenters' rights in connection with, or as a result of, the matters to be
acted upon at the Special Meetings.
 
STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING
   
  It is a condition to the Merger that, upon consummation of the Merger, the
shares of McKesson Common Stock and the Rights to be issued by McKesson in
connection with the Merger be authorized for listing on the NYSE, subject to
official notice of issuance. The shares of McKesson Common Stock and the
Rights will also be listed on the PE subject to official notice of issuance.
    
DELISTING AND DEREGISTRATION OF AMERISOURCE STOCK
 
  If the Merger is consummated, the AmeriSource Class A Common Stock will be
delisted from the NYSE and deregistered under the Exchange Act.
 
                                      37
<PAGE>
 
TREATMENT OF STOCK CERTIFICATES
   
  After the Effective Time, each stock certificate previously representing
shares of AmeriSource Common Stock will automatically, with no further action
by the holder thereof, represent the right to receive 1.42 shares of McKesson
Common Stock, together with the associated Rights pursuant to the Rights
Agreement, for each share of AmeriSource Common Stock represented by the stock
certificate. Promptly after the Effective Time, the Exchange Agent will mail a
letter of transmittal with instructions to each holder of record of
AmeriSource Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time
for use in exchanging, by book-entry transfer or otherwise, stock certificates
formerly representing shares of AmeriSource Common Stock for stock
certificates representing shares of McKesson Common Stock. No stock
certificates should be surrendered by any holder of AmeriSource Common Stock
until he or she has received the letter of transmittal and instructions from
the Exchange Agent.     
 
  THE RESPECTIVE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS OF MCKESSON AND AMERISOURCE RECOMMEND A
VOTE "FOR" THE APPROVAL OF THE MCKESSON PROPOSAL AND THE AMERISOURCE PROPOSAL,
RESPECTIVELY.
 
TAX FREE REORGANIZATION
 
  It is a condition to the Merger that AmeriSource receive an opinion of
Dechert Price & Rhoads that the Merger will qualify as a "tax free
reorganization" and that, accordingly, the holders of AmeriSource stock will
recognize no gain or loss in connection with the Merger for federal income tax
purposes, except to the extent that cash is received in lieu of a fractional
share of McKesson Common Stock. See "Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences
of the Merger."
 
                                      38
<PAGE>
 
                             THE MERGER AGREEMENT
   
  The following is a brief summary of certain provisions of the Merger
Agreement, a copy of which is attached as Appendix A to this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference. This summary is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Merger
Agreement. Capitalized terms that are used in this section and are not defined
have the respective meanings given to them in the Merger Agreement.     
 
THE MERGER
   
  Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, upon the satisfaction or (where
permissible) waiver of the conditions that are contained in the Merger
Agreement (see "-- Conditions" below), AmeriSource will be merged with and
into McKesson, with McKesson continuing as the Surviving Corporation. The
parties will cause the Merger to be accomplished by filing a Certificate of
Merger with the Delaware Secretary of State in accordance with Section 251 of
the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL"). The Merger will become
effective at the time the Certificate of Merger has been filed with the
Delaware Secretary of State or at such later time as may be agreed upon by
McKesson and AmeriSource and specified in the Certificate of Merger. That time
is called the "Effective Time." The Merger will have the effects specified
below and in the DGCL.     
   
  Except as described below, as a result of the Merger and without any action
on the part of the AmeriSource stockholders, at the Effective Time each share
of AmeriSource Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time will be converted into and represent 1.42 shares of McKesson
Common Stock (subject to adjustment) (the "Exchange Ratio"), together with the
associated preferred stock purchase rights issued pursuant to the Rights
Agreement (see "Comparative Rights of Stockholders -- Stockholder Rights
Plan"). Each share of AmeriSource Common Stock will, by virtue of the Merger,
cease to be outstanding and will be canceled and retired, and each holder of a
stock certificate representing shares of AmeriSource Common Stock will
thereafter cease to have any rights with respect to those shares of
AmeriSource Common Stock except the right to receive, without interest, upon
surrender of his or her stock certificate, shares of McKesson Common Stock,
cash for fractional interests of McKesson Common Stock and any dividends paid
by McKesson on its shares of Common Stock in the interval between the
Effective Time and the date of surrender of the stock certificate (see "--
Exchange Procedures" below).     
 
  At the Effective Time, each AmeriSource Option then outstanding under the
stock option plans of AmeriSource will be automatically converted into a
McKesson stock option (a "Parent Exchange Option") to purchase that number of
shares of McKesson Common Stock equal to the number of shares of AmeriSource
Common Stock issuable immediately prior to the Effective Time upon exercise of
the AmeriSource Option multiplied by the Exchange Ratio, with an exercise
price per share equal to the exercise price per share of the AmeriSource
Option immediately prior to the Effective Time divided by the Exchange Ratio,
and with other terms and conditions that are the same as those of the
AmeriSource Option. McKesson has agreed to use its reasonable efforts to file
with the Commission within 15 business days after the Closing Date a
registration statement on Form S-8 or other appropriate form under the
Securities Act to register the shares of McKesson Common Stock issuable upon
exercise of the Parent Exchange Options and to use its reasonable efforts to
cause the registration statement to remain effective until the exercise or
expiration of the options.
 
EXCHANGE PROCEDURES
 
  McKesson has retained First Chicago Trust Company of New York to act as the
Exchange Agent. As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, the Exchange
Agent will mail to each person who was, at the Effective Time, a holder of
record of shares of AmeriSource Common Stock, a letter of transmittal to be
used by the holder in either forwarding his or her AmeriSource Common Stock
certificates or completing the procedure for delivery by book-entry transfer
of such shares, together with the instructions for effecting the surrender of
the stock certificates in exchange for stock certificates representing shares
of McKesson Common Stock.
 
                                      39
<PAGE>
 
AMERISOURCE STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD NOT SEND IN THEIR STOCK CERTIFICATES UNTIL
THEY RECEIVE THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE EXCHANGE
AGENT, WHICH WILL NOT OCCUR UNLESS AND UNTIL THE MERGER HAS TAKEN PLACE.
   
  Upon surrender to the Exchange Agent of his or her stock certificate for
cancellation, together with the letter of transmittal, the holder of the stock
certificate will be entitled to receive a stock certificate representing that
number of whole shares of McKesson Common Stock equal to the number of shares
of AmeriSource Common Stock evidenced by the stock certificate surrendered
multiplied by the Exchange Ratio. Under the Merger Agreement, the Exchange
Ratio was 0.71 of a share of McKesson Common Stock for each share of
AmeriSource Common Stock, subject to adjustment to reflect any stock split,
stock dividend or other change with respect to the McKesson Common Stock made
before the Effective Time. Accordingly, the Exchange Ratio became 1.42 as a
result of the McKesson Stock Split.     
 
  No fractional shares of McKesson Common Stock will be issued and any holder
of shares of AmeriSource Common Stock entitled under the Merger Agreement to
receive a fractional share will receive a cash payment in lieu of the
fractional share, in an amount equal to the value (determined with reference
to the closing price of a share of McKesson Common Stock as reported on the
NYSE Composite Tape on the last full trading day immediately prior to the
Closing Date) of such fractional interest. If more than one stock certificate
is surrendered by the same stockholder, the number of shares of AmeriSource
Common Stock represented by all of the certificates surrendered will be
aggregated for purposes of calculating how many shares of McKesson Common
Stock will be issued in exchange for such certificates.
 
  Any dividends declared after the Effective Time on shares of McKesson Common
Stock will be paid to holders of AmeriSource Common Stock only after the stock
certificates representing the AmeriSource shares have been surrendered to the
Exchange Agent for exchange.
 
  No interest will be paid or accrued on cash in lieu of fractional shares, if
any, and unpaid dividends and distributions, if any.
 
  Stock certificates that are surrendered for exchange by any person
constituting an "affiliate" of AmeriSource for purposes of Rule 145(c) under
the Securities Act will not be exchanged until McKesson has received written
undertakings from such person in the form attached to the Merger Agreement.
 
  Once the Effective Time has occurred, there will be no further registration
of transfers on the transfer books of AmeriSource of shares of AmeriSource
Common Stock which were outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time.
 
  Any portion of the Exchange Fund which remains undistributed to holders of
AmeriSource Common Stock one year after the Exchange Agent's mailing of the
letter of transmittal will be delivered to McKesson, and any stockholder of
AmeriSource who has not complied with the exchange procedures in the Merger
Agreement by that time will thereafter have to look to McKesson to receive his
or her shares of McKesson Common Stock, cash in lieu of fractional shares, and
any unpaid dividends and distributions on shares of McKesson Common Stock.
None of AmeriSource, McKesson and the Exchange Agent will be liable to any
person in respect of shares of McKesson Common Stock or cash delivered to a
public official pursuant to applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar
laws.
 
  If any stock certificates representing AmeriSource Common Stock have not
been surrendered within seven years after the Effective Time (or within such
earlier date on which any shares of McKesson Common Stock, any dividends or
distributions with respect thereto, or any cash in lieu of fractional shares
would otherwise escheat to or become the property of any Governmental
Authority), any such McKesson shares, dividends or distributions or cash in
lieu of fractional shares that would otherwise be payable in respect of such
stock certificate will, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, become the
property of McKesson, free and clear of all claims or interest of any person
previously entitled thereto.
 
 
                                      40
<PAGE>
 
  If any stock certificate has been lost, stolen or destroyed, then, upon the
making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming such stock
certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed and the posting by that person of
an appropriate indemnity or surety bond, the Exchange Agent will issue in
exchange for the lost, stolen or destroyed stock certificate the shares of
McKesson Common Stock (including the associated Rights, and any dividends and
distributions with respect thereto) and cash in lieu of fractional shares, as
described above.
 
CORPORATE ORGANIZATION AND GOVERNANCE
   
 Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws of the Surviving Corporation     
   
  At the Effective Time, the Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws of
McKesson, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, will continue
to be the Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws, respectively, of McKesson
as the Surviving Corporation.     
   
 Board of Directors and Officers of the Surviving Corporation     
   
  From and after the Effective Time, the directors and officers of McKesson
will continue to be the directors and officers, respectively, of McKesson as
the Surviving Corporation until their respective successors are duly elected
or appointed and qualified.     
          
  In addition, immediately following the Effective Time, McKesson will take
all action necessary to elect the following persons who are currently
directors of AmeriSource to the McKesson Board: (i) James Urry, who will be
assigned to the class of directors whose term of office expires at McKesson's
first annual meeting of stockholders after the Effective Time, (ii) Michael
Delaney, who will be assigned to the class of directors whose term of office
expires at McKesson's second annual meeting of stockholders after the
Effective Time, and (iii) R. David Yost, who will be assigned to the class of
directors whose term of office expires at McKesson's third annual meeting of
stockholders after the Effective Time. McKesson's Board of Directors will also
appoint Mr. Yost as Group President of the AmeriSource Services Group and as a
corporate Vice President, effective after the Effective Time. Messrs. Urry and
Delaney are officers of VPI.     
 
STOCKHOLDERS' MEETINGS
   
  The Merger Agreement obligates McKesson and AmeriSource each to take all
action necessary in accordance with Applicable Law and its Certificate of
Incorporation and By-laws to convene a meeting of its stockholders to be held
and completed on the earliest practical date determined by McKesson, subject
to the consent of AmeriSource, to consider and vote upon (i) in the case of
McKesson, the approval, by the vote of the holders of a majority of the shares
of McKesson Common Stock present in person or represented by proxy and
entitled to vote on the matter, of the issuance of the shares of McKesson
Common Stock contemplated by the Merger Agreement and (ii) in the case of
AmeriSource, the approval, by the vote of the holders of a majority of the
shares of AmeriSource Class A Common Stock outstanding, of the Merger
Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger. The
stockholders' meetings of McKesson and AmeriSource are both currently
scheduled to be held on Monday, February 9, 1998.     
 
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
 
  The Merger Agreement contains various representations and warranties of
McKesson, AmeriSource and Merger Sub, relating, among other things, to the
following: (i) their due incorporation, existence, good standing, corporate
power and similar corporate matters; (ii) their capitalization; (iii) their
authorization, execution, delivery and performance and the enforceability of
the Merger Agreement and Stock Option Agreement and related matters; (iv) the
absence of any conflicts, violations and defaults under their respective
Certificates of Incorporation and By-laws and certain other agreements and
documents or any need for third-party consents by
 
                                      41
<PAGE>
 
reason of execution of the Merger Agreement; (v) the reports and other
documents filed with the Commission (including this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus) and the accuracy and completeness of the financial and
other information contained therein; (vi) the absence of certain material
changes or events since September 30, 1996, in the case of AmeriSource, or
March 31, 1997, in the case of McKesson; (vii) the absence of pending or
threatened investigations or litigation; (viii) the absence of undisclosed
liabilities or obligations of any nature which would have a Material Adverse
Effect on either party, as applicable; (ix) the operation of the respective
businesses of McKesson and AmeriSource in the ordinary course; (x) the receipt
of fairness opinions from financial advisors; (xi) compliance with law; (xii)
matters relating to qualification of the Merger as a tax free "reorganization"
within the meaning of the Code and the availability of "pooling of interests"
accounting treatment; and (xiii) the approval of the Merger by the respective
Boards of McKesson, Merger Sub and AmeriSource, their recommendation to their
respective stockholders and their determination that the Merger is fair to
their respective stockholders. AmeriSource made additional representations and
warranties in the Merger Agreement, including as to: (i) environmental
matters; (ii) employee benefit matters; (iii) tax matters; (iv) intellectual
property matters; (v) material contracts; and (vi) the execution by three
senior executives of AmeriSource of new employment agreements to take effect
at the Effective Time.
 
  All representations and warranties of McKesson, AmeriSource and Merger Sub
will expire at the Effective Time.
 
CERTAIN COVENANTS
 
  AmeriSource and McKesson have agreed that neither AmeriSource nor McKesson
will, nor will they permit their subsidiaries to, take any actions which
would, or would be reasonably likely to, prevent McKesson from accounting, and
will use their best efforts to allow McKesson to account, for the Merger as a
"pooling of interests." McKesson, AmeriSource and Merger Sub have further
agreed to use their best efforts to cause the Merger to constitute a
"reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.
 
  AmeriSource and McKesson have each agreed: (i) to cooperate in the prompt
preparation and filing with the Commission of this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and the Registration Statement, (ii) to use its best
efforts to obtain and deliver to the other party certain letters from persons
who are "affiliates" under applicable accounting releases relating to pooling
of interests accounting treatment, and in the case of AmeriSource, from
persons who are "affiliates" under Rule 145 under the Securities Act, and
(iii) to use all reasonable efforts to cause to be delivered to the other
party letters of its independent accountants, dated a date within two business
days before the date on which the Registration Statement becomes effective,
the date this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is mailed to stockholders and
the date of the other party's stockholders meeting, customary in scope and
substance for letters delivered by independent accountants in connection with
registration statements similar to the Registration Statement.
   
  With respect to obtaining approval under the HSR Act, McKesson and
AmeriSource have each agreed in the Merger Agreement: (i) to comply at the
earliest practicable date with any request under the HSR Act for additional
information, documents or other materials; (ii) to cooperate with the other
party in connection therewith; (iii) to use its best efforts to resolve any
objections to the Merger under the Antitrust Laws that may be asserted by any
Governmental Authority; (iv) to use its best efforts to contest any legal
proceedings challenging the Merger under the Antitrust Laws unless both
parties agree that litigation is not in their respective best interests; and
(v) if required to avoid the institution of litigation challenging the Merger
under the Antitrust Laws (or if required to settle such a litigation), to
agree to divest or otherwise hold separate, or take such other action with
respect to, any of its assets and properties as may be necessary to avoid (or
settle) the litigation, unless, in the reasonable opinion of the McKesson
Board, the divestiture or other action would reasonably be expected to have a
material adverse effect on the business, assets, liabilities, results of
operations or financial condition of McKesson combined with AmeriSource after
the Effective Time or reduce or render more uncertain the financial or
strategic benefits expected, as of the date of the Merger Agreement, to be
realized from the consummation of the Merger.     
 
 
                                      42
<PAGE>
 
  McKesson has further agreed, among other things, that during the period
between the signing of the Merger Agreement and the consummation of the
Merger, it will use all reasonable efforts to retain the services of its
officers and key employees and to maintain its business organization and its
relationships with customers, suppliers and other third parties to the end
that its goodwill and ongoing business will not be impaired in any material
respect, and that it will not, except as otherwise expressly contemplated by
the Merger Agreement, without the prior written consent of AmeriSource: (i)
change any method or principle of accounting in a manner that is inconsistent
with past practice except to the extent required by generally accepted
accounting principles; (ii) take any action that could likely result in its
representations and warranties set forth in the Merger Agreement to become
inaccurate in any material respect; (iii) make any changes in the McKesson
Certificate or the McKesson By-laws that would adversely affect in any
material respect the rights and preferences of the holders of shares of
McKesson Common Stock or make any changes in the Certificate of Incorporation
or By-laws of Merger Sub; (iv) acquire a material amount of assets or capital
stock of or other equity interests in (A) an entity engaged in the U.S.
pharmaceutical distribution business or (B) any other business, in each case
without giving AmeriSource prior written notice of the acquisition; provided
that, in the case of acquisitions described in clause (A), no such acquisition
shall be made at all if either McKesson's outside antitrust counsel or
AmeriSource's outside antitrust counsel delivers its written opinion that the
acquisition would materially and adversely affect the ability of the parties
to obtain approval of the Merger under the Antitrust Laws, and in the case of
acquisitions described in clause (B), no such acquisition shall be made if it
would materially and adversely affect the ability of the parties to obtain
approval of the Merger under the Antitrust Laws; (v) declare or pay certain
non-cash dividends or any cash dividends other than regular quarterly cash
dividends not to exceed 110% of the previous year's cash dividends; (vi)
permit or cause any subsidiary to do any of the foregoing; or (vii) agree in
writing to do any of the foregoing.
 
  McKesson has further agreed, among other things, that, prior to the
Effective Time, it (i) will use its best efforts to cause the shares of
McKesson Common Stock issuable pursuant to the Merger (including the shares
issuable upon any exercise of the Parent Exchange Options) to be approved for
listing on the NYSE; (ii) will not, nor will its subsidiaries, purchase any
shares of AmeriSource Common Stock other than pursuant to the Stock Option
Agreement; and (iii) if the Effective Time is less than 30 days prior to the
end of McKesson's fiscal quarter or occurs during the first 30 days of
McKesson's fiscal quarter, will use reasonable efforts to prepare and publicly
release, as soon as practicable following the end of the first month ending at
least 30 days after the Effective Time, a report filed with the Commission on
Form 8-K or any other public filing, statement or announcement which includes
the combined financial results (including combined sales and net income) of
McKesson and AmeriSource for a period of at least 30 days following the
Effective Time.
 
  Merger Sub has agreed not to conduct any business or make any investments
prior to the Effective Time other than as contemplated by the Merger
Agreement, and not to have any assets (other than a de minimis amount of cash
received by it from the issuance of its stock to McKesson) or any material
liabilities.
 
  AmeriSource has agreed, among other things, that during the period between
the signing of the Merger Agreement and the consummation of the Merger, it
will conduct its operations in the ordinary course and will use all reasonable
efforts to retain the services of its officers and key employees and to
maintain its business organization and its relationships with customers,
suppliers and other third parties to the end that its goodwill and ongoing
business will not be impaired in any material respect, and that it will not,
except as otherwise expressly contemplated by the Merger Agreement, without
the prior written consent of McKesson: (i) adjust, split, combine or
reclassify its capital stock, (ii) declare or pay any dividend or redeem or
otherwise acquire any shares of its capital stock or any securities
convertible into or exchangeable for any shares of its capital stock, (iii)
grant any person any right or option to acquire any shares of its capital
stock (except, in certain circumstances, employee stock options), (iv) issue
any additional shares of its capital stock or any other securities convertible
into or exchangeable for any shares of its capital stock (except upon the
exercise of AmeriSource Options), (v) enter into any agreement, understanding
or arrangement with respect to the sale, voting, registration or repurchase of
its capital stock, (vi) adopt a so-called "poison pill" or adopt or enter into
a stockholder rights plan or similar plan, (vii) dispose of or encumber any of
its property or assets other than in the ordinary course of business; (viii)
amend its Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws; (ix) merge or consolidate
with any other
 
                                      43
<PAGE>
 
person; (x) acquire assets or capital stock of or other equity interests in
any other person valued, giving effect to assumed indebtedness, at more than
$25 million per transaction and $50 million in the aggregate, provided that,
(A) AmeriSource will not acquire (1) any entity engaged in the U.S.
pharmaceutical distribution business at all, regardless of the size of the
transaction, if either AmeriSource's outside antitrust counsel or McKesson's
outside antitrust counsel delivers its written opinion that the acquisition
would materially and adversely affect the ability of the parties to obtain
approval of the Merger under the Antitrust Laws, or (2) any other business at
all, regardless of the size of the transaction, if the acquisition would
materially and adversely affect the ability of the parties to obtain approval
of the Merger under the Antitrust Laws; (xi) except pursuant to existing
credit arrangements previously disclosed, incur any indebtedness for borrowed
money, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice; (xii) except as previously disclosed, enter into or modify any
employment, severance or similar arrangements with, or grant any bonuses,
salary increases, severance or termination pay to, any officer, director,
consultant or employee other than in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice, or otherwise increase the compensation or
benefits provided to any officer, director, consultant or employee except as
may be required by Applicable Law or in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice; (xiii) enter into or amend any employee benefit
or similar plan except as may be required by Applicable Law; (xiv) change any
method or principle of accounting in any manner that is inconsistent with past
practice, or make any material Tax election (unless required by law or
consistent with past practice) or settle any material Tax liability which is
the subject of dispute between AmeriSource and a Governmental Authority unless
McKesson is given reasonable prior written notice thereof; (xv) except in
certain cases, amend or terminate, or waive or assign any material rights or
claims with respect to, any Contract; (xvi) enter into any confidentiality,
standstill, or non-compete agreements which after the Effective Time would
apply to McKesson or any of its subsidiaries other than AmeriSource; (xvii)
incur or commit any capital expenditures in excess of the amounts agreed to in
the Merger Agreement; (xviii) take any action that would likely result in its
representations and warranties set forth in the Merger Agreement becoming
inaccurate in any material respect; (xix) permit or cause any subsidiary to do
any of the foregoing; or (xx) agree in writing to do any of the foregoing.
 
NO SOLICITATION OF TRANSACTIONS
 
  AmeriSource has agreed that it will not, and will not permit any of its
subsidiaries or any of its or its subsidiaries' directors, officers,
employees, agents or representatives, directly or indirectly, to solicit,
initiate, encourage or facilitate, or furnish or disclose non-public
information in furtherance of, any inquiries or the making of any proposal
with respect to any recapitalization, merger, consolidation or other business
combination involving AmeriSource, or acquisition of any capital stock from
AmeriSource (other than upon exercise of AmeriSource Options) or 15% or more
of the assets of AmeriSource and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in a
single transaction or a series of related transactions, or any acquisition by
AmeriSource of any material assets or capital stock of any other person (other
than to the extent specifically permitted by the Merger Agreement), or any
combination of the foregoing (a "Competing Transaction"), or negotiate or
otherwise engage in discussions with any person with respect to any Competing
Transaction or enter into any agreement, arrangement or understanding
requiring it to abandon, terminate or fail to consummate the Merger. The
Merger Agreement provides however that, at any time prior to the approval of
the Merger by the stockholders of AmeriSource, AmeriSource may furnish
information to, and negotiate or otherwise engage in discussions with, any
party who delivers a written proposal for a Competing Transaction which was
not solicited or encouraged after the date of the Merger Agreement if and so
long as the AmeriSource Board determines in good faith by a majority vote,
after consultation with and receipt of advice from its outside legal counsel,
that failing to take such action would constitute a breach of the fiduciary
duties of the AmeriSource Board under Applicable Law and determines, after
consulting with Goldman Sachs (or any other nationally recognized investment
banking firm), that such a proposal is more favorable to AmeriSource's
stockholders from a financial point of view than the transactions contemplated
by the Merger Agreement (including any adjustment to the terms and conditions
that may be proposed by McKesson in response to the Competing Transaction).
 
  If, prior to the approval of the Merger by the stockholders of AmeriSource,
the AmeriSource Board determines in good faith by a majority vote, after
consultation with and receipt of advice from outside legal
 
                                      44
<PAGE>
 
counsel, that failure to do so would constitute a breach of the fiduciary
duties of the AmeriSource Board under Applicable Law, the AmeriSource Board
may withdraw, modify or change, in a manner adverse to McKesson, the
AmeriSource Board's recommendation of the Merger and take and disclose to the
stockholders of AmeriSource a position with respect to the Competing
Transaction and, to the extent applicable, comply with Rule 14e-2 promulgated
under the Exchange Act with respect to a Competing Transaction, provided
AmeriSource uses all reasonable efforts to give McKesson two days prior
written notice of its intention to do so. The Merger Agreement provides that
AmeriSource must immediately advise McKesson in writing of the receipt,
directly or indirectly, of any inquiries, discussions, negotiations, or
proposals relating to a Competing Transaction (including the specific terms
thereof and the identity of the other party or parties involved) and furnish
to McKesson an accurate description of all material terms of any such written
proposal (including any changes in such terms as a result of negotiations or
otherwise). AmeriSource must also immediately advise McKesson, in writing, if
the AmeriSource Board makes any determination as to any Competing Transaction
as contemplated by the above provisions.
 
  In addition, if, prior to the approval of the Merger by the stockholders of
AmeriSource, AmeriSource receives an offer for a Competing Transaction that
was not solicited in violation of the Merger Agreement, and its Board of
Directors determines in good faith, after consultation with its financial and
legal advisors, that the Competing Transaction is more favorable to the
stockholders of AmeriSource from a financial point of view than the Merger
(including any adjustments to the terms thereof proposed by McKesson in
response to the Competing Transaction) and that failure to enter into the
Competing Transaction would constitute a breach of the fiduciary duties of the
AmeriSource Board under Applicable Law, and if AmeriSource's outside legal
counsel concurs that a breach of fiduciary duty would occur, and AmeriSource
receives a written opinion from Goldman Sachs (or any other nationally
recognized investment banking firm) that the Competing Transaction is more
favorable from a financial point of view to the stockholders of AmeriSource
than the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, then AmeriSource
may terminate the Merger Agreement and enter into an Acquisition Agreement
with respect to such Competing Transaction, provided that AmeriSource, prior
to terminating the Merger Agreement, (i) provides McKesson with written notice
that it intends to terminate the Merger Agreement, identifying the Competing
Transaction and delivering an accurate description of all material terms of
the Acquisition Agreement to be entered into for the Competing Transaction,
and (ii) at least three full business days later, AmeriSource delivers to
McKesson a written notice of termination, a check in the amount of McKesson's
costs and expenses and the Termination Fee, and a written acknowledgment that
termination of the Merger Agreement will be a "Purchase Event" as defined in
the Stock Option Agreement and that the Stock Option Agreement will be
honored, together with a written acknowledgment from the other party to the
Competing Transaction waiving any right that it may have to contest
AmeriSource's acknowledgment.
 
BENEFIT PLANS
 
  McKesson has agreed that it will treat all service by AmeriSource Employees
with AmeriSource and its predecessors prior to the Effective Time as service
with McKesson for eligibility and vesting purposes under McKesson's employee
benefits plans. McKesson has further agreed that it will provide employee
benefits to AmeriSource Employees that are no less favorable in the aggregate
than those provided to AmeriSource Employees immediately prior to the
Effective Time under the employee benefit plans of AmeriSource and its
subsidiaries. McKesson has generally agreed to waive any pre-existing
condition exclusions and actively-at-work requirements and to take into
account expenses incurred prior to the Effective Time for purposes of
satisfying deductible, coinsurance, and maximum out-of-pocket provisions of
McKesson benefit plans providing medical or dental welfare benefits.
 
INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE
   
  McKesson has agreed to indemnify any person who has been, at any time prior
to the Effective Time, a director or officer of AmeriSource or any of its
subsidiaries against all Claims to the extent that any such Claim is based on
or arises out of: (x) the fact that such Indemnified Person is or was a
director or officer of AmeriSource or any of its subsidiaries or is or was
serving at the request of AmeriSource or any of its     
 
                                      45
<PAGE>
 
   
subsidiaries as a director or officer of another enterprise; or (y) the Merger
Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated thereby, in each case to the
extent that any such Claim pertains to any matter or fact arising, existing or
occurring prior to or at the Effective Time, regardless of whether the Claim
is asserted prior to, at or after the Effective Time, to the full extent
permitted under the DGCL or AmeriSource's Certificate of Incorporation or By-
laws. McKesson has agreed that if any director or officer becomes involved in
any Claim after the Effective Time, McKesson will periodically advance to that
person his or her legal and other expenses subject to receipt of an
undertaking from that person to reimburse McKesson all amounts advanced if it
is ultimately determined that the person is not entitled to indemnification.
       
  McKesson has agreed that it will, for a period of not less than six years
after the Effective Time, maintain AmeriSource's existing directors' and
officers' liability insurance policy or policies of substantially similar
coverage (with comparable carriers) containing terms no less advantageous to
the directors or officers. If the existing D&O Insurance expires or is
canceled during the six-year period, McKesson must use its reasonable efforts
to obtain substantially similar D&O Insurance, provided that McKesson will not
be required to pay in the aggregate an annual premium for D&O Insurance in
excess of 150% of the last annual premium paid prior to the date of the Merger
Agreement, but in that case must purchase as much coverage as possible for
that amount.     
   
  The Indemnified Person will have the right to control the defense of any
Claim with counsel selected by the Indemnified Person and reasonably
acceptable to McKesson. McKesson will be permitted to participate in the
defense of any Claim at its own expense.     
 
CONDITIONS
   
  The obligations of McKesson, AmeriSource and Merger Sub to effect the Merger
are subject, among other things, to the fulfillment, or, where permissible,
waiver, of certain conditions, including without limitation: (i) approval of
the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the
Merger, by the requisite vote of the stockholders of AmeriSource and approval
of the issuance of shares of McKesson Common Stock by the requisite vote of
the stockholders of McKesson; (ii) the expiration or termination of any
waiting period applicable to the consummation of the Merger under the HSR Act;
(iii) the effectiveness of the Registration Statement and the absence of a
stop order suspending such effectiveness; (iv) the absence of any Action by
any Governmental Authority (1) challenging or seeking to prohibit the
consummation of the Merger or any of the other transactions contemplated by
the Merger Agreement, (2) except to the extent consistent with the obligations
of AmeriSource and McKesson described above under "-- Certain Covenants,"
seeking to prohibit or limit the ownership or operation by McKesson,
AmeriSource or any of their respective subsidiaries of, or to compel McKesson,
AmeriSource or any of their respective subsidiaries to dispose of or hold
separate, any material portion of the business or assets of McKesson,
AmeriSource or any of their respective subsidiaries, as a result of the Merger
or any of the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, (3)
seeking to impose limitations on the ability of McKesson to acquire or hold,
or exercise full rights of ownership (including voting rights) of, any shares
of capital stock of the Surviving Corporation, or (4) seeking to prohibit
McKesson or any subsidiary of McKesson from effectively controlling in any
material respect the business or operations of McKesson or its subsidiaries;
(v) the absence of any Applicable Law, or judgment, injunction, order or
decree prohibiting the consummation of the Merger or the transactions
contemplated by the Merger Agreement; (vi) the listing on the NYSE, subject
only to official notice of issuance, of the shares of McKesson Common Stock to
be issued in the Merger; and (vii) receipt by McKesson of a letter from
Deloitte & Touche LLP stating that such accounting firm concurs with the
conclusion of McKesson's management that the Merger will qualify for "pooling
of interests" accounting treatment.     
   
  The obligations of AmeriSource to effect the Merger are subject to the
fulfillment of certain additional conditions, including (i) with respect to
the continued accuracy of the representations and warranties of McKesson and
Merger Sub and the performance of the obligations and covenants of McKesson
and Merger Sub contained in the Merger Agreement, (ii) the receipt of an
opinion from Dechert Price & Rhoads that the Merger will be treated as a so-
called "tax free reorganization" for federal income tax purposes, and (iii)
the absence of     
 
                                      46
<PAGE>
 
any change in the business, assets, liabilities, results of operations or
financial condition of McKesson which individually or in the aggregate would
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on McKesson.
 
  The obligations of McKesson and Merger Sub to effect the Merger are subject
to the fulfillment of certain additional conditions, including (i) with
respect to the continued accuracy of the representations and warranties of
AmeriSource and the performance of the obligations and covenants of
AmeriSource contained in the Merger Agreement, (ii) the absence of any change
in the business, assets, liabilities, results of operations or financial
condition of AmeriSource which individually or in the aggregate would
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on AmeriSource, (iii)
the absence of any amendment or termination of the Employee Agreements
previously entered into with three senior executives of AmeriSource, and (iv)
the absence of any material breach of the Stock Option Agreement.
 
RESALE RESTRICTIONS
 
  All shares of McKesson Common Stock received by AmeriSource stockholders in
the Merger will be freely transferable, except that shares of McKesson Common
Stock received by persons who are deemed to be "affiliates" (as such term is
defined under the Securities Act) of AmeriSource prior to the Merger may be
resold by them only in transactions permitted by the resale provisions of Rule
145 promulgated under the Securities Act (or Rule 144 under the Securities Act
in the case of such persons who become affiliates of McKesson) or as otherwise
permitted under the Securities Act. Persons who may be deemed to be affiliates
of AmeriSource or McKesson generally include individuals or entities that
control, are controlled by, or are under common control with, such party and
may include certain officers and directors of such party as well as principal
stockholders of such party. The Merger Agreement requires AmeriSource to use
its best efforts to cause each of its affiliates to execute a written
agreement to the effect that such affiliate will not offer to sell, transfer
or otherwise dispose of any of the shares of McKesson Common Stock issued to
such person in or pursuant to the Merger unless (a) such sale, transfer or
other disposition has been registered under the Securities Act, (b) such sale,
transfer or other disposition is made in conformity with Rule 145 under the
Securities Act or (c) in the opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable to
McKesson or a "no-action" letter obtained from the staff of the Commission,
such sale, transfer or other disposition is exempt from registration under the
Securities Act. Each such agreement further provides that the AmeriSource
affiliate will not, during the 30 days prior to the Effective Time and until
after such time as combined financial results covering at least 30 days of
combined operations of McKesson and AmeriSource have been published by
McKesson in a public filing or announcement (the "Prohibited Period"), sell,
transfer or otherwise dispose of or reduce such affiliate's risk (as
contemplated by the Securities and Exchange Commission Accounting Series
Release No. 135) with respect to any shares of the capital stock of McKesson
or AmeriSource that such affiliate may hold. Similarly, the Merger Agreement
requires McKesson to use its best efforts to cause each of its affiliates to
execute a written agreement to the effect that the affiliate will not, during
the Prohibited Period, sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of or reduce the
affiliate's risk with respect to any shares of the capital stock of McKesson
or AmeriSource that the affiliate may hold. See "The Merger -- Anticipated
Accounting Treatment."
 
TERMINATION
 
  The Merger Agreement may be terminated and the Merger may be abandoned at
any time prior to the Effective Time (notwithstanding any approval of the
Merger Agreement by the stockholders of AmeriSource and the stockholders of
McKesson): (i) by mutual written consent of McKesson and AmeriSource; (ii) by
either McKesson or AmeriSource if any Applicable Law (other than Antitrust
Laws), as supported by written opinion of outside legal counsel, makes
consummation of the Merger illegal or otherwise prohibited, or if there shall
be a final non-appealable judgment, injunction, order or decree enjoining
McKesson or AmeriSource from consummating the Merger; (iii) by either McKesson
or AmeriSource if the Merger has not been consummated by May 31, 1998 (subject
to extension to June 7, 1998 or to June 30, 1998, in certain circumstances);
(iv) by McKesson if the AmeriSource Board withdraws its recommendation of the
Merger or changes it in a manner adverse to McKesson, or if the AmeriSource
Board refuses to affirm its recommendation as promptly as practicable (but in
any case within ten business days) after receipt of any written request from
McKesson which
 
                                      47
<PAGE>
 
   
request is made on a reasonable basis; (v) by McKesson or AmeriSource if at
the AmeriSource Special Meeting the requisite vote of the stockholders of
AmeriSource to approve the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated
thereby, including the Merger, is not obtained; (vi) by McKesson or
AmeriSource if at the McKesson Special Meeting the requisite vote of the
stockholders of McKesson to approve the issuance of shares of McKesson Common
Stock in the Merger is not obtained; (vii) by AmeriSource, prior to approval
by the AmeriSource stockholders, if the AmeriSource Board enters into a
Competing Transaction in compliance with the terms of the Merger Agreement (as
described above in "-- No Solicitation of Transactions") and pays the fees and
expenses described below under "-- Termination Fee"; (viii) by McKesson if
there has been a breach by AmeriSource, or by AmeriSource if there has been a
breach by McKesson, of its representation that it will not take any actions
that would prevent McKesson from accounting for the Merger as a pooling of
interests; (ix) by McKesson or AmeriSource, in certain circumstances where
there has been a breach by the other party of its representations and
warranties or in certain circumstances where the other party has a change in
business conditions that would reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on it; (x) by McKesson or AmeriSource (but only for a limited
period of time specified in the Merger Agreement) if either party receives any
communication from the Federal Trade Commission or the Antitrust Division
indicating that it has authorized the institution of litigation challenging
the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement under the Antitrust
Laws, which litigation would include a motion seeking an order or injunction
prohibiting the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by the
Merger Agreement; (xi) by McKesson if AmeriSource has breached in any material
respect any of its obligations under the Stock Option Agreement; or (xii) by
AmeriSource on March 31, 1998 if the transaction has not yet been cleared
under federal Antitrust Laws, unless, prior to that date, AmeriSource had the
opportunity to terminate the Merger Agreement as described in clause (x) above
and declined to do so.     
 
TERMINATION FEE
   
  McKesson is entitled to receive a termination fee of $65 million as well as
reimbursement of its costs and expenses not in excess of $12 million, in the
event that the Merger Agreement is terminated under any of the following
circumstances: (i) AmeriSource terminates the Merger Agreement to enter into a
Competing Transaction, (ii) McKesson terminates the Merger Agreement because
the AmeriSource Board adversely changes its recommendation of the Merger,
(iii) AmeriSource or McKesson terminates the Merger Agreement because the
stockholders of AmeriSource fail to approve the Merger, and at the time there
is a publicly announced or disclosed Competing Transaction with respect to
AmeriSource and, within 12 months after termination of the Merger Agreement,
AmeriSource enters into an Acquisition Agreement for a Business Combination or
consummates a Business Combination, (iv) AmeriSource or McKesson terminates
the Merger Agreement because the stockholders of AmeriSource fail to approve
the Merger and, within three months after termination of the Merger Agreement,
AmeriSource enters into an Acquisition Agreement for a Business Combination or
consummates a Business Combination, (v) McKesson terminates the Merger
Agreement because AmeriSource is in breach of the Stock Option Agreement, or
(vi) AmeriSource terminates the Merger Agreement on March 31, 1998 and either
(x) at the time of such termination a Competing Transaction had been publicly
announced or disclosed to the AmeriSource Board and within six months after
such termination, AmeriSource enters into an Acquisition Agreement with the
party involved in that Competing Transaction or (y) within six months after
such termination AmeriSource effects a leveraged recapitalization.     
   
  Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, each of McKesson and AmeriSource has the
right to terminate the Merger Agreement if either receives notification from
an HSR Authority that the HSR Authority is instituting an Antitrust
Litigation. If McKesson exercises that right and AmeriSource does not, then
McKesson will reimburse AmeriSource for its transaction expenses up to $12
million, plus the cost to AmeriSource of establishing new Stay Pay
Arrangements, up to a maximum reimbursement of $20 million in the aggregate.
    
  Similarly, if AmeriSource elects to exercise its right to terminate the
Merger Agreement after receipt of notification of an Antitrust Litigation, and
McKesson does not, then AmeriSource will reimburse McKesson for its
transaction expenses, up to a maximum reimbursement of $12 million.
 
                                      48
<PAGE>
 
   
  McKesson has agreed in the Stock Option Agreement entered into concurrently
with the execution of the Merger Agreement that if AmeriSource shall have paid
McKesson a Termination Fee pursuant to the Merger Agreement, then McKesson
shall pay to AmeriSource its Net Profit up to a maximum (including any prior
Net Profit paid) of $65 million. Net Profit is defined generally as the profit
realized by McKesson in respect of the Stock Option Agreement. See "The Stock
Option Agreement."     
 
EXPENSES
 
  Subject to the provisions of Section 7.2 of the Merger Agreement and the
Stock Option Agreement, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the
Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby will be paid by the
party incurring such expenses, except that the expenses incurred in connection
with filing, printing and mailing the Registration Statement and this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus (including filing fees related thereto) will be
shared equally by McKesson and AmeriSource.
 
AMENDMENT
   
  The Merger Agreement may be amended by AmeriSource, McKesson and Merger Sub,
by action taken by their respective Boards of Directors, at any time before or
after adoption of the Merger Agreement by stockholders of AmeriSource, but
after stockholder approval, no amendment will be made which by law requires
further approval by the stockholders of AmeriSource without such further
approval.     
 
                                      49
<PAGE>
 
                          THE STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
 
  The following is a brief summary of certain provisions of the Stock Option
Agreement, dated as of September 22, 1997, by and between McKesson and
AmeriSource (the "Stock Option Agreement"), a copy of which is attached as
Appendix B to this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and is incorporated
herein. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full
text of the Stock Option Agreement. Capitalized terms that are used in this
section and are not otherwise defined have the respective meanings given to
them in the Stock Option Agreement.
 
GENERAL
   
  Concurrently with the execution of the Merger Agreement, McKesson and
AmeriSource entered into the Stock Option Agreement pursuant to which
AmeriSource granted McKesson an irrevocable option to purchase from
AmeriSource, under certain circumstances, at an exercise price of $70.87 per
share, up to 3,418,601 authorized and unissued shares of either AmeriSource
Class A Common Stock or AmeriSource Class B Common Stock, or a combination
thereof (which represents 16.6% of the outstanding AmeriSource Class A Common
Stock and 12.5% of the outstanding capital stock of AmeriSource, assuming for
purposes of the calculation that (i) the Option to purchase such shares had
been exercised, (ii) such exercise had been entirely for AmeriSource Class A
Common Stock and (iii) the number of shares outstanding immediately prior to
such exercise had been the same as the number outstanding on September 15,
1997). The Option becomes exercisable only upon certain events set forth in
the Stock Option Agreement (each, a "Purchase Event"). A "Purchase Event"
includes (i) the AmeriSource Board's changing its recommendation in a manner
adverse to McKesson, or its failure to reaffirm such recommendation; (ii) the
failure by the AmeriSource stockholders to approve the Merger Agreement or the
transactions contemplated thereby, if at the time of such vote there is a
publicly announced or disclosed Competing Transaction and, within 12 months
after termination of the Merger Agreement, AmeriSource enters into an
Acquisition Agreement for a Business Combination or consummates a Business
Combination; (iii) the failure by the AmeriSource stockholders to approve the
Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby, if, within three
months after termination of the Merger Agreement, AmeriSource enters into an
Acquisition Agreement for a Business Combination or consummates a Business
Combination; (iv) AmeriSource's breach, in any material respect, of its
obligations contained in the Stock Option Agreement; or (v) AmeriSource's
termination of the Merger Agreement and entering into a Competing Transaction
as described in the "The Merger Agreement -- No Solicitation of Transactions."
The Stock Option Agreement was executed as an inducement to McKesson to enter
into the Merger Agreement and is intended, as is the Termination Fee payable
by AmeriSource as described under "The Merger Agreement -- Termination Fee,"
to compensate McKesson in the event that the Merger Agreement is terminated
under certain circumstances. In addition, as discussed below, certain aspects
of the Stock Option Agreement may discourage other persons from considering or
proposing a business combination with AmeriSource. The terms of the Stock
Option Agreement are the result of arm's-length negotiations between
AmeriSource and McKesson. The exercise price of the Option is equivalent to
the value of 0.71 of a share of McKesson Common Stock, utilizing the closing
price of a share of McKesson Common Stock on September 22, 1997, the date of
the Merger Agreement and the Stock Option Agreement.     
 
  Certain aspects of the Stock Option Agreement (including the fact that the
exercise by McKesson of the Option would render AmeriSource ineligible for
"pooling of interests" accounting treatment for any business combination that
would trigger the exercisability of the Option) may have the effect of
discouraging persons who might now or prior to the Effective Time be
interested in acquiring all of or a significant interest in, or otherwise
effecting a business combination with, AmeriSource, from considering or
proposing such a transaction.
 
CERTAIN COVENANTS
 
  Pursuant to the Stock Option Agreement, AmeriSource covenanted that: (i) if
at any time after exercise of the Option and purchase of any shares of
AmeriSource Common Stock pursuant to the Option (the "Option Shares"),
McKesson desires to convert any AmeriSource Class B Common Stock comprising
Option Shares
 
                                      50
<PAGE>
 
   
purchased into AmeriSource Class A Common Stock (or vice versa), and if prior
notification to or approval of any Governmental Authority is required in
connection with such conversion, McKesson and, if applicable, AmeriSource will
promptly file the required notice or application for approval and will
expeditiously process the same (and AmeriSource will cooperate with McKesson
in the filing of any such notice or application and the obtaining of any such
approval); (ii) for so long as the Option remains outstanding and, if the
Option is exercised for AmeriSource Class B Common Stock, until such
AmeriSource Class B Common Stock is converted into AmeriSource Class A Common
Stock, neither the AmeriSource Certificate nor any other instrument governing
the rights of the AmeriSource Class A Common Stock or the AmeriSource Class B
Common Stock will be amended to adversely affect the right of holders of
AmeriSource Class B Common Stock to convert such shares into AmeriSource Class
A Common Stock; and (iii) any rights agreement, plan or other instrument which
may be adopted or entered into governing any rights will provide that neither
the ownership or exercise of the Option or any portion thereof nor the
purchase or ownership of any of the Option Shares will trigger any of the
provisions of any such rights agreement.     
 
REPURCHASE
 
  The Stock Option Agreement provides that upon the written request of
McKesson, at any time during certain specified periods, AmeriSource will
repurchase the Option from McKesson together with all (but not less than all)
of the Option Shares purchased by McKesson pursuant to the Option with respect
to which McKesson then has Beneficial Ownership, at a price equal to the sum
of: (i) the difference between (A) the "Market/Tender Offer Price" for shares
of AmeriSource Common Stock (defined as the higher of (x) the highest price
per share at which a tender or exchange offer has been made for shares of
AmeriSource Common Stock or (y) the highest closing price per share of
AmeriSource Class A Common Stock as reported by the NYSE Composite Tape, in
each case, for any day within a specified period preceding the date McKesson
gives notice of the required repurchase) and (B) the exercise price of the
Option, multiplied by the number of Option Shares with respect to which the
Option has not been exercised or has been exercised but the related Closing
has not occurred, but only if such Market/Tender Offer Price is greater than
such exercise price; and (ii) the greater of the Market/Tender Offer Price and
the exercise price paid for any Option Shares acquired upon exercise of the
Option, multiplied by the number of Option Shares so acquired.
 
REGISTRATION RIGHTS
 
  AmeriSource has further agreed that at any time after a closing under the
Stock Option Agreement, it will, if requested by any holder or Beneficial
Owner of Option Shares (each a "Holder"), as expeditiously as possible file a
registration statement on a form for general use under the Securities Act if
necessary in order to permit the sale or other disposition of Option Shares in
accordance with the intended method of sale or other disposition requested by
any such Holder. The registration will be at AmeriSource's expense except for
underwriting commissions and the fees and disbursements of such Holder's
counsel attributable to the registration of such Option Shares.
 
LISTING
 
  AmeriSource agreed that if AmeriSource Common Stock or any other securities
to be acquired upon exercise of the Option are then listed on any national
securities exchange, AmeriSource, upon the request of McKesson, will promptly
file an application to list the Option Shares or other securities to be
acquired upon exercise of the Option on all such exchanges and will use its
best efforts to obtain approval of such listings as soon as practicable.
 
CERTAIN ADJUSTMENTS
 
  In the event of any change in AmeriSource Common Stock by reason of stock
dividends, split-ups, recapitalizations, or the like, the type and number of
shares or securities subject to the Option and the exercise
 
                                      51
<PAGE>
 
price will be adjusted appropriately. In the event any additional shares of
AmeriSource Common Stock are issued after the date of the Stock Option
Agreement (other then pursuant to options granted under employee benefit
plans), the number of shares subject to the Option will be adjusted so that it
equals at least 19.9% of the number of shares of AmeriSource Common Stock then
issued and outstanding.
 
ADDITIONAL OPTION
   
  The Stock Option Agreement provides that it will be automatically amended so
that the Option covers an additional 1,325,939 shares of AmeriSource Class B
Common Stock if the NYSE advises McKesson that the Option can be so increased
without approval of AmeriSource stockholders. If the Stock Option Agreement is
so amended, McKesson agreed not to convert any Option Shares acquired upon
exercise of the augmented portion of the Option into shares of AmeriSource
Class A Common Stock.     
 
TERMINATION
   
  The Stock Option Agreement will terminate, if no Purchase Event has occurred
prior thereto, upon the occurrence of any of the following: (i) at the
Effective Time of the Merger; or (ii) upon the termination of the Merger
Agreement pursuant to its terms other than a termination caused by (A) the
AmeriSource Board's changing its recommendation in a manner adverse to
McKesson, or its failure to reaffirm such recommendation, (B) AmeriSource's
breach, in any material respect, of its obligations contained in the Stock
Option Agreement, (C) the failure of AmeriSource to obtain the requisite vote
of stockholders of AmeriSource to approve the Merger, the Merger Agreement and
the transactions contemplated thereby, and (D) AmeriSource entering into a
Competing Transaction prior to the approval of the Merger by the AmeriSource
stockholders, if the AmeriSource Board determines, in good faith after
consultation with legal advisors and upon receipt of a written opinion from
Goldman Sachs that the Competing Transaction is more favorable from a
financial point of view to the AmeriSource stockholders, and that failure to
enter into a Competing Transaction would constitute a breach of the duties of
the AmeriSource Board; or (iii) on the one-year anniversary date of the
termination of the Merger Agreement caused by the failure of AmeriSource to
obtain the requisite vote of stockholders of AmeriSource to approve the Merger
Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, if
prior to the AmeriSource Stockholders Meeting (including any adjournment or
postponement thereof) there is a publicly announced or disclosed Competing
Transaction with respect to AmeriSource; or (iv) on the three-month
anniversary date of the termination of the Merger Agreement caused by the
failure of AmeriSource to obtain the requisite vote of stockholders of
AmeriSource to approve the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated
thereby, including the Merger, if clause (iii) above is not applicable.     
 
                                      52
<PAGE>
 
                         THE VOTING/SUPPORT AGREEMENTS
   
  The following is a brief summary of certain provisions of the Voting/Support
Agreements with VPI and with each of three AmeriSource executives
(collectively, the "Voting/Support Agreements"), copies of which agreements
are attached as Appendix E and Appendix F, respectively, to this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and are incorporated herein by reference. This summary is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Voting/Support
Agreements. Capitalized terms that are used in this section and not defined
have the respective meaning given to them in the Voting/Support Agreements.
       
VOTING/SUPPORT AGREEMENT WITH VPI     
   
  General. In connection with McKesson's entering into the Merger Agreement,
VPI entered into a Voting/Support Agreement, dated as of September 22, 1997,
with McKesson and Merger Sub (the "VPI Voting/Support Agreement") pursuant to
which, among other matters, VPI granted to Merger Sub an irrevocable proxy to
vote all of the shares of AmeriSource Class A Common Stock owned by VPI (i) in
favor of the Merger and the Merger Agreement (but not in favor of any
"Material Adverse Amendment" (as defined in the VPI Voting/Support Agreement)
to the Merger Agreement), (ii) against any Competing Transaction, (iii)
against any action or agreement the purpose or effect of which would impede,
interfere with or attempt to discourage the Merger and (iv) against any action
the taking of which would constitute a breach by AmeriSource of its
representations, warranties, covenants or agreements in the Merger Agreement
or in the Stock Option Agreement. On all other matters, such shares may be
voted by VPI in the manner determined by VPI. Other than certain surviving
obligations, the VPI Voting/Support Agreement terminates upon termination of
the Merger Agreement or upon the occurrence of a Material Adverse Amendment.
       
  VPI owns approximately 28% of the outstanding shares of AmeriSource Common
Stock, which ownership is composed of 3,974,513 shares (approximately 19% of
the outstanding shares) of AmeriSource Class A Common Stock and 2,746,560
shares (approximately 99.9% of the outstanding shares) of AmeriSource Class B
Common Stock (together, the "VPI Shares").     
          
  Agreement Not to Transfer. The VPI Voting/Support Agreement provides that
VPI will not at any time during the term of the Agreement sell, transfer,
assign or otherwise dispose of ("Transfer") or pledge or otherwise encumber,
or enter into any contract, option or other arrangement with respect to the
Transfer, pledge or encumbrance of, any of the VPI Shares, or grant or purport
to grant to any person any proxy or voting right or any right to acquire any
of the VPI Shares, or enter into any voting agreement with any person with
respect to any of the VPI Shares, or deposit any of the VPI Shares into a
voting trust.     
          
  Certain Covenants of VPI. Pursuant to the VPI Voting/Support Agreement, VPI
covenanted, among other things, that until the Agreement terminates, (a) it
will not at any time, directly or indirectly, solicit, initiate, encourage or
facilitate, or furnish or disclose non-public information in furtherance of,
any inquiries or the making of any proposal with respect to any Competing
Transaction, or authorize or permit any of its affiliates that it controls
("Controlled Affiliates") or any of its or its Controlled Affiliates'
directors, officers, employees, agents or representatives to so act; (b) it
will take all actions necessary to call, or cause AmeriSource to call, the
AmeriSource Stockholders Meeting in accordance with the provisions of the
Merger Agreement, and use its best efforts to cause such meeting to be held
and completed on the date scheduled for such meeting; (c) it will not, during
the 30 days prior to the Effective Time, sell, transfer or otherwise dispose
of or reduce its risk (as contemplated by the Securities and Exchange
Commission Accounting Series Release No. 135) with respect to the VPI Shares
or shares of McKesson Common Stock that it may hold and, after the Effective
Time, it will not sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of or reduce its risk
(as contemplated by Securities and Exchange Commission Accounting Series
Release No. 135) with respect to any McKesson Common Stock received by it in
the Merger or any other shares of McKesson Common Stock that it may hold until
after such time as combined financial results covering at least 30 days of
combined operations of AmeriSource and McKesson have been published by
McKesson; and (d) it will not take any action which would jeopardize
qualification of the Merger as a reorganization within the meaning of Section
368(a) of the Code.     
 
                                      53
<PAGE>
 
  In addition, pursuant to the VPI Voting/Support Agreement McKesson
covenanted that (1) if the Effective Time is less than 30 days prior to the
end of McKesson's fiscal quarter or occurs during the first 30 days of
McKesson's fiscal quarter, McKesson will use reasonable efforts to prepare and
publicly release, as soon as practicable following the end of the first month
ending at least 30 days after the Effective Time, a report filed with the
Commission on Form 8-K or any other public filing, statement or announcement
which includes the combined financial results (including combined sales and
net income) of McKesson and Amerisource for a period of at least 30 days of
combined operations of McKesson and Amerisource following the Effective Time,
(2) if the Merger is consummated, the McKesson Board will take all action
necessary to elect to the McKesson Board (i) James Urry, who would be assigned
to the class of directors whose term of office expires at McKesson's first
annual meeting of stockholders after the Effective Time, and (ii) Michael
Delaney, who would be assigned to the class of directors whose term of office
expires at McKesson's second annual meeting of stockholders after the
Effective Time.
 
  The VPI Voting/Support Agreement also provides that, if the Merger is
consummated and if at any time VPI owns less than 60% of the shares of
McKesson Common Stock received by it in the Merger, then VPI, upon the written
request of McKesson, will cause James Urry promptly to resign from the
McKesson Board, and if at any time VPI owns less than 30% of the shares of
McKesson Common Stock received by it in the Merger, then VPI, upon the written
request of McKesson, will cause Michael Delaney promptly to resign from the
McKesson Board.
   
  Termination. Except for certain surviving covenants contained therein, the
VPI Voting/Support Agreement terminates at the earliest of (i) the Effective
Time, (ii) the termination of the Merger Agreement pursuant to its terms and
(iii) the occurrence of a Material Adverse Amendment.     
 
VOTING/SUPPORT AGREEMENTS WITH CERTAIN EXECUTIVES OF AMERISOURCE
   
  McKesson and Merger Sub also entered into Voting/Support Agreements (the
form of which is attached as Appendix F) with each of R. David Yost, David M.
Flowers and Kurt J. Hilzinger, each an executive of AmeriSource, pursuant to
which Merger Sub was granted an irrevocable proxy, substantially similar to
the proxy granted by VPI, to vote all of the shares of AmeriSource Class A
Common Stock owned by them. As of September 30, 1997, these executives owned
in the aggregate approximately 1.4% of the outstanding AmeriSource Class A
Common Stock.     
 
                                      54
<PAGE>
 
                       THE REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
   
  The following is a brief summary of certain provisions of the Registration
Rights Agreement, a copy of which is attached as Appendix G to this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference. This
summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the
Registration Rights Agreement. Capitalized terms that are used in this section
and are not defined have the respective meanings given to them in the
Registration Rights Agreement.     
   
  In connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, McKesson entered
into a Registration Rights Agreement dated as of September 22, 1997 with VPI
(the "Registration Rights Agreement"). Pursuant to the Registration Rights
Agreement, VPI was accorded certain registration rights with respect to the
shares of McKesson Common Stock it would be receiving in the Merger.     
   
  Specifically, at VPI's request, McKesson will use its best efforts to effect
the registration of the McKesson Common Stock held by VPI. VPI has the right
to request registration twice, and each request must be for at least 25% of
the aggregate number of shares of McKesson Common Stock held by VPI or any
person to whom VPI has transferred any of its shares (referred to as "holders
of Registrable Securities"). The Registration Rights Agreement terminates at
such time as VPI and other holders of Registrable Securities own in the
aggregate less than 25% of the aggregate number of Registrable Securities
owned by such holders at the Effective Time.     
 
  The Registration Rights Agreement will become effective as of the Effective
Time and will supersede an existing registration rights agreement between VPI
and AmeriSource, to which McKesson would have become subject under the terms
of that agreement.
 
                                      55
<PAGE>
 
                           THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
   
  Simultaneously with the execution of the Merger Agreement, McKesson entered
into employment agreements (the "Employment Agreements") with AmeriSource and
each of R. David Yost; David M. Flowers; and Kurt J. Hilzinger (the
"Executives"). Each Employment Agreement will become effective as of the
Effective Time and will, upon becoming effective, supersede all prior
agreements between the Executives and AmeriSource.     
   
  Each Employment Agreement has a term of three years. During the term, the
Executives will perform such services as may be assigned from time to time by
McKesson's Chief Executive Officer. In addition, Mr. Yost will serve as Group
President of McKesson's AmeriSource Services Group and as a corporate Vice
President. For services in each of these three years, each Executive will
receive an annual base salary and an annual cash bonus. The annual base salary
for Messrs. Yost, Flowers and Hilzinger will be, respectively, $350,000,
$260,000 and $250,000 and may be increased by McKesson upon periodic review.
The annual cash bonus will be determined based upon McKesson's policy of
providing for bonuses based on individual and corporate performance. In
addition, the Executives will be eligible for stock option grants and
restricted stock awards at such times as other similarly situated executives
in accordance with McKesson's customary practices. McKesson has agreed to
continue Mr. Yost's split dollar life insurance as was in effect with
AmeriSource on the date of the signing of the Merger Agreement and to
establish such arrangements for Messrs. Hilzinger and Flowers. The Executives
will also participate in all compensation or employee benefit plans or
programs (other than termination pay programs) for which salaried employees of
McKesson are generally eligible and will also receive reimbursement of certain
perquisites and business and relocation expenses.     
 
  Each Employment Agreement provides that, at the Effective Time, McKesson
will make awards of stock options and restricted McKesson Common Stock to each
Executive. Mr. Yost will be granted options to acquire 50,000 shares of
McKesson Common Stock, and Messrs. Flowers and Hilzinger will each be granted
options to acquire 25,000 shares of McKesson Common Stock. The exercise price
in respect of such options will be based on the fair market value of McKesson
stock as of the Effective Time, and the options will vest and become
exercisable in 25% increments per year commencing on the first anniversary of
the Effective Time. Mr. Yost will also be awarded 20,000 shares of restricted
McKesson Common Stock, and Messrs. Flowers and Hilzinger will each be awarded
10,000 shares of restricted McKesson Common Stock. The restrictions on such
awards of McKesson Common Stock will lapse on the second anniversary of the
Effective Time, provided that, upon such date, McKesson and each Executive
agree that such Executive has satisfied performance goals to be established by
the Executive and the Chief Executive Officer of McKesson. The foregoing
awards of stock options and restricted McKesson Common Stock will be subject
to the provisions of McKesson's 1994 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan to
the extent not inconsistent with the terms of the Employment Agreements. Upon
a "Without Cause Termination" (defined as any termination of employment of the
Executive by McKesson other than a "Termination for Cause" (defined below)) of
the Executive during the term of the Employment Agreement, all options will
immediately vest and become exercisable for the 90 days following such
termination, and the restrictions on all shares of restricted McKesson Common
Stock will immediately lapse provided that all performance goals have been met
as of the date of termination. Upon a Termination for Cause of the Executive
by McKesson, all options will immediately lapse (whether or not previously
vested), and all shares of restricted McKesson Common Stock will immediately
be forfeited (whether or not previously vested). "Termination for Cause" is
defined as a termination of the Executive by McKesson upon (i) the Executive's
misconduct, habitual neglect, dishonesty or other knowing violation of
McKesson policies and procedures, (ii) actions (or failures to act) of the
Executive taken in bad faith and to the detriment of the McKesson or (iii) a
material breach of the Employment Agreement.
 
  Each Employment Agreement also provides that McKesson will, at or following
the Effective Time, make a housing loan to be used by the Executive for the
purchase of a principal residence upon the Executive's relocation to San
Francisco, California. For Mr. Yost, the amount of the housing loan is
$500,000, and for each of Messrs. Flowers and Hilzinger, the amount of the
housing loan is $250,000. Each housing loan will be evidenced by a note
secured by such residence. Each housing loan will bear no interest prior to
maturity and will
 
                                      56
<PAGE>
 
be repaid upon the earliest of (i) 60 days after termination of the
Executive's employment, (ii) sale or transfer of the property, (iii) use of
the property other than as a principal residence or (iv) the tenth anniversary
of the housing loan. In connection with a housing loan to an Executive,
McKesson will establish a deferred compensation account for such Executive and
will make ten annual credits to such account. For Mr. Yost, this credit will
be $50,000 per annum, and, for Messrs. Flowers and Hilzinger, this credit will
be $25,000 per annum. An Executive will forfeit all amounts credited to the
deferred compensation account maintained on his behalf if his employment with
McKesson is terminated for any reason prior to the fifth anniversary of the
date of the housing loan. The balance of such account will be released to the
Executive (or, at McKesson's election, applied to the balance of the housing
loan) upon the earlier of maturity of the loan or the tenth anniversary of the
date of first credit to such account.
   
  Each Employment Agreement provides for payment of "Severance Benefits"
(specified below) to an Executive whose employment is terminated (i) by
McKesson during the term due to a Without Cause Termination or (ii) by the
Executive during the 30 days commencing following the second anniversary of
the Effective Time. Severance Benefits include three years of coverage under
McKesson's employee welfare benefit plans (or, at the election of the
Executive, a lump sum equivalent of cash) and a lump sum equal to three times
the sum of highest annual base salary in effect during the term of the
Employment Agreement and highest bonus paid to the Executive during the four
years prior to termination. Severance Benefits will be in lieu of any
severance, termination or similar payment under any program, plan or practice
of McKesson, as well as in lieu of any further payment or benefit under the
Employment Agreement. The Employment Agreements provide for the reduction of
Severance Benefits otherwise payable to the extent that any payments or
benefits to an Executive upon termination of employment would be subject to an
excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code. Upon the termination of employment
of an Executive, the Executive will also receive earned but unpaid salary as
of the date of termination and any benefits due the Executive to which he is
entitled as a former employee of McKesson. Mr. Yost's Employment Agreement
provides that, upon termination of employment for any reason, he will
voluntarily resign from McKesson's Board of Directors. The Employment
Agreements also contain customary confidentiality, noncompetition,
nonsolicitation and arbitration provisions.     
 
                                      57
<PAGE>
 
             CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER
 
  The following is a general discussion of the material federal income tax
consequences of the receipt of McKesson Common Stock by a holder of
AmeriSource Common Stock pursuant to the Merger and is not intended to
constitute advice regarding the federal income tax consequences of the Merger
to any such holder. This summary only applies to U.S. Holders (as defined
below) who hold AmeriSource Common Stock as capital assets and does not deal
with special classes of investors, such as insurance companies, tax-exempt
organizations, financial institutions, dealers in securities, foreign persons,
persons who acquired shares of AmeriSource Common Stock pursuant to an
exercise of employee stock options or rights or otherwise as compensation,
persons that hold shares of AmeriSource Common Stock as part of a position in
a "straddle" or as part of a "hedging" or "conversion" transaction for federal
income tax purposes, and persons with a "functional currency" other than the
U.S. dollar.
 
  A "U.S. Holder" means a holder of shares of AmeriSource Common Stock who is
(i) a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation or
partnership created in or organized under the laws of the United States or
state thereof (including the District of Columbia), (iii) an estate the income
of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source, or
(iv) a trust if (x) a U.S. court can exercise primary supervision over the
administration of such trust, and (y) one or more U.S. fiduciaries have the
authority to control all of the substantial decisions of such trust.
   
  This discussion is based on current law and the opinions and advice of
Dechert Price & Rhoads. Future legislative, judicial or administrative changes
or interpretations, which may be retroactive, could alter or modify the
statements set forth herein. Neither McKesson nor AmeriSource will request any
ruling from the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") as to the U.S. federal income
tax consequences of the Merger. Opinions of counsel are not binding on the IRS
or the courts, and the IRS and the courts are not precluded from taking
contrary positions.     
 
  EACH HOLDER OF SHARES OF AMERISOURCE COMMON STOCK IS URGED TO CONSULT HIS OR
HER OWN TAX ADVISOR AS TO THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES TO HIM OR HER OF THE
TRANSACTIONS DESCRIBED HEREIN, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF ANY
STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN TAX LAWS, AND OF CHANGES IN APPLICABLE TAX LAWS.
 
GENERAL
   
  It is a condition to the consummation of the Merger that AmeriSource receive
an opinion of its tax counsel, Dechert Price & Rhoads, that the Merger will
qualify as a so-called "tax free reorganization." That opinion will be based
on certain assumptions described therein, as well as on certain
representations of the managements of AmeriSource and McKesson.     
 
TAX CONSEQUENCES TO HOLDERS OF AMERISOURCE COMMON STOCK
 
  Provided the Merger qualifies as a tax-free reorganization, a holder of
AmeriSource Common Stock will recognize no gain or loss on the exchange of
AmeriSource Common Stock for McKesson Common Stock pursuant to the Merger
(except as described below with respect to cash issued in lieu of fractional
shares). The holder's tax basis in the shares of McKesson Common Stock
received will be equal to the holder's tax basis in the shares of AmeriSource
Common Stock surrendered in the Merger (except to the extent that basis is
assigned to a fractional share that is considered to be sold to McKesson in a
redemption, as described below). The holder's holding period for the shares of
McKesson Common Stock received in the Merger will include the holding period
for the shares of AmeriSource Common Stock surrendered in the Merger.
 
  A holder will be taxed on the receipt of cash in lieu of a fractional share
of McKesson Common Stock. The holder will be treated as if he or she had
received the fractional share in the Merger (with an appropriate amount of tax
basis assigned to such fractional share), and then as if the fractional share
were redeemed by McKesson.
 
                                      58
<PAGE>
 
Such redemption will be treated as a sale of such fractional share (resulting
in capital gain or loss to the holder), unless it is determined to be
essentially equivalent to a dividend to the holder applying the rules of
Section 302 of the Code (in which case the cash will be taxed as a dividend
and the basis allocated to such fractional share will be reassigned to the
remaining shares of McKesson Common Stock held by such holder). Capital gain
recognized in connection with such redemption will, under recently enacted
legislation, be subject to a 20% maximum rate of tax if the AmeriSource Common
Stock surrendered in the Merger was held for more than 18 months, or a 28%
maximum rate of tax if the AmeriSource Common Stock was held for more than one
year but not more than 18 months.
 
  Rights to purchase McKesson preferred stock under the terms of the Rights
Agreement should not be treated as a separate item of property for federal
income tax purposes, and therefore the receipt of those Rights in connection
with the Merger should not affect the conclusions described above.
 
  If the Merger is not treated as a tax free reorganization for federal income
tax purposes, AmeriSource stockholders would recognize gain or loss for
federal income tax purposes measured by the difference between the fair market
value of the McKesson Common Stock received and the holder's tax basis in the
AmeriSource Common Stock surrendered in the Merger. Such gain or loss would be
capital gain or loss, with gain subject to taxation, as described above.
Capital losses may generally be used to offset capital gain, but are subject
to certain limitations as to their use as an offset to ordinary income.
 
TAX CONSEQUENCES TO MCKESSON AND AMERISOURCE
 
  No gain or loss will be recognized by McKesson or AmeriSource as a result of
the Merger.
 
                                      59
<PAGE>
 
                      COMPARATIVE RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDERS
 
  As a result of the Merger, holders of AmeriSource Common Stock will become
stockholders of McKesson and the rights of all such former AmeriSource
stockholders will thereafter be governed by McKesson Certificate, the McKesson
By-laws and the DGCL. The rights of the holders of AmeriSource Common Stock
are currently governed by the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of
AmeriSource (the "AmeriSource Certificate"), the By-laws of AmeriSource (the
"AmeriSource By-laws") and the DGCL. The following summary, which does not
purport to be a complete statement of the general differences between the
rights of the stockholders of McKesson and AmeriSource, sets forth certain
difference between the McKesson Certificate and the AmeriSource Certificate
and between the McKesson By-laws and the AmeriSource By-laws. This summary is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of each of such
documents and the DGCL. For information as to how such documents may be
obtained, see "Available Information."
 
CLASSIFIED BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
  The DGCL provides that a corporation's board of directors may be divided
into various classes with staggered terms of office. The McKesson Certificate
provides that the McKesson Board is divided into three classes of directors,
with each class consisting of one-third of the total number of directors, with
any remaining directors included in such group or groups as the Board
designates. One class of directors is elected each year for a three-year term.
   
  Classification of directors has the effect of making it more difficult for
stockholders to change the composition of the McKesson Board. At least two
annual meetings of stockholders, instead of one, will generally be required to
effect a change in the majority of the McKesson Board. Such a delay may help
ensure that McKesson's directors, if confronted by a third party attempting to
force a proxy contest, a tender or exchange offer or other extraordinary
corporate transaction, have sufficient time to review the proposal as well as
any available alternatives to the proposal and to act in what they believe to
be the best interests of the stockholders.     
 
  The classification provisions could also have the effect of discouraging a
third party from initiating a proxy contest, making a tender offer or
otherwise attempting to obtain control of McKesson, even though such a
transaction could be beneficial to McKesson and its stockholders. The
classification of the McKesson Board might also increase the likelihood that
incumbent directors will retain their positions.
 
  The AmeriSource Certificate does not provide for a classified board.
 
STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN
   
  McKesson entered into the Rights Agreement, which was designed to protect
McKesson stockholders from coercive or unfair takeover tactics. Pursuant to
the Rights Agreement, the Board of Directors of McKesson declared a dividend
distribution of one Right for each then outstanding share of McKesson Common
Stock and authorized the issuance of one Right for each share of McKesson
Common Stock issued after the date of the Rights Agreement, but prior to the
triggering of the Right. One Right will be issued with respect to each share
of McKesson Common Stock issued pursuant to the Merger. Each Right entitles a
registered holder to purchase, upon the occurrence of certain specified
events, a unit consisting of one one-hundredth of a share of McKesson Series A
Junior Participating Preferred Stock at a purchase price of $100 per unit. The
description and terms of the Rights are set forth in the Rights Agreement. In
general, pursuant to the Rights Agreement, upon the occurrence of specified
triggering events, such as the acquisition by any person (other than McKesson
or any of its subsidiaries) of the beneficial ownership of securities
representing 15% or more of the outstanding McKesson Common Stock without the
prior approval of the McKesson Board, each holder of a Right will have the
right to receive, upon exercise of the Right, that amount of McKesson Common
Stock having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the Right. The
Rights Agreement further provides that if McKesson is acquired in a merger or
other business combination or McKesson sells more than 50% of its assets and
such transaction is not approved by the McKesson Board, McKesson's
stockholders will have the right to receive, with respect to each Right,
common stock of the acquiring company having a value equal to two times the
exercise price of the Right.     
 
                                      60
<PAGE>
 
Under certain circumstances, McKesson may redeem the Rights for a redemption
price of $.01 per Right, which will otherwise expire on the tenth anniversary
of the adoption of the Rights Agreement. The effect of the Rights Agreement
may be to render more difficult a change in control of McKesson.
 
  AmeriSource presently does not have a stockholder rights plan.
 
NUMBER OF DIRECTORS; REMOVAL; FILLING VACANCIES
   
  The McKesson Certificate provides that, subject to any rights of holders of
McKesson Series Preferred Stock to elect directors, the holders of McKesson
Common Stock shall have the exclusive right to elect directors. There are no
shares of Preferred Stock currently outstanding. The McKesson By-laws provide
that the number of directors shall be fixed from time to time by the By-laws,
but in no event shall be less than three. The McKesson By-laws also provide
that, until the By-laws are further amended, the number of directors shall be
nine. In addition, the McKesson By-laws provide that any vacancy occurring in
the McKesson Board for any reason other than an increase in the number of
directors may be filled by a majority of the remaining members of the McKesson
Board or by the stockholders. Any vacancy occurring by reason of an increase
in the number of directors may be filled by action of a majority of the entire
McKesson Board or by the stockholders. At the Effective Time, the McKesson
Board will be increased by three to accommodate the election of three new
directors who are currently serving on the AmeriSource Board. See "The Merger
Agreement -- Corporate Organization and Governance."     
 
  Under the DGCL, unless otherwise provided in the certificate of
incorporation, directors serving on a classified board may only be removed by
the stockholders for cause. The McKesson By-laws provide that directors may be
removed only for cause. The McKesson By-laws further provide that any
amendment to the McKesson By-laws to permit a director to be removed without
cause must be approved by either the holders of all shares of stock entitled
to vote thereon or by a vote of a majority of the entire McKesson Board.
Directors elected by the Series Preferred Stock, should any such stock be
outstanding, are subject to removal as provided in the McKesson Certificate or
as provided by law.
 
  The AmeriSource By-laws provide that the number of directors constituting
the AmeriSource Board shall be determined by the AmeriSource Board. The
AmeriSource Board currently consists of nine directors.
 
  Neither the AmeriSource Certificate nor the AmeriSource By-laws provide for
the removal of directors from the AmeriSource Board or the filling of
vacancies on the AmeriSource Board. Pursuant to the DGCL, where a board is not
classified, directors may be removed, with or without cause, by the holders of
a majority of the shares entitled to vote. In addition, pursuant to the DGCL,
newly created directorships resulting from an increase in the authorized
number of directors and vacancies created by resignation may be filled by a
majority of the directors then in office.
 
NO STOCKHOLDER ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT; SPECIAL MEETINGS
 
  The McKesson Certificate provides that stockholder action can be taken only
at an annual or special meeting of stockholders or by unanimous written
consent. The McKesson By-laws provide that special meetings of stockholders
can be called only by the Chairman of the Board, the President or the McKesson
Board. Stockholders are not permitted to call a special meeting or to require
that the McKesson Board call a special meeting of stockholders.
 
  As a result of the foregoing provisions, a stockholder may not force
stockholder consideration of a proposal over the opposition of the Chairman of
the Board, the President and the McKesson Board by calling a special meeting
of stockholders prior to the time the Chairman of the Board, the President or
the McKesson Board believes such consideration to be appropriate.
 
  The AmeriSource By-laws provide that special meetings of the stockholders
may be called at any time by either (i) the president, (ii) the board of
directors or (iii) the holders of a majority of the shares of stock entitled
to vote at the meeting.
 
 
                                      61
<PAGE>
 
  Neither the AmeriSource Certificate nor the AmeriSource By-laws covers
actions of stockholders without a meeting. Pursuant to the DGCL, absent any
provision to the contrary in a company's certificate of incorporation, any
action required or permitted to be taken at any annual or special meeting of
stockholders may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without
a vote, if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, is signed
by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of
votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at
which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted. Prompt
notice of the taking of any corporate action without a meeting by less than
unanimous written consent must be given to those stockholders who did not
consent in writing and who would have been entitled to notice if the action
had been taken at a meeting.
 
FAIR PRICE PROVISIONS
 
  The McKesson Certificate contains a "fair price" provision, requiring that,
in addition to any other vote required by the McKesson Certificate or the
DGCL, certain "Business Combination" transactions be recommended by the Board
of Directors and approved by the affirmative vote of at least: (a) 80 percent
of the votes entitled to be cast by outstanding shares of voting stock of
McKesson, voting together as a single voting group; and (b) two-thirds of the
votes entitled to be cast by holders of voting stock other than voting stock
held by an Interested Stockholder who is (or whose Affiliate is) a party to a
Business Combination or an Affiliate or Associate of the Interested
Stockholder, voting together as a single voting group.
   
  For purposes of the "fair price" provision only, certain terms are defined
as follows (other capitalized terms used in this section having the respective
meanings ascribed to them in the McKesson Certificate):     
 
  "Business Combination" means:
 
    (i) Unless the transaction does not alter the contract rights of the
  stock or change or convert in whole or in part the outstanding shares of
  stock of McKesson, any merger or consolidation of McKesson or any
  Subsidiary with (A) any Interested Stockholder or (B) any other corporation
  (whether or not itself an Interested Stockholder) which is, or after the
  merger or consolidation, would be, an Affiliate of an Interested
  Stockholder that was an Interested Stockholder prior to the transaction.
 
    (ii) Any sale, lease, transfer or other disposition, other than in the
  ordinary course of business, in one transaction or a series of transactions
  in any 12-month period, to any Interested Stockholder or any Affiliate of
  any Interested Stockholder (other than McKesson or any of its Subsidiaries)
  of any assets of McKesson or any Subsidiary having, measured at the time
  the transaction or transactions are approved by the Board of Directors of
  McKesson, an aggregate book value as of the end of McKesson's most recently
  ended fiscal quarter of 10 percent or more of the total Market Value (as
  defined in the McKesson Certificate) of the outstanding stock of McKesson
  or of its net worth as of the end of its most recently ended fiscal
  quarter;
 
    (iii) The issuance by McKesson, or any Subsidiary, in one transaction or
  a series of transactions, of any Equity Securities of McKesson or any
  Subsidiary which have an aggregate Market Value of 5 percent or more of the
  total Market Value of the outstanding stock of McKesson to any Interested
  Stockholder or any Affiliate of any Interested Stockholder (other than
  McKesson or any of its Subsidiaries) except pursuant to the exercise of
  warrants or rights to purchase securities offered pro rata to all holders
  of McKesson voting stock or any other method affording substantially
  proportionate treatment to the holders of Voting Stock;
 
    (iv)  The adoption of any plan or proposal for the liquidation or
  dissolution of McKesson in which anything other than cash will be received
  by an Interested Stockholder or any Affiliate of any Interested
  Stockholder; or
 
    (v) Any reclassification of securities (including any reverse stock
  split), or recapitalization of McKesson, or any merger or consolidation, of
  McKesson with any of its Subsidiaries which has the effect, directly or
  indirectly, in one transaction or a series of transactions, of increasing
  by 5 percent or more of the
 
                                      62
<PAGE>
 
  total number of outstanding shares, the proportionate amount of the
  outstanding shares of any class of Equity Securities of McKesson or any
  Subsidiary which is directly or indirectly owned by any Interested
  Stockholder or any Affiliate of any Interested Stockholder.
 
  "Interested Stockholder" means any person (other than McKesson or any
  Subsidiary) that:
     
    (i) Is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of ten percent or
  more of the voting power of the outstanding voting stock of McKesson; or
      
    (ii) Is an Affiliate of McKesson and at any time within the two-year
  period immediately prior to the date in question was the beneficial owner,
  directly or indirectly, of ten percent or more of the voting power of the
  then outstanding voting stock of McKesson.
 
  The required vote referred to above does not apply to a Business Combination
if each of the following conditions, among others, is met:
 
    (i) The aggregate amount of the cash and the Market Value as of the
  Valuation Date of consideration other than cash to be received per share by
  holders of McKesson Common Stock in the Business Combination are at least
  equal to the highest of the following:
 
      (A) The highest per share price (including any brokerage commissions,
    transfer taxes and soliciting dealer's fees) paid by the Interested
    Stockholder for any shares of McKesson Common Stock acquired by it: (x)
    within the two-year period immediately prior to the Announcement Date
    of the proposal of the Business Combination; or (y) in the transaction
    in which it became an Interested Stockholder, whichever is higher; or
 
      (B) The Market Value per share of McKesson Common Stock on the
    Announcement Date or on the Determination Date, whichever is higher; or
       
      (C) The price per share equal to the Market Value per share of
    McKesson Common Stock determined pursuant to the immediately preceding
    subparagraph (B), multiplied by the fraction of: (x) the highest per
    share price (including any brokerage commissions, transfer taxes and
    soliciting dealers' fees) paid by the Interested Stockholder for any
    shares of McKesson Common Stock acquired by it within the two year
    period immediately prior to the Announcement Date, over (y) the Market
    Value per share of McKesson Common Stock on the first day in such two-
    year period on which the Interested Stockholder acquired any shares of
    McKesson Common Stock.     
 
    (ii) After the Interested Stockholder has become an Interested
  Stockholder and prior to the consummation of such Business Combination:
       
      (A) Each of the following is true: (x) there shall have been no
    reduction in the annual rate of dividends paid on any class or series
    of stock of McKesson that is not preferred stock (except as necessary
    to reflect any subdivision of the stock); (y) there shall have been an
    increase in such annual rate of dividends as necessary to reflect any
    reclassification (including any reverse stock split), recapitalization,
    reorganization or any similar transaction which has the effect of
    reducing the number of outstanding shares of the stock; and (z) the
    Interested Stockholder shall not have become the beneficial owner of
    any additional shares of stock of McKesson except as part of the
    transaction which resulted in such Interest Stockholder becoming an
    Interested Stockholder or by virtue of proportionate stock splits or
    stock dividends.     
 
      (B) The provisions of clauses (x) and (y) of subparagraph (ii)(A) do
    not apply if no Interested Stockholder or an Affiliate or Associate of
    the Interested Stockholder voted as a director of McKesson in a manner
    inconsistent with such clauses and the Interested Stockholder, within
    ten days after any act or failure to act inconsistent with such
    clauses, notifies the McKesson Board in writing that the Interested
    Stockholder disapproves thereof and requests in good faith that the
    McKesson Board rectify such act or failure to act.
 
 
                                      63
<PAGE>
 
  The "fair price" provision is intended to ensure that all stockholders
receive equal treatment in the event of a tender or exchange offer and to
protect stockholders against coercive or two-tiered takeover bids. The
provision could also have the effect of discouraging a third party from making
a tender or exchange offer for McKesson, even though such an offer might be
beneficial to McKesson and its stockholders.
 
  The AmeriSource Certificate and the AmeriSource By-laws contain no "fair
price" provision.
 
ADVANCE NOTICE PROVISIONS FOR STOCKHOLDER NOMINATIONS AND STOCKHOLDER
PROPOSALS
 
  The McKesson By-laws establish an advance notice procedure for stockholders
to make nominations of candidates for election as directors, or bring other
business before an annual meeting of stockholders of McKesson (the
"Stockholder Notice Procedure").
 
  The Stockholder Notice Procedure provides that only persons who are
nominated at the direction of the McKesson Board, by any nominating committee
or person appointed by the McKesson Board, or by a stockholder who has given
timely written notice to the Secretary of McKesson prior to the meeting at
which directors are to be elected, will be eligible for election as a director
of McKesson. The Stockholder Notice Procedure provides that at an annual
meeting only such business may be conducted as has been brought before the
meeting by or at the direction of the McKesson Board or by a stockholder who
has given timely written notice to the Secretary of McKesson of such
stockholder's intention to bring such business before such meeting. Under the
Stockholder Notice Procedure, to be timely, notice of stockholder nominations
or proposals to be made at an annual meeting must be received by McKesson no
less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the scheduled date of the
meeting (or, if less than 70 days' notice or prior public disclosure of the
date of the meeting is given, the tenth day following the earlier of (i) the
date such notice was mailed or (ii) the date such public disclosure was made).
   
  Under the Stockholder Notice Procedure, a stockholder's notice to McKesson
proposing to nominate a person for election as a director must contain certain
information, including, without limitation, the identity and address of the
proposed nominee, the class and number of shares of stock of McKesson which
are beneficially owned by the proposed nominee, the principal occupation of
the proposed nominee and all information regarding the proposed nominee that
would be required to be included in a proxy statement soliciting proxies for
the election of the proposed nominee. Under the Stockholder Notice Procedure,
a stockholder's notice relating to the conduct of business other than the
nomination of directors must contain certain information about such business
and about the proposing stockholder, including, without limitation, a brief
description of the business the stockholder proposes to bring before the
meeting, the reasons for conducting such business at such meeting, the name
and address of such stockholder, the class and number of shares of stock of
McKesson beneficially owned by such stockholder, any material interest of such
stockholder in the business so proposed and a representation that the
stockholder intends to appear at the meeting in person or by proxy. If the
nomination or business was not brought before the meeting in accordance with
the Stockholder Notice Procedure, such person will not be eligible for
election as a director or such business will not be conducted at such meeting,
as the case may be.     
   
  By requiring advance notice of nominations by stockholders, the Stockholder
Notice Procedure affords the McKesson Board an opportunity to consider the
qualifications of the proposed nominees and, to the extent deemed necessary or
desirable by the McKesson Board, to inform stockholders about such
qualifications. By requiring advance notice of other proposed business, the
Stockholder Notice Procedure provides a more orderly procedure for conducting
annual meetings of stockholders and, to the extent deemed necessary or
desirable by the McKesson Board, provides the McKesson Board with an
opportunity to inform stockholders, prior to such meetings, of any business
proposed to be conducted at such meetings, together with any recommendations
as to the McKesson Board's position regarding action to be taken with respect
to such business, so that stockholders can better decide whether to attend the
meeting or to grant a proxy regarding the disposition of any such business.
    
                                      64
<PAGE>
 
  The foregoing provisions may have the effect of precluding a contest for the
election of directors or the consideration of stockholder proposals if the
proper procedures are not followed, and of discouraging or deterring a third
party from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate of
directors or to approve its own proposal, without regard to whether
consideration of such nominees or proposals might be harmful or beneficial to
McKesson and its stockholders.
 
  The AmeriSource Certificate and the AmeriSource By-laws do not contain
provisions requiring advance notice for the nomination of directors or of
business to be brought before a stockholders' meeting by a stockholder.
 
COMMON STOCK
 
  The holders of McKesson Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share
on all matters and, except as otherwise provided in McKesson's Certificate
with respect to the Series Preferred Stock, will have the exclusive right to
vote for the election of directors and for all other purposes.
   
  AmeriSource's authorized capital consists of shares of AmeriSource Class A
Common Stock, AmeriSource Class B Common Stock and AmeriSource Class C Common
Stock. The rights of the holders of AmeriSource Class B Common Stock and
AmeriSource Class C Common Stock and holders of AmeriSource Class A Common
Stock are substantially identical and entitle the holders to the same rights,
privileges, benefits, and notices, except that holders of AmeriSource Class B
Common Stock and AmeriSource Class C Common Stock do not possess the right to
vote on any matters to be voted on by stockholders of AmeriSource, except as
provided by law. Holders of AmeriSource Class B Common Stock may elect at any
time to convert any and all of those shares into AmeriSource Class A Common
Stock, on a share-for-share basis, to the extent the holder is not prohibited
from owning additional voting securities by virtue of applicable law.
AmeriSource Class C Common Stock automatically converts into AmeriSource Class
A Common Stock (a) immediately prior to its sale in a future public offering
or (b) at such time as the shares of AmeriSource Class C Common Stock have
been sold publicly in a transaction that complied with certain maximum
quantity limitations.     
 
PREFERRED STOCK
   
  Pursuant to the McKesson Certificate, the McKesson Board is authorized to
provide for the issuance of shares of McKesson preferred stock, in one or more
classes or series (including the Series A Junior Participating Preferred
Stock), and to fix the designations, powers, preferences and rights of the
shares of each such series and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions
thereof. See "-- Stockholder Rights Plan."     
   
  McKesson believes that the ability of the McKesson Board to issue one or
more series of McKesson Preferred Stock provides McKesson with flexibility in
structuring possible future financings and acquisitions and in meeting other
corporate needs that might arise.     
 
  Although the McKesson Board has no intention at the present time of doing
so, it could issue a series of McKesson Preferred Stock that could, depending
on the terms of such series, impede the completion of a merger, tender offer
or other takeover attempt. The McKesson Board will make any determination to
issue such shares based on its judgment as to the best interests of McKesson
and its stockholders. The McKesson Board, in so acting, could issue McKesson
Preferred Stock having terms that discourage an acquisition attempt through
which an acquirer may be able to change the composition of the McKesson Board,
including a tender offer or other transaction that some of McKesson's
stockholders might believe to be in their best interests or in which
stockholders might receive a premium for their stock over the then current
market price of such stock.
 
  The AmeriSource Certificate does not authorize the AmeriSource Board to
provide for the issuance of preferred stock.
 
                                      65
<PAGE>
 
AMENDMENT OF THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS
 
  The McKesson Certificate provides that the McKesson Board is expressly
authorized to adopt, alter and repeal the McKesson By-laws. The McKesson By-
laws may also be adopted, altered and repealed by the affirmative vote of the
holders of at least 75% of the voting power of the outstanding McKesson Common
Stock. An amendment to the McKesson By-laws to shorten the term of any
director holding office, to permit any director to be removed without cause,
or to increase the number of directors in any class, requires the approval of
the holders of all shares entitled to vote thereon or a vote of the entire
McKesson Board. These provisions make it more difficult for stockholders to
make changes to the McKesson By-laws, including changes designed to facilitate
the exercise of control over McKesson.
   
  The AmeriSource Certificate requires the vote of a majority of all of the
directors or a vote of a majority of the outstanding stock entitled to vote to
amend the AmeriSource By-laws.     
 
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
   
  Section 203 of the DGCL provides that, subject to certain exceptions
specified therein, a corporation shall not engage in any business combination
with any "interested stockholder" for a three-year period following the date
that such stockholder becomes an interested stockholder unless (i) prior to
such date, the board of directors of the corporation approved either the
business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder
becoming an interested stockholder, (ii) upon consummation of the transaction
which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the
interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the
corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced (excluding
shares held by directors who are also officers and employee stock purchase
plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine
confidentially whether plan shares will be tendered in a tender or exchange
offer) or (iii) on or subsequent to such date, the business combination is
approved by the board of directors of the corporation and by the affirmative
vote at an annual or special meeting, and not by written consent, of at least
66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the interested
stockholder. Except as specified in Section 203 of the DGCL, an interested
stockholder is defined to include (a) any person that is the owner of 15% or
more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation or is an affiliate or
associate of the corporation and was the owner of 15% or more of the
outstanding voting stock of the corporation at any time within three years
immediately prior to the relevant date and (b) the affiliates and associates
of any such person.     
 
  Under certain circumstances, Section 203 of the DGCL may make it more
difficult for a person who would be an "interested stockholder" to effect
various business combinations with a corporation for a three-year period,
although the corporation's certificate of incorporation or stockholders may
elect to exclude a corporation from the restrictions imposed thereunder. The
McKesson Certificate does not exclude McKesson from the restrictions imposed
under Section 203 of the DGCL. However, the AmeriSource Certificate does
exclude AmeriSource from the restrictions imposed under Section 203(a). It is
anticipated that the provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL may encourage
companies interested in acquiring McKesson to negotiate in advance with the
McKesson Board, since the stockholder approval requirement would be avoided if
a majority of the directors then in office approve either the business
combination or the transaction which results in the stockholder becoming an
interested stockholder.
 
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS
 
  The DGCL permits a corporation to include a provision in its certificate of
incorporation eliminating or limiting the personal liability of a director or
officer to the corporation or its stockholders for damages for a breach of the
director's fiduciary duty, subject to certain limitations. The McKesson
Certificate includes such a provision to the maximum extent permitted by law.
The AmeriSource Certificate contains a similar provision.
 
  While these provisions provide directors with protection from awards for
monetary damages for breaches of their duty of care, they do not eliminate
such duty. Accordingly, these provisions will have no effect on the
 
                                      66
<PAGE>
 
availability of equitable remedies such as an injunction or rescission based
on a director's breach of his or her duty of care.
 
INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
   
  The DGCL permits a corporation to indemnify officers, directors, employees
and agents for actions taken in good faith and in a manner they reasonably
believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation,
and with respect to any criminal action, which they had no reasonable cause to
believe was unlawful. The DGCL provides that a corporation may advance
expenses of defense (upon receipt of a written undertaking to reimburse the
corporation if indemnification is not appropriate) and must reimburse a
successful defendant for expenses, including attorneys' fees, actually and
reasonably incurred, and permits a corporation to purchase and maintain
liability insurance for its directors and officers. The DGCL provides that no
indemnification may be made for any claim, issue or matter as to which a
person has been adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction, after
exhaustion of all appeals therefrom, to be liable to the corporation, unless
and only to the extent a court determines that the person is entitled to
indemnity for such expenses as the court deems proper.     
 
  The McKesson By-laws provide that each person who is involved in any actual
or threatened action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he or she is or
was a director or officer of McKesson, or is or was serving at the request of
the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another
corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise,
including service with respect to an employee benefit plan, will be
indemnified by McKesson to the full extent permitted by the DGCL if he or she
acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or
not opposed to the best interests of McKesson. The indemnification rights
conferred by the McKesson By-laws are not exclusive of any other right to
which persons seeking indemnification may be entitled under any law, bylaw,
agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.
McKesson is authorized to purchase and maintain (and McKesson maintains)
insurance on behalf of its directors and officers.
   
  The AmeriSource By-laws contain similar provisions relating to
indemnification and insurance, and AmeriSource likewise maintains insurance on
behalf of its directors, officers, employees and agents. The Merger Agreement
requires that AmeriSource's existing directors and officers insurance be
maintained by McKesson for a period of at least six years from the Effective
Time, subject to certain limitations. The Merger Agreement further provides
that the directors and officers of AmeriSource will continue after the Merger
to be entitled to indemnification to the full extent permitted under the DGCL,
the AmeriSource Certificate and the AmeriSource By-laws. See "The Merger
Agreement -- Indemnification and Insurance."     
 
SIGNIFICANT STOCKHOLDERS
   
  Other than the McKesson Profit-Sharing Investment Plan (which, as of June 2,
1997, owned 22.06%), FMR Corp. (which, as of October 31, 1997, had dispositive
power over 10.28%) and Wellington Management Company, LLP (which, as of
December 31, 1996, had dispositive power over 5.20%), no McKesson stockholder
is known by McKesson to own in excess of 5% of the outstanding McKesson Common
Stock. The directors and officers as a group beneficially owned (as of June 2,
1997) 3.8% of the outstanding McKesson Common Stock.     
   
  VPI owns approximately 19% of the outstanding voting shares of AmeriSource
and 28% of the equity of AmeriSource. See "The Voting/Support Agreements."
After the Merger, VPI will own approximately 7% of the outstanding shares of
McKesson Common Stock. Under the Registration Rights Agreement, VPI has been
granted the right to request, two times, registration of the McKesson Common
Stock held by VPI. See "The Registration Rights Agreement."     
 
                                      67
<PAGE>
 
                     MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION
   
  The McKesson Common Stock is listed and traded on the NYSE and the PE and
the AmeriSource Class A Common Stock is listed and traded on the NYSE. The
following table sets forth the high and low trading prices per share of each
of the McKesson Common Stock (without adjustment for the McKesson Stock Split)
and AmeriSource Class A Common Stock on the NYSE for the calendar quarters
indicated as reported on the NYSE Composite Tape, and the dividends paid per
share for such periods by McKesson (AmeriSource did not pay any dividends
during the periods):     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                    AMERISOURCE
                                        MCKESSON                      CLASS A
                                      COMMON STOCK     MCKESSON    COMMON STOCK
                                         PRICES     DIVIDENDS PAID    PRICES
                                     --------------   PER COMMON   -------------
                                      HIGH    LOW       SHARE       HIGH   LOW
                                     ------- ------ -------------- ------ ------
<S>                                  <C>     <C>    <C>            <C>    <C>
1994
  First Quarter..................... $ 68.50 $52.50     $0.42          --     --
  Second Quarter....................   87.00  58.50      0.42          --     --
  Third Quarter.....................  103.63  70.75      0.42          --     --
  Fourth Quarter....................  109.25  30.13     76.25(1)       --     --
1995
  First Quarter.....................   40.75  31.88      0.25          --     --
  Second Quarter....................   47.38  37.25      0.25      $24.50 $20.75
  Third Quarter.....................   46.63  42.63      0.25       27.75  19.75
  Fourth Quarter....................   53.25  44.88      0.25       34.25  25.25
1996
  First Quarter.....................   55.63  46.50      0.25       34.00  28.00
  Second Quarter....................   51.38  44.00      0.25       37.50  31.63
  Third Quarter.....................   48.38  39.00      0.25       44.50  27.88
  Fourth Quarter....................   57.00  45.38      0.25       48.25  37.63
1997
  First Quarter.....................   69.63  51.75      0.25       53.00  42.50
  Second Quarter....................   80.13  63.00      0.25       51.38  41.25
  Third Quarter.....................  106.25  76.50      0.25       65.25  45.13
  Fourth Quarter....................  113.75  97.38      0.25       66.31  52.00
</TABLE>    
- --------
(1) In November 1994 McKesson completed a plan of merger and a reorganization
    and distribution agreement providing for the acquisition by Eli Lilly and
    Company of PCS, which was primarily operated by PCS Health Systems, Inc.
    and Clinical Pharmaceuticals, Inc. both of which were wholly owned
    subsidiaries of McKesson, for approximately $4 billion. As a result of the
    sale of PCS, each existing McKesson stockholder received a cash payment of
    $76.00 per share representing the proceeds from the sale of PCS and one
    share of McKesson Common Stock representing such stockholder's continuing
    interest in the business retained by McKesson.
 
  On September 22, 1997, the last full trading day prior to the first public
announcement of the execution of the Merger Agreement, the reported high and
low sale prices per share and closing price per share of McKesson Common Stock
and AmeriSource Class A Common Stock on the NYSE were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            SEPTEMBER 22, 1997
                                                           ---------------------
                                                            HIGH    LOW   CLOSE
                                                           ------- ------ ------
      <S>                                                  <C>     <C>    <C>
      McKesson............................................ $100.31 $99.25 $99.81
      AmeriSource.........................................   54.00  53.50  53.69
</TABLE>
   
  On December 31, 1997, the last full trading day prior to the date of this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the reported high and low sale prices per
share and closing price per share of McKesson Common Stock (without adjustment
for the McKesson Stock Split) and AmeriSource Class A Common Stock on the NYSE
were as follows:     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                            DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                                         -----------------------
                                                          HIGH     LOW    CLOSE
                                                         ------- ------- -------
      <S>                                                <C>     <C>     <C>
      McKesson.......................................... $108.38 $105.00 $108.38
      AmeriSource.......................................   59.31   57.00   58.25
</TABLE>    
 
                                      68
<PAGE>
 
  STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO OBTAIN CURRENT MARKET QUOTATIONS FOR SHARES OF
MCKESSON COMMON STOCK AND AMERISOURCE CLASS A COMMON STOCK.
 
THE MCKESSON STOCK SPLIT; EFFECT ON EXCHANGE RATIO
   
  On October 29, 1997, the McKesson Board declared a two-for-one split of
McKesson Common Stock which was effected in the form of a stock dividend
distributed January 2, 1998. The record date for determining the McKesson
stockholders entitled to receive the dividend was December 1, 1997. The Merger
Agreement provides that as of the Effective Time each issued and outstanding
share of AmeriSource Common Stock will be converted into 0.71 of a share of
McKesson Common Stock but that if the McKesson Board declares a stock split on
the outstanding shares of McKesson Common Stock with a record date that is
prior to the Effective Time, the Exchange Ratio will be appropriately
adjusted. Accordingly, the Exchange Ratio was adjusted to 1.42 following the
McKesson Stock Split.     
 
                                      69
<PAGE>
 
                 
              BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF MCKESSON COMMON STOCK     
   
  The following table sets forth information (as of the respective dates
indicated) about the only known beneficial owners of more than 5% of McKesson
Common Stock. The number of shares shown does not reflect the McKesson Stock
Split.     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                           NUMBER      PERCENT
NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER                     OF SHARES     OF CLASS
- ------------------------------------                     ----------    --------
<S>                                                      <C>           <C>
The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., as Trustee for the
 McKesson
 Corporation Profit-Sharing Investment Plan............. 10,126,057(1)  22.06%
 1 Chase Manhattan Plaza
 New York, NY 10081
FMR Corp. ..............................................  4,771,937(2)  10.28%
 82 Devonshire St.
 Boston, MA 02109
Wellington Management Company, LLP......................  2,179,500(3)    5.2%
 75 State Street
 Boston, MA 02109
</TABLE>    
- --------
(1) Information is as of June 2, 1997. These shares are held in trust for the
    benefit of participants in McKesson's Profit Sharing Investment Plan
    ("PSIP") for which The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. is the Trustee. Shares
    that have been allocated to the individual accounts of participants in the
    PSIP are voted by the Trustee as instructed by PSIP participants. Shares
    allocated to participants' PAYSOP accounts for which no voting
    instructions are received will not be voted. The PSIP provides that all
    other shares for which no voting instructions are received from
    participants and unallocated shares of McKesson Common Stock held in the
    leveraged employee stock ownership plan established as part of the PSIP,
    will be voted by the Trustee in the same proportion as shares as to which
    voting instructions are received.
   
(2) This information is based on a Schedule 13G filed with the Commission
    reporting that as of October 31, 1997, FMR Corp., in its capacity as a
    parent holding company, had sole voting power as to 348,053 shares and
    sole dispositive power as to 4,771,937 shares. According to such Schedule
    13G, no one person has an interest in FMR Corp. that would give such
    person more than a five percent interest in the outstanding McKesson
    Common Stock.     
   
(3) This information is based on a Schedule 13G filed with the Commission
    reporting that as of December 31, 1996, Wellington Management Company, LLP
    ("WMC"), in its capacity as a registered investment adviser, had shared
    voting power as to 586,000 shares and shared dispositive power as to
    2,179,500 shares. These shares are owned of record by clients of WMC, no
    one of which has an interest that relates to more than 5% of the class.
        
                                      70
<PAGE>
 
   
  The following table sets forth the amount and percentage of McKesson Common
Stock beneficially owned as of June 2, 1997 by each director of McKesson, by
the Chief Executive Officer and each of the four other most highly compensated
executive officers of McKesson and by all directors and executive officers of
McKesson as a group. Beneficial ownership has been determined in accordance
with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, and does not necessarily bear on the
economic incidents of ownership or the right to transfer such shares. The
number of shares shown does not reflect the McKesson Stock Split.     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                              AMOUNT AND NATURE OF
                              BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP           PERCENT     STOCK
NAME OF INDIVIDUAL        OF SHARES OF CAPITAL STOCK(1)      OF CLASS UNITS(2)(3)
- ------------------        -----------------------------      -------- -----------
<S>                       <C>                                <C>      <C>
Mary G.F. Bitterman.....                5,500(4)(5)               *        322
Tully M. Friedman.......               12,000(5)(6)               *      1,367
John M. Pietruski.......               11,000(5)                  *      2,085
David S. Pottruck.......                  500                     *         --
Mark A. Pulido..........              160,168(5)(7)(8)            *         --
Carl E. Reichardt.......                5,000(9)                  *        321
Alan Seelenfreund.......              515,388(5)(7)(8)         1.12%        --
Jane E. Shaw............                9,181(5)(9)               *      3,461
Robert H. Waterman, Jr..                9,000(5)(9)               *      1,843
John H. Hammergren......               40,110(5)(7)(8)            *         --
Richard H. Hawkins......              105,966(5)(8)               *         --
David L. Mahoney........              159,544(5)(8)               *         --
All directors and execu-                                       3.80%     9,399
tive officers as a group            1,744,043(1)(4)(5)(6)(7)
 (22 persons)...........                     (8)(9)(10)
</TABLE>    
- --------
* Less than 1%
   
(1) Represents shares held as of June 2, 1997 directly and with sole voting
    and investment power (or with voting and investment power shared with a
    spouse) unless otherwise indicated. The number of shares of McKesson
    Common Stock owned by each director or executive officer (other than Mr.
    Seelenfreund) represents less than 1% of the outstanding shares of such
    class. All directors and executive officers as a group own 3.8% of the
    outstanding shares of McKesson Common Stock.     
   
(2) Includes restricted stock units accrued under the 1997 Non-Employee
    Directors' Equity Compensation and Deferral Plan as follows: Dr.
    Bitterman, 322 units; Mr. Friedman, 1,058 units; Mr. Pietruski, 2,085
    units; Mr. Reichardt, 321 units; Dr. Shaw, 966 units; Mr. Waterman, 1,843
    units; and all non-employee directors as a group, 6,595 units. Directors
    have neither voting nor investment powers in respect of such units.     
   
(3) Includes common stock units accrued under the Directors' Deferred
    Compensation Plan as follows: Mr. Friedman, 309 units; Dr. Shaw, 2,495
    units; and all directors as a group, 2,804 units. Participating directors
    have neither voting nor investment power in respect of such units.     
(4) Includes 1,000 shares held by Dr. Bitterman's husband through an
    Individual Retirement Account, for which beneficial ownership is
    disclaimed.
   
(5) Includes shares that may be acquired by exercise of stock options within
    60 days after June 2, 1997 as follows: Dr. Bitterman, 4,500; Mr. Friedman,
    5,000; Mr. Pietruski, 5,000; Mr. Pulido, 50,000; Mr. Seelenfreund,
    420,812; Dr. Shaw, 5,000; Mr. Waterman, 5,000; Mr. Hammergren, 10,000; Mr.
    Hawkins, 83,291; Mr. Mahoney, 142,375; and all directors and executive
    officers as a group, 1,229,999.     
(6) Includes 6,000 shares held in a revocable trust established by and for the
    benefit of Mr. Friedman who is the sole Trustee of such trust.
(7) Includes shares subject to possible forfeiture under the terms of
    McKesson's 1994 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan and the 1988
    Restricted Stock Plan of McKesson Corporation, the predecessor of
    McKesson, as follows: Mr. Pulido, 20,000 shares; Mr. Seelenfreund, 22,586
    shares; Mr. Hammergren, 20,000 shares; and all directors and executive
    officers as a group, 86,587 shares.
   
(8) Includes shares held under the PSIP as to which the participant has sole
    voting but no investment power, as follows: Mr. Pulido, 186; Mr.
    Seelenfreund, 8,796; Mr. Hammergren, 110; Mr. Hawkins, 2,675; Mr. Mahoney,
    1,669; and all directors and executive officers as a group, 36,459.     
   
(9) Includes shares held by family trusts as to which each of the following
    named directors and their respective spouses have shared voting and
    investment power: Mr. Reichardt, 5,000 shares; Dr. Shaw, 4,000 shares; Mr.
    Waterman, 3,000 shares; and all directors and executive officers as a
    group, 12,000 shares.     
(10) Includes 2,200 shares held by members of the group as custodians for
     their minor children.
 
                                      71
<PAGE>
 
               BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF AMERISOURCE COMMON STOCK
 
  The following table reflects the holdings of the only persons known to
AmeriSource to own beneficially 5% or more of AmeriSource Common Stock.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             AMOUNT AND          PERCENT OF
                                             NATURE OF        COMMON STOCK ON
NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER    BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
- ------------------------------------    -------------------- ------------------
<S>                                     <C>                  <C>
399 Venture Partners, Inc. (1).........      6,721,073             28.18%
 1209 Orange Street
 Wilmington, DE 19801
</TABLE>
- --------
   
(1) VPI disclaims beneficial ownership as to shares of AmeriSource Common
    Stock held by investors currently or previously affiliated with VPI. VPI
    is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Citicorp.     
   
  The following table sets forth the amount and percentage of AmeriSource
Common Stock beneficially owned as of December 30, 1996 by each director of
AmeriSource, by the Chief Executive Officer and each of the two other most
highly compensated executive officers of AmeriSource and by all directors and
executive officers of AmeriSource as a group. Beneficial ownership has been
determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, and does not
necessarily bear on the economic incidents of ownership or the right to
transfer such shares.     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                       AMOUNT AND NATURE OF
                                       BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP
      NAME OF INDIVIDUAL            OF SHARES OF CAPITAL STOCK PERCENT OF CLASS
      ------------------            -------------------------- ----------------
      <S>                           <C>                        <C>
      John F. McNamara.............          350,700                 1.5%
      David M. Flowers.............          112,900                   *
      R. David Yost................          233,650                   *
      Kurt J. Hilzinger............          101,750                   *
      Bruce C. Bruckmann...........           63,320                   *
      Michael A. Delaney...........                0                   *
      Richard C. Gozon.............           15,000                   *
      Lawrence C. Karlson..........           15,000                   *
      George H. Strong.............           10,000                   *
      James A. Urry................                0                   *
      Barton J. Winokur............           29,750                   *
      All directors and executive
       officers as a group (11
       persons)....................          932,070                 3.9%
</TABLE>    
 
- --------
  * Less than 1%.
 
                                      72
<PAGE>
 
          SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA OF MCKESSON
   
  The following table sets forth selected historical consolidated financial
data of McKesson for each of the five years in the period ended March 31, 1997
and for the six-month periods ended September 30, 1997 and 1996. Such data
have been derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, the audited
consolidated financial statements and other financial information contained in
McKesson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1997 and
the unaudited consolidated interim financial information contained in
McKesson's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the six months ended September
30, 1997, including the notes thereto, incorporated by reference herein. The
selected consolidated financial data as of September 30, 1997 and for the six-
month periods ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 reflect all adjustments
(consisting only of normal recurring adjustments except for the item discussed
in Note 2 recorded in the six-month period ended September 30, 1996) necessary
for a fair presentation of the results for such periods. The results for the
six-month periods are not indicative of the results to be expected for the
full year or for any other interim period, due in part to the adjustment
described in Note 2. See "Available Information" and "Incorporation of
Documents by Reference."     
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           SIX MONTHS ENDED
                             SEPTEMBER 30,                    YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
                           ------------------     -------------------------------------------------------------
                             1997      1996         1997          1996      1995            1994         1993
                           --------  --------     ---------     --------  --------        --------     --------
                                       (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                        <C>       <C>          <C>           <C>       <C>             <C>          <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA
Revenues.................. $8,810.5  $5,401.5     $12,886.7     $9,953.7  $9,438.7        $8,520.8     $7,991.8
Costs and expenses
 Cost of sales............  8,078.0   4,938.6      11,849.4      9,038.2   8,630.5 (1)     7,737.2      7,214.6
 Selling, distribution and
  administration..........    554.9     404.7 (2)     944.5 (3)    674.2     817.2 (1)       630.0 (4)    620.7
 Interest.................     48.1      21.1          55.7         44.4      44.5            39.3         47.5
                           --------  --------     ---------     --------  --------        --------     --------
  Total...................  8,681.0   5,364.4      12,849.6      9,756.8   9,492.2         8,406.5      7,882.8
                           --------  --------     ---------     --------  --------        --------     --------
Income (loss) before
 income taxes and
 dividends on convertible
 preferred securities of
 subsidiary trust.........    129.5      37.1 (2)      37.1 (3)    196.9     (53.5)(1)       114.3 (4)    109.0
Income taxes..............    (49.2)    (32.7)        (31.3)       (76.2)    (96.6)(5)       (45.0)       (42.2)
Dividends on convertible
 preferred securities of
 subsidiary trust, net of
 tax benefit..............     (3.1)                   (0.7)
                           --------  --------     ---------     --------  --------        --------     --------
Income (loss) after taxes
 Continuing operations....     77.2       4.4 (2)       5.1 (3)    120.7    (150.1)(1)(5)     69.3 (4)     66.8
 Discontinued operations..                5.6           8.6         14.7     (23.1)           55.1         47.9
 Discontinued operations--
  Gain on sale/donation of
   Armor All stock(6).....                            120.2                    1.0            32.7
  Gain on sale of PCS.....                                                   576.7
 Extraordinary item.......                                                                    (4.2)
 Cumulative effect of ac-
  counting changes........                                                                   (16.7)
                           --------  --------     ---------     --------  --------        --------     --------
Net income ............... $   77.2  $   10.0     $   133.9     $  135.4  $  404.5        $  136.2     $  114.7
                           ========  ========     =========     ========  ========        ========     ========
Fully diluted earnings
 (loss) per
 common share
 Continuing operations.... $   1.58  $   0.10     $    0.13     $   2.59  $  (3.34)       $   1.49     $   1.44
 Discontinued operations..               0.12          0.19         0.31     (0.51)           1.25         1.07
 Discontinued operations--
  Gain on sale/donation of
   Armor All stock........                             2.66                   0.02            0.74
  Gain on sale of PCS.....                                                   12.69
 Extraordinary item.......                                                                   (0.10)
 Cumulative effect of ac-
  counting changes........                                                                   (0.38)
                           --------  --------     ---------     --------  --------        --------     --------
  Total................... $   1.58  $   0.22     $    2.98     $   2.90  $   8.86        $   3.00     $   2.51
                           ========  ========     =========     ========  ========        ========     ========
Fully diluted shares......     50.8      44.6          45.1         46.7      45.5            44.1         44.8
Primary earnings (loss)
 per common share
 Continuing operations.... $   1.61  $   0.10     $    0.12     $   2.59  $  (3.52)       $   1.53     $   1.49
 Discontinued operations..               0.12          0.19         0.31     (0.53)           1.35         1.20
 Discontinued operations--
  Gain on sale/donation of
   Armor All stock........                             2.70                   0.02            0.80
  Gain on sale of PCS.....                                                   13.23
 Extraordinary item.......                                                                   (0.10)
 Cumulative effect of ac-
  counting changes........                                                                   (0.41)
                           --------  --------     ---------     --------  --------        --------     --------
  Total................... $   1.61  $   0.22     $    3.01     $   2.90  $   9.20        $   3.17     $   2.69
                           ========  ========     =========     ========  ========        ========     ========
Primary shares............     47.8      44.6          44.5         46.6      43.6            40.8         40.0
Cash dividends declared
 per common share......... $   0.50  $   0.50     $    1.00     $   1.00  $   1.34        $   1.66     $   1.60
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      73
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 SIX MONTHS
                                    ENDED
                                SEPTEMBER 30,      YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
                                ------------- --------------------------------
                                 1997   1996  1997  1996   1995   1994   1993
                                ------ ------ ----- ----- ------  -----  -----
                                  (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                             <C>    <C>    <C>   <C>   <C>     <C>    <C>
Earnings (loss) per share--
 adjusted to reflect McKesson
 Stock Split (7)
 Fully diluted earnings (loss)
  per common share
 Continuing operations......... $ 0.79 $ 0.05 $0.06 $1.29 $(1.67) $0.74  $0.72
 Discontinued operations.......          0.06  0.10  0.16  (0.25)  0.63   0.53
 Discontinued operations--
  Gain on sale/donation of
   Armor All stock.............                1.33         0.01   0.37
  Gain on sale of PCS..........                             6.34
 Extraordinary item............                                   (0.05)
 Cumulative effect of account-
  ing changes..................                                   (0.19)
                                ------ ------ ----- ----- ------  -----  -----
   Total....................... $ 0.79 $ 0.11 $1.49 $1.45 $ 4.43  $1.50  $1.25
                                ====== ====== ===== ===== ======  =====  =====
 Fully diluted shares..........  101.6   89.3  90.2  93.5   90.9   88.2   89.6
 Primary earnings (loss) per
  common share
 Continuing operations......... $ 0.81 $ 0.05 $0.06 $1.29 $(1.76) $0.76  $0.75
 Discontinued operations.......          0.06  0.10  0.16  (0.27)  0.68   0.60
 Discontinued operations--
  Gain on sale/donation of
   Armor All stock.............                1.35         0.01   0.40
  Gain on sale of PCS..........                             6.62
 Extraordinary item............                                   (0.05)
 Cumulative effect of account-
  ing changes..................                                   (0.21)
                                ------ ------ ----- ----- ------  -----  -----
   Total....................... $ 0.81 $ 0.11 $1.51 $1.45 $ 4.60  $1.58  $1.35
                                ====== ====== ===== ===== ======  =====  =====
 Primary shares................   95.7   89.2  89.1  93.3   87.1   81.6   80.1
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            MARCH 31,
                                            SEPTEMBER 30,  -----------------------------------------------
                                                1997         1997        1996     1995     1994     1993
                                            -------------  --------    -------- -------- -------- --------
                                                                  (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                         <C>            <C>         <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable
 securities................................    $  176.3(8) $  229.8(8) $  456.2 $  670.4 $   62.7 $   77.5
Working capital............................     1,121.2     1,123.9       820.5    879.0    301.4    191.4
Total assets...............................     5,235.5     5,172.8     3,360.2  3,260.2  2,676.6  2,458.4
Total debt(9)..............................     1,205.5       985.2       398.3    425.1    499.0    397.6
Convertible preferred securities of
 subsidiary trust..........................       195.1       194.8
Stockholders' equity.......................     1,331.5     1,260.8     1,064.6  1,013.5    678.6    619.4
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Includes $59.4 million in compensation costs (classified in administration
    expense) related to the sale of PCS and $139.5 million in charges for
    asset impairment, restructuring and other operating items ($35.9 million
    included in cost of sales and $103.6 million included in administration
    expense), $130.6 million after-tax in the aggregate.
(2) Includes a $48.2 million write-off for in-process technology related to
    the acquisition of McKesson Automated Healthcare, Inc.
(3) Includes $98.8 million in charges for restructuring, asset impairment and
    other operating items and $48.2 million for the write-off of in-process
    technology related to the acquisition of McKesson Automated Healthcare,
    Inc. (see Note 2), $109.5 million after-tax in the aggregate.
(4) Includes a $13.4 million loss ($8.2 million after-tax) on the termination
    of interest rate swap arrangements.
(5) Includes $107.0 million of income tax expense related to the sale of PCS.
(6) Includes $1.0 million and $0.4 million of income after-tax from donations
    of Armor All common stock to the McKesson Foundation in fiscal 1995 and
    1994, respectively, $32.3 million after-tax from the sale of Armor All
    common stock to the public in fiscal 1994 and $120.2 million after-tax
    from the sale of the Company's equity interest in Armor All in fiscal
    1997.
   
(7) Reflects the effect of the two-for-one stock split declared October 29,
    1997, distributed January 2, 1998 to stockholders of record on December 1,
    1997.     
(8) Includes $86.6 million at September 30, 1997 and $109.8 million at March
    31, 1997 of after-tax proceeds from the sale of Armor All shares which
    were placed in a trust as exchange property for McKesson's exchangeable
    debentures.
(9) Total debt includes all interest-bearing debt of McKesson and consolidated
    subsidiaries, including the current portion and capital lease obligations.
 
                                      74
<PAGE>
 
        SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA OF AMERISOURCE
   
  The following table sets forth selected historical consolidated financial
data for AmeriSource for each of the five years in the period ended September
30, 1997. Such data have been derived from, and should be read in conjunction
with, the audited consolidated financial statements and other financial
information contained in AmeriSource's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended September 30, 1997, including the notes thereto, incorporated by
reference herein. See "Available Information" and "Incorporation of Documents
by Reference."     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                      YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                            -----------------------------------------------------------
                              1997        1996            1995      1994         1993
                            --------    --------        --------  --------     --------
                                  (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                         <C>         <C>             <C>       <C>          <C>       <C> <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA
Revenues..................  $7,815.9    $5,551.7        $4,668.9  $4,182.2     $3,658.9
Costs and expenses
 Cost of sales............   7,428.4     5,249.2 (1)     4,402.6   3,947.0      3,449.4
 Selling, distribution and
  administration .........     267.8(2)    204.5           168.5     337.2 (3)    143.9
 Interest.................      41.6        36.0            52.3      62.6         66.7
                            --------    --------        --------  --------     --------
  Total...................   7,737.8     5,489.7         4,623.4   4,346.8      3,660.0
                            --------    --------        --------  --------     --------
Income (loss) before tax-
 es, extraordinary items
 and cumulative effect of
 accounting changes.......      78.1(2)     62.0 (1)        45.5    (164.6)(3)     (1.1)
Income taxes..............     (30.6)      (19.3)(4)       (17.3)     (7.8)        (6.4)
                            --------    --------        --------  --------     --------
Income (loss) after taxes
 Before extraordinary
  items and cumulative ef-
  fect of accounting
  changes ................      47.5(2)     42.7 (1)(4)     28.2    (172.4)(3)     (7.5)
 Extraordinary items......      (2.0)       (7.3)          (18.0)     (0.7)       (11.1)
 Cumulative effect of ac-
  counting changes........                                           (34.6)(5)
                            --------    --------        --------  --------     --------
Net income (loss).........  $   45.5    $   35.4        $   10.2  $ (207.7)    $  (18.6)
                            ========    ========        ========  ========     ========
Fully diluted earnings
 (loss) per common share
 Before extraordinary
  items and cumulative ef-
  fect of accounting
  changes.................  $   1.94    $   1.84        $   1.53  $ (11.69)    $  (0.51)
 Extraordinary items......     (0.08)      (0.31)          (0.98)    (0.04)       (0.75)
 Cumulative effect of ac-
  counting changes........                                           (2.35)
                            --------    --------        --------  --------     --------
  Total...................  $   1.86    $   1.53        $   0.55  $ (14.08)    $  (1.26)
                            ========    ========        ========  ========     ========
Fully diluted shares......      24.4        23.2            18.4      14.8         14.8
Primary earnings (loss)
 per common share
 Before extraordinary
  items and cumulative ef-
  fect of accounting
  changes.................  $   1.95    $   1.85        $   1.54  $ (11.69)    $  (0.51)
 Extraordinary items......     (0.08)      (0.31)          (0.98)    (0.04)       (0.75)
 Cumulative effect of ac-
  counting changes........                                           (2.35)
                            --------    --------        --------  --------     --------
  Total...................  $   1.87    $   1.54        $   0.56  $ (14.08)    $  (1.26)
                            ========    ========        ========  ========     ========
Primary shares............      24.3        23.0            18.3      14.8         14.8
</TABLE>    
 
                                      75
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                             SEPTEMBER 30,
                               --------------------------------------------
                                 1997     1996     1995     1994     1993
                               -------- --------  -------  -------  -------
                                               (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                            <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA
Cash and cash equivalents and
 restricted cash.............  $   68.9 $   71.2  $  46.8  $  25.3  $  27.1
Working capital..............     494.5    329.3    243.2    133.4    217.2
Total assets.................   1,745.0  1,188.0    838.7    711.6    867.9
Long-term debt...............     589.8    433.7    435.8    487.7    549.3
Stockholder's equity (defi-
 cit)........................      14.3    (36.8)  (135.7)  (300.7)   (93.0)
</TABLE>    
- --------
(1)Includes a one-time cumulative non-cash charge of $10.9 million, $7.1
  million after-tax.
(2) Includes a $6.4 million charge to consolidate facilities and restructure
    the sales force and a $5.2 million charge related to executive management
    changes, $7.1 million after-tax in the aggregate.
(3)Includes the effect of a $179.8 million write-off of goodwill.
(4)Reflects a reduction of $7.1 million due to a favorable settlement of an
  Internal Revenue Service audit.
(5) Represents the cumulative effect of accounting changes for income taxes of
    $33.4 million and post-retirement benefits other than pensions of $1.2
    million.
 
                                       76
<PAGE>
 
          UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA OF
                           MCKESSON AND AMERISOURCE
 
  The following unaudited pro forma combined consolidated financial data
present, under the pooling of interests accounting method, the combined
condensed balance sheet of McKesson and AmeriSource as of September 30, 1997
and the combined condensed statements of income of McKesson and AmeriSource
for the six-month periods ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 and the fiscal
years ended March 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995. The unaudited pro forma combined
consolidated financial data reflect preliminary estimated adjustments
necessary to conform inventory accounting policies of the separate companies
but do not reflect any cost savings and other synergies anticipated by
McKesson management as a result of the Merger or any Merger-Related expenses
and are not necessarily indicative of the actual results of operations or the
financial position of the combined entities had the Merger been consummated at
the beginning of the earliest period presented, nor are they necessarily
indicative of future results of operations or financial position.
   
  McKesson's fiscal year ends on March 31. AmeriSource's fiscal year ends on
September 30. For purposes of combining AmeriSource's historical financial
data with McKesson's historical financial data in the unaudited pro forma
combined consolidated financial data in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus,
the financial information of AmeriSource has been reported using the twelve-
month periods ended March 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, and the six-month periods
ended September 30, 1997 and 1996.     
 
  The unaudited pro forma combined consolidated financial data should be read
in conjunction with the historical audited and unaudited consolidated
financial statements of McKesson and AmeriSource and the notes to the
Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Consolidated Financial Data of McKesson and
AmeriSource, incorporated by reference or appearing elsewhere in this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus. See "Available Information," and "Incorporation of
Documents by Reference."
 
 
                                      77
<PAGE>
 
               PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME
 
                   SIX-MONTH PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                          PRO FORMA
                          HISTORICAL HISTORICAL     ---------------------------
                           MCKESSON  AMERISOURCE    ADJUSTMENTS       COMBINED
                          ---------- -----------    -----------       ---------
                            (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                       <C>        <C>            <C>               <C>
Revenues................   $8,810.5   $4,283.5       $                $13,094.0
Costs and expenses
 Cost of sales..........    8,078.0    4,075.1            2.0 (1)      12,155.1
 Selling, distribution
  and administration....      554.9      150.4 (2)                        705.3
 Interest...............       48.1       21.2                             69.3
                           --------   --------       --------         ---------
  Total.................    8,681.0    4,246.7            2.0          12,929.7
                           --------   --------       --------         ---------
Income before income
 taxes and dividends on
 convertible preferred
 securities of
 subsidiary trust.......      129.5       36.8 (2)       (2.0)(1)         164.3
Income taxes............      (49.2)     (14.3)           0.7 (3)         (62.8)
Dividends on convertible
 preferred securities of
 subsidiary trust, net
 of tax benefit.........       (3.1)                                       (3.1)
                           --------   --------       --------         ---------
  Net income............   $   77.2   $   22.5 (2)   $   (1.3)(1)(3)  $    98.4
                           ========   ========       ========         =========
Earnings per common
 share
 Fully diluted..........   $   1.58   $   0.92                        $    1.49
 Primary................       1.61       0.93                             1.51
 Shares on which
  earnings per common
  share were based
 Fully diluted..........       50.8       24.4           (7.1)(4)          68.1
 Primary................       47.8       24.3           (7.0)(4)          65.1
Earnings per common
 share--adjusted to
 reflect McKesson Stock
 Split
 Fully diluted..........   $   0.79       0.92                        $    0.75
 Primary................       0.81       0.93                             0.76
 Shares on which
  earnings per common
  share were based
 Fully diluted..........      101.6       24.4           10.3 (5)         136.3
 Primary................       95.7       24.3           10.2 (5)         130.2
</TABLE>    
 
See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Consolidated Financial Data of
McKesson and AmeriSource
 
- -------
(1) Reflects the estimated adjustment necessary to conform inventory
    accounting policies of the separate companies.
(2) Includes a $6.4 million charge to consolidate facilities and restructure
    the sales force and a $5.2 million charge related to executive management
    changes, $7.1 million after-tax in the aggregate.
(3) Adjusts the historical provision for income taxes to give effect to the
    pro forma adjustment discussed above.
   
(4) Reflects the effect of the original Exchange Ratio of 0.71 of a share of
    McKesson Common Stock for each share of AmeriSource Common Stock before
    giving effect to the McKesson two-for-one stock split declared October 29,
    1997, distributed January 2, 1998 to stockholders of record on December 1,
    1997.     
   
(5) Reflects the effect of the Exchange Ratio of 1.42 shares of McKesson
    Common Stock for each share of AmeriSource Common Stock.     
 
                                      78
<PAGE>
 
               PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME
 
                   SIX-MONTH PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                              PRO FORMA
                          HISTORICAL   HISTORICAL        ------------------------
                           MCKESSON    AMERISOURCE       ADJUSTMENTS     COMBINED
                          ----------   -----------       -----------     --------
                            (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                       <C>          <C>               <C>             <C>
Revenues................   $5,401.5     $2,907.1            $            $8,308.6
Costs and expenses
 Cost of sales..........    4,938.6      2,752.6 (1)         (2.0)(2)     7,689.2
 Selling, distribution
  and administration....      404.7(3)     108.3                            513.0
 Interest...............       21.1         17.0                             38.1
                           --------     --------            -----        --------
  Total.................    5,364.4      2,877.9             (2.0)        8,240.3
                           --------     --------            -----        --------
Income before income
 taxes..................       37.1(3)      29.2 (1)          2.0 (2)        68.3
Income taxes............      (32.7)        (5.5)(4)         (0.8)(5)       (39.0)
                           --------     --------            -----        --------
Income (loss) after
 taxes
 Continuing operations..        4.4(3)      23.7 (1)(4)       1.2 (2)(5)     29.3
 Discontinued opera-
  tions.................        5.6                                           5.6
 Extraordinary item.....                    (7.2)                            (7.2)
                           --------     --------            -----        --------
 Net income (loss)......   $   10.0     $   16.5            $ 1.2        $   27.7
                           ========     ========            =====        ========
Earnings (loss) per
 common share
 Fully diluted
 Continuing operations..   $   0.10     $   0.99                         $   0.48
 Discontinued
  operations............       0.12                                          0.09
 Extraordinary item.....                   (0.30)                           (0.12)
                           --------     --------                         --------
  Total.................   $   0.22     $   0.69                         $   0.45
                           ========     ========                         ========
 Primary
 Continuing operations..   $   0.10     $   1.01                         $   0.48
 Discontinued
  operations............       0.12                                          0.09
 Extraordinary item.....                   (0.31)                           (0.12)
                           --------     --------                         --------
  Total.................   $   0.22     $   0.70                         $   0.45
                           ========     ========                         ========
 Shares on which earn-
  ings (loss) per common
  share were based
 Fully diluted..........       44.6         23.8            (6.9)(6)         61.5
 Primary................       44.6         23.6            (6.8)(6)         61.4
Earnings (loss) per
 common share--adjusted
 to reflect McKesson
 Stock Split
 Fully diluted
 Continuing operations..   $   0.05     $   0.99                         $   0.24
 Discontinued opera-
  tions.................       0.06                                          0.05
 Extraordinary item.....                   (0.30)                           (0.06)
                           --------     --------                         --------
  Total.................   $   0.11     $   0.69                         $   0.23
                           ========     ========                         ========
 Primary
 Continuing operations..   $   0.05     $   1.01                         $   0.24
 Discontinued opera-
  tions.................       0.06                                          0.05
 Extraordinary item.....                   (0.31)                           (0.06)
                           --------     --------                         --------
  Total.................   $   0.11     $   0.70                         $   0.23
                           ========     ========                         ========
 Shares on which earn-
  ings (loss) per common
  share were based
 Fully diluted..........       89.3         23.8              9.9 (7)       123.0
 Primary................       89.2         23.6              9.9 (7)       122.7
</TABLE>    
 
See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Consolidated Financial Data of
McKesson and AmeriSource
 
- -------
   
(1) Includes a one-time, cumulative non-cash charge of $10.9 million, $7.1
    million after-tax.     
   
(2) Reflects the estimated adjustment necessary to conform inventory
    accounting policies of the separate companies.     
   
(3) Includes a $48.2 million write-off for in-process technology related to
    the acquisition of McKesson Automated Healthcare, Inc.     
   
(4) Reflects a reduction of $7.1 million due to a favorable settlement of an
    Internal Revenue Service audit.     
   
(5) Adjusts the historical provision for income taxes to give effect to the
    pro forma adjustment discussed above.     
   
(6) Reflects the effect of the original Exchange Ratio of 0.71 of a share of
    McKesson Common Stock for each share of AmeriSource Common Stock before
    giving effect to the McKesson two-for-one stock split declared October 29,
    1997, distributed January 2, 1998 to stockholders of record on December 1,
    1997.     
   
(7) Reflects the effect of the Exchange Ratio of 1.42 shares of McKesson
    Common Stock for each share of AmeriSource Common Stock.     
 
                                      79
<PAGE>
 
               PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME
 
                       FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1997
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    PRO FORMA
                             HISTORICAL     HISTORICAL        -------------------------
                              MCKESSON      AMERISOURCE       ADJUSTMENTS     COMBINED
                             ----------     -----------       -----------     ---------
                               (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                          <C>            <C>               <C>             <C>
Revenues...................  $12,886.7       $6,439.5            $            $19,326.2
Costs and expenses
 Cost of sales.............   11,849.4        6,105.9 (1)          3.1 (2)     17,958.4
 Selling, distribution and
  administration...........      944.5 (3)      225.9                           1,170.4
 Interest..................       55.7           37.3                              93.0
                             ---------       --------            -----        ---------
   Total...................   12,849.6        6,369.1              3.1         19,221.8
                             ---------       --------            -----        ---------
Income before income taxes
 and dividends on convert-
 ible preferred securities
 of subsidiary trust.......       37.1 (3)       70.4 (1)         (3.1)(2)        104.4
Income taxes...............      (31.3)         (21.8)(4)          1.2 (5)        (51.9)
Dividends on convertible
 preferred securities of
 subsidiary trust, net of
 tax benefit...............       (0.7)                                            (0.7)
                             ---------       --------            -----        ---------
Income (loss) after taxes
 Continuing operations.....        5.1 (3)       48.6 (1)(4)      (1.9)(2)(5)      51.8
 Discontinued operations...        8.6                                              8.6
 Discontinued operations--
  gain on sale.............      120.2                                            120.2
 Extraordinary item........                      (9.2)                             (9.2)
                             ---------       --------            -----        ---------
   Net income..............  $   133.9       $   39.4            $(1.9)       $   171.4
                             =========       ========            =====        =========
Earnings (loss) per common
 share
 Fully diluted
 Continuing operations.....  $    0.13       $   2.03                         $    0.84
 Discontinued operations...       0.19                                             0.14
 Discontinued operations--
  gain on sale.............       2.66                                             1.94
 Extraordinary item........                     (0.39)                            (0.15)
                             ---------       --------                         ---------
   Total...................  $    2.98       $   1.64                         $    2.77
                             =========       ========                         =========
 Primary
 Continuing operations.....  $    0.12       $   2.03                         $    0.84
 Discontinued operations...       0.19                                             0.14
 Discontinued operations--
  gain on sale.............       2.70                                             1.96
 Extraordinary item........                     (0.38)                            (0.15)
                             ---------       --------                         ---------
   Total...................  $    3.01       $   1.65                         $    2.79
                             =========       ========                         =========
 Shares on which earnings
  (loss) per common share
  were based
 Fully diluted.............       45.1           24.0             (7.0)(6)         62.1
 Primary...................       44.5           23.9             (6.9)(6)         61.5
Earnings (loss) per common
 share--adjusted to reflect
 McKesson Stock Split
 Fully diluted
 Continuing operations.....  $    0.06       $   2.03                         $    0.42
 Discontinued operations...       0.10                                             0.07
 Discontinued operations--
  gain on sale.............       1.33                                             0.97
 Extraordinary item........                     (0.39)                            (0.08)
                             ---------       --------                         ---------
   Total...................  $    1.49       $   1.64                         $    1.38
                             =========       ========                         =========
 Primary
 Continuing operations.....  $    0.06       $   2.03                         $    0.42
 Discontinued operations...       0.10                                             0.07
 Discontinued operations--
  gain on sale.............       1.35                                             0.98
 Extraordinary item........                     (0.38)                            (0.08)
                             ---------       --------                         ---------
   Total...................  $    1.51       $   1.65                         $    1.39
                             =========       ========                         =========
 Shares on which earnings
  (loss) per common share
  were based
   Fully diluted...........       90.2           24.0             10.1 (7)        124.3
   Primary.................       89.1           23.9             10.0 (7)        123.0
</TABLE>
 
See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Consolidated Financial Data of
McKesson and AmeriSource
- --------
(1) Includes a one-time, cumulative non-cash charge of $10.9 million, $7.1
    million after-tax.
(2) Reflects the estimated adjustment necessary to conform inventory
    accounting policies of the separate companies.
(3) Includes $98.8 million in charges for restructuring, asset impairment and
    other operating items and $48.2 million for the write-off of in-process
    technology related to the acquisition of McKesson Automated Healthcare,
    Inc., $109.5 million after-tax in the aggregate.
(4) Reflects a reduction of $7.1 million due to a favorable settlement of an
    Internal Revenue Service audit.
(5) Adjusts the historical provision for income taxes to give effect to the
    pro forma adjustment discussed above.
   
(6) Reflects the effect of the original Exchange Ratio of 0.71 of a share of
    McKesson Common Stock for each share of AmeriSource Common Stock before
    giving effect to the McKesson two-for-one stock split declared October 29,
    1997, distributed January 2, 1998 to stockholders of record on December 1,
    1997.     
   
(7) Reflects the effect of the Exchange Ratio of 1.42 shares of McKesson
    Common Stock for each share of AmeriSource Common Stock.     
 
                                      80
<PAGE>
 
               PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME
 
                       FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1996
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                            PRO FORMA
                               HISTORICAL HISTORICAL  -------------------------
                                MCKESSON  AMERISOURCE ADJUSTMENTS     COMBINED
                               ---------- ----------- -----------     ---------
                                 (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                            <C>        <C>         <C>             <C>
Revenues.....................   $9,953.7   $5,006.4      $            $14,960.1
Costs and expenses
 Cost of sales...............    9,038.2    4,721.0        2.3 (1)     13,761.5
 Selling, distribution and
  administration.............      674.2      183.2                       857.4
 Interest....................       44.4       39.3                        83.7
                                --------   --------      -----        ---------
  Total......................    9,756.8    4,943.5        2.3         14,702.6
                                --------   --------      -----        ---------
Income before income taxes...      196.9       62.9       (2.3)(1)        257.5
Income taxes.................      (76.2)     (23.3)       0.9 (2)        (98.6)
                                --------   --------      -----        ---------
Income (loss) after taxes
 Continuing operations.......      120.7       39.6       (1.4)(1)(2)     158.9
 Discontinued operations.....       14.7                                   14.7
 Extraordinary item..........                  (6.2)                       (6.2)
                                --------   --------      -----        ---------
  Net income.................   $  135.4   $   33.4      $(1.4)       $   167.4
                                ========   ========      =====        =========
Earnings (loss) per common
 share
 Fully diluted
 Continuing operations.......   $   2.59   $   1.77                   $    2.54
 Discontinued operations.....       0.31                                   0.24
 Extraordinary item..........                 (0.27)                      (0.10)
                                --------   --------                   ---------
  Total......................   $   2.90   $   1.50                   $    2.68
                                ========   ========                   =========
 Primary
 Continuing operations.......   $   2.59   $   1.79                   $    2.54
 Discontinued operations.....       0.31                                   0.24
 Extraordinary item..........                 (0.28)                      (0.10)
                                --------   --------                   ---------
  Total......................   $   2.90   $   1.51                   $    2.68
                                ========   ========                   =========
 Shares on which earnings
  (loss) per common share
  were based
 Fully diluted...............       46.7       22.3       (6.5)(3)         62.5
 Primary.....................       46.6       22.2       (6.4)(3)         62.4
Earnings (loss) per common
 share--adjusted to reflect
 McKesson Stock Split
 Fully diluted
 Continuing operations.......   $   1.29   $   1.77                   $    1.27
 Discontinued operations.....       0.16                                   0.12
 Extraordinary item..........                 (0.27)                      (0.05)
                                --------   --------                   ---------
  Total......................   $   1.45   $   1.50                   $    1.34
                                ========   ========                   =========
 Primary
 Continuing operations.......   $   1.29   $   1.79                   $    1.27
 Discontinued operations.....       0.16                                   0.12
 Extraordinary item..........        --       (0.28)                      (0.05)
                                --------   --------                   ---------
  Total......................   $   1.45   $   1.51                   $    1.34
                                ========   ========                   =========
 Shares on which earnings
  (loss) per common share
  were based
 Fully diluted...............       93.5       22.3        9.4 (4)        125.2
 Primary.....................       93.3       22.2        9.3 (4)        124.8
</TABLE>    
 
See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Consolidated Financial Data of
McKesson and AmeriSource
 
- --------
(1) Reflects the estimated adjustment necessary to conform inventory
    accounting policies of the separate companies.
(2) Adjusts the historical provision for income taxes to give effect to the
    pro forma adjustment discussed above.
   
(3) Reflects the effect of the original Exchange Ratio of 0.71 of a share of
    McKesson Common Stock for each share of AmeriSource Common Stock before
    giving effect to the McKesson two-for-one stock split declared October 29,
    1997, distributed January 2, 1998 to stockholders of record on December 1,
    1997.     
   
(4) Reflects the effect of the Exchange Ratio of 1.42 shares of McKesson
    Common Stock for each share of AmeriSource Common Stock.     
 
                                      81
<PAGE>
 
               PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                       FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   PRO FORMA
                             HISTORICAL       HISTORICAL     ---------------------------
                              MCKESSON        AMERISOURCE    ADJUSTMENTS       COMBINED
                             ----------       -----------    -----------       ---------
                               (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                          <C>              <C>            <C>               <C>
Revenues...................   $9,438.7         $4,435.9       $                $13,874.6
Costs and expenses
 Cost of sales.............    8,630.5 (1)      4,184.3             1.8 (2)     12,816.6
 Selling, distribution and
  administration...........      817.2 (1)        345.2 (3)                      1,162.4
 Interest..................       44.5             62.5                            107.0
                              --------         --------       ---------        ---------
   Total...................    9,492.2          4,592.0             1.8         14,086.0
                              --------         --------       ---------        ---------
Loss before taxes..........      (53.5)(1)       (156.1)(3)        (1.8)(2)       (211.4)
Income taxes...............      (96.6)(4)        (15.1)            0.7 (5)       (111.0)
                              --------         --------       ---------        ---------
Income (loss) after taxes
 Continuing operations.....     (150.1)(1)(4)    (171.2)(3)        (1.1)(2)(5)    (322.4)
 Discontinued operations...      (23.1)                                            (23.1)
 Discontinued operations--
  gains on sale/donation...      577.7                                             577.7
 Extraordinary item........                       (11.9)                           (11.9)
                              --------         --------       ---------        ---------
   Net income (loss).......   $  404.5         $ (183.1)      $    (1.1)       $   220.3
                              ========         ========       =========        =========
Earnings (loss) per common
 share
 Fully diluted
 Continuing operations.....   $  (3.34)        $ (11.60)                       $   (5.79)
 Discontinued operations...      (0.51)                                            (0.41)
 Discontinued operations--
  gains on sale/donation...      12.71                                             10.31
 Extraordinary item........                       (0.81)                           (0.21)
                              --------         --------                        ---------
   Total...................   $   8.86         $ (12.41)                       $    3.90
                              ========         ========                        =========
 Primary
 Continuing operations.....   $  (3.52)        $ (11.60)                       $   (6.02)
 Discontinued operations...      (0.53)                                            (0.43)
 Discontinued operations--
  gains on sale/donation...      13.25                                             10.68
 Extraordinary item........                       (0.81)                           (0.22)
                              --------         --------                        ---------
   Total...................   $   9.20         $ (12.41)                       $    4.01
                              ========         ========                        =========
 Shares on which earnings
  (loss) per common share
  were based
 Fully diluted.............       45.5             14.8            (4.3)(6)         56.0
 Primary...................       43.6             14.8            (4.3)(6)         54.1
Earnings (loss) per common
 share--adjusted to reflect
 McKesson Stock Split
 Fully diluted
 Continuing operations.....   $  (1.67)        $ (11.60)                       $   (2.90)
 Discontinued operations...      (0.25)                                            (0.21)
 Discontinued operations--
  gains on sale/donation...       6.35                                              5.16
 Extraordinary item........                       (0.81)                           (0.10)
                              --------         --------                        ---------
   Total...................   $   4.43         $ (12.41)                       $    1.95
                              ========         ========                        =========
 Primary
 Continuing operations.....   $  (1.76)        $ (11.60)                       $   (3.01)
 Discontinued operations...      (0.27)                                            (0.21)
 Discontinued operations--
  gains on sale/donation...       6.63                                              5.34
 Extraordinary item........                       (0.81)                           (0.11)
                              --------         --------                        ---------
   Total...................   $   4.60         $ (12.41)                       $    2.01
                              ========         ========                        =========
 Shares on which earnings
  (loss) per
  common share were based
 Fully diluted.............       90.9             14.8             6.2 (7)        111.9
 Primary...................       87.1             14.8             6.2 (7)        108.1
</TABLE>
 
See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Consolidated Financial Data of
McKesson and AmeriSource
 
- --------
(1) Includes $59.4 million in compensation costs (included in administration
    expense) related to the sale of PCS and $139.5 million in charges for
    asset impairment, restructuring and other operating items ($35.9 million
    included in cost of sales and $103.6 million included in administration
    expense), $130.6 million after-tax in the aggregate.
(2) Reflects the estimated adjustment necessary to conform inventory
    accounting policies of the separate companies.
(3) Includes a $179.8 million write-off of goodwill.
(4) Includes $107.0 million of income tax expense related to the sale of PCS.
(5) Adjusts the historical provision for income taxes to give effect to the
    pro forma adjustment discussed above.
   
(6) Reflects the effect of the original Exchange Ratio of 0.71 of a share of
    McKesson Common Stock for each share of AmeriSource Common Stock before
    giving effect to the McKesson two-for-one stock split declared October 29,
    1997, distributed January 2, 1998 to stockholders of record on December 1,
    1997.     
   
(7) Reflects the effect of the Exchange Ratio of 1.42 shares of McKesson
    Common Stock for each share of AmeriSource Common Stock.     
 
                                      82
<PAGE>
 
                   PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
 
                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                         PRO FORMA
                             HISTORICAL HISTORICAL  ------------------------
                              MCKESSON  AMERISOURCE ADJUSTMENTS     COMBINED
                             ---------- ----------- -----------     --------
                                            (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                          <C>        <C>         <C>             <C>      <C>
                                ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents..   $   79.3   $   68.9      $            $  148.2
Marketable securities
 available for sale........       97.0                                  97.0
Receivables................    1,332.8      533.3                    1,866.1
Inventories................    2,214.9    1,017.8      (11.3) (1)    3,221.4
Prepaid expenses...........       53.4        4.6        5.2 (2)        63.2
Property, plant and equip-
 ment--net.................      385.7       67.5                      453.2
Goodwill and other intangi-
 bles......................      750.2       34.4                      784.6
Other assets...............      322.2       18.5                      340.7
                              --------   --------      -----        --------
 Total assets..............   $5,235.5   $1,745.0      $(6.1)       $6,974.4
                              ========   ========      =====        ========
                 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Drafts and accounts pay-
 able......................   $1,866.6   $1,036.5      $ 1.6(1)     $2,904.7
Short-term loans and cur-
 rent portion of long-term
 debt......................      399.4                                 399.4
Other current liabilities..      390.2       93.6                      483.8
Postretirement obligations
 and noncurrent liabili-
 ties......................      246.6       10.8                      257.4
Long-term debt.............      806.1      589.8                    1,395.9
Convertible preferred secu-
 rities of subsidiary
 grantor trust.............      195.1                                 195.1
Stockholders' equity.......    1,331.5       14.3       (7.7)(1)(2)  1,338.1
                              --------   --------      -----        --------
 Total liabilities and
  stockholders' equity.....   $5,235.5   $1,745.0      $(6.1)       $6,974.4
                              ========   ========      =====        ========
</TABLE>    
 
See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Consolidated Financial Data of
McKesson and AmeriSource
 
- --------
(1) Reflects the estimated adjustment necessary to conform inventory accounting
    policies of the separate companies.
(2) Reflects the deferred taxes related to the pro forma adjustment discussed
    above.
 
                                       83
<PAGE>
 
 NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA OF MCKESSON
                                AND AMERISOURCE
 
1.MCKESSON AND AMERISOURCE HISTORICAL FISCAL YEARS
   
  McKesson's fiscal year ends on March 31. AmeriSource's fiscal year ends on
September 30. For purposes of combining AmeriSource's historical financial
data with McKesson's historical financial data in the unaudited pro forma
combined consolidated financial data in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus,
the financial information of AmeriSource has been reported using the twelve-
month periods ended March 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, and the six-month periods
ended September 30, 1997 and 1996.     
 
  Certain amounts in the historical financial statements of McKesson and
AmeriSource have been reclassified for the pro forma presentation.
 
  Certain adjustments to the historical financial statements of AmeriSource
were necessary to conform inventory accounting policies of the separate
companies. Such preliminary estimated adjustments have been reflected in the
pro forma presentation.
 
2.MERGER EXPENSES
   
  In connection with the Merger, the companies expect to incur charges between
$85 million and $105 million, after-tax, for merger and restructuring costs.
Such merger costs include investment banking, legal, accounting and other
related costs and fees. Additionally, the companies expect to incur costs
related to the combination of the separate companies and the reconfiguration
of the distribution center network from 61 to 33 facilities. These costs
include the effect of certain employee severance arrangements, costs to exit
certain contractual relationships, revaluation of certain operating assets,
and other merger related costs. These costs will be charged to expense upon
consummation of the Merger. The companies expect to incur additional
integration-related costs which will be charged to expense when incurred.
Since the Merger has not yet been consummated, the Merger expenses can only be
estimated at this time, and are subject to revision as further information
becomes available.     
 
3.EARNINGS PER SHARE
   
  The pro forma earnings per common share reflect the weighted average number
of shares of McKesson Common Stock that would have been outstanding had the
merger occurred at the beginning of the earliest period presented and are
presented reflecting both the original Exchange Ratio of 0.71 of a share of
McKesson Common Stock for each share of AmeriSource Common Stock outstanding
and the new Exchange Ratio of 1.42 shares of McKesson Common Stock for each
share of AmeriSource Common Stock outstanding after giving effect to the
McKesson two-for-one stock split declared October 29, 1997, distributed
January 2, 1998 to stockholders of record on December 1, 1997. The pro forma
earnings per common share reflect the dilutive impact of McKesson and
AmeriSource stock options using the treasury stock method. All AmeriSource
Options are assumed to be converted into options for McKesson Common Stock at
the applicable Exchange Ratio before application of the treasury stock method.
The pro forma fully diluted earnings per common share for fiscal year 1997 and
for the six months ended September 30, 1997, reflect the assumed conversion of
McKesson's convertible preferred securities.     
       
                                      84
<PAGE>
 
                                    EXPERTS
   
  The consolidated financial statements of McKesson and the related financial
statement schedule incorporated in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus by
reference from McKesson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March
31, 1997 and the consolidated financial statements of FoxMeyer for the year
ended March 31, 1996 incorporated in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus by
reference from McKesson'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 16, 1997 on McKesson's consolidated
financial statements expresses an unqualified opinion and which report on
FoxMeyer's consolidated financial statements dated June 28, 1996 (March 18,
1997 as to paragraph seven of Note Q), expresses an unqualified opinion and
includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the sale of the principal assets
of FoxMeyer 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.     
   
  The consolidated financial statements and schedules of AmeriSource at
September 30, 1997 and 1996, and for each of the three years in the period
ended September 30, 1997, incorporated by reference (from the 1997 AmeriSource
10-K) into this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, have been audited by Ernst &
Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon in the
1997 AmeriSource Form 10-K and incorporated by reference herein. Such
consolidated financial statements and schedules are incorporated by reference
herein in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as
experts in accounting and auditing.     
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
   
  The validity of the McKesson Common Stock to be issued by McKesson pursuant
to the Merger will be passed upon by Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson
(a partnership including professional corporations). Certain tax matters will
be passed upon by Dechert Price & Rhoads. Barton J. Winokur, a partner of
Dechert Price & Rhoads, which performs various legal services for AmeriSource,
is a director of AmeriSource and owns 29,750 shares of AmeriSource Common
Stock.     
 
                             STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
 
  Stockholder proposals for inclusion in the proxy statement of McKesson to be
issued in connection with the 1998 Annual Meeting of McKesson Stockholders
must be mailed to Ms. Nancy A. Miller, Vice President and Corporate Secretary,
McKesson Corporation, One Post Street, San Francisco, California 94104, and
must be received by the Corporate Secretary on or before February 19, 1998.
   
  Proposals of stockholders of AmeriSource intended for presentation at the
annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 1998 had to have been received by
AmeriSource on or before October 14, 1997 for inclusion in AmeriSource's proxy
statement with respect to such meeting.     
   
  AmeriSource expects to hold an annual meeting of stockholders in the first
calendar quarter of 1999 unless the Merger is completed prior to such period.
In the event that a stockholder desires to have a proposal included in the
proxy statement and form of proxy for the annual meeting of stockholders to be
held in 1999, the proposal must be received by AmeriSource in writing on or
before the date set forth in the proxy materials relating to the annual
meeting to be held in 1998.     
 
                                      85
<PAGE>
 
                                                                      APPENDIX A
 
                                MERGER AGREEMENT
                          
                       INCLUDING AMENDMENTS THERETO     
<PAGE>
 
 
                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
                                  BY AND AMONG
 
                              MCKESSON CORPORATION
 
                           PATRIOT ACQUISITION CORP.
            A WHOLLY OWNED DIRECT SUBSIDIARY OF MCKESSON CORPORATION
 
                                      AND
 
                         AMERISOURCE HEALTH CORPORATION
 
                                  DATED AS OF
                               SEPTEMBER 22, 1997
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
 <C>   <S>                                                                  <C>
 ARTICLE I THE MERGER......................................................  A-1
  1.1   The Merger........................................................   A-1
  1.2   Effective Time; Closing...........................................   A-1
  1.3   Effects of the Merger.............................................   A-2
  1.4   Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws...........................   A-2
  1.5   Directors and Officers of the Surviving Corporation...............   A-2
 ARTICLE II CONVERSION OF SECURITIES.......................................  A-2
  2.1   Conversion of Capital Stock.......................................   A-2
  2.2   Fractional Shares; Adjustments....................................   A-2
  2.3   Exchange of Certificates..........................................   A-3
   (a)  Exchange Agent....................................................   A-3
   (b)  Exchange Procedures...............................................   A-3
   (c)  Distributions with Respect to Unexchanged Shares..................   A-4
   (d)  No Further Ownership Rights in AmeriSource Common Stock...........   A-4
   (e)  Termination of Exchange Fund......................................   A-4
   (f)  No Liability......................................................   A-4
   (g)  Investment of Exchange Fund.......................................   A-4
   (h)  Missing Certificates..............................................   A-4
  2.4   Treatment of Stock Options........................................   A-5
 ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF AMERISOURCE.................  A-5
  3.1   Organization and Standing.........................................   A-5
  3.2   Subsidiaries......................................................   A-6
  3.3   Corporate Power and Authority.....................................   A-6
  3.4   Capitalization of AmeriSource.....................................   A-6
  3.5   Conflicts; Consents and Approvals.................................   A-7
  3.6   No Material Adverse Change........................................   A-8
  3.7   AmeriSource SEC Documents.........................................   A-8
  3.8   Taxes.............................................................   A-8
  3.9   Compliance with Law...............................................   A-9
  3.10  Intellectual Property.............................................   A-9
  3.11  Title to Properties...............................................  A-10
  3.12  Registration Statement; Joint Proxy Statement.....................  A-10
  3.13  Litigation........................................................  A-10
  3.14  Brokerage and Finder's Fees; Expenses.............................  A-10
  3.15  Accounting Matters; Reorganization................................  A-10
  3.16  Employee Benefit Plans............................................  A-11
  3.17  Contracts.........................................................  A-12
  3.18  Labor Matters.....................................................  A-13
  3.19  Undisclosed Liabilities...........................................  A-13
  3.20  Operation of AmeriSource's Business; Relationships................  A-14
  3.21  Permits; Compliance...............................................  A-14
  3.22  Environmental Matters.............................................  A-14
  3.23  Opinion of Financial Advisor......................................  A-15
  3.24  Board Recommendation..............................................  A-15
  3.25  Related Party Transactions........................................  A-15
  3.26  Employee Agreements...............................................  A-15
  3.27  Rights Plan.......................................................  A-15
  3.28  Voting on Transaction.............................................  A-15
</TABLE>    
 
                                      A-i
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
 <C>   <S>                                                                  <C>
 ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND MERGER SUB........ A-16
  4.1  Organization and Standing..........................................  A-16
  4.2  Subsidiaries.......................................................  A-16
  4.3  Corporate Power and Authority......................................  A-16
  4.4  Capitalization of Parent ad Merger Sub.............................  A-16
  4.5  Conflicts; Consents and Approval...................................  A-17
  4.6  Brokerage and Finder's Fees........................................  A-17
  4.7  Accounting Matters; Reorganization.................................  A-17
  4.8  Parent SEC Documents...............................................  A-18
  4.9  Registration Statement; Joint Proxy Statement......................  A-18
  4.10 Compliance with Law................................................  A-18
  4.11 Litigation.........................................................  A-18
  4.12 Board Recommendation...............................................  A-19
  4.13 No Material Adverse Change.........................................  A-19
  4.14 Title to Properties................................................  A-19
  4.15 Undisclosed Liabilities............................................  A-19
  4.16 Operation of Parent's Business; Relationships......................  A-19
  4.17 Opinion of Financial Advisor.......................................  A-19
  4.18 Beneficial Ownership of Shares.....................................  A-19
 ARTICLE V COVENANTS OF THE PARTIES........................................ A-20
  5.1  Mutual Covenants...................................................  A-20
   (a) HSR Act Filings; Best Efforts; Notification........................  A-20
   (b) Pooling-of-Interests...............................................  A-21
   (c) Tax-Free Treatment.................................................  A-22
   (d) Public Announcements...............................................  A-22
   (e) Joint Proxy Statement; Registration Statement......................  A-22
  5.2  Covenants of Parent................................................  A-22
   (a) Parent Stockholders Meeting........................................  A-22
   (b) Joint Proxy Statement; Registration Statement......................  A-22
   (c) Conduct of Parent's Operations.....................................  A-23
   (d) Indemnification; Directors' and Officers' Insurance................  A-24
   (e) Merger Sub.........................................................  A-25
   (f) NYSE Listing.......................................................  A-25
   (g) Access.............................................................  A-25
   (h) Board of Directors and Officers of Parent..........................  A-26
   (i) Affiliates of Parent...............................................  A-26
   (j) Notification of Certain Matters....................................  A-26
   (k) Employees and Employee Benefits....................................  A-26
   (l) Letters of Parent's Accountants....................................  A-26
   (m) Purchases of Common Stock of AmeriSource...........................  A-26
   (n) Registration Rights................................................  A-27
   (o) Publishing Financial Results.......................................  A-27
  5.3  Covenants of AmeriSource...........................................  A-27
   (a) AmeriSource Stockholders Meeting...................................  A-27
   (b) Joint Proxy Statement; Registration Statement......................  A-27
   (c) Conduct of AmeriSource's Operations................................  A-27
   (d) No Solicitation....................................................  A-30
   (e) Termination Right..................................................  A-31
   (f) Affiliates of AmeriSource..........................................  A-31
   (g) Access.............................................................  A-32
</TABLE>    
 
                                      A-ii
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
 <C>          <S>                                                           <C>
   (h)         Notification of Certain Matters............................  A-32
   (i)         Subsequent Financial Statements............................  A-32
   (j)         Letters of AmeriSource's Accountants.......................  A-32
 ARTICLE VI CONDITIONS..................................................... A-33
  6.1          Conditions to the Obligations of Each Party................  A-33
  6.2          Conditions to Obligations of AmeriSource...................  A-33
  6.3          Conditions to Obligations of Parent and Merger Sub.........  A-34
 ARTICLE VII TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT..................................... A-35
  7.1          Termination................................................  A-35
  7.2          Effect of Termination......................................  A-37
  7.3          Amendment..................................................  A-39
  7.4          Extension; Waiver..........................................  A-39
 ARTICLE VIII MISCELLANEOUS................................................ A-40
  8.1          No Survival of Representations and Warranties..............  A-40
  8.2          Notices....................................................  A-40
  8.3          Interpretation; Definitions................................  A-40
  8.4          Counterparts...............................................  A-41
  8.5          Entire Agreement...........................................  A-41
  8.6          Third Party Beneficiaries..................................  A-41
  8.7          Governing Law..............................................  A-41
  8.8          Specific Performance.......................................  A-42
  8.9          Assignment.................................................  A-42
  8.10         Expenses...................................................  A-42
  Exhibit A-1  Form of Patriot Affiliate Letter
  Exhibit A-2  Form of Parent Affiliate Letter
</TABLE>
 
 
 
                                     A-iii
<PAGE>
 
                         AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
 
  This Agreement and Plan of Merger (this "Agreement") is made and entered
into as of the 22nd day of September, 1997, by and among McKesson Corporation,
a Delaware corporation ("Parent"), Patriot Acquisition Corp., a Delaware
corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent ("Merger Sub"), and
AmeriSource Health Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("AmeriSource").
 
                                  WITNESSETH
 
  WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of Parent has determined that a combination
with AmeriSource is in the long term interest of its stockholders;
 
  WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of AmeriSource has determined that a
combination with Parent is in the long term interest of its stockholders, and
AmeriSource desires to combine its pharmaceutical distribution business with
the operations of Parent and for AmeriSource's stockholders to have a
continuing equity interest in the combined business;
 
  WHEREAS, in effectuation of the foregoing, the respective Boards of
Directors of Parent, Merger Sub and AmeriSource have approved and declared
advisable and in the best interests of their respective stockholders the
merger of Merger Sub with and into AmeriSource, with AmeriSource as the
surviving corporation (the "Merger"), upon the terms and subject to the
conditions of this Agreement and in accordance with the General Corporation
Law of the State of Delaware (the "DGCL");
 
  WHEREAS, the parties intend that the Merger constitute a "reorganization"
within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"); and
 
  WHEREAS, the parties intend that the Merger be accounted for as a pooling-
of-interests for accounting purposes.
 
  NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth,
the parties hereto agree as follows:
 
                                   ARTICLE I
 
                                  THE MERGER
 
  1.1 The Merger. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereof, and in
accordance with the provisions of the DGCL, at the Effective Time (as defined
in Section 1.2(a)), Merger Sub shall be merged with and into AmeriSource. As a
result of the Merger, the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub shall
cease and AmeriSource shall continue as the surviving corporation of the
Merger (the "Surviving Corporation").
 
  1.2 Effective Time; Closing.
 
    (a) Concurrently with the Closing (as defined in Section 1.2(b)), the
  parties shall cause the Merger to be consummated by filing with the
  Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the "Delaware Secretary of
  State") a certificate of merger (the "Certificate of Merger") in accordance
  with Section 251 of the DGCL. The Merger shall become effective (the
  "Effective Time") when the Certificate of Merger has been filed with the
  Delaware Secretary of State or at such later time as shall be agreed upon
  by Parent and AmeriSource and specified in the Certificate of Merger.
 
    (b) The closing of the transactions contemplated hereby (the "Closing")
  shall be held at the offices of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson,
  One New York Plaza, New York, New York, at 10:00 a.m. New York City time on
  the fifth business day following the latest of: (i) the date on which the
  Parent
 
                                      A-1
<PAGE>
 
  Stockholders Meeting (as defined in Section 5.2(a)) (including any
  adjournment or postponement thereof) shall have been held, (ii) the date on
  which the AmeriSource Stockholders Meeting (as defined in Section 5.3(a))
  (including any adjournment or postponement thereof) shall have been held,
  (iii) the date on which the condition set forth in Section 6.1(b) shall
  have been satisfied or waived, (iv) the date on which the condition set
  forth in Section 6.1(e) shall have been satisfied or waived and (v) the
  date on which the condition set forth in Section 6.1(f) shall have been
  satisfied or waived; or at such other place or time or on such other date
  as Parent and AmeriSource may agree. The date on which the Closing takes
  place is referred to herein as the "Closing Date."
 
  1.3 Effects of the Merger. From and after the Effective Time, the Merger
shall have the effects set forth in the DGCL.
 
  1.4 Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws. At the Effective Time, the
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of Merger Sub, as in effect
immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be the Certificate of
Incorporation and Bylaws, respectively, of the Surviving Corporation.
 
  1.5 Directors and Officers of the Surviving Corporation. From and after the
Effective Time, the directors of Merger Sub shall be the directors of the
Surviving Corporation and the officers of Merger Sub shall be the officers of
the Surviving Corporation, in each case until their respective successors are
duly elected or appointed and qualified.
 
                                  ARTICLE II
 
                           CONVERSION OF SECURITIES
 
  2.1 Conversion of Capital Stock. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the
Merger and without any action on the part of Parent, Merger Sub or AmeriSource
or their respective stockholders:
 
    (a) Each share of common stock, $0.01 par value, of Merger Sub issued and
  outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into
  one validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of common stock,
  $0.01 par value, of the Surviving Corporation.
 
    (b) Subject to the other provisions of this Article II, each share of
  AmeriSource Common Stock (as defined in Section 3.4) issued and outstanding
  immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into and
  represent 0.71 (the "Exchange Ratio") of a share of common stock, par value
  $.01 per share, of Parent ("Parent Common Stock"), together with the
  associated preferred stock purchase rights ("Rights") issued pursuant to
  the Rights Agreement dated as of October 21, 1994 between Parent and First
  Chicago Trust Company of New York (the "Rights Agreement"). Subject to the
  other provisions of this Article II, as of the Effective Time, each such
  share of AmeriSource Common Stock shall, by virtue of the Merger, cease to
  be outstanding and shall be cancelled and retired, and each holder of a
  certificate representing any such shares shall thereafter cease to have any
  rights with respect thereto except the right to receive (i) certificates
  representing the number of whole shares of Parent Common Stock into which
  such shares have been converted, (ii) certain dividends and other
  distributions in accordance with Section 2.3(c) and (iii) cash in lieu of
  fractional shares of Parent Common Stock in accordance with Section 2.2(a),
  without interest.
 
    (c) Each share of capital stock of AmeriSource held in the treasury of
  AmeriSource shall be cancelled and retired and no payment shall be made in
  respect thereof.
 
  2.2 Fractional Shares; Adjustments.
 
    (a) No fractional shares of Parent Common Stock shall be issued as a
  result of the conversion provided for in Section 2.1(b). In lieu of any
  such fractional shares, the holder of a certificate previously evidencing
  AmeriSource Common Stock, upon presentation of such fractional interest
  represented by an appropriate certificate for AmeriSource Common Stock to
  the Exchange Agent (as defined in Section 2.3) pursuant to Section 2.3,
  shall be entitled to receive a cash payment therefor in an amount equal to
  the value
 
                                      A-2
<PAGE>
 
  (determined with reference to the closing price of a share of Parent Common
  Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") Composite Tape on
  the last full trading day immediately prior to the Closing Date) of such
  fractional interest. Such payment with respect to fractional shares is
  merely intended to provide a mechanical rounding off of, and is not a
  separately bargained for, consideration. If more than one certificate
  representing shares of AmeriSource Common Stock shall be surrendered for
  the account of the same holder, the number of shares of Parent Common Stock
  for which certificates have been surrendered shall be computed on the basis
  of the aggregate number of shares represented by the certificates so
  surrendered. Any payment owed with respect to fractional shares shall be
  rounded upward to the nearest cent.
 
    (b) If, prior to the Effective Time, Parent shall declare a stock
  dividend or other similar distribution of Parent Common Stock or securities
  convertible into shares of Parent Common Stock, or effect a stock split,
  reclassification, recapitalization, stock combination or other change with
  respect to the Parent Common Stock, the Exchange Ratio shall be adjusted to
  reflect such dividend, distribution, stock split, reclassification,
  recapitalization, stock combination or other change.
 
  2.3 Exchange of Certificates.
 
    (a) Exchange Agent. Promptly following the Effective Time, Parent shall
  deposit with First Chicago Trust Company of New York or such other exchange
  agent as may be designated by Parent and reasonably acceptable to
  AmeriSource (the "Exchange Agent"), for the benefit of the holders of
  AmeriSource Common Stock, for exchange in accordance with this Section 2.3,
  certificates representing shares of Parent Common Stock issuable pursuant
  to Section 2.1(b) in exchange for outstanding shares of AmeriSource Common
  Stock and shall from time to time deposit cash in an amount required to be
  paid pursuant to Section 2.2(a) (such shares of Parent Common Stock
  (including the associated Rights) and cash, together with any dividends or
  distributions with respect thereto, being hereinafter referred to as the
  "Exchange Fund").
 
    (b) Exchange Procedures. As soon as practicable after the Effective Time,
  Parent shall instruct the Exchange Agent to mail to each holder of record
  of a certificate or certificates which immediately prior to the Effective
  Time represented outstanding shares of AmeriSource Common Stock whose
  shares were converted into the right to receive shares of Parent Common
  Stock pursuant to Section 2.1(b) ("Certificates"), (i) a letter of
  transmittal (the form and substance of which shall have been reasonably
  approved by AmeriSource prior to the Effective Time and which shall specify
  that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the
  Certificates shall pass, only upon delivery of the Certificates to the
  Exchange Agent and shall be in such form and have such other provisions as
  Parent may reasonably specify, including offering holders of Certificates
  the ability to hold their shares of Parent Common Stock in book entry form
  in lieu of the certificates provided for below) and (ii) instructions for
  effecting the surrender of the Certificates in exchange for certificates
  representing shares of Parent Common Stock. Upon surrender of a Certificate
  for cancellation to the Exchange Agent, together with a duly executed
  letter of transmittal, the holder of such Certificate shall be entitled to
  receive in exchange therefor (x) a certificate or certificates representing
  that whole number of shares of Parent Common Stock which such holder has
  the right to receive pursuant to Section 2.1(b) in such denominations and
  registered in such names as such holder may request and (y) a check
  representing the amount of cash in lieu of fractional shares, if any, and
  unpaid dividends and distributions, if any, which such holder has the right
  to receive pursuant to the provisions of this Article II, after giving
  effect to any required withholding tax. No interest will be paid or accrued
  on the cash in lieu of fractional shares, if any, and unpaid dividends and
  distributions, if any, payable to holders of shares of AmeriSource Common
  Stock. In the event of a transfer of ownership of shares of AmeriSource
  Common Stock which is not registered on the transfer records of
  AmeriSource, a certificate representing the proper number of shares of
  Parent Common Stock, together with a check for the cash to be paid in lieu
  of fractional shares, if any, and unpaid dividends and distributions, if
  any, may be issued to such transferee if the Certificate representing such
  shares of AmeriSource Common Stock held by such transferee is presented to
  the Exchange Agent, accompanied by all documents required to evidence and
  effect such transfer and to evidence that any applicable stock transfer
  taxes have been paid.
 
                                      A-3
<PAGE>
 
    (c) Distributions with Respect to Unexchanged Shares. Notwithstanding any
  other provisions of this Agreement, no dividends or other distributions
  declared or made after the Effective Time with respect to any shares of
  Parent Common Stock having a record date after the Effective Time shall be
  paid to the holder of any unsurrendered Certificate, and no cash payment in
  lieu of fractional shares shall be paid to any such holder, until the
  holder shall surrender such Certificate as provided in this Section 2.3.
  Subject to the effect of Applicable Laws (as defined in Section 3.9), there
  shall be paid to the holder of the certificates representing whole shares
  of Parent Common Stock issued in exchange therefor, without interest, (i)
  at the time of surrender of such Certificate, the amount of dividends or
  other distributions with a record date after the Effective Time theretofore
  payable with respect to such whole shares of Parent Common Stock and not
  paid, less the amount of any withholding taxes which may be required
  thereon, and (ii) at the appropriate payment date subsequent to surrender
  of such Certificate, the amount of dividends or other distributions with a
  record date after the Effective Time but prior to surrender and a payment
  date subsequent to surrender payable with respect to such whole shares of
  Parent Common Stock, less the amount of any withholding taxes which may be
  required thereon.
 
    (d) No Further Ownership Rights in AmeriSource Common Stock. All shares
  of Parent Common Stock issued upon surrender of Certificates in accordance
  with the terms hereof (including any cash paid pursuant to this Article II)
  shall be deemed to have been issued in full satisfaction of all rights
  pertaining to the shares of AmeriSource Common Stock represented thereby,
  and there shall be no further registration of transfers on the stock
  transfer books of AmeriSource of shares of AmeriSource Common Stock
  outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time. All Certificates
  presented to the Surviving Corporation after the Effective Time for any
  reason shall be cancelled and exchanged as provided in this Section 2.3.
  Certificates surrendered for exchange by any person constituting an
  "affiliate" of AmeriSource for purposes of Rule 145(c) under the Securities
  Act of 1933, as amended (together with the rules and regulations
  thereunder, the "Securities Act"), shall not be exchanged until Parent has
  received written undertakings from such person in the form attached hereto
  as Exhibit A-1.
 
    (e) Termination of Exchange Fund. Any portion of the Exchange Fund which
  remains undistributed to holders of AmeriSource Common Stock one year after
  the date of the mailing required by Section 2.3(b) shall be delivered to
  Parent, upon demand therefor, and holders of Certificates previously
  representing shares of AmeriSource Common Stock who have not theretofore
  complied with this Section 2.3 shall thereafter look only to Parent for
  payment of any claim to shares of Parent Common Stock, cash in lieu of
  fractional shares thereof, or dividends or distributions, if any, in
  respect thereof.
 
    (f) No Liability. None of Parent, the Surviving Corporation or the
  Exchange Agent shall be liable to any person in respect of any shares of
  Parent Common Stock (or dividends or distributions with respect thereto) or
  cash from the Exchange Fund delivered to a public official pursuant to any
  applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar law. If any Certificates
  shall not have been surrendered prior to seven years after the Effective
  Time of the Merger (or immediately prior to such earlier date on which any
  shares of Parent Common Stock, any dividends or distributions with respect
  thereto, or any cash in lieu of fractional shares in respect of such
  Certificate would otherwise escheat to or become the property of any
  Governmental Authority (as defined in Section 3.5)), any such shares,
  dividends or distributions or cash in respect of such Certificate shall, to
  the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, become the property of Parent,
  free and clear of all claims or interest of any person previously entitled
  thereto.
 
    (g) Investment of Exchange Fund. The Exchange Agent shall invest any cash
  included in the Exchange Fund, as directed by Parent, on a daily basis. Any
  interest and other income resulting from such investments shall be paid to
  Parent upon termination of the Exchange Fund pursuant to Section 2.3(e).
 
    (h) Missing Certificates. In the event any Certificate shall have been
  lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact and
  providing an appropriate indemnity or surety bond by the person claiming
  such Certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed, the Exchange Agent will
  issue in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate the shares
  of Parent Common Stock (including the associated Rights,
 
                                      A-4
<PAGE>
 
  dividends and distributions with respect thereto) and cash in lieu of
  fractional shares, deliverable in respect thereof pursuant to this
  Agreement.
 
  2.4 Treatment of Stock Options.
 
    (a) Prior to the Effective Time, Parent and AmeriSource shall take all
  such actions as may be necessary to cause each unexpired and unexercised
  option under stock option plans of AmeriSource in effect on the date hereof
  which has been granted to current or former directors, officers or
  employees of AmeriSource by AmeriSource (or which has been granted by
  AmeriSource prior to the Effective Time in compliance with the terms of
  this Agreement) (each, a "AmeriSource Option") to be automatically
  converted at the Effective Time into an option (a "Parent Exchange Option")
  to purchase that number of shares of Parent Common Stock equal to the
  number of shares of AmeriSource Common Stock issuable immediately prior to
  the Effective Time upon exercise of the AmeriSource Option (without regard
  to actual restrictions on exercisability) multiplied by the Exchange Ratio,
  with an exercise price equal to the exercise price which existed under the
  corresponding AmeriSource Option divided by the Exchange Ratio, and with
  other terms and conditions that are the same as the terms and conditions of
  such AmeriSource Option immediately before the Effective Time. In
  connection with the issuance of Parent Exchange Options, Parent shall (i)
  reserve for issuance the number of shares of Parent Common Stock that will
  become subject to Parent Exchange Options pursuant to this Section 2.4 and
  (ii) from and after the Effective Time, upon exercise of Parent Exchange
  Options, make available for issuance all shares of Parent Common Stock
  covered thereby, subject to the terms and conditions applicable thereto.
 
    (b) AmeriSource agrees to issue treasury shares of AmeriSource, to the
  extent available, upon the exercise of AmeriSource Options prior to the
  Effective Time.
 
    (c) Parent agrees to use its reasonable efforts to file with the
  Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") within 15 business
  days after the Closing Date a registration statement on Form S-8 or other
  appropriate form under the Securities Act to register the shares of Parent
  Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Parent Exchange Options and use
  its reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to remain
  effective until the exercise or expiration of such options.
 
                                  ARTICLE III
 
                 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF AMERISOURCE
 
  In order to induce Merger Sub and Parent to enter into this Agreement,
AmeriSource hereby represents and warrants to Parent and Merger Sub that the
statements contained in this Article III are true, correct and complete.
 
  3.1 Organization and Standing. Each of AmeriSource and each subsidiary (as
defined in Section 8.3) is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and
in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation with
full corporate power and authority to own, lease, use and operate its
properties and to conduct its business as and where now owned, leased, used,
operated and conducted. Each of AmeriSource and each subsidiary of AmeriSource
is duly qualified to do business and in good standing in each jurisdiction in
which the nature of the business conducted by it or the property it owns,
leases or operates requires it to so qualify, except where the failure to be
so qualified or in good standing in such jurisdiction individually or in the
aggregate would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect
(as defined in Section 8.3) on AmeriSource. AmeriSource is not in default in
the performance, observance or fulfillment of any provision of its Restated
Certificate of Incorporation or its Bylaws, each as in effect on the date
hereof (the "AmeriSource Certificate" and the "AmeriSource Bylaws,"
respectively). AmeriSource has heretofore furnished to Parent a complete and
correct copy of the AmeriSource Certificate and the AmeriSource Bylaws. Listed
in Section 3.1 to the disclosure schedule delivered by AmeriSource to Parent
and dated the date hereof (the "AmeriSource Disclosure Schedule") is each
jurisdiction in which AmeriSource or a subsidiary of AmeriSource is qualified
to do business and in good standing as of the date of the Agreement.
 
 
                                      A-5
<PAGE>
 
  3.2 Subsidiaries. AmeriSource does not own, directly or indirectly, any
equity or other ownership interest in any corporation, partnership, joint
venture or other entity or enterprise, except for the subsidiaries and other
entities set forth in Section 3.2 to the AmeriSource Disclosure Schedule.
Except as set forth in Section 3.2 to the AmeriSource Disclosure Schedule,
AmeriSource is not subject to any obligation or requirement to provide funds
to or make any investment (in the form of a loan, capital contribution or
otherwise) in any entity or enterprise that is not wholly owned by
AmeriSource. Except as set forth in Section 3.2 to the AmeriSource Disclosure
Schedule, AmeriSource owns directly or indirectly each of the outstanding
shares of capital stock (or other ownership interests having by their terms
ordinary voting power to elect a majority of directors or others performing
similar functions with respect to such subsidiary) of each of AmeriSource's
subsidiaries, free and clear of all liens, pledges, security interests, claims
or other encumbrances. Each of the outstanding shares of capital stock of each
of AmeriSource's subsidiaries is duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid
and nonassessable. All of the capital stock of each subsidiary of AmeriSource
is owned by AmeriSource and/or one or more wholly owned subsidiaries of
AmeriSource. Other than as set forth in Section 3.2 to the AmeriSource
Disclosure Schedule, there are no outstanding subscriptions, options,
warrants, puts, calls, agreements, understandings, claims or other commitments
or rights of any type relating to the issuance, sale, repurchase or transfer
of any capital stock or other securities of any subsidiary of AmeriSource, nor
are there outstanding any securities which are convertible into or
exchangeable for any shares of capital stock or other securities of any
subsidiary of AmeriSource, and neither AmeriSource nor any subsidiary of
AmeriSource has any obligation of any kind to issue any additional shares of
capital stock or other securities of any subsidiary of AmeriSource or to pay
for or repurchase any shares of capital stock or other securities of any
subsidiary of AmeriSource or any predecessor thereof.
 
  3.3 Corporate Power and Authority. AmeriSource has all requisite corporate
power and authority to enter into and deliver this Agreement, to perform its
obligations hereunder and, subject to approval of the Merger and the
transactions contemplated hereby by the stockholders of AmeriSource, to
consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The execution,
delivery and performance of this Agreement by AmeriSource have been duly
authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of AmeriSource,
subject to approval of the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby by
the stockholders of AmeriSource. This Agreement has been duly executed and
delivered by AmeriSource and constitutes the legal, valid and binding
obligation of AmeriSource enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.
 
  3.4 Capitalization of AmeriSource. As of September 15, 1997, AmeriSource's
authorized capital stock consisted solely of (a) 50,000,000 shares of Class A
common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("AmeriSource Class A Stock"), of
which (i) 17,178,901 shares were issued and outstanding, (ii) 351,082 shares
were issued and held in treasury (which does not include the shares reserved
for issuance set forth in clause (iii) below) and no shares were held by
subsidiaries of AmeriSource, and (iii) 1,268,007 shares were reserved for
issuance upon the exercise of outstanding AmeriSource Options, and 6,663,010
shares were reserved for issuance upon the conversion of AmeriSource Class B
Stock and AmeriSource Class C Stock into AmeriSource Class A Stock, and no
other shares were reserved for issuance for any other purposes; (b) 15,000,000
shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("AmeriSource Class
B Stock"), of which (i) 6,490,370 shares were issued and outstanding, (ii)
2,950,000 shares were issued and held in treasury and no shares were held by
subsidiaries of AmeriSource, and (iii) no shares were reserved for issuance
for any purpose; and (c) 2,000,000 shares of Class C common stock, par value
$0.01 per share (the "AmeriSource Class C Stock" and, with the AmeriSource
Class A Stock and AmeriSource Class B Stock, the "AmeriSource Common Stock"),
of which (i) 172,640 shares were issued and outstanding, (ii) no shares were
issued and held in treasury and no shares were held by subsidiaries of
AmeriSource, and (iii) no shares were reserved for issuance for any purpose.
Since September 15, 1997 through the date hereof, except for any conversions
of AmeriSource Class B Stock or AmeriSource Class C Stock into AmeriSource
Class A Stock after September 15, 1997, there have been no increases to any of
the foregoing amounts other than (i) increases in the number of shares of
AmeriSource Class A Stock outstanding by reason of the exercise of any
AmeriSource Options listed in Section 3.4 to the AmeriSource Disclosure
Schedule during the period, which exercise has reduced the number of shares of
AmeriSource Class A Stock reserved for issuance by a corresponding amount, and
(ii) an additional 3,418,601 shares of AmeriSource Class A Stock and an
 
                                      A-6
<PAGE>
 
additional 3,418,601 shares of AmeriSource Class B Stock have been reserved
for issuance under the Stock Option Agreement dated as of the date hereof
between Parent and AmeriSource (the "AmeriSource Stock Option Agreement").
Each outstanding share of AmeriSource capital stock is duly authorized,
validly issued, fully paid
and nonassessable, and has not been issued in violation of any preemptive or
similar rights. Other than as set forth in Section 3.4 to the AmeriSource
Disclosure Schedule or as contemplated by the AmeriSource Stock Option
Agreement, there are no outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, puts,
calls, agreements, understandings, claims or other commitments or rights of
any type relating to the issuance, sale, repurchase or transfer by AmeriSource
of any capital stock or other securities of AmeriSource, nor are there
outstanding any securities which are convertible into or exchangeable for any
shares of capital stock or other securities of AmeriSource, and neither
AmeriSource nor any subsidiary of AmeriSource has any obligation of any kind
to issue any additional shares of capital stock or other securities or to pay
for or repurchase any shares of capital stock or other securities of
AmeriSource or any predecessor. Section 3.4 to the AmeriSource Disclosure
Schedule accurately sets forth as of September 15, 1997 the names of, and the
number of shares of each class and the number of options held by all holders
of AmeriSource Options (including the exercise price and the number of vested
and unvested shares with respect thereto). Except as set forth in Section 3.4
to the AmeriSource Disclosure Schedule, AmeriSource has no agreement,
arrangement or understandings to register any securities of AmeriSource or any
of its subsidiaries under the Securities Act or under any state securities law
and has not granted registration rights to any person or entity (other than
agreements, arrangements or understandings with respect to registration rights
that are no longer in effect as of the date of this Agreement); copies of all
such agreements have previously been provided to Parent. At the Effective
Time, assuming the Registration Rights Agreement (as defined in Section
5.2(n)) has been executed by the parties, all agreements, arrangements and
understandings with 399 Venture Partners, Inc. ("VPI") to register any
securities of AmeriSource under the Securities Act or under any state
securities law will terminate without further action of the parties thereto.
 
  3.5 Conflicts; Consents and Approvals. Except as set forth in Section 3.5 to
the AmeriSource Disclosure Schedule, neither the execution and delivery of
this Agreement or the AmeriSource Stock Option Agreement by AmeriSource, nor
the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby will:
 
    (a) conflict with, or result in a breach of any provision of, the
  AmeriSource Certificate or the AmeriSource Bylaws,
 
    (b) violate, or conflict with, or result in a breach of any provision of,
  or constitute a default (or an event which, with the giving of notice, the
  passage of time or otherwise, would constitute a default) under, or entitle
  any party (with the giving of notice, the passage of time or otherwise) to
  terminate, accelerate, modify or call a default under, or result in the
  creation of any lien, security interest, charge or encumbrance upon any of
  the properties or assets of AmeriSource under, any of the terms, conditions
  or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust,
  license, contract, undertaking, agreement, lease or other instrument or
  obligation to which AmeriSource or any of its subsidiaries is a party,
 
    (c) violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, statute, rule or
  regulation applicable to AmeriSource or any of its subsidiaries or any of
  their respective properties or assets, or
 
    (d) require any action or consent or approval of, or review by, or
  registration or filing by AmeriSource or any of its affiliates with, any
  third party or any local, domestic, foreign or multi-national court,
  arbitral tribunal, administrative agency or commission or other
  governmental or regulatory body, agency, instrumentality or authority (a
  "Governmental Authority"), other than (i) approval of the Merger and the
  transactions contemplated hereby by stockholders of AmeriSource, (ii)
  actions required by the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of
  1976, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the
  "HSR Act"), and (iii) registrations or other actions required under federal
  and state securities laws as are contemplated by this Agreement; except in
  the case of (b), (c) and (d), for any of the foregoing that would not,
  individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material
  Adverse Effect on AmeriSource or a material adverse effect on the ability
  of the parties to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
 
                                      A-7
<PAGE>
 
  3.6 No Material Adverse Change. Except as set forth in Section 3.6 to the
AmeriSource Disclosure Schedule and except as specifically disclosed in the
AmeriSource SEC Documents (as defined in Section 3.7) filed with the
Commission prior to the date of this Agreement, since September 30, 1996,
there has been no change in the business, assets, liabilities, results of
operations or financial condition of AmeriSource which individually or in the
aggregate would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on
AmeriSource, or any event, occurrence or development which individually or in
the aggregate would have a material adverse effect on the ability of
AmeriSource to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
  3.7 AmeriSource SEC Documents. AmeriSource has timely filed with the
Commission all forms, reports, schedules, statements and other documents
required to be filed by it since December 31, 1994 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (together with the rules and regulations
thereunder, the "Exchange Act") or the Securities Act (such documents, as
supplemented and amended since the time of filing, collectively, the
"AmeriSource SEC Documents"). The AmeriSource SEC Documents, including,
without limitation, any financial statements or schedules included therein, at
the time filed (and, in the case of registration statements and proxy
statements, on the dates of effectiveness and the dates of mailing,
respectively) (a) did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in
order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading, and (b) except as set forth in Section
3.7 to the AmeriSource Disclosure Schedule, complied in all material respects
with the applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the Securities Act,
as the case may be. The financial statements of AmeriSource included in the
AmeriSource SEC Documents at the time filed (and, in the case of registration
statements and proxy statements, on the dates of effectiveness and the dates
of mailing, respectively) complied as to form in all material respects with
applicable accounting requirements and with the published rules and
regulations of the Commission with respect thereto, were prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a
consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be indicated in
the notes thereto or, in the case of unaudited statements, as permitted by
Form 10-Q of the Commission), and fairly present (subject, in the case of the
unaudited interim financial statements, to normal, recurring year-end audit
adjustments consistent with past practice), in all material respects, the
consolidated financial position of AmeriSource and its consolidated
subsidiaries as at the dates thereof and the consolidated results of their
operations and cash flows for the periods then ended. No subsidiary of
AmeriSource is subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange
Act or required to file any form, report or other document with the
Commission, the NYSE, any other stock exchange or any other comparable
Governmental Authority.
 
  3.8 Taxes. Except as set forth in Section 3.8 to the AmeriSource Disclosure
Schedule and except for such matters that would not, individually or in the
aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on
AmeriSource:
 
    (a) AmeriSource and its subsidiaries (i) have duly filed all Tax Returns
  (as defined in Section 3.8(d)) (including, but not limited to, those filed
  on a consolidated, combined or unitary basis) required to have been filed
  by AmeriSource or its subsidiaries, all of which Tax Returns are true and
  correct; (ii) have within the time and manner prescribed by Applicable Law
  paid or, prior to the Effective Time, will pay all Taxes (as defined in
  Section 3.8(d)), required to be paid in respect of the periods covered by
  such Tax Returns or otherwise due to any Governmental Authority; (iii) have
  established or, prior to the Effective Time, will establish, in accordance
  with their normal accounting practices and procedures, accruals and
  reserves that are adequate for the payment of all Taxes not yet due and
  payable and attributable to any period preceding the Effective Time; (iv)
  are not delinquent in the payment of any Tax; and (v) have not received
  written notice of any deficiencies for any Tax from any Governmental
  Authority against AmeriSource or any of its subsidiaries, which deficiency
  has not been satisfied. Neither AmeriSource nor any of its subsidiaries is
  the subject of any currently ongoing Tax audit. With respect to any taxable
  period ended prior to September 30, 1993, all federal income Tax Returns
  including AmeriSource or any of its subsidiaries have been audited by the
  Internal Revenue Service or are closed by the applicable statute of
  limitations. There are no liens with respect to Taxes upon any of the
  properties or assets, real or personal, tangible or intangible, of
  AmeriSource or any of its subsidiaries (other than liens for Taxes not yet
  due). No claim has ever been made in writing by a Governmental Authority in
  a jurisdiction where AmeriSource or its subsidiaries do
 
                                      A-8
<PAGE>
 
  not file Tax Returns that AmeriSource or any of its subsidiaries is or may
  be subject to taxation by that jurisdiction. Neither AmeriSource nor any of
  its subsidiaries has filed an election under Section 341(f) of the Code to
  be treated as a consenting corporation.
 
    (b) Neither AmeriSource nor any of its subsidiaries is obligated by any
  contract, agreement or other arrangement to indemnify any other person with
  respect to Taxes. Neither AmeriSource nor any of its subsidiaries is now or
  has ever been a party to or bound by any contract, agreement or other
  arrangement (whether or not written and including, without limitation, any
  arrangement required or permitted by Applicable Law (including pursuant to
  Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6 or any analogous provision of state,
  local or foreign law)) which (i) requires AmeriSource or any of its
  subsidiaries to make any Tax payment to (other than payments made prior to
  June 30, 1997) or for the account of any other person, (ii) affords any
  other person the benefit of any net operating loss, net capital loss,
  investment Tax credit, foreign Tax credit, charitable deduction or any
  other credit or Tax attribute which could reduce Taxes (including, without
  limitation, deductions and credits related to alternative minimum Taxes) of
  AmeriSource or any of its subsidiaries, or (iii) requires or permits the
  transfer or assignment of income, revenues, receipts or gains to
  AmeriSource or any of its subsidiaries from any other person.
 
    (c) AmeriSource and its subsidiaries have withheld and paid all Taxes
  required to have been withheld and paid in connection with amounts paid or
  owing to any employee, independent contractor, creditor, stockholder or
  other third party.
 
    (d) For purposes of this Agreement, (i) "Tax" (and, with correlative
  meaning, "Taxes") means any federal, state, local or foreign income, gross
  receipts, property, sales, use, license, excise, franchise, employment,
  payroll, premium, withholding, alternative or added minimum, ad valorem,
  inventory, transfer or excise tax, or any other tax, custom, duty,
  governmental fee or other like assessment or charge of any kind whatsoever,
  together with any interest or penalty, imposed by any Governmental
  Authority, and (ii) "Tax Return" means any return, report or similar
  statement required to be filed with respect to any Tax (including any
  attached schedules), including, without limitation, any information return,
  claim for refund, amended return or declaration of estimated Tax.
 
  3.9 Compliance with Law. Except as set forth in Section 3.9 to the
AmeriSource Disclosure Schedule or as specifically disclosed in the
AmeriSource SEC Documents filed with the Commission prior to the date hereof,
AmeriSource is in compliance with all applicable laws, statutes, orders,
rules, regulations, policies or guidelines promulgated, or judgments,
decisions or orders entered, by any Governmental Authority, including, without
limitation, the Federal Prescription Drug Marketing Act and comparable or
related state law provisions, the Federal Controlled Substances Act of 1970,
the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, the Good Manufacturing Practices and other
standards of the Food and Drug Administration, federal Medicare and Medicaid
statutes, including, without limitation, 42 U.S.C. Section 1320a-7b and 42
U.S.C. Section 1395nn or related state or local statutes or regulations,
applicable state laws regulating pharmacy or wholesaling practices, statutes
and regulations relating to billing or sales practices, the Foreign Corrupt
Practices Act of 1977 and the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the
regulations promulgated thereunder (all such laws, statutes, orders, rules,
regulations, policies, guidelines, judgments, decisions and orders,
collectively, "Applicable Laws"), relating to AmeriSource or its business or
properties, except where the failure to be in compliance with such Applicable
Laws individually or in the aggregate would not reasonably be expected to have
a Material Adverse Effect on AmeriSource. Except as disclosed in Section 3.9
to the AmeriSource Disclosure Schedule or as specifically disclosed in the
AmeriSource SEC Documents filed with the Commission prior to the date hereof,
no investigation or review by any Governmental Authority with respect to
AmeriSource is pending, or, to the knowledge of AmeriSource, threatened, nor
has any Governmental Authority indicated in writing an intention to conduct
the same, other than those the outcome of which would not, individually or in
the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on
AmeriSource.
 
  3.10 Intellectual Property. Except as set forth in Section 3.10 to the
AmeriSource Disclosure Schedule and except as would not, individually or in
the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
 
                                      A-9
<PAGE>
 
Effect on AmeriSource, AmeriSource owns or possesses adequate licenses or
other valid rights to use all patents, patent rights, trademarks, trademark
rights, trade names, trade dress, trade name rights, copyrights, service
marks, trade secrets, applications for trademarks and for service marks,
computer software and data bases, including all embodiments or fixations
thereof and related documentation, know-how and other proprietary rights and
information ("Intellectual Property") used in or necessary for the conduct of
the business of AmeriSource as currently conducted. Except as set forth in
Section 3.10 to the AmeriSource Disclosure Schedule, the conduct of the
businesses of AmeriSource as currently conducted does not conflict with or
infringe upon any Intellectual Property of any third party except for any
conflict or infringement that, individually or in the aggregate, would not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on AmeriSource.
Except as set forth in Section 3.10 to the AmeriSource Disclosure Schedule and
except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected
to have a Material Adverse Effect on AmeriSource, to Parent's knowledge, no
third party is infringing on any of the Intellectual Property owned by
AmeriSource.
 
  3.11 Title to Properties. AmeriSource owns or holds under valid leases all
real property, plants, machinery and equipment necessary for the conduct of
the business of AmeriSource as presently conducted, except where the failure
to own or so hold such property, plants, machinery and equipment would not,
individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on AmeriSource.
 
  3.12 Registration Statement; Joint Proxy Statement. None of the information
provided by AmeriSource for inclusion in the registration statement on Form S-
4 (such registration statement as amended, supplemented or modified, the
"Registration Statement") to be filed with the Commission by Parent under the
Securities Act, including the prospectus relating to the shares of Parent
Common Stock to be issued in the Merger (as amended, supplemented or modified,
the "Prospectus") and the joint proxy statement and form of proxies relating
to the vote of the stockholders of AmeriSource with respect to the Merger and
the vote of the stockholders of Parent with respect to the Parent Stockholder
Proposal (as defined in Section 4.3) (as amended, supplemented or modified,
the "Joint Proxy Statement"), at the time the Registration Statement becomes
effective or, in the case of the Joint Proxy Statement, at the date of mailing
and at the date of the AmeriSource Stockholders Meeting or the Parent
Stockholders Meeting, will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in
order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading. The Joint Proxy Statement, except for
such portion thereof that relates only to Parent and its subsidiaries (as to
which no representations or warranties are made), will comply as to form in
all material respects with the provisions of the Exchange Act.
 
  3.13 Litigation. Except as set forth in Section 3.13 to the AmeriSource
Disclosure Schedule or specifically disclosed in the AmeriSource SEC Documents
filed with the Commission prior to the date of this Agreement, there is no
suit, claim, action, proceeding, audit or investigation (an "Action") pending
or, to the knowledge of AmeriSource, threatened against AmeriSource which,
individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect on AmeriSource or a material adverse effect on the
ability of AmeriSource to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
Except as set forth in Section 3.13 to the AmeriSource Disclosure Schedule,
since September 30, 1994 AmeriSource has not been subject to any outstanding
order, writ, injunction or decree specifically applicable to AmeriSource
which, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have
a Material Adverse Effect on AmeriSource or a material adverse effect on the
ability of AmeriSource to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
  3.14 Brokerage and Finder's Fees; Expenses. Except in connection with the
retention of Goldman, Sachs & Co. (the fees of which firm shall be the sole
responsibility of AmeriSource) and except as set forth in Section 3.14 to the
AmeriSource Disclosure Schedule, neither AmeriSource nor any stockholder,
director, officer or employee thereof has incurred or will incur on behalf of
AmeriSource any brokerage, finder's or similar fee in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. AmeriSource has heretofore
furnished to Parent a complete and correct copy of the engagement letter
between AmeriSource and Goldman, Sachs & Co.
 
  3.15 Accounting Matters; Reorganization. Neither AmeriSource nor any of its
affiliates has taken or agreed to take any action that would (a) prevent
Parent from accounting for the business combination to be
 
                                     A-10
<PAGE>
 
effected by the Merger as a pooling-of-interests for accounting purposes or
(b) prevent the Merger from constituting a reorganization qualifying under the
provisions of Section 368(a) of the Code.
 
  3.16 Employee Benefit Plans.
 
    (a) For purposes of this Section 3.16, the following terms have the
  definitions given below:
 
  "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended, and the regulations thereunder.
 
  "ERISA Affiliate" means, with respect to any entity, trade or business, any
other entity, trade or business that is a member of a group described in
Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code or Section 4001(b)(1) of ERISA
that includes the first entity, trade or business, or that is a member of the
same "controlled group" as the first entity, trade or business pursuant to
Section 4001(a)(14) of ERISA.
 
  "Plans" means each plan, program, policy, practice or other arrangement
providing for compensation, severance, retirement benefits, fringe benefits,
equity-based awards or other benefits of any kind (including, but not limited
to, all employee welfare benefit plans within the meaning of Section 3(l) of
ERISA and all employee pension benefit plans within the meaning of Section
3(2) of ERISA) with respect to which AmeriSource or any of its subsidiaries or
ERISA Affiliates has or may have any liability, contingent or otherwise, and
further including any of the foregoing which cover directors or former
directors of AmeriSource or any subsidiary.
 
  "Withdrawal Liability" means liability to a Multiemployer Plan (as defined
in Section 3.16) as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such
Multiemployer Plan, as those terms are defined in Part I of Subtitle E of
Title IV of ERISA.
 
    (b) With respect to each Plan, AmeriSource has provided to Parent a true,
  correct and complete copy of each material document relating to a material
  liability with respect thereto, including without limitation the following
  (where applicable): (i) each writing constituting a part of such Plan,
  including without limitation all plan documents, trust agreements, and
  insurance contracts and other funding vehicles; (ii) the most recent Annual
  Report (Form 5500 Series) and accompanying schedule, if any; (iii) the
  current summary plan description, if any; (iv) the most recent annual
  financial report, if any; and (v) the most recent determination letter from
  the Internal Revenue Service, if any.
 
    (c) Except as set forth in Section 3.16(c) to the AmeriSource Disclosure
  Schedule, the Internal Revenue Service has issued a favorable determination
  letter with respect to each Plan that is intended to be a "qualified plan"
  within the meaning of Section 401(a) of the Code (a "Qualified Plan") and
  there are no existing circumstances nor any events that have occurred that
  could adversely affect the qualified status of any Qualified Plan or the
  related trust.
 
    (d) All contributions required to be made to any Plan by Applicable Laws
  or by any plan document or other contractual undertaking, and all premiums
  due or payable with respect to insurance policies funding any Plan, before
  the date hereof have been made or paid in full on or before the final due
  date thereof and through the Effective Time will be made or paid in full on
  or before the final due date thereof.
 
    (e) AmeriSource and its subsidiaries have complied, and are now in
  compliance, with all applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code and all
  Applicable Laws relating to employees and employee benefits, except for
  such non-compliance which, individually or in the aggregate, would not
  reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on AmeriSource.
  Each Plan has been established and operated in compliance with its terms
  and Applicable Laws, except for such non-compliance which, individually or
  in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material
  Adverse Effect on AmeriSource. There is not now, and there are no existing
  circumstances that individually or in the aggregate would reasonably be
  expected to give rise to, any requirement for the posting of security with
  respect to a Plan or the imposition of any lien on the assets of
  AmeriSource or any of its subsidiaries under ERISA or the Code.
 
                                     A-11
<PAGE>
 
  AmeriSource and its subsidiaries are each in compliance with all Applicable
  Laws respecting employment, except for such non-compliance which,
  individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have
  a Material Adverse Effect on AmeriSource.
 
    (f) Except as set forth in Section 3.16(f) to the AmeriSource Disclosure
  Schedule, no Plan is a "multiemployer plan" within the meaning of Section
  4001(a)(3) of ERISA (a "Multiemployer Plan") or a plan that has two or more
  contributing sponsors at least two of whom are not under common control,
  within the meaning of Section 4063 of ERISA (a "Multiple Employer Plan"),
  nor has AmeriSource or any of its subsidiaries or any of their respective
  ERISA Affiliates, at any time within six years before the date hereof,
  contributed to or been obligated to contribute to any Multiemployer Plan or
  Multiple Employer Plan. With respect to each Multiemployer Plan: (i)
  neither AmeriSource nor any of its ERISA Affiliates has incurred any
  Withdrawal Liability that has not been satisfied in full; (ii) neither
  AmeriSource nor any ERISA Affiliate has received any notification, nor has
  any reason to believe, that any such plan is in reorganization, is
  insolvent, or has been terminated, or could reasonably be expected to be in
  reorganization, to be insolvent, or to be terminated; and (iii) no
  circumstances exist which individually or in the aggregate could reasonably
  be expected to result in Withdrawal Liability with respect to a Plan.
 
    (g) There does not now exist, and there are no existing circumstances
  that individually or in the aggregate would reasonably be expected to
  result in, any Controlled Group Liability that individually or in the
  aggregate would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on
  AmeriSource or any of its subsidiaries. Without limiting the generality of
  the foregoing, neither AmeriSource nor any of its subsidiaries nor any of
  their respective ERISA Affiliates has engaged in any transaction described
  in Section 4069 or Section 4204 of ERISA.
 
    (h) Except for health continuation coverage as required by Section 4980B
  of the Code or Part 6 of Title I of ERISA and except as set forth in
  Section 3.16(h) to the AmeriSource Disclosure Schedule, neither AmeriSource
  nor any of its subsidiaries has any material liability for life, health,
  medical or other welfare benefits to former employees or beneficiaries or
  dependents thereof.
 
    (i) Except as disclosed in Section 3.16(i) to the AmeriSource Disclosure
  Schedule, neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the
  consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will result in, cause
  the accelerated vesting or delivery of, or increase the amount or value of,
  any payment or benefit to any employee, officer, director or consultant of
  AmeriSource or any of its subsidiaries. Without limiting the generality of
  the foregoing, except as set forth in Section 3.16(i) to the AmeriSource
  Disclosure Schedule, no amount paid or payable by AmeriSource or any of its
  subsidiaries or Parent or any of its affiliates in connection with the
  transactions contemplated hereby either solely as a result thereof or as a
  result of such transactions in conjunction with any other events will be an
  "excess parachute payment" within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code.
 
    (j) Except as disclosed in Section 3.16(j) to the AmeriSource Disclosure
  Schedule, there are no pending, or to the knowledge of AmeriSource
  threatened, Actions (other than claims for benefits in the ordinary course)
  with respect to the Plans which individually or in the aggregate would
  reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on AmeriSource or
  any of its subsidiaries.
 
    (k) Section 3.16(k) to the AmeriSource Disclosure Schedule sets forth a
  list of each employment, consulting, severance or similar agreement under
  which AmeriSource or any of its subsidiaries is or could become obligated
  to provide compensation or benefits in excess of $200,000, and AmeriSource
  has provided to Parent a copy of each such agreement.
 
  3.17 Contracts. Section 3.17 to the AmeriSource Disclosure Schedule lists
all contracts, agreements, guarantees, leases and executory commitments (each
a "Contract"), other than Plans and any Contracts heretofore filed as an
exhibit to any AmeriSource SEC Document, that exist as of the date hereof to
which AmeriSource is a party or by which it is bound and which fall within any
of the following categories: (a)
 
                                     A-12
<PAGE>
 
Contracts not entered into in the ordinary course of AmeriSource's business
other than those that individually or in the aggregate are not material to the
business of AmeriSource, (b) joint venture and partnership agreements, (c)
Contracts containing covenants purporting to limit the freedom of AmeriSource
to compete in any line of business in any geographic area or to hire any
individual or group of individuals, (d) Contracts which after the Effective
Time would have the effect of limiting the freedom of Parent or its
subsidiaries (other than AmeriSource) to compete in any line of business in
any geographic area or to hire any individual or group of individuals, (e)
Contracts which contain minimum purchase conditions in excess of $10,000,000
with respect to inventory purchases for resale, and $500,000 in the case of
everything else, or requirements or other terms that restrict or limit the
purchasing relationships of AmeriSource or its affiliates, or any customer,
licensee or lessee thereof, (f) Contracts relating to any outstanding
commitment for capital expenditures in excess of $1,000,000, (g) indentures,
mortgages, promissory notes, loan agreements or guarantees of borrowed money
in excess of $1,000,000 in the aggregate, letters of credit or other
agreements or instruments of AmeriSource or commitments for the borrowing or
the lending by AmeriSource of amounts in excess of $1,000,000 in the aggregate
or providing for the creation of any charge, security interest, encumbrance or
lien upon any of the assets of AmeriSource with an aggregate value in excess
of $1,000,000, (h) Contracts providing for "earn-outs" or other contingent
payments by AmeriSource involving more than $1,000,000 in the aggregate over
the terms of all such Contracts, (i) Contracts providing for the purchase by
AmeriSource of product for resale at a price above the weighted average price
at which AmeriSource sells such product, (j) Contracts relating to material
customer programs, including Contracts providing for loans to customers or
slotting allowances, (k) Contracts associated with off balance sheet financing
in excess of $1,000,000 in the aggregate, including but not limited to
arrangements for the sale of receivables, (l) licenses or similar agreements
granting the right to use any material Intellectual Property, (m) stock
purchase agreements, asset purchase agreements or other acquisition or
divestiture agreements relating to material transactions since January 1,
1994, or (n) any agreement which is material to AmeriSource, irrespective of
amount. All Contracts to which AmeriSource is a party or by which it is bound
are valid and binding obligations of AmeriSource and, to the knowledge of
AmeriSource, the valid and binding obligation of each other party thereto
except such Contracts which if not so valid and binding would not,
individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on AmeriSource. Neither AmeriSource nor, to the knowledge of
AmeriSource, any other party thereto is in violation of or in default in
respect of, nor has there occurred an event or condition which with the
passage of time or giving of notice (or both) would constitute a default under
or permit the termination of, any such Contract except such violations or
defaults under or terminations which, individually or in the aggregate, would
not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on AmeriSource.
Set forth in Section 3.17(o) to the AmeriSource Disclosure Schedule is a
description of any material changes to the amount and terms of the indentures
of AmeriSource and its subsidiaries from the description in the notes to the
financial statements incorporated in AmeriSource's Form 10-K for the period
ended September 30, 1996 filed with the Commission. Set forth in Section
3.17(p) to the AmeriSource Disclosure Schedule is the amount of the annual
premium currently paid by AmeriSource for its directors' and officers'
liability insurance.
 
  3.18 Labor Matters. Except as set forth in Section 3.18 to the AmeriSource
Disclosure Schedule, AmeriSource does not have any labor contracts or
collective bargaining agreements with any persons employed by AmeriSource or
any persons otherwise performing services primarily for AmeriSource, nor as of
the date hereof is AmeriSource in the process of negotiating any such
agreement. There is no labor strike, dispute or stoppage pending or, to the
knowledge of AmeriSource, threatened against AmeriSource which individually or
in the aggregate would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect, and AmeriSource has not experienced any such labor strike, dispute or
stoppage since September 30, 1994.
 
  3.19 Undisclosed Liabilities. Except (i) as and to the extent disclosed or
reserved against in the consolidated balance sheet of AmeriSource as of June
30, 1997 included in the AmeriSource SEC Documents, or disclosed in the
footnotes to the financial statements as of such date or the footnotes to the
September 30, 1996 financial statements included in the AmeriSource SEC
Documents, (ii) as incurred after June 30, 1997 in the ordinary course of
business consistent with prior practice and not prohibited by this Agreement
or (iii) as set forth in Section 3.19 to the AmeriSource Disclosure Schedule,
AmeriSource does not have any liabilities or
 
                                     A-13
<PAGE>
 
obligations of any nature, whether known or unknown, absolute, accrued,
contingent or otherwise and whether due or to become due, that, individually
or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect on AmeriSource.
 
  3.20 Operation of AmeriSource's Business; Relationships.
 
    (a) Since September 30, 1996 through the date of this Agreement and
  except for entering into this Agreement and the AmeriSource Stock Option
  Agreement, AmeriSource has not engaged in any transaction which, if done
  after execution of this Agreement, would violate in any material respect
  Section 5.3(c) except as set forth in Section 3.20(a) to the AmeriSource
  Disclosure Schedule or as specifically disclosed in the AmeriSource SEC
  Documents filed with the Commission prior to the date of this Agreement.
 
    (b) Except as set forth in Section 3.20(b) to the AmeriSource Disclosure
  Schedule, (i) from January 1, 1997 to the date hereof, no material customer
  of AmeriSource has indicated that it will stop or materially decrease
  purchasing materials, products or services from AmeriSource and (ii) since
  January 1, 1997, no material supplier of AmeriSource has indicated that it
  will stop or materially decrease the supply of materials, products or
  services to AmeriSource, in each case, the effect of which individually or
  in the aggregate would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
  Effect on AmeriSource.
 
  3.21 Permits; Compliance. AmeriSource is in possession of all material
franchises, grants, authorizations, licenses, permits, easements, variances,
exemptions, consents, certificates, approvals and orders necessary to own,
lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as it is now
being conducted (collectively, the "AmeriSource Permits"), except where the
failure to be in possession of such AmeriSource Permits would not,
individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on AmeriSource or a material adverse effect on the ability of
the parties to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
  3.22 Environmental Matters. Except for matters disclosed in Section 3.22 of
the AmeriSource Disclosure Schedule and except for matters that would not,
individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on AmeriSource, (a) the properties, operations and activities
of AmeriSource and its subsidiaries have at all times been for all applicable
periods of limitation, and are, in compliance with all applicable
Environmental Laws and Environmental Permits (each as defined below); (b)
AmeriSource and its subsidiaries and the properties and operations of
AmeriSource and its subsidiaries are not subject to any pending or, to the
knowledge of AmeriSource, threatened Action under any Environmental Law,
including without limitation with respect to any present or former operations,
facilities or subsidiaries; (c) there has been no release of any Hazardous
Materials (as defined below) into the environment by AmeriSource or its
subsidiaries, and there are no Hazardous Materials present at, on, under,
within or which have migrated from, any properties of AmeriSource or its
subsidiaries; (d) there has been no exposure of any person or property to any
Hazardous Materials in connection with the properties, operations and
activities of AmeriSource or its subsidiaries (provided that the foregoing is
not intended to apply to exposure relating to the consumption or other
customary use of pharmaceutical products manufactured or distributed by
AmeriSource); and (e) neither AmeriSource nor any of its subsidiaries (x) has
received any written notice that AmeriSource, any of its subsidiaries or any
of their respective present or former operations, facilities or subsidiaries
is or may be a potentially responsible party or otherwise liable in connection
with any site used for the disposal of or otherwise containing Hazardous
Materials, or (y) has disposed of, arranged for the disposal of, or
transported any Hazardous Materials to any site which is listed on the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency's National Priorities List or which is
otherwise subject to remediation or investigation. AmeriSource and its
subsidiaries have made available to Parent all material internal and external
environmental audits and reports (in each case relevant to AmeriSource or any
of its subsidiaries) prepared since January 1, 1992 and in the possession of
AmeriSource or its subsidiaries. The term "Environmental Laws" means all
federal, state, local or foreign laws relating to pollution or protection of
human health or the environment (including, without limitation, ambient air,
surface water, groundwater, land surface or subsurface strata), including,
without limitation, laws relating to emissions, discharges, releases or
threatened releases of chemicals, pollutants, contaminants, or industrial,
toxic
 
                                     A-14
<PAGE>
 
or hazardous substances or wastes (collectively, "Hazardous Materials") into
the environment, or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing,
distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of
Hazardous Materials, as well as all authorizations, codes, decrees, demands or
demand letters, injunctions, judgments, licenses, notices or notice letters,
orders, permits, plans or regulations issued, entered, promulgated or approved
thereunder, as in effect on the date hereof. "Environmental Permit" means any
permit, approval,
identification number, license or other authorization required under or issued
pursuant to any applicable Environmental Law.
 
  3.23 Opinion of Financial Advisor. AmeriSource has received the written
opinion of Goldman, Sachs & Co., its financial advisor, to the effect that, as
of the date of this Agreement, the Exchange Ratio is fair to the AmeriSource
Stockholders, and such opinion has not been withdrawn or revoked or modified
in any material respect.
 
  3.24 Board Recommendation. The Board of Directors of AmeriSource, at a
meeting duly called and held at which a quorum was present throughout, has by
the requisite vote of the directors (i) determined that this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger, and the AmeriSource
Stock Option Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, taken
together, are fair to and in the best interests of the AmeriSource
Stockholders, (ii) resolved to recommend that the holders of the shares of
AmeriSource Common Stock entitled to vote thereon approve this Agreement and
the transactions contemplated herein, including the Merger, and (iii) taken
all action necessary to render Section 203 of the DGCL inapplicable to this
Agreement, the AmeriSource Stock Option Agreement, the Merger and the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (the "AmeriSource Board
Recommendation"). The AmeriSource Board Recommendation has not been withdrawn,
revoked or modified.
 
  3.25 Related Party Transactions. Except as set forth in Section 3.25 to the
AmeriSource Disclosure Schedule, since the date of AmeriSource's proxy
statement dated January 15, 1997, no event has occurred that would be required
to be reported under Item 404 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the Commission.
 
  3.26 Employee Agreements. Each of the employees of AmeriSource specified in
Section 3.26 to the AmeriSource Disclosure Schedule has duly executed and
delivered an employee agreement with AmeriSource, a copy of which is attached
to Section 3.26A to the AmeriSource Disclosure Schedule (each, a "Current
Employee Agreement"), and an employee agreement with AmeriSource and Parent to
take effect at the Effective Time, a copy of which is attached to Section
3.26B to the Disclosure Schedule (each, a "Successor Employee Agreement") (the
Current Employee Agreements and the Successor Employee Agreements
collectively, the "Employee Agreements"), and none of such Employee Agreements
has been amended or terminated, except that no representation and warranty is
made as to Parent; provided, however, it is understood that this
representation and warranty shall not fail to be true and correct after the
date of this Agreement with respect to any person who is no longer employed by
AmeriSource so long as AmeriSource shall not have amended, granted any waiver
or release under, or assigned any rights or claims under the Employee
Agreements with such former employee. AmeriSource has previously provided to
Parent copies of all employee agreements with the above individuals.
 
  3.27 Rights Plan. AmeriSource does not have a so-called "poison pill,"
shareholder rights plan or similar plan.
 
  3.28 Voting on Transaction. Neither the AmeriSource Class B Stock nor the
AmeriSource Class C Stock entitles any holders thereof to vote on any of the
transactions contemplated hereby.
 
 
                                     A-15
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE IV
 
            REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND MERGER SUB
 
  In order to induce AmeriSource to enter into this Agreement, Parent and
Merger Sub hereby jointly and severally represent and warrant to AmeriSource
that the statements contained in this Article IV are true, correct and
complete.
 
  4.1 Organization and Standing. Each of Parent and Merger Sub is a
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of Delaware with full corporate power and authority to own, lease, use
and operate its properties and to conduct its business as and where now owned,
leased, used, operated and conducted. Each of Parent and Merger Sub is duly
qualified to do business and in good standing in each jurisdiction in which
the nature of the business conducted by it or the property it owns, leases or
operates makes such qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so
qualified or in good standing in such jurisdiction would not reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent. Parent is not in default
in the performance, observance or fulfillment of any provision of its Restated
Certificate of Incorporation (the "Parent Certificate"), or its Restated By-
Laws (the "Parent Bylaws"), and Merger Sub is not in default in the
performance, observance or fulfillment of any provisions of its Certificate of
Incorporation or Bylaws. Parent has heretofore furnished to AmeriSource a
complete and correct copy of the Parent Certificate and Parent Bylaws and the
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of Merger Sub.
 
  4.2 Subsidiaries. Except as set forth in Section 4.2 to the disclosure
schedule delivered by Parent to AmeriSource and dated the date hereof (the
"Parent Disclosure Schedule"), Parent owns directly or indirectly each of the
outstanding shares of capital stock (or other ownership interests having by
their terms ordinary voting power to elect a majority of directors or others
performing similar functions with respect to such subsidiary) of each of
Parent's subsidiaries.
 
  4.3 Corporate Power and Authority. Each of Parent and Merger Sub has all
requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and deliver this
Agreement and, subject to approval by the stockholders of Parent of the
issuance of shares of Parent Common Stock issuable in the Merger (such
proposal to approve the issuance of shares of Parent Common Stock, the "Parent
Stockholder Proposal"), to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The execution and delivery of
this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of
each of Parent and Merger Sub, subject to approval by the stockholders of
Parent of the Parent Stockholder Proposal. This Agreement has been duly
executed and delivered by each of Merger Sub and Parent, and constitutes the
legal, valid and binding obligation of each of Parent and Merger Sub
enforceable against each of them in accordance with its terms.
 
  4.4 Capitalization of Parent and Merger Sub.
 
    (a) As of September 15, 1997, Parent's authorized capital stock consisted
  solely of (i) 200,000,000 shares of Parent Common Stock, of which (x)
  46,171,876 shares were issued and outstanding, (y) 225,098 shares were
  issued and held in treasury (which does not include the shares reserved for
  issuance as set forth in clause (z) below) and (z) 14,365,411 shares were
  reserved for issuance upon the exercise of stock options or as shares of
  restricted stock or for issuance under Parent's Deferred Compensation
  Administration Plan, Parent's Stock Purchase Plan, and Parent's 1997
  Directors Equity Compensation and Deferral Plan or upon conversion of
  Parent's 5% Trust Convertible Preferred Securities, and (ii) 100,000,000
  shares of Series Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share, of which no
  shares were issued and outstanding. Each outstanding share of Parent
  capital stock is, and the shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued in
  connection with the Merger will be, duly authorized and validly issued,
  fully paid and nonassessable, and each outstanding share of Parent capital
  stock has not been, and the shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued in
  connection with the Merger will not be, issued in violation of any
  preemptive or similar rights. As of the date hereof, other than as set
  forth in the first sentence hereof or in Section 4.4 to the Parent
  Disclosure Schedule, there are no outstanding subscriptions, options,
  warrants, puts, calls, agreements, understandings, claims or other
 
                                     A-16
<PAGE>
 
  commitments or rights of any type relating to the issuance, sale,
  repurchase or transfer by Parent of any equity securities of Parent, nor
  are there outstanding any securities which are convertible into or
  exchangeable for any shares of capital stock of Parent, and neither Parent
  nor any subsidiary of Parent has any obligation of any kind to issue any
  additional securities or to pay for or repurchase any securities of Parent,
  its subsidiaries or its or their predecessors. The shares of Parent Common
  Stock (including those shares to be issued in the Merger) are registered
  under the Exchange Act. Except as set forth in Section 4.4 to the Parent
  Disclosure Schedule, Parent has no agreement, arrangement or understanding
  to register any securities of Parent or any of its subsidiaries under the
  Securities Act or under any state securities law and has not granted
  registration rights to any person or entity (other than agreements,
  arrangements or understandings with respect to registration rights that are
  no longer in effect as of the date of this Agreement); copies of all such
  agreements have previously been provided to AmeriSource.
 
    (b) Merger Sub's authorized capital stock consists solely of 1,000 shares
  of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share ("Merger Sub Common Stock"), of
  which, as of the date hereof, 100 shares were issued and outstanding and
  none were reserved for issuance. As of the date hereof, all of the
  outstanding shares of Merger Sub Common Stock are owned free and clear of
  any liens, claims or encumbrances by Parent.
 
  4.5 Conflicts; Consents and Approval. Except as set forth in Section 4.5 to
the Parent Disclosure Schedule, neither the execution and delivery of this
Agreement by Parent or Merger Sub nor the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby will:
 
    (a) conflict with, or result in a breach of, any provision of the Parent
  Certificate or Parent Bylaws or the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws
  of Merger Sub,
 
    (b) violate, or conflict with, or result in a breach of any provision of,
  or constitute a default (or an event which, with the giving of notice, the
  passage of time or otherwise, would constitute a default) under, or entitle
  any party (with the giving of notice, the passage of time or otherwise) to
  terminate, accelerate, modify or call a default under, or result in the
  creation of any lien, security interest, charge or encumbrance upon any of
  the properties or assets of Parent or any of its subsidiaries under, any of
  the terms, conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture,
  deed of trust, license, contract, undertaking, agreement, lease or other
  instrument or obligation to which Parent or any of its subsidiaries is a
  party,
 
    (c) violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, statute, rule or
  regulation applicable to Parent or any of its subsidiaries or any of their
  respective properties or assets, or
 
    (d) require any action or consent or approval of, or review by, or
  registration or filing by Parent or any of its affiliates with, any third
  party or any Governmental Authority, other than (i) approval by the
  stockholders of Parent of the Parent Stockholder Proposal, (ii)
  authorization for the listing of the shares of Parent Common Stock to be
  issued in the Merger on the NYSE and the Pacific Exchange, Inc., subject to
  official notice of issuance, (iii) actions required by the HSR Act, and
  (iv) registrations or other actions required under federal and state
  securities laws as are contemplated by this Agreement; except in the case
  of (b), (c) and (d) for any of the foregoing that would not, individually
  or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
  Effect on Parent or a material adverse effect on the ability of the parties
  to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
  4.6 Brokerage and Finder's Fees. Except in connection with the retention of
Peter J. Solomon Company Limited (the fees of which shall be the
responsibility of Parent), neither Parent nor any stockholder, director,
officer or employee thereof has incurred or will incur on behalf of Parent any
brokerage, finder's or similar fee in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
 
  4.7 Accounting Matters; Reorganization. Neither Parent nor any of its
affiliates has taken or agreed to take any action that would (a) prevent
Parent from accounting for the business combination to be effected by the
Merger as a pooling-of-interests for accounting purposes or (b) prevent the
Merger from constituting a reorganization qualifying under the provisions of
Section 368(a) of the Code.
 
                                     A-17
<PAGE>
 
  4.8 Parent SEC Documents. Parent has timely filed with the Commission all
forms, reports, schedules, statements and other documents required to be filed
by it since December 31, 1994 under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act
(such documents, as supplemented and amended since the time of filing,
collectively, the "Parent SEC Documents"). The Parent SEC Documents,
including, without limitation, any financial statements or schedules included
therein, at the time filed (and, in the case of registration statements and
proxy statements, on the dates of effectiveness and the dates of mailing,
respectively) (a) did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in
order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading, and (b) except as set forth in Section
4.8 to the Parent Disclosure Schedule, complied in all material respects with
the applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the Securities Act, as the
case may be. The financial statements of Parent included in the Parent SEC
Documents at the time filed (and, in the case of registration statements and
proxy statements, on the dates of effectiveness and the dates of mailing,
respectively) complied as to form in all material respects with applicable
accounting requirements and with the published rules and regulations of the
Commission with respect thereto, were prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis during the
periods involved (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto or, in the
case of unaudited statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q of the Commission),
and fairly present (subject, in the case of the unaudited interim financial
statements, to normal, recurring year-end audit adjustments consistent with
past practices), in all material respects, the consolidated financial position
of Parent and its consolidated subsidiaries as at the dates thereof and the
consolidated results of their operations and cash flows for the periods then
ended.
 
  4.9 Registration Statement; Joint Proxy Statement. None of the information
provided by Parent for inclusion in the Registration Statement or the Joint
Proxy Statement, at the time the Registration Statement becomes effective or,
in the case of the Joint Proxy Statement, at the date of mailing and at the
date of the AmeriSource Stockholders Meeting or the Parent Stockholders
Meeting, will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state
any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make
the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are
made, not misleading. The Joint Proxy Statement, with respect to the portion
thereof that relates only to Parent and its subsidiaries, will comply as to
form in all material respects with the provisions of the Exchange Act, and the
Registration Statement, except for such portion thereof that relates only to
AmeriSource and its subsidiaries (as to which no representations or warranties
are made), will comply as to form in all material respects with the provisions
of the Securities Act.
 
  4.10 Compliance with Law. Parent and its subsidiaries are in compliance with
all Applicable Laws relating to Parent, its subsidiaries or their respective
business or properties, except where the failure to be in compliance therewith
(individually or in the aggregate) would not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect on Parent. Except as disclosed in Section 4.10 to the
Parent Disclosure Schedule or as specifically disclosed in the Parent SEC
Documents filed with the Commission prior to the date of this Agreement, no
investigation or review by any Governmental Authority with respect to Parent
or its subsidiaries is pending, or, to the knowledge of Parent, threatened,
nor has any Governmental Authority indicated in writing an intention to
conduct the same, other than those the outcome of which would not,
individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on Parent.
 
  4.11 Litigation. Except as set forth in Section 4.11 to the Parent
Disclosure Schedule or specifically disclosed in the Parent SEC Documents
filed with the Commission prior to the date of this Agreement, there is no
Action pending or, to the knowledge of Parent, threatened against Parent or
any of its subsidiaries which, individually or in the aggregate, would
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent or a
material adverse effect on the ability of Parent to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby. Except as set forth in Section 4.11 to the
Parent Disclosure Schedule, since September 30, 1994, neither Parent nor any
of its subsidiaries has been subject to any outstanding order, writ,
injunction or decree specifically applicable to Parent which, individually or
in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect on Parent or a material adverse effect on the ability of Parent to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
                                     A-18
<PAGE>
 
  4.12 Board Recommendation. The Board of Directors of Parent, at a meeting
duly called and held at which a quorum was present throughout, has by the
requisite vote of the directors (i) determined that this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger, taken together, are
fair to and in the best interests of Parent and the stockholders of Parent,
and (ii) resolved to recommend that the stockholders of Parent approve the
Parent Stockholder Proposal and such recommendation has not been withdrawn,
revoked or modified.
 
  4.13 No Material Adverse Change. Except as specifically disclosed in the
Parent SEC Documents filed with the Commission prior to the date of this
Agreement, since March 31, 1997, there has been no change in the business,
assets, liabilities, results of operations or financial condition of Parent
which individually or in the aggregate would reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect on Parent or any event, occurrence or development
which individually or in the aggregate would have a material adverse effect on
the ability of Parent to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
  4.14 Title to Properties. Parent and its subsidiaries own or hold under
valid leases all real property, plants, machinery and equipment necessary for
the conduct of the business of Parent and its subsidiaries as presently
conducted, except where the failure to own or so hold such property, plants,
machinery and equipment would not, individually or in the aggregate,
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent.
 
  4.15 Undisclosed Liabilities. Except (i) as and to the extent disclosed or
reserved against in the consolidated balance sheet of Parent as of June 30,
1997 included in the Parent SEC Documents, or disclosed in the footnotes to
the financial statements as of such date or the footnotes to the March 31,
1997 financial statements included in the Parent SEC Documents, (ii) as
incurred after June 30, 1997 in the ordinary course of business consistent
with prior practice and not prohibited by this Agreement or (iii) as set forth
in Section 4.15 to the Parent Disclosure Schedule, Parent and its subsidiaries
do not have any liabilities or obligations of any nature, whether known or
unknown, absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise and whether due or to
become due, that, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent.
 
  4.16 Operation of Parent's Business; Relationships.
 
    (a) Since March 31, 1997 through the date of this Agreement and except
  for entering into this Agreement and the AmeriSource Stock Option
  Agreement, neither Parent nor any of its subsidiaries has engaged in any
  transaction which, if done after execution of this Agreement, would violate
  in any material respect Section 5.2(c) except as set forth in Section
  4.16(a) to the Parent Disclosure Schedule or except as specifically
  disclosed in the Parent SEC Documents filed prior to the date of this
  Agreement.
 
    (b) Except as set forth in Section 4.16(b) to the Parent Disclosure
  Schedule, (i) from January 1, 1997 to the date hereof, no material customer
  of Parent or any of its subsidiaries has indicated that it will stop or
  materially decrease purchasing materials, products or services from Parent
  or its subsidiaries and (ii) since January 1, 1997, no material supplier of
  Parent or any of its subsidiaries has indicated that it will stop or
  materially decrease the supply of materials, products or services to Parent
  or its subsidiaries, in each case, the effect of which individually or in
  the aggregate would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
  Effect on Parent.
 
  4.17 Opinion of Financial Advisor. Parent has received the written opinion
of Peter J. Solomon Company Limited, its financial advisor, to the effect
that, as of the date hereof, the Exchange Ratio is fair to Parent from a
financial point of view, and such opinion has not been withdrawn or revoked or
modified in any material respect.
 
  4.18 Beneficial Ownership of Shares. Except pursuant to the AmeriSource
Stock Option Agreement, none of Parent or Merger Sub "beneficially owns" (as
such term is defined in Rule 13d-3(a) under the Exchange Act) any shares of
AmeriSource Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable
for shares of AmeriSource Common Stock.
 
 
                                     A-19
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE V
 
                           COVENANTS OF THE PARTIES
 
  The parties hereto agree that:
 
  5.1 Mutual Covenants.
 
    (a) HSR Act Filings; Best Efforts; Notification.
 
      (i) Each of Parent and AmeriSource shall (A) make or cause to be made
    the filings required of such party or any of its subsidiaries or
    affiliates under the HSR Act with respect to the transactions
    contemplated hereby as promptly as practicable and in any event within
    ten business days after the date of this Agreement, (B) comply at the
    earliest practicable date with any request under the HSR Act for
    additional information, documents, or other materials received by such
    party or any of its subsidiaries from the Federal Trade Commission or
    the Department of Justice (either, an "HSR Authority") or any other
    Governmental Authority in respect of such filings or such transactions,
    and (C) cooperate with the other party in connection with any such
    filing (including, with respect to the party making a filing, providing
    copies of all such documents to the nonfiling party and its advisors
    prior to filing and, if requested, to accept all reasonable changes
    suggested in connection therewith) and in connection with resolving any
    investigation or other inquiry of any such agency or other Governmental
    Authority under any Antitrust Laws (as defined in Section 5.1(a)(ii))
    with respect to any such filing or any such transaction. Each party
    shall use its best efforts to furnish to each other all information
    required for any application or other filing to be made pursuant to any
    Applicable Law in connection with the Merger and the other transactions
    contemplated by this Agreement. Each party shall promptly inform the
    other party of any communication with, and any proposed understanding,
    undertaking, or agreement with, any Governmental Authority regarding
    any such filings or any such transaction. Neither party shall
    independently participate in any formal meeting with any Governmental
    Authority in respect of any such filings, investigation, or other
    inquiry without giving the other party prior notice of the meeting and,
    to the extent permitted by such Governmental Authority, the opportunity
    to attend and/or participate. The parties hereto will consult and
    cooperate with one another in connection with any analyses,
    appearances, presentations, memoranda, briefs, arguments, opinions and
    proposals made or submitted by or on behalf of any party hereto in
    connection with proceedings under or relating to the HSR Act or other
    Antitrust Laws. All documents and information disclosed to any party
    pursuant to this Section 5.1(a)(i) shall be governed by the terms of
    the Joint Defense Agreement, dated September 1, 1997, between counsel
    for Parent and AmeriSource (the "Joint Defense Agreement") and the
    Confidentiality Agreement among such counsel and Parent's economic
    consultant (the "Antitrust Confidentiality Agreement"), to the extent
    either such agreement is applicable to any such documents and
    information.
 
      (ii) Each of Parent and AmeriSource shall use its best efforts to
    resolve such objections, if any, as may be asserted by any Governmental
    Authority with respect to the transactions contemplated by this
    Agreement under the HSR Act, the Sherman Act, as amended, the Clayton
    Act, as amended, the Federal Trade Commission Act, as amended, and any
    other federal, state or foreign statutes, rules, regulations, orders,
    decrees, administrative or judicial doctrines or other laws that are
    designed to prohibit, restrict or regulate actions having the purpose
    or effect of monopolization or restraint of trade (collectively,
    "Antitrust Laws"). In connection therewith, if any administrative or
    judicial action or proceeding is instituted (or threatened to be
    instituted) challenging any transaction contemplated by this Agreement
    as violative of any Antitrust Law, each of Parent and AmeriSource shall
    cooperate and use its best efforts vigorously to contest and resist any
    such action or proceeding, including any legislative, administrative or
    judicial action, and to have vacated, lifted, reversed or overturned
    any decree, judgment, injunction or other order, whether temporary,
    preliminary or permanent (each an "Order"), that is in effect and that
    prohibits, prevents, or restricts consummation of the Merger or any
    other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and vigorously to
    pursue all available avenues of administrative and judicial appeal and
    all available legislative action, unless by mutual agreement
 
                                     A-20
<PAGE>
 
    Parent and AmeriSource decide that litigation is not in their
    respective best interest. Parent shall be entitled to direct any
    proceedings or negotiations with any Governmental Authority relating to
    any of the foregoing described in this paragraph (ii) or to the matters
    described in paragraph (i) of this Section 5.1(a), provided that it
    shall afford AmeriSource a reasonable opportunity to participate
    therein, and provided, further, that nothing in this sentence shall
    affect the parties' rights and obligations contained in the third,
    fourth and fifth sentences of Section 5.1(a)(i). Notwithstanding the
    foregoing or any other provision of this Agreement, nothing in this
    Section 5.1(a) shall limit a party's right to terminate this Agreement
    pursuant to Section 7.1, so long as such party has up to then complied
    in all material respects with its obligations under this Section
    5.1(a). Each of Parent and AmeriSource shall use its best efforts to
    take such action as may be required to cause the expiration of the
    notice period under the HSR Act or other Antitrust Laws with respect to
    such transactions as promptly as possible after the execution of this
    Agreement.
 
      (iii) Each of the parties shall use its best efforts to take, or
    cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, and to
    assist and cooperate with the other parties in doing, all things
    necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective, in the
    most expeditious manner practicable, the Merger and the other
    transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including (A) the
    obtaining of all other necessary actions or nonactions, waivers,
    consents, licenses, permits, authorizations, orders and approvals from
    Governmental Authorities and the making of all other necessary
    registrations and filings (including other filings with Governmental
    Authorities, if any), (B) the obtaining of all consents, approvals or
    waivers from third parties related to or required in connection with
    the Merger that are necessary to consummate the Merger and the
    transactions contemplated by this Agreement or required to prevent a
    Material Adverse Effect on Parent or AmeriSource from occurring prior
    to or after the Effective Time, (C) the preparation of the Joint Proxy
    Statement, the Prospectus and the Registration Statement, (D) the
    taking of all action necessary to ensure that it is a "poolable entity"
    eligible to participate in a transaction to be accounted for as a
    pooling of interests for accounting purposes and to ensure that the
    Merger constitutes a reorganization within the meaning of Section
    368(a) of the Code, and (E) the execution and delivery of any
    additional instruments necessary to consummate the transaction
    contemplated by, and to fully carry out the purposes of, this
    Agreement.
 
      (iv) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement,
    neither Parent nor AmeriSource shall be required to hold separate
    (including by trust or otherwise) or divest any of their respective
    businesses or assets, provided, however, that unless Parent and
    AmeriSource otherwise agree, if required to avoid an HSR Authority
    instituting an Action challenging the transactions contemplated by this
    Agreement under the Antitrust Laws and seeking to enjoin or prohibit
    the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this
    Agreement (or if required to settle any Action previously instituted by
    an HSR Authority), Parent shall and, at the direction of Parent,
    AmeriSource shall, hold separate (including by trust or otherwise) or
    divest any of their respective businesses or assets, or take or agree
    to take any action or agree to any limitation required to avoid an HSR
    Authority instituting an Action challenging the transactions under this
    Agreement under the Antitrust Laws and seeking to enjoin or prohibit
    the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated hereby (or to
    settle any Action previously instituted by an HSR Authority) unless
    such action, in the reasonable judgment of Parent's Board of Directors,
    would reasonably be expected to (x) have a material adverse effect on
    the business, assets, liabilities, results of operations or financial
    condition of Parent combined with the Surviving Corporation after the
    Effective Time, or (y) reduce or render more uncertain the financial or
    strategic benefits expected, as of the date hereof, to be realized from
    consummation of the Merger. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
    Section 5.1(a)(iv) neither party shall be required to (i) waive any of
    the conditions to the Merger set forth in Article VI of this Agreement
    as they apply to such party, or (ii) divest any of their respective
    businesses or assets if the divestitures would be required to be
    consummated prior to the Effective Time.
 
    (b) Pooling-of-Interests. Each of the parties agrees that it shall not,
  and shall not permit any of its subsidiaries to, take any actions which
  would, or would be reasonably likely to, prevent Parent from
 
                                     A-21
<PAGE>
 
  accounting, and shall use its best efforts (including, without limitation,
  providing appropriate representation letters, and, in the case of
  AmeriSource, causing AmeriSource's independent accountants to provide an
  appropriate letter, to Parent's independent accountants) to allow Parent to
  account, for the Merger in accordance with the pooling-of-interests method
  of accounting under the requirements of Opinion No. 16 "Business
  Combinations" of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute
  of Certified Public Accountants, as amended by applicable pronouncements by
  the Financial Accounting Standards Board, and all related published rules,
  regulations and policies of the Commission ("APB No. 16"), and to obtain a
  letter, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Parent, from
  Parent's independent accountants dated the date of the Effective Time and,
  if requested by Parent, dated the date of the Joint Proxy Statement stating
  that they concur with management's conclusion that the Merger will qualify
  as a transaction to be accounted for by Parent in accordance with the
  pooling-of-interests method of accounting under the requirements of APB No.
  16.
 
    (c) Tax-Free Treatment. Each of the parties shall use its best efforts to
  cause the Merger to constitute a "reorganization" under Section 368(a) of
  the Code.
 
    (d) Public Announcements. Each of the parties agrees that it shall not,
  nor shall any of their respective affiliates, issue or cause the
  publication of any press release or other public announcement with respect
  to the Merger, this Agreement or the other transactions contemplated hereby
  without the prior approval of the other party, except such disclosure as
  may be required by law or by any listing agreement with a national
  securities exchange; provided, if such disclosure is required by law or any
  such listing agreement, such disclosure may not be made without prior
  consultation of the other parties.
 
    (e) Joint Proxy Statement; Registration Statement. As promptly as
  practicable after the execution of this Agreement, Parent and AmeriSource
  shall jointly prepare the Joint Proxy Statement, and Parent and AmeriSource
  shall each file the Joint Proxy Statement with the Commission on a
  confidential basis. Each of AmeriSource and Parent shall, as promptly as
  practicable, furnish the other party with all information concerning it as
  may be required for inclusion in the Joint Proxy Statement and the
  Registration Statement.
 
  5.2 Covenants of Parent.
 
    (a) Parent Stockholders Meeting. Parent shall take all action in
  accordance with the federal securities laws, the DGCL and the Parent
  Certificate and Parent Bylaws necessary to convene a special meeting of the
  stockholders of Parent (the "Parent Stockholders Meeting") to be held and
  completed on the earliest practical date determined by Parent, subject to
  the consent of AmeriSource (which shall not be unreasonably withheld)
  (which date shall be the same date as the date of the AmeriSource
  Stockholders Meeting or as close to one another as reasonably practicable),
  to consider and vote upon approval of the Parent Stockholder Proposal.
 
    (b) Joint Proxy Statement; Registration Statement. The Joint Proxy
  Statement shall include the recommendation of Parent's Board of Directors
  referred to in Section 4.12 and the opinion of Peter J. Solomon Company
  Limited referred to in Section 4.17. Consistent with the timing for the
  Parent Stockholders Meeting and the AmeriSource Stockholders Meeting as
  determined by Parent, subject to the consent of AmeriSource (which shall
  not be unreasonably withheld), Parent shall prepare and file the
  Registration Statement with the Commission as soon as is reasonably
  practicable following clearance of the Joint Proxy Statement by the
  Commission and shall use all reasonable efforts to have the Registration
  Statement declared effective by the Commission as promptly as practicable
  and to maintain the effectiveness of the Registration Statement through the
  Effective Time. If, at any time prior to the Effective Time, Parent shall
  obtain knowledge of any information pertaining to Parent that would require
  an amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or the Joint Proxy
  Statement, Parent shall so advise AmeriSource in writing and shall promptly
  furnish AmeriSource with all information as shall be required for such
  amendment or supplement and shall promptly take such action as shall be
  required to amend or supplement the Registration Statement and/or the Joint
  Proxy Statement. Parent shall use all reasonable efforts to mail
 
                                     A-22
<PAGE>
 
  at the earliest practicable date to the stockholders of Parent the Joint
  Proxy Statement, which shall include all information required by Applicable
  Law to be furnished to the stockholders of Parent in connection with the
  Parent Stockholder Proposal. Parent also shall take such other reasonable
  actions (other than qualifying to do business in any jurisdiction in which
  it is not so qualified) required to be taken under any applicable state
  securities laws in connection with the issuance of shares of Parent Common
  Stock in the Merger.
 
    (c) Conduct of Parent's Operations. During the period from the date of
  this Agreement to the Effective Time, Parent shall use all reasonable
  efforts to maintain and preserve its business organization and to retain
  the services of its officers and key employees and maintain relationships
  with customers, suppliers and other third parties to the end that its
  goodwill and ongoing business shall not be impaired in any material
  respect. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, during the
  period from the date of this Agreement to the Effective Time, Parent shall
  not, except as otherwise expressly contemplated by this Agreement and the
  transactions contemplated hereby or as set forth in Section 5.2(c) to the
  Parent Disclosure Schedule, without the prior written consent of
  AmeriSource:
 
      (i) change any method or principle of accounting in a manner that is
    inconsistent with past practice except to the extent required by
    generally accepted accounting principles as advised by Parent's regular
    independent accountants;
 
      (ii) take any action that could likely result in the representations
    and warranties set forth in Article IV becoming false or inaccurate in
    any material respect;
 
      (iii) make any changes in the Parent Certificate or Parent Bylaws
    that would adversely affect in any material respect the rights and
    preferences of the holders of shares of Parent Common Stock or make any
    changes in the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of Merger Sub;
 
      (iv) without giving AmeriSource and Parent's counsel written notice
    at least six business days prior to the filing of any application under
    the HSR Act with respect thereto, or, if no such filing is made, at
    least six business days prior to the entering into of any agreement to
    make such acquisition, or within two business days after entering into
    any such agreement provided the agreement is contingent on compliance
    with this paragraph (iv), acquire a material amount of assets or
    capital stock of or other equity interests in (A) an entity engaged in
    the U.S. pharmaceutical distribution business (as defined below) or (B)
    any other business; provided that, in the case of clause (A), no such
    acquisition shall be made if either Parent's outside antitrust counsel
    or AmeriSource's outside antitrust counsel shall, within five business
    days of receipt of the aforesaid notice, deliver to Parent its written
    opinion that such acquisition would materially and adversely affect the
    ability of Sections 6.1(b), 6.1(c) and 6.1(d) (insofar as they relate
    to federal Antitrust Laws) to be satisfied on or prior to the
    Termination Date (as defined in Section 7.1(c)) (Parent agreeing
    promptly to provide AmeriSource's counsel with all information,
    analyses and materials available to Parent in connection with such
    acquisition that would be reasonably necessary in formulating its
    opinion); and provided that, in the case of clause (B), no such
    acquisition shall be made if such acquisition would materially and
    adversely affect the ability of Sections 6.1(b), 6.1(c) and 6.1(d)
    (insofar as they relate to federal Antitrust Laws) to be satisfied on
    or prior to the Termination Date; Parent hereby agreeing that it will
    make its determination as to whether the acquisition would materially
    and adversely affect such ability after consulting with Parent's
    outside antitrust counsel and AmeriSource's outside antitrust counsel
    (for the purposes of this Section 5.2(c)(iv) only, an entity shall be
    deemed to be engaged in the U.S. pharmaceutical distribution business
    if it derived at least $200 million in revenues from the pharmaceutical
    distribution business (and shall have more than $25 million of revenues
    or $15 million in assets in the U.S.) in its fiscal year preceding the
    date of the agreement or filing referred to above) (it being understood
    that, with respect to joint ventures or newly formed entities, the
    revenues of such entity for a fiscal year will include revenues the
    contributing party derived from the assets or businesses contributed to
    such entity for the entire twelve-month period ending on the same date
    as the end of such entity's fiscal year);
 
                                     A-23
<PAGE>
 
      (v) declare or pay (i) any non-cash dividend or distribution, other
    than dividends or distributions for which there would be an adjustment
    to the Exchange Ratio pursuant to Section 2.2(b), on any shares of
    Parent Common Stock, or (ii) any cash dividend or distribution other
    than regular quarterly cash dividends (with declaration, record and
    payment dates consistent with past practice) not to exceed 110% of the
    per share amount of quarterly cash dividends declared and paid on its
    shares of Parent Common Stock with respect to the previous four fiscal
    quarters;
 
      (vi) permit or cause any subsidiary to do any of the foregoing or
    agree or commit to do any of the foregoing; or
 
      (vii) agree in writing or otherwise to take any of the foregoing
    actions.
 
    (d) Indemnification; Directors' and Officers' Insurance.
 
      (i) From and after the Effective Time, Parent shall, and shall cause
    the Surviving Corporation to, indemnify, defend and hold harmless any
    person who is now, or has been at any time prior to the date hereof, or
    who becomes prior to the Effective Time, a director or officer (an
    "Indemnified Person") of AmeriSource or any of its subsidiaries against
    all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including
    reasonable fees and expenses of legal counsel selected by the
    Indemnified Person with the consent of Parent, which consent will not
    be unreasonably withheld), judgments, fines and amounts paid in
    settlement in connection with any actual or threatened action, suit,
    claim, proceeding or investigation (each a "Claim") to the extent that
    any such Claim is based on, or arises out of: (x) the fact that such
    Indemnified Person is or was a director or officer of AmeriSource or
    any of its subsidiaries or is or was serving at the request of
    AmeriSource or any of its subsidiaries as a director or officer of
    another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
    enterprise; or (y) this Agreement or any of the transactions
    contemplated hereby, in each case to the extent that any such Claim
    pertains to any matter or fact arising, existing or occurring prior to
    or at the Effective Time, regardless of whether such Claim is asserted
    or claimed prior to, at or after the Effective Time, to the full extent
    permitted under the DGCL, the AmeriSource Certificate or the
    AmeriSource Bylaws or any indemnification agreement in effect at the
    date hereof and listed in Section 5.2(d) to the AmeriSource Disclosure
    Schedule, including provisions relating to advancement of expenses
    incurred in the defense of any such Claim. Without limiting the
    generality of the preceding sentence, in the event any Indemnified
    Person becomes involved in any Claim, after the Effective Time, Parent
    shall, or shall cause the Surviving Corporation to, periodically
    advance to such Indemnified Person its legal and other expenses
    (including the cost of any investigation and preparation incurred in
    connection therewith), subject to the provisions of paragraph (ii) of
    this Section 5.2(d), and subject to the providing by such Indemnified
    Person of an undertaking to reimburse all amounts so advanced in the
    event of a final non-appealable determination by a court of competent
    jurisdiction that such Indemnified Person is not entitled hereto.
 
      (ii) The Indemnified Person shall control the defense of any Claim
    with counsel selected by the Indemnified Person, which counsel shall be
    reasonably acceptable to Parent, provided that Parent and the Surviving
    Corporation shall be permitted to participate in the defense of such
    Claim at their own expense, and provided, further, that if any D&O
    Insurance (as defined in Section 5.2(d)(iv)) in effect at the time
    shall require the insurance company to control such defense in order to
    obtain the full benefits of such insurance and such provision is
    consistent with the provisions of AmeriSource's D&O Insurance in
    existence as of the date of this Agreement, then the provision of such
    policy shall govern. Parent and the Surviving Corporation shall not be
    obligated to pay the fees and expenses of more than one counsel for all
    Indemnified Persons in any single Claim except to the extent that, in
    the opinion of independent legal counsel selected by the Indemnified
    Person, which counsel shall be reasonably acceptable to Parent,
    representation of two or more of such Indemnified Persons would present
    a conflict of interest under applicable standards of conduct in the
    legal profession. Neither Parent nor the Surviving Corporation shall be
    liable for any settlement effected without its written consent, which
    consent shall not unreasonably be withheld.
 
 
                                     A-24
<PAGE>
 
      (iii) Parent, Merger Sub and AmeriSource agree that all rights to
    indemnification or liabilities, and all limitations with respect
    thereto, existing in favor of any Indemnified Person, as provided in
    the AmeriSource Certificate or the AmeriSource Bylaws and any
    indemnification agreement in effect at the date hereof and listed in
    Section 5.2(d) to the AmeriSource Disclosure Schedule, shall survive
    the Merger and shall continue in full force and effect, without any
    amendment thereto; provided, however, that in the event any Claim is
    asserted or made, any determination required to be made with respect to
    whether an Indemnified Person's conduct complies with the standards set
    forth under the DGCL, the AmeriSource Certificate or the AmeriSource
    Bylaws or any such agreement, as the case may be, shall be made by
    independent legal counsel selected by such Indemnified Person and
    reasonably acceptable to Parent; and provided further that nothing in
    this Section 5.2(d) shall impair any rights or obligations of any
    current or former director or officer of AmeriSource or its
    subsidiaries, including pursuant to the respective certificates of
    incorporation or bylaws of Parent, the Surviving Corporation or
    AmeriSource, or their respective subsidiaries, under the DGCL or
    otherwise.
 
      (iv) Parent or the Surviving Corporation shall maintain AmeriSource's
    existing directors' and officers' liability insurance policy ("D&O
    Insurance") for a period of not less than six years after the Effective
    Time; provided, however, that Parent may substitute therefor policies
    of substantially similar coverage and amounts (with carriers comparable
    to AmeriSource's existing carriers) containing terms no less
    advantageous to such former directors or officers; provided further
    that if the existing D&O Insurance expires or is canceled during such
    period, Parent or the Surviving Corporation shall use their reasonable
    efforts to obtain substantially similar D&O Insurance, and provided
    further that Parent and the Surviving Corporation shall not be required
    to pay in the aggregate an annual premium for D&O Insurance in excess
    of 150% of the last annual premium paid prior to the date hereof, but
    in such case shall purchase as much coverage as possible for such
    amount.
 
      (v) The provisions of this Section 5.2(d) are intended to be for the
    benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, each Indemnified Person, his
    or her heirs and his or her personal representatives.
 
      (vi) From and after the Effective Time Parent shall (A) provide to
    the directors of AmeriSource who become directors of Parent directors'
    and officers' liability insurance on the same basis and to the same
    extent as that, if any, provided to other directors of Parent, and (B)
    enter into indemnification agreements with the directors of AmeriSource
    who become directors of Parent on terms entered into with other
    directors of Parent generally.
 
    (e) Merger Sub. Prior to the Effective Time, Merger Sub shall not conduct
  any business or make any investments other than as specifically
  contemplated by this Agreement and will not have any assets (other than a
  de minimis amount of cash paid to Merger Sub for the issuance of its stock
  to Parent) or any material liabilities.
 
    (f) NYSE Listing. Parent shall use its best efforts to cause the shares
  of Parent Common Stock issuable pursuant to the Merger (including, without
  limitation, the shares of Parent Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of
  the Parent Exchange Options) to be approved for listing on the NYSE,
  subject to official notice of issuance, prior to the Effective Time.
 
    (g) Access. Parent shall permit representatives of AmeriSource to have
  appropriate access at all reasonable times to Parent's premises,
  properties, books, records, contracts, documents, customers and suppliers.
  Information obtained by AmeriSource pursuant to this Section 5.2(g) shall
  be subject to the provisions of the confidentiality agreement between
  Parent and AmeriSource (the "Confidentiality Agreement"), which agreement
  remains in full force and effect. No investigation conducted pursuant to
  this Section 5.2(g) or otherwise shall affect or be deemed to modify any
  representation or warranty made in this Agreement. Notwithstanding the
  foregoing, Parent shall have no obligation to provide AmeriSource with
  information if Parent determines in good faith, upon written advice of its
  outside antitrust counsel, that providing such information may violate any
  Applicable Law.
 
 
                                     A-25
<PAGE>
 
    (h) Board of Directors and Officers of Parent. The Board of Directors of
  Parent shall take all action necessary immediately following the Effective
  Time to elect the following persons to the Board of Directors of Parent:
  (i) James Urry, who shall be assigned to the class of directors whose term
  of office expires at Parent's first annual meeting of stockholders after
  the Effective Time, (ii) Michael Delaney, who shall be assigned to the
  class of directors whose term of office expires at Parent's second annual
  meeting of stockholders after the Effective Time, and (iii) David Yost, who
  shall be assigned to the class of directors whose term of office expires at
  Parent's third annual meeting of stockholders after the Effective Time. The
  Board of Directors of Parent also shall appoint David Yost as Group
  President of the AmeriSource Services Group and a Corporate Vice President,
  effective after the Effective Time, to serve in accordance with the
  provisions of the Parent Certificate, the Parent Bylaws and the provisions
  of the DGCL.
 
    (i) Affiliates of Parent. Parent shall use its best efforts to cause each
  such person who may be at the Effective Time or was on the date hereof an
  "affiliate" of Parent for purposes of applicable accounting releases of the
  Commission with respect to pooling of interests accounting treatment, to
  execute and deliver to AmeriSource no less than 30 days prior to the date
  of the Parent Stockholders Meeting, the written undertakings in the form
  attached hereto as Exhibit A-2 (the "Parent Affiliate Letter").
 
    (j) Notification of Certain Matters. Parent shall give prompt notice to
  AmeriSource of (i) the occurrence or non-occurrence of any event the
  occurrence or non-occurrence of which would likely cause any Parent
  representation or warranty contained in this Agreement to be untrue or
  inaccurate at or prior to the Effective Time in any material respect and
  (ii) any material failure of Parent to comply with or satisfy any covenant,
  condition or agreement to be complied with or satisfied by it hereunder;
  provided, however, that the delivery of any notice pursuant to this Section
  5.2(j) shall not limit or otherwise affect the remedies available hereunder
  to AmeriSource.
 
    (k) Employees and Employee Benefits. From and after the Effective Time,
  Parent shall treat all service by AmeriSource Employees (as defined below)
  with AmeriSource and their respective predecessors prior to the Effective
  Time as service with Parent for eligibility and vesting purposes under
  Parent's employee benefits plans. Following the Effective Time, Parent
  agrees to provide or cause its affiliates to provide employee benefits to
  AmeriSource Employees that are no less favorable in the aggregate than
  those provided to AmeriSource Employees immediately prior to the Effective
  Time under the employee benefit plans of AmeriSource and its subsidiaries.
  With respect to any medical or dental benefit plan in which AmeriSource
  Employees participate after the Effective Time, Parent shall waive or cause
  to be waived any pre-existing condition exclusions and actively-at-work
  requirements (provided, however, that no such waiver shall apply to a pre-
  existing condition of any AmeriSource Employee which was, as of the
  Effective Time, treated under a AmeriSource plan as a pre-existing
  condition), and shall provide that any covered expenses incurred on or
  before the Effective Time by a AmeriSource Employee or a AmeriSource
  Employee's covered dependent shall be taken into account for purposes of
  satisfying applicable deductible, coinsurance and maximum out-of- pocket
  provisions after the Effective Time to the same extent as such expenses are
  taken into account for the benefit of similarly situated employees of
  Parent and subsidiaries of Parent. For purposes of this Section 5.2(k),
  "AmeriSource Employees" shall mean persons who are, as of the Effective
  Time, employees of AmeriSource.
 
    (l) Letters of Parent's Accountants. Parent shall use all reasonable
  efforts to cause to be delivered to AmeriSource letters of Parent's
  independent accountants, dated a date within two business days before the
  date on which the Registration Statement shall become effective, the date
  the Joint Proxy Statement is mailed and the date of the AmeriSource
  Stockholders Meeting and addressed to AmeriSource, in form and substance
  reasonably satisfactory to AmeriSource and customary in scope and substance
  for letters delivered by independent accountants in connection with
  registration statements similar to the Registration Statement.
 
    (m) Purchases of Common Stock of AmeriSource. During the period from the
  date hereof through the Effective Time, neither Parent nor any of its
  subsidiaries will purchase any shares of AmeriSource Common Stock other
  than pursuant to the AmeriSource Stock Option Agreement.
 
 
                                     A-26
<PAGE>
 
    (n) Registration Rights. At or prior to the Closing Parent shall enter
  into an agreement with VPI to provide it with registration rights with
  respect to the Parent Common Stock to be received by it in the Merger,
  pursuant to the registration rights agreement (the "Registration Rights
  Agreement") attached to Section 5.2(n) to the AmeriSource Disclosure
  Schedule.
 
    (o) Publishing Financial Results. If the Effective Time is less than 30
  days prior to the end of Parent's fiscal quarter or occurs during the first
  30 days of McKesson's fiscal quarter, Parent shall use reasonable efforts
  to prepare and publicly release, as soon as practicable following the end
  of the first month ending at least 30 days after the Effective Time, a
  report filed with the Commission on Form 8-K or any other public filing,
  statement or announcement which includes the combined financial results
  (including combined sales and net income) of Parent and AmeriSource for a
  period of at least 30 days of combined operations of Parent and AmeriSource
  following the Effective Time.
 
  5.3 Covenants of AmeriSource.
 
    (a) AmeriSource Stockholders Meeting. AmeriSource shall take all action
  in accordance with the federal securities laws, the DGCL and the
  AmeriSource Certificate and the AmeriSource Bylaws necessary to convene a
  special meeting of the stockholders of AmeriSource entitled to vote (the
  "AmeriSource Stockholders Meeting") to be held and completed on the
  earliest practicable date determined by Parent, subject to the consent of
  AmeriSource (which shall not be unreasonably withheld) (which date shall be
  the same date as the date of the Parent Stockholders Meeting or as close to
  one another as reasonably practicable), to consider and vote upon approval
  of the Merger, this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
    (b) Joint Proxy Statement; Registration Statement. AmeriSource shall
  cooperate with Parent in the preparation and filing of the Registration
  Statement in a timely fashion and shall use all reasonable efforts to
  assist Parent in having the Registration Statement declared effective by
  the Commission as promptly as practicable and in maintaining the
  effectiveness of the Registration Statement through the Effective Time. If,
  at any time prior to the Effective Time, AmeriSource shall obtain knowledge
  of any information pertaining to AmeriSource that would require any
  amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or the Joint Proxy
  Statement, AmeriSource shall so advise Parent in writing and shall promptly
  furnish Parent with all information as shall be required for such amendment
  or supplement and shall promptly take such action as shall be required to
  amend or supplement the Registration Statement and/or Joint Proxy
  Statement. AmeriSource shall use all reasonable efforts to mail at the
  earliest practicable date to the stockholders of AmeriSource the Joint
  Proxy Statement, which shall include all information required under
  Applicable Law to be furnished to the stockholders of AmeriSource in
  connection with the Merger and the transactions contemplated thereby and
  shall include the AmeriSource Board Recommendation to the extent not
  previously withdrawn in compliance with Section 5.3(d) and the written
  opinion of Goldman, Sachs & Co. described in Section 3.23.
 
    (c) Conduct of AmeriSource's Operations. During the period from the date
  of this Agreement to the Effective Time, AmeriSource shall conduct its
  operations in the ordinary course except as expressly contemplated by this
  Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and shall use all
  reasonable efforts to maintain and preserve its business organization and
  to retain the services of its officers and key employees and maintain
  relationships with customers, suppliers, lessees, licensees and other third
  parties to the end that its goodwill and ongoing business shall not be
  impaired in any material respect. Without limiting the generality of the
  foregoing, during the period from the date of this Agreement to the
  Effective Time, AmeriSource shall not, except as otherwise expressly
  contemplated by this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby or
  as set forth in Section 5.3(c) to the AmeriSource Disclosure Schedule,
  without the prior written consent of Parent:
 
      (i) do or effect any of the following actions with respect to its
    securities: (A) adjust, split, combine or reclassify its capital stock,
    (B) make, declare or pay any dividend or distribution on, or
 
                                     A-27
<PAGE>
 
    directly or indirectly redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire, any
    shares of its capital stock or any securities or obligations
    convertible into or exchangeable for any shares of its capital stock,
    (C) grant any person any right or option to acquire any shares of its
    capital stock (provided that AmeriSource may grant AmeriSource Options
    to purchase shares of AmeriSource Common Stock if such grants are made
    at such times and in such amounts as are consistent with previous
    grants by AmeriSource in the ordinary course of business ("Additional
    AmeriSource Options") and if the Additional AmeriSource Options shall
    provide that the Merger shall not be an event which accelerates the
    vesting thereof, and so long as no such grant shall jeopardize Parent's
    ability to account for the Merger in accordance with the pooling-of-
    interests method of accounting under the requirements of APB No. 16 and
    provided further that prior to granting any Additional AmeriSource
    Options AmeriSource shall consult with Parent's and AmeriSource's
    independent public accountants and if either of them recommends that a
    particular grant of AmeriSource Options not be made or that the number
    of AmeriSource Options to be granted shall be reduced then AmeriSource
    will follow such recommendation), (D) issue, deliver or sell or agree
    to issue, deliver or sell any additional shares of its capital stock or
    any other securities or obligations convertible into or exchangeable or
    exercisable for any shares of its capital stock or such securities
    (except pursuant to the exercise of AmeriSource Options which are
    outstanding as of the date hereof or which are granted by AmeriSource
    prior to the Effective Time in compliance with the terms of this
    Agreement), (E) enter into any agreement, understanding or arrangement
    with respect to the sale, voting, registration or repurchase of its
    capital stock or (F) adopt a so-called "poison pill" or adopt or enter
    into a shareholder rights plan or similar plan;
 
      (ii) directly or indirectly sell, transfer, lease, pledge, mortgage,
    encumber or otherwise dispose of any of its property or assets other
    than in the ordinary course of business;
 
      (iii) amend the AmeriSource Certificate or the AmeriSource Bylaws;
 
      (iv) merge or consolidate with any other person;
 
      (v) acquire assets or capital stock of or other equity interests in
    any other person valued, giving effect to assumed indebtedness, at more
    than $25 million per transaction and $50 million in the aggregate;
    provided that AmeriSource shall give Parent written notice of any
    acquisition of assets or capital stock of or other equity interests in
    any other person, regardless of the size of the transaction, at least
    six business days prior to the filing of any application under the HSR
    Act with respect thereto or, if no such filing is made, at least six
    business days prior to the entering into of any agreement to make such
    an acquisition, or within two business days after entering into any
    such agreement, provided the agreement is contingent on compliance with
    this paragraph (v), and provided, further, that AmeriSource shall not
    make any acquisition of (A) any entity engaged in the U.S.
    pharmaceutical distribution business (as defined below) or (B) any
    other business, regardless of the size of the transaction, if (x) in
    the case of clause (A), either AmeriSource's outside antitrust counsel
    or Parent's outside antitrust counsel shall, within five business days
    of receipt of the aforesaid notice, deliver to AmeriSource its written
    opinion that such acquisition would materially and adversely affect the
    ability of Section 6.1(b), 6.1(c) and 6.1(d) (insofar as they relate to
    federal Antitrust Laws) to be satisfied on or prior to the Termination
    Date (AmeriSource agreeing promptly to provide Parent's counsel with
    all information, analyses and materials available to AmeriSource in
    connection with such acquisition that would be reasonably necessary in
    formulating its opinion); and (y) in the case of clause (B), if such
    acquisition would materially and adversely affect the ability of
    Section 6.1(b), 6.1(c) and 6.1(d) (insofar as they relate to federal
    Antitrust Laws) to be satisfied on or prior to the Termination Date;
    AmeriSource hereby agreeing that it will make its determination as to
    whether the acquisition would materially and adversely affect such
    ability after consulting with AmeriSource's outside antitrust counsel
    (for the purposes of this Section 5.3(c)(v) only, an entity shall be
    deemed to be engaged in the U.S. pharmaceutical distribution business
    if it derived at least $100 million in revenues from the pharmaceutical
    distribution business (and shall have more than $25 million of revenues
    in the U.S. or $15 million in assets in the U.S.) in its fiscal year
    preceding the date of the agreement or filing referred to above) (it
    being understood that, with respect to joint ventures or newly formed
    entities, the revenues
 
                                     A-28
<PAGE>
 
    of such entity for a fiscal year will include revenues the contributing
    party derived from the assets or businesses contributed to such entity
    for the entire twelve-month period ending on the same date as the end
    of such entity's fiscal year);
 
      (vi) except pursuant to existing credit arrangements set forth in
    Section 3.17 to the AmeriSource Disclosure Schedule or as set forth in
    Section 5.3(c) to the AmeriSource Disclosure Schedule, incur, create,
    assume or otherwise become liable for any indebtedness for borrowed
    money or, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with
    past practice, assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise as an
    accommodation become responsible or liable for the obligations of any
    other individual, corporation or other entity;
 
      (vii) except as set forth in Section 5.3(c)(vii) of the AmeriSource
    Disclosure Schedule, enter into or modify any employment, severance,
    stay-pay termination or similar agreements or arrangements with, or
    grant any bonuses, salary increases, severance or termination pay to,
    any officer, director, consultant or employee other than in the
    ordinary course of business consistent with past practice (except for
    change-of-control severance agreements that in all cases shall require
    the prior written consent of Parent), or otherwise increase the
    compensation or benefits provided to any officer, director, consultant
    or employee except as may be required by Applicable Law or in the
    ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
 
      (viii) enter into, adopt or amend any employee benefit or similar
    plan except as may be required by Applicable Law;
 
      (ix) change any method or principle of accounting in a manner that is
    inconsistent with past practice except to the extent required by
    generally accepted accounting principles as advised by AmeriSource's
    regular independent accountants, or make any material Tax election
    (unless required by law or consistent with prior practice) or settle
    any material Tax liability which is the subject of dispute between
    AmeriSource and a Governmental Authority, unless, in each case, Parent
    is given reasonable prior written notice thereof;
 
      (x) modify, amend or terminate, or waive, release or assign any
    material rights or claims with respect to, any Contract ("Contract
    Actions") other than Contract Actions in the ordinary course of
    business consistent with past practices and which individually or in
    the aggregate would not be reasonably expected to have a Material
    Adverse Effect on AmeriSource;
 
      (xi) enter into any confidentiality, standstill or non-compete
    agreements or arrangements which after the Effective Time would apply
    or purport to apply to Parent or any of its subsidiaries (other than
    AmeriSource or any of its subsidiaries);
 
      (xii) incur or commit to any capital expenditures, individually or in
    the aggregate, in excess of the amount set forth in Section 5.3(c) to
    the AmeriSource Disclosure Schedule;
 
      (xiii) except as permitted by Section 5.3(d), take any action to
    exempt or make not subject to (x) the provisions of Section 203 of the
    DGCL or (y) any other state takeover law or state law that purports to
    limit or restrict business combinations or the ability to acquire or
    vote shares, any person or entity (other than Parent or its
    subsidiaries) or any action taken thereby, which person, entity or
    action would have otherwise been subject to the restrictive provisions
    thereof and not exempt therefrom;
 
      (xiv) modify or waive any of its rights under any provision of any
    confidentiality agreement or standstill agreement;
 
      (xv) take any action that will likely result in the representations
    and warranties set forth in Article III becoming false or inaccurate in
    any material respect;
 
      (xvi) enter into or carry out any other transaction other than in the
    ordinary and usual course of business or other than as permitted
    pursuant to the other clauses in this Section 5.3(c);
 
 
                                     A-29
<PAGE>
 
      (xvii) permit or cause any subsidiary to do any of the foregoing or
    agree or commit to do any of the foregoing; or
 
      (xviii) agree in writing or otherwise to take any of the foregoing
    actions.
 
    (d) No Solicitation. During the term of this Agreement, AmeriSource shall
  not, and shall not authorize or permit any of its subsidiaries or any of
  its or its subsidiaries' directors, officers, employees, agents or
  representatives, directly or indirectly, to solicit, initiate, encourage or
  facilitate, or furnish or disclose non-public information in furtherance
  of, any inquiries or the making of any proposal with respect to any
  recapitalization, merger, consolidation or other business combination
  involving AmeriSource, or acquisition of any capital stock from AmeriSource
  (other than upon exercise of AmeriSource options which are outstanding as
  of the date hereof or which have been granted by AmeriSource prior to the
  Effective Time in compliance with the terms of this Agreement) or 15% or
  more of the assets of AmeriSource and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole,
  in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, or any
  acquisition by AmeriSource of any material assets or capital stock of any
  other person (other than to the extent specifically permitted by Section
  5.3(c)(v)), or any combination of the foregoing (a "Competing
  Transaction"), or negotiate or otherwise engage in discussions with any
  person (other than Parent, Merger Sub or their respective directors,
  officers, employees, agents and representatives) with respect to any
  Competing Transaction or enter into any agreement, arrangement or
  understanding requiring it to abandon, terminate or fail to consummate the
  Merger or any other transactions contemplated by this Agreement; provided
  that, at any time prior to the approval of the Merger by the stockholders
  of AmeriSource, AmeriSource may furnish information to, and negotiate or
  otherwise engage in discussions with, any party who delivers a written
  proposal for a Competing Transaction which was not solicited or encouraged
  after the date of this Agreement if and so long as the Board of Directors
  of AmeriSource determines in good faith by a majority vote, after
  consultation with and receipt of advice from its outside legal counsel,
  that failing to take such action would constitute a breach of the fiduciary
  duties of the Board of Directors of AmeriSource under Applicable Law and
  determines that such a proposal is, after consulting with Goldman, Sachs &
  Co. (or any other nationally recognized investment banking firm), more
  favorable to AmeriSource's stockholders from a financial point of view than
  the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including any adjustment
  to the terms and conditions proposed by Parent in response to such
  Competing Transaction). AmeriSource will immediately cease all existing
  activities, discussions and negotiations with any parties conducted
  heretofore with respect to any proposal for a Competing Transaction.
  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 5.3(d), in the event
  that prior to the approval of the Merger by the stockholders of AmeriSource
  the Board of Directors of AmeriSource determines in good faith by a
  majority vote, after consultation with and receipt of advice from outside
  legal counsel, that failure to do so would constitute a breach of the
  fiduciary duties of the AmeriSource Board of Directors under Applicable
  Law, the Board of Directors of AmeriSource may (subject to this and the
  following sentences) withdraw, modify or change, in a manner adverse to
  Parent, the AmeriSource Board Recommendation and take and disclose to the
  stockholders of AmeriSource a position with respect to the Competing
  Transaction and, to the extent applicable, comply with Rule 14e-2
  promulgated under the Exchange Act with respect to a Competing Transaction
  by disclosing such withdrawn, modified or changed AmeriSource Board
  Recommendation and recommendation with respect to the Competing Transaction
  in connection with a tender or exchange offer for AmeriSource securities,
  provided that it uses all reasonable efforts to give Parent two days prior
  written notice of its intention to do so (provided that the foregoing shall
  in no way limit or otherwise affect Parent's right to terminate this
  Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(d)). The AmeriSource Board of Directors
  shall not, in connection with any such withdrawal, modification or change
  of the AmeriSource Board Recommendation, take any action to change the
  approval of the Board of Directors of AmeriSource for purposes of causing
  any state takeover statute or other state law to be applicable to the
  transactions contemplated hereby, including this Agreement, the AmeriSource
  Stock Option Agreement and the Merger, provided, however, that this
  sentence shall not prohibit AmeriSource from withdrawing, modifying or
  changing its recommendation or approving or recommending any Competing
  Transaction under the circumstances and subject to the conditions set forth
  in this Section 5.3(d). From and after the execution of this Agreement,
  AmeriSource shall immediately advise Parent in
 
                                     A-30
<PAGE>
 
  writing of the receipt, directly or indirectly, of any inquiries,
  discussions, negotiations, or proposals relating to a Competing Transaction
  (including the specific terms thereof and the identity of the other party
  or parties involved) and furnish to Parent within 24 hours of such receipt
  an accurate description of all material terms (including any changes or
  adjustments to such terms as a result of negotiations or otherwise) of any
  such written proposal in addition to any information provided to any third
  party relating thereto. In addition, AmeriSource shall immediately advise
  Parent, in writing, if the Board of Directors of AmeriSource shall make any
  determination as to any Competing Transaction as contemplated by the
  proviso to the first sentence of this Section 5.3(d).
 
    (e) Termination Right. If prior to the approval of the Merger by the
  stockholders of AmeriSource the Board of Directors of AmeriSource shall
  determine in good faith, after consultation with its financial and legal
  advisors, with respect to any written proposal from a third party for a
  Competing Transaction received after the date hereof that was not solicited
  or encouraged by AmeriSource or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates in
  violation of this Agreement that failure to enter into such Competing
  Transaction would constitute a breach of the fiduciary duties of the Board
  of Directors of AmeriSource under Applicable Law and that such Competing
  Transaction is more favorable to the stockholders of AmeriSource from a
  financial point of view than the transactions contemplated by this
  Agreement (including any adjustment to the terms and conditions of such
  transaction proposed in writing by Parent in response to such Competing
  Transaction) and is in the best interest of the stockholders of AmeriSource
  and AmeriSource has received (x) the advice of its outside legal counsel
  that failure to enter into such a Competing Transaction would constitute a
  breach of the Board of Directors' fiduciary duties under Applicable Law and
  (y) a written opinion (a copy of which has been delivered to Parent) from
  Goldman, Sachs & Co. (or any other nationally recognized investment banking
  firm) that the Competing Transaction is more favorable from a financial
  point of view to the stockholders of AmeriSource than the transactions
  contemplated by this Agreement (including any adjustment to the terms and
  conditions of such transaction proposed in writing by Parent), AmeriSource
  may terminate this Agreement and enter into a letter of intent, agreement-
  in- principle, acquisition agreement or other similar agreement (each, an
  "Acquisition Agreement") with respect to such Competing Transaction
  provided that, prior to any such termination, (i) AmeriSource has provided
  Parent written notice that it intends to terminate this Agreement pursuant
  to this Section 5.3(e), identifying the Competing Transaction then
  determined to be more favorable and the parties thereto and delivering an
  accurate description of all material terms (including any changes or
  adjustments to such terms as a result of negotiations or otherwise) of the
  Acquisition Agreement to be entered into for such Competing Transaction,
  and (ii) at least three full business days after AmeriSource has provided
  the notice referred to in clause (i) above (provided that the advice and
  opinion referred to in clauses (x) and (y) above shall continue in effect
  without revocation, revision or modification), AmeriSource delivers to
  Parent (A) a written notice of termination of this Agreement pursuant to
  this Section 5.3(e), (B) a check in the amount of Parent's Costs (as
  defined in Section 7.2) as the same may have been estimated by Parent in
  good faith prior to the date of such delivery (subject to an adjustment
  payment between the parties upon Parent's definitive determination of such
  Costs), plus the amount of the Termination Fee (as defined in Section 7.2),
  (C) a written acknowledgment from AmeriSource that (x) the termination of
  this Agreement and the entry into the Acquisition Agreement for the
  Competing Transaction will be a "Purchase Event" as defined in the
  AmeriSource Stock Option Agreement and (y) the AmeriSource Stock Option
  Agreement shall be honored in accordance with its terms and (D) a written
  acknowledgment from each other party to such Competing Transaction that it
  is aware of the substance of AmeriSource's acknowledgment under clause (C)
  above and waives any right it may have to contest the matters thus
  acknowledged by AmeriSource.
 
    (f) Affiliates of AmeriSource. AmeriSource shall use its best efforts to
  cause each such person who may be at the Effective Time or was on the date
  hereof an "affiliate" of AmeriSource for purposes of Rule 145 under the
  Securities Act or applicable accounting releases of the Commission with
  respect to pooling-of-interests accounting treatment, to execute and
  deliver to Parent no less than 30 days prior to the date of the AmeriSource
  Stockholders Meeting, the written undertakings in the form attached hereto
  as Exhibit A-1 (the "AmeriSource Affiliate Letter"). No later than 45 days
  prior to the date of the AmeriSource
 
                                     A-31
<PAGE>
 
  Stockholders Meeting, AmeriSource, after consultation with its outside
  counsel, shall provide Parent with a letter (reasonably satisfactory to
  outside counsel to Parent) specifying all of the persons or entities who,
  in AmeriSource's opinion, may be deemed to be "affiliates" of AmeriSource
  under the preceding sentence. The foregoing notwithstanding, Parent shall
  be entitled to place legends as specified in the AmeriSource Affiliate
  Letter on the certificates evidencing any of the shares of Parent Common
  Stock to be received by (i) any such "affiliate" of AmeriSource specified
  in such letter or (ii) any person Parent reasonably identifies (by written
  notice to AmeriSource) as being a person who may be deemed an "affiliate"
  for purposes of Rule 145 under the Securities Act or applicable accounting
  releases of the Commission with respect to pooling-of-interests accounting
  treatment, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and to issue
  appropriate stop transfer instructions to the transfer agent for the shares
  of Parent Common Stock, consistent with the terms of the AmeriSource
  Affiliate Letter, regardless of whether such person has executed the
  AmeriSource Affiliate Letter and regardless of whether such person's name
  appears on the letter to be delivered pursuant to the preceding sentence.
  Promptly upon the request of the holder of such certificates, Parent will
  issue new certificates with no legends, and will countermand the stop
  transfer instructions, consistent with the terms of the AmeriSource
  Affiliate Letter.
 
    (g) Access. AmeriSource shall permit representatives of Parent to have
  full access at all reasonable times to AmeriSource's premises, properties,
  books, records, contracts, documents, customers and suppliers, and shall
  cause its independent accountants to give Parent access to such
  accountants' work papers. Information obtained by Parent pursuant to this
  Section 5.3(g) shall be subject to the provisions of the Confidentiality
  Agreement, which agreement remains in full force and effect. No
  investigation conducted pursuant to this Section 5.3(g) or otherwise shall
  affect or be deemed to modify any representation or warranty made in this
  Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, AmeriSource shall have no
  obligation to provide Parent or Merger Sub with information if AmeriSource
  determines in good faith, upon written advice of its outside antitrust
  counsel, that providing information may violate any Applicable Law.
 
    (h) Notification of Certain Matters. AmeriSource shall give prompt notice
  to Parent of (i) the occurrence or non-occurrence of any event the
  occurrence or non-occurrence of which would likely cause any representation
  or warranty by AmeriSource contained in this Agreement to be untrue or
  inaccurate at or prior to the Effective Time in any material respect and
  (ii) any material failure of AmeriSource to comply with or satisfy any
  covenant, condition or agreement to be complied with or satisfied by it
  hereunder; provided, however, that the delivery of any notice pursuant to
  this Section 5.3(h) shall not limit or otherwise affect the remedies
  available hereunder to Parent.
 
    (i) Subsequent Financial Statements. AmeriSource shall consult with
  Parent prior to making publicly available its financial results for any
  period after the date of this Agreement and prior to filing any AmeriSource
  SEC Documents after the date of this Agreement, it being understood that
  Parent shall have no liability by reason of such consultation.
 
    (j) Letters of AmeriSource's Accountants. AmeriSource shall use all
  reasonable efforts to cause to be delivered to Parent letters of
  AmeriSource's independent accountants, dated a date within two business
  days before the date on which the Registration Statement shall become
  effective, the date the Joint Proxy Statement is mailed and the date of the
  Parent Stockholders Meeting and addressed to Parent, in form and substance
  reasonably satisfactory to Parent and customary in scope and substance for
  letters delivered by independent accountants in connection with
  registration statements similar to the Registration Statement.
 
 
                                     A-32
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE VI
 
                                  CONDITIONS
 
  6.1 Conditions to the Obligations of Each Party. The obligations of
AmeriSource, Parent and Merger Sub to consummate the Merger shall be subject
to the satisfaction of the following conditions:
 
    (a) (i) This Agreement, the Merger and the transactions contemplated
  hereby shall have been approved and adopted by the stockholders of
  AmeriSource entitled to vote thereon, and (ii) the issuance of the shares
  of Parent Common Stock to be issued in the Merger shall have been approved
  by the stockholders of Parent entitled to vote thereon, in each case in the
  manner required by all Applicable Laws and the applicable stock exchange
  rules.
 
    (b) Any applicable waiting periods (and any extensions thereof, including
  any written commitment to an HSR Authority to defer or delay consummation
  of the Merger notwithstanding expiration of such waiting periods) under the
  HSR Act relating to the Merger and the transactions contemplated by this
  Agreement shall have expired or been terminated.
 
    (c) No provision of any Applicable Law (other than Antitrust Laws), as
  supported by written opinion of outside legal counsel, and no judgment,
  injunction, order or decree shall prohibit or enjoin the consummation of
  the Merger or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the parties
  having used their respective best efforts (consistent with the provisions
  of this Agreement) to cause such Applicable Law to be satisfied (if such
  Applicable Law is capable of being satisfied) so as to cause such
  Applicable Law not to prohibit the Merger or the transactions contemplated
  hereby).
 
    (d) There shall not be pending any Action by any Governmental Authority
  (i) challenging or seeking to restrain or prohibit the consummation of the
  Merger or any of the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
  (ii) except to the extent consistent with the obligations of AmeriSource
  and Parent under Section 5.1(a), seeking to prohibit or limit the ownership
  or operation by Parent, AmeriSource or any of their respective subsidiaries
  of, or to compel Parent, AmeriSource or any of their respective
  subsidiaries to dispose of or hold separate, any material portion of the
  business or assets of Parent, AmeriSource or any of their respective
  subsidiaries, as a result of the Merger or any of the other transactions
  contemplated by this Agreement, (iii) seeking to impose limitations on the
  ability of Parent to acquire or hold, or exercise full rights of ownership
  of, any shares of capital stock of the Surviving Corporation, including the
  right to vote such capital stock on all matters properly presented to the
  stockholders of the Surviving Corporation or (iv) seeking to prohibit
  Parent or any subsidiary of Parent from effectively controlling in any
  material respect the business or operations of Parent or the subsidiaries
  of Parent.
 
    (e) The Commission shall have declared the Registration Statement
  effective under the Securities Act, and no stop order or similar
  restraining order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration
  Statement shall be in effect and no proceedings for such purpose shall be
  pending before or threatened by the Commission or any state securities
  administrator.
 
    (f) The shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued in the Merger
  (including, without limitation, the shares of Parent Common Stock issuable
  upon the exercise of the Parent Exchange Options) shall have been approved
  for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance.
 
    (g) Parent shall have received a letter, in form and substance reasonably
  satisfactory to Parent and AmeriSource, from Parent's independent
  accountants dated the date of the Effective Time (a copy of which shall
  have been delivered to AmeriSource), stating that they concur with the
  conclusion of Parent's management that the Merger will qualify as a
  transaction to be accounted for by Parent in accordance with the pooling-
  of-interests method of accounting under the requirements of APB No. 16.
 
  6.2 Conditions to Obligations of AmeriSource. The obligations of AmeriSource
to consummate the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be
subject to the fulfillment of the following conditions unless waived by
AmeriSource:
 
 
                                     A-33
<PAGE>
 
    (a) The representations and warranties of each of Parent and Merger Sub
  set forth in Article IV (which for purposes of this paragraph (a) shall be
  read as though none of them contained any Material Adverse Effect or
  materiality qualifier) shall be true and correct in all respects on and as
  of the Closing Date with the same effect as though made on and as of the
  Closing Date (except for such representations and warranties made as of a
  specified date, the accuracy of which will be determined as of the
  specified date), except for changes permitted by Section 5.2(c) and except
  where the failure of the representations and warranties in the aggregate to
  be true and correct in all respects would not have a Material Adverse
  Effect on Parent.
 
    (b) Each of Parent and Merger Sub shall have performed in all material
  respects each obligation and agreement and shall have complied in all
  material respects with each covenant to be performed and complied with by
  it hereunder at or prior to the Effective Time, except, in the case of
  breaches of Section 5.2(c), for acts and omissions of Parent which, in the
  aggregate, do not have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent.
 
    (c) Each of Parent and Merger Sub shall have furnished AmeriSource with a
  certificate dated the Closing Date signed on behalf of it by the President
  or any Vice President to the effect that the conditions set forth in
  Sections 6.2(a) and (b) have been satisfied.
 
    (d) AmeriSource shall have received an opinion from Dechert, Price &
  Rhoads, dated the Closing Date, based upon certain factual representations
  of AmeriSource, Parent and Merger Sub reasonably requested by such counsel,
  to the effect that the Merger will be treated for Federal income tax
  purposes as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the
  Code.
 
    (e) Since the date of this Agreement, there shall not have been any
  change in the business, assets, liabilities, results of operations or
  financial condition of Parent which individually or in the aggregate would
  reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent.
 
  6.3 Conditions to Obligations of Parent and Merger Sub. The obligations of
Parent and Merger Sub to consummate the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated hereby shall be subject to the fulfillment of the following
conditions unless waived by Parent:
 
    (a) The representations and warranties of AmeriSource set forth in
  Article III (which for purposes of this paragraph (a) shall be read as
  though none of them contained any Material Adverse Effect or materiality
  qualifier) shall be true and correct in all respects on and as of the
  Closing Date with the same effect as though made on and as of the Closing
  Date (except for such representations and warranties made as of a specified
  date, the accuracy of which will be determined as of the specified date),
  except for changes permitted by Section 5.3(c) and except where the failure
  of the representations and warranties in the aggregate to be true and
  correct in all respects would not have a Material Adverse Effect on
  AmeriSource.
 
    (b) AmeriSource shall have performed in all material respects each
  obligation and agreement and shall have complied in all material respects
  with each covenant to be performed and complied with by it hereunder at or
  prior to the Effective Time, except, in the case of breaches of Section
  5.3(c), for acts and omissions of AmeriSource which, in the aggregate, do
  not have a Material Adverse Effect on AmeriSource.
 
    (c) AmeriSource shall have furnished Parent with a certificate dated the
  Closing Date signed on its behalf by its Chairman, President or any Vice
  President to the effect that the conditions set forth in Sections 6.3(a)
  and (b) have been satisfied.
 
    (d) Since the date of this Agreement, there shall not have been any
  change in the business, assets, liabilities, results of operations or
  financial condition of AmeriSource which individually or in the aggregate
  would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on
  AmeriSource.
 
 
                                     A-34
<PAGE>
 
    (e) Each of the Employee Agreements shall be in full force and effect in
  accordance with its terms and shall not have been modified, amended or
  terminated (other than by Parent); provided, however, that it is understood
  that this condition shall not fail to be satisfied with respect to any such
  person who is no longer employed by AmeriSource so long as AmeriSource
  shall not have modified, amended or terminated, granted any waiver or
  release under, or assigned any rights or claims under, the Employee
  Agreements with such former employee.
 
    (f) There shall not have been a material breach of the AmeriSource Stock
  Option Agreement.
 
                                  ARTICLE VII
 
                           TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT
 
  7.1 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated and the Merger may be
abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time (notwithstanding any
approval of this Agreement by the stockholders of AmeriSource and the
stockholders of Parent):
 
    (a) by mutual written consent of Parent and AmeriSource;
 
    (b) by either Parent or AmeriSource if there shall be any Applicable Law
  (other than Antitrust Laws) that, as supported by written opinion of
  outside legal counsel, makes consummation of the Merger illegal or
  otherwise prohibited (the terminating party having given at least 10 days
  notice to the other party of the existence of such Applicable Law and both
  parties having used their respective best efforts (consistent with the
  provisions of this Agreement) to cause such Applicable Law to be satisfied
  (if the Applicable Law is capable of being satisfied) so that it does not
  have the effect set forth above), or if any judgment, injunction, order or
  decree of a court or other competent Governmental Authority enjoining
  Parent or AmeriSource from consummating the Merger shall have been entered
  and such judgment, injunction, order or decree shall have become final and
  nonappealable;
 
    (c) by either Parent or AmeriSource if the Merger shall not have been
  consummated before May 31, 1998; provided, however, that the right to
  terminate this Agreement under this Section 7.1(c) shall not be available
  to any party whose failure or whose affiliate's failure to perform any
  material covenant or obligation under this Agreement has been the cause of
  or resulted in the failure of the Merger to occur on or before such date;
  and, provided further, that (i) if, on May 31, 1998, the five events set
  forth in Section 1.2(b) shall have occurred but the Closing shall not have
  taken place, then references to "May 31, 1998" in this paragraph (c) shall
  instead be "June 7, 1998," and (ii) if the date on which any applicable
  waiting period (and any extensions thereof) under the HSR Act relating to
  the merger and other transactions contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of
  Merger, dated as of August 23, 1997, by and among Cardinal Health, Inc.
  ("Cardinal"), Bruin Merger Corp. and Bergen Brunswig Corporation (the
  "Cardinal Transaction") shall have first expired or been terminated is
  between May 1, 1998 and May 31, 1998 (each inclusive), and on such date no
  judgment, injunction, order or decree shall prohibit or enjoin consummation
  of the Cardinal Transaction and there shall not be pending any Action by an
  HSR Authority seeking with respect to Cardinal or Bergen Brunswig
  Corporation or the Cardinal Transaction any of the remedies set forth in
  Section 6.1(d), then references to "May 31, 1998" in this paragraph (c)
  shall instead be "June 30, 1998" (the date on which this Agreement may be
  terminated pursuant to this paragraph (c), as applicable, being herein
  referred to as the "Termination Date");
 
    (d) by Parent if the Board of Directors of AmeriSource shall withdraw,
  modify or change the AmeriSource Board Recommendation in a manner adverse
  to Parent, or if the Board of Directors of AmeriSource shall have refused
  to affirm the AmeriSource Board Recommendation as promptly as practicable
  (but in any case within 10 business days) after receipt of any written
  request from Parent which request was made on a reasonable basis;
 
 
                                     A-35
<PAGE>
 
    (e) by Parent or AmeriSource if at the AmeriSource Stockholders Meeting
  (including any adjournment or postponement thereof) the requisite vote of
  the stockholders of AmeriSource to approve the Merger, the Merger Agreement
  and the transactions contemplated hereby shall not have been obtained;
 
    (f) by Parent or AmeriSource if at the Parent Stockholders Meeting
  (including any adjournment or postponement thereof) the requisite vote of
  the stockholders of Parent to approve the issuance of shares of Parent
  Common Stock in the Merger shall not have been obtained;
 
    (g) by AmeriSource, pursuant to Section 5.3(e);
 
    (h) by Parent if at any time the representations and warranties of
  AmeriSource set forth in Section 3.15 shall not be true and correct and
  Parent shall have been advised by Parent's independent accountants that the
  condition set forth in Section 6.1(g) cannot be satisfied;
 
    (i) by Parent or AmeriSource if:
 
      (x) there shall have been a material breach by the other of any of
    its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in
    this Agreement, which breach would result in the failure to satisfy one
    or more of the conditions set forth in Section 6.2(a) or 6.2(b) (in the
    case of a breach by Parent) or Section 6.3(a) or 6.3(b) (in the case of
    a breach by AmeriSource) or would result in a material adverse effect
    on the ability of Parent and/or AmeriSource to consummate the
    transactions contemplated hereby, and such breach shall not have been
    cured within 30 days after notice thereof shall have been received by
    the party alleged to be in breach; or
 
      (y) the condition set forth in Section 6.3(d) (in the case of a
    termination by Parent) or Section 6.2(e) (in the case of a termination
    by AmeriSource) is not satisfied and cannot reasonably be expected to
    be satisfied by the Termination Date or, if earlier, the fifth business
    day following the latest to occur of the five events set forth in
    Section 1.2(b);
 
    (j) by AmeriSource if at any time the representations and warranties of
  Parent set forth in Section 4.7 shall not be true and correct and Parent
  shall have been advised by Parent's independent accountants that the
  condition set forth in Section 6.1(g) cannot be satisfied (Parent hereby
  agreeing to request advice from its accountants on the matter upon the
  reasonable request of AmeriSource);
 
    (k) subject to the provisions of Section 7.2(c), by Parent or AmeriSource
  if either party has received any communication from an HSR Authority (an
  "HSR Litigation Communication") (such HSR Litigation Communication to be
  promptly communicated to the other party and to be confirmed to the other
  party by the Bureau Director of the Federal Trade Commission or such
  Director's delegate or an Assistant Attorney General or the latter's
  delegate) indicating that an HSR Authority has authorized the institution
  of litigation challenging the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
  under the Antitrust Laws, which litigation would include a motion seeking
  an order or injunction prohibiting the consummation of any of the
  transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
 
    (l) by Parent if AmeriSource shall have breached in any material respect
  any of its obligations under the AmeriSource Stock Option Agreement; or
 
    (m) by AmeriSource, on March 31, 1998 (by written notice to Parent on
  such date before 5:00 p.m., New York time) if the conditions set forth in
  Sections 6.1(b), 6.1(c) and 6.1(d) (insofar as they relate to federal
  Antitrust Laws) shall not have been satisfied prior to such time (it being
  understood that the termination right contained in this paragraph (m) is a
  one-time right which, if not exercised on March 31, 1998, shall terminate
  at 5:00 p.m., New York time, on such date and this Agreement shall continue
  in accordance with its terms); provided that AmeriSource shall not have any
  termination rights pursuant to this paragraph (m) if prior to March 31,
  1998 the parties shall have received an HSR Litigation Communication and on
  the Exchange Date (as defined in Section 7.2(c)) AmeriSource shall have
  delivered
 
                                     A-36
<PAGE>
 
  a notice of waiver or failed to deliver a notice of exercise pursuant to
  paragraph (k) of this Section 7.1 and Section 7.2(c).
 
  7.2 Effect of Termination.
 
    (a) In the event of the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section
  7.1, this Agreement, except for the provisions of the second sentence of
  each of Section 5.2(g) and Section 5.3(g), the last sentence of Section
  5.1(a)(i), and Sections 7.2, 8.7 and 8.10, shall become void and have no
  effect, without any liability on the part of any party or its directors,
  officers or stockholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this
  Section 7.2 shall relieve any party to this Agreement of liability for a
  breach of any provision of this Agreement and provided, further, however,
  that if it shall be judicially determined that termination of this
  Agreement was caused by an intentional breach of this Agreement, then, in
  addition to other remedies at law or equity for breach of this Agreement,
  the party so found to have intentionally breached this Agreement shall
  indemnify and hold harmless the other parties for their respective out-of-
  pocket costs, fees and expenses of their counsel, accountants, financial
  advisors and other experts and advisors as well as fees and expenses
  incident to negotiation, preparation and execution and performance of this
  Agreement and related documentation and stockholders' meetings and consents
  ("Costs").
 
    (b) AmeriSource agrees that, if:
 
      (i) AmeriSource terminates this Agreement pursuant to Sections 5.3(e)
    and 7.1(g);
 
      (ii  Parent terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(d) or
    7.1(l);
 
      (ii) (A) Parent or AmeriSource terminates this Agreement pursuant to
    Section 7.1(e), (B) at the time of such failure by the stockholders of
    AmeriSource to so approve the Merger, this Agreement and the
    transactions contemplated hereby there is a publicly announced or
    disclosed Competing Transaction with respect to AmeriSource, and (C)
    within 12 months after such termination, AmeriSource shall enter into
    an Acquisition Agreement for a Business Combination (as defined in this
    Section 7.2) or consummate a Business Combination;
 
      (iv) (A) Parent or AmeriSource terminates this Agreement pursuant to
    Section 7.1(e) and (B) within three months after such termination,
    AmeriSource shall enter into an Acquisition Agreement for a Business
    Combination or consummate a Business Combination; or
 
      (v) (A) AmeriSource terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section
    7.1(m), and (B) either (x), at the time of such termination there is a
    publicly announced or disclosed Competing Transaction with respect to
    AmeriSource or the Board of Directors of AmeriSource has been advised
    of a Competing Transaction and within six months after such
    termination, AmeriSource shall enter into an Acquisition Agreement with
    the party (or an affiliate thereof) that had publicly announced or
    disclosed the Competing Transaction, or of whose Competing Transaction
    AmeriSource's Board of Directors had been advised, for a Transaction
    (as defined in this Section 7.2) or consummate a Transaction or (y)
    within six months after such termination AmeriSource shall effect a
    leveraged recapitalization, then, (X) in the case of a termination by
    Parent as described in clause (ii) above, within three business days
    following any such termination, (Y) in the case of a termination by
    AmeriSource as described in clause (i) above, concurrently with such
    termination, or (Z) in the case of a termination by AmeriSource or
    Parent as described in clause (iii) above or clause (iv) above or a
    termination by AmeriSource as described in clause (v) above, prior to
    the earlier of the consummation of a Business Combination or a
    Transaction, as applicable, or execution of an Acquisition Agreement
    with respect thereto within the applicable time period, AmeriSource
    will pay to Parent in cash by wire transfer in immediately available
    funds to an account designated by Parent (i) in reimbursement for
    Parent's expenses an amount in cash equal to the aggregate amount of
    Parent's Costs, but not in excess of $12 million and (ii) a termination
    fee in an amount equal to $65 million (such amount, the "Termination
    Fee"). For the purposes of this Section 7.2, "Business Combination"
    means (i) a merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination
    or similar transaction involving AmeriSource as a result of which the
    stockholders of AmeriSource prior to such transaction in the aggregate
    cease to own at least 85% of
 
                                     A-37
<PAGE>
 
  the voting securities of the entity surviving or resulting from such
  transaction (or the ultimate parent entity thereof), (ii) a sale, lease,
  exchange, transfer or other disposition of more than 15% of the assets of
  AmeriSource and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in a single transaction
  or a series of related transactions, or (iii) the acquisition, by a person
  (other than Parent or any affiliate thereof) or group (as such term is
  defined under Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and
  regulations thereunder) of beneficial ownership of more than 15% of the
  AmeriSource Common Stock whether by tender or exchange offer or otherwise.
  For purposes of this Section 7.2, "Transaction" means a merger,
  consolidation, share exchange, business combination or similar transaction
  involving AmeriSource as a result of which the stockholders of AmeriSource
  immediately prior to the consummation of such transaction in the aggregate
  cease to own a majority of the voting securities of the entity surviving or
  resulting from such transaction (or the ultimate parent entity thereof).
 
    (c) The right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(k)
  shall either be exercised or waived on the first business day after an HSR
  Authority has authorized litigation challenging the transactions
  contemplated by this Agreement under the Antitrust Laws (or the business
  day immediately preceding the date, if any, to which the HSR Authority has
  extended the date for instituting litigation, it being understood that
  AmeriSource and Parent shall agree with each other and with such HSR
  Authority not to consummate the Merger and the transactions contemplated
  hereby for ten business days and shall use their respective best efforts to
  obtain the agreement of such HSR Authority to extend for ten business days
  the date for instituting litigation) (or such earlier date as the parties
  may mutually agree) (the "Exchange Date") by simultaneous exchanges by
  representatives of Parent and AmeriSource of their respective notices of
  exercise or waiver, as applicable, on the Exchange Date (it being
  understood that the failure of any party to deliver such notice on the
  Exchange Date shall be deemed to be a waiver of such party's termination
  rights pursuant to Section 7.1(k). Parent and AmeriSource agree that:
 
      (i) if Parent shall have elected to exercise its right to terminate
    this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(k), and AmeriSource shall have
    waived its right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section
    7.1(k), in each case as reflected in the notice referred to in the
    preceding sentence (or absence of notice, as the case may be), then
    Parent will pay to AmeriSource, in reimbursement of AmeriSource's
    expenses, an amount equal to the aggregate amount of AmeriSource's
    Costs, but not in excess of $12 million, plus the Stay Pay Arrangements
    referred to in Section 5.3(c)(vii) to the AmeriSource Disclosure
    Schedule, up to a maximum reimbursement (including Costs) of $20
    million in the aggregate. Stay-Pay Arrangements include payments made
    whether before or after termination of this Agreement, so long as such
    payments were made pursuant to the Stay-Pay Arrangements set forth in
    Section 5.3(c) to the AmeriSource Disclosure Schedule. Reimbursement of
    any such payments that are not payable to employees until after the
    termination of this Agreement shall be made as and when expended by
    AmeriSource;
 
      (ii) if AmeriSource shall have elected to exercise its right to
    terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(k), and Parent shall
    have waived its right to terminate pursuant to Section 7.1(k), in each
    case as reflected in the notice referred to in the preceding sentence
    (or absence of notice, as the case may be), then AmeriSource will pay
    to Parent, in reimbursement of Parent's expenses, an amount equal to
    the aggregate amount of Parent's Costs but not in excess of $12
    million; and
 
      (iii) if AmeriSource and Parent shall both have elected to exercise
    their right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(k),
    then neither AmeriSource nor Parent will be required to reimburse the
    other for the other's Costs.
 
    (d) Parent and AmeriSource agree that, in the event that any Termination
  Fee and/or Costs are paid pursuant to this Section 7.2, such Termination
  Fee and/or Costs, as applicable, shall be the exclusive remedy for the acts
  or omissions which resulted in the termination of this Agreement, and shall
  be deemed to be liquidated damages, provided that the party paying the
  Termination Fee and/or Costs shall not have breached any of its obligations
  under this Agreement. If the party paying the Termination Fee and/or Costs
 
                                     A-38
<PAGE>
 
  shall have breached any of its obligations under this Agreement, then the
  other party shall be entitled to enforce all of its rights under this
  Agreement in law and in equity.
 
    (e) The parties acknowledge that the payments provided for in this
  Section 7.2 are an integral part of the transactions contemplated by this
  Agreement and, without the agreement to make such payments, the parties
  would not have entered into this Agreement. Accordingly, if any party shall
  fail to make any payment (whether of a Termination Fee or of Costs) owing
  pursuant to this Section 7.2 promptly when due, the party to which such
  payment is owed shall be entitled to be paid all costs and expenses
  (including fees and disbursements of counsel) incurred in collecting such
  payment.
 
  7.3 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended by the parties hereto, by
action taken or authorized by their respective Boards of Directors, at any
time before or after adoption of this Agreement by stockholders of
AmeriSource, but after any such approval, no amendment shall be made which by
law requires further approval or authorization by the stockholders of
AmeriSource without such further approval or authorization. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, this Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in
writing signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto.
 
  7.4 Extension; Waiver. At any time prior to the Effective Time, Parent (with
respect to AmeriSource) and AmeriSource (with respect to Parent and Merger
Sub) by action taken or authorized by their respective Boards of Directors,
may, to the extent legally allowed, (a) extend the time for the performance of
any of the obligations or other acts of such party, (b) waive any inaccuracies
in the representations and warranties contained herein or in any document
delivered pursuant hereto and (c) waive compliance with any of the agreements
or conditions contained herein. Any agreement on the part of a party hereto to
any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in a written
instrument signed on behalf of such party.
 
 
                                     A-39
<PAGE>
 
                                 ARTICLE VIII
 
                                 MISCELLANEOUS
 
  8.1 No Survival of Representations and Warranties. The representations and
warranties made herein by the parties hereto shall not survive the Effective
Time. This Section 8.1 shall not limit any covenant or agreement of the
parties hereto which by its terms contemplates performance after the Effective
Time or after the termination of this Agreement.
 
  8.2 Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally, telecopied (which
is confirmed) or dispatched by a nationally recognized overnight courier
service to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address
for a party as shall be specified by like notice):
 
  (a) if to Parent or Merger Sub:
 
    One Post Street
    San Francisco, CA 94104
    Attn.: Ivan D. Meyerson, Esq.
    Telecopy No.: 415-983-8826
 
  with a copy to:
 
    Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson
    One New York Plaza
    New York, New York 10004
    Attn.: Stephen Fraidin, P.C.
    Telecopy No.: 212-859-4000
 
  (b) if to AmeriSource:
 
    300 Chester Field Parkway
    Malvern, PA 19355
    Attn.: Teresa Ciccotelli, Esq.
    Telecopy No.: 610-993-7677
 
  with a copy to:
 
    Dechert, Price & Rhoads
    1717 Arch Street
    Philadelphia, PA 19103
    Attn.: G. Daniel O'Donnell, Esq.
    Telecopy No.: 215-994-2222
 
  8.3 Interpretation; Definitions.
 
    (a) When a reference is made in this Agreement to an Article or Section,
  such reference shall be to an Article or Section of this Agreement unless
  otherwise indicated. The headings and the table of contents contained in
  this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any
  way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. When a reference is
  made in this Agreement to AmeriSource, such reference shall be deemed to
  include any and all subsidiaries of AmeriSource, individually and in the
  aggregate, except for Sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.8, 3.15, 3.22, 3.23,
  3.24 and 8.3.
 
    (b) For the purposes of any provision of this Agreement, a "Material
  Adverse Effect" with respect to any party shall be deemed to occur if any
  event, change or effect, individually or in the aggregate with such other
  events, changes or effects, has occurred which would reasonably be expected
  to have a material adverse effect on the business, assets (including
  intangible assets), liabilities (contingent or otherwise),
 
                                     A-40
<PAGE>
 
  results of operations or financial condition of such party and its
  subsidiaries taken as a whole; provided, however, that a Material Adverse
  Effect with respect to any party shall not include any change in or effect
  upon the business, assets (including intangible assets), liabilities
  (contingent or otherwise), results of operations or financial condition of
  such party or any of its subsidiaries directly or indirectly arising out of
  or attributable to (i) any decrease in the market price of the shares of
  Parent Common Stock in the case of Parent or AmeriSource Common Stock in
  the case of AmeriSource (but in either case not any change or effect
  underlying such decrease to the extent such change or effect would
  otherwise constitute a Material Adverse Effect on such party), (ii)
  conditions, events, or circumstances generally affecting the economy as a
  whole or (iii) the loss by such party (and its subsidiaries) of any
  customer (including business of such customer) (including, without
  limitation, any financial consequence of such loss of customer) to the
  other party.
 
    (c) For purposes of this Agreement, a "subsidiary" of any person means
  another person, an amount of the voting securities or other voting
  ownership or voting partnership interests of which is sufficient to elect
  at least a majority of its Board of Directors or other governing body (or,
  if there are no such voting securities or interests, 50% or more of the
  equity interests of which is owned directly or indirectly by such first
  person).
 
    (d) For purposes of this Agreement, "knowledge" of a party shall mean the
  actual knowledge of all elected officers of such party or any of its
  subsidiaries with a title of vice president or higher.
 
    (e) For purposes of this Agreement, references to any financial
  statements or any component thereof shall be deemed to include the
  footnotes thereto.
 
    (f) For purposes of this Agreement, the term "including" shall mean
  "including, without limitation."
 
  8.4 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, which
together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. The parties may execute
more than one copy of the Agreement, each of which shall constitute an
original.
 
  8.5 Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including the documents and the
instruments referred to herein), the AmeriSource Stock Option Agreement, the
Confidentiality Agreement, the Joint Defense Agreement and the Antitrust
Confidentiality Agreement constitute the entire agreement among the parties
and supersede all prior agreements and understandings, agreements or
representations by or among the parties, written and oral, with respect to the
subject matter hereof and thereof.
 
  8.6 Third Party Beneficiaries. Except for the agreement set forth in Section
5.2(d), nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended or shall be
construed to create any third party beneficiaries.
 
  8.7 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State
of Delaware, without giving effect to the conflict of laws principles thereof.
Each party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally consents to submit to the
exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Delaware and of the
United States of America, in each case located in the State of Delaware, for
any Action (and agrees not to commence any Action except in any such court),
and further agrees that service of process, summons, notice or document by
U.S. registered mail to its respective address set forth in Section 8.2 shall
be effective service of process for any Action brought against it in any such
court. Each party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives any objection
to the laying of venue of any Action in the courts of the State of Delaware or
of the United States of America, in each case located in the State of
Delaware, and hereby further irrevocably and unconditionally waives and agrees
not to plead or claim in any such court that any Action brought in any such
court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.
 
 
                                     A-41
<PAGE>
 
  8.8 Specific Performance. The transactions contemplated by this Agreement
are unique. Accordingly, each of the parties acknowledges and agrees that, in
addition to all other remedies to which it may be entitled, each of the
parties hereto is entitled to a decree of specific performance and injunctive
and other equitable relief, and the parties hereto agree to waive any
requirement for the securing or posting of any bond in connection with the
obtaining thereof.
 
  8.9 Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or
obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any of the parties hereto (whether
by operation of law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the
other parties, except that all or any of the rights of Merger Sub hereunder
may be assigned to any direct wholly owned subsidiary of Parent provided that
no such assignment shall relieve the assigning party of its obligations
hereunder. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement shall be binding
upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties and their
respective successors and assigns.
 
  8.10 Expenses. Subject to the provisions of Section 7.2 and the AmeriSource
Stock Option Agreement, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with
this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby shall be
paid by the party incurring such expenses, except that those expenses incurred
in connection with filing, printing and mailing the Registration Statement and
the Joint Proxy Statement (including filing fees related thereto) will be
shared equally by Parent and AmeriSource.
 
  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent, Merger Sub and AmeriSource have signed this
Agreement as of the date first written above.
 
                                          McKESSON CORPORATION
 
                                          By: /s/ Ivan D. Meyerson
                                            -----------------------------------
                                          Name: Ivan D. Meyerson
                                          Title: Vice President and General
                                           Counsel
 
                                          PATRIOT ACQUISITION CORP.
 
                                          By: /s/ Ivan D. Meyerson
                                            -----------------------------------
                                          Name: Ivan D. Meyerson
                                          Title: Executive Vice President
 
                                          AMERISOURCE HEALTH CORPORATION
 
                                          By: /s/ David Yost
                                            -----------------------------------
                                          Name: David Yost
                                          Title: President and Chief Executive
                                           Officer
 
 
                                     A-42
<PAGE>
 
                                                              November 19, 1997
 
AmeriSource Health Corporation
300 Chester Field Parkway
Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355
 
Attn: Teresa T. Ciccotelli, Esq.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
  Reference is made to the Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among McKesson
Corporation, Patriot Acquisition Corp. and AmeriSource Health Corporation
dated as of September 22, 1997 (the "Merger Agreement").
 
  This letter is to confirm our agreement as to the following:
 
    (i) the first sentence of Section 5.1(e) of the Merger Agreement is
  hereby amended by deleting the words "on a confidential basis" therefrom;
  and
 
    (ii) the second sentence of Section 5.2(b) of the Merger Agreement is
  hereby amended by deleting the words "as soon as is reasonably practicable
  following clearance of the Joint Proxy Statement by the Commission"
  therefrom and replacing them with the words "together with the Joint Proxy
  Statement,".
   
  Except as specifically modified by this letter agreement, the parties hereto
acknowledge that the Merger Agreement shall remain binding upon them, and all
provisions of the Merger Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. This
letter agreement may be executed in identical counterpart copies, each of
which shall be an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute
one and the same agreement. This letter agreement, to the extent signed and
delivered by means of a facsimile machine, shall be treated in all manner and
respects as an original and shall be considered to have the same binding
effect as if it were the original signed version thereof delivered in person.
Except as expressly provided herein, the execution, delivery and effectiveness
of this letter agreement shall not operate as a waiver of any right, power or
remedy by the parties hereto, nor shall it constitute a waiver of any
provision in the Merger Agreement.     
   
  If the foregoing accurately reflects your understanding, please sign this
letter agreement and the enclosed copy and return one of them to us whereupon
this letter agreement will constitute a binding agreement between you and us.
    
                                          Sincerely yours,
 
                                          McKESSON CORPORATION
                                                    
                                                 /s/ Ivan D. Meyerson     
                                          By: _________________________________
                                                
                                             Name: Ivan D. Meyerson     
                                                
                                             Title: Vice President     
 
                                          PATRIOT ACQUISITION CORP.
                                                    
                                                 /s/ Ivan D. Meyerson     
                                          By: _________________________________
                                                
                                             Name: Ivan D. Meyerson     
                                                
                                             Title: Executive Vice President
                                                 
Agreed to and accepted as of
the date first above written:
 
AMERISOURCE HEALTH CORPORATION
           
        /s/ Teresa T. Ciccotelli     
By: ______________________________________
     
  Name: Teresa T. Ciccotelli     
     
  Title: Vice President     
 
CC: G. Daniel O'Donnell, Esq.
 
                                     A-43
<PAGE>
 
                                                            
                                                         December 30, 1997     
   
AmeriSource Health Corporation     
   
300 Chester Field Parkway     
   
Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355     
   
Attn: Teresa T. Ciccotelli, Esq.     
   
Ladies and Gentlemen:     
   
  Reference is made to the Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among McKesson
Corporation, Patriot Acquisition Corp. and AmeriSource Health Corporation
dated as of September 22, 1997, as amended by letter agreement dated November
19, 1997 (the "Merger Agreement"). Capitalized terms used but not otherwise
defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the
Merger Agreement.     
   
  This letter is to confirm our agreement as to the following:     
     
    1. The third "WHEREAS" clause of the Merger Agreement is hereby amended
  by replacing it in its entirety with the following three "WHEREAS" clauses:
         
      "WHEREAS, in effectuation of the foregoing, the respective Boards of
    Directors of Parent, Merger Sub and AmeriSource have approved and
    declared advisable and in the best interests of their respective
    stockholders the merger of AmeriSource with and into Parent, with
    Parent as the surviving corporation (the "Merger"), upon the terms and
    subject to the conditions of this Agreement and in accordance with the
    General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "DGCL");     
       
      WHEREAS, the pharmaceutical distribution business of AmeriSource is
    carried on primarily through AmeriSource Corporation, a Delaware
    corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of AmeriSource ("AmeriSource
    Sub"), which, following the Merger, will become a wholly owned
    subsidiary of Parent;     
       
      WHEREAS, in order to more closely integrate its pharmaceutical
    distribution business with that of AmeriSource, Parent intends to cause
    the assets of AmeriSource Sub to be transferred to Parent following the
    Merger as expeditiously as practicable in a transaction described in
    Section 381(a) of the Code."     
     
    2. Section 1.1 of the Merger Agreement is hereby amended by replacing it
  in its entirety with the following:     
       
      "1.1 The Merger. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereof,
    and in accordance with the provisions of the DGCL, at the Effective
    Time (as defined in Section 1.2(a)), AmeriSource shall be merged with
    and into Parent. As a result of the Merger, the separate corporate
    existence of AmeriSource shall cease and Parent shall continue as the
    surviving corporation of the Merger (the "Surviving Corporation")."
           
    3. Section 1.4 of the Merger Agreement is hereby amended by replacing it
  in its entirety with the following:     
       
      "1.4 Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws. At the Effective Time,
    the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of Parent, as in effect
    immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be the Certificate of
    Incorporation and Bylaws, respectively, of the Surviving Corporation."
           
    4. Section 1.5 of the Merger Agreement is hereby amended by replacing it
  in its entirety with the following:     
       
      "1.5 Directors and Officers of the Surviving Corporation. From and
    after the Effective Time, the directors of Parent shall be the
    directors of the Surviving Corporation and the officers of Parent shall
    be the officers of the Surviving Corporation, in each case until their
    respective successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified."
        
                                     A-44
<PAGE>
 
     
    5. The Merger Agreement is hereby amended by adding a new Section 1.6
  thereto, which Section shall read in its entirety as follows:     
       
      "1.6 Change in Merger Structure. Parent may at any time, with the
    prior written consent of AmeriSource (which consent shall not be
    unreasonably withheld), change the method of effectuating the
    combination with AmeriSource (including without limitation changing the
    provisions of this Article I) if and to the extent it deems such change
    to be desirable, including without limitation to provide for a merger
    of Merger Sub with and into AmeriSource, in which AmeriSource is the
    surviving corporation; provided, however, that no such change shall (A)
    alter or change the amount or kind of consideration to be issued to
    holders of AmeriSource Common Stock as provided herein, (B) cause the
    combination to not constitute a "reorganization" within the meaning of
    Section 368(a) of the Code, (C) materially impede or delay the
    consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, or (D) cause the
    combination not to qualify as a transaction to be accounted for by
    Parent in accordance with the pooling-of-interest method of accounting
    under the requirements of APB No. 16."     
     
    6. Paragraph (a) of Section 2.1 of the Merger Agreement is hereby amended
  by replacing the text thereof in its entirety with the following:     
       
      "Intentionally omitted."     
     
    7. Paragraph (f) of Section 2.3 is hereby amended by replacing it in its
  entirety with the following:     
       
      "(f) No Liability. Neither Parent nor the Exchange Agent shall be
    liable to any person in respect of any shares of Parent Common Stock
    (or dividends or distributions with respect thereto) or cash from the
    Exchange Fund delivered to a public official pursuant to any applicable
    abandoned property, escheat or similar law. If any Certificates shall
    not have been surrendered prior to seven years after the Effective Time
    of the Merger (or immediately prior to such earlier date on which any
    shares of Parent Common Stock, any dividends or distributions with
    respect thereto, or any cash in lieu of fractional shares in respect of
    such Certificate would otherwise escheat to or become the property of
    any Governmental Authority (as defined in Section 3.5)), any such
    shares, dividends or distributions or cash in respect of such
    Certificate shall, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, become
    the property of Parent, free and clear of all claims or interest of any
    person previously entitled thereto."     
     
    8. Clause (iv) of Paragraph (a) of Section 5.1 is hereby amended by
  replacing the text thereof in its entirety with the following:     
       
      "Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, neither
    Parent nor AmeriSource shall be required to hold separate (including by
    trust or otherwise) or divest any of their respective businesses or
    assets, provided, however, that unless Parent and AmeriSource otherwise
    agree, if required to avoid an HSR Authority instituting an Action
    challenging the transactions contemplated by this Agreement under the
    Antitrust Laws and seeking to enjoin or prohibit the consummation of
    any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (or if required
    to settle any Action previously instituted by an HSR Authority), Parent
    shall and, at the direction of Parent, AmeriSource shall, hold separate
    (including by trust or otherwise) or divest any of their respective
    businesses or assets, or take or agree to take any action or agree to
    any limitation required to avoid an HSR Authority instituting an Action
    challenging the transactions under this Agreement under the Antitrust
    Laws and seeking to enjoin or prohibit the consummation of any of the
    transactions contemplated hereby (or to settle any Action previously
    instituted by an HSR Authority) unless such action, in the reasonable
    judgment of Parent's Board of Directors, would reasonably be expected
    to (x) have a material adverse effect on the business, assets,
    liabilities, results of operations or financial condition of the
    Surviving Corporation after the Effective Time, or (y) reduce or render
    more uncertain the financial or strategic benefits expected, as of the
    date hereof, to be realized from consummation of the Merger.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 5.1(a)(iv) neither
    party shall be required to (i) waive any of the conditions to the
    Merger set forth in Article VI of this Agreement as they apply to such
    party, or (ii) divest any of their respective businesses or assets if
    the divestitures would be required to be consummated prior to the
    Effective Time."     
 
                                     A-45
<PAGE>
 
     
    9. Paragraph (d) of Section 5.2 of the Merger Agreement is hereby amended
  by replacing it in its entirety with the following:     
       
      "(d) Indemnification; Directors' and Officers' Insurance. (i) From
    and after the Effective Time, Parent shall indemnify, defend and hold
    harmless any person who is now, or has been at any time prior to the
    date hereof, or who becomes prior to the Effective Time, a director or
    officer (an "Indemnified Person") of AmeriSource or any of its
    subsidiaries against all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs
    and expenses (including reasonable fees and expenses of legal counsel
    selected by the Indemnified Person with the consent of Parent, which
    consent will not be unreasonably withheld), judgments, fines and
    amounts paid in settlement in connection with any actual or threatened
    action, suit, claim, proceeding or investigation (each a "Claim") to
    the extent that any such Claim is based on, or arises out of: (x) the
    fact that such Indemnified Person is or was a director or officer of
    AmeriSource or any of its subsidiaries or is or was serving at the
    request of AmeriSource or any of its subsidiaries as a director or
    officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or
    other enterprise; or (y) this Agreement or any of the transactions
    contemplated hereby, in each case to the extent that any such Claim
    pertains to any matter or fact arising, existing or occurring prior to
    or at the Effective Time, regardless of whether such Claim is asserted
    or claimed prior to, at or after the Effective Time, to the full extent
    permitted under the DGCL, the AmeriSource Certificate or the
    AmeriSource Bylaws or any indemnification agreement in effect at the
    date hereof and listed in Section 5.2(d) to the AmeriSource Disclosure
    Schedule, including provisions relating to advancement of expenses
    incurred in the defense of any such Claim. Without limiting the
    generality of the preceding sentence, in the event any Indemnified
    Person becomes involved in any Claim, after the Effective Time, Parent
    shall periodically advance to such Indemnified Person its legal and
    other expenses (including the cost of any investigation and preparation
    incurred in connection therewith), subject to the provisions of
    paragraph (ii) of this Section 5.2(d), and subject to the providing by
    such Indemnified Person of an undertaking to reimburse all amounts so
    advanced in the event of a final non-appealable determination by a
    court of competent jurisdiction that such Indemnified Person is not
    entitled hereto.     
       
      (ii) The Indemnified Person shall control the defense of any Claim
    with counsel selected by the Indemnified Person, which counsel shall be
    reasonably acceptable to Parent, provided that Parent shall be
    permitted to participate in the defense of such Claim at its own
    expense, and provided, further, that if any D&O Insurance (as defined
    in Section 5.2(d)(iv)) in effect at the time shall require the
    insurance company to control such defense in order to obtain the full
    benefits of such insurance and such provision is consistent with the
    provisions of AmeriSource's D&O Insurance in existence as of the date
    of this Agreement, then the provision of such policy shall govern.
    Parent shall not be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of more than
    one counsel for all Indemnified Persons in any single Claim except to
    the extent that, in the opinion of independent legal counsel selected
    by the Indemnified Person, which counsel shall be reasonably acceptable
    to Parent, representation of two or more of such Indemnified Persons
    would present a conflict of interest under applicable standards of
    conduct in the legal profession. Parent shall not be liable for any
    settlement effected without its written consent, which consent shall
    not unreasonably be withheld.     
       
      (iii) Parent, Merger Sub and AmeriSource agree that all rights to
    indemnification or liabilities, and all limitations with respect
    thereto, existing in favor of any Indemnified Person, as provided in
    the AmeriSource Certificate or the AmeriSource Bylaws and any
    indemnification agreement in effect at the date hereof and listed in
    Section 5.2(d) to the AmeriSource Disclosure Schedule, shall survive
    the Merger and shall continue in full force and effect, without any
    amendment thereto; provided, however, that in the event any Claim is
    asserted or made, any determination required to be made with respect to
    whether an Indemnified Person's conduct complies with the standards set
    forth under the DGCL, the AmeriSource Certificate or the AmeriSource
    Bylaws or any such agreement, as the case may be, shall be made by
    independent legal counsel selected by such Indemnified Person and
    reasonably acceptable to Parent; and provided further that nothing in
    this Section 5.2(d) shall impair any rights or obligations of any
    current or former director or officer of AmeriSource or its
    subsidiaries, including pursuant to
        
                                     A-46
<PAGE>
 
       
    the respective certificates of incorporation or bylaws of Parent or
    AmeriSource, or their respective subsidiaries, under the DGCL or
    otherwise.     
       
      (iv) Parent shall maintain AmeriSource's existing directors' and
    officers' liability insurance policy ("D&O Insurance") for a period of
    not less than six years after the Effective Time; provided, however,
    that Parent may substitute therefor policies of substantially similar
    coverage and amounts (with carriers comparable to AmeriSource's
    existing carriers) containing terms no less advantageous to such former
    directors or officers; provided further that if the existing D&O
    Insurance expires or is canceled during such period, Parent shall use
    its reasonable efforts to obtain substantially similar D&O Insurance,
    and provided further that Parent shall not be required to pay in the
    aggregate an annual premium for D&O Insurance in excess of 150% of the
    last annual premium paid prior to the date hereof, but in such case
    shall purchase as much coverage as possible for such amount.     
       
      (v) The provisions of this Section 5.2(d) are intended to be for the
    benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, each Indemnified Person, his
    or her heirs and his or her personal representatives.     
       
      (vi) From and after the Effective Time Parent shall (A) provide to
    the directors of AmeriSource who become directors of Parent directors'
    and officers' liability insurance on the same basis and to the same
    extent as that, if any, provided to other directors of Parent, and (B)
    enter into indemnification agreements with the directors of AmeriSource
    who become directors of Parent on terms entered into with other
    directors of Parent generally."     
     
    10. Section 3.5 of the AmeriSource Disclosure Schedule is hereby amended
  by adding thereto the list of agreements, leases and other instruments set
  forth on Annex A hereto. Parent agrees that the failure of AmeriSource to
  list an agreement, lease or other instrument on Annex A hereto as a result
  of the change in structure of the transaction as contemplated by this
  letter agreement shall not be deemed to be a breach by AmeriSource of its
  representations and warranties under the Merger Agreement. As of the date
  hereof, AmeriSource is not aware of any items not listed on Annex A hereto
  which should be listed on Annex A hereto.     
   
  Except as specifically modified by this letter agreement, the parties hereto
acknowledge that the Merger Agreement shall remain binding upon them, and all
provisions of the Merger Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. This
letter agreement may be executed in identical counterpart copies, each of
which shall be an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute
one and the same agreement. This letter agreement, to the extent signed and
delivered by means of a facsimile machine, shall be treated in all manner and
respects as an original and shall be considered to have the same binding
effect as if it were the original signed version thereof delivered in person.
Except as expressly provided herein, the execution, delivery and effectiveness
of this letter agreement shall not operate as a waiver of any right, power or
remedy by the parties hereto, nor shall it constitute a waiver of any
provision in the Merger Agreement.     
 
                                     A-47
<PAGE>
 
   
  If the foregoing accurately reflects your understanding, please sign this
letter agreement and the enclosed copy and return one of them to us whereupon
this letter agreement will constitute a binding agreement between you and us.
                                             
                                          Sincerely yours,     
                                             
                                          McKESSON CORPORATION     
                                                   
                                                /s/ Ivan D. Meyerson     
                                             
                                          By: ____________________________     
                                                
                                             Name: Ivan D. Meyerson     
                                                
                                             Title:     
                                                     
                                                  Vice President     
                                             
                                          PATRIOT ACQUISITION CORP.     
                                                   
                                                /s/ Ivan D. Meyerson     
                                             
                                          By: ____________________________     
                                                
                                             Name: Ivan D. Meyerson     
                                                
                                             Title:     
                                                     
                                                  Executive Vice President
                                                         
Agreed to and accepted as of     
   
the date first above written:     
   
AMERISOURCE HEALTH CORPORATION     
       
    /s/ Teresa T. Ciccotelli     
   
By: ____________________________     
     
  Name: Teresa T. Ciccotelli     
     
  Title:     
        
     Vice President     
   
cc: G. Daniel O'Donnell, Esq.     
 
                                      A-48
<PAGE>
 
                                                                      APPENDIX B
 
                             STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
<PAGE>
 
                            STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
 
  STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT ("Option Agreement") dated as of September 22, 1997,
between McKesson Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Parent"), and
AmeriSource Health Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("AmeriSource").
 
                              W I T N E S S E T H
 
  WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of Parent and the Board of Directors of
AmeriSource have approved an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of even
date herewith (the "Merger Agreement") providing for the merger of a wholly
owned subsidiary of Parent with and into AmeriSource;
 
  WHEREAS, as a condition to Parent's entering into the Merger Agreement,
Parent has required that AmeriSource agree, and AmeriSource has agreed, to
grant to Parent the option set forth herein to purchase authorized but
unissued shares of AmeriSource Common Stock;
 
  NOW, THEREFORE, to induce Parent to enter into the Merger Agreement and in
consideration of the premises herein contained, the parties agree as follows:
 
  1. Definitions. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the
same meanings as in the Merger Agreement.
 
  2. Grant of Option. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein,
AmeriSource hereby grants to Parent an option (the "Option") to purchase up to
3,418,601 authorized and unissued shares of capital stock of AmeriSource,
which may be shares of AmeriSource Class A Stock or shares of AmeriSource
Class B Stock, or a combination thereof, at Parent's election (the "Option
Shares"), at a price per share equal to $70.87 (the "Purchase Price") payable
in cash as provided in Section 4 hereof.
 
  3. Exercise of Option.
 
    (a) Parent may exercise the Option, in whole or in part, at any time or
  from time to time during the period (the "Option Exercise Period")
  commencing from the time a Purchase Event (as defined below) shall have
  occurred and terminating 5:00 p.m. New York time on the date which is 180
  days following the occurrence of the Purchase Event (the "Termination
  Date"), whereupon the Option, to the extent it shall not have been
  exercised, shall terminate and be of no further force and effect. If the
  Option cannot be exercised prior to the Termination Date as a result of any
  injunction, order or similar restraint issued by a court of competent
  jurisdiction, the Option Exercise Period shall terminate on the later of
  (i) the Termination Date and (ii) the 10th business day after such
  injunction, order or restraint shall have been dissolved or shall have
  become permanent and no longer subject to appeal, as the case may be, but
  in no event later than 18 months after the occurrence of a Purchase Event.
 
    (b) This Option Agreement shall terminate, if but only if no Purchase
  Event shall have occurred prior thereto, upon the occurrence of any of the
  following, as applicable:
 
      (i) at the Effective Time of the Merger; or
 
      (ii) upon the termination of the Merger Agreement pursuant to its
    terms other than a termination pursuant to Section 7.1(d), 7.1(e),
    7.1(g) or 7.1(l) thereof; or
 
      (iii) 5:00 p.m. New York time on the one-year anniversary date of the
    termination of the Merger Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(e) thereof
    if prior to the AmeriSource Stockholders Meeting (including any
    adjournment or postponement thereof) there is a publicly announced or
    disclosed Competing Transaction with respect to AmeriSource; or
 
                                      B-1
<PAGE>
 
      (iv) 5:00 p.m. New York time on the three-month anniversary date of
    the termination of the Merger Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(e)
    thereof if clause (iii) of this paragraph (b) is not applicable. (c) As
    used herein, a "Purchase Event" shall mean any of the following events:
 
      (i) the Board of Directors of AmeriSource shall have withdrawn,
    modified or changed the AmeriSource Board Recommendation in a manner
    adverse to Parent, or the Board of Directors of AmeriSource shall have
    refused to affirm the AmeriSource Board Recommendation as promptly as
    practicable (but in any case within 10 business days) after receipt of
    any written request from Parent which request was made on a reasonable
    basis; or
 
      (ii) at the AmeriSource Stockholders Meeting (including any
    adjournment or postponement thereof) the requisite vote of the
    stockholders of AmeriSource to approve the Merger, the Merger Agreement
    and the transactions contemplated thereby shall not have been obtained,
    and at the time of such failure to obtain such approval there is a
    publicly announced or disclosed Competing Transaction with respect to
    AmeriSource and within 12 months after termination of the Merger
    Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(e) thereof AmeriSource shall enter
    into an Acquisition Agreement for a Business Combination or shall
    consummate a Business Combination; or
 
      (iii) At the AmeriSource Stockholders Meeting (including any
    adjournment or postponement thereof) the requisite vote of the
    stockholders of AmeriSource to approve the Merger, the Merger Agreement
    and the transactions contemplated thereby shall not have been obtained
    and within three months after the termination of the Merger Agreement
    pursuant to Section 7.1(e) thereof AmeriSource shall enter into an
    Acquisition Agreement for a Business Combination or shall consummate a
    Business Combination; or
 
      (iv) AmeriSource shall have breached in any material respect any of
    its obligations under this Agreement; or
 
      (v) the Merger Agreement shall have been terminated by AmeriSource
    pursuant to Sections 5.3(e) and 7.1(g) of the Merger Agreement.
 
    (d) As used herein, the terms "Beneficial Ownership," "Beneficial Owner"
  and "Beneficially Own" shall have the meanings ascribed to them in Rule
  13d-3 under the Exchange Act. As used herein, "person" shall have the
  meaning specified in Sections 3(a)(9) and 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.
 
    (e) Whenever Parent wishes to exercise the Option, it shall deliver to
  AmeriSource a written notice (a "Notice of Exercise") (the date of receipt
  of which being herein referred to as the "Notice Date") specifying (i) the
  total number of shares it intends to purchase pursuant to such exercise,
  setting forth what number, if any, of such shares are to be comprised of
  AmeriSource Class A Stock and what number, if any, are to be comprised of
  AmeriSource Class B Stock, and (ii) a place and date not earlier than two
  business days nor later than 60 calendar days from the Notice Date for the
  closing of such purchase (a "Closing Date"); provided that if any closing
  of the purchase and sale pursuant to the Option (a "Closing") cannot be
  consummated by reason of any Applicable Law, the period of time that
  otherwise would run from the Notice Date pursuant to this sentence shall
  run instead from the date on which such restriction on consummation has
  expired or been terminated; and provided further that, without limiting the
  foregoing, if prior notification to or approval of any Governmental
  Authority is required in connection with such purchase, Parent and, if
  applicable, AmeriSource shall promptly file the required notice or
  application for approval and shall expeditiously process the same (and
  AmeriSource shall cooperate with Parent in the filing of any such notice or
  application and the obtaining of any such approval), and the period of time
  that otherwise would run from the Notice Date pursuant to this sentence
  shall run instead from the date on which, as the case may be, (i) any
  required notification period has expired or been terminated or (ii) such
  approval has been obtained, and in either event, any requisite waiting
  period has passed.
 
    (f) In the event (i) Parent receives official notice that an approval of
  any Governmental Authority required for the purchase of Option Shares would
  not be issued or granted or (ii) the Closing Date shall not
 
                                      B-2
<PAGE>
 
  have occurred within 18 months after the related Notice Date due to the
  failure to obtain any such required approval, Parent shall be entitled to
  exercise its right as set forth in Section 7 or, to the extent legally
  permitted, to exercise the Option in connection with the resale of Option
  Shares pursuant to a registration statement as provided in Section 8. The
  provisions of this Section 3 and Section 6 shall apply with appropriate
  adjustments to any such exercise.
 
  4. Payment and Delivery of Certificates.
 
    (a) At each Closing, Parent shall pay to AmeriSource the aggregate
  Purchase Price for the Option Shares purchased at such Closing pursuant to
  the exercise of the Option in immediately available funds by wire transfer
  to a bank account designated not later than one business day prior to the
  Closing Date for such Closing by AmeriSource.
 
    (b) At such Closing, simultaneously with the delivery of the aggregate
  Purchase Price as provided in Section 4(a) hereof, AmeriSource shall
  deliver to Parent a certificate or certificates representing the number of
  Option Shares then being purchased by Parent, registered in the name of
  Parent or as designated in writing by Parent, which Option Shares shall be
  fully paid and nonassessable and free and clear of all liens, claims,
  charges and encumbrances of any kind whatsoever.
 
    (c) If at the time of issuance of any Option Shares pursuant to any
  exercise of the Option, AmeriSource shall have issued any share purchase
  rights or similar securities ("Rights") to holders of any class of
  AmeriSource Common Stock, then each such Option Share shall also represent
  rights with terms substantially the same as and at least as favorable to
  Parent as those issued to other holders of AmeriSource Common Stock.
 
    (d) Certificates for Option Shares delivered at any Closing hereunder
  shall be endorsed with a restrictive legend, which shall read substantially
  as follows:
 
  "The shares represented by this certificate are subject to certain
provisions of an agreement between the registered holder hereof and
AmeriSource Corporation, a copy of which is on file at the principal office of
AmeriSource Corporation, have not been registered under the Securities Act of
1933, and are subject to resale restrictions arising under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, and any applicable state securities laws. A copy of such
agreement will be provided to the holder hereof without charge upon receipt by
AmeriSource Corporation of a written request therefor."
 
  It is understood and agreed that the above legend shall be removed by
delivery of substitute certificate(s) without such legend in connection with a
transfer or sale if (i) AmeriSource has been furnished with an opinion of
counsel, reasonably satisfactory to counsel for AmeriSource, that such
transfer or sale will not violate the Securities Act or applicable securities
laws of any state or (ii) such transfer or sale shall have been registered and
qualified pursuant to the Securities Act and any applicable state securities
laws.
 
  5. Representations and Warranties; Covenants.
 
    (a) AmeriSource hereby represents and warrants to Parent that: (i)
  AmeriSource has full corporate right, power and authority to execute and
  deliver this Option Agreement and to perform all of its obligations
  hereunder; (ii) such execution, delivery and performance have been duly
  authorized by the Board of Directors of AmeriSource, and no other corporate
  proceedings are necessary therefor; (iii) this Option Agreement has been
  duly and validly executed and delivered by AmeriSource and represents a
  valid and legally binding obligation of AmeriSource, enforceable against
  AmeriSource in accordance with its terms; and (iv) AmeriSource has taken
  all necessary corporate action to authorize and reserve and permit it to
  issue, and at all times from the date hereof through the date of the
  exercise in full or the expiration or termination of the Option, shall have
  reserved for issuance upon exercise of the Option, 3,418,601 shares of
  AmeriSource Class A Stock and 3,418,601 shares of AmeriSource Class B Stock
  (subject to adjustment as provided herein), all of which, upon issuance in
  accordance with the terms of this Option Agreement, shall
 
                                      B-3
<PAGE>
 
  be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and shall
  be delivered free and clear of all claims, liens, encumbrances and security
  interests and not subject to any preemptive rights of any stockholder of
  AmeriSource.
 
    (b) Parent hereby represents and warrants to AmeriSource that (i) Parent
  has full corporate right, power and authority to execute and deliver this
  Option Agreement and to perform all of its obligations hereunder; (ii) such
  execution, delivery and performance have been duly authorized by all
  requisite corporate action by Parent, and no other corporate proceedings
  are necessary therefor; (iii) this Option Agreement has been duly and
  validly executed and delivered by Parent and represents a valid and legally
  binding obligation of Parent, enforceable against Parent in accordance with
  its terms; and (iv) any AmeriSource Common Stock acquired by Parent upon
  exercise of the Option will not be transferred or otherwise disposed of
  except in compliance with the Securities Act.
 
    (c) AmeriSource hereby covenants as follows:
 
      (i) if at any time after exercise of the Option and purchase of any
    Option Shares, Parent shall desire to convert any AmeriSource Class B
    Stock comprising Option Shares purchased into AmeriSource Class A Stock
    (or vice versa), and if prior notification to or approval of any
    Governmental Authority is required in connection with such conversion,
    Parent and, if applicable, AmeriSource shall promptly file the required
    notice or application for approval and shall expeditiously process the
    same (and AmeriSource shall cooperate with Parent in the filing of any
    such notice or application and the obtaining of any such approval);
 
      (ii) for so long as the Option remains outstanding and, if the Option
    is exercised for AmeriSource Class B Stock, until such AmeriSource
    Class B Stock is converted into AmeriSource Class A Stock, neither the
    AmeriSource Certificate nor any other instrument governing the rights
    of the AmeriSource Class A Stock or the AmeriSource Class B Stock will
    be amended to adversely affect the right of holders of AmeriSource
    Class B Stock to convert such shares into AmeriSource Class A Stock;
    and
 
      (iii) any rights agreement, plan or other instrument which may be
    adopted or entered into governing any Rights (collectively, the "Rights
    Agreement") shall provide that neither the ownership or exercise of the
    Option or any portion thereof nor the purchase or ownership of any of
    the Option Shares shall trigger any of the provisions of the Rights
    Agreement.
 
  6. Adjustment upon Changes in Capitalization. In the event of any change in
AmeriSource Common Stock by reason of stock dividends, split-ups,
recapitalizations or the like, the type and number of shares subject to the
Option and the Purchase Price shall be adjusted appropriately. In the event
that any additional shares of AmeriSource Common Stock are issued after the
date of this Option Agreement (other than pursuant to an event described in
the preceding sentence or pursuant to this Option Agreement or options granted
under employee benefit plans), the number of shares subject to the Option
shall be adjusted so that, after such issuance, it equals at least 19.9% of
the number of shares of AmeriSource Common Stock then issued and outstanding
(without considering any shares subject to or issued pursuant to the Option).
 
  7. Repurchase.
 
    (a) At the written request of Parent, at any time during the Option
  Exercise Period and, if a Notice of Exercise has been given but the related
  Closing has not occurred, during the period from the Notice Date to the
  Closing Date (the "Parent Repurchase Period"), AmeriSource shall repurchase
  the Option from Parent together with all (but not less than all) Option
  Shares purchased by Parent pursuant thereto with respect to which Parent
  then has Beneficial Ownership, at a price equal to the sum of:
 
      (i) The difference between (A) the "Market/Tender Offer Price" for
    shares of AmeriSource Common Stock (defined as the higher of (x) the
    highest price per share at which a tender or exchange offer has been
    made for shares of AmeriSource Common Stock or (y) the highest closing
    price per
 
                                      B-4
<PAGE>
 
    share of AmeriSource Common Stock as reported by the NYSE Composite
    Tape, in each case, for any day within that portion of the Parent
    Repurchase Period which precedes the date Parent gives notice of the
    required repurchase under this Section 7) and (B) the Purchase Price
    (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 6), multiplied by the
    number of Option Shares with respect to which the Option has not been
    exercised or has been exercised but the related Closing has not
    occurred, but only if such Market/Tender Offer Price is greater than
    such exercise price; and
 
      (ii) The greater of the Market/Tender Offer Price and the Purchase
    Price paid for any Option Shares acquired upon exercise of the Option,
    multiplied by the number of Option Shares so acquired.
 
    (b) In the event Parent exercises its rights under this Section 7,
  AmeriSource shall, within 10 business days thereafter, pay the required
  amount to Parent by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an
  account designated by Parent and Parent shall surrender to AmeriSource the
  Option and the certificates evidencing any Option Shares acquired
  thereunder with respect to which Parent then has Beneficial Ownership.
 
    (c) In determining the Market/Tender Offer Price, the value of any
  consideration other than cash shall be determined by an independent
  nationally recognized investment banking firm selected by Parent with the
  consent of AmeriSource which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
 
  8. Registration Rights. At any time after a Closing, AmeriSource shall, if
requested by any holder or Beneficial Owner of Option Shares (each a
"Holder"), as expeditiously as possible file a registration statement on a
form for general use under the Securities Act if necessary in order to permit
the sale or other disposition of Option Shares in accordance with the intended
method of sale or other disposition requested by any such Holder. Each such
Holder shall provide all information reasonably requested by AmeriSource for
inclusion in any registration statement to be filed hereunder. AmeriSource
shall use its best efforts to cause such registration statement first to
become effective and then to remain effective for such period not in excess of
180 days from the day such registration statement first becomes effective as
may be reasonably necessary to effect such sales or other dispositions. The
registration effected under this Section 8 shall be at AmeriSource's expense
except for underwriting commissions and the fees and disbursements of such
Holders' counsel attributable to the registration of such Option Shares. In no
event shall AmeriSource be required to effect more than one registration
hereunder. The filing of any registration statement required hereunder may be
delayed for such period of time (not to exceed 90 days) (i) as may reasonably
be required to facilitate any public distribution by AmeriSource of
AmeriSource Common Stock, (ii) if a special audit of AmeriSource would
otherwise be required in connection therewith or (iii) during which
AmeriSource is in possession of material information concerning it, its
business affairs or a material transaction in each case the public disclosure
of which AmeriSource reasonably determines in good faith could have a material
adverse effect on AmeriSource or significantly disrupt such material
transaction. If requested by any such Holder in connection with such
registration, AmeriSource shall become a party to any underwriting agreement
relating to the sale of such shares on terms and including obligations and
indemnities which are customary for parties similarly situated. Upon receiving
any request for registration under this Section 8 from any Holder, AmeriSource
agrees to send a copy thereof to any other person known to AmeriSource to be
entitled to registration rights under this Section 8, in each case by promptly
mailing the same, postage prepaid, to the address of record of the persons
entitled to receive such copies.
 
  9. Listing. If AmeriSource Common Stock or any other securities to be
acquired upon exercise of the Option are then listed on any national
securities exchange, AmeriSource, upon the request of Parent, will promptly
file an application to list the Option Shares or other securities to be
acquired upon exercise of the Option on all such exchanges and will use its
best efforts to obtain approval of such listings as soon as practicable.
 
  10. Survival. The representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of
the parties hereto shall survive any Closing.
 
 
                                      B-5
<PAGE>
 
  11. Severability. Any term, provision, covenant or restriction contained in
this Option Agreement held by a court or other Governmental Authority of
competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable shall be
ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, voidness or unenforceability,
but neither the remaining terms, provisions, covenants or restrictions
contained in this Option Agreement nor the validity or enforceability thereof
in any other jurisdiction shall be affected or impaired thereby. Any term,
provision, covenant or restriction contained in this Option Agreement that is
so found to be so broad as to be unenforceable shall be interpreted to be as
broad as is enforceable.
 
  12. Expenses; Credits.
 
    (a) Each of the parties hereto shall pay all costs and expenses incurred
  by it or on its behalf in connection with the transactions contemplated
  hereunder, including fees and expenses of its own financial consultants,
  investment bankers, accountants and counsel, except as otherwise provided
  herein.
 
    (b) If AmeriSource shall have paid Parent the Termination Fee pursuant to
  Section 7.2 of the Merger Agreement, then Parent shall pay to AmeriSource
  Parent's Net Profit (as defined below) up to a maximum (including any prior
  Net Profit paid) of $65 million. As used herein, "Net Profit" shall mean
  all cash proceeds received in respect of any Option Shares acquired
  hereunder (whether by sale thereof or pursuant to Section 7), less the
  aggregate Purchase Price for all Option Shares acquired hereunder, and less
  any expenses of sale and applicable taxes.
 
  13. Entire Agreement. This Option Agreement, the Merger Agreement (including
the documents and the instruments referred to therein) and the Confidentiality
Agreement constitute the entire agreement between the parties and supersede
all prior agreements and understandings, agreements or representations by or
between the parties, written and oral, with respect to the subject matter
hereof and thereof.
 
  14. Successors; No Third Party Beneficiaries. The terms and conditions of
this Option Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the
parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Nothing in this
Option Agreement, expressed or implied, is intended to confer upon any party,
other than the parties hereto, and their respective successors and assigns,
any rights, remedies, obligations, or liabilities under or by reason of this
Option Agreement, except as expressly provided herein.
 
  15. Notices. All notices or other communications which are required or
permitted hereunder shall be in writing and sufficient if delivered in
accordance with Section 8.2 of the Merger Agreement (which is incorporated
herein by reference).
 
  16. Counterparts. This Option Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and
each such counterpart shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but both
such counterparts together shall constitute but one agreement.
 
  17. Further Assurances. In the event of any exercise of the Option by
Parent, AmeriSource and Parent shall execute and deliver all other documents
and instruments and take all other action that may be reasonably necessary in
order to consummate the transactions provided for by such exercise.
 
  18. Specific Performance. The parties hereto agree that if for any reason
Parent or AmeriSource shall have failed to perform its obligations under this
Option Agreement, then either party hereto seeking to enforce this Option
Agreement against such non-performing party shall be entitled to specific
performance and injunctive and other equitable relief, and the parties hereto
further agree to waive any requirement for the securing or posting of any bond
in connection with the obtaining of any such injunctive or other equitable
relief. This provision is without prejudice to any other rights that either
party hereto may have against the other party hereto for any failure to
perform its obligations under this Option Agreement.
 
  19. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State
of Delaware, without giving effect to the conflict of laws principles thereof.
Each party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally
 
                                      B-6
<PAGE>
 
consents to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of
Delaware and of the United States of America located in the State of Delaware,
for any Action (and agrees not to commence any Action except in any such
court), and further agrees that service of process, summons, notice or
document by U.S. registered mail to its respective address set forth in
Section 8.2 of the Merger Agreement shall be effective service of process for
any Action brought against it in any such court. Each party hereby irrevocably
and unconditionally waives any objection to the laying of venue of any Action
in the courts of the State of Delaware or of the United States of America
located in the State of Delaware, and hereby further irrevocably and
unconditionally waives and agrees not to plead or claim in any such court that
any Action brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient
forum.
 
  20. Regulatory Approvals; Section 16(b). If, in connection with the exercise
of the Option under Section 3, prior notification to or approval of any
Governmental Authority is required, then the required notice or application
for approval shall be promptly filed and/or expeditiously processed by
AmeriSource and periods of time that otherwise would run pursuant hereto (if
any) shall run instead from the date on which any such required notification
period has expired or been terminated or such approval has been obtained, and
in either event, any requisite waiting period shall have passed. Periods of
time that otherwise would run pursuant to this Agreement shall also be
extended to the extent necessary in order to avoid liability under Section
16(b) of the Exchange Act.
 
  21. Waiver and Amendment. Any provision of this Option Agreement may be
waived at any time by the party that is entitled to the benefits of such
provision. This Option Agreement may not be modified, amended, altered or
supplemented except upon the execution and delivery of a written agreement
executed by the parties hereto.
 
  22. Additional Option. Because of the uncertainty of the parties regarding
the interpretation of the NYSE rules, the parties have agreed that the Option
shall initially be an option to acquire 3,418,601 shares of AmeriSource Common
Stock, notwithstanding the parties' intention to have the Option be an option
for 19.9% of the voting power and 19.9% of the equity of AmeriSource.
Accordingly, if, but only if, AmeriSource is able to grant to Parent an option
to acquire up to an additional 1,325,939 authorized and unissued shares of
AmeriSource Class B Stock without being required to obtain stockholder
approval pursuant to the rules of the NYSE, then AmeriSource hereby grants to
Parent such option (the "Class B Option") to acquire such additional shares
(the "Class B Option Shares"), at the Purchase Price, payable in cash as
provided in Section 4 hereof. Parent hereby covenants and agrees that it will
not convert the Class B Option Shares into shares of AmeriSource Class A
Common Stock. AmeriSource hereby covenants and agrees to use its best efforts
to seek concurrence by the NYSE that stockholder approval would not be
required for AmeriSource to grant to Parent the Class B Option. If the NYSE
advises that, in its view, stockholder approval would be required, then this
Option Agreement shall automatically be amended, without further action of the
parties, to delete all references to the Class B Option and the Class B Option
Shares. If the NYSE advises that, in its view, the Class B Option may be
granted without stockholder approval, this Agreement and the Option granted
hereby shall automatically be amended, without further action of the parties,
so that all references herein to the Option shall include the Class B Option
and all references herein to the Option Shares shall include the Class B
Option Shares.
 
 
                                      B-7
<PAGE>
 
   
  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has executed this option
Agreement as of the date first written above.     
   
McKESSON CORPORATION     
         
      /s/ Ivan D. Meyerson     
   
By: ____________________________     
     
  Name: Ivan D. Meyerson     
     
  Title: Vice President and General Counsel     
   
AMERISOURCE HEALTH CORPORATION     
            
         /s/ David Yost     
   
By: ____________________________     
     
  Name: David Yost     
     
  Title: President and Chief Executive Officer     
 
                                      B-8
<PAGE>
 
                                                                      APPENDIX C
 
              FAIRNESS OPINION OF PETER J. SOLOMON COMPANY LIMITED
<PAGE>
 
                                                             September 22, 1997
 
Board of Directors
McKesson Corporation
One Post Street
San Francisco, CA 94104
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
  We understand that McKesson Corporation ("McKesson") has entered into an
Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Agreement"), dated as of September 22,
1997, by and among McKesson, Patriot Acquisition Corp., a wholly owned direct
subsidiary of McKesson ("Merger Sub"), and AmeriSource Health Corporation
("AmeriSource") pursuant to which Merger Sub will be merged with and into
AmeriSource (the "Merger") and AmeriSource will continue as the surviving
corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of McKesson. Subject to the terms
and conditions of the Agreement, each issued and outstanding share of
AmeriSource's Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("AmeriSource
Class A Stock"), AmeriSource's Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share
("AmeriSource Class B Stock") and AmeriSource's Class C common stock, par
value $0.01 per share ("AmeriSource Class C Stock" and, with the AmeriSource
Class A Stock and the AmeriSource Class B Stock, the "AmeriSource Common
Stock") will be converted into and represent the right to receive 0.71 shares
(the "Exchange Ratio") of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of McKesson
("McKesson Common Stock").
 
  You have asked us to advise you with respect to the fairness of the Exchange
Ratio to McKesson from a financial point of view.
 
  For purposes of the opinion set forth herein, we have:
 
    (i) reviewed certain publicly available financial statements and other
  information of McKesson and AmeriSource, respectively;
 
    (ii) reviewed certain internal financial statements and other financial
  and operating data concerning McKesson and AmeriSource prepared by the
  management of McKesson and AmeriSource, respectively;
 
    (iii) reviewed certain financial projections for McKesson and
  AmeriSource, including estimates of certain potential benefits of the
  proposed business combination, prepared by the management of McKesson and
  AmeriSource, respectively;
 
    (iv) discussed the past and current operations, financial condition and
  prospects of McKesson and AmeriSource with management of McKesson and
  AmeriSource, respectively;
 
    (v) reviewed the reported prices and trading activity of McKesson Common
  Stock and AmeriSource Common Stock;
 
    (vi) compared the financial performance and condition of McKesson and
  AmeriSource and the reported prices and trading activity of McKesson Common
  Stock and AmeriSource Common Stock with that of certain other comparable
  publicly traded companies;
 
    (vii) reviewed publicly available information regarding the financial
  terms of certain transactions comparable, in whole or in part, to the
  Merger;
 
    (viii) participated in certain discussions among representatives of each
  of McKesson and AmeriSource;
 
    (ix) reviewed the Agreement; and
 
    (x) performed such other analyses as we have deemed appropriate.
 
  We have assumed and relied upon the accuracy and completeness of the
information reviewed by us for the purposes of this opinion and we have not
assumed any responsibility for independent verification of such information.
With respect to the financial projections, including the estimates made by
McKesson's and
 
                                      C-1
<PAGE>
 
AmeriSource's management of certain potential benefits of the proposed
business combination, we have assumed that the financial projections were
reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates
and judgments of the future financial performance of McKesson and AmeriSource,
respectively. We have not assumed any responsibility for any independent
valuation or appraisal of the assets or liabilities of McKesson or
AmeriSource, nor have we been furnished with any such valuation or appraisal.
Our opinion is necessarily based on economic, market and other conditions as
in effect on, and the information made available to us as of September 19,
1997.
 
  We have acted as financial advisor to McKesson in connection with this
transaction and will receive a fee for our services, portions of which are
contingent upon closing of the Merger and the delivery of this opinion. In the
past, we have provided financial advisory services to McKesson and have
received fees for rendering these services.
 
  This letter is solely for the information of the Board of Directors of
McKesson and is not on behalf of and is not intended to confer rights or
remedies upon any other entity or persons, and may not be used for any other
purpose without our prior written consent. This letter does not constitute a
recommendation to any holder of McKesson Common Stock as to how any such
holder should vote on the Merger.
 
  Based on, and subject to, the foregoing, we are of the opinion that on the
date hereof, the Exchange Ratio is fair to McKesson from a financial point of
view.
 
                                          Very truly yours,
                                             
                                          /s/ Peter J. Solomon Company Limited
                                              
                                          _____________________________________
                                          PETER J. SOLOMON COMPANY LIMITED
 
                                      C-2
<PAGE>
 
                                                                      APPENDIX D
 
                    FAIRNESS OPINION OF GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
<PAGE>
 
                           PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL
 
September 22, 1997
 
Board of Directors
AmeriSource Health Corporation
300 Chester Field Parkway
Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355
 
Gentlemen:
 
  You have requested our opinion as to the fairness from a financial point of
view to the holders of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01
per share (the "Shares"), of AmeriSource Health Corporation (the "Company") of
the exchange ratio of 0.71 shares (the "Exchange Ratio") of Common Stock, par
value $0.01 per share (the "McKesson Common Stock"), of McKesson Corporation
("McKesson") to be received for each Share pursuant to the Agreement and Plan
of Merger, dated as of September 22, 1997, among McKesson, Patriot Acquisition
Corp., a wholly-owned direct subsidiary of McKesson, and the Company (the
"Agreement").
 
  Goldman, Sachs & Co., as part of its investment banking business, is
continually engaged in the valuation of businesses and their securities in
connection with mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings,
competitive biddings, secondary distributions of listed and unlisted
securities, private placements and valuations for estate, corporate and other
purposes. We are familiar with the Company having provided certain investment
banking services to the Company from time to time, including acting as an
underwriter of the public offering of 4.5 million Shares in May 1996, and
having acted as its financial advisor in connection with the Agreement.
 
  In connection with this opinion, we have reviewed, among other things, the
Agreement; the Annual Reports to Stockholders and Annual Reports on Form 10-K
of the Company for the two fiscal years ended September 30, 1996; the Annual
Reports on Form 10-K of AmeriSource Distribution Corporation (the predecessor
corporation to the Company) for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1994; the
Annual Reports on Form 10-K of Alco Health Distribution Corporation (the
predecessor corporation to AmeriSource Distribution Corporation) for the two
fiscal years ended September 30, 1993; the Annual Reports to Stockholders and
Annual Reports on Form 10-K of McKesson for the five fiscal years ended March
31, 1997; certain interim reports to stockholders and Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q of the Company and McKesson; certain other communications from the
Company and McKesson to their respective stockholders; and certain internal
financial analyses and forecasts for the Company and McKesson prepared by
their respective managements. We also have held discussions with members of
the senior managements of the Company and McKesson regarding the strategic
rationale for, and the potential benefits of, the transaction contemplated by
the Agreement and the past and current business operations, financial
condition and future prospects of their respective companies. In addition, we
have reviewed the reported price and trading activity for the Shares and the
McKesson Common Stock, compared certain financial and stock market information
for the Company and McKesson with similar information for certain other
companies the securities of which are publicly traded, reviewed the financial
terms of certain recent business combinations in the drug distribution
industry specifically and in other industries generally and performed such
other studies and analyses as we considered appropriate.
 
  We have relied upon the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial
and other information reviewed by us and have assumed such accuracy and
completeness for purposes of rendering this opinion. In addition, we have not
made an independent evaluation or appraisal of the assets and liabilities of
the Company or McKesson or any of their subsidiaries and we have not been
furnished with any such evaluation or appraisal. We have
 
                                      D-1
<PAGE>
 
assumed, with your consent, that the transaction contemplated by the Agreement
will be accounted for as a pooling of interests under generally accepted
accounting principles. Our advisory services and the opinion expressed herein
are provided for the information and assistance of the Board of Directors of
the Company in connection with its consideration of the transaction
contemplated by the Agreement and such opinion does not constitute a
recommendation as to how any holder of Shares should vote with respect to such
transaction.
 
  Based upon and subject to the foregoing and based upon such other matters as
we consider relevant, it is our opinion that as of the date hereof the
Exchange Ratio pursuant to the Agreement is fair from a financial point of
view to the holders of the Shares.
 
                                          Very truly yours,
                                                 
                                              /s/ Goldman, Sachs & Co.     
                                          -------------------------------------
                                                  GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
 
                                      D-2
<PAGE>
 
                                                                      APPENDIX E
 
                          VPI VOTING/SUPPORT AGREEMENT
<PAGE>
 
                           VOTING/SUPPORT AGREEMENT
 
  AGREEMENT, dated as of September 22, 1997 (this "Agreement"), among McKesson
Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("McKesson"), Patriot Acquisition Corp., a
Delaware corporation ("Merger Sub") and 399 Venture Partners, Inc. (the
"Stockholder").
 
  WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of McKesson and the Board of Directors of
AmeriSource (capitalized terms used but not defined herein having the
respective meanings given to them in the Merger Agreement) have approved an
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of even date herewith (the "Merger
Agreement") providing for the merger of a wholly owned subsidiary of McKesson
with and into AmeriSource;
 
  WHEREAS, the Stockholder is the record and beneficial owner of shares of
AmeriSource Class A Stock, AmeriSource Class B Stock and/or AmeriSource Class
C Stock in the amounts and of the class set forth opposite the Stockholder's
name on Annex A hereto (the "Shares");
 
  WHEREAS, Stockholder currently has certain registration rights in the Shares
pursuant to a Registration Rights Agreement dated March 30, 1995, by and
between Stockholder and AmeriSource (the "1995 Registration Rights
Agreement");
 
  WHEREAS, McKesson and the Stockholder are entering into an agreement with
respect to the registration rights which will be accorded the shares of
McKesson Common Stock into which the Shares will be converted in the Merger
(the "Registration Rights Agreement"), which agreement upon its execution by
the parties will supersede the 1995 Registration Rights Agreement; and
 
  WHEREAS, as a condition to McKesson's entering into the Merger Agreement,
McKesson has required that the Stockholder agree, and the Stockholder has
agreed, to enter into this Agreement.
 
  NOW, THEREFORE, to induce McKesson to enter into the Merger Agreement and
the Registration Rights Agreement and in consideration of the premises herein
contained, the parties agree as follows:
 
  1. Grant of Irrevocable Proxy. (a) Until this Agreement is terminated, the
Stockholder hereby irrevocably appoints Merger Sub, its officers, agents and
nominees, with full power of substitution, as proxy for and attorney in fact
of the Stockholder to act with respect to and vote the Shares owned by the
Stockholder for and in the name, place and stead of the Stockholder at any
annual, special or other meeting of the holders of shares of AmeriSource
Common Stock and at any adjournment or postponement thereof or pursuant to any
written consent in lieu of a meeting, to the fullest extent that the Shares
are entitled to be voted on any matter which may come before such meeting or
which may be the subject of such written consent, (i) in favor of the Merger,
the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby (but not any
Material Adverse Amendments (as defined below) to the Merger Agreement), (ii)
against any Competing Transaction, (iii) against any action or agreement the
purpose or effect of which would be to impede, interfere with or attempt to
discourage the Merger, and (iv) against any action the taking of which would
constitute a breach by AmeriSource of any of its representations, warranties,
covenants or agreements contained in the Merger Agreement or in the
AmeriSource Stock Option Agreement; provided that such proxy may not be used
to frustrate AmeriSource's ability to terminate the Merger Agreement in
accordance with the provisions of Section 7.1(c) of the Merger Agreement. In
all other matters, the Shares shall be voted by and in the manner determined
by the Stockholder upon written notice to Merger Sub. The Stockholder hereby
represents that it has not heretofore granted any irrevocable proxy with
respect to its Shares and hereby revokes any and all proxies which may
heretofore have been granted with respect to the Shares. As used herein, a
"Material Adverse Amendment" is an amendment that (i) materially and adversely
affects the Stockholder and (ii) is approved by AmeriSource's Board of
Directors notwithstanding the fact that in such vote the Stockholder's
nominees on AmeriSource's Board of Directors voted against such amendment.
 
  (b) The Stockholder understands and acknowledges that McKesson is entering
into the Merger Agreement in reliance upon the Stockholder's execution and
delivery of this Agreement. The Stockholder hereby affirms
 
                                      E-1
<PAGE>
 
that the irrevocable proxy set forth in this Section 1 is given in connection
with and as an inducement for the execution by McKesson of the Merger
Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement and to secure the performance
of the duties of the Stockholder under this Agreement. The Stockholder hereby
further affirms that the irrevocable proxy is coupled with an interest and may
not be revoked. The Stockholder hereby ratifies and confirms all that such
proxy may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This proxy is
executed and intended to be irrevocable in accordance with the provisions of
Section 212 of the DGCL.
 
  2. Agreement Not to Transfer. The Stockholder agrees that it will not at any
time during the term of this Agreement sell, transfer, assign or otherwise
dispose of ("Transfer") or pledge or otherwise encumber, or enter into any
contract, option or other arrangement with respect to the Transfer, pledge or
encumbrance of, any of the Shares, or grant or purport to grant to any person
any proxy or voting right or any right to acquire any of the Shares, or enter
into any voting agreement with any person with respect to any of the Shares,
or deposit any of the Shares into a voting trust. The foregoing is in addition
to what will be the Stockholder's obligations under Section 3(d).
 
  3. Additional Covenants of the Stockholder. The Stockholder hereby covenants
and agrees with McKesson and Merger Sub that, until this Agreement terminates:
 
  (a) The Stockholder will not at any time, directly or indirectly, solicit,
initiate, encourage or facilitate, or furnish or disclose non-public
information in furtherance of, any inquiries or the making of any proposal
with respect to any Competing Transaction, or authorize or permit any of its
affiliates that it controls ("Controlled Affiliates") or any of its or its
Controlled Affiliates' directors, officers, employees, agents or
representatives to so act, and will immediately cease all existing activities,
discussions and negotiations with any parties conducted heretofore with
respect to any proposal for a Competing Transaction.
 
  (b) The Stockholder shall take all actions necessary to call, or cause
AmeriSource to call, the AmeriSource Stockholders Meeting, in accordance with
the provisions of the Merger Agreement, and shall use its best efforts to
cause such meeting to be held and completed on the date scheduled for such
meeting.
 
  (c) At the request of McKesson, the Stockholder shall take all actions
(including, without limitation, making or causing to be made all necessary
filings with all appropriate Governmental Authorities) necessary for the
Shares that are AmeriSource Class B Stock, or such portion thereof as McKesson
may request (but not in excess of the number of shares that would cause the
Stockholder to hold in excess of 19% of the outstanding voting securities of
AmeriSource), to be converted into AmeriSource Class A Stock.
 
  (d) The Stockholder will not, during the 30 days prior to the Effective
Time, sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of or reduce its risk (as
contemplated by the SEC Accounting Series Release No. 135) with respect to the
Shares or shares of Parent Common Stock that it may hold. Provided that
McKesson is not in breach of the provisions of Section 5(b), the Stockholder
will not sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of or reduce its risk (as
contemplated by SEC Accounting Series Release No. 135) with respect to any
Parent Common Stock received by it in the Merger or any other shares of Parent
Common Stock until after such time as combined financial results (including
combined sales and net income) covering at least 30 days of combined
operations of AmeriSource and Parent have been published by Parent, in the
form of a quarterly earnings report, an effective registration statement filed
with the Commission, a report to the Commission on Form 10-K, 10Q or 8-K, or
any other public filing or announcement which includes such combined results
of operations.
 
  (e) The Stockholder will deliver to McKesson at McKesson's request (i) a
written representation confirming, as of immediately prior to the Effective
Time, the accuracy of the representations and warranties contained in Section
4, and (ii) such additional written representations as may be reasonably
requested by Dechert, Price & Rhoads or Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver &
Jacobson.
 
  (f) The Stockholder will not take any action which would jeopardize
qualification of the Merger as a reorganization within the meaning of Section
368(a) of the Code.
 
                                      E-2
<PAGE>
 
  (g) The Stockholder will execute the AmeriSource Affiliate Letter promptly
upon request therefor, which letter shall be in the form attached hereto as
Annex B.
 
  4. Representations and Warranties of the Stockholder. The Stockholder hereby
represents and warrants to McKesson and Merger Sub that:
 
  (a) (i) The Shares listed on Annex A attached hereto opposite the
Stockholder's name are the only shares of AmeriSource Common Stock owned of
record or beneficially by the Stockholder or in which the Stockholder has any
interest; (ii) such Shares are now and at all times during the term of this
Agreement will be owned by the Stockholder, free and clear of all liens,
claims, charges and encumbrances of any kind whatsoever except as contemplated
by this Agreement, and none of such Shares is subject to any voting trust or
other agreement or arrangement (except as created by this Agreement) with
respect to the voting of such Shares; and (iii) the Stockholder does not own
any options to purchase or rights to subscribe for or otherwise acquire any
other shares of AmeriSource Common Stock.
 
  (b) The Stockholder has full right, power and authority to execute and
deliver this Agreement and to perform all of its obligations hereunder and
such execution, delivery and performance have been duly authorized by all
requisite corporate action of the Stockholder and no other corporate
proceedings are necessary therefor.
 
  (c) This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the
Stockholder and represents a valid and legally binding obligation of the
Stockholder, enforceable against the Stockholder in accordance with its terms.
 
  (d) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the
Stockholder will not constitute a violation of, conflict with or result in a
default under (i) any contract, understanding or arrangement to which the
Stockholder is a party or by which the Stockholder is bound or require the
consent of any other person or any party pursuant thereto, (ii) any judgment,
decree or order applicable to the Stockholder, or (iii) any Applicable Law.
 
  (e) The Stockholder has no plan or present intention to sell, exchange or
otherwise dispose of a number of shares of McKesson Common Stock received in
the Merger which, together with sales, exchanges or other dispositions by
other stockholders of AmeriSource, would reduce the aggregate ownership of
McKesson Common Stock by stockholders of AmeriSource who receive McKesson
Common Stock in the Merger to a number of shares having a value, as of the
Effective Time, of less than fifty percent of the value of all of the shares
of AmeriSource Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective
Time.
 
  (f) Based upon the representation set forth in Section 3.4 of the Merger
Agreement, and so long as such representation remains true and complete, set
forth on Annex C hereto is the maximum number of shares of AmeriSource Class A
Stock which the Stockholder may own, beneficially and of record, at any time
without violating any Applicable Laws.
 
  5. Representations, Warranties and Covenants of McKesson and Merger Sub. (a)
McKesson and Merger Sub hereby represent and warrant to the Stockholder that
(i) McKesson and Merger Sub each have full corporate right, power and
authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations
hereunder; (ii) such execution, delivery and performance have been duly
authorized by all requisite corporate action by McKesson and Merger Sub, and
no other corporate proceedings are necessary therefor; (iii) this Agreement
has been duly and validly executed and delivered by McKesson and Merger Sub
and represents a valid and legally binding obligation of McKesson and Merger
Sub, enforceable against McKesson and Merger Sub in accordance with its terms;
and (iv) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by McKesson
and Merger Sub will not constitute a violation of, conflict with or result in
a default under (A) any contract, understanding or arrangement to which either
McKesson or Merger Sub is a party or by which either is bound or require the
consent of any other person or any party pursuant thereto, (B) any judgment,
decree or order applicable to McKesson or Merger Sub, or (C) any Applicable
Law.
 
                                      E-3
<PAGE>
 
  (b) McKesson hereby covenants that, if the Effective Time is less than 30
days prior to the end of McKesson's fiscal quarter or occurs during the first
30 days of McKesson's fiscal quarter, McKesson shall use reasonable efforts to
prepare and publicly release, as soon as practicable following the end of the
first month ending at least 30 days after the Effective Time, a report filed
with the Commission on Form 8-K or any other public filing, statement or
announcement which includes the combined financial results (including combined
sales and net income) of McKesson and Amerisource for a period of at least 30
days of combined operations of McKesson and Amerisource following the
Effective Time.
 
  6. McKesson Board of Directors. (a) McKesson hereby covenants that, if the
Merger is consummated, the Board of Directors of McKesson shall take all
action necessary immediately following the Effective Time to elect the
following persons to its Board of Directors: (i) James Urry, who shall be
assigned to the class of directors whose term of office expires at McKesson's
first annual meeting of stockholders after the Effective Time, and (ii)
Michael Delaney, who shall be assigned to the class of directors whose term of
office expires at McKesson's second annual meeting of stockholders after the
Effective Time.
 
  (b) If the Merger is consummated and if at any time the Stockholder owns
less than 60% of the shares of McKesson Common Stock received by it in the
Merger, then the Stockholder, upon the written request of McKesson, shall
cause James Urry promptly to resign from McKesson's Board of Directors, and
(ii) if at any time the Stockholder owns less than 30% of the shares of
McKesson Common Stock received by it in the Merger, then the Stockholder, upon
the written request of McKesson, shall cause Michael Delaney promptly to
resign from McKesson's Board of Directors.
 
  7. Termination. (a) This Agreement, other than the obligations set forth in
Sections 3(d), 3(f), 5(b) and 6, shall terminate at the Effective Time.
 
  (b) This Agreement shall terminate upon (i) the termination of the Merger
Agreement pursuant to its terms and (ii) the occurrence of a Material Adverse
Amendment.
 
  8. Severability. Any term, provision, covenant or restriction contained in
this Agreement held by a court or other Governmental Authority of competent
jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable shall be ineffective to the
extent of such invalidity, voidness or unenforceability, but neither the
remaining terms, provisions, covenants or restrictions contained in this
Agreement nor the validity or enforceability thereof in any other jurisdiction
shall be affected or impaired thereby. Any term, provision, covenant or
restriction contained in this Agreement that is so found to be so broad as to
be unenforceable shall be interpreted to be as broad as is enforceable.
 
  9. Expenses. Each of the parties hereto shall pay all costs and expenses
incurred by it or on its behalf in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereunder, including fees and expenses of its own financial
consultants, investment bankers, accountants and counsel, except as otherwise
provided herein.
 
  10. Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including the documents and the
instruments referred to therein) constitutes the entire agreement between the
parties and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, agreements or
representations by or between the parties, written and oral, with respect to
the subject matter hereof and thereof.
 
  11. Successors; No Third Party Beneficiaries. The terms and conditions of
this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties
hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Nothing in this Agreement,
expressed or implied, is intended to confer upon any party, other than the
parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, any rights,
remedies, obligations, or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement,
except as expressly provided herein.
 
  12. Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally, telecopied (which
is confirmed) or dispatched by a nationally recognized overnight
 
                                      E-4
<PAGE>
 
courier service to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other
address for a party as shall be specified by like notice):
 
    (i)if to McKesson or Merger Sub, to
 
      One Post Street
      San Francisco, CA 94104
      Attn.: Ivan D. Meyerson, Esq.
      Telecopy No.: 415-983-8826
 
      with copies to
 
      Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson
      One New York Plaza
      New York, New York 10004
      Attn.: Stephen Fraidin, P.C.
      Telecopy No.: 212-859-6140
 
    (ii)if to the Stockholder,
 
      to the address set forth opposite its
      name on Annex A.
      with a copy to
      Kirkland & Ellis
      153 East 53rd Street
      Suite 3900
      New York, New York 10022
      Attn.: Kirk A. Radke, Esq.
      Telecopy No.: 212-446-4900
 
  13. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and each
such counterpart shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but both such
counterparts together shall constitute but one agreement.
 
  14. Specific Performance. The parties hereto agree that if for any reason
McKesson or the Stockholder shall have failed to perform its obligations under
this Agreement, then the party hereto seeking to enforce this Agreement
against such non-performing party shall be entitled to specific performance
and injunctive and other equitable relief, and the parties hereto further
agree to waive any requirement for the securing or posting of any bond in
connection with the obtaining of any such injunctive or other equitable
relief. This provision is without prejudice to any other rights that any party
hereto may have against any other party hereto for any failure to perform its
obligations under this Agreement.
 
  15. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State
of Delaware, without giving effect to the conflict of laws principles thereof.
Each party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally consents to submit to the
exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Delaware and of the
United States of America located in the State of Delaware, for any Action (and
agrees not to commence any Action except in any such court), and further
agrees that service of process, summons, notice or document by U.S. registered
mail to its respective address set forth in Section 12 shall be effective
service of process for any Action brought against it in any such court. Each
party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives any objection to the
laying of venue of any Action in the courts of the State of Delaware or of the
United States of America located in the State of Delaware, and hereby further
irrevocably and unconditionally waives and agrees not to plead or claim in any
such court that any Action brought in any such court has been brought in an
inconvenient forum.
 
  16. Waiver and Amendment. Any provision of this Agreement may be waived at
any time by the party that is entitled to the benefits of such provision. This
Agreement may not be modified, amended, altered or supplemented except upon
the execution and delivery of a written agreement executed by the parties
hereto.
 
 
                                      E-5
<PAGE>
 
  17. Additional Shares. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 16, in the
event that the Stockholder acquires any additional shares of AmeriSource
Common Stock, such shares shall, without further action of the parties, be
subject to the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation,
Sections 3(c) and 4(f)), and Annex A will be deemed amended accordingly. If
the Stockholder acquires additional shares of AmeriSource Common Stock, it
shall promptly notify McKesson in writing of such acquisition.
 
  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this agreement to be duly
executed as of the date first above written.
 
 
                                          McKESSON CORPORATION
 
                                                   /s/ Ivan D. Meyerson
                                          By___________________________________
 
                                                   /s/ Ivan D. Meyerson
                                          By___________________________________
 
                                          399 VENTURE PARTNERS, INC.
 
                                                     /s/ James A. Urry
                                          By___________________________________
 
                                      E-6
<PAGE>
 
                                    ANNEX A
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 RECORD AND BENEFICIAL OWNER   SECURITIES (IN NUMBER OF SHARES)
 ---------------------------  ------------------------------------  PERCENTAGE
                               CLASS A      CLASS B      CLASS C   VOTING POWER
                              ----------- ------------- ---------- ------------
<S>                           <C>         <C>           <C>        <C>
1. 399 Venture Partners,
 Inc. .......................     234,926     6,486,147      None      1.4%
  c/o Helene Shavin
  399 Park Avenue
  14th Floor Zone 4
  NY, NY 10022-4614
</TABLE>
 
                                      E-7
<PAGE>
 
                                    ANNEX B
 
                     FORM OF AMERISOURCE AFFILIATE LETTER
 
McKesson Corporation
One Post Street
San Francisco, California 94104
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
  I have been advised that as of the date of this letter I may be deemed to be
an "affiliate" of AmeriSource Health Corporation, a Delaware corporation
("AmeriSource"), as the term "affiliate" is (i) defined for purposes of
paragraphs (c) and (d) of Rule 145 of the rules and regulations (the "Rules
and Regulations") of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission")
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), or (ii) used in and
for purposes of Accounting Series, Releases 130 and 135, as amended, of the
Commission. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as
of September 22, 1997 (the "Merger Agreement"), among McKesson Corporation, a
Delaware corporation ("McKesson"), Patriot Acquisition Corp., a Delaware
corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of McKesson ("Merger Sub"), and
AmeriSource, Merger Sub will be merged with and into AmeriSource (the
"Merger").
 
  As a result of the Merger, I may receive shares of common stock, par value
$.01 per share, of McKesson (the "McKesson Securities") in exchange for shares
owned by me of common stock, par value $.01 per share, of AmeriSource (or upon
the exercise of options for such shares).
 
  I hereby represent, warrant and covenant to McKesson that in the event I
receive any McKesson Securities as a result of the Merger:
 
    A. I shall not make any sale, transfer or other disposition of the
  McKesson Securities in violation of the Act or the Rules and Regulations.
 
    B. I have carefully read this letter and the Merger Agreement and
  discussed the requirements of such documents and other applicable
  limitations upon my ability to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of the
  McKesson Securities, to the extent I felt necessary, with my counsel or
  counsel for AmeriSource.
 
    C. I have been advised that the issuance of McKesson Securities to me
  pursuant to the Merger has been registered with the Commission under the
  Act on a Registration Statement on Form S-4. However, I have also been
  advised that, since at the time the Merger was submitted for a vote of the
  stockholders of AmeriSource, (i) I may be deemed to have been an affiliate
  of AmeriSource and (ii) the distribution by me of the McKesson Securities
  has not been registered under the Act, I may not sell, transfer or
  otherwise dispose of the McKesson Securities issued to me in the Merger
  unless (i) such sale, transfer or other disposition has been registered
  under the Act, (ii) such sale, transfer or other disposition is made in
  conformity with Rule 145 (as such rule may be hereafter from time to time
  amended) promulgated by the Commission under the Act, or (iii) in the
  opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable to McKesson, or a "no action"
  letter obtained by me from the staff of the Commission, such sale, transfer
  or other disposition is otherwise exempt from registration under the Act.
 
    D. I understand that, except as may be provided in the Registration
  Rights Agreement entered into by McKesson and me, dated as of September 22,
  1997, McKesson is under no obligation to register the sale, transfer or
  other disposition of the McKesson Securities by me or on my behalf under
  the Act or to take any other action necessary in order to make compliance
  with an exemption from such registration available.
 
    E. I also understand that stop transfer instructions will be given to
  McKesson's transfer agents with respect to the McKesson Securities and that
  there will be placed on the certificates for the McKesson Securities issued
  to me, or any substitutions therefor, a legend stating in substance:
 
                                      E-8
<PAGE>
 
      "THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE WERE ISSUED IN A
      TRANSACTION TO WHICH RULE 145 PROMULGATED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT
      OF 1933 APPLIES, AND MAY ONLY BE SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN
      COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 145 OR PURSUANT TO A
      REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THAT ACT OR AN EXEMPTION FROM SUCH
      REGISTRATION."
 
    F. I also understand that unless the transfer by me of my McKesson
  Securities has been registered under the Act or is a sale made in
  conformity with the provisions of Rule 145, McKesson reserves the right to
  put the following legend on the certificates issued to my transferee:
 
      "THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED
      UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND WERE ACQUIRED FROM A PERSON WHO
      RECEIVED SUCH SHARES IN A TRANSACTION TO WHICH RULE 145 PROMULGATED
      UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 APPLIES. THE SHARES HAVE BEEN
      ACQUIRED BY THE HOLDER NOT WITH A VIEW TO, OR FOR RESALE IN
      CONNECTION WITH, ANY DISTRIBUTION THEREOF WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE
      SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND MAY NOT BE SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE
      TRANSFERRED EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH AN EXEMPTION FROM THE
      REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933."
 
  It is understood and agreed that the legends set forth in paragraphs E and F
above shall be removed by delivery of substitute certificates without such
legend if such legend is not required for purposes of the Act or this
Agreement. It is understood and agreed that such legends and the stop orders
referred to above will be removed if (i) evidence or representations
satisfactory to McKesson that the McKesson Securities represented by such
certificates are being or have been sold in a transaction made in conformity
with the provisions of Rule 145(d) (as such rule may be hereafter from time to
time amended) or (ii) McKesson has received either an opinion of counsel,
which opinion and counsel shall be reasonably satisfactory to McKesson, or a
"no action" letter obtained by me from the staff of the Commission, to the
effect that the restrictions imposed by Rule 145 under the Act no longer apply
to me.
 
  I further represent to and covenant with McKesson that I will not, during
the 30 days prior to the Effective Time (as defined in the Merger Agreement),
sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of or reduce my risk (as contemplated by
the SEC Accounting Series Release No. 135) with respect to AmeriSource shares
or shares of the capital stock of McKesson that I may hold and, furthermore,
provided that McKesson is not in breach of Section 5(b) of the Voting/Support
Agreement between McKesson and me dated as of September 22, 1997, I will not
sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of or reduce my risk (as contemplated by
SEC Accounting Series Release No. 135) with respect to any McKesson Securities
received by me in the Merger or any other shares of the capital stock of
McKesson until after such time as combined financial results (including
combined sales and net income) covering at least 30 days of combined
operations of AmeriSource and McKesson have been published by McKesson, in the
form of a quarterly earnings report, an effective registration statement filed
with the Commission, a report to the Commission on Form 10-K, 10-Q or 8-K, or
any other public filing or announcement which includes such combined results
of operations. If the Effective Time is less than 30 days prior to the end of
McKesson's fiscal quarter, McKesson shall use reasonable efforts to prepare
and publicly release such combined financial results as soon as practicable
following the end of the first month ending at least 30 days after the
Effective Time and shall notify the "affiliates" of the publication of such
results.
 
                                      E-9
<PAGE>
 
  Execution of this letter should not be considered an admission on my part
that I am an "affiliate" of AmeriSource as described in the first paragraph of
this letter, or as a waiver of any rights I may have to object to any claim
that I am such an affiliate on or after the date of this letter.
 
                                          Very truly yours,
 
                                          _____________________________________
                                          Name:
 
Accepted this   day of      , 199  by
 
McKesson Corporation
 
 
By: _________________________________
  Name:
  Title
 
                                     E-10
<PAGE>
 
                                    ANNEX C
 
  The maximum number of shares of AmeriSource Class A Stock which the
Stockholder may own, beneficially or of record, without violating Applicable
Law, is 3,974,513 shares, assuming 16,943,975 shares of AmeriSource Class A
Stock are owned by persons other than the Stockholder.
 
                                     E-11
<PAGE>
 
                                                                      APPENDIX F
 
             FORM OF AMERISOURCE EXECUTIVE VOTING/SUPPORT AGREEMENT
<PAGE>
 
                       FORM OF VOTING/SUPPORT AGREEMENT
 
  AGREEMENT, dated as of October 27, 1997 (this "Agreement"), among McKesson
Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("McKesson"), Patriot Acquisition Corp., a
Delaware corporation ("Merger Sub"), and       (the "Stockholder").
 
  WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of McKesson and the Board of Directors of
AmeriSource (capitalized terms used but not defined herein having the
respective meanings given to them in the Merger Agreement) have approved an
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of even date herewith (the "Merger
Agreement") providing for the merger of a wholly owned subsidiary of McKesson
with and into AmeriSource;
 
  WHEREAS, the Stockholder is the record and beneficial owner of shares of
AmeriSource Class A Stock, AmeriSource Class B Stock and/or AmeriSource Class
C Stock in the amounts and of the class set forth opposite the Stockholder's
name on Annex A hereto (the "Shares");
 
  WHEREAS, as a condition to McKesson's entering into the Merger Agreement,
McKesson has required that the Stockholder agree, and the Stockholder has
agreed, to enter into this Agreement.
 
  NOW, THEREFORE, to induce McKesson to enter into the Merger Agreement and in
consideration of the premises herein contained, the parties agree as follows:
 
  1. Grant of Irrevocable Proxy. (a) Until this Agreement is terminated, the
Stockholder hereby irrevocably appoints Merger Sub, its officers, agents and
nominees, with full power of substitution, as proxy for and attorney in fact
of the Stockholder to act with respect to and vote the Shares owned by the
Stockholder for and in the name, place and stead of the Stockholder at any
annual, special or other meeting of the holders of shares of AmeriSource
Common Stock and at any adjournment or postponement thereof or pursuant to any
written consent in lieu of a meeting, to the fullest extent that the Shares
are entitled to be voted on any matter which may come before such meeting or
which may be the subject of such written consent, (i) in favor of the Merger,
the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby (but not any
Material Adverse Amendments (as defined below) to the Merger Agreement), (ii)
against any Competing Transaction, (iii) against any action or agreement the
purpose or effect of which would be to impede, interfere with or attempt to
discourage the Merger, and (iv) against any action the taking of which would
constitute a breach by AmeriSource of any of its representations, warranties,
covenants or agreements contained in the Merger Agreement or in the
AmeriSource Stock Option Agreement; provided that such proxy may not be used
to frustrate AmeriSource's ability to terminate the Merger Agreement in
accordance with the provisions of Section 7.1(c) of the Merger Agreement. In
all other matters, the Shares shall be voted by and in the manner determined
by the Stockholder upon written notice to Merger Sub. The Stockholder hereby
represents that he has not heretofore granted any irrevocable proxy with
respect to his Shares and hereby revokes any and all proxies which may
heretofore have been granted with respect to the Shares. As used herein, a
"Material Adverse Amendment" is an amendment that (i) materially and adversely
affects the Stockholder and (ii) is approved by AmeriSource's Board of
Directors notwithstanding the fact that in such vote R. David Yost voted
against such amendment.
 
  (b) The Stockholder understands and acknowledges that McKesson is entering
into the Merger Agreement in reliance upon the Stockholder's execution and
delivery of this Agreement. The Stockholder hereby affirms that the
irrevocable proxy set forth in this Section 1 is given in connection with and
as an inducement for the execution by McKesson of the Merger Agreement and to
secure the performance of the duties of the Stockholder under this Agreement.
The Stockholder hereby further affirms that the irrevocable proxy is coupled
with an interest and may not be revoked. The Stockholder hereby ratifies and
confirms all that such proxy may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof. This proxy is executed and intended to be irrevocable in accordance
with the provisions of Section 212 of the DGCL.
 
  2. Agreement Not to Transfer. The Stockholder agrees that he will not at any
time during the term of this Agreement sell, transfer, assign or otherwise
dispose of ("Transfer") or pledge or otherwise encumber, or enter
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
 
into any contract, option or other arrangement with respect to the Transfer,
pledge or encumbrance of, any of the Shares, or grant or purport to grant to
any person any proxy or voting right or any right to acquire any of the
Shares, or enter into any voting agreement with any person with respect to any
of the Shares, or deposit any of the Shares into a voting trust, provided that
the foregoing shall not prohibit the Stockholder from incurring a margin loan
from a bank or brokerage firm. The foregoing is in addition to the
Stockholder's obligations under Section 3(c).
 
  3. Additional Covenants of the Stockholder. The Stockholder hereby covenants
and agrees with McKesson and Merger Sub that, until this Agreement terminates:
 
  (a) The Stockholder will not at any time, directly or indirectly, solicit,
initiate, encourage or facilitate, or furnish or disclose non-public
information in furtherance of, any inquiries or the making of any proposal
with respect to any Competing Transaction, and will immediately cease all
existing activities, discussions and negotiations with any parties conducted
heretofore with respect to any proposal for a Competing Transaction.
 
  (b) The Stockholder shall take all actions necessary to call, or cause
AmeriSource to call, the AmeriSource Stockholders Meeting, in accordance with
the provisions of the Merger Agreement, and shall use his best efforts to
cause such meeting to be held and completed on the date scheduled for such
meeting.
 
  (c) The Stockholder will not, during the 30 days prior to the Effective
Time, sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of or reduce his risk (as
contemplated by the SEC Accounting Series Release No. 135) with respect to the
Shares or shares of Parent Common Stock that he may hold. Provided that
McKesson is not in breach of the provisions of Section 5(b), the Stockholder
will not sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of or reduce his risk (as
contemplated by SEC Accounting Series Release No. 135) with respect to any
Parent Common Stock received by him in the Merger or any other shares of
Parent Common Stock until after such time as combined financial results
(including combined sales and net income) covering at least 30 days of
combined operations of AmeriSource and Parent have been published by Parent,
in the form of a quarterly earnings report, an effective registration
statement filed with the Commission, a report to the Commission on Form 10-K,
10Q or 8-K, or any other public filing or announcement which includes such
combined results of operations.
 
  (d) The Stockholder will deliver to McKesson at McKesson's request (i) a
written representation confirming, as of immediately prior to the Effective
Time, the accuracy of the representations and warranties contained in Section
4, and (ii) such additional written representations as may be reasonably
requested by Dechert, Price & Rhoads or Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver &
Jacobson.
 
  (e) The Stockholder will not take any action which would jeopardize
qualification of the Merger as a reorganization within the meaning of Section
368(a) of the Code.
 
  (f) The Stockholder will execute the AmeriSource Affiliate Letter promptly
upon request therefor, which letter shall be in the form attached to the
Merger Agreement as Exhibit A-1.
 
  4. Representations and Warranties of the Stockholder. The Stockholder hereby
represents and warrants to McKesson and Merger Sub that:
 
  (a) (i) The Shares listed on Annex A opposite the Stockholder's name are the
only shares of AmeriSource Common Stock owned of record or beneficially by the
Stockholder or in which the Stockholder has any interest; (ii) such Shares are
now and at all times during the term of this Agreement will be owned by the
Stockholder, free and clear of all liens, claims, charges and encumbrances of
any kind whatsoever except for liens, claims or charges arising from margin
loans from a bank or brokerage firm and except as contemplated by this
Agreement, and none of such Shares is subject to any voting trust or other
agreement or arrangement (except as created by this Agreement) with respect to
the voting of such Shares; and (iii) the Stockholder does not presently own
any options to purchase or rights to subscribe for or otherwise acquire any
other shares of AmeriSource Common Stock except as set forth in Annex A.
 
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
 
  (b) The Stockholder has full right, power and authority to execute and
deliver this Agreement and to perform all of his obligations hereunder.
 
  (c) This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the
Stockholder and represents a valid and legally binding obligation of the
Stockholder, enforceable against the Stockholder in accordance with its terms.
 
  (d) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the
Stockholder will not constitute a violation of, conflict with or result in a
default under (i) any contract, understanding or arrangement to which the
Stockholder is a party or by which the Stockholder is bound or require the
consent of any other person or any party pursuant thereto, (ii) any judgment,
decree or order applicable to the Stockholder, or (iii) any Applicable Law.
 
  5. Representations, Warranties and Covenants of McKesson and Merger
Sub. (a) McKesson and Merger Sub hereby represent and warrant to the
Stockholder that (i) McKesson and Merger Sub each have full corporate right,
power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its
obligations hereunder; (ii) such execution, delivery and performance have been
duly authorized by all requisite corporate action by McKesson and Merger Sub,
and no other corporate proceedings are necessary therefor; (iii) this
Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by McKesson and
Merger Sub and represents a valid and legally binding obligation of McKesson
and Merger Sub, enforceable against McKesson and Merger Sub in accordance with
its terms; and (iv) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
by McKesson and Merger Sub will not constitute a violation of, conflict with
or result in a default under (A) any contract, understanding or arrangement to
which either McKesson or Merger Sub is a party or by which either is bound or
require the consent of any other person or any party pursuant thereto, (B) any
judgment, decree or order applicable to McKesson or Merger Sub, or (C) any
Applicable Law.
 
  (b) McKesson hereby covenants that, if the Effective Time is less than 30
days prior to the end of McKesson's fiscal quarter or occurs during the first
30 days of McKesson's fiscal quarter, McKesson shall use reasonable efforts to
prepare and publicly release, as soon as practicable following the end of the
first month ending at least 30 days after the Effective Time, a report filed
with the Commission on Form 8-K or any other public filing, statement or
announcement which includes the combined financial results (including combined
sales and net income) of McKesson and AmeriSource for a period of at least 30
days of combined operations of McKesson and AmeriSource following the
Effective Time.
 
  6. Termination. (a) This Agreement, other than the obligations set forth in
Sections 3(c), 3(e), 5(b) and 6, shall terminate at the Effective Time.
 
  (b) This Agreement shall terminate (i) upon the termination of the Merger
Agreement pursuant to its terms or (ii) the occurrence of a Material Adverse
Amendment.
 
  7. Severability. Any term, provision, covenant or restriction contained in
this Agreement held by a court or other Governmental Authority of competent
jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable shall be ineffective to the
extent of such invalidity, voidness or unenforceability, but neither the
remaining terms, provisions, covenants or restrictions contained in this
Agreement nor the validity or enforceability thereof in any other jurisdiction
shall be affected or impaired thereby. Any term, provision, covenant or
restriction contained in this Agreement that is so found to be so broad as to
be unenforceable shall be interpreted to be as broad as is enforceable.
 
  8. Expenses. Each of the parties hereto shall pay all costs and expenses
incurred by him or on his behalf in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereunder, including fees and expenses of his own financial
consultants, investment bankers, accountants and counsel, except as otherwise
provided herein.
 
  9. Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including the documents and the
instruments referred to therein) constitutes the entire agreement between the
parties and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings,
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
 
agreements or representations by or between the parties, written and oral,
with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof.
 
  10. Successors; No Third Party Beneficiaries. The terms and conditions of
this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties
hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Nothing in this Agreement,
expressed or implied, is intended to confer upon any party, other than the
parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, any rights,
remedies, obligations, or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement,
except as expressly provided herein.
 
  11. Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally, telecopied (which
is confirmed) or dispatched by a nationally recognized overnight courier
service to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address
for a party as shall be specified by like notice):
 
    (i)if to McKesson or Merger Sub, to
 
      One Post Street
      San Francisco, CA 94104
      Attn.: Ivan D. Meyerson, Esq.
      Telecopy No.: 415-983-8826
 
      with copies to
 
      Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson
      One New York Plaza
      New York, New York 10004
      Attn.: Stephen Fraidin, P.C.
      Telecopy No.: 212-859-6140
 
    (ii)if to the Stockholder,
 
      to the address set forth opposite his
      name on Annex A.
      with a copy to
 
      Drinker Biddle & Reath
      1000 West Lakes Drive, Suite 300
      Berwyn, Pennsylvania 19312
      Attn.: Robert H. Strouse, Esq.
      Telecopy No.: 610-993-8585
 
  12. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and each
such counterpart shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but both such
counterparts together shall constitute but one agreement.
 
  13. Specific Performance. The parties hereto agree that if for any reason
McKesson or the Stockholder shall have failed to perform their obligations
under this Agreement, then the party hereto seeking to enforce this Agreement
against such non-performing party shall be entitled to specific performance
and injunctive and other equitable relief, and the parties hereto further
agree to waive any requirement for the securing or posting of any bond in
connection with the obtaining of any such injunctive or other equitable
relief. This provision is without prejudice to any other rights that any party
hereto may have against any other party hereto for any failure to perform its
obligations under this Agreement.
 
  14. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State
of Delaware, without giving effect to the conflict of laws principles thereof.
Each party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally consents to submit to the
exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Delaware and of the
United States of America located in the State of Delaware, for any Action (and
agrees not to commence any Action except in any such court), and further
agrees that service of process, summons, notice or document by U.S. registered
mail to
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
 
its respective address set forth in Section 11 shall be effective service of
process for any Action brought against him in any such court. Each party
hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives any objection to the laying of
venue of any Action in the courts of the State of Delaware or of the United
States of America located in the State of Delaware, and hereby further
irrevocably and unconditionally waives and agrees not to plead or claim in any
such court that any Action brought in any such court has been brought in an
inconvenient forum.
 
  15. Waiver and Amendment. Any provision of this Agreement may be waived at
any time by the party that is entitled to the benefits of such provision. This
Agreement may not be modified, amended, altered or supplemented except upon
the execution and delivery of a written agreement executed by the parties
hereto.
 
  16. Duties. McKesson and Merger Sub acknowledge and agree that the
Stockholder has entered into this Agreement in his capacity as a stockholder
of AmeriSource and that this Agreement shall in no way restrict the
Stockholder in his capacity as an officer of AmeriSource and his performance
of his duties to AmeriSource and its stockholders.
 
  17. Additional Shares. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15, in the
event that the Stockholder acquires any additional shares of AmeriSource
Common Stock, such shares shall, without further action of the parties, be
subject to the provisions of this Agreement, and Annex A will be deemed
amended accordingly. If the Stockholder acquires additional shares of
AmeriSource Common Stock, he shall promptly notify McKesson in writing of such
acquisition.
 
  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly
executed as of the date first above written.
 
                                          McKesson Corporation
 
                                          By: _________________________________
                                                  Name: Ivan D. Meyerson
                                                   Title: Vice President
 
                                          Patriot Acquisition Corp.
 
                                          By: _________________________________
                                                  Name: Ivan D. Meyerson
                                              Title: Executive Vice President
 
                                          Stockholder:
 
                                          By: _________________________________
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
 
                                    ANNEX A
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             SECURITIES (IN NUMBER OF SHARES)
                             ------------------------------------
RECORD AND BENEFICIAL OWNER   CLASS A      CLASS B      CLASS C
- ---------------------------  ----------   ----------   ----------
<S>                          <C>          <C>          <C>
<CAPTION>
                                  OPTIONS TO ACQUIRE THE
                                FOLLOWING NUMBER OF SHARES
                             ------------------------------------
RECORD AND BENEFICIAL OWNER   CLASS A      CLASS B      CLASS C
- ---------------------------  ----------   ----------   ----------
<S>                          <C>          <C>          <C>
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
 
                                    ANNEX B
 
                     FORM OF AMERISOURCE AFFILIATE LETTER
 
McKesson Corporation
One Post Street
San Francisco, California 94104
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
  I have been advised that as of the date of this letter I may be deemed to be
an "affiliate" of AmeriSource Health Corporation, a Delaware corporation
("AmeriSource"), as the term "affiliate" is (i) defined for purposes of
paragraphs (c) and (d) of Rule 145 of the rules and regulations (the "Rules
and Regulations") of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission")
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), or (ii) used in and
for purposes of Accounting Series, Releases 130 and 135, as amended, of the
Commission. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as
of September 22, 1997 (the "Merger Agreement"), among McKesson Corporation, a
Delaware corporation ("McKesson"), Patriot Acquisition Corp., a Delaware
corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of McKesson ("Merger Sub"), and
AmeriSource, Merger Sub will be merged with and into AmeriSource (the
"Merger").
 
  As a result of the Merger, I may receive shares of common stock, par value
$.01 per share, of McKesson (the "McKesson Securities") in exchange for shares
owned by me of common stock, par value $.01 per share, of AmeriSource (or upon
the exercise of options for such shares).
 
  I hereby represent, warrant and covenant to McKesson that in the event I
receive any McKesson Securities as a result of the Merger:
 
    A. I shall not make any sale, transfer or other disposition of the
  McKesson Securities in violation of the Act or the Rules and Regulations.
 
    B. I have carefully read this letter and the Merger Agreement and
  discussed the requirements of such documents and other applicable
  limitations upon my ability to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of the
  McKesson Securities, to the extent I felt necessary, with my counsel or
  counsel for AmeriSource.
 
    C. I have been advised that the issuance of McKesson Securities to me
  pursuant to the Merger has been registered with the Commission under the
  Act on a Registration Statement on Form S-4. However, I have also been
  advised that, since at the time the Merger was submitted for a vote of the
  stockholders of AmeriSource, (i) I may be deemed to have been an affiliate
  of AmeriSource and (ii) the distribution by me of the McKesson Securities
  has not been registered under the Act, I may not sell, transfer or
  otherwise dispose of the McKesson Securities issued to me in the Merger
  unless (i) such sale, transfer or other disposition has been registered
  under the Act, (ii) such sale, transfer or other disposition is made in
  conformity with Rule 145 (as such rule may be hereafter from time to time
  amended) promulgated by the Commission under the Act, or (iii) in the
  opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable to McKesson, or a "no action"
  letter obtained by me from the staff of the Commission, such sale, transfer
  or other disposition is otherwise exempt from registration under the Act.
 
    D. I understand that McKesson is under no obligation to register the
  sale, transfer or other disposition of the McKesson Securities by me or on
  my behalf under the Act or to take any other action necessary in order to
  make compliance with an exemption from such registration available.
 
    E. I also understand that stop transfer instructions will be given to
  McKesson's transfer agents with respect to the McKesson Securities and that
  there will be placed on the certificates for the McKesson Securities issued
  to me, or any substitutions therefor, a legend stating in substance:
 
      "THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE WERE ISSUED IN A
      TRANSACTION TO WHICH RULE 145 PROMULGATED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT
      OF 1933 APPLIES, AND MAY ONLY BE SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN
      COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 145 OR PURSUANT TO A
      REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THAT ACT OR AN EXEMPTION FROM SUCH
      REGISTRATION."
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
 
    F. I also understand that unless the transfer by me of my McKesson
  Securities has been registered under the Act or is a sale made in
  conformity with the provisions of Rule 145, McKesson reserves the right to
  put the following legend on the certificates issued to my transferee:
 
      "THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED
      UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND WERE ACQUIRED FROM A PERSON WHO
      RECEIVED SUCH SHARES IN A TRANSACTION TO WHICH RULE 145 PROMULGATED
      UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 APPLIES. THE SHARES HAVE BEEN
      ACQUIRED BY THE HOLDER NOT WITH A VIEW TO, OR FOR RESALE IN
      CONNECTION WITH, ANY DISTRIBUTION THEREOF WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE
      SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND MAY NOT BE SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE
      TRANSFERRED EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH AN EXEMPTION FROM THE
      REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933."
 
  It is understood and agreed that the legends set forth in paragraphs E and F
above shall be removed by delivery of substitute certificates without such
legend if such legend is not required for purposes of the Act or this
Agreement. It is understood and agreed that such legends and the stop orders
referred to above will be removed if (i) evidence or representations
satisfactory to McKesson that the McKesson Securities represented by such
certificates are being or have been sold in a transaction made in conformity
with the provisions of Rule 145(d) (as such rule may be hereafter from time to
time amended) or (ii) McKesson has received either an opinion of counsel,
which opinion and counsel shall be reasonably satisfactory to McKesson, or a
"no action" letter obtained by me from the staff of the Commission, to the
effect that the restrictions imposed by Rule 145 under the Act no longer apply
to me.
 
  I further represent to and covenant with McKesson that I will not, during
the 30 days prior to the Effective Time (as defined in the Merger Agreement),
sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of or reduce my risk (as contemplated by
the SEC Accounting Series Release No. 135) with respect to AmeriSource shares
or shares of the capital stock of McKesson that I may hold and, furthermore,
provided that McKesson is not in breach of Section 5(b) of the Voting/Support
Agreement between McKesson and me dated as of September 22, 1997, I will not
sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of or reduce my risk (as contemplated by
SEC Accounting Series Release No. 135) with respect to any McKesson Securities
received by me in the Merger or any other shares of the capital stock of
McKesson until after such time as combined financial results (including
combined sales and net income) covering at least 30 days of combined
operations of AmeriSource and McKesson have been published by McKesson, in the
form of a quarterly earnings report, an effective registration statement filed
with the Commission, a report to the Commission on Form 10-K, 10-Q or 8-K, or
any other public filing or announcement which includes such combined results
of operations. If the Effective Time is less than 30 days prior to the end of
McKesson's fiscal quarter, McKesson shall use reasonable efforts to prepare
and publicly release such combined financial results as soon as practicable
following the end of the first month ending at least 30 days after the
Effective Time and shall notify the "affiliates" of the publication of such
results.
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
 
  Execution of this letter should not be considered an admission on my part
that I am an "affiliate" of AmeriSource as described in the first paragraph of
this letter, or as a waiver of any rights I may have to object to any claim
that I am such an affiliate on or after the date of this letter.
 
                                            Very truly yours,
 
 
 
                                          _____________________________________
                                            Name:
 
  Accepted this     day of    , 199  by
 
 
McKESSON CORPORATION
 
 
By___________________________________
  Name:______________________________
  Title:_____________________________
 
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
 
                                                                      APPENDIX G
 
                         REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
<PAGE>
 
  REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT, dated as of September 22, 1997, by and
between McKesson Corporation (the "Company"), and 399 Venture Partners, Inc.
("399 Venture").
 
  1. Introduction; Term of Agreement. The Company is a party to the separate
Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement"), dated as of September
22, 1997, among the Company, Patriot Acquisition Corp. and AmeriSource Health
Corporation, a Delaware Corporation ("AmeriSource"), pursuant to which the
Company and AmeriSource have agreed, that a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Company, Patriot Acquisition Corp., shall be merged with and into AmeriSource
with AmeriSource as the surviving corporation, and shareholders of AmeriSource
to be entitled to receive shares of common stock of the Company (the "Common
Stock") in respect of their shares of AmeriSource as specified in the Merger
Agreement. This Agreement shall become effective upon the Effective Time (as
defined in the Merger Agreement). This Agreement shall terminate and be of no
further force and effect at such time as the holders of Registrable Securities
in the aggregate own less than 25% of the Registrable Securities owned by such
holders at the Effective Time. Certain capitalized terms used in this
Agreement are defined in section 3 hereof; references to sections shall be to
sections of this Agreement.
 
  2. Registration under Securities Act, etc.
 
  2.1 Registration on Request.
 
  (a) Demand Request. Upon the written request of the Initiating Holder,
requesting that the Company effect the registration under the Securities Act
of all or part of such Initiating Holder's Registrable Securities and
specifying the intended method or methods of disposition thereof (a "Demand
Request"), the Company will, as promptly as reasonably practicable but in no
event later than 20 days after such request, give written notice of such
requested registration to all registered holders of Registrable Securities who
would be entitled to participate in such registration, and thereupon the
Company will, subject to the terms of this Agreement, use its best efforts to
effect the registration under the Securities Act of:
 
    (i) the Registrable Securities which the Company has been so requested to
  register by such Initiating Holder for disposition in accordance with the
  intended method or methods of disposition stated in such request;
 
    (ii) all other Registrable Securities the holders of which shall have
  made a written request to the Company for registration thereof within 30
  days after the giving of such written notice by the Company (which request
  shall specify the intended method or methods of disposition of such
  Registrable Securities);
 
    (iii) all shares of Common Stock which the Company may elect to register
  in connection with the offering of Registrable Securities pursuant to this
  section 2.1; and
 
    (iv) all shares of Common Stock which the Company may be required to
  register in connection with "piggyback" or incidental registration rights
  granted to any other Person;
 
all to the extent requisite to permit the disposition (in accordance with the
intended method or methods of distribution specified in the Demand Request) of
the Registrable Securities and the additional shares of Common Stock, if any,
so to be registered, provided, however, that each such Demand Request shall be
for a number of shares of Common Stock which represent at least 25% of the
aggregate Registrable Securities received by the holders of Registrable
Securities as of the Effective Time (the "Minimum Demand Amount"), unless the
Demand Request is the last Demand Request available hereunder, in which event
the Demand Request may cover the remainder of the Registrable Securities even
if such amount of Registrable Securities is less than the Minimum Demand
Amount. Subject to the provisions of section 2.1(d), the Initiating Holder
will have the right pursuant to this section 2.1(a) to make an aggregate of
two Demand Requests.
 
  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Initiating Holder
shall have the right to request registration pursuant to this section 2.1 and
specify that one of the methods of disposition of Registrable Securities shall
be a block trade or trades involving Registrable Securities held by the
Initiating Holder and that, in connection therewith, the Company shall file
with the Commission a registration statement under Rule 415
 
                                      G-1
<PAGE>
 
covering all of the Registrable Securities to be sold in the block trade or
trades. In such case, the Company shall file an appropriate shelf registration
statement with the Commission as promptly as reasonably practicable and in
accordance with the provisions of section 2.3. Subject to the provisions of
section 2.1(d), any shelf registration which involves a block trade or block
trades as an intended method of disposition, whether or not any such block
trade is made, shall be considered as the exercise of one of the two Demand
Requests permitted by this section 2.1(a). Notwithstanding anything herein to
the contrary, it is understood and agreed that the Initiating Holder shall not
be entitled to make a Demand Request for registration pursuant to this section
2.1(a) until the date which is the sixtieth day after the Effective Time and,
in the event the Initiating Holder makes such a request, the Company shall use
its best efforts to file a registration statement with the Commission with
respect to such request not later than the thirtieth day following such
request. It is furthermore understood and agreed that if the Initiating Holder
makes a Demand Request on or within ten days after such sixtieth day, the
provisions of section 2.1(g) shall not apply and the Company shall not be
entitled to initiate a Delay Period as therein provided, except as required by
applicable law arising from events outside of the control of the Company.
 
  (b) Registration Statement Form. Registrations under this section 2.1 shall
be on such appropriate registration form of the Commission (i) as shall be
selected by the Company and, as shall be reasonably acceptable to the
Initiating Holder of the Registrable Securities so to be registered and (ii)
as shall permit the disposition of such Registrable Securities in accordance
with the intended method or methods of disposition specified in the request
for such registration.
 
  (c) Expenses. The Company will pay all Registration Expenses in connection
with any registration requested pursuant to this section 2.1 (including any
registration deemed not to be "effected" under section 2.1).
 
  (d) Effective Registration Statement. A registration requested pursuant to
this section 2.1 shall not be deemed to have been effected (and therefore not
requested for purposes of the limitations in section 2.1(a) on the number of
requests for registration that can be made pursuant to section 2.1(a)) (i)
unless a registration statement with respect thereto has become effective and
the holders of Registrable Securities have sold at least 90% of the
Registrable Securities which they have requested the Company to register,
provided that a registration which does not become effective after the Company
has filed a registration statement with respect thereto solely by reason of
the refusal to proceed of the Initiating Holder (other than a refusal to
proceed based upon the advice of counsel relating to a matter with respect to
the Company) shall be deemed to have been effected by the Company at the
request of the Initiating Holder unless the Initiating Holder shall have
elected to pay all Registration Expenses in connection with such registration,
(ii) if, after it has become effective, such registration becomes subject to
any stop order, injunction or other order or requirement of the Commission or
other governmental agency or court for any reason, or (iii) if the conditions
to closing specified in the purchase agreement or underwriting agreement
entered into in connection with such registration are not satisfied, other
than by reason of some act or omission by the Initiating Holder or any other
holder of Registrable Securities.
 
  (e) Selection of Underwriters. If a requested registration pursuant to this
section 2.1 involves an underwritten offering, the underwriter or underwriters
thereof shall be selected by the Initiating Holder from a list of underwriters
to be agreed upon by the Initiating Holder and the Company.
 
  (f) Priority in Requested Registrations. If a requested registration
pursuant to this section 2.1 involves an underwritten offering, and the
managing underwriter shall advise the Company in writing (with a copy to each
holder of Registrable Securities requesting registration) that, in its
opinion, the number of securities requested to be included in such
registration (including securities of the Company which are not Registrable
Securities) exceeds the number which can be sold in such offering within a
price range acceptable to the holders of a majority of the Registrable
Securities requested to be included in such registration, the Company will
include in such registration, to the extent of the number which the Company is
so advised can be sold in such offering, (i) first, Registrable Securities
requested to be included in such registration by any holders of Registrable
Securities, pro rata among such holders requesting such registration on the
basis of the number of such securities requested to be included by such
holders and (ii) second, subject to section 2.1(a) hereof, securities the
Company proposes to sell and other securities of the Company included in such
registration by other holders who may have "piggyback" or incidental
registration rights.
 
                                      G-2
<PAGE>
 
  (g) Delay Periods. The Company shall be entitled to postpone the filing of
any registration statement otherwise required to be prepared and filed by the
Company pursuant to this section 2, or suspend the use of any effective
registration statement under this section 2, for a reasonable period of time,
but not in excess of 90 days (a "Delay Period"), if any executive officer of
the Company determines that in such executive officer's reasonable good faith
judgment the registration and distribution of the Registrable Securities
covered or to be covered by such registration statement would materially
interfere with any pending material financing, acquisition or corporate
reorganization or other material corporate development involving the Company
or any of its subsidiaries or would require premature disclosure thereof and
promptly gives the Initiating Holder written notice of such determination, and
an approximation of the period of the anticipated delay; provided, however,
that (i) the aggregate number of days included in all Delay Periods during any
consecutive 12 months shall not exceed the aggregate of 180 days and (ii) a
period of at least 90 days shall elapse between the termination of any Delay
Period and the commencement of the immediately succeeding Delay Period.
Immediately upon receipt of a written notice of suspension, each holder of
Registrable Securities shall cease all disposition efforts with respect to
Registrable Securities held by such holder. If the Company shall so postpone
the filing of a registration statement, the Holders of Registrable Shares to
be registered shall have the right to withdraw the request for registration by
giving written notice within 45 days after receipt of the notice of
postponement or, if earlier, the termination of such Delay Period (and, in the
event of such withdrawal, such request shall not be counted for purposes of
determining the number of Demand Requests for registration to which the
Initiating Holder of Registrable Shares is entitled pursuant to this section
2). The time period for which the Company is required to maintain the
effectiveness of any registration statement shall be extended by the aggregate
number of days of all Delay Periods during such registration. The Company
shall not be entitled to initiate a Delay Period unless it shall (A) to the
extent permitted by agreements with other security holders of the Company,
concurrently prohibit sales by such other security holders under registration
statements covering securities held by such other security holders and (B) in
the case of a delay arising as a result of premature disclosure, in accordance
with the Company's policies from time to time in effect, forbid purchases and
sales in the open market by senior executives of the Company.
 
  2.2 Incidental Registration.
 
  (a) Right to Include Registrable Securities. If the Company at any time
proposes to register any of its shares of Common Stock (other than in
connection with a registration of securities which are convertible or
exchangeable into Common Stock) under the Securities Act (other than by a
registration on Form S-4 or S-8, or any successor or similar forms and other
than pursuant to section 2.1), whether or not for sale for its own account, it
will each such time give prompt written notice to all holders of Registrable
Securities of its intention to do so and of such holders' rights under this
section 2.2. Upon the written request of any such holder made within 30 days
after the receipt of any such notice (which request shall specify the
Registrable Securities intended to be disposed of by such holder and the
intended method or methods of disposition thereof), the Company will, subject
to the terms of this Agreement, use its best efforts to effect the
registration under the Securities Act of all Registrable Securities which the
Company has been so requested to register by the holders thereof, to the
extent requisite to permit the disposition (in accordance with the intended
method or methods of distribution thereof specified in the requests of such
holders) of the Registrable Securities so to be registered, by inclusion of
such Registrable Securities in the registration statement which covers the
securities which the Company proposes to register; provided that if, at any
time after giving written notice of its intention to register any securities
and prior to the effective date of the registration statement filed in
connection with such registration, the Company shall determine for any reason
either not to register or to delay registration of such securities, the
Company may, at its election, give written notice of such determination to
each holder of Registrable Securities and, thereupon, (i) in the case of a
determination not to register, shall be relieved of its obligation to register
any Registrable Securities in connection with such registration (but not from
its obligation to pay the Registration Expenses in connection therewith),
without prejudice, however, to the rights of any holder or holders of
Registrable Securities entitled to do so to request that such registration be
effected as a registration under section 2.1, and (ii) in the case of a
determination to delay registering, shall be permitted to delay registering
any Registrable Securities, for the same period as the delay in registering
such other securities. No registration effected under this section 2.2 shall
relieve the Company of its obligation to effect any registration upon request
under section 2.1, nor shall
 
                                      G-3
<PAGE>
 
any such registration hereunder be deemed to have been effected pursuant to
section 2.1. The Company will pay all Registration Expenses in connection with
each registration of Registrable Securities requested pursuant to this section
2.2, and each Requesting Holder whose Registrable Securities are included in a
registration requested pursuant to this section 2.2 will pay any underwriting
discounts and commissions and fees of such holder's counsel in connection
therewith.
 
  (b) Priority in Incidental Registrations. If (i) a registration pursuant to
this section 2.2 involves an underwritten offering of the securities so being
registered, whether or not for sale for the account of the Company, to be
distributed (on a firm commitment basis) by or through one or more
underwriters of recognized standing under underwriting terms appropriate for
such a transaction, (ii) the Registrable Securities so requested to be
registered for sale for the account of holders of Registrable Securities are
not also to be included in such underwritten offering (either because the
Company has not been requested so to include such Registrable Securities
pursuant to section 2.4(b) or, if requested to do so, is not obligated to do
so under section 2.4(b)), and (iii) the managing underwriter of such
underwritten offering shall inform the Company and holders of the Registrable
Securities requesting such registration by letter of its belief that the
number of securities requested to be included in such registration exceeds the
number which can be sold in (or during the time of) such offering, then the
Company will include in such registration:
 
    (i) first, all the securities the Company proposes to sell for its own
  account,
 
    (ii) second, all securities of any other holder who has made a demand for
  registration, and
 
    (iii) third, to the extent that the number of securities which the
  Company and any such other holders proposed to include pursuant to clauses
  (i) and (ii) is less than the number of securities which the Company has
  been advised can be sold in such offering, the number of such Registrable
  Securities requested to be included in such registration by the Requesting
  Holders pursuant to this section 2.2(a) hereof shall be allocated pro rata
  among all such Requesting Holders on the basis of the relative number of
  Registrable Securities each such holder has requested to be included in
  such registration.
 
  2.3 Registration Procedures. Subject to section 2.1(a), if and whenever the
Company is required to effect the registration of any Registrable Securities
under the Securities Act as provided in sections 2.1 and 2.2, the Company
shall, as expeditiously as reasonably possible:
 
     (i) prepare and file with the Commission the requisite registration
  statement to effect such registration (including such audited financial
  statements as may be required by the Securities Act or the rules and
  regulations promulgated thereunder) and thereafter cause such registration
  statement to become and remain effective for a period of at least 120 days,
  provided, however that the Company may discontinue any registration of its
  securities which are not Registrable Securities (and, under the
  circumstances specified in section 2.2(a), its securities which are
  Registrable Securities) at any time prior to the effective date of the
  registration statement relating thereto;
 
    (ii) prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and supplements
  to such registration statement and the prospectus used in connection
  therewith as may be necessary to keep such registration statement effective
  for a period of at least 120 days and to comply with the provisions of the
  Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by
  such registration statement until the earlier of such time as all of such
  securities have been disposed of in accordance with the intended methods of
  disposition by the seller or sellers thereof set forth in such registration
  statement or such other time as is required by the Securities Act;
 
    (iii) permit any holder of Registrable Securities which holder, in its
  reasonable judgment, might be deemed to be an underwriter or a controlling
  person of the Company, to participate in the preparation of such
  registration or comparable statement and to require the insertion therein
  of material, furnished to the Company in writing, which in the reasonable
  judgment of such holder and its counsel should be included;
 
                                      G-4
<PAGE>
 
    (iv) furnish to each seller of Registrable Securities covered by such
  registration statement and each Requesting Holder and each underwriter, if
  any, of the securities being sold by such seller such number of conformed
  copies of such registration statement and of each such amendment and
  supplement thereto (in each case including all exhibits), such number of
  copies of the prospectus contained in such registration statement
  (including each preliminary prospectus and any summary prospectus) and any
  other prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act, in
  conformity with the requirements of the Securities Act, and such other
  documents, as such seller and underwriter, if any, may reasonably request;
 
    (v) use its best efforts to register or qualify all Registrable
  Securities and other securities covered by such registration statement
  under such other state securities laws or blue sky laws of such
  jurisdictions as any seller thereof and any underwriter of the securities
  being sold by such seller and any Requesting Holder shall reasonably
  request, to keep such registrations or qualifications in effect for so long
  as such registration statement remains in effect, and take any other action
  which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable such seller and
  underwriter to consummate the disposition in such jurisdictions of the
  securities owned by such seller, except that the Company shall not for any
  such purpose be required to qualify generally to do business as a foreign
  corporation in any jurisdiction wherein it would not but for the
  requirements of this subsection (v) be obligated to be so qualified or to
  consent to general service of process in any such jurisdiction;
 
    (vi) furnish to each seller of Registrable Securities and each Requesting
  Holder a signed counterpart, addressed to such seller, such Requesting
  Holder and the underwriters, if any, of:
 
      (X) an opinion of counsel for the Company (which shall be outside
    counsel if outside counsel is rendering such opinion in the transaction
    and otherwise may be the Company's inside counsel), dated the effective
    date of such registration statement (or, if such registration includes
    an underwritten public offering, an opinion dated the date of the
    closing under the underwriting agreement), customary for a transaction
    of such type, and
 
      (Y) a "comfort" letter (or, in the case of any such Person which does
    not satisfy the conditions for receipt of a "comfort" letter specified
    in Statement on Auditing Standards No. 72, an "agreed upon procedures"
    letter), dated the effective date of such registration statement (and,
    if such registration includes an underwritten public offering, a letter
    of like kind dated the date of the closing under the underwriting
    agreement), signed by the independent public accountants who have
    certified the Company's financial statements included in such
    registration statement,
 
  covering substantially the same matters with respect to such registration
  statement (and the prospectus included therein) and, in the case of the
  accountants' letter, with respect to events subsequent to the date of such
  financial statements, as are customarily covered in opinions of issuer's
  counsel and in accountants' letters delivered to the underwriters in
  underwritten public offerings of securities (with, in the case of an
  "agreed upon procedure" letter, such modifications or deletions as may be
  required under Statement on Auditing Standards No. 35) and, in the case of
  the accountants' letter, such other financial matters customarily covered
  in a transaction of such type;
 
    (vii) notify the holders of Registrable Securities and the managing
  underwriter or underwriters, if any, promptly:
 
      (V) when the registration statement, the prospectus or any prospectus
    supplement related thereto or post-effective amendment to the
    registration statement has been filed, and, with respect to the
    registration statement or any post-effective amendment thereto, when
    the same has become effective;
 
      (W) of any request by the Commission for amendments or supplements to
    the registration statement or the prospectus or for additional
    information;
 
      (X) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending
    the effectiveness of the registration statement or the initiation of
    any proceedings by any Person for that purpose;
 
      (Y) if at any time the representations and warranties of the Company
    made as contemplated by section 2.4 below cease to be true and correct;
    and
 
                                      G-5
<PAGE>
 
      (Z) of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to
    the suspension of the qualification of any Registrable Securities for
    sale under the securities or blue sky laws of any jurisdiction or the
    initiation or threat of any proceeding for such purpose;
 
    (viii) notify each seller of Registrable Securities covered by such
  registration statement and each Requesting Holder, at any time when a
  prospectus relating thereto is required to be delivered under the
  Securities Act, upon the Company's discovery that, or upon the happening of
  any event as a result of which, the prospectus included in such
  registration statement, as then in effect, includes an untrue statement of
  a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated
  therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in the
  light of the circumstances under which they were made, and at the request
  of any such seller or Requesting Holder promptly prepare and furnish to
  such seller or Requesting Holder and each underwriter, if any, a reasonable
  number of copies of a supplement to or an amendment of such prospectus as
  may be necessary so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of such
  securities, such prospectus shall not include an untrue statement of a
  material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated
  therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in the
  light of the circumstances under which they were made;
 
    (ix) make every reasonable effort to obtain the withdrawal of any order
  suspending the effectiveness of the registration statement at the earliest
  possible moment;
 
    (x) otherwise use its best efforts to comply with all applicable rules
  and regulations of the Commission, and, if required, make available to its
  security holders, as soon as reasonably practicable, an earnings statement
  covering the period of at least twelve months, but not more than eighteen
  months, beginning with the first day of the Company's first full calendar
  quarter after the effective date of such registration statement, which
  earnings statement shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the
  Securities Act and Rule 158 thereunder, and will use its best efforts to
  furnish to each such seller and each Requesting Holder at least one
  business day prior to the filing thereof a copy of any amendment or
  supplement to such registration statement or prospectus and shall not file
  any thereof to which any such seller or any Requesting Holder shall have
  reasonably objected on the grounds that such amendment or supplement does
  not comply in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities
  Act or of the rules or regulations thereunder;
 
    (xi) provide and cause to be maintained a transfer agent and registrar
  for all Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement from
  and after a date not later than the effective date of such registration
  statement; and
 
    (xii) use its best efforts to list all Registrable Securities covered by
  such registration statement on any securities exchange on which any of the
  securities of the same class as the Registrable Securities are then listed.
 
  The Company will not file any registration statement or amendment thereto or
any prospectus or any supplement thereto to which the holders of at least a
majority of the Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement
or the underwriter or underwriters, if any, shall reasonably object.
 
  The Company may require each seller of Registrable Securities as to which
any registration is being effected to furnish the Company such information
regarding such seller and the distribution of such securities as the Company
may from time to time reasonably request in writing.
 
  Each holder of Registrable Securities agrees by acquisition of such
Registrable Securities that, upon receipt of any notice from the Company of
the occurrence of any event of the kind described in paragraph (ix) of this
section 2.3, such holder will forthwith discontinue such holder's disposition
of Registrable Securities pursuant to the registration statement relating to
such Registrable Securities until such holder's receipt of the copies of the
supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by paragraph (ix) of this
section 2.3 and, if so directed by the Company, will deliver to the Company
(at the Company's expense) all copies, other than permanent file copies, then
in such holder's possession of the prospectus relating to such Registrable
Securities current at the
 
                                      G-6
<PAGE>
 
time of receipt of such notice. In the event the Company shall give any such
notice, the period mentioned in paragraph (ii) of this section 2.3 shall be
extended by the length of the period from and including the date when each
seller of any Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement
shall have received such notice to the date on which each such seller has
received the copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by
paragraph (ix) of this section 2.3.
 
  If any such registration statement refers to any holder of Registrable
Securities by name or otherwise as the holder of any securities of the
Company, then such holder shall have the right to require (i) the insertion
therein of language, in form and substance satisfactory to such holder, to the
effect that the holding by such holder of such securities does not necessarily
make such holder a "controlling person" of the Company within the meaning of
the Securities Act and is not to be construed as a recommendation by such
holder of the investment quality of the Company's securities covered thereby
and that such holding does not imply that such holder will assist in meeting
any future financial requirements of the Company, or (ii) in the event that
such reference to such holder by name or otherwise is not required by the
Securities Act or any similar federal statute then in force, the deletion of
the reference to such holder.
 
  2.4 Underwritten Offerings:
 
    (a) Requested Underwritten Offerings. If requested by the underwriters
  for any underwritten offering by holders of Registrable Securities pursuant
  to a registration requested under section 2.1, the Company will enter into
  an underwriting or similar agreement with such underwriters for such
  offering, such agreement to be reasonably satisfactory in substance and
  form to the Company, each such holder and the underwriters, and to contain
  such representations and warranties by the Company and such other terms as
  are generally prevailing in agreements of this type, including, without
  limitation, indemnities to the effect and to the extent provided in section
  2.7. The holders of the Registrable Securities will cooperate with the
  Company in the negotiation of the underwriting or similar agreement and
  will give consideration to the reasonable suggestions of the Company
  regarding the form thereof, provided that nothing herein contained shall
  diminish the foregoing obligations of the Company. The holders of
  Registrable Securities to be distributed by such underwriters shall be
  parties to such underwriting agreement and may, at their option, require
  that any or all of the representations and warranties by, and the other
  agreements on the part of, the Company to and for the benefit of such
  underwriters shall also be made to and for the benefit of such holders of
  Registrable Securities and that any or all of the conditions precedent to
  the obligations of such underwriters under such underwriting agreement be
  conditions precedent to the obligations of such holders of Registrable
  Securities. No underwriting or similar agreement shall require any holder
  of Registrable Securities to make any representations or warranties to or
  agreements with the Company or the underwriters other than representations
  and warranties or agreements regarding such holder, such holder's
  Registrable Securities and such holder's intended method or methods of
  distribution and any other representation required by law or to make any
  agreements with the Company or the underwriters with respect to
  indemnification of any Person or the contribution obligations of any Person
  that would impose any obligation which is broader than the indemnity
  furnished by such holder pursuant to the provisions of section 2.7. In
  addition, the Requesting Holders shall cooperate with the Company in an
  effort to provide that any such agreement will contain a provision
  modifying the indemnification of the underwriter to the effect that the
  Company will not be liable to any Person who participates as an underwriter
  in the offering or sale of Registrable Securities with respect to any
  preliminary prospectus, to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or
  liability of such underwriter results from such underwriter having sold
  Registrable Securities to a person to whom there was not sent or given, at
  or prior to the written confirmation of such sale, a copy of the final
  prospectus, if the Company has previously furnished thereof to such
  underwriter and such final prospectus as then amended or supplemented, has
  corrected any such misstatement or omission.
 
    (b) Incidental Underwritten Offerings. If the Company at any time
  proposes to register any of its securities under the Securities Act as
  contemplated by section 2.2 and such securities are to be distributed by or
  through one or more underwriters, the Company will, if requested by any
  holder of Registrable
 
                                      G-7
<PAGE>
 
  Securities as provided in section 2.2 and subject to the provisions of
  section 2.2(b), use its best efforts to arrange for such underwriters to
  include all the Registrable Securities to be offered and sold by such
  holder among the securities to be distributed by such underwriters. The
  holders of Registrable Securities to be distributed by such underwriters
  shall be parties to the underwriting agreement between the Company and such
  underwriters and may, at their option, require that any or all of the
  representations and warranties by, and the other agreements on the part of,
  the Company to and for the benefit of such underwriters shall also be made
  to and for the benefit of such holders of Registrable Securities and that
  any or all of the conditions precedent to the obligations of such
  underwriters under such underwriting agreement be conditions precedent to
  the obligations of such holders of Registrable Securities. Any such holder
  of Registrable Securities shall not be required to make any representations
  or warranties to or agreements with the Company or the underwriters other
  than representations, warranties or agreements regarding such holder, such
  holder's Registrable Securities and such holder's intended method of
  distribution and any other representation required by law or to make any
  agreements with the Company or the underwriters with respect to
  indemnification of any Person or the contribution obligations of any Person
  that would impose any obligation which is broader than the indemnity
  furnished by such holder pursuant to the provisions of section 2.7. In
  addition, the Requesting Holders shall cooperate with the Company in an
  effort to provide that any such agreement will contain a provision
  modifying the indemnification of the underwriter to the effect that the
  Company will not be liable to any Person who participates as an underwriter
  in the offering or sale of Registrable Securities with respect to any
  preliminary prospectus, to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or
  liability of such underwriter results from such underwriter having sold
  Registrable Securities to a person to whom there was not sent or given, at
  or prior to the written confirmation of such sale, a copy of the final
  prospectus, if the Company has previously furnished thereof to such
  underwriter and such final prospectus as then amended or supplemented, has
  corrected any such misstatement or omission.
 
    (c) Holdback Agreements.
 
      (i) Each holder of Registrable Securities agrees by acquisition of
    such Registrable Securities, if and to the extent so required by the
    managing underwriter, not to sell, make any short sale of, loan, grant
    any option for the purchase of, effect any public sale or distribution
    of or otherwise dispose of any securities of the Company, during the 7
    days prior to and the 90 days after any underwritten registration
    pursuant to section 2.1 or 2.2 has become effective, except as part of
    such underwritten registration, whether or not such holder participates
    in such registration, provided that the foregoing restrictions shall
    not apply with regard to the transfer by the Holders of Registrable
    Securities to any Affiliate or to any other transferee in a private
    transaction not requiring registration under the Securities Act, or to
    any bona fide pledge of such Registrable Securities, provided that such
    Affiliate or other transferee and/or lender or creditor acknowledges in
    writing that it is bound by the provisions of this section 2.4(c). Each
    holder of Registrable Securities agrees that the Company may instruct
    its transfer agent to place stop transfer notations in its records to
    enforce this section 2.4(c).
 
      (ii) The Company agrees (X) if so required by the managing
    underwriter not to sell, make any short sale of, loan, grant any option
    for the purchase of, effect any public sale or distribution of or
    otherwise dispose of its equity securities or securities convertible
    into or exchangeable or exercisable for any of such securities during
    the seven days prior to and the 90 days after any underwritten
    registration pursuant to section 2.1 or 2.2 has become effective,
    except as part of such underwritten registration and except pursuant to
    registrations on Form S-4, S-8, or any successor or similar forms
    thereto, and (Y) to cause each holder of its securities purchased from
    the Company at any time after the date of this Agreement (other than in
    a public offering) to agree not to sell, make any short sale of, loan,
    grant any option for the purchase of, effect any public sale or
    distribution of or otherwise dispose of such securities during such
    periods.
 
    (d) Participation in Underwritten Offerings. No Person may participate in
  any underwritten offering hereunder unless such Person (i) agrees to sell
  such Person's securities on the basis provided in any underwriting
  arrangements approved, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, by the
  Company and the
 
                                      G-8
<PAGE>
 
  holders of a majority of Registrable Securities to be included in such
  underwritten offering and (ii) completes and executes all questionnaires,
  indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents (other than powers
  of attorney) required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.
  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no underwriting agreement (or other
  agreement in connection with such offering) shall require any holder of
  Registrable Securities to make any representations or warranties to or
  agreements with the Company or the underwriters other than representations
  and warranties regarding such holder, such holder's Registrable Securities
  and such holder's intended method or methods of distribution and any other
  representation required by law or to make any agreements with the Company
  or the underwriters with respect to indemnification of any Person or the
  contribution obligations of any Person that would impose any obligation
  which is broader than the indemnity furnished by such holder pursuant to
  the provisions of section 2.7.
 
  2.5 Preparation; Reasonable Investigation. In connection with the
preparation and filing of each registration statement under the Securities Act
pursuant to this Agreement, the Company will give the holders of Registrable
Securities registered under such registration statement, their underwriters,
if any, each Requesting Holder and their respective counsel and accountants,
the opportunity to participate in the preparation of such registration
statement, each prospectus included therein or filed with the Commission, and
each amendment thereof or supplement thereto, and will give each of them such
reasonable access during normal business hours to its books and records and
such opportunities to discuss the business of the Company with its officers
and the independent public accountants who have certified its financial
statements as shall be necessary, in the opinion of such holders' and such
underwriters' respective counsel, to conduct a reasonable investigation within
the meaning of the Securities Act.
 
  2.6 Rights of Requesting Holders. The Company will not file any registration
statement relating to Common Stock under the Securities Act (other than by a
registration on Form S-4 or Form S-8 or in connection with a registration of
securities which are convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock),
unless it shall first have given to each holder of Registrable Securities (who
would be entitled to participate in such registration) at the time outstanding
(other than any such Person who acquired all such securities held by such
Person in a public offering registered under the Securities Act or as the
direct or indirect transferee of shares initially issued in such an offering),
at least 30 days prior written notice thereof. Any such Person who shall so
request within 30 days after such notice (a "Requesting Holder") shall have
the rights of a Requesting Holder provided in sections 2.3, 2.5 and 2.7. In
addition, if any such registration statement refers to any Requesting Holder
by name or otherwise (other than through a document filed by or on behalf of
any Requesting Holder which is incorporated by reference) as the holder of any
securities of the Company, then such holder shall have the right to require
(a) the insertion therein of language, in form and substance satisfactory to
such holder, to the effect that the holding by such holder of such securities
does not necessarily make such holder a "controlling person" of the Company
within the meaning of the Securities Act and is not to be construed as a
recommendation by such holder of the investment quality of the Company's debt
or equity securities covered thereby and that such holding does not imply that
such holder will assist in meeting any future financial requirements of the
Company, or (b) in the event that such reference to such holder by name or
otherwise is not required by the Securities Act or any rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder, the deletion of the reference to such holder.
 
  2.7 Indemnification.
 
    (a) Indemnification by the Company. In the event of any registration of
  any securities of the Company under the Securities Act, the Company will,
  and hereby does agree to, indemnify and hold harmless (i) in the case of
  any registration statement filed pursuant to section 2.1 or 2.2, the holder
  of any Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement and
  its partners, if any, its and their respective directors, officers,
  partners, agents and Affiliates, each other Person who participates as an
  underwriter in the offering or sale of such securities and each other
  Person, if any, who controls such holder or any such underwriter within the
  meaning of the Securities Act, and (ii) in the case of any registration
  statement of the Company, any Requesting Holder and its partners, if any,
  its and their respective directors, officers, partners, agents and
  Affiliates and each other Person, if any, who controls such Requesting
  Holder within
  the meaning of the Securities Act, against any losses, claims, damages or
  liabilities, joint or several, to
 
                                      G-9
<PAGE>
 
  which such holder or Requesting Holder or partner thereof or any such
  director or officer or partner or agent or Affiliate or underwriter or
  controlling person may become subject under the Securities Act or
  otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or
  actions or proceedings, whether commenced or threatened, in respect
  thereof) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged
  untrue statement of any material fact contained in any registration
  statement under which such securities were registered under the Securities
  Act, any preliminary prospectus, final prospectus or summary prospectus
  contained therein, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or any omission
  or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated
  therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and the
  Company will reimburse such holder, such Requesting Holder, their
  respective partners and each such director, officer, partner, agent,
  Affiliate, underwriter and controlling person for any legal or any other
  expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or
  defending any such loss, claim, liability, action or proceeding, provided,
  that the Company shall not be liable in any such case to the extent that
  any such loss, claim, damage, liability (or action or proceeding in respect
  thereof) or expense arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or
  alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in such
  registration statement, any such preliminary prospectus, final prospectus,
  summary prospectus, amendment or supplement in reliance upon and in
  conformity with written information furnished to the Company through an
  instrument duly executed by such holder or Requesting Holder, as the case
  may be, specifically stating that it is for use in the preparation thereof.
  Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any
  investigation made by or on behalf of such holder or such Requesting Holder
  or partner thereof or any such director, officer, partner, agent,
  Affiliate, underwriter or controlling person and shall survive the transfer
  of such securities by such holder. The indemnity agreement contained in
  this section 2.7(a) shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any
  such loss, claim, damage, liability, action or proceeding if such
  settlement is effected without the consent of the Company.
 
   (b) Indemnification by the Sellers. The Company may require, as a
  condition to including any Registrable Securities in any registration
  statement filed pursuant to section 2.3, that the Company shall have
  received an undertaking reasonably satisfactory to it from the prospective
  seller of such Registrable Securities, to indemnify severally and hold
  harmless (in the same manner and to the same extent as set forth in
  subsection (a) of this section 2.7) the Company, each director of the
  Company, each officer of the Company and each other person, if any, who
  controls the Company within the meaning of the Securities Act, with respect
  to any statement or alleged statement in or omission or alleged omission
  from such registration statement, any preliminary prospectus, final
  prospectus or summary prospectus contained therein, or any amendment or
  supplement thereto, if such statement or alleged statement or omission or
  alleged omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with written
  information furnished to the Company through an instrument duly executed by
  such seller specifically stating that it is for use in the preparation of
  such registration statement, preliminary prospectus, final prospectus,
  summary prospectus, amendment or supplement. Any such indemnity shall
  remain in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by or
  on behalf of the Company or any such director, officer or controlling
  person and shall survive the transfer of such securities by such seller.
  The indemnity agreement provided for in this section 2.7(b) shall not apply
  to amounts paid in settlement of any such loss, claim, damage, liability,
  action or proceeding if such settlement is effected without the consent of
  such seller (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld). The parties
  hereto hereby acknowledge and agree that, unless otherwise expressly agreed
  to in writing by holders of Registrable Securities to the contrary, for all
  purposes of this Agreement the only information furnished or to be
  furnished to the Company for use in any registration statement, any
  preliminary prospectus, final prospectus or summary prospectus contained
  therein, or any amendment or supplement thereto are statements specifically
  relating to (i) transactions between such holder and its Affiliates, on the
  one hand, and the Company, on the other hand, (ii) the beneficial ownership
  of shares of Common Stock by such holders and its Affiliates, (iii) the
  name and address of such holder and (iv) solely in offerings that are
  underwritten offerings, the method or methods of distribution of such
  holders. The indemnity provided for under this section 2.7(b) shall be
  limited in amount to the net amount of proceeds actually received by such
  seller from the sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to such
  registration statement.
 
                                     G-10
<PAGE>
 
    (c) Notices of Claims, etc. Promptly after receipt by an indemnified
  party of notice of the commencement of any action or proceeding involving a
  claim referred to in the preceding subsections of this section 2.7, such
  indemnified party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against
  an indemnifying party, give written notice to the latter of the
  commencement of such action, provided that the failure of any indemnified
  party to give notice as provided herein shall not relieve the indemnifying
  party of its obligations under the preceding subsections of this section
  2.7, except to the extent that the indemnifying party is actually
  prejudiced by such failure to give notice. In case any such action is
  brought against an indemnified party, unless in such indemnified party's
  reasonable judgment a conflict of interest between such indemnified and
  indemnifying parties may exist in respect of such claim, the indemnifying
  party shall be entitled to participate in and to assume the defense
  thereof, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, to
  the extent that the indemnifying party may wish, with counsel reasonably
  satisfactory to such indemnified party, and after notice from the
  indemnifying party to such indemnified party of its election so to assume
  the defense thereof, the indemnifying party shall not be liable to such
  indemnified party for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by
  the latter in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable
  costs of investigation. No indemnifying party shall, without the consent of
  the indemnified party, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any
  settlement of any such action which does not include as an unconditional
  term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnified
  party of a release from all liability, or a covenant not to sue, in respect
  to such claim or litigation. No indemnified party shall consent to entry of
  any judgment or enter into any settlement of any such action the defense of
  which has been assumed by an indemnifying party without the consent of such
  indemnifying party.
 
    (d) Indemnification Payments. The indemnification required by this
  section 2.7 shall be made by periodic payments of the amount thereof during
  the course of the investigation or defense, as and when bills are received
  or expense, loss, damage or liability is incurred.
 
    (e) Contribution. If the indemnification provided for in the preceding
  subsections of this section 2.7 is unavailable to an indemnified party in
  respect of any expense, loss, claim, damage or liability referred to
  therein, then each indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such
  indemnified party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such
  indemnified party as a result of such expense, loss, claim, damage or
  liability in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative
  benefits and the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the
  holder or underwriter, as the case may be, on the other in connection with
  the distribution of the Registrable Securities and the statements or
  omissions which result in any expense, loss, damage or liability, as well
  as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the
  Company on the one hand and of the holder or underwriter, as the case may
  be, on the other shall be determined by reference to, among other things,
  whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or
  omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the
  Company, by the holder or by the underwriter and the parties' relative
  intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or
  prevent such statement or omission.
 
  The Company and the holders of Registrable Securities agree that it would
not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this subsection (e) were
determined by pro rata allocation (even if the holders, Requesting Holders and
any underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other
method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable
considerations referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph. The amount
paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims,
damages and liabilities referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph
shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth in the
preceding sentence and subsection (c) of this section 2.7, any legal or other
expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with
investigating or defending any such action or claim.
 
 Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection (e), no holder of
Registrable Securities or underwriter shall be required to contribute any
amount in excess of the amount by which (i) in the case of any such holder the
net proceeds received by such holder from the sale of Registrable Securities
or (ii) in the case of an underwriter, the
 
                                     G-11
<PAGE>
 
total price at which the Registrable Securities purchased by it and
distributed to the public were offered to the public exceeds, in any such
case, the amount of any damages that such holder or underwriter has otherwise
been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or
omission. No Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning
of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from
any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. No party
shall be liable for contribution under this section 2.7 except to the extent
and under such circumstances as such party would have been liable to indemnify
under this section 2.7 if such indemnification were enforceable under
applicable law.
 
  3. Definitions. As used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, the
following terms have the following respective meanings.
 
    Affiliate: As defined in Rule 12b-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act.
 
    Beneficially Own or Beneficial Ownership: With respect to any securities
  shall mean having "beneficial ownership" of such securities (as determined
  pursuant to rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), including pursuant to any
  agreement, arrangement or understanding, whether or not in writing. Without
  duplicative counting of the same securities by the same holder, securities
  Beneficially Owned by a person shall include securities Beneficially Owned
  by all Affiliates of such Person and all other Persons with whom such
  person would constitute a "group" within the meaning of Section 13 (d) of
  the Exchange Act and the rules promulgated thereunder.
 
    Commission: The Securities and Exchange Commission or any other Federal
  agency at the time administering the Securities Act.
 
    Common Stock: As defined in section 1.
 
    Company: As defined in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.
 
    Delay Period: As defined in section 2.1(g).
 
    Demand Request: As defined in section 2.1(a).
 
    Effective Time: As defined in the Merger Agreement.
 
    Exchange Act: The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or any similar Federal
  Statute, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, all as
  the same shall be in effect at the time. Reference to a particular section
  of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 shall include a reference to the
  comparable Section, if any, of any such similar federal statute.
 
    Initiating Holder: Holders of at least 50% of the Registrable Securities.
 
    Merger Agreement: As defined in section 1.
 
    Person: A corporation, an association, a partnership, an organization,
  business, an individual, a governmental or political subdivision thereof or
  a governmental agency.
 
    Registrable Securities: The Common Stock issued to 399 Venture pursuant
  to the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and any securities
  issued or issuable with respect to any Common Stock by way of stock
  dividend or stock split or in connection with a combination of shares,
  recapitalization, merger, consolidation or other reorganization or
  otherwise. As to any particular Registrable Securities, once issued, such
  securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities when (a) a registration
  statement with respect to the sale of such securities shall have become
  effective under the Securities Act and such securities have been disposed
  of in accordance with such registration statement, (b) they shall have been
  distributed to the public pursuant to Rule 144 (or any successor provision)
  under the Securities Act, or (c) they shall have ceased to be outstanding.
 
    Registration Expenses: All expenses incident to the Company's performance
  of or compliance with section 2, including, without limitation, all
  registration, filing and NASD fees, all stock exchange listing fees, all
  fees and expenses of complying with securities or blue sky laws, all word
  processing, duplicating
 
                                     G-12
<PAGE>
 
  and printing expenses, messenger and delivery expenses, the fees and
  disbursements of counsel for the Company and of its independent public
  accountants, including the expenses of any special audits or "cold comfort"
  letters required by or incident to such performance and compliance, and any
  fees and disbursements of underwriters customarily paid by issuers or
  sellers or securities, but excluding underwriting discounts and commissions
  and transfer taxes, if any.
 
    Requesting Holder: As defined in section 2.6.
 
    Securities Act: The Securities Act of 1933, or any similar Federal
  statute, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, all as
  of the same shall be in effect at the time. References to a particular
  section of the Securities Act of 1933 shall include a reference to the
  comparable Section, if any, of any such similar Federal Statute.
 
  4. Rule 144. The Company shall timely file the reports required to be filed
by it under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act (including but not limited
to the reports under sections 13 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act referred to in
subparagraph (c) of Rule 144 adopted by the Commission under the Securities
Act) and the rules and regulations adopted by the Commission thereunder and
will take such further action as any holder of Registrable Securities may
reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable
such holder to sell Registrable Securities without registration under the
Securities Act within the limitation of the exemptions provided by (a) Rule
144 under the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time,
or (b) any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission.
Upon the request of any holder of Registrable Securities, the Company will (a)
deliver to such holder a written statement as to whether it has complied with
the requirements of this section 4 or (b) take such action as is necessary to
allow transfer of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the
provisions of Rule 144(k) (or any successor provision) under the Securities
Act including without limitation, if necessary, the issuance of new
certificates for such Registrable Securities bearing a legend restricting
further transfer.
 
  5. Amendments and Waivers. This Agreement may be amended and the Company may
take any action herein prohibited, or omit to perform any act herein required
to be performed by it, only if the Company shall have obtained the written
consent to such amendment, action or omission to act, of the holder or holders
of more than 50% of the shares of Registrable Securities and in the case of
any such amendment, action or omission to act in respect of the first sentence
of section 4, the written consent of each holder affected thereby. Each holder
of any Registrable Securities at the time or thereafter outstanding shall be
bound by any consent authorized by this section 5, whether or not such
Registrable Securities shall have been marked to indicate such consent.
 
  6. No Inconsistent Agreements. The Company will not enter into any agreement
which is inconsistent with or violates the rights granted to the holders of
Registrable Securities in this Agreement.
 
  7. Nominees for Beneficial Owners. In the event that any Registrable
Securities are held by a nominee for the beneficial owner thereof, the
beneficial owner thereof may, at its election, be treated as the holder of
such Registrable Securities for purposes of any request or other action by any
holder or holders of Registrable Securities pursuant to this Agreement or any
determination of any number or percentage of shares of Registrable Securities
held by any holder or holders of Registrable Securities contemplated by this
Agreement. If the beneficial owner of any Registrable Securities so elects,
the Company may require assurances reasonably satisfactory to it of such
owner's beneficial ownership of such Registrable Securities.
 
  8. Notices. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, all notices,
requests and other communications to any Person provided for hereunder shall
be in writing and shall be given to such Person (a) in the case of the
Initiating Holder, addressed to 399 Venture Partners, Inc., 399 Park Avenue,
New York, New York 10043 or at such other address as such party shall have
furnished to the Company in writing, (b) in the case of any other holder of
Registrable Securities, at the address that such holder shall have furnished
to the Company in writing, or, until any such other holder so furnishes to the
Company an address, then to and at the address of the last holder of such
Registrable Securities who has furnished an address to the Company or (c) in
the case of the Company, at McKesson Corporation, One Post Street, San
Francisco, California 94104, to the
 
                                     G-13
<PAGE>
 
attention of its General Counsel, or at such other address, or to the
attention of such other officer, as the Company shall have furnished to each
holder of Registrable Securities at the time outstanding. Each such notice,
request or other communication shall be effective (i) if given by mail, 72
hours after such communication is deposited in the mail with first class
postage prepaid, addressed as aforesaid or (ii) if given by any other means
(including without limitation, by air courier), when delivered at the address
specified above, provided that any such notice, request or communication to
any holder of Registrable Securities shall not be effective until received.
 
  9. Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit
of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors
and assigns. In addition, whether or not any express assignment has been made,
the provisions of this Agreement which are for the benefit of purchasers or
holders of Registrable Securities are also for the benefit of, and enforceable
by, any subsequent holder of Registrable Securities.
 
  10. Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings of the several sections
and paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for reference only and shall not
limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.
 
  11. GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH, AND THE RIGHTS OF THE PARTIES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, THE LAWS
OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE WITHOUT REFERENCE TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF
LAWS.
 
  12. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in any
number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all
such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.
 
  13. Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and
understanding between the Company and each other party hereto relating to the
subject matter hereof and supersedes and replaces all prior agreements and
understandings relating to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement shall
become effective at the Effective Time. At the Effective Time, the
Registration Rights Agreement, dated March 30, 1995, between 399 Venture and
AmeriSource Distribution Corporation (now known as AmeriSource Health
Corporation) and all other agreements, arrangements and understandings with
399 Venture, Citicorp Venture Capital Ltd. or any of their respective
affiliates to register any securities of AmeriSource under the Securities Act
or under any state securities law shall terminate without further action of
the parties thereto.
 
  14. SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION. ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING WITH RESPECT
TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE BROUGHT IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE OR OF
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FOR THE STATE OF DELAWARE AND, BY EXECUTION AND
DELIVERY OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE COMPANY HEREBY ACCEPTS FOR ITSELF AND IN
RESPECT OF ITS PROPERTY, GENERALLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY, THE JURISDICTION OF
THE AFORESAID COURTS AND APPELLATE COURTS FROM ANY THEREOF. EACH PARTY HERETO
HEREBY IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO THE SERVICE OF PROCESS OUT OF ANY OF THE
AFOREMENTIONED COURTS IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING BY THE MAILING OF COPIES
THEREOF TO SUCH PARTY BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL, POSTAGE PREPAID, RETURN
RECEIPT REQUESTED, TO SUCH PARTY AT ITS ADDRESS SPECIFIED IN SECTION 8. THE
PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY AND ANY OBJECTION,
INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OR BASED
ON THE GROUNDS OF FORUM NON CONVENIENCE WHICH IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO
THE BRINGING OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN SUCH RESPECTIVE
JURISDICTIONS.
 
  15. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement, or the application of
such provisions to any Person or circumstance, shall be held invalid, the
remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such provisions to Persons
or circumstances other than those to which it is held invalid, shall not be
affected thereby.
 
                                     G-14
<PAGE>
 
  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly
executed as of the date first above written.
 
                                          McKESSON CORPORATION
 
                                          By: /s/ Ivan D. Meyerson
                                             ----------------------------------
 
                                          399 VENTURE PARTNERS, INC.
 
                                          By: /s/ James A. Urry
                                             ----------------------------------
 
                                      G-15
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
 
                    INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
  Section 145 of the DGCL provides that a corporation may indemnify directors
and officers as well as other employees and agents against expenses (including
attorneys' fees), judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement in
connection with specified actions, suits, proceedings whether civil, criminal,
administrative, or investigative (other than action by or in the right of the
corporation--a "derivative action"), if they acted in good faith and in a
manner they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests
of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had
no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful. A similar standard
is applicable in the case of derivative actions, except that indemnification
only extends to expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred in connection
with the defense or settlement of such action, and the statute requires court
approval before there can be any indemnification where the person seeking
indemnification has been found liable to the corporation. The statute provides
that it is not exclusive of other indemnification that may be granted by a
corporation's charter, by-laws, disinterested director vote, stockholder vote,
agreement, or otherwise.
 
  The McKesson By-laws provide that each person who is involved in any actual
or threatened action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he or she is or
was a director or officer of the corporation, or is or was serving at the
request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of
another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan, will
be indemnified by the corporation to the full extent permitted by the DGCL if
he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not
opposed to the best interests of McKesson. The indemnification rights
conferred by the McKesson By-laws are not exclusive of any other right to
which persons seeking indemnification may be entitled under any law, bylaw,
agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.
 
  Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL permits a corporation to provide in its
certificate of incorporation that a director of the corporation shall not be
personally liable to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages
for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability for (i) any
breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its
stockholders, (ii) acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve
intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) payment of
unlawful dividends or unlawful stock purchases or redemptions, or (iv) any
transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.
 
  Article VI of McKesson's Certificate provides that to the full extent of the
DGCL, as it now exists or may hereafter be amended, no director of McKesson
shall be liable to McKesson or its stockholders for monetary damages for
breach of fiduciary duty as a director.
 
  McKesson maintains directors' and officers' liability insurance which
provides for payment, on behalf of the directors and officers of McKesson and
its subsidiaries, of certain losses of such persons (other than matters
uninsurable under law) arising from claims, including claims arising under the
Act, for acts or omissions by such persons while acting as directors or
officers of McKesson and/or its subsidiaries, as the case may be.
 
                                     II-1
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
  Set forth below is a list of the exhibits included as part of this
Registration Statement.
       
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
   NO.                                 DESCRIPTION
 -------                               -----------
 <C>     <S>
  2.1*   Merger Agreement, dated as of September 22, 1997, among McKesson,
         Merger Sub and AmeriSource (included as Appendix A to the Joint Proxy
         Statement/Prospectus)
  2.2*   Letter Agreement, dated November 19, 1997, among McKesson, AmeriSource
         and Merger Sub, amending the Merger Agreement (included in Appendix A
         to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus)
  2.3*   Letter Agreement, dated December 30, 1997, among McKesson, Merger Sub
         and AmeriSource, further amending the Merger Agreement (included in
         Appendix A to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus)
  3.1    Restated Certificate of Incorporation of McKesson (Exhibit 3.1 (8))
  3.2    Restated By-laws of McKesson, as amended through May 30, 1997 (Exhibit
         3.1 (20))
  4.1    Indenture, dated as of March 11, 1997, by and between McKesson, as
         Issuer, and The First National Bank of Chicago, as Trustee (Exhibit
         4.4 (19))
  4.2    Rights Agreement, dated as of October 21, 1994, by and between
         McKesson and First Chicago Trust Company of New York, as Rights Agent
         (Exhibit 4.1 (4))
  4.3    Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of McKesson Financing Trust,
         dated as of February 20, 1997, among McKesson, as Sponsor, The First
         National Bank of Chicago, as Institutional Trustee, First Chicago
         Delaware, Inc., as Delaware Trustee and William A. Armstrong, Ivan D.
         Meyerson and Nancy A. Miller, as Regular Trustees (Exhibit 4.2 (15))
  4.4    McKesson Corporation Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement, dated
         as of February 20, 1997, between McKesson, as Guarantor, and The First
         National Bank of Chicago, as Preferred Guarantor Trustee (Exhibit 4.7
         (13))
  4.5    Registrant agrees to furnish to the Commission upon request a copy of
         each instrument defining the rights of security holders with respect
         to issues of long-term debt of the Registrant, the authorized
         principal amount of which does not exceed 10% of the total assets of
         the Registrant
  5*     Opinion of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson
  8*     Opinion of Dechert Price & Rhoads
 10.1*   Stock Option Agreement, dated as of September 22, 1997, between
         McKesson Corporation and AmeriSource Health Corporation (included as
         Appendix B to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus)
 10.2*   Voting/Support Agreement by and among McKesson Corporation, Patriot
         Acquisition Corp. and 399 Venture Partners, Inc., dated September 22,
         1997 (included as Appendix E to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus)
 10.3*   Form of Voting/Support Agreement by and among McKesson Corporation,
         Patriot Acquisition Corp. and certain executives of AmeriSource dated
         October 27, 1997 (included as Appendix F to the Joint Proxy
         Statement/Prospectus)
 10.4*   Registration Rights Agreement by and among McKesson Corporation, and
         399 Venture Partners, Inc., dated September 22, 1997 (included as
         Appendix G to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus)
 10.5    Employment Agreement, dated September 22, 1997, between McKesson and
         R. David Yost
 10.6    Employment Agreement, dated September 22, 1997, between McKesson and
         David M. Flowers
 10.7    Employment Agreement, dated September 22, 1997, between McKesson and
         Kurt J. Hilzinger
 10.8    Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of July 10, 1994, among McKesson, the
         predecessor to McKesson, ECO Acquisition Corporation and Ely Lilly and
         Company (Exhibit 10.1 (1))
 10.9    Non-Competition Agreement, dated as of July 10, 1994, between
         McKesson, the predecessor to McKesson, Ely Lilly and Company and ECO
         Acquisition Corporation (Exhibit 10.5 (1))
 10.10*  McKesson Corporation 1994 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan
         (Amended and Restated effective July 30, 1997)
</TABLE>    
 
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
   NO.                                 DESCRIPTION
 -------                               -----------
 <C>     <S>
 10.11   McKesson Corporation Supplemental PSIP (Exhibit 10.7 (2))
 10.12   McKesson Corporation Deferred Compensation Administration Plan amended
         as of March 30, 1994 (Exhibit 10.8 (2))
 10.13*  McKesson Corporation Deferred Compensation Administration Plan II (as
         amended effective October 29, 1997)
 10.14   McKesson Corporation Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan (Exhibit
         10.10 (2))
 10.15*  McKesson Corporation 1994 Option Gain Deferral Plan (as amended
         effective October 29, 1997)
 10.16   McKesson Corporation Management Deferred Compensation Plan (Exhibit
         10.14 (2))
 10.17   McKesson Corporation 1984 Executive Benefit Retirement Plan as amended
         through May 30, 1997 (Exhibit 10.14 (19))
 10.18   McKesson Corporation 1988 Executive Survivor Benefits Plan (Exhibit
         10.16 (2))
 10.19   McKesson Corporation Executive Medical Plan Summary (Exhibit 10.17
         (3))
 10.20   McKesson Corporation 1988 Management Survivor Benefits Plan (Exhibit
         10.18 (2))
 10.21   McKesson Corporation Severance Policy for Executive Employees (amended
         and restated as of May 31, 1996) (Exhibit 10.2 (9))
 10.22*  McKesson Corporation 1989 Management Incentive Plan (as amended
         through September 24, 1997)
 10.23   McKesson Corporation 1981 Long-Term Incentive Plan (as amended through
         January 29, 1997) (Exhibit C (16))
 10.24   McKesson Corporation Stock Purchase Plan (as amended and restated
         through March 26, 1997) (Exhibit B (16))
 10.25   Form of Termination Agreement by and between McKesson and certain
         designated Executive Officers (Exhibit 10.23 (7))
 10.26   Separation and Mutual General Release Agreement entered into as of
         February 12, 1996, by and between McKesson and a former Executive
         Officer (Exhibit 10.24 (8))
 10.27   Form of Employment Agreement effective as of January 31, 1996, by and
         between McKesson and corporate Vice President who is also President of
         McKesson's Health Systems unit (Exhibit 10.1 (9))
 10.28   Form of Employment Agreement, made effective as of May 20, 1996, by
         and between McKesson and its President and Chief Operating Officer
         (now Chief Executive Officer) (Exhibit 10.26 (19))
 10.29   Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 26, 1996, by and
         among Armor All Products Corporation, The Clorox Company and Shield
         Acquisition Corporation (Exhibit 10.1 (11))
 10.30   First Amendment to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of
         December 1, 1996, by and among Armor All Products Corporation, The
         Clorox Company and Shield Acquisition Corporation (Exhibit 10.2 (11))
 10.31   Stockholder Agreement, dated as of November 26, 1996, by and among
         McKesson, The Clorox Company and Shield Acquisition Corporation
         (Exhibit 10.3 (11))
 10.32*  McKesson Corporation 1997 Non-Employee Directors' Equity Compensation
         and Deferral Plan (as amended through October 29, 1997)
 10.33   Form of Consulting Agreement, dated as of March 28, 1997, by and
         between McKesson and its Chairman and former Chief Executive Officer
         (Exhibit 10.32 (19))
 10.34   Credit Agreement entered into as of March 31, 1995, among McKesson,
         Medis Health and Pharmaceutical Services Inc., an indirect wholly-
         owned subsidiary of McKesson, the several financial institutions from
         time to time party to the agreement, Bank of America National Trust
         and Savings Association, as Agent for the Banks, Chemical Bank, as Co-
         Agent for the Banks and Bank of America Canada, as Canadian
         Administrative Agent (the "1995 Credit Agreement") (Exhibit 10.25 (7))
</TABLE>    
 
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
   NO.                                 DESCRIPTION
 -------                               -----------
 <C>     <S>
 10.35   Custodial Agreement Acknowledgment entered into as of March 31, 1995,
         among McKesson and Bank of America National Trust and Savings
         Association (the "Custodian") in its capacity as Custodian under the
         Custodial Agreement and as Agent for the financial institutions from
         time to time party to the 1995 Credit Agreement (Exhibit 10.26 (7))
 10.36   Pledge Agreement entered into as of March 31, 1995, among McKesson
         (the "Pledgor") and Bank of America National Trust and Savings
         Association, as Agent for the financial institutions from time to time
         party to the 1995 Credit Agreement (Exhibit 10.27 (7))
 10.37   Guaranty entered into as of March 31, 1995, among McKesson (the
         "Guarantor"), in favor of and for the benefit of Bank of America
         National Trust and Savings Association, as Agent for and
         representative of the financial institutions party to the 1995 Credit
         Agreement (Exhibit 10.28 (7))
 10.38   First Amendment to the 1995 Credit Agreement, dated as of August 31,
         1995, among McKesson, Medis Health and Pharmaceutical Services Inc.,
         an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of McKesson, the several financial
         institutions party to the 1995 Credit Agreement, Bank of America
         Canada as Canadian Administrative Agent, Chemical Bank as co-agent for
         the aforementioned financial institutions, the Bank of America
         National Trust and Savings Association as agent for the aforementioned
         financial institutions (Exhibit 10.37 (19))
 10.39   Second Amendment to the 1995 Credit Agreement, dated as of April 10,
         1996, among McKesson, Medis Health and Pharmaceutical Services Inc.,
         an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of McKesson, the several financial
         institutions party to the 1995 Credit Agreement, Bank of America
         Canada as Canadian Administrative Agent, The Chase Manhattan Bank as
         co-agent for aforementioned financial institutions, and Bank of
         America National Trust and Savings Association as agent for the
         aforementioned financial institutions (Exhibit 10.38 (19))
 10.40   Third Amendment to the 1995 Credit Agreement, dated as of November 4,
         1996, among McKesson, Medis Health and Pharmaceutical Services Inc.,
         an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of McKesson, the several financial
         institutions party to the 1995 Credit Agreement, Bank of America
         Canada as Canadian Administrative Agent, The Chase Manhattan Bank as
         co-agent for the aforementioned financial institutions, and Bank of
         America National Trust and Savings Association as agent for the
         aforementioned financial institutions (Exhibit 10.39 (19))
 10.41   Pledge and Security Agreement entered into as of August 31, 1995,
         among Macfor International Finance Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary
         of McKesson, and Bank of America National Trust and Savings
         Association, as agent for the several financial institutions from time
         to time party to the 1995 Credit Agreement (Exhibit 10.40 (19))
 10.42   Custody Agreement, dated as of August 14, 1995, between Bank of
         America National Trust and Savings Association, as Custodian, and
         Macfor International Finance Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of
         McKesson (Exhibit 10.41 (19))
 10.43   Custodial Agreement Acknowledgement entered into as of August 31,
         1995, between Macfor International Finance Company, a wholly-owned
         subsidiary of McKesson, and Bank of America National Trust and Savings
         Association, as custodian and as agent for the several financial
         institutions from time to time party to the 1995 Credit Agreement
         (Exhibit 10.42 (19))
 10.44   Credit Agreement entered into as of November 4, 1996, among McKesson,
         the several financial institutions from time to time party to the
         agreement, The Chase Manhattan Bank as co-agent for the aforementioned
         financial institutions, and Bank of America National Trust and Savings
         Association as agent for the aforementioned financial institutions
         (the "1996 Credit Agreement") (Exhibit 10.43 (19))
 10.45   Letter Loan Agreement, dated as of February 21, 1997, between McKesson
         and Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association (Exhibit
         10.44 (19))
</TABLE>    
 
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
   NO.                                 DESCRIPTION
 -------                               -----------
 <C>     <S>
 10.46*  First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of November 3, 1997,
         among McKesson, the several financial institutions from time to time
         party to the 1996 Credit Agreement, The Chase Manhattan Bank as co-
         agent for the aforementioned financial institutions, and Bank of
         America National Trust and Savings Association as agent for the
         aforementioned financial institutions
 10.47*  Credit Agreement entered into as of November 21, 1997, among McKesson,
         the several financial institutions from time to time party thereto,
         and Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association as agent
         for the financial institutions from time to time a party thereto
 10.48   Restructuring and Distribution Agreement dated as of July 10, 1994, by
         and among McKesson Corporation, a Maryland corporation ("Maryland"),
         the predecessor to McKesson, Clinical Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("CPI"),
         PCS Health Systems, Inc. ("PCS") and McKesson (the "Distribution
         Agreement") (Exhibit 2.1 (1))
 10.49   Amendment, dated as of October 10, 1994, by and among the predecessor
         to McKesson, Maryland, CPI, PCS and McKesson, which amends the
         Distribution Agreement (Exhibit 2.2 (3))
 10.50   Second Amendment, dated November 3, 1994, by and among the predecessor
         to McKesson, Maryland, CPI, PCS and McKesson, which amends the
         Distribution Agreement (Exhibit 2.5 (5))
 10.51   Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 10, 1994, by and among
         the predecessor to McKesson, Eli Lilly and Company and ECO Acquisition
         Corporation (the "Merger Agreement") (Exhibit 2.3 (4))
 10.52   Amendment, dated as of August 8, 1994, by and among the predecessor to
         McKesson, ECO Acquisition Corporation and Eli Lilly and Company, which
         amends the Merger Agreement dated July 10, 1994 (Exhibit 2.4 (5))
 10.53   HDS Services Agreement, dated as of July 10, 1994, among ECO
         Acquisition Corporation, PCS and Healthcare Delivery Systems, Inc.
         (Exhibit 10.2 (1))
 10.54   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 3, 1996, by and among
         FoxMeyer Corporation, FoxMeyer Drug Company, Health Mart, Inc.,
         FoxMeyer Software, Inc., FoxMeyer Funding, Inc., Healthcare
         Transportation System, Inc. and Merchandise Coordinator Services
         Corporation as Sellers, and McKesson, as Purchaser and FoxMeyer Health
         Corporation (Exhibit 2.1 (10))
 10.55   First Amendment and Waiver to the Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as
         of November 7, 1996, by and among FoxMeyer Health Corporation,
         FoxMeyer Corporation, FoxMeyer Drug Company, Healthcare Transportation
         System, Inc., FoxMeyer Software, Inc., FoxMeyer Funding, Inc., Health
         Mart, Inc., Merchandise Coordinator Services Corporation d/b/a
         FoxMeyer Trading Company, and McKesson (Exhibit 2.2 (10))
 10.56   Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 28, 1997, by and
         among General Medical Inc., McKesson, Spider Acquisition Corporation
         and certain stockholders named therein (Exhibit 2.1 (12))
 21      List of Subsidiaries of McKesson (Exhibit 21 (19))
 23.1*   Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors for AmeriSource
         Health Corporation
 23.2*   Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors for McKesson
         Corporation
 23.3*   Consent of Peter J. Solomon Company Limited
 23.4*   Consent of Goldman, Sachs & Co.
 23.5*   Consent of Dechert Price & Rhoads (included in Exhibit 8)
 23.6*   Consent of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson (included in
         Exhibit 5)
 24      Power of Attorney
 99.1    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 11, 1997, among
         McKesson and the Initial Purchasers (Exhibit 10.1 (6))
</TABLE>    
 
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
   NO.                              DESCRIPTION
 -------                            -----------
 <C>     <S>
 99.2*   Opinion of Peter J. Solomon Company Limited, financial advisor of
         McKesson (included as Appendix C to the Joint Proxy
         Statement/Prospectus)
 99.3*   Opinion of Goldman, Sachs & Co., financial advisor of AmeriSource
         Health Corporation (included as Appendix D to the Joint Proxy
         Statement/Prospectus)
 99.4*   McKesson Proxy Card
 99.5*   AmeriSource Proxy Card
</TABLE>    
- --------
          
* Filed herewith.     
 
<TABLE>   
 <C>  <S>
  (1) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to McKesson's
      Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the Commission on July 27,
      1994, File No. 1-13252.
  (2) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to Amendment No. 1 to
      McKesson's Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the Commission on
      August 26, 1994, File No. 1-13252.
  (3) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to Amendment No. 2 to
      McKesson's Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the Commission on
      October 11, 1994, File No. 1-13252.
  (4) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to Amendment No. 3 to
      McKesson's Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the Commission on
      October 27, 1994, File No. 1-13252.
  (5) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to Amendment No. 4 to
      McKesson's Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the Commission on
      November 7, 1994, File No. 1-13252.
  (6) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to McKesson's definitive
      Proxy Statement dated June 9, 1995 for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
      held on July 26, 1995.
  (7) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to McKesson's Annual
      Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1995, File No. 1-
      13252.
  (8) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to McKesson's 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, File No.
      1-13252.
  (9) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to McKesson's Quarterly
      Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1996, File No. 1-
      13252.
 (10) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to McKesson's Current
      Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on November 22, 1996, File
      No. 1-13252.
 (11) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to McKesson's Current
      Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on December 10, 1996, File
      No. 1-13252.
 (12) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to McKesson's Current
      Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on February 5, 1997, File
      No. 1-13252.
 (13) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to McKesson's
      Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed with the Commission on May 2,
      1997, Registration No. 333-26443.
 (14) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to Amendment No. 1 to
      McKesson's Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed with the Commission
      on June 9, 1997, Registration No. 333-26103.
 (15) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to Amendment No. 1 to
      McKesson's Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed with the Commission
      on June 18, 1997, Registration No. 333-26443.
 (16) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to McKesson's definitive
      Proxy Statement dated June 18, 1997, for the Annual Meeting of
      Stockholders to be held on July 30, 1997.
 (17) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to Amendment No. 1 to
      McKesson's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Commission
      on July 22, 1997.
 (18) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to McKesson's
      Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Commission on July 8,
      1997.
 (19) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to McKesson's Annual
      Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997, File No. 1-
      13252.
 (20) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to McKesson's Current
      Report on Form 8-K dated June 24, 1997.
</TABLE>    
 
                                      II-6
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS
 
  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
 
    (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
  post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
 
      (i) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
    Securities Act of 1933;
 
      (ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
    the effective date of this registration statement (or the most recent
    post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
    aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
    in this registration statement; notwithstanding the foregoing, any
    increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total
    dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was
    registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated
    maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed
    with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of
    1933 if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no
    more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set
    forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective
    registration statement; and
 
      (iii) to include any material information with respect to the plan of
    distribution not previously disclosed in this registration statement or
    any material change to such information in this registration statement;
 
  provided, however, that the undertakings set forth in paragraphs (1)(i) and
  (ii) above do not apply if the information required to be included in a
  post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic
  reports filed by the registrants pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of
  the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in
  this registration statement;
 
    (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
  Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant's annual report
  pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
  (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual
  report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934)
  that is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall be
  deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
  offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
  deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof;
 
    (3) To respond to requests for information that is incorporated by
  reference into the prospectus pursuant to Item 4, 10(b), 11 or 13 of this
  Form, within one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the
  incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means.
  This includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the
  effective date of the Registration Statement through the date of responding
  to the request;
 
    (4) That, prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered
  hereunder through use of a prospectus which is a part of this Registration
  Statement, by any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within
  the meaning of Rule 145(c), the issuer undertakes that such reoffering
  prospectus will contain the information called for by the applicable
  registration form with respect to reofferings by persons who may be deemed
  underwriters, in addition to the information called for by the other Items
  of the applicable form;
 
    (5) That every prospectus (i) that is filed pursuant to paragraph (6)
  immediately preceding, or (ii) that purports to meet the requirements of
  section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act and is used in connection with an
  offering of securities subject to Rule 415, will be filed as a part of an
  amendment to the registration statement and will not be used until such
  amendment is effective, and that, for purposes of determining any liability
  under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be
  deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
  offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
  deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof;
 
                                     II-7
<PAGE>
 
    (6) To supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information
  concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein,
  that was not the subject of and included in the Registration Statement when
  it became effective; and
 
    (7) To deliver or cause to be delivered with the prospectus, to each
  person to whom the prospectus is sent or given, the latest annual report to
  security holders that is incorporated by reference in the prospectus and
  furnished pursuant to and meeting the requirements of Rule 14a-3 or Rule
  14c-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and, where interim
  financial information required to be presented by Article 3 of Regulation
  S-X are not set forth in the prospectus, to deliver, or cause to be
  delivered to each person to whom the prospectus is sent or given, the
  latest quarterly report that is specifically incorporated by reference in
  the prospectus to provide such interim financial information.
 
  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers, and controlling persons of
the registrants pursuant to the foregoing provisions or otherwise, the
registrants have been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
registrants of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer, or
controlling person of the registrants in the successful defense of any action,
suit, or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer, or controlling
person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrants
will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by
controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the
questions whether such indemnification by them is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.
 
                                     II-8
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES
   
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant has duly
caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of San Francisco, State of
California, on January 2, 1998.     
 
                                          McKESSON CORPORATION
 
                                                             *
                                          By: _________________________________
                                                       Mark A. Pulido
                                               President and Chief Executive
                                                          Officer
   
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration
Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated
on January 2, 1998     
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              SIGNATURE                                 TITLE
              ---------                                 -----
 
 <C>                                  <S>
                  *                   President and Chief Executive Officer and
 ____________________________________  Director
            Mark A. Pulido
 
                  *                   Vice President and Chief Financial
 ____________________________________  Officer
          Richard H. Hawkins
 
                  *                   Controller
 ____________________________________
          Heidi E. Yodowitz
 
                  *                   Director, Chairman of the Board
 ____________________________________
          Alan Seelenfreund
 
                  *                   Director
 ____________________________________
         Mary G.F. Bitterman
 
                  *                   Director
 ____________________________________
          Tully M. Friedman
 
                  *                   Director
 ____________________________________
          John M. Pietruski
 
                  *                   Director
 ____________________________________
          David S. Pottruck
 
                  *                   Director
 ____________________________________
          Carl E. Reichardt
 
</TABLE>
 
 
                                     II-9
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              SIGNATURE                 TITLE
              ---------                 -----
 
 <C>                                  <S>
                  *                   Director
 ____________________________________
             Jane E. Shaw
 
                  *                   Director
 ____________________________________
       Robert H. Waterman, Jr.
</TABLE>
       
    /s/ Ivan D. Meyerson
                 
*By: __________________________
        
     Ivan D. Meyerson     
       Attorney in Fact
 
 
                                     II-10
<PAGE>
 
                                    EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
   NO.                                 DESCRIPTION
 -------                               -----------
 <C>     <S>
  2.1*   Merger Agreement, dated as of September 22, 1997, among McKesson,
         Merger Sub and AmeriSource (included as Appendix A to the Joint Proxy
         Statement/Prospectus)
  2.2*   Letter Agreement, dated November 19, 1997, among McKesson, AmeriSource
         and Merger Sub, amending the Merger Agreement (included in Appendix A
         to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus)
  2.3*   Letter Agreement, dated December 30, 1997, among McKesson, Merger Sub
         and AmeriSource, further amending the Merger Agreement (included in
         Appendix A to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus)
  3.1    Restated Certificate of Incorporation of McKesson (Exhibit 3.1 (8))
  3.2    Restated By-laws of McKesson, as amended through May 30, 1997 (Exhibit
         3.1 (20))
  4.1    Indenture, dated as of March 11, 1997, by and between McKesson, as
         Issuer, and The First National Bank of Chicago, as Trustee (Exhibit
         4.4 (19))
  4.2    Rights Agreement, dated as of October 21, 1994, by and between
         McKesson and First Chicago Trust Company of New York, as Rights Agent
         (Exhibit 4.1 (4))
  4.3    Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of McKesson Financing Trust,
         dated as of February 20, 1997, among McKesson, as Sponsor, The First
         National Bank of Chicago, as Institutional Trustee, First Chicago
         Delaware, Inc., as Delaware Trustee and William A. Armstrong, Ivan D.
         Meyerson and Nancy A. Miller, as Regular Trustees (Exhibit 4.2 (15))
  4.4    McKesson Corporation Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement, dated
         as of February 20, 1997, between McKesson, as Guarantor, and The First
         National Bank of Chicago, as Preferred Guarantor Trustee (Exhibit 4.7
         (13))
  4.5    Registrant agrees to furnish to the Commission upon request a copy of
         each instrument defining the rights of security holders with respect
         to issues of long-term debt of the Registrant, the authorized
         principal amount of which does not exceed 10% of the total assets of
         the Registrant
  5*     Opinion of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson
  8*     Opinion of Dechert Price & Rhoads
 10.1*   Stock Option Agreement, dated as of September 22, 1997, between
         McKesson Corporation and AmeriSource Health Corporation (included as
         Appendix B to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus)
 10.2*   Voting/Support Agreement by and among McKesson Corporation, Patriot
         Acquisition Corp. and 399 Venture Partners, Inc., dated September 22,
         1997 (included as Appendix E to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus)
 10.3*   Form of Voting/Support Agreement by and among McKesson Corporation,
         Patriot Acquisition Corp. and certain executives of AmeriSource dated
         October 27, 1997 (included as Appendix F to the Joint Proxy
         Statement/Prospectus)
 10.4*   Registration Rights Agreement by and among McKesson Corporation, and
         399 Venture Partners, Inc., dated September 22, 1997 (included as
         Appendix G to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus)
 10.5    Employment Agreement, dated September 22, 1997, between McKesson and
         R. David Yost
 10.6    Employment Agreement, dated September 22, 1997, between McKesson and
         David M. Flowers
 10.7    Employment Agreement, dated September 22, 1997, between McKesson and
         Kurt J. Hilzinger
 10.8    Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of July 10, 1994, among McKesson, the
         predecessor to McKesson, ECO Acquisition Corporation and Ely Lilly and
         Company (Exhibit 10.1 (1))
 10.9    Non-Competition Agreement, dated as of July 10, 1994, between
         McKesson, the predecessor to McKesson, Ely Lilly and Company and ECO
         Acquisition Corporation (Exhibit 10.5 (1))
 10.10*  McKesson Corporation 1994 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan
         (Amended and Restated effective July 30, 1997)
 10.11   McKesson Corporation Supplemental PSIP (Exhibit 10.7 (2))
</TABLE>    
 
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
   NO.                                 DESCRIPTION
 -------                               -----------
 <C>     <S>
 10.12   McKesson Corporation Deferred Compensation Administration Plan amended
         as of March 30, 1994 (Exhibit 10.8 (2))
 10.13*  McKesson Corporation Deferred Compensation Administration Plan II (as
         amended effective October 29, 1997)
 10.14   McKesson Corporation Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan (Exhibit
         10.10 (2))
 10.15*  McKesson Corporation 1994 Option Gain Deferral Plan (as amended
         effective October 29, 1997)
 10.16   McKesson Corporation Management Deferred Compensation Plan (Exhibit
         10.14 (2))
 10.17   McKesson Corporation 1984 Executive Benefit Retirement Plan as amended
         through May 30, 1997 (Exhibit 10.14 (19))
 10.18   McKesson Corporation 1988 Executive Survivor Benefits Plan (Exhibit
         10.16 (2))
 10.19   McKesson Corporation Executive Medical Plan Summary (Exhibit 10.17
         (3))
 10.20   McKesson Corporation 1988 Management Survivor Benefits Plan (Exhibit
         10.18 (2))
 10.21   McKesson Corporation Severance Policy for Executive Employees (amended
         and restated as of May 31, 1996) (Exhibit 10.2 (9))
 10.22*  McKesson Corporation 1989 Management Incentive Plan (as amended
         through September 24, 1997)
 10.23   McKesson Corporation 1981 Long-Term Incentive Plan (as amended through
         January 29, 1997) (Exhibit C (16))
 10.24   McKesson Corporation Stock Purchase Plan (as amended and restated
         through March 26, 1997) (Exhibit B (16))
 10.25   Form of Termination Agreement by and between McKesson and certain
         designated Executive Officers (Exhibit 10.23 (7))
 10.26   Separation and Mutual General Release Agreement entered into as of
         February 12, 1996, by and between McKesson and a former Executive
         Officer (Exhibit 10.24 (8))
 10.27   Form of Employment Agreement effective as of January 31, 1996, by and
         between McKesson and corporate Vice President who is also President of
         McKesson's Health Systems unit (Exhibit 10.1 (9))
 10.28   Form of Employment Agreement, made effective as of May 20, 1996, by
         and between McKesson and its President and Chief Operating Officer
         (now Chief Executive Officer) (Exhibit 10.26 (19))
 10.29   Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 26, 1996, by and
         among Armor All Products Corporation, The Clorox Company and Shield
         Acquisition Corporation (Exhibit 10.1 (11))
 10.30   First Amendment to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of
         December 1, 1996, by and among Armor All Products Corporation, The
         Clorox Company and Shield Acquisition Corporation (Exhibit 10.2 (11))
 10.31   Stockholder Agreement, dated as of November 26, 1996, by and among
         McKesson, The Clorox Company and Shield Acquisition Corporation
         (Exhibit 10.3 (11))
 10.32*  McKesson Corporation 1997 Non-Employee Directors' Equity Compensation
         and Deferral Plan (as amended through October 29, 1997)
 10.33   Form of Consulting Agreement, dated as of March 28, 1997, by and
         between McKesson and its Chairman and former Chief Executive Officer
         (Exhibit 10.32 (19))
 10.34   Credit Agreement entered into as of March 31, 1995, among McKesson,
         Medis Health and Pharmaceutical Services Inc., an indirect wholly-
         owned subsidiary of McKesson, the several financial institutions from
         time to time party to the agreement, Bank of America National Trust
         and Savings Association, as Agent for the Banks, Chemical Bank, as Co-
         Agent for the Banks and Bank of America Canada, as Canadian
         Administrative Agent (the "1995 Credit Agreement") (Exhibit 10.25 (7))
</TABLE>    
 
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
   NO.                                 DESCRIPTION
 -------                               -----------
 <C>     <S>
 10.35   Custodial Agreement Acknowledgment entered into as of March 31, 1995,
         among McKesson and Bank of America National Trust and Savings
         Association (the "Custodian") in its capacity as Custodian under the
         Custodial Agreement and as Agent for the financial institutions from
         time to time party to the 1995 Credit Agreement (Exhibit 10.26 (7))
 10.36   Pledge Agreement entered into as of March 31, 1995, among McKesson
         (the "Pledgor") and Bank of America National Trust and Savings
         Association, as Agent for the financial institutions from time to time
         party to the 1995 Credit Agreement (Exhibit 10.27 (7))
 10.37   Guaranty entered into as of March 31, 1995, among McKesson (the
         "Guarantor"), in favor of and for the benefit of Bank of America
         National Trust and Savings Association, as Agent for and
         representative of the financial institutions party to the 1995 Credit
         Agreement (Exhibit 10.28 (7))
 10.38   First Amendment to the 1995 Credit Agreement, dated as of August 31,
         1995, among McKesson, Medis Health and Pharmaceutical Services Inc.,
         an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of McKesson, the several financial
         institutions party to the 1995 Credit Agreement, Bank of America
         Canada as Canadian Administrative Agent, Chemical Bank as co-agent for
         the aforementioned financial institutions, the Bank of America
         National Trust and Savings Association as agent for the aforementioned
         financial institutions (Exhibit 10.37 (19))
 10.39   Second Amendment to the 1995 Credit Agreement, dated as of April 10,
         1996, among McKesson, Medis Health and Pharmaceutical Services Inc.,
         an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of McKesson, the several financial
         institutions party to the 1995 Credit Agreement, Bank of America
         Canada as Canadian Administrative Agent, The Chase Manhattan Bank as
         co-agent for aforementioned financial institutions, and Bank of
         America National Trust and Savings Association as agent for the
         aforementioned financial institutions (Exhibit 10.38 (19))
 10.40   Third Amendment to the 1995 Credit Agreement, dated as of November 4,
         1996, among McKesson, Medis Health and Pharmaceutical Services Inc.,
         an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of McKesson, the several financial
         institutions party to the 1995 Credit Agreement, Bank of America
         Canada as Canadian Administrative Agent, The Chase Manhattan Bank as
         co-agent for the aforementioned financial institutions, and Bank of
         America National Trust and Savings Association as agent for the
         aforementioned financial institutions (Exhibit 10.39 (19))
 10.41   Pledge and Security Agreement entered into as of August 31, 1995,
         among Macfor International Finance Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary
         of McKesson, and Bank of America National Trust and Savings
         Association, as agent for the several financial institutions from time
         to time party to the 1995 Credit Agreement (Exhibit 10.40 (19))
 10.42   Custody Agreement, dated as of August 14, 1995, between Bank of
         America National Trust and Savings Association, as Custodian, and
         Macfor International Finance Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of
         McKesson (Exhibit 10.41 (19))
 10.43   Custodial Agreement Acknowledgement entered into as of August 31,
         1995, between Macfor International Finance Company, a wholly-owned
         subsidiary of McKesson, and Bank of America National Trust and Savings
         Association, as custodian and as agent for the several financial
         institutions from time to time party to the 1995 Credit Agreement
         (Exhibit 10.42 (19))
 10.44   Credit Agreement entered into as of November 4, 1996, among McKesson,
         the several financial institutions from time to time party to the
         agreement, The Chase Manhattan Bank as co-agent for the aforementioned
         financial institutions, and Bank of America National Trust and Savings
         Association as agent for the aforementioned financial institutions
         (the "1996 Credit Agreement") (Exhibit 10.43 (19))
 10.45   Letter Loan Agreement, dated as of February 21, 1997, between McKesson
         and Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association (Exhibit
         10.44 (19))
 10.46*  First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of November 3, 1997,
         among McKesson, the several financial institutions from time to time
         party to the 1996 Credit Agreement, The Chase Manhattan Bank as co-
         agent for the aforementioned financial institutions, and Bank of
         America National Trust and Savings Association as agent for the
         aforementioned financial institutions
</TABLE>    
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
   NO.                                 DESCRIPTION
 -------                               -----------
 <C>     <S>
 10.47*  Credit Agreement entered into as of November 21, 1997, among McKesson,
         the several financial institutions from time to time party thereto,
         and Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association as agent
         for the financial institutions from time to time a party thereto
 10.48   Restructuring and Distribution Agreement dated as of July 10, 1994, by
         and among McKesson Corporation, a Maryland corporation ("Maryland"),
         the predecessor to McKesson, Clinical Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("CPI"),
         PCS Health Systems, Inc. ("PCS") and McKesson (the "Distribution
         Agreement") (Exhibit 2.1 (1))
 10.49   Amendment, dated as of October 10, 1994, by and among the predecessor
         to McKesson, Maryland, CPI, PCS and McKesson, which amends the
         Distribution Agreement (Exhibit 2.2 (3))
 10.50   Second Amendment, dated November 3, 1994, by and among the predecessor
         to McKesson, Maryland, CPI, PCS and McKesson, which amends the
         Distribution Agreement (Exhibit 2.5 (5))
 10.51   Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 10, 1994, by and among
         the predecessor to McKesson, Eli Lilly and Company and ECO Acquisition
         Corporation (the "Merger Agreement") (Exhibit 2.3 (4))
 10.52   Amendment, dated as of August 8, 1994, by and among the predecessor to
         McKesson, ECO Acquisition Corporation and Eli Lilly and Company, which
         amends the Merger Agreement dated July 10, 1994 (Exhibit 2.4 (5))
 10.53   HDS Services Agreement, dated as of July 10, 1994, among ECO
         Acquisition Corporation, PCS and Healthcare Delivery Systems, Inc.
         (Exhibit 10.2 (1))
 10.54   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 3, 1996, by and among
         FoxMeyer Corporation, FoxMeyer Drug Company, Health Mart, Inc.,
         FoxMeyer Software, Inc., FoxMeyer Funding, Inc., Healthcare
         Transportation System, Inc. and Merchandise Coordinator Services
         Corporation as Sellers, and McKesson, as Purchaser and FoxMeyer Health
         Corporation (Exhibit 2.1 (10))
 10.55   First Amendment and Waiver to the Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as
         of November 7, 1996, by and among FoxMeyer Health Corporation,
         FoxMeyer Corporation, FoxMeyer Drug Company, Healthcare Transportation
         System, Inc., FoxMeyer Software, Inc., FoxMeyer Funding, Inc., Health
         Mart, Inc., Merchandise Coordinator Services Corporation d/b/a
         FoxMeyer Trading Company, and McKesson (Exhibit 2.2 (10))
 10.56   Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 28, 1997, by and
         among General Medical Inc., McKesson, Spider Acquisition Corporation
         and certain stockholders named therein (Exhibit 2.1 (12))
 21      List of Subsidiaries of McKesson (Exhibit 21 (19))
 23.1*   Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors for AmeriSource
         Health Corporation
 23.2*   Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors for McKesson
         Corporation
 23.3*   Consent of Peter J. Solomon Company Limited
 23.4*   Consent of Goldman, Sachs & Co.
 23.5*   Consent of Dechert Price & Rhoads (included in Exhibit 8)
 23.6*   Consent of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson (included in
         Exhibit 5)
 24      Power of Attorney
 99.1    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 11, 1997, among
         McKesson and the Initial Purchasers (Exhibit 10.1 (6))
</TABLE>    
 
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
   NO.                              DESCRIPTION
 -------                            -----------
 <C>     <S>
 99.2*   Opinion of Peter J. Solomon Company Limited, financial advisor of
         McKesson (included as Appendix C to the Joint Proxy
         Statement/Prospectus)
 99.3*   Opinion of Goldman, Sachs & Co., financial advisor of AmeriSource
         Health Corporation (included as Appendix D to the Joint Proxy
         Statement/Prospectus)
 99.4*   McKesson Proxy Card
 99.5*   AmeriSource Proxy Card
</TABLE>    
- --------
          
  * Filed herewith.     
 
<TABLE>
 <C>  <S>
  (1) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to McKesson's
      Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the Commission on July 27,
      1994, File No. 1-13252.
  (2) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to Amendment No. 1 to
      McKesson's Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the Commission on
      August 26, 1994, File No. 1-13252.
  (3) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to Amendment No. 2 to
      McKesson's Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the Commission on
      October 11, 1994, File No. 1-13252.
  (4) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to Amendment No. 3 to
      McKesson's Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the Commission on
      October 27, 1994, File No. 1-13252.
  (5) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to Amendment No. 4 to
      McKesson's Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the Commission on
      November 7, 1994, File No. 1-13252.
  (6) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to McKesson's definitive
      Proxy Statement dated June 9, 1995 for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
      held on July 26, 1995.
  (7) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to McKesson's Annual
      Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1995, File No. 1-
      13252.
  (8) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to McKesson's 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, File No.
      1-13252.
  (9) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to McKesson's Quarterly
      Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1996, File No. 1-
      13252.
 (10) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to McKesson's Current
      Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on November 22, 1996, File
      No. 1-13252.
 (11) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to McKesson's Current
      Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on December 10, 1996, File
      No. 1-13252.
 (12) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to McKesson's Current
      Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on February 5, 1997, File
      No. 1-13252.
 (13) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to McKesson's
      Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed with the Commission on May 2,
      1997, Registration No. 333-26443.
 (14) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to Amendment No. 1 to
      McKesson's Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed with the Commission
      on June 9, 1997, Registration No. 333-26103.
 (15) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to Amendment No. 1 to
      McKesson's Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed with the Commission
      on June 18, 1997, Registration No. 333-26443.
 (16) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to McKesson's definitive
      Proxy Statement dated June 18, 1997, for the Annual Meeting of
      Stockholders to be held on July 30, 1997.
 (17) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to Amendment No. 1 to
      McKesson's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Commission
      on July 22, 1997.
 (18) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to McKesson's
      Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Commission on July 8,
      1997.
 (19) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to McKesson's Annual
      Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997, File No. 1-
      13252.
 (20) Incorporated by reference to designated exhibit to McKesson's Current
      Report on Form 8-K dated June 24, 1997.
</TABLE>
 

<PAGE>
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT 5
 
             [Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson Letterhead]


                                                          (Writer's direct line)
                                                               212-859-8185
January 2, 1998                                            (FAX:  212-859-8587)

McKesson Corporation
One Post Street
San Francisco, CA 94104

Ladies and Gentlemen:

          We are acting as special counsel to McKesson Corporation, a Delaware
corporation ("McKesson"), in connection with the Registration Statement on Form
S-4 (No. 333-40587), as amended (the "Registration Statement"), relating to the
registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act"), of shares of McKesson's Common Stock, par value $.01 per share ("McKesson
Common Stock"), to be issued in connection with the merger (the "Merger") of
AmeriSource Health Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("AmeriSource"), with and
into McKesson, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, as amended (the
"Merger Agreement"), by and among McKesson, Patriot Acquisition Corporation and
AmeriSource.  Capitalized terms used herein have the meanings set forth in the
Registration Statement, unless otherwise defined herein.

          We have examined the originals, or certified, conformed or
reproduction copies, of all such records, agreements, instruments and documents
as we have deemed relevant or necessary as the basis for the opinion hereinafter
expressed.  In all such examinations, we have assumed the genuineness of all
signatures, the authenticity of all original or certified copies and the
conformity to original or certified copies of all copies submitted to us as
conformed or reproduction copies.  We also have assumed, with respect to all
parties to agreements or instruments relevant hereto other than McKesson, that
such parties had the requisite power and authority (corporate or otherwise) to
execute, deliver and perform such agreements or instruments, that such
agreements or instruments have been duly authorized by all requisite action
(corporate or otherwise), executed and delivered by such parties and that such
agreements or instruments are the valid, binding and enforceable obligations of
such parties.  As to various questions of fact relevant to such opinions, we
have relied upon, and have assumed
<PAGE>
 
McKesson Corporation                    - 2 -                    January 2, 1998




the accuracy of, certificates and oral or written statements and other
information of or from public officials, officers or representatives of
McKesson, and others.

          Based upon the foregoing and subject to the limitations set forth
herein, it is our opinion that if the shares of McKesson Common Stock are issued
as described in the Registration Statement, at such time of issuance such shares
of McKesson Common Stock will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

          This opinion is limited to the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware.

          We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the reference to this firm under the caption
"Legal Matters" in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus forming a part of the
Registration Statement as having passed upon the validity of the issuance of the
McKesson Common Stock.  In giving this consent, we do not hereby admit that we
are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the
Securities Act.

                               Very truly yours,

                              Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson

                               By: /s/Aviva Diamant
                                   ------------------------------------
                                   Aviva Diamant

<PAGE>
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT 8

                    [LETTERHEAD OF DECHERT PRICE & RHOADS]

                                                                 January 2, 1998

Board of Directors
AmeriSource Health Corporation
300 Chester Field Parkway
Malvern, PA  19355

  Merger of AmeriSource Health Corporation with and into McKesson Corporation
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gentlemen:

     We have acted as counsel to AmeriSource Health Corporation, a Delaware
corporation ("AmeriSource"), in connection with the merger (the "Merger") of
AmeriSource with and into McKesson Corporation, Inc. a Delaware corporation
("McKesson"), pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September
23, 1997  by and among McKesson, AmeriSource and Patriot Acquisition Corp., as
amended (the "Merger Agreement").  This opinion is being delivered in response
to your request for our opinion in with respect to certain Federal income tax
consequences of the Merger.

     All capitalized terms used herein, unless otherwise specified, have the
meanings assigned to them in the Merger Agreement.

     The elements of the Merger are as follows:

     1.  Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, AmeriSource will be merged with and
into McKesson, and the shareholders of AmeriSource will receive, in exchange for
each share of AmeriSource Common Stock, 1.42 shares of McKesson common stock,
par value $.01 per share ("McKesson Common Stock", which reflects the two-for-
one split of McKesson Common Stock
<PAGE>
 
Board of Directors
AmeriSource Health Corporation
January 2, 1998
Page 2


distributed January 2, 1998), together with associated preferred stock purchase
rights issued under the Rights Agreement (the "Rights").

     2.  No fraction of a share of McKesson Common Stock will be issued in the
Merger. In lieu thereof, each holder of AmeriSource Common Stock who would
otherwise be entitled to a fraction of a share of McKesson Common Stock will
receive an amount of cash equal to the value thereof, determined with reference
to the closing price of a share of McKesson Common Stock as reported on the New
York Stock Exchange Composite Tape on the last full trading day immediately
preceding the Closing Date.

     3.  AmeriSource Common Stock held in AmeriSource's treasury ("Treasury
Shares") will not be converted in the Merger, but rather will be canceled in the
Merger.

     4.  Holders of shares of AmeriSource Common Stock will have no dissenters
rights in connection with the transaction.

     We have assumed the following facts to be true:

     (a)  The fair market value of the McKesson Common Stock and other
          consideration received by each AmeriSource shareholder will be
          approximately equal to the fair market value of the AmeriSource Common
          Stock surrendered in exchange therefor.

     (b)  The payment of cash in lieu of fractional shares of McKesson Common
          Stock is solely for the purpose of avoiding the expense and
          inconvenience to McKesson of issuing fractional shares and does not
          represent separately bargained for consideration. The total cash
          consideration that will be paid in the transaction to the shareholders
          of AmeriSource instead of issuing fractional shares of McKesson Common
          Stock will not exceed one percent of the total consideration that will
          be issued in the transaction to the shareholders of AmeriSource in
          exchange for their AmeriSource Common Stock. The fractional share
          interests of each AmeriSource shareholder will be aggregated, and no
          AmeriSource shareholder will receive cash in an amount equal to or
          greater than the value of one full share of McKesson Common stock.

     (c)  There is no plan or intention by the shareholders of AmeriSource who
          own 5 percent or more of the aggregate value of AmeriSource Common
          Stock, and to the best of the knowledge of the management of
          AmeriSource, there is no plan or intention on the part of the
          remaining shareholders of AmeriSource to sell, exchange, or otherwise
          dispose of a number of shares of McKesson Common Stock received in the
          Merger that would reduce the AmeriSource shareholders' ownership of
          McKesson Common Stock to 
<PAGE>
 
Board of Directors
AmeriSource Health Corporation
January 2, 1998
Page 3


          a number of shares having a value, as of the Effective Time, of less
          than 50 percent of the value of all of the formerly outstanding
          AmeriSource Common Stock as of the same date. For this purpose,
          AmeriSource Common Stock exchanged for cash in lieu of fractional
          shares will be treated as outstanding.

     (d)  McKesson has no plan or intention to reacquire any of its stock issued
          in the Merger.

     (e)  AmeriSource is a holding company that does not directly conduct an
          active trade or business. AmeriSource's wholly-owned subsidiary,
          AmeriSource Corporation ("Operating Sub"), is engaged in the business
          of pharmaceutical distribution. McKesson intends to cause the assets
          of Operating Sub to be transferred to McKesson following the Merger as
          expeditiously as practicable in a transaction described in Section
          381(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").
          Following the Merger and the above-described transfer, McKesson will
          continue the historic business of Operating Sub.

     (f)  Other than the proposed transfer of the assets of Operating Sub to
          McKesson following the Merger as described above, McKesson has no plan
          or intention to sell or otherwise dispose of the assets of AmeriSource
          or Operating Sub except for certain dispositions of redundant
          operations and dispositions made in the ordinary course of business.

     (g)  McKesson, AmeriSource and the shareholders of AmeriSource will pay
          their respective expenses, if any, incurred in connection with the
          transaction.

     (h)  There is no intercorporate indebtedness existing between McKesson and
          AmeriSource that was issued, acquired, or will be settled at a
          discount.

     (i)  McKesson does not own, nor has it owned during the past five years,
          any AmeriSource Common Stock.

     (j)  On the date of the Merger, the fair market value of the assets of
          AmeriSource will exceed the sum of its liabilities, plus the amount of
          liabilities, if any, to which the assets are subject.

     (k)  AmeriSource is not under the jurisdiction of a court in a Title 11 or
          similar case within the meaning of section 368(a)(3)(A) of the Code.
<PAGE>
 
Board of Directors
AmeriSource Health Corporation
January 2, 1998
Page 4


     (l)  None of the compensation received by any shareholder-employees of
          AmeriSource will be separate consideration for, or allocable to, any
          of their AmeriSource Common Stock; none of the McKesson Common Stock
          received by any shareholder-employees will be separate consideration
          for, or allocable to, any employment agreement; and the compensation
          paid to any shareholder-employees will be for services actually
          rendered and will be commensurate with amounts paid to third parties
          bargaining at arm's-length for similar services.

     (m)  McKesson and AmeriSource are entering into the Merger for good and
          valid business reasons.

     (n)  Neither AmeriSource nor McKesson is an investment company as defined
          in section 368(a)(2)(F)(iii) and (iv) of the Code.

                                   *********

     This opinion is based on the facts and assumptions set forth above.  In
rendering our opinion, we have examined and relied upon but have not
independently verified the accuracy and completeness of the facts, information,
covenants and representations contained in the Merger Agreement, the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus included in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of
McKesson, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on
November 19, 1997 and as amended by Amendment #1 filed with the SEC on January
2, 1998 (the "Proxy Statement") and such other documents as we have deemed
necessary or appropriate as a basis for our opinion.  This opinion assumes that
the foregoing representations will be true and accurate as of the Effective Time
of the Merger, as confirmed by the delivery of customary certificates of the
management of AmeriSource and McKesson and certain AmeriSource shareholders
prior to the Effective Time of the Merger.  Where such statements and
representations are or will be made to the best knowledge and belief of the
person making such statement or representation, we have assumed the facts to be
as so stated and represented.  Our opinion is conditioned on the initial and
continuing accuracy of such facts, information, covenants, representations,
statements and assumptions.  This opinion may not apply to AmeriSource
shareholders who have received their shares as compensation for services
rendered (for example, if the shares are substantially nonvested within the
meaning of Section 83 of the Code or were acquired upon the exercise of
incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Code).

     In rendering our opinion, we have considered the applicable provisions of
the Code, Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, pertinent judicial
authorities, and interpretive rulings as we have considered relevant. Statutes,
regulations, judicial decisions and administrative interpretations are subject
to change at any time and, in some circumstances, with 
<PAGE>
 
Board of Directors
AmeriSource Health Corporation
January 2, 1998
Page 5


retroactive effect. A material change in the authorities upon which our opinion
is based could affect our conclusions.

                                     ******

     Based solely upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that under current
law for federal income tax purposes:

     (i)    The Merger will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of
Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Code, and AmeriSource and McKesson are parties to
the reorganization;

     (ii)   No gain or loss will be recognized by AmeriSource or McKesson as a
result of the Merger;

     (iii)  No gain or loss will be recognized by any shareholder of AmeriSource
who receives solely shares of McKesson Common Stock in exchange for AmeriSource
Common Stock pursuant to the Merger (except with respect to cash, if any,
received in lieu of any fractional share interest of McKesson Common Stock).
For this purpose, the Rights will not be treated as a separate item of property
received pursuant to the Merger.

     (iv)   An AmeriSource shareholder's basis in his or her McKesson Common
Stock received in the exchange is the same as the basis in AmeriSource Common
Stock surrendered in exchange therefor (except to the extent that basis is
allocated to a fractional share of McKesson Common Stock).
 
     (v)    An AmeriSource shareholder's holding period for his or her McKesson
Common Stock received in the Merger includes the period during which the
AmeriSource Common Stock surrendered was held, provided the shareholder held
such AmeriSource Common Stock as a capital asset on the date of the exchange.

     (vi)   In the case of cash received in lieu of a fractional share of
McKesson Common Stock, the shareholder will be treated as if the fractional
share were received in connection with the Merger, and as if the fractional
share were redeemed by McKesson, with the tax consequences of such redemption
subject to the provisions of Section 302 of the Code.

                                    *******

     Except as set forth above, we express no opinion as to the federal, state,
local or foreign tax consequences of the Merger or of any transactions related
thereto.  Except as set forth below, this opinion is solely for your benefit and
is not to be used, quoted, circulated or otherwise referred to without our
express written permission.  We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as
an exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 and to the reference to our
<PAGE>
 
Board of Directors
AmeriSource Health Corporation
January 2, 1998
Page 6


firm under "Legal Matters" and "Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences of the
Merger" in the Proxy Statement.  In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit
that we are in the category of persons where consent is required under Section 7
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the
SEC.

                                             Very truly yours,

                                             /s/ Dechert Price & Rhoads

<PAGE>
 
                                                                 Exhibit 10.10



                             MCKESSON CORPORATION

                  1994 STOCK OPTION AND RESTRICTED STOCK PLAN
                  -------------------------------------------

                (Amended and Restated effective July 30, 1997)



     1.  Establishment, Purpose and Definitions.
         -------------------------------------- 

     (a) There is hereby adopted the McKesson Corporation 1994 Stock Option and
Restricted Stock Plan (the "Plan").  The Plan shall be the successor to the
McKesson Corporation 1988 Restricted Stock Plan and the McKesson Corporation
1978 Stock Option Plan (collectively, the "Predecessor Plans") with respect to
those awards under the Predecessor Plans which will be equitably adjusted to
become awards under the Plan ("Adjusted Awards"), all in connection with the
restructuring of McKesson Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Old McKesson"),
that will result in the sale of Old McKesson's PCS business to Eli Lilly and
Company (the "Transaction").  In connection with the Transaction, SP Ventures,
Inc. shall be renamed McKesson Corporation (both of such entities being referred
to herein as the "Company", in each case as the context so requires) and the
Plan shall be renamed the McKesson Corporation 1994 Stock Option and Restricted
Stock Plan.

     (b) The purpose of this Plan is to provide a means whereby key executives
of the Company and its affiliates may be given an opportunity to purchase shares
of the common stock ($0.01 par value) of the Company (the "Stock") pursuant to
options which may or may not qualify as "incentive stock options" under Section
422 of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended (the "Code"), and by providing
participants with grants of restricted shares of Stock ("Restricted Stock") in
accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein.  Until July 30, 1997,
the Plan also provided for grants of options to members of the Board of
Directors of the Company who were not employed as regular salaried officers or
employees of the Company or its affiliates ("Non-Employee Directors").  On that
date, the stockholders approved the Non-Employee Directors' Equity Compensation
and Deferral Plan (the "1997 Plan"), and all grants of options to Non-Employee
Directors from that date forward will be made under the 1997 Plan.  All options
previously granted to Non-Employee Directors under this Plan will continue to be
governed by the terms and conditions in effect at the time of the grant of such
options.

     2.  Stock Subject to the Plan.
         ------------------------- 

     (a) The aggregate number of shares of Stock available for the grant of
awards hereunder shall equal the sum of (a) the number of shares of Stock
issuable in connection with Adjusted Awards, plus (b) 4,900,000 (all such shares
shall be subject to equitable adjustment as provided herein).  With respect to
the shares of Stock referred to in clause (b) above (the "Future Award
<PAGE>
 
                                       2


Shares") no more than 1,100,000 shares may be awarded as Restricted Stock
(subject to equitable adjustment as provided herein).  The maximum number of
Future Award Shares that may be granted to any individual during any plan year
in the form of Restricted Stock shall not exceed 20,000 and the maximum number
of Future Award Shares that may be granted to any individual in the form of
options during any plan year shall not exceed 300,000; in each case, such
maximum number shall be subject to equitable adjustment as provided herein.  All
awards of Future Award Shares shall be contingent on the approval of the Plan by
the stockholders of the Company at its first annual meeting of stockholders next
following consummation of the Transaction.

     As the Committee (as hereinafter defined) may determine from time to time,
the Stock may consist either in whole or in part of shares of authorized but
unissued Stock, or shares of authorized and issued Stock reacquired by the
Company and held in its treasury.  If an option covered by Future Award Shares
is surrendered for cash or for any other reason (except surrender for shares of
Stock) ceases to be exercisable in whole or in part, the shares which were
subject to such option but as to which the option had not been exercised shall
continue to be available for grants of stock options under the Plan.  If any
shares of Stock underlying Restricted Stock grants which are covered by Future
Award Shares shall be reacquired by the Company pursuant to the termination
provisions described herein or in the instruments evidencing the making of such
Restricted Stock grants, such shares shall again be available for grant of
Restricted Stock awards under the Plan (to the extent permitted under Rule 16b-3
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act").
Prior to the granting of awards, the Company shall be under no obligation to
reserve or retain in its treasury any particular number of shares of Stock at
any time, and no particular shares of Stock, whether issued or held as treasury
Stock, shall be identified as being available for future awards under the Plan.

     (b) In the case of options which are intended to qualify as "incentive
stock options" under Section 422 of the Code, the aggregate fair market value
(determined as of the time the option is granted) of the Stock with respect to
which incentive stock options are exercisable for the first time by any eligible
key executive during any calendar year (under this Plan and any other plans of
the Company) shall not exceed $100,000.

     (c) In the event that the Committee shall determine that any dividend or
other distribution (whether in the form of cash, stock, or other property),
recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger,
consolidation, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or share exchange, or other
similar corporate transaction or event, affects the Stock such that an
adjustment is appropriate in order to preserve (but not increase) the rights of
participants under the Plan, then the Committee shall
<PAGE>
 
                                       3


make such equitable changes or adjustments as it deems necessary or appropriate
to any or all of (i) the number and kind of shares which may thereafter be
issued in connection with Future Award Shares (with respect to both Restricted
Stock and option awards), (ii) the number and kind of shares issued in respect
of outstanding Adjusted Awards, (iii) the number and kind of shares issued in
respect of outstanding awards of Future Award Shares, and (iv) the exercise
price relating to any options.

     3.  Eligibility.
         ----------- 

     Persons who shall be eligible to have granted to them awards provided for
by the Plan shall be such key executives of the Company and its affiliates as
the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall designate from time to time.

     4.  Administration of the Plan.
         -------------------------- 

         (a) The Plan shall be administered by a committee (the "Committee")
consisting of not less than two directors of the Company to be appointed by the
Board, each of whom is an "outside director" within the meaning of Section
162(m) of the Code and a "non-employee director" within the meaning of Rule 16b-
3 under the Exchange Act.

         (b) The Committee may from time to time determine which key executives
of the Company and its affiliates shall be granted awards under the Plan, the
terms thereof, and the number of shares covered by an option or the number of
shares of Restricted Stock to be granted.

         (c) The Committee shall have the sole authority, in its absolute
discretion, to adopt, amend, and rescind such rules and regulations as, in its
opinion, may be advisable in the administration of the Plan, to construe and
interpret the Plan, the rules and regulations, and the instruments evidencing
awards granted under the Plan and to make all other determinations deemed
necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.  All decisions,
determinations, and interpretations of the Committee shall be final and binding
on all participants and other interested parties.

     5.  Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights.
         ------------------------------------------- 

         (a)  The Option Price.
              ---------------- 

     The exercise price of each option shall not be less than the fair market
value of the Stock covered by such option on the date the option is granted,
except that the option price associated with Adjusted Awards shall be such price
as results from the equitable adjustment of such awards. Such fair market value
shall, if the Stock is not listed or admitted to trading on a stock
<PAGE>
 
                                       4


exchange, be the mean between the lowest reported bid price and highest reported
asked price of the Stock on the date the option is granted in the over-the-
counter market, as reported by any publication of general circulation selected
by the Company which regularly reports the market price of the Stock in such
market, or, if the Stock is then listed or admitted to trading on any stock
exchange, the composite closing price on such day as reported in the Wall Street
Journal; provided, however, that if the Committee determines that as a result of
         --------  -------                                                      
the Transaction fair market value may be more accurately determined based on the
average closing price of the Stock over a three-consecutive-day period
immediately prior to the grant, then such average will constitute fair market
value.  Such price shall be subject to adjustment as provided in paragraph 2(c)
hereof.

     (b) Terms and Conditions of Options.
         ------------------------------- 

         (i)  Each option granted pursuant to the Plan shall be evidenced by a
written grant agreement (the "Agreement") executed by the Company and the person
to whom such option is granted which shall provide such terms and conditions as
the Committee may determine, in its sole discretion.

        (ii)  Unless otherwise provided in the Agreement, the term of each 
option shall be for no more than ten years and three months; provided however
that the term of each option intended to qualify as an "incentive stock option"
shall be for no more than ten years.

        (iii) The Agreement may contain such other terms, provisions, and
conditions as may be determined by the Committee (not inconsistent with this
Plan) including, without limitation, provisions relating to stock appreciation
rights ("SARs") with respect to options granted hereunder.  Unless otherwise
provided in the Agreement, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, extend the
post-termination exercise period with respect to an option (but not beyond the
original term of such option).  If an option, or any part thereof, is intended
to qualify as an "incentive stock option", the Agreement shall contain those
terms and conditions necessary to so qualify said option or such part thereof.

        (iv)  The Committee shall have the authority to accelerate the
exercisability of any outstanding option at such time and under such
circumstances as it, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate.

        (v)   Adjusted Awards shall remain subject to the same terms and 
conditions to which they were subject prior to any equitable adjustment made in
respect of the Transaction.
<PAGE>
 
                                       5


         (c)  Stock Appreciation Rights.
              ------------------------- 

         The Committee may, under such terms and conditions as it deems
appropriate, authorize the surrender by an optionee of all or part of an
unexercised option and authorize a payment in consideration thereof of an amount
equal to the difference obtained by subtracting the option price of the shares
then subject to exercise under such option from the fair market value of the
Stock represented by such shares on the date of surrender, provided that the
Committee determines that such settlement is consistent with the purpose of the
Plan. Such payment may be made in shares of Stock valued at their fair market
value on the date of surrender of such option or in cash, or partly in shares
and partly in cash. Acceptance of such surrender and the manner of payment shall
be in the discretion of the Committee. If an option is surrendered for cash, the
shares covered by the surrendered option will thereafter be available for grant
under the Plan to the extent permitted under Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act.

         (d)  Use of Proceeds.
              --------------- 

         Proceeds realized from the sale of Stock pursuant to options granted
under the Plan shall constitute general funds of the Company.

     6.  Restricted Stock Awards.
         ----------------------- 

         (a)  Terms and Conditions.
              -------------------- 

         Each Restricted Stock grant made pursuant to the Plan shall be
evidenced by an Agreement executed by the Company and the person to whom such
Restricted Stock is granted (the "Grantee"). Each Restricted Stock grant made
under the Plan shall, unless otherwise provided in the Agreement, contain the
following terms, conditions and restrictions and such additional terms,
conditions and restrictions as may be determined by the Committee. Adjusted
Awards shall maintain the same terms and conditions to which they were subject
prior to any equitable adjustment made in respect of the Transaction.

         (b)  Restrictions.
              ------------ 

         Until the restrictions imposed on any Restricted Stock grant shall
lapse, shares of Stock granted to a participant pursuant to a Restricted Stock
grant:

              (i)   shall not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, 
hypothecated, or otherwise disposed of, and

              (ii)  shall, if the Grantee's continuous employment with the 
Company shall terminate for any reason, unless otherwise provided in the
Agreement, be returned to the Company forthwith,
<PAGE>
 
                                       6

and all the rights of the Grantee to such shares shall immediately terminate;
provided that if the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall within ninety (90)
days of such termination of employment, notify the participant in writing of its
decision not to terminate the Grantee's rights in such shares, then the Grantee
shall continue to be the owner of such shares subject to such continuing
restrictions as the Committee may prescribe in such notice.  If the Grantee's
interests in the shares granted pursuant to a Restricted Stock grant shall be
terminated, such Grantee shall forthwith deliver or cause to be delivered to the
Secretary of the Company the certificate(s), if any, previously delivered to the
Grantee for such shares, accompanied by such endorsement(s) and/or instrument(s)
of transfer as may be required by the Secretary of the Company.

     (c)  Lapse of Restrictions.
          --------------------- 

     Except as otherwise provided in the Plan or the Agreement, the restrictions
imposed on any Restricted Stock grant shall commence with the date of the grant
and continue during a period set by the Committee. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Committee may accelerate the lapsing of restrictions on a
Restricted Stock grant under such terms and conditions as it may deem
appropriate.

     (d) Restrictive Legend; Certificates May be Held in Custody.
         ------------------------------------------------------- 

     Each certificate evidencing shares granted pursuant to a Restricted Stock
grant may bear an appropriate legend referring to the terms, conditions and
restrictions described in the Plan and in the instrument evidencing the
Restricted Stock grant.  Any attempt to dispose of such shares in contravention
of such terms, conditions and restrictions shall be invalid.  The Committee may
enact rules which provide that the certificates evidencing such shares may be
held in custody by a bank or other institution, or that the Company may itself
hold such shares in custody, until restriction thereon shall have lapsed.

     (e) Restrictions upon Making of Restricted Stock Grants.
         --------------------------------------------------- 

     The registration or qualification under any federal or state law of any
shares to be granted pursuant to Restricted Stock grants or the resale or other
disposition of any such shares by or on behalf of the Grantees receiving such
shares may be necessary or desirable as a condition of or in connection with
such Restricted Stock grants, and, in any such event, if the Committee in its
sole discretion so determines, delivery of the certificates for such shares
shall not be made until such registration or qualification shall have been
completed.
<PAGE>
 
                                       7


     (f) Special Provisions Regarding Awards.
         ----------------------------------- 

     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, unless otherwise
provided in the Agreement governing a Restricted Stock grant, Restricted Stock
awards granted pursuant to this Section 6 to Executive Officers (as such term is
defined in Rule 3b-7 promulgated under the Exchange Act) shall be based on the
attainment by the Company (or a subsidiary or division of the Company if
applicable) of performance goals pre-established by the Committee, during a
performance period pre-established by the Committee, based on one or more of the
following criteria:

(i) the attainment of a specified percentage return on total capital employed by
the Company (or a subsidiary or division of the Company); (ii) the attainment of
a specified percentage return on total stockholder equity of the Company; (iii)
the attainment of a specified percentage increase in earnings per share of Stock
from continuing operations; (iv) the attainment of a specified percentage
increase in net income of the Company; (v) the attainment of a specified
percentage increase in profit before taxation of the Company (or a subsidiary or
division of the Company); and

(vi) the attainment of a specified percentage increase in revenues of the
Company (or a subsidiary or division of the Company).  In addition, such
performance goals may be based upon the attainment of specified levels of
Company performance under one or more of the measures described above relative
to the performance of other corporations.

     Each such performance criteria shall be evaluated in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles.  Such shares of Restricted Stock shall
be released from restrictions only after the attainment of such performance
measures have been certified by the Committee.

     7.  Change in Control.
         ----------------- 

         Upon a Change in Control (as hereinafter defined), then notwithstanding
anything herein to the contrary, all options granted under the Plan that are
outstanding at the time of such Change in Control shall become immediately
exercisable in full and all restrictions with respect to shares of Restricted
Stock shall lapse and such shares shall become fully vested and exercisable.

         A "Change in Control" of the Company shall be deemed to have occurred
if any of the events set forth in any one of the following paragraphs shall
occur:

            (i)  any "person" (as such term is used in sections 13(d) and 14(d) 
of the Exchange Act), excluding the Company or any of its affiliates, a trustee
or any fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the
Company or any of its affiliates, an underwriter temporarily holding securities
pursuant
<PAGE>
 
                                       8


to an offering of such securities or a corporation owned, directly or
indirectly, by stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions
as their ownership of the Company, is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as
defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of
securities of the Company representing 30% or more of the combined voting power
of the Company's then outstanding securities; or

           (ii)  during any period of not more than two consecutive years, 
individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board and any new
director (other than a director designated by a Person who has entered into an
agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in clause (i),
(iii) or (iv) of this paragraph) whose election by the Board or nomination for
election by the Company's stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-
thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors at
the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election was
previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority thereof;
or

           (iii) the shareholders of the Company approve a merger or 
consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other than (A) a merger
or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company
outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by
remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the
surviving entity), in combination with the ownership of any trustee or other
fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company, at
least 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company
or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or
consolidation, or (B) a merger or consolidation effected to implement a
recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which no person
acquires more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company's then
outstanding securities; or

           (iv) the shareholders of the Company approve a plan of complete 
liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the
Company of all or substantially all of the Company's assets.

     Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Change in Control shall be deemed to have
occurred if there is consummated any transaction or series of integrated
transactions immediately following which the holders of the Stock immediately
prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have the same
proportionate ownership in an entity which owns all or substantially all of the
assets of the Company immediately prior to such transaction or series of
transactions.
<PAGE>
 
                                       9


     8.  Amendment and Termination of the Plan.
         ------------------------------------- 

         The Board at any time and from time to time may suspend, terminate,
modify or amend the Plan; provided, however, that an amendment which requires
                          --------  -------
stockholder approval in order for the Plan to continue to comply with Section
162(m) of the Code or any other law, regulation or stock exchange requirement
shall not be effective unless approved by the requisite vote of stockholders. No
suspension, termination, modification or amendment of the Plan may adversely
affect any award previously granted without the written consent of the Grantee.

     9.  Assignability.
         ------------- 

         Each option award granted pursuant to this Plan shall, during the
participant's lifetime, be exercisable only by him.  No award nor any right
thereunder shall be transferable by the participant by operation of law or
otherwise other than by will, the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant
to a qualified domestic relations order as defined in the Code or the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

     10.  Payment Upon Exercise.
          --------------------- 

          Payment of the purchase price upon exercise of any option granted
under this Plan shall be made in cash; provided that the Committee, in its sole
discretion, may permit an option holder to pay the option price, in whole or in
part, by tendering to the Company shares of Stock owned by the option holder,
and having a fair market value equal to the option price. The fair market value
of such Stock shall be determined by the Committee as it deems appropriate, or
as may be required in order to comply with any applicable law or regulation.

     11.  Effective Date and Duration of the Plan.
          --------------------------------------- 

          The Plan shall become effective upon its adoption by the Board and the
approval thereof by Old McKesson as the sole stockholder of the Company;
provided, however, that the effectiveness of the Plan shall be contingent upon
the occurrence of the Transaction and all awards of Future Award Shares shall be
contingent on the approval of the Plan by the stockholders of the Company at its
first annual meeting of stockholders.  Unless sooner terminated, the Plan shall
remain in effect until terminated by action of the Board, provided, however,
that the duration of the Plan shall in no event exceed ten years from the date
of the adoption of the Plan by the Board.  Termination of the Plan shall not
affect any awards previously granted pursuant thereto, which shall remain in
effect until their restrictions shall have lapsed (with respect to Restricted
Stock grants) or until exercised (with respect to option grants) all in
accordance with their terms.
<PAGE>
 
                                      10


     12.  Agreement by Participant Regarding Withholding Taxes.
          ---------------------------------------------------- 

     If the Committee shall so require, as a condition of exercise of an option
or SAR or upon the lapsing of restrictions imposed on Restricted Stock (each a
"Tax Event"), each participant shall agree that no later than the date of the
Tax Event, the participant will pay to the Company or make arrangements
satisfactory to the Committee regarding payment of any federal, state or local
taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld upon the Tax Event.
Alternatively, the Committee may provide, in its sole discretion, that a
participant may elect, to the extent permitted or required by law, to have the
Company deduct federal, state and local taxes of any kind required by law to be
withheld upon the Tax Event from any payment of any kind due to the participant,
including withholding of Shares.

     13.  Rights as a Shareholder.
          ----------------------- 

     A participant granted an award hereunder or a transferee of an award shall
have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any shares covered by the award
until the date of the issuance of a stock certificate to him for such shares.
No adjustment shall be made for dividends (ordinary or extraordinary, whether in
cash, securities or other property) or distribution of other rights for which
the record date is prior to the date such stock certificate is issued, except as
otherwise provided in the Plan.

     14.  No Rights to Employment.
          ----------------------- 

     Nothing in the Plan or in any award granted or Agreement entered into
pursuant hereto shall confer upon any participant the right to continue in the
employ of, or in an independent contractor relationship with, the Company or any
subsidiary or to be entitled to any remuneration or benefits not set forth in
the Plan or such Agreement or to interfere with or limit in any way the right of
the Company or any such subsidiary to terminate such participant's employment.
Awards granted under the Plan shall not be affected by any change in duties or
position of a participant as long as such participant continues to be employed
by, or in a consultant relationship with, the Company or any subsidiary.

     15.  Interpretation.
          -------------- 

     The Plan is designed and intended to comply with Rule 16b-3 promulgated
under the Exchange Act and Section 162(m) of the Code and all provisions hereof
shall be construed in a manner to so comply.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10.13

                             MCKESSON CORPORATION
                  DEFERRED COMPENSATION ADMINISTRATION PLAN II
                  --------------------------------------------

                    (As Amended Effective October 29, 1997)



A.   PURPOSE
     -------

     This Plan is established to further enhance the Company's ability to
attract and retain executive personnel and Directors.  The Plan replaces and
supersedes the Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan, the Management Deferred
Compensation Plan, the Deferred Compensation Administration Plan, and the PCS,
Inc. Optional Deferred Compensation Administration Plan.


B.   ERISA PLAN
     ----------

     This Plan is an unfunded deferred compensation program for a select group
of management employees and Directors of the Company.  The Plan therefore is
covered by Title I of ERISA except that it is exempt from Parts 2, 3 and 4 of
Title I of ERISA.


C.   PARTICIPATION
     -------------

     1.   Eligibility To Participate
          --------------------------

          A.   Eligible Executives.  The Administrator may, at its discretion,
               -------------------                                            
and at any time, and from time to time, select Company executives who may elect
to participate in this Plan ("ELIGIBLE EXECUTIVES").  Selection of Eligible
Executives may be evidenced by the terms of the executive's employment contract
with the Company, or by inclusion among the persons or classes of persons
specified by the Administrator.

          The Administrator may, at its discretion, and at any time, and from
time to time, designate additional Eligible Executives and/or provide that
executives previously designated are no longer Eligible Executives.  If the
Administrator determines that an executive is no longer an Eligible Executive,
he or she shall remain a Participant in the Plan until all amounts credited to
his or her Account prior to such determination are paid out under the terms of
the Plan (or until death, if earlier).

          B.   Eligible Directors.  Each Director who is not a Company employee
               ------------------                                              
may participate in this Plan ("ELIGIBLE DIRECTORS").

     2.   Election To Participate.  An Eligible Executive or an Eligible
          -----------------------                                       
Director may become a Participant in the Plan by electing to defer compensation
in accordance with the terms of this Plan.  An election to defer shall be in
writing, shall be irrevocable and shall be made at the time and in the form
specified by the Administrator.  On electing to defer compensation under this
Plan, the Participant shall be deemed to accept all of the terms and conditions
of this Plan.  All elections to defer amounts under 

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
this Plan shall be made pursuant to an election executed and filed with the
Administrator before the amounts so deferred are earned.

     3.   Notification of Participants.  The Administrator shall annually notify
          ----------------------------                                          
each Eligible Executive and each Eligible Director that he or she may
participate in the Plan for the next Year.  Such notice shall also set forth the
Declared Rate for the next Year.

     4.   Relation to Other Plans.
          ----------------------- 

          a.   Participation in Other Plans.  An Eligible Executive or a
               ----------------------------                             
Director may participate in this Plan and may also participate in any other
benefit plan of the Company in effect from time to time for which he or she is
eligible, unless the other plan may otherwise exclude participation on the basis
of eligibility for, or participation in, this Plan.  No amounts may be deferred
under this Plan which have been deferred under any other plan of the Company.
Deferrals under this Plan may result in a reduction of benefits payable under
the Social Security Act, the Company's Retirement Plan and the Company's Profit-
Sharing Investment Plan.

          b.   Automatic Deferral to Supplemental PSIP.  Subject to the last
               ---------------------------------------                      
sentence of Section D.2. below, an Eligible Executive who makes an election to
defer compensation under this Plan shall have an additional amount automatically
deferred from his or her remaining compensation.  The amount of such additional
deferral will be an amount equal to (x) the amount deferred by the Eligible
Executive into the Plan, multiplied by (y) the percentage rate of the Eligible
Executive's deferrals into the McKesson Corporation Profit-Sharing Investment
Plan ("PSIP"), as in effect at the beginning of each Year.  The additional
deferrals will be credited to the Eligible Executive's account in the McKesson
Corporation Supplemental PSIP and governed by the terms of that plan.


D.   AMOUNTS OF DEFERRAL
     -------------------

     1.   Minimum Deferral.  The minimum amount that an Eligible Executive may
          ----------------                                                    
defer under this Plan for any Year is $5,000 of base salary, or $5,000 of any
annual bonuses and $5,000 of any Long-Term Incentive Plan award.  The minimum
amount of compensation that an Eligible Director may defer for any Year is
$5,000.

     2.   Maximum Deferral for Eligible Executives.  The maximum amount of
          ----------------------------------------                        
compensation which an Eligible Executive may defer under this Plan for any Year
is (i) eighty percent (80%) of the amount of such Eligible Executive's base
salary for such Year, and (ii) one hundred percent (100%) of any annual bonus
award and/or any Long-Term Incentive Plan Award determined and payable to him or
her in such Year.  Notwithstanding these limits, deferrals may be reduced by the
Company to leave sufficient remaining compensation legally required for taxes
and other authorized deductions, including, but not limited to, those for
Company benefit programs.

     3.   Maximum Deferral for Eligible Directors.  The maximum amount of
          ---------------------------------------                        
compensation which an Eligible Director may defer under this Plan for any Year
is the amount of any annual retainer (other than the portion of the annual
retainer subject to Mandatory Deferral under the 1997 Non-Employee Directors'
Equity Compensation and Deferral Plan) and other fees from the Company earned by
him or her in any such Year.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
E.   PAYMENT OF DEFERRED COMPENSATION
     --------------------------------

     1.   Book Account and Interest Credit.  Compensation deferred by a
          --------------------------------                             
Participant under the Plan shall be credited to a separate bookkeeping account
for such Participant (the "ACCOUNT").  (Sub-Accounts may be established for each
Year for which the Participant elects to defer compensation.)  Interest shall be
credited to each Account (including Sub-Accounts established thereunder) for
each Year at a rate equal to a rate declared by the Administrator acting in its
sole discretion after taking into account, among other things, the following
factors: the Company's cost of funds, corporate tax brackets, expected amount
and duration of deferrals, number and age of eligible Participants, expected
time and manner of payment of deferred amounts, and expected performance of
available fixed-rate insurance contracts covering the lives of Participants (the
"DECLARED RATE").  Each Account balance shall be compounded monthly at the
twelfth root of the annual Declared Rate of interest provided for under this
Plan.  In the case of installment payments as provided in Section E.3. below,
interest shall be credited on all amounts remaining in a Participant's Account
until all amounts are paid out.

     2.   Length of Deferral.  An Eligible Executive or Eligible Director shall
          ------------------                                                   
elect in writing, and file with the Administrator, at the same time as such
Eligible Executive or Eligible Director makes any election to defer
compensation, the period of deferral with respect to such election, subject to
the minimum required period of deferral and the maximum permissible period of
deferral.  The minimum required period of deferral is five years after the end
of the Year for which compensation is deferred.  Notwithstanding the foregoing,
the five year minimum deferral period shall not apply to payments made as a
result of death, Disability, Retirement, pre-retirement termination, a Change in
Control or  hardship.  Payment must commence no later than the end of the
maximum period of deferral, which is the January following the year in which the
Eligible Executive reaches age 72 or, in the case of an Eligible Director, the
January after the Company's annual meeting of stockholders next following the
Eligible Director's 72nd birthday.  Once such an election has been made, the
Eligible Executive or Eligible Director may alter the period of deferral,
provided that:

          a.   such alteration is made at least one year prior to the earliest
date the Participant could have received distribution of the amounts credited to
his or her Account under the earlier election, and

          b.   such alteration does not provide for the receipt of such amounts
earlier than one year from the date of the alteration, subject to the five year
minimum deferral rule stated above.

     3.   Election of Methods of Payment.  A Participant shall elect in writing,
          ------------------------------                                        
and file with the Administrator, at the same time as any election to defer
compensation, a method of payment of benefits under this Plan from the following
methods:

          a.   Payment of amounts credited to the Participant's Account in any
specified number of approximately equal annual installments (not in excess of
10), the first installment to be paid in January of the Year designated by the
Participant.

          b.   Payment of the amounts credited to the Participant's Account in
any specified number of approximately equal annual installments (not in excess
of ten), the first installment to be paid in January after the designated
interval following the earlier of Participant's Retirement or of the
determination disability.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
          c.   Payment of the amount credited to the Participant's Account in a
single sum.

     4.   Payments on Termination.
          ----------------------- 

          a.   Director Termination.  If an Eligible Director ceases to be a
               --------------------                                         
Director of the Company for any reason other than death, the entire
undistributed amount credited to his or her Account will be paid in the form
elected by the Participant, or, if no election has been made, in a lump sum in
the January of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the
Eligible Director ceased to be a Director.

          b.   Executive Termination.  If an Eligible Executive terminates
               ---------------------                                      
employment with the Company for any reason other than Retirement, disability or
death, then, notwithstanding the election made by the Eligible Executive
pursuant to Sections E.2 and 3 above, the entire undistributed amount credited
to his or her Account will be paid in the form of a lump sum in the January of
the calendar year following the calendar year of termination of employment.

     5.   Payments on Death.
          ----------------- 

          a.   Death After Payments Have Begun.  If a Participant dies after
               -------------------------------                              
payments from his or her Account have begun, the remainder of the amounts
credited to the Participant's Account shall be paid to his or her Beneficiary at
the same time and in the same manner as they would have been paid had the
Participant survived.

          b.   Death Before Payments Have Begun.  If a Participant dies before
               --------------------------------                               
payments from his or her Account have begun, the amount credited to his or her
Account shall be paid to his or her Beneficiary at the time and in the manner
elected by the Participant.  Such election shall be made in writing and filed
with the Administrator at the time of any election to defer compensation.
Benefits shall be paid in one of the methods specified in paragraphs a. and c.
of Section E.3. The Administrator, at his or her discretion, may distribute all
benefits to a Beneficiary in a single payment if the value of his or her Account
balance is less than $5,000.

     6.   Payments on Disability.  If the Administrator determines that a
          ----------------------                                         
Participant has become Disabled, the entire undistributed amount credited to his
or her Account will be paid in the form and at the time elected by the
Participant, or, if no election has been made, in a lump sum as soon as
practicable after such determination is made.

     7.   Payments on Hardship.  The Administrator may in his or her sole
          --------------------                                           
discretion direct payment to a Participant of all or of any portion of the
Participant's Account balance, notwithstanding an election under Section E.3.
above, at any time that he or she determines that such Participant has suffered
an event of undue hardship which causes an emergency condition in his or her
financial affairs.

     8.   Change In Control.  For purposes of this Plan, a Change in Control of
          -----------------                                                     
the Company shall be deemed to have occurred if any of the events set forth in
any of the following paragraphs shall occur:

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
          a.   any "person" (as defined in section 3(a)(9) of the Securities
               Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") and as such
               term is modified in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange
               Act), excluding the Company or any of its subsidiaries, a trustee
               or any fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit
               plan of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, an underwriter
               temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such
               securities or a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by
               stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions
               as their ownership of the Company, is or becomes the "beneficial
               owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act),
               directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing
               30% or more of the combined voting power of the Company's then
               outstanding securities; or

          b.   during any period of not more than two consecutive years,
               individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the
               Board and any new director (other than a director designated by a
               Person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to
               effect a transaction described in clause a., c., or d. of this
               paragraph) whose election by the Board or nomination for election
               by the Company's stockholders was approved by a vote of at least
               two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either
               were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election
               or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for
               any reason to constitute a majority thereof; or

          c.   the shareholders of the Company approve a merger or consolidation
               of the Company with any other corporation, other than (I) a
               merger or consolidation which would result in the voting
               securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto
               continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by
               being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity),
               in combination with the ownership of any trustee or other
               fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of
               the Company, at least 50% of the combined voting power of the
               voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity
               outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation, or
               (II) a merger or consolidation effected to implement a
               recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which
               no person acquires more than 50% of the combined voting power of
               the Company's then outstanding securities; or

          d.   the shareholders of the Company approve a plan of complete
               liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or
               disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the
               Company's assets.

          Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Change in Control shall be deemed to
have occurred if there is consummated any transaction or series of integrated
transactions immediately following which the holders of the Company's Common
Stock immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue
to have the same proportionate ownership in an entity which owns all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such
transaction or series of transactions.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
          With respect to deferrals made prior to January 1, 1994, deferred
funds will be distributed upon a Change in Control, if the Participant has so
elected.

     9.   Designation of Beneficiary.  A Participant may designate any person(s)
          --------------------------                                            
or any entity as his or her Beneficiary.  Designation shall be in writing and
shall become effective only when filed with the Administrator.  Such filing must
occur before the Participant's death.  A Participant may change the Beneficiary,
from time to time, by filing a new written designation with the Administrator.
If the Participant is married, any Beneficiary designation which does not
designate the Participant's spouse to receive at least one-half of the
Participant's Account shall only become effective when approved in writing by
the Participant's spouse.


F.   SOURCE OF PAYMENT
     -----------------

     Amounts paid under this Plan shall be paid from the general funds of the
Company, and each Participant and his or her Beneficiaries shall be no more than
unsecured general creditors of the Company with no special or prior right to any
assets of the Company (whose claims may be subordinated to those of creditors of
Company subsidiaries) for payment of any obligations hereunder.  Nothing
contained in this Plan shall be deemed to create a trust of any kind for the
benefit of any Participant or Beneficiary, or create any fiduciary relationship
between the Company and any Participant or Beneficiary with respect to any
assets of the Company.


G.   MISCELLANEOUS
     -------------

     1.   Withholding.  Each Participant and Beneficiary shall make appropriate
          -----------                                                          
arrangements with the Company for the satisfaction of any federal, state or
local income tax withholding requirements and Social Security or other
employment tax requirements applicable to the payment of benefits under this
Plan.  If no other arrangements are made, the Company may provide, at its
discretion, for such withholding and tax payments as may be required.

     2.   No Assignment.  The benefits provided under this Plan may not be
          -------------                                                   
alienated, assigned, transferred, pledged or hypothecated by any person, at any
time.  These benefits shall be exempt from the claims of creditors or other
claimants and from all orders, decrees, levies, garnishments or executions.

     3.   Applicable Law; Severability.  The Plan hereby created shall be
          ----------------------------                                   
construed, administered and governed in all respects in accordance with ERISA
and the laws of the State of California to the extent that the latter are not
preempted by ERISA.  If any provision of this instrument shall be held by a
court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining
provisions hereunder shall continue to be effective.


H.   ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN
     --------------------------

     1.   In General.  The Administrator of the Plan shall be the Vice
          ----------                                                  
President, Human Resources, of the Company.  If the Vice President, Human
Resources, is a Participant, any discretionary action taken as Administrator
which directly affects him or her as a Participant shall be specifically

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
approved by the Compensation Committee.  The Administrator shall have the
authority and responsibility to interpret this Plan and shall adopt such rules
and regulations for carrying out this Plan as it may deem necessary or
appropriate.  Decisions of the Administrator shall be final and binding on all
parties who have or claim any interest in this Plan.

     2.   Elections And Notices.  All elections and notices made under this Plan
          ---------------------                                                 
shall be in writing and filed with the Administrator at the time and in the
manner specified by him or her.  All elections to defer under this Plan shall be
irrevocable.


I.   AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION OF THE PLAN
     ------------------------------------

     The Board may at any time amend this Plan.  Such action shall be
prospective only and shall not adversely affect the rights of any Participant or
Beneficiary to any benefit previously earned under this Plan.  The Board may at
any time terminate this Plan; thereupon compensation previously deferred plus
interest credited thereon shall promptly be paid, on termination, in single lump
sums to the respective Participants or Beneficiaries entitled thereto.


J.   EFFECTIVE DATE
     --------------

     This Plan is effective as of January 27, 1993, the date on which this Plan
was approved by the Board.


K.   DEFINITIONS
     -----------

     For purposes of this Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:

     1.   "Account" means the Account specified in Section E.1.
           -------                                             

     2.   "Administrator" shall mean the person specified in Section H.
           -------------                                               

     3.   "Beneficiary" shall mean the person or entity described by Section
           -----------                                                      
E.9.

     4.   "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of McKesson Corporation, a
           -----                                                              
Delaware corporation.

     5.   "Company" shall mean McKesson Corporation, a Delaware corporation and
           -------                                                             
any subsidiary in which it owns at least 50% of the issued and outstanding stock
(and any subsidiary 50% of the issued and outstanding stock of which is owned by
such a subsidiary).

     6.   "Compensation Committee" shall mean the Compensation Committee of the
           ----------------------                                              
Board.

     7.  "Declared Rate" shall have the meaning described in Section E.1.
          -------------                                                  

     8.   "Disabled" or "Disability" shall mean (1) a physical or mental
           ------------------------                                     
condition which, in the judgment of the Administrator, based on competent
medical evidence satisfactory to the Administrator, 

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
renders a Participant unable to perform the work of his or her regular
occupation for the Company and which impairment is likely to result in death or
to be of long, continued and indefinite duration, or (2) a judicial declaration
of incompetence.

     9.   "Eligible Director" shall mean a Director described by Section C.1.b.
           -----------------                                                   

     10.  "Eligible Executive" shall mean an employee of the Company selected as
           ------------------                                                   
being eligible to participate in this Plan under Section C.1.a.

     11.  "Erisa" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
           -----                                                           
1974, as amended.

     12.  "Participant" shall be any Company executive or member of the Board
           -----------                                                       
for whom amounts are credited to an Account under this Plan.  Upon his or her
death, his or her Beneficiary shall be a Participant until all amounts are paid
out of his or her Account.

     13.  "Plan" shall mean the McKesson Corporation Deferred Compensation
           ----                                                           
Administration Plan II (DCAP II).

     14.  "Retirement" shall mean termination of employment after (a) the date
           ----------                                                         
on which the Participant's number of points under the Retirement Share Plan
portion of the McKesson Corporation Profit-Sharing Investment Plan equals 65,
(b) attaining eligibility for a Retirement Allowance under the terms of the
McKesson Corporation Retirement Plan or (c) receiving an Approved Retirement
under the terms of the Executive Benefit Retirement Plan.

     15.  "Year" is the calendar year.
           ----                       

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
                                   APPENDIX A
                     DEFERRAL OF RESTRICTED STOCK PROCEEDS
                     -------------------------------------


Any other provision of the Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, the following
provisions shall apply to the cash paid to the Company by Eli Lilly and Company
("Lilly") upon the tender of certain shares of restricted stock (the
"Transaction Proceeds"), which had been granted to executives under the
Company's 1988 Restricted Stock Plan, at the completion of the transaction
involving the acquisition of PCS Health Systems, Inc. ("PCS") by Lilly (the
"Transaction").

     1.    Former executives of the Company may be selected to participate in 
           the Plan, and, if so selected, shall be deemed Eligible Executives.

     2.    The Transaction Proceeds shall be automatically deferred into the
           Plan on behalf of those Eligible Executives who hold outstanding
           Restricted Stock Grants under the Company's 1988 Restricted Stock
           Plan. Such Eligible Executives shall be deemed to have elected the
           deferral of the Transaction Proceeds.

     3.    The five-year minimum deferral period required by paragraph E.2. of
           the Plan shall not apply to the deferral of the Transaction Proceeds.

     4.    Transaction Proceeds shall not be deferred on behalf of Eligible 
           Executives who are also employees of PCS.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.15

 
                              McKESSON CORPORATION
                     1994 OPTION GAIN DEFERRAL PLAN (OGDP)
                     -------------------------------------
                    (As amended effective October 29, 1997)

A.   PURPOSE
     -------

     This Plan is established to allow those Company executives and directors
who hold exercisable stock options granted under the McKesson Corporation 1978
Stock Option Plan (the "1978 Plan") to defer the cash portion of the gain (the
"Cash Gain") the executive or director realizes from his or her exercisable
stock options in connection with the restructuring of McKesson Corporation
resulting in the sale of PCS Health Systems, Inc. to Eli Lilly and Company (the
"Transaction").


B.   ERISA PLAN
     ----------

     This Plan is an unfunded deferred compensation program for a select group
of management employees and Directors of the Company.  The Plan therefore is
covered by Title I of ERISA except that it is exempt from Parts 2, 3 and 4 of
Title I of ERISA.

C.   PARTICIPATION
     -------------

     1.   Eligibility to Participate
          --------------------------

          a.   Eligible Executives.  Company executives who (i) are actively
               -------------------                                          
employed, and (ii) hold exercisable stock options granted under the 1978 Plan as
of the date the Transaction closes may elect to participate in this Plan
("Eligible Executives").

          b.   Eligible Directors.  Each director of the Company who (i) is 
               ------------------     
not a Company employee and (ii) holds exercisable stock options granted under
the 1978 Plan as of the date the Transaction closes may participate in this Plan
("Eligible Directors").

     2.   Election to Participate.  An Eligible Executive or an Eligible
          -----------------------                                       
Director may become a Participant in the Plan by electing to defer the Cash Gain
in accordance with the terms of this Plan.  An election to defer shall be in
writing, shall be irrevocable and shall be made at the time and in the form
specified by the Administrator.  On electing to defer amounts under this Plan,
the Participant shall be deemed to accept all of the terms and conditions of
this Plan.  All elections to defer under this Plan shall be made pursuant to an
election executed and filed with the Administrator before the amounts so
deferred are earned.  Other than to avoid the expiration
<PAGE>
 
of an option in accordance with its terms, a Participant shall not exercise any
option with respect to which he or she has made a deferral election.

     3.   Relation to Other Plans.  An Eligible Executive or a Director may
          -----------------------                                          
participate in this Plan and may also participate in any other benefit plan of
the Company in effect from time to time for which he or she is eligible, unless
the other plan may otherwise exclude participation on the basis of eligibility
for, or participation in, this Plan.  No amounts may be deferred under this Plan
which have been deferred under any other plan of the Company.

D.   AMOUNTS OF DEFERRAL
     -------------------

     1.   Minimum Deferral.  The minimum amount that an Eligible Executive or
          ----------------                                                   
Eligible Director may defer under this Plan is $5,000 of the Cash Gain realized
upon the completion of the Transaction.

     2.   Maximum Deferral.  The maximum amount of compensation which an
          ----------------                                              
Eligible Executive or an Eligible Director may defer under this Plan for any
Year is one hundred percent (100%) of the Cash Gain realized upon the completion
of the Transaction.  Notwithstanding these limits, deferrals may be reduced by
the Company to leave sufficient remaining amounts legally required for taxes and
other authorized deductions.  In addition, the amount of deferrals allowed to
any Participant may be subject to a limit determined by the Plan Administrator.

E.   PAYMENT OF DEFERRED COMPENSATION
     --------------------------------

     1.   Book Account and Interest Credit.  Any Cash Gain deferred by a
          --------------------------------                              
Participant under the Plan shall be credited to a separate bookkeeping account
for such Participant (the "Account").  For the remainder of Calendar Year 1994,
interest shall be credited to each Account at an annual rate of 7.5%.
Thereafter, the interest rate will be set each year to the Moody's Corporate
Bond Yield Average for December of the preceding year.  Each Account balance
shall be credited with interest compounded monthly based on the annual rate of
interest provided for under this Plan.  In the case of installment payments as
provided in Section E.3. below, interest shall be credited on all amounts
remaining in a Participant's Account until all amounts are paid out.

     2.   Length of Deferral.  An Eligible Executive or Eligible Director shall
          ------------------                                                   
elect in writing, and file with the Administrator, at the same time as such
Eligible Executive or Eligible Director makes any election to defer any portion
of the Cash Gain, the period of deferral with respect to such election, subject
to the minimum required period of deferral and the maximum permissible period of
deferral.  The minimum required period of deferral is two years from the date
the compensation is deferred.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the two-year
minimum deferral period shall not apply to payments made as a result of death,
Disability, Retirement, pre-Retirement termination or hardship.  Payment must
commence no later than the end of the maximum period of deferral, which is the
January following the year in which the Eligible 
<PAGE>
 
Employee reaches age 72 or, in the case of an Eligible Director, the January
after the Company's annual meeting of stockholders next following the Eligible
Director's 72nd birthday. Once such an election has been made, the Eligible
Executive or Eligible Director may alter the period of deferral, provided that:

          a.   such alteration is made at least one year prior to the earliest
date the Participant could have received distribution of the amounts credited to
his or her Account under the earlier election, and

          b.   such alteration does not provide for the receipt of such amounts
earlier than one year from the date of the alteration, subject to the two-year
minimum deferral rule stated above.

     3.   Election of Methods of Payment.  A Participant shall elect in writing,
          ------------------------------                                        
and file with the Administrator, at the same time as any election to defer, a
method of payment of amounts deferred under this Plan from the following
methods:

          a.   Payment of amounts credited to the Participant's Account in any
specified number of approximately equal annual installments (not in excess of
10), the first installment to be paid in January of the Year designated by the
Participant.

          b.   Payment of the amounts credited to the Participant's Account in
any specified number of approximately equal annual installments (not in excess
of ten), the first installment to be paid in January after the designated
interval following the earlier of Participant's Retirement or the determination
of Disability.

          c.   Payment of the amount credited to the Participant's Account in a
single sum.

     4.   Payments on Termination.
          ----------------------- 

          a.   Director Termination.  If an Eligible Director ceases to be a 
               --------------------  
director of the Company for any reason other than death, the entire
undistributed amount credited to his or her Account will be paid in the form
elected by the Participant, or, if no election has been made, in a lump sum in
the January of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the
Eligible Director ceased to be a Director.

          b.   Executive Termination.  If an Eligible Executive terminates 
               ---------------------  
employment with the Company for any reason other than Retirement, Disability or
death, the entire undistributed amount credited to his or her Account will be
paid in the form of a lump sum in the January of the calendar year following the
calendar year of termination of employment.
<PAGE>
 
     5.   Payments on Death.
          ----------------- 

          a.   Death After Payments Have Begun.  If a Participant dies after
               ------------------------------- 
payments from his or her Account have begun, the remainder of the amounts
credited to the Participant's Account shall be paid to his or her Beneficiary at
the same time and in the same manner as they would have been paid had the
Participant survived.

          b.   Death Before Payments Have Begun.  If a Participant dies before
               --------------------------------                               
payments from his or her Account have begun, the amount credited to his or her
Account shall be paid to his or her Beneficiary at the time and in the manner
elected by the Participant.  Such election shall be made in writing and filed
with the Administrator at the time of any election to defer.  Deferred amounts
shall be paid in one of the methods specified in paragraphs a. and c. of Section
E.3.  The Administrator, at his or her discretion, may distribute the deferred
amounts to a Beneficiary in a single payment if the value of his or her Account
balance is less than $5,000.

     6.   Payments on Disability.  If the Administrator determines that a
          ----------------------                                         
Participant has become Disabled, the entire undistributed amount credited to his
or her Account will be paid in the form and at the time elected by the
Participant, or, if no election has been made, in a lump sum as soon as
practicable after such determination is made.

     7.   Payments on Hardship.  The Administrator may in his or her sole
          --------------------                                           
discretion direct payment to a Participant of all or of any portion of the
Participant's Account balance, notwithstanding an election under Section E.3.
above, at any time that he or she determines that such Participant has suffered
an event of undue hardship which causes an emergency condition in his or her
financial affairs.

     8.   Designation of Beneficiary.  A Participant may designate any person(s)
          --------------------------                                            
or any entity as his or her Beneficiary.  Such designation shall be in writing
and shall become effective only when filed with the Administrator.  Such filing
must occur before the Participant's death.  A Participant may change the
Beneficiary, from time to time, by filing a new written designation with the
Administrator.  If the Participant is married, any Beneficiary designation which
does not designate the Participant's spouse to receive at least one-half of the
Participant's Account shall only become effective when approved in writing by
the Participant's spouse.

F.   SOURCE OF PAYMENT
     -----------------

     Amounts paid under this Plan shall be paid from the general funds of the
Company, and each Participant and his or her Beneficiaries shall be no more than
unsecured general creditors of the Company with no special or prior right to any
assets of the Company (whose claims may be subordinated to those of creditors of
Company subsidiaries) for payment of any obligations hereunder.  Nothing
contained in this Plan shall be deemed to create a trust of any kind for the
benefit of any Participant or Beneficiary, or create any fiduciary relationship
between the Company and any Participant or Beneficiary with respect to any
assets of the Company.
<PAGE>
 
G.   MISCELLANEOUS
     -------------

     1.   Withholding.  Each Participant and Beneficiary shall make appropriate
          -----------                                                          
arrangements with the Company for the satisfaction of any federal, state or
local income tax withholding requirements and Social Security or other
employment tax requirements applicable to deferrals under this Plan or the
payment of amounts deferred under this Plan.  If no other arrangements are made,
the Company may provide, at its discretion, for such withholding and tax
payments as may be required.

     2.   No Assignment.  The benefits provided under this Plan may not be
          -------------                                                   
alienated, assigned, transferred, pledged or hypothecated by any person, at any
time.  These benefits shall be exempt from the claims of creditors or other
claimants and from all orders, decrees, levies, garnishments or executions.

     3.   Applicable Law; Severability.  The Plan hereby created shall be
          ----------------------------                                   
construed, administered and governed in all respects in accordance with ERISA
and the laws of the State of California to the extent that the latter are not
preempted by ERISA.  If any provision of this instrument shall be held by a
court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining
provisions hereunder shall continue to be effective.

H.   ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN
     --------------------------

     1.   In General.  The Plan Administrator shall be the Vice President Human
          ----------                                                           
Resources of the Company.  If the Vice President Human Resources is a
Participant, any discretionary action taken as Administrator which directly
affects him or her as a Participant shall be specifically approved by the Chief
Executive Officer of the Company.  The Administrator shall have the authority
and responsibility to interpret this Plan and shall adopt such rules and
regulations for carrying out this Plan as it may deem necessary or appropriate.
Decisions of the Administrator shall be final and binding on all parties who
have or claim any interest in this Plan.

     2.   Elections and Notices.  All elections and notices made under this Plan
          ---------------------                                                 
shall be in writing and filed with the Administrator at the time and in the
manner specified by him or her.  Except as may be specifically otherwise stated
in any Plan election form, all elections to defer under this Plan shall be
irrevocable.

I.   AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION OF THE PLAN
     ------------------------------------

     The Board may at any time amend this Plan. Such action shall be prospective
only and shall not adversely affect the rights of any Participant or Beneficiary
to any benefit previously earned under this Plan. The Board may at any time
terminate this Plan; thereupon compensation previously deferred plus interest
credited thereon shall promptly be paid, on termination, in single lump sums to
the respective Participants or Beneficiaries entitled thereto.
<PAGE>
 
J.   EFFECTIVE DATE
     --------------

     This Plan is effective as of July 27, 1994, the date on which this Plan was
approved by the Board; provided, however, that this Plan shall be null and void
and of no further force or effect if the Transaction is not consummated.

K.   DEFINITIONS
     -----------

     For purposes of this Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:

     1.   "Account" means the Account specified in Section E.1.
           -------                                             

     2.   "Administrator" shall mean the person specified in Section H.
           -------------                                               

     3.   "Beneficiary" shall mean the person or entity described by Section
           -----------                                                      
E.8.

     4.   "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of McKesson Corporation, a
           -----                                                              
Delaware corporation.

     5.   "Company" shall mean McKesson Corporation, a Delaware corporation and
           -------                                                             
any subsidiary in which it owns at least 50% of the issued and outstanding stock
(and any subsidiary 50% of the issued and outstanding stock of which is owned by
such a subsidiary).

     6.   "Disabled" or "Disability" shall mean (1) a physical or mental
           ------------------------                                     
condition which, in the judgment of the Administrator, based on competent
medical evidence satisfactory to the Administrator, renders a Participant unable
to perform the work of his or her regular occupation for the Company and which
impairment is likely to result in death or to be of long, continued and
indefinite duration, or (2) a judicial declaration of incompetence.

     7.   "Eligible Director" shall mean a director described by Section C.1.b.
           -----------------                                                   

     8.   "Eligible Executive" shall mean an employee of the Company selected as
           ------------------                                                   
being eligible to participate in this Plan under Section C.1.a.

     9.   "ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
           -----                                                           
1974, as amended.

     10.  "Participant" shall be any Eligible Executive or Eligible Director
           -----------                                                      
for whom amounts are credited to an Account under this Plan.  Upon the
Participant's death, his or her Beneficiary shall be a Participant until all
amounts are paid out of his or her Account.

     11.  "Plan" shall mean the McKesson Corporation 1994 Option Gain Deferral
           ----                                                               
Plan (OGDP).

                                                                          Page 6
<PAGE>
 
     12.  "Retirement" shall mean termination of employment after (a) the date
           ----------                                                         
on which the Participant's number of points under the Retirement Share Plan
portion of the McKesson Corporation Profit-Sharing Investment Plan equals 65,
(b) attaining eligibility for a Retirement Allowance under the terms of the
McKesson Corporation Retirement Plan or (c) receiving an Approved Retirement
under the terms of the Executive Benefit Retirement Plan.

     13.  "Transaction"  shall mean the restructuring of the Company that will
           -----------                                                        
result in the sale of PCS Health Systems, Inc. to Eli Lilly and Company.

     14.  "Year" is the calendar year.
           ----                       


McKESSON CORPORATION


By:  
     --------------------------------------------
     William A. Armstrong
     Vice President Human Resources and Administration

                                                                          Page 7

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10.22

                             McKESSON CORPORATION
                        1989 MANAGEMENT INCENTIVE PLAN
                        ------------------------------

                     AS AMENDED THROUGH SEPTEMBER 24, 1997

     The name of this plan shall be the McKesson Corporation 1989 Management
Incentive Plan.  This Plan replaces in their entirety both the Company's
Management Incentive Plan and its Performance Award Plan for Key Employees.
This Plan is effective for fiscal years of the Company commencing on and after
April 1, 1989.


A.   PURPOSE
     -------

     The purpose of the Plan is to attract, retain and motivate key employees by
providing cash incentive awards to designated executive, managerial and
professional employees of the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates.  The
Plan is designed to link managers' interests more closely with the interests of
the Company's shareholders.

     The Plan is established as a single incentive plan to reward designated
executives, managers and professionals who contribute to shareholder value.
Each Participant's award will take into account corporate performance as well
as, where appropriate, his or her own business unit's performance.  The Plan
also provides that awards will reflect individual performance, subject to
Article G.  Incentive awards paid under this Plan are intended to qualify as
performance-based compensation deductible by the Company under the Code.

B.   ADMINISTRATION
     --------------

     The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors ("Committee") shall
have full power and authority, subject to the provisions of the Plan, to review
and approve the designation of Participants and to promulgate such rules and
regulations as it deems necessary for the proper administration of the Plan, to
interpret the provisions and supervise the administration of the Plan, and to
take all action in connection therewith or in relation to the Plan as it deems
necessary or advisable.  Decisions and selections of the Committee shall be made
by a majority of its members and, if made pursuant to the provisions of the
Plan, shall be final.  Any decision reduced to writing and signed by all of the
members of the Committee shall be fully effective as if it had been made at a
meeting duly held.  The Committee shall consist solely of Disinterested Persons,
in conformance with Section 162(m) of the Code ("Section 162(m)").

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
C.   PARTICIPATION
     -------------

     1.    Eligibility - Executives, Managers and Professionals
           ----------------------------------------------------

           Only active employees of the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates
who are employed in an executive, managerial or professional capacity may be
designated as Participants under the Plan.

     2.    Designation and Removal of Participants
           ---------------------------------------

           No person shall be entitled to any award under this Plan for any Year
unless he or she is so designated as a Participant for that Year.  The Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) of the Company and such other persons as the CEO may
designate, shall recommend to the Committee employees (who may include such
recommending persons) for selection as Participants.  The Committee shall review
and approve Plan Participants recommended by management from among those
employees who are eligible to participate.  The Committee may add to or delete
individuals from the list of designated Participants at any time and from time
to time, at its sole discretion.

     3.    Notice of Participation
           -----------------------

           As soon as reasonably practicable, each person who is a Participant
in the Plan for a Year will be notified.

D.   INDIVIDUAL TARGET AWARDS FOR PARTICIPANTS
     -----------------------------------------

     1.    Targets, In General
           -------------------

           At the beginning of each Year, an Individual Target Award shall be
established for each Participant.  An Individual Target Award shall only be a
target and the amount of the target may or may not be paid to the Participant.
Establishment of an Individual Target Award for an employee for any Year shall
not imply or require that an Individual Target Award be set for any subsequent
year.  The amount of any actual award paid to any Participant may be greater or
less than this target.  As set forth in paragraph F4 below (but subject to the
limitations applicable to Covered Employees contained in Article G), the actual
award may be as much as three times target or as low as zero for any Year.  The
establishment of an Individual Target Award for an employee shall not affect the
right of the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates to terminate, with or
without cause, such employee's employment at any time.

     2.    Percentage of Base Salary
           -------------------------

           Individual Target Awards shall be a percentage of the Participant's
base salary reviewed and approved by the Committee in its sole discretion.

E.   BASIS OF AWARDS
     ---------------

     Awards will be based on contribution to shareholder value and individual
performance.  The Committee shall establish measures, which may include
financial and non-financial objectives ("Performance Goals"), to calculate the
shareholder value contribution for each segment of the Company.   These
Performance Goals shall be determined by the Committee in advance of each Year
or such period as may be permitted by the regulations issued under Section
162(m), and shall be based on one or more of the following criteria:  (i) the
attainment of a specified percentage return on total capital employed by the
Company (or a subsidiary or division of the Company); (ii) the attainment of a
specified percentage return on total stockholder 

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
equity of the Company; (iii) the attainment of a specified percentage increase
in earnings per share from continuing operations; (iv) the attainment of a
specified percentage increase in Net Income of the Company; (v) the attainment
of a specified percentage increase in profit before taxation of the Company (or
a subsidiary or division of the Company); (vi) the attainment of a specified
percentage increase in revenues of the Company (or a subsidiary or division of
the Company); and (vii) the attainment of profit after-tax at specified levels
of equity investment. In addition, such Performance Goals may be based upon the
attainment of specified levels of Company performance under one or more of the
measures described above relative to the performance of other corporations.

     Awards may be based on performance against objectives for more than one
segment of the Company.  For example, awards for corporate management will be
based on overall corporate performance against objectives, but awards for a
unit's management may be based on a combination of corporate, unit and sub-unit
performance against objectives.

     Subject to the limitations set forth in Article G below, individual
performance of each Participant will also be measured and used in determining
awards under this Plan.

F.   AWARD DETERMINATION
     -------------------

     1.    Award Determined by Committee
           -----------------------------

           After any Year for which an Individual Target Award is established
for a Participant under this Plan, the Committee shall review and approve,
modify or disapprove the amount, if any, to be paid to the Participant for the
Year. The amount paid shall be the Individual Target Award adjusted to reflect
both the Company's financial performance and the Participant's individual
performance. All awards will be subject to the sole discretion of the Committee.

     2.    Financial Performance
           ---------------------

           Individual Target Award amounts will be modified by achievement of
financial objectives by the Company and relevant units and sub-units.
Performance results against financial objectives shall be reviewed and approved
by the Committee.  The Committee may as a result of this review modify or change
objectives or performance results for the Year as it determines to be necessary
or appropriate to take into account changes during the year including, but not
limited to, changes in accounting methods, acquisitions or divestitures, and
unusual or non-recurring financial or other events, to the extent not precluded
by Section 162(m).

     3.    Individual Performance
           ----------------------

           Any Individual Target Award, adjusted to reflect financial
performance, will be further adjusted with the review and approval of the
Committee to give full weight to the Participant's individual performance during
the Year.

     4.    Overall Effect
           --------------

          The combination of any financial performance adjustment and individual
performance adjustment may increase the amount paid under this Plan to a
Participant for any Year to as much as three times the Individual Target Award,
and may reduce any amount payable to zero, subject to Article G.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
G.   PROCEDURES APPLICABLE TO CERTAIN DESIGNATED PARTICIPANTS
     --------------------------------------------------------
 
     Awards under the Plan to Participants who are Covered Employees shall be
subject to preestablished Performance Goals as set forth herein.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Paragraph F.3 above, the Committee shall not
have discretion to modify the terms of awards to such Participants except as
specifically set forth in this Article G.

     1.    Target Award.  At the beginning of a Year, the Committee shall
           ------------                                                  
establish Individual Target Awards to such of the Participants who may be
Covered Employees, payment of which shall be conditioned upon satisfaction of
specific Performance Goals for the Year established by the Committee in writing
in advance of the Year, or within such period as may be permitted by regulations
issued under Section 162(m) of the Code.  The extent, if any, to which an Award
will be payable will be based upon the degree of achievement of the Performance
Goals; provided, however, that the Committee may, in its sole discretion, reduce
some or all of the amount which would otherwise be payable with respect to an
Award.

     2.    Performance Goals.  The Performance Goals established by the
           -----------------
Committee shall be the same as those objectives set for all Plan Participants
and shall be based on one or more of the criteria set forth in Article E above.

     3.    Payment of Awards.  At the time the Performance Goals are
           -----------------
established, the Committee shall prescribe a formula to determine the percentage
of the Individual Target Award which may be payable based upon the degree of
attainment of the Performance Goals during the Year. If the minimum Performance
Goals established by the Committee are not met, no payment will be made to a
Participant who is a Covered Employee. To the extent that the minimum
Performance Goals are satisfied or surpassed, and upon written certification by
the Committee that the Performance Goals have been satisfied to a particular
extent, payment of the award shall be made on the Payment Date in accordance
with the prescribed formula based upon a percentage of the Individual Target
Award unless the Committee determines, in its sole discretion, to reduce the
payment to be made.

     4.    Maximum Award.  The maximum award payable to any Participant who is a
           -------------                                                        
Covered Employee for any Year shall not exceed two percent (2%) of the Company's
Net Income for that Year.

H.   ELECTIONS
     ---------

     1.    Election to Defer Payment.  At the time established under the
           -------------------------                                    
Company's Deferred Compensation Administration Plan II ("DCAP II"), any
Participant who is eligible to participate in DCAP II may irrevocably elect, in
writing and in accordance with DCAP II, to defer his or her award under this
Plan so it is paid at the time and in the manner of, and subject to the terms
and conditions provided by, DCAP II.  If an election to defer an award is not
made, then any award under this Plan shall be paid in a single sum to the
Participant as soon as reasonably practicable after the amount of the award is
determined.  Notwithstanding the above provisions, no amount shall be deferred
for the Year under DCAP II unless the actual award under this Plan for that Year
is at least $5,000.  No awards may be deferred by a Participant under DCAP II
unless he or she is an active employee of the Company as of the end of the Year.

     2.    Election to Receive Stock Option Grant in Lieu of Award Under the
           -----------------------------------------------------------------
Plan.  Prior to the end of a calendar year, any Participant may irrevocably
elect, in writing on the form prescribed by the Committee, to receive a stock
option grant under the 1994 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan in lieu of
all or a portion of such Participant's award under this Plan for the Year in
which that calendar year ends.  Annually management of the Company shall
determine the rate at which stock option grants will be made in lieu of an award
under the Plan and that conversion rate shall be communicated to Participants
prior to the deadline for making the

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
election described in the preceding sentence.  The minimum number of option
shares that a Participant may elect to receive pursuant to such election is 500,
subject to adjustment in the event of a stock split, stock dividend,
consolidation or other similar recapitalization involving the capital stock of
the Company.  In addition, the Company annually shall prescribe a maximum
portion of a Participant's Target Award that may be made subject to an election
to receive a stock option grant in lieu of an award under the Plan.  If for any
reason the Company does not make the stock option grant contemplated by the
Participant's election, the Participant shall be deemed to have elected to make
a deferral election pursuant to Section H.1 of the award that was the subject of
the election to receive a stock option.

I.   NO MANAGEMENT INCENTIVE FUND
     ----------------------------

     Awards paid under this Plan shall not be based on or payable from a "pool"
or a "Management Incentive Fund".

J.   EMPLOYMENT AT YEAR END GENERALLY REQUIRED FOR AWARD
     ---------------------------------------------------

     No award shall be made to any Participant who is not an active employee of
the Company or one of its subsidiaries or affiliates at the end of the Year;
provided, however, that the Committee, in its sole and absolute discretion, may
- --------  -------                                                              
make pro-rata awards to Participants during a year in circumstances that
Committee deems appropriate including, but not limited to, a Participant's
death, disability, retirement or other termination of employment during such
Year.  Any such pro-rated awards shall be determined by the Committee in
accordance with Section F above after taking into account the portion of the
Year then completed.

K.   NONASSIGNMENT AND PARTICIPANTS ARE GENERAL CREDITORS
     ----------------------------------------------------

     The interest of any Participant under the Plan shall not be assignable
either by voluntary or involuntary assignment or by operation of law, except by
designation of a beneficiary or beneficiaries to the extent allowed under the
Company's DCAP.

L.   AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION
     ------------------------

     While the Company hopes to continue the Plan indefinitely, it reserves the
right in its Board of Directors to amend, suspend or terminate the Plan or adopt
a new plan at any time; provided that no such amendment shall (i) without prior
approval of the Company's stockholders, alter the business criteria on which the
Performance Goals may be based, increase the maximum amount set forth in
Paragraph F.4 above, or modify the requirements as to eligibility for
participation in the Plan, or (ii) retroactively and adversely affect the
payment of any award previously made.  In case any one or more of the provisions
contained in the Plan shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal or
unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability
shall not affect any other provision of the Plan, but the Plan shall be
construed as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions had never been
contained herein.

M.   INTERPRETATION
     --------------

     This Plan is intended to comply with Section 162(m), and all provisions
contained herein shall be construed and interpreted in a manner to so comply.

N.   DEFINITIONS
     -----------

     "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
      ----                                                           

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
     "Committee" means the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of
      ---------                                                               
McKesson Corporation.

     "Company" means McKesson Corporation, a Delaware corporation.
      -------                                                     

     "Covered Employees" shall mean eligible Participants designated by the
      -----------------                                                    
Committee who are, or are expected to be, "covered employees" within the meaning
of Section 162(m) of the Code for the Year in which an award is payable
hereunder.

     "Disinterested Person" shall mean a member of the Board of Directors who
      --------------------                                                   
qualifies as an "outside director" for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code.

     "Individual Target Award" means the target award established for each
      -----------------------                                             
Participant under Article D.

     "Net Income" shall mean after tax income from continuing operations before
      ----------                                                               
special items and the effect of any accounting changes.

     "Participants" mean those employees specifically designated as Participants
      ------------                                                              
for a Year under Article C.

     "Payment Date" shall mean the date following the conclusion of a Year on
      ------------                                                           
which the Committee certifies that applicable Performance Goals have been
satisfied and authorizes payment of corresponding awards.

     "Performance Goals" shall have the meaning set forth in Section E. hereof.
      -----------------                                                        

     "Plan" means the McKesson Corporation 1989 Management Incentive Plan.
      ----                                                                

     "Year" means the fiscal year of the Company.
      ----                                       

     Executed as of September 24, 1997 in the City and County of San Francisco.


McKESSON CORPORATION



By
  -----------------------------------
     William A. Armstrong
     Vice President, Human Resources
     and Administration

                                       6

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10.32


                             MCKESSON CORPORATION
                             --------------------
             1997 NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS' EQUITY COMPENSATION AND
             -----------------------------------------------------
                                DEFERRAL PLAN 
                                ------------- 

                     (As amended through October 29, 1997)


          1.  Purpose of the Plan.  The purpose of the McKesson Corporation 1997
              -------------------                                               
Non-Employee Directors' Equity Compensation and Deferral Plan (the "Plan") is to
attract and retain qualified individuals not employed by McKesson Corporation
(the "Company") or its subsidiaries to serve on the Board of Directors of the
Company and to further align the interests of such non-employee directors with
those of the stockholders of the Company.  Once approved, the Plan shall replace
the Company's Directors' Retirement Program and shall be in lieu of
participation by non-employee directors in the Company's 1994 Stock Option and
Restricted Stock Plan.

          2.  Definitions.
              ----------- 

          (a) "Annual Meeting" shall mean the annual meeting of the stockholders
of the Company.

          (b) "Annual Retainer" shall mean any retainer fee paid to a non-
employee director for service on the Board during a Director Year.

          (c) "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

          (d) "Change in Control" of the Company shall mean the occurrence of
any of the following events:

          (i)  any "person" (as such term is used in sections 13(d) and 14(d) of
     the Exchange Act), excluding the Company or any of its affiliates, a
     trustee or any fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan
     of the Company or any of its affiliates, an underwriter temporarily holding
     securities pursuant to an offering of such securities or a corporation
     owned, directly or indirectly, by stockholders of the Company in
     substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company, is or
     becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange
     Act), directly or indirectly, of
<PAGE>
 
     securities of the Company representing 30% or more of the combined voting
     power of the Company's then outstanding securities; or

          (ii)  during any period of not more than two consecutive years,
     individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board and
     any new director (other than a director designated by a Person who has
     entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction
     described in clause (i), (iii) or (iv) of this paragraph) whose election by
     the Board or nomination for election by the Company's stockholders was
     approved by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still
     in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose
     election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for
     any reason to constitute a majority thereof; or

          (iii)  the stockholders of the Company approve a merger or
     consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other than (A) a
     merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the
     Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent
     (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting
     securities of the surviving entity), in combination with the ownership of
     any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit
     plan of the Company, at least 50% of the combined voting power of the
     voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding
     immediately after such merger or consolidation, or (B) a merger or
     consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company (or
     similar transaction) in which no person acquires more than 50% of the
     combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities; or

          (iv)  the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete
     liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by
     the Company of all or substantially all of the Company's assets.

          Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Change in Control shall be deemed to
have occurred if there is consummated any transaction or series of integrated
transactions immediately following which the holders of the Common Stock
immediately prior to such transaction or

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
series of transactions continue to have the same proportionate ownership in an
entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Company
immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions.

          (e) "Committee" shall mean the Committee on Directors and Corporate
Governance.

          (f) "Committee Chairman Retainer" shall mean any fee paid to a non-
employee director for service as the chairman of any committee of the Board.

          (g) "Common Stock" shall mean shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01
per share, of the Company.

          (h) "DCAP II" shall mean the McKesson Corporation Deferred
Compensation Administration Plan II, as amended from time to time.

          (i) "Director Year" shall mean a calendar year.

          (j) "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended from time to time.

          (k) "Fair Market Value" of a share of Common Stock as of a particular
date shall mean, if the Common Stock is not listed or admitted to trading on a
stock exchange, the average between the lowest reported bid price and highest
reported asked price of the Common Stock on such date in the over-the-counter
market, or, if the Common Stock is then listed or admitted to trading on any
stock exchange, the composite closing price on such date as reported in the 
Wall Street Journal.
- ------------------- 

          (l) "Fees" shall mean the sum, for any Director Year, of the Annual
Retainer, Meeting Fees and Committee Chairman Retainer.

          (m) "Meeting Fees" shall mean any fees paid to a non-employee director
for attending a meeting of the Board or a committee of the Board, including any
fees paid to a non-employee director for extraordinary or special Board and/or
committee meetings.

          (n) "Participant" shall mean a non-employee director of the Company
participating in the Plan.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
          (o) "Restricted Stock Unit" shall mean a right to receive, in
accordance with the conditions set forth herein, a share of the Common Stock or,
alternatively, a cash payment equal to the Fair Market Value of a share of
Common Stock.

          (p) "Retainer Option" shall mean a stock option granted pursuant to
the Plan in lieu of all or a portion of a Participant's Annual Retainer, as
provided in Sections 6(c) and 6(d)(iv).

          3.  Effective Date, Duration of Plan.  This Plan shall become
              --------------------------------                         
effective as of January 1, 1997, subject to the approval of the Plan by the
stockholders of the Company; provided, that if the Plan is so approved, any
election made hereunder prior to such approval shall be deemed effective as of
the date such election was made.  The Plan will terminate on December 31, 2006
or such earlier date as determined by the Board; provided that no such
termination shall affect rights earned or accrued under the Plan prior to the
date of termination.

          4.  Participation.  Subject to the prior approval of the Committee,
              -------------                                                  
each member of the Board who is not an employee of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries shall be eligible to participate in the Plan.

          5.  Common Stock Subject to the Plan.
              -------------------------------- 

          (a)  Subject to Section 5(b) below, the maximum aggregate number of
shares authorized to be issued under the Plan shall be 250,000.  All Restricted
Stock Units issued hereunder, whether or not distributed in the form of Common
Stock, shall count against such maximum.  If any options granted hereunder cease
to be exercisable in whole or in part, any shares subject thereto but with
respect to which such option had not been exercised, shall not count against
such maximum.  As the Committee shall determine from time to time, the Common
Stock may consist of either shares of authorized but unissued Common Stock, or
shares of authorized and issued Common Stock reacquired by the Company and held
in its treasury.

          (b)  In the event that the Committee shall determine that any dividend
or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, stock or other property),
recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split,

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination,
repurchase or share exchange or other similar corporate transaction or event
affects the Common Stock such that an adjustment is determined by the Committee
to be appropriate to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or
potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, then the
Committee may, in its sole discretion and in such manner as it may deem
equitable, adjust any or all of (i) the number of shares of Common Stock subject
to the Plan, (ii) the number of shares of Common Stock subject to outstanding
awards under the Plan, and (iii) the grant or exercise price with respect to any
option.

          6.  Restricted Stock Units; Deferrals.
              --------------------------------- 

          (a)  Transition Grant.  As soon as practicable following January 1,
               ----------------                                              
1997, each Participant shall receive an initial grant (the "Transition Grant")
of a number of Restricted Stock Units in consideration for the termination of
such Participant's accrued benefits and rights under the Company's Director's
Retirement Program (the "Prior Plan"); provided that the Transition Grant shall
be subject to the receipt by the Company of a written release from the
Participant, in the form approved by the Committee, consenting to such
termination.  The number of Restricted Stock Units granted to a Participant in
respect of the Transition Grant shall equal the Accrued Benefit (as defined
below), divided by the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock as of
December 31, 1996.  A Participant's Accrued Benefit shall equal his or her
accrued benefit under the Prior Plan, as of December 31, 1996.

          (b)  Annual Grant.  On the date of each Annual Meeting prior to the
               ------------                                                  
termination or expiration of the Plan, beginning with the 1997 Annual Meeting,
each Participant shall receive a grant of 400 Restricted Stock Units.

          (c)  Mandatory Deferral.  On each date that any portion of the Annual
               ------------------                                              
Retainer would otherwise be payable to a Participant prior to the termination or
expiration of the Plan, each such Participant shall be required to defer the
receipt of an amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of such portion of Annual
Retainer, which amount shall be deferred in the form of Restricted Stock Units
or Retainer Options, as elected by the Participant prior to the end of the
calendar year preceding the year in

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
which the Annual Retainer is payable.  In the event that a participant fails to
make such an election with respect to any calendar year in which he or she
receives payment of an Annual Retainer, the Participant shall be deemed to have
elected to receive the Annual Retainer in the form of Restricted Stock Units.
The number of Restricted Stock Units granted to a Participant in respect of such
deferral shall equal the Annual Retainer so deferred, divided by the Fair Market
Value of a share of Common Stock as of the last trading day of the calendar
quarter immediately preceding the date such Annual Retainer would otherwise be
payable.  To the extent applicable, Restricted Stock Units granted pursuant to
this paragraph shall be subject to the same terms and conditions described in
Section 6(d)(ii) below.  The number of Retainer Option shares granted to a
Participant in respect of such deferral shall be determined using the same
conversion rate as employed in that year for the purpose of determining the
number of stock option shares to be granted to employees in lieu of awards under
the Company's Management Incentive Plan.

          (d)  Optional Deferral.  All Fees (other than the portion of Annual
               -----------------                                             
Retainer subject to Mandatory Deferral described above) earned by a Participant
in each Director Year prior to the termination or expiration of the Plan shall
be subject to the following payment and deferral options.  Each Participant may
elect by written notice to the Company, in accordance with the procedures
established by the Company, to participate in such payment and deferral options.

          (i)  Cash Alternative.  Unless a valid election is made in accordance
               ----------------                                                
     with the procedures established by the Company, each Participant shall
     receive payment of all Fees (other than the portion of Annual Retainer
     subject to Mandatory Deferral described above) in the form of cash.

          (ii)  Restricted Stock Unit Alternative.  Subject to executing a valid
                ---------------------------------                               
     election with the Company (the "RSU Election"), each Participant may elect
     to defer all or any portion of his or her Fees (other than the portion of
     Annual Retainer subject to Mandatory Deferral described above) in the form
     of Restricted Stock Units.  The number of Restricted Stock Units granted
     shall equal the amount of Fees so deferred, divided by the Fair Market
     Value of the Common Stock as of the last trading day of the

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
     calendar quarter immediately preceding the date such Fees would otherwise
     be payable.  The RSU Election (A) shall be in the form of a document
     executed by the Participant and filed with the Secretary of the Company,
     (B) shall be made before the first day of the calendar year in which the
     applicable Fees are earned and shall become irrevocable on the last day
     prior to the beginning of such calendar year, and (C) shall continue until
     the Participant ceases to serve as a director of the Company or until he or
     she terminates or modifies such election by written notice to the Company
     in accordance with the procedures established by the Company, any such
     termination or modification to be effective as of the end of the calendar
     year in which such notice is given with respect to Fees otherwise payable
     in subsequent calendar years.  Any person who becomes a Participant during
     any Director Year may execute an RSU Election prior to commencing service
     on the Board with respect to Fees to be earned for the remainder of such
     year and for future Director Years in accordance with the procedures
     established by the Company.

          Each Restricted Stock Unit shall entitle the holder to, upon
     distribution thereof (A) receive a cash payment equal to the Fair Market
     Value of one share of Common Stock, or (B) have issued in his or her name
     one share of Common Stock.  In either case, each such Restricted Stock Unit
     shall terminate upon distribution.

          The Company shall credit each Participant holding Restricted Stock
     Units with a number of additional Restricted Stock Units equal to any
     dividends and other distributions paid by the Company on an equivalent
     number of shares of Common Stock, as of the date such dividends or 
     distributions are payable. Such additional Restricted Stock Units shall
     thereafter be treated as any other Restricted Stock Units issued under the
     Plan. Restricted Stock Units may not be sold, transferred, assigned,
     pledged or otherwise encumbered or disposed of until such time as share
     certificates for Common Stock are issued.

          Each Participant issued Restricted Stock Units shall execute a valid
     distribution election in accordance with the procedures established by the

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
     Company (the "Distribution Election").  The Distribution Election shall
     indicate (A) whether the distribution shall be made in the form of Common
     Stock or cash and (B) whether the distribution shall be made in a single
     allotment or in substantially equal annual installments over a period not
     to exceed ten (10) years.  The Distribution Election (C) shall be in the
     form of a document executed by the Participant and filed with the Secretary
     of the Company, (D) shall be made no later than 12 months prior to the
     Participant's cessation from service as a director of the Company, and (E)
     shall become irrevocable 12 months prior to the Participant's cessation
     from service as a director of the Company.

          All distributions shall commence as soon as practicable after the
     first business day of January of the calendar year following the
     Participant's cessation from service as a director of the Company.  If no
     valid Distribution Election is made, the Restricted Stock Units shall be
     distributed in a lump sum as soon as practicable after the first business
     day of January of the calendar year following the Participant's cessation
     from service as a director of the Company, in the form of cash.
     Participants who receive Restricted Stock Units shall have no rights as
     stockholders with respect to such Restricted Stock Units until share
     certificates for Common Stock are issued.  Notwithstanding any provision to
     the contrary, any fractional shares of Common Stock issuable hereunder
     shall be paid in cash.

          Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, Common Stock to be issued
     in respect of all Restricted Stock Units shall be immediately distributed.

          (iii)  DCAP II Alternative.  Subject to executing an election in
                 -------------------                                      
     accordance with the procedures established by the Company and the terms of
     DCAP II, each Participant may elect to defer all or any portion of his or
     her Fees (other than the portion of Annual Retainer subject to Mandatory
     Deferral described above) under DCAP II.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
          (iv)  Retainer Option Alternative.  Subject to executing an election
                ---------------------------                                   
     in accordance with the procedures established by the Company, each
     Participant may elect to receive the portion of Annual Retainer not subject
     to Mandatory Deferral, as described in Section 6(c) above, in the form of
     Retainer Options.  The number of Retainer Option shares granted to a
     Participant with respect to such deferral shall be determined in the manner
     described in Section 6(c) above.

          7.  Stock Options.
              ------------- 

          (a)  Discretionary Grants.  The Committee may, in its sole discretion,
               --------------------                                             
grant options to purchase Common Stock to Participants, pursuant to such terms
and conditions that it may deem advisable, so long as not inconsistent with
Section 7(d) below or any other terms of this Plan.

          (b)  Formula Grants.  Each Participant who is elected to the Board for
               --------------                                                   
the first time will automatically receive, on the date of the annual meeting of
stockholders next following such election (or, if such election occurs at an
annual meeting, on such date), an option to purchase 5,000 shares of Common
Stock (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 5(b) above), which option
shall be immediately exercisable in full but shall expire to the extent of 1,000
shares per year on each anniversary of the grant date unless and until such
Participant retires from the Board, in which case the option period shall end
three years after the retirement date or until the option term expires,
whichever shall first occur, and the option shall be exercisable to the extent
of the entire unexercised portion of the option (or any lesser amount) remaining
at the date of retirement.  On the date of each Annual Meeting, beginning with
the 1997 Annual Meeting, each Participant continuing to serve as a non-employee
director (but not entitled to receive an option grant pursuant to the first
sentence of this paragraph) will automatically receive, on such date, an option
to purchase 1,500 shares of Common Stock (subject to adjustment as provided in
Section 5(b) above), which option shall be immediately exercisable in full.
Subject to the aforementioned expiration provisions applicable to the initial
grant of 5,000 shares, the term of each option shall be five years.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
          (c)  Retainer Option Grants.  At the same time that the Company makes
               ----------------------                                          
stock option grants annually to eligible employees, each Participant who has
made an election to receive a Retainer Option pursuant to Section 6(c) or
6(d)(iv) with respect to all or any portion of the Annual Retainer to be paid in
such year shall be granted an option to purchase that number of shares of Common
Stock determined pursuant to Section 6(c) and/or Section 6(d)(iv), as
applicable.  The terms of such Retainer Options shall be as prescribed by the
Committee, so long as such terms are not inconsistent with Section 7(d) below or
any other terms of this Plan.

          (d)  Terms and Conditions of Options.  Except as provided in Section
               -------------------------------                                
7(b) above, the following terms and conditions shall apply to all options
granted to Participants under the Plan.

          (i)  The exercise price of each option shall not be less than the Fair
     Market Value of the Common Stock covered by the option on the date the
     option is granted.

          (ii)  Each option granted pursuant to the Plan shall be evidenced by a
     written grant agreement (the "Agreement") executed by the Company and the
     person to whom such option is granted which shall provide such terms and
     conditions as the Committee may determine, in its sole discretion, so long
     as not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan.

          (iii)  The term of each option shall be for no more than ten years.

          (iv)  The Agreement may contain such other terms, provisions, and
     conditions as may be determined by the Committee (not inconsistent with
     this Plan).  Unless otherwise provided in the Agreement and excluding
     options granted under paragraph (b) above, the Committee may, in its sole
     discretion, extend the post-termination exercise period with respect to an
     option (but not beyond the original term of such option).

          (v)  Payment of the purchase price upon exercise of any option shall
     be made in cash; provided that the Committee, in its sole discretion, may
     permit an option holder to pay the option price by such other method that
     it may deem appropriate,

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
     including, without limitation, by tendering to the Company shares of Common
     Stock owned by the option holder, and having a Fair Market Value equal to
     the option price.  Such stock surrender method may permit an election by
     the option holder to have the unrealized gain with respect to the option
     denominated in stock units (based on the fair market value of a share of
     Common Stock on the date of exercise) and paid in shares of Common Stock at
     the time specified by the Participant at the time of making the stock
     surrender option gain deferral election.  During the deferral period each
     such stock unit shall be credited with additional stock units equal to any
     dividends or other distributions paid by the Company on an equivalent
     number of shares of Common Stock, as of the date such dividends or
     distributions are payable.  Stock units may not be sold, transferred,
     assigned, pledged or otherwise encumbered or disposed of until such time as
     share certificates for Common Stock are issued.

          (vi)  All such options shall be designated as stock options which do
     not qualify under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
     amended.

          (vii)  Unless otherwise provided in an Agreement, options granted
     under the Plan will become immediately and fully vested and exercisable
     upon the occurrence of a Change in Control.

          8.  Administration.  The Plan shall be administered by the Committee.
              --------------                                                    
The Committee shall have full power to interpret the Plan and formulate
additional details and regulations for carrying out the Plan.  Any decision or
interpretation adopted by the Committee shall be final and conclusive.

          9.  No Right to Serve.  Nothing in the Plan shall confer upon any
              -----------------                                            
Participant the right to remain in service as a member of the Board.

          10.  Amendment and Termination.  The Board at any time may amend or
               -------------------------                                     
terminate the Plan; provided that any such amendment or termination does not
adversely affect the rights of any Participant.

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
          11.  Governing Law.  The validity, construction and effect of the Plan
               -------------                                                    
and any such actions taken under or relating to the Plan shall be determined in
accordance with the laws of the State of California.

          12.  Notices.  All notices under this Plan shall be sent in writing to
               -------                                                          
the Secretary of the Company.  All correspondence to the Participants shall be
sent in writing to the Participant at the address which is their recorded
address as listed on the most recent election form or as specified in the
Company's records.

          13.  Unfunded Status of Awards.  The Plan is intended to constitute an
               -------------------------                                        
"unfunded" plan for incentive and deferred compensation.  Nothing contained
hereunder shall give any Participant any rights that are greater than those of
an unsecured general creditor of the Company.

                                       12

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10.46

                      FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

  THIS FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT (the "Amendment"), dated as of
                                                 ---------               
November 3, 1997, is entered into by and among McKesson Corporation, a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), the several financial institutions party to the
                  -------                                                   
Credit Agreement (as hereinafter defined) (the "Banks"), The Chase Manhattan
                                                -----                       
Bank, as co-agent for the Banks (the "Co-Agent"), and Bank of America National
                                      --------                                
Trust and Savings Association, as agent for the Banks (the "Agent").
                                                            -----   

                                 RECITALS
                                 --------

  A.  The Company, the Banks, the Agent and the Co-Agent are parties to a Credit
Agreement dated as of November 4, 1996 (the "Credit Agreement") pursuant to
                                             ----------------              
which the Banks have made available a credit facility to the Company.

  B.  The Company has requested that the Banks agree to an amendment of the
Credit Agreement as hereinafter set forth.

  C.  The Banks are willing to amend the Credit Agreement, subject to the terms
and conditions of this Amendment.

  NOW, THEREFORE, for valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which
are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

  1.  Defined Terms.  Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used
      -------------                                                          
herein shall have the meanings, if any, assigned to them in the Credit
Agreement.

  2.  Amendment to Credit Agreement.  The definition of the term "Revolving
      -----------------------------                                        
Termination Date" set forth in Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement shall be
amended by replacing the date "November 3, 1997" with the date "November 2,
1998".

  3.  Representations and Warranties.  The Company represents and warrants to
      ------------------------------                                         
the Agent, the Co-Agent and the Banks as follows:

       (a) No Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

       (b) The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this
Amendment have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate and other action
and do not and will not require any registration with, consent or approval of,
notice to or action by, any Person (including any Governmental Authority) in
order to be effective and enforceable. The Credit Agreement, as amended by this
Amendment, constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company,
enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, without defense,
counterclaim or offset.

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
      (c) All representations and warranties of the Company contained in the
Credit Agreement are true and correct at the date hereof as if made on such
date.

      (d) The Company is entering into this Amendment on the basis of its own
investigation and for its own reasons, without reliance upon the Agent, the Co-
Agent, the Banks or any other Person.

  4.  Effective Date.  This Amendment will become effective as of the date first
      --------------                                                            
above written, provided that the Agent has received from the Company and each of
               --------                                                         
the Banks a duly executed original (or, if elected by the Agent, an executed
facsimile copy) of this Amendment.

  5.  Reservation of Rights.  The Company acknowledges and agrees that the
      ---------------------                                               
execution and delivery by the Agent and the Banks of this Amendment shall not be
deemed to create a course of dealing or otherwise obligate the Banks to execute
similar amendments under the same or similar circumstances in the future.

  6.  Miscellaneous.
      ------------- 

      (a) Except as herein expressly amended, all terms, covenants and
provisions of the Credit Agreement are and shall remain in full force and effect
and all references therein and in the other Loan Documents to such Credit
Agreement shall henceforth be deemed references to the Credit Agreement as
amended by this Amendment. This Amendment shall be deemed incorporated into, and
a part of, the Credit Agreement.

      (b) This Amendment shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.  No third party
beneficiaries are intended in connection with this Amendment.

      (c) This Amendment shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
the law of the State of California.

      (d) This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts together shall
constitute but one and the same instrument.  Each of the parties hereto
understands and agrees that this document may be delivered by any party hereto
either in the form of an executed original or an executed original sent by
facsimile transmission to be followed promptly by mailing of a hard copy
original, and that receipt by the Agent of a facsimile transmitted document
purportedly bearing the signature of a party hereto shall bind such party with
the same force and effect as the delivery of a hard copy original.  Any failure
by the Agent to receive the hard copy executed original of such document shall
not diminish the binding effect of receipt of the facsimile

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
transmitted executed original of such document of the party whose hard copy page
was not received by the Agent.

     (e) This Amendment, together with the Loan Documents, contains the entire
and exclusive agreement of the parties hereto with reference to the matters
discussed herein and therein. This Amendment supersedes all prior drafts and
communications with respect thereto. This Amendment may not be amended except in
accordance with the provisions of Section 10.01 of the Credit Agreement.

     (f) If any term or provision of this Amendment shall be deemed prohibited
by or invalid under any applicable law, such provision shall be invalidated
without affecting the remaining provisions of this Amendment or the Credit
Agreement.

     (g) The Company covenants to pay to or reimburse the Agent, upon demand,
for all reasonable costs and expenses (including allocated costs of in-house
counsel) incurred in connection with the development, preparation, negotiation,
execution and delivery of this Amendment and any documents related hereto.

  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly
executed and delivered in Los Angeles by their proper and duly authorized
officers as of the day and year first above written.

                              McKESSON CORPORATION


                              By: 
                                  ---------------------------
                              Title: 
                                     ------------------------



                              BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVINGS
                              ASSOCIATION,
                              as Agent


                              By: 
                                  ---------------------------
                              Title: 
                                     ------------------------


                              BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVINGS
                              ASSOCIATION, as a Bank


                              By: 
                                  ---------------------------
                              Title: 
                                     ------------------------

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                              THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, as Co-Agent and as a
                              Bank


                              By: 
                                  ---------------------------
                              Title: 
                                     ------------------------



                              ABN AMRO BANK N.V.
                              By:  ABN AMRO North America, Inc., as agent


                              By: 
                                  ---------------------------
                              Title: 
                                     ------------------------



                              MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY OF
                              NEW YORK


                              By: 
                                  ---------------------------
                              Title: 
                                     ------------------------



                              THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO


                              By: 
                                  ---------------------------
                              Title: 
                                     ------------------------



                              TORONTO DOMINION (TEXAS), INC.


                              By: 
                                  ---------------------------
                              Title: 
                                     ------------------------



                              WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.


                              By: 
                                  ---------------------------
                              Title: 
                                     ------------------------

                                       4

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10.47

                               CREDIT AGREEMENT

                         Dated as of November 21, 1997

                                     among

                             McKESSON CORPORATION,

                        BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST
                           AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION,
                                   as Agent,
                                      and

                 THE OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS PARTY HERETO


                                  Arranged by


                        BancAmerica Robertson Stephens
<PAGE>
 
                                 TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
Section                                                                     Page

 
ARTICLE I    DEFINITIONS..................................................... 1
  1.01  Certain Defined Terms................................................ 1
        ---------------------
  1.02  Other Interpretive Provisions....................................... 15
        -----------------------------
  1.03  Accounting Principles............................................... 16
        ---------------------

ARTICLE II   THE CREDITS.................................................... 16
  2.01  Amounts and Terms of Commitments.................................... 16
        --------------------------------
  2.02  Loan Accounts....................................................... 16
        -------------
  2.03  Procedure for Borrowing............................................. 17
        -----------------------
  2.04  Conversion and Continuation Elections............................... 18
        -------------------------------------
  2.05  Voluntary Termination or Reduction of Commitments................... 19
        -------------------------------------------------
  2.06  Optional Prepayments................................................ 19
        --------------------  
  2.07  Repayment........................................................... 20
        ---------
  2.08  Interest............................................................ 20
        --------
  2.09  Facility Fees....................................................... 21
        -------------
  2.10  Computation of Fees and Interest.................................... 21
        --------------------------------
  2.11  Payments by the Company............................................. 22
        -----------------------
  2.12  Payments by the Banks to the Agent.................................. 22
        ----------------------------------
  2.13  Sharing of Payments, Etc............................................ 23
        ------------------------

ARTICLE III  TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY......................... 24
  3.01  Taxes............................................................... 24
        -----
  3.02  Illegality.......................................................... 25
        ----------
  3.03  Increased Costs and Reduction of Return............................. 26
        --------------------------------------- 
  3.04  Funding Losses...................................................... 27
        --------------
  3.05  Inability to Determine Rates........................................ 27
        ----------------------------
  3.06  Certificates of Banks............................................... 28
        ---------------------
  3.07  Survival............................................................ 28
        --------

ARTICLE IV   CONDITIONS PRECEDENT........................................... 28
  4.01  Conditions of Initial Loans......................................... 28
        ---------------------------
        (a)  Credit Agreement............................................... 28
             ----------------
        (b)  Resolutions; Incumbency........................................ 28
             -----------------------
        (c)  Organization Documents; Good Standing.......................... 29
             -------------------------------------
        (d)  Legal Opinion.................................................. 29
             ------------- 
        (e)  Payment of Fees................................................ 29
             ---------------
        (f)  Company Certificates........................................... 29
             --------------------
        (g)  Other Documents................................................ 29
             ---------------

  4.02  Conditions to All Borrowings........................................ 29
        ----------------------------
        (a)  Notice of Borrowing or Conversion/Continuation................. 30
             ----------------------------------------------
        (b)  Continuation of Representations and Warranties................. 30
             ----------------------------------------------
        (c)  No Existing Default............................................ 30
             -------------------

ARTICLE V    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES................................. 30
  5.01  Corporate Existence and Power....................................... 30
        -----------------------------
<PAGE>
 
Section                                                                     Page

  5.02  Corporate Authorization; No Contravention........................... 31
        -----------------------------------------
  5.03  Governmental Authorization.......................................... 31
        --------------------------
  5.04  Binding Effect...................................................... 31
        --------------
  5.05  Litigation.......................................................... 31
        ----------
  5.06  No Default.......................................................... 32
        ----------
  5.07  Use of Proceeds; Margin Regulations................................. 32
        -----------------------------------
  5.08  Financial Condition................................................. 32
        -------------------
  5.09  Regulated Entities.................................................. 33
        ------------------
  5.10  No Burdensome Restrictions.......................................... 33
        --------------------------
  5.11  Subsidiaries and Certain Liens As of the Closing Date............... 33
        -----------------------------------------------------

ARTICLE VI   AFFIRMATIVE COVENANT........................................... 33
  6.01  Financial Statements................................................ 33
        --------------------
  6.02  Certificates; Other Information..................................... 34
        -------------------------------
  6.03  Notices............................................................. 34
        -------
  6.04  Preservation of Corporate Existence, Etc............................ 35
        ----------------------------------------
  6.05  Insurance........................................................... 35
        ---------
  6.06  Payment of Taxes.................................................... 35
        ----------------
  6.07  Compliance with Laws................................................ 36
        --------------------
  6.08  Inspection of Property and Books and Records........................ 36
        -------------------------------------------- 
  6.09  Use of Proceeds..................................................... 36
        ---------------

ARTICLE VII  NEGATIVE COVENANTS............................................. 36
  7.01  Limitation on Liens................................................. 36
        -------------------
  7.02  Consolidations and Mergers.......................................... 38
        --------------------------
  7.03  Use of Proceeds..................................................... 38
        ---------------
  7.04  Maximum Debt to Capitalization Ratio................................ 39
        ------------------------------------

ARTICLE VIII EVENTS OF DEFAULT.............................................. 39
  8.01  Event of Default.................................................... 39
        ----------------
        (a)  Non-Payment.................................................... 39
             -----------
        (b)  Representation or Warranty..................................... 39
             --------------------------
        (c)  Specific Defaults.............................................. 39
             -----------------
        (d)  Other Defaults................................................. 39
             --------------
        (e)  Cross-Default.................................................. 39
             -------------
        (f)  Insolvency; Voluntary Proceedings.............................. 40
             ---------------------------------
        (g)  Involuntary Proceedings........................................ 40
             -----------------------
        (h)  ERISA.......................................................... 40
             -----
  8.02  Remedies............................................................ 41
        --------
  8.03  Rights Not Exclusive................................................ 41
        --------------------

ARTICLE IX   THE AGENT...................................................... 41
  9.01  Appointment and Authorization....................................... 41
        -----------------------------
  9.02  Delegation of Duties................................................ 42
        --------------------
  9.03  Liability of Agent.................................................. 42
        ------------------
  9.04  Reliance by the Agent............................................... 42
        ---------------------
  9.05  Notice of Default................................................... 43
        -----------------
<PAGE>
 
Section                                                                     Page

  9.06  Credit Decision..................................................... 43
        ---------------
  9.07  Indemnification of Agent............................................ 44
        ------------------------
  9.08  Agent in Individual Capacity........................................ 44
        ----------------------------
  9.09  Successor Agent..................................................... 45
        ---------------
  9.10  Withholding Tax..................................................... 45
        ---------------
 
ARTICLE X    MISCELLANEOUS.................................................. 47
  10.01  Amendments and Waivers............................................. 47
         ----------------------
  10.02  Notices............................................................ 47
         -------
  10.03  No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies..................................... 48
         ------------------------------
  10.04  Costs and Expenses................................................. 48
         ------------------
  10.05  Company Indemnification............................................ 49
         -----------------------
  10.06  Payments Set Aside................................................. 50
         ------------------
  10.07  Successors and Assigns............................................. 50
         ----------------------
  10.08  Assignments, Participations, etc................................... 50
         ---------------------------------
  10.09  Confidentiality.................................................... 52
         ---------------
  10.10  Set-off............................................................ 53
         -------
  10.11  Notification of Addresses, Lending Offices, Etc.................... 53
         ------------------------------------------------
  10.12  Counterparts....................................................... 53
         ------------
  10.13  Severability....................................................... 54
         ------------
  10.14  No Third Parties Benefited......................................... 54
         --------------------------
  10.15  Governing Law and Jurisdiction; Language........................... 54
         ----------------------------------------
  10.16  Waiver of Jury Trial............................................... 54
         --------------------
  10.17  Entire Agreement................................................... 55
         ----------------
<PAGE>
 
                             McKesson Corporation
              List of Schedules and Exhibits to Credit Agreement

SCHEDULES

Schedule 2.01       Commitments
Schedule 5.11       Subsidiaries and Liens Securing 
                    Indebtedness for Borrowed Money
Schedule 10.02      Lending Offices; Addresses for Notices

EXHIBITS

Exhibit A      Form of Notice of Borrowing
Exhibit B      Form of Notice of Conversion/Continuation
Exhibit C      Form of Compliance Certificate
Exhibit D      Form of Legal Opinion of Company's Counsel
Exhibit E      Form of Assignment and Acceptance
Exhibit F      Form of Promissory Note






























                                       1

<PAGE>
 
                                 CREDIT AGREEMENT
                                 ----------------


     This CREDIT AGREEMENT is entered into as of November 21, 1997 among
McKesson Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), the several
                                                   -------               
financial institutions from time to time party to this Agreement (collectively,
the "Banks"; individually, a "Bank"), and Bank of America National Trust and
     -----                    ----                                          
Savings Association, as agent for the Banks.

     WHEREAS, the Banks have agreed to make available to the Company a revolving
credit facility upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements, provisions and
covenants contained herein, the parties agree as follows:


                                   ARTICLE I

                                  DEFINITIONS
                                  -----------
 
     1.01  Certain Defined Terms.  As used in this Agreement and the other Loan
           ---------------------
Documents, the following terms have the following meanings:

           "Affiliate" means, as to any Person, any other Person which, directly
            ---------                                                           
     or indirectly, is in control of, is controlled by, or is under common
     control with, such Person. A Person shall be deemed to control another
     Person if the controlling Person possesses, directly or indirectly, the
     power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of
     the other Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by
     contract, or otherwise.

           "Agent" means BofA in its capacity as agent for the Banks hereunder,
            -----                                                              
     and any successor agent arising under Section 9.09.

           "Agent-Related Persons" means the Agent and any successor agent
            ---------------------                                         
     arising under Section 9.09, together with their respective Affiliates
     (including, in the case of BofA, the Arranger), and the officers,
     directors, employees, agents and attorneys-in-fact of such Persons and
     Affiliates.

           "Agent's Payment Office" means the address for payments set forth on
            ----------------------                                             
     Schedule 10.02 in relation to the Agent, or such other address as the Agent
     --------------                                                             
     may from time to time specify.

           "Agreement" means this Credit Agreement.
            ---------                              
<PAGE>
 
           "AmeriSource Transaction" means the potential merger between the
            -----------------------
     Company and AmeriSource Health Corporation.

           "Applicable Margin" means, with respect to Offshore Rate Loans,
            -----------------                                             
     0.1500%.

           "Arranger" means BancAmerica Robertson Stephens, Inc., a Delaware
            --------                                                        
     corporation.

           "Assignee" has the meaning specified in subsection 10.08(a).
            --------                                                   

           "Attorney Costs" means and includes all reasonable fees and
            --------------                                            
     disbursements of any law firm or other external counsel, the allocated
     reasonable cost of internal legal services and all reasonable disbursements
     of internal counsel; provided that no fees or disbursements shall qualify
                          --------                                            
     as Attorney Costs unless written evidence substantiating such fees and
     disbursements is available to the Company upon request.

           "Bank" has the meaning specified in the introductory clause hereto.
            ----                                                              

           "Bankruptcy Code" means the Federal Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978 
            ---------------
     (11 U.S.C. (S)101, et seq.).
                        -------  

           "Base Rate" means, for any day, the higher of:  (a) 0.50% per annum
            ---------                                                          
     above the Federal Funds Rate in effect for that day; and (b) the rate of
     interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by
     BofA in San Francisco, California, as its "reference rate."  (The
     "reference rate" is a rate set by BofA based upon various factors including
     BofA's costs and desired return, general economic conditions and other
     factors, and is used as a reference point for pricing some loans, which may
     be priced at, above, or below such announced rate.)  Any change in the
     reference rate announced by BofA shall take effect at the opening of
     business on the day specified in the public announcement of such change.

           "Base Rate Loan" means a Loan that bears interest based on the Base
            --------------                                                    
     Rate.

           "BofA" means Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association,
            ----
      a national banking association.

           "Borrowing" means a borrowing hereunder consisting of Loans of the
            ---------                                                        
     same Type made to the Company on the same day by the Banks under 
     Article II, and, other than in the case of Base Rate Loans, having the same
     Interest Period.

           "Borrowing Date" means any date on which a Borrowing occurs under
            --------------                                                  
     Section 2.03.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
           "Business Day" means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other
            ------------                                                      
     day on which commercial banks in New York City, Chicago or San Francisco
     are authorized or required by law to close and, if the applicable Business
     Day relates to any Offshore Rate Loan, means such a day on which dealings
     are carried on in the applicable offshore dollar interbank market.

           "Capital Adequacy Regulation" means any guideline, request or
            ---------------------------                                 
     directive of any central bank or other Governmental Authority, or any other
     law, rule or regulation, whether or not having the force of law, in each
     case, regarding capital adequacy of any bank or of any corporation
     controlling a bank.

           "Closing Date" means the date on which all conditions precedent set
            ------------                                                      
     forth in Section 4.01 are satisfied or waived by all Banks (or, in the case
     of subsection 4.01(e), waived by the Person entitled to receive such
     payment).

           "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and regulations
            ----                                                          
     promulgated thereunder.

           "Commitment", as to each Bank, has the meaning specified in 
            ----------
     Section 2.01, and "Commitments" means the aggregate amount of the
                        -----------
     Commitments for each Bank in effect on such date.

           "Company" has the meaning specified in the introductory clause
            -------
     hereto.

           "Compliance Certificate" means a certificate substantially in the 
            ----------------------
     form of Exhibit C.

           "Contingent Obligation" means, as to any Person, any direct or
            ---------------------                                        
     indirect liability of that Person, whether or not contingent, with or
     without recourse, (a) with respect to any Indebtedness, lease, dividend,
     letter of credit or other obligation (the "primary obligations") of another
     Person (the "primary obligor"), including any obligation of that Person 
     (i) to purchase, repurchase or otherwise acquire such primary obligations
     or any security therefor, (ii) to advance or provide funds for the payment
     or discharge of any such primary obligation, or to maintain working capital
     or equity capital of the primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the net
     worth or solvency or any balance sheet item, level of income or financial
     condition of the primary obligor, (iii) to purchase property, securities or
     services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of any such
     primary obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of
     such primary obligation, or (iv) otherwise to assure or hold harmless the
     holder of any such primary obligation against 

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
     loss in respect thereof (each, a "Guaranty Obligation"); (b) with respect
                                       -------------------
     to any Surety Instrument issued for the account of that Person or as to
     which that Person is otherwise liable for reimbursement of drawings or
     payments; (c) to purchase any materials, supplies or other property from,
     or to obtain the services of, another Person if the relevant contract or
     other related document or obligation requires that payment for such
     materials, supplies or other property, or for such services, shall be made
     regardless of whether delivery of such materials, supplies or other
     property is ever made or tendered, or such services are ever performed or
     tendered, or (d) in respect of any Swap Contract. The amount of any
     Contingent Obligation shall, in the case of Guaranty Obligations, be deemed
     equal to the stated or determinable amount of the primary obligation in
     respect of which such Guaranty Obligation is made or, if not stated or if
     indeterminable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect
     thereof, and in the case of other Contingent Obligations, shall be equal to
     the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof.

           "Contractual Obligation" means, as to any Person, any provision of
            ----------------------
     any security issued by such Person or of any agreement, undertaking,
     contract, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other instrument, document
     or agreement to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its
     property is bound.

           "Conversion/Continuation Date" means any date on which, under 
            ----------------------------
     Section 2.04, the Company (a) converts Loans of one Type to another Type,
     or (b) continues as Loans of the same Type, but with a new Interest Period,
     Loans having Interest Periods expiring on such date.

           "Default" means any event or circumstance which, with the giving of
            -------                                                           
     notice, the lapse of time, or both, would (if not cured or otherwise
     remedied during such time) constitute an Event of Default.

           "Dollars", "dollars" and "$" each mean lawful money of the United
            -------    -------       -                                      
     States.
 
           "Eligible Assignee" means (i) a commercial bank organized under the
            -----------------                                                 
     laws of the United States, or any state thereof, and having a combined
     capital and surplus of at least $100,000,000; (ii) a commercial bank
     organized under the laws of any other country which is a member of the
     OECD, or a political subdivision of any such country, and having a combined
     capital and surplus of at least $100,000,000, provided that such bank is
     acting through a branch or agency located in the United States; and (iii) a
     Person that is primarily engaged in the business of commercial banking and
     that is (A) a Subsidiary of a Bank, 

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
     (B) a Subsidiary of a Person of which a Bank is a Subsidiary, or (C) a
     Person of which a Bank is a Subsidiary.

           "Employee Benefit Plan" means any "employee benefit plan" as defined
            ---------------------                                              
     in Section 3(3) of ERISA which is, or was at any time, maintained or
     contributed to by the Company or any of its ERISA Affiliates.

           "Environmental Laws" means all federal, state, or local laws,
            ------------------                                          
     statutes, common law duties, rules, regulations, ordinances and codes,
     together with all administrative orders, directed duties, requests,
     licenses, authorizations and permits of, and agreements with, any
     Governmental Authorities, in each case relating to environmental, health,
     safety or land use matters.

           "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, 
            -----
     and regulations promulgated thereunder.

           "ERISA Affiliate", as applied to any Person, means (i) any
            ---------------
      corporation which is, or was at any time, a member of a controlled group
      of corporations within the meaning of Section 414(b) of the Code of which
      that Person is, or was at any time, a member; (ii) any trade or business
      (whether or not incorporated) which is, or was at any time, a member of a
      group of trades or businesses under common control within the meaning of
      Section 414(c) of the Code of which that Person is, or was at any time, a
      member; and (iii) any member of an affiliated service group within the
      meaning of Section 414(m) or (o) of the Code of which that Person, any
      corporation described in clause (i) above or any trade or business
      described in clause (ii) above is, or was at any time, a member; provided
      that an ERISA Affiliate shall not include a Person that was a member, as
      referenced in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above if the Company or any of its
      Subsidiaries would not have any liability in connection with an ERISA
      Event with respect to such Person.

           "ERISA Event" means (i) a "reportable event" within the meaning of
            -----------                                                      
     Section 4043 of ERISA and the regulations issued thereunder with respect to
     any Pension Plan (excluding those for which the provision for 30-day notice
     to the PBGC has been waived by regulation); (ii) the failure to meet the
     minimum funding standard of Section 412 of the Code with respect to any
     Pension Plan (whether or not waived in accordance with Section 412(d) of
     the Code) or the failure to make by its due date a required installment
     under Section 412(m) of the Code with respect to any Pension Plan or the
     failure to make any required contribution to a Multiemployer Plan; (iii)
     the provision by the administrator of any Pension Plan pursuant to Section
     4041(a)(2) of ERISA of a notice of intent to terminate such plan in a
     distress termination described in 

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
     Section 4041(c) of ERISA; (iv) the withdrawal by the Company or any of its
     ERISA Affiliates from any Pension Plan with two or more contributing
     sponsors or the termination of any such Pension Plan resulting in liability
     pursuant to Sections 4063 or 4064 of ERISA; (v) the institution by the PBGC
     of proceedings to terminate any Pension Plan, or the occurrence of any
     event or condition which might constitute grounds under ERISA for the
     termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension
     Plan; (vi) the imposition of liability on the Company or any of its ERISA
     Affiliates pursuant to Section 4062(e) or 4069 of ERISA or by reason of the
     application of Section 4212(c) of ERISA; (vii) the withdrawal by the
     Company or any of its ERISA Affiliates in a complete or partial withdrawal
     (within the meaning of Sections 4203 and 4205 of ERISA) from any
     Multiemployer Plan if there is any potential liability therefor, or the
     receipt by the Company or any of its ERISA Affiliates of notice from any
     Multiemployer Plan that it is in reorganization or insolvency pursuant to
     Section 4241 or 4245 of ERISA, or that it intends to terminate or has
     terminated under Section 4041A or 4042 of ERISA; (viii) the occurrence of
     an act or omission which could give rise to the imposition on the Company
     or any of its ERISA Affiliates of fines, penalties, taxes or related
     charges under Chapter 43 of the Code or under Section 409 or 502(c), (i) or
     (l) or 4071 of ERISA in respect of any Employee Benefit Plan; (ix) the
     assertion of a material claim (other than routine claims for benefits)
     against any Employee Benefit Plan other than a Multiemployer Plan or the
     assets thereof, or against the Company or any of its ERISA Affiliates in
     connection with any such Employee Benefit Plan; (x) receipt from the
     Internal Revenue Service of notice of the failure of any Pension Plan (or
     any other Employee Benefit Plan intended to be qualified under 
     Section 401(a) of the Code) to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code, or
     the failure of any trust forming part of any Pension Plan to qualify for
     exemption from taxation under Section 501(a) of the Code; or (xi) the
     imposition of a Lien pursuant to Section 401(a)(29) or 412(n) of the Code
     or pursuant to ERISA with respect to any Pension Plan.

           "Eurodollar Reserve Percentage" has the meaning specified in the
            -----------------------------                                  
     definition of "Offshore Rate."

           "Event of Default" means any of the events or circumstances specified
            ----------------                                                    
     in Section 8.01.

           "Exchange Act" means the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, and
            ------------                                                    
     regulations promulgated thereunder.

           "FDIC" means the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and any
            ----                                                          
     Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
           "Federal Funds Rate" means, for any day, the rate set forth in the
            ------------------                                               
     weekly statistical release designated as H.15(519), or any successor
     publication, published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (including
     any such successor, "H.15(519)") on the preceding Business Day opposite the
     caption "Federal Funds (Effective)"; or, if for any relevant day such rate
     is not so published on any such preceding Business Day, the rate for such
     day will be the arithmetic mean as determined by the Agent of the rates for
     the last transaction in overnight Federal funds arranged prior to 9:00 a.m.
     (New York City time) on that day by each of three leading brokers of
     Federal funds transactions in New York City selected by the Agent.

           "FRB" means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and
            ---                                                                 
     any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.

           "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles set forth from
            ----                                                               
     time to time in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting
     Principles Board and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
     and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards
     Board (or agencies with similar functions of comparable stature and
     authority within the U.S. accounting profession), which are applicable to
     the circumstances as of the date of determination; provided that with
     respect to Subsidiaries not organized in the United States, "GAAP" means
     generally accepted accounting principles in accordance with agencies with
     similar function of comparable stature and authority within the accounting
     profession in the relevant jurisdiction.

           "Governmental Authority" means any nation or government, any state or
            ----------------------                                              
     other political subdivision thereof, any central bank (or similar monetary
     or regulatory authority) thereof, any entity exercising executive,
     legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or
     pertaining to government, and any corporation or other entity owned or
     controlled, through stock or capital ownership or otherwise, by any of the
     foregoing.

           "Guaranty Obligation" has the meaning specified in the definition of
            -------------------                                                
     "Contingent Obligation".

           "Indebtedness" of any Person means, without duplication, (a) all
            ------------                                                   
     indebtedness for borrowed money; (b) all obligations issued, undertaken or
     assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than
     trade payables entered into in the ordinary course of business on ordinary
     terms); (c) all non-contingent reimbursement or payment obligations with
     respect to Surety 

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
     Instruments; provided that this clause (c) shall not include up to
     $10,000,000 of non-contingent reimbursement or payment obligations with
     respect to Surety Instruments that do not support indebtedness for borrowed
     money to the extent that no default has occurred with respect to the
     payment thereof; (d) all obligations evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures
     or similar instruments, including obligations so evidenced incurred in
     connection with the acquisition of property, assets or businesses; (e) all
     indebtedness created or arising under any conditional sale or other title
     retention agreement, or incurred as financing, in either case with respect
     to property acquired by the Person (even though the rights and remedies of
     the seller or bank under such agreement in the event of default are limited
     to repossession or sale of such property); (f) all obligations with respect
     to capital leases; (g) all net obligations with respect to Swap Contracts;
     and (h) all indebtedness referred to in clauses (a) through (g) above
     secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing
     right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien upon or in
     property (including accounts and contracts rights) owned by such Person,
     even though such Person has not assumed or become liable for the payment of
     such Indebtedness.

           "Indemnified Liabilities" has the meaning specified in Section 10.05.
            -----------------------                                             
 
           "Indemnified Person" has the meaning specified in Section 10.05.
            ------------------                                             

           "Independent Auditor" has the meaning specified in subsection 
            -------------------
     6.01(a).

           "Ineligible Securities" has the meaning specified in subsection
            ---------------------                                         
     7.03(b).

           "Insolvency Proceeding" means (a) any case, action or proceeding
            ---------------------                                          
     before any court or other Governmental Authority relating to bankruptcy,
     reorganization, insolvency, liquidation, receivership, dissolution,
     winding-up or relief of debtors, or (b) any general assignment for the
     benefit of creditors, composition, marshalling of assets for creditors, or
     other similar arrangement in respect of its creditors generally or any
     substantial portion of its creditors; undertaken under U.S. Federal, state
     or foreign law, including the Bankruptcy Code.

           "Interest Payment Date" means, as to any Loan other than a Base Rate
            ---------------------                                              
     Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to such Loan and, as
     to any Base Rate Loan, the last Business Day of each calendar quarter and
     each date such Loan is converted into another Type of Loan; provided,
                                                                 -------- 
     however, that if any Interest Period for an Offshore Rate 
     -------

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
     Loan exceeds three months, the date that falls three months after the
     beginning of such Interest Period and after each Interest Payment Date
     thereafter is also an Interest Payment Date.

           "Interest Period" means, as to any Offshore Rate Loan, the period
            ---------------                                                 
     commencing on the Borrowing Date of such Loan or on the
     Conversion/Continuation Date on which the Loan is converted into or
     continued as an Offshore Rate Loan, and ending on the date one, two, three
     or six months thereafter as selected by the Company in its Notice of
     Borrowing or Notice of Conversion/Continuation;

     provided that:

                (i)   if any Interest Period would otherwise end on a day that
           is not a Business Day, that Interest Period shall be extended to the
           following Business Day unless the result of such extension would be
           to carry such Interest Period into another calendar month, in which
           event such Interest Period shall end on the preceding Business Day;

                (ii)  any Interest Period pertaining to an Offshore Rate Loan
           that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day
           for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar
           month at the end of such Interest Period) shall end on the last
           Business Day of the calendar month at the end of such Interest
           Period; and

                (iii) no Interest Period for any Loan shall extend beyond the
           Revolving Termination Date.

           "IRS" means the Internal Revenue Service, and any Governmental
            ---                                                          
     Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions under the Code.

           "Lending Office" means, as to any Bank, the office or offices of such
            --------------                                                      
     Bank specified as its "Lending Office" or "Domestic Lending Office" or
     "Offshore Lending Office", as the case may be, on Schedule 10.02, or such
                                                       --------------         
     other office or offices as such Bank may from time to time notify the
     Company and the Agent.

           "LIBOR" has the meaning specified in the definition of the "Offshore
            -----                                                              
     Rate."

           "Lien" means any security interest, mortgage, deed of trust, pledge,
            ----                                                               
     hypothecation, assignment, charge or deposit arrangement, encumbrance, lien
     (statutory or other) or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature
     whatsoever in respect of any property (including those created by, arising
     under or evidenced by any conditional sale or other 

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
     title retention agreement, the interest of a lessor under a capital lease,
     any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of
     the foregoing, or the filing of any financing statement naming the owner of
     the asset to which such lien relates as debtor, under the Uniform
     Commercial Code or any comparable law) and any contingent or other
     agreement to provide any of the foregoing, but not including the interest
     of a lessor under an operating lease.

           "Loan" means an extension of credit by a Bank to the Company under
            ----                                                             
     Article II, and may be a Base Rate Loan or an Offshore Rate Loan (each, a
     "Type" of Loan).
      ----           

           "Loan Documents" means this Agreement, any Notes and all other
            --------------                                               
     documents delivered to the Agent or any Bank in connection herewith.

           "Majority Banks" means at any time Banks then holding more than 50% 
            --------------
     of the then aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Loans, or, if no such
     principal amount is then outstanding, Banks then having more than 50% of
     the Commitments.

           "Margin Stock" means "margin stock" as such term is defined in
            ------------                                                 
     Regulation G, T, U or X of the FRB.

           "Material Adverse Effect" means (a) a material adverse change in, or
            -----------------------
     a material adverse effect upon, the operations, business, properties,
     condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of the Company and its
     Subsidiaries taken as a whole or any Material Subsidiary; (b) a material
     impairment of the ability of the Company to perform under any Loan Document
     and to avoid any Event of Default; or (c) a material adverse effect upon
     the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against the
     Company of any Loan Document.

           "Material Subsidiary" means, at any time, (i) Medis and (ii) any 
            -------------------
     other Subsidiary having at such time 10% or more of Company's consolidated
     total (gross) revenues for the preceding four fiscal quarter period, as of
     the last day of the preceding fiscal quarter based upon the Company's most
     recent annual or quarterly financial statements delivered to the Agent
     under Section 6.01.

           "Medis" means Medis Health and Pharmaceutical Services, Inc., an
            -----                                                          
     Ontario corporation.

           "Multiemployer Plan" means a "multiemployer plan", as defined in
            ------------------                                             
     Section 3(37) of ERISA, to which the Company or any of its ERISA Affiliates
     is contributing, or ever has contributed, or to which the Company or any of
     its ERISA

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
     Affiliates has, or ever has had, an obligation to contribute.

           "Net Worth" means the sum of the capital stock and additional paid in
            ---------                                                           
     capital plus retained earnings (or minus accumulated deficits) of the
     Company and its Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in
     conformity with GAAP on such date.

           "Note" means a promissory note executed by the Company in favor of a
            ----                                                               
     Bank pursuant to subsection 2.02(b), substantially in the form of 
     Exhibit F.

           "Notice of Borrowing" means a notice substantially in the form of
            -------------------                                             
     Exhibit A.

           "Notice of Conversion/Continuation" means a notice substantially in
            ---------------------------------                                 
     the form of Exhibit B.

           "Obligations" means all advances, debts, liabilities, obligations,
            -----------                                                      
     covenants and duties arising under any Loan Document owing by the Company
     to any Bank, the Agent, or any Indemnified Person, whether direct or
     indirect (including those acquired by assignment), absolute or contingent,
     due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising.

           "OECD" means the Organization for Economic Cooperation and
            ----                                                     
     Development.

           "Offshore Rate" means, for any Interest Period, with respect to
            -------------                                                 
     Offshore Rate Loans comprising part of the same Borrowing, the rate of
     interest per annum (rounded upward to the next 1/100th of 1%) determined by
     the Agent as follows:

     Offshore Rate =                LIBOR
                     -------------------------------------
                     1.00 - Eurodollar Reserve Percentage

     Where,

                "Eurodollar Reserve Percentage" means for any day for any
                 -----------------------------                           
           Interest Period the maximum reserve percentage (expressed as a
           decimal, rounded upward to the next 1/100th of 1%) in effect on such
           day (whether or not applicable to any Bank) under regulations issued
           from time to time by the FRB for determining the maximum reserve
           requirement (including any emergency, supplemental or other marginal
           reserve requirement) with respect to Eurocurrency funding (currently
           referred to as "Eurocurrency liabilities"); and
 
                "LIBOR" means the rate of interest per annum determined by the
                 -----                                                        
           Agent to be the arithmetic mean 

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
           (rounded upward to the next 1/16th of 1%) of the rates of interest
           per annum notified to the Agent by each Reference Bank as the rate of
           interest at which dollar deposits in the approximate amount of the
           amount of the Loan to be made or continued as, or converted into, an
           Offshore Rate Loan by such Reference Bank and having a maturity
           comparable to such Interest Period would be offered to major banks in
           the London interbank market at their request at approximately 
           11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to the commencement
           of such Interest Period.

           The Offshore Rate shall be adjusted automatically as to all Offshore
     Rate Loans then outstanding as of the effective date of any change in the
     Eurodollar Reserve Percentage.

           "Offshore Rate Loan" means a Loan that bears interest based on an
            ------------------                                              
     Offshore Rate.

           "Organization Documents" means, for any corporation, the certificate
            ----------------------                                             
     or articles of incorporation, the bylaws, any certificate of determination
     or instrument relating to the rights of preferred shareholders of such
     corporation, any shareholder rights agreement, and all applicable
     resolutions of the board of directors (or any committee thereof) of such
     corporation.

           "Other Taxes" means any present or future stamp or documentary taxes
            -----------                                                        
     or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies which
     arise from any payment made hereunder or from the execution, delivery or
     registration of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement or any other
     Loan Documents.

           "Participant" has the meaning specified in subsection 10.08(d).
            -----------                                                   

           "PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, or any
            ----                                                        
     Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions under
     ERISA.

           "Pension Plan" means any Employee Benefit Plan, other than a
            ------------                                               
     Multiemployer Plan, which is subject to Section 412 of the Code or 
     Section 302 of ERISA.

           "Permitted Liens" has the meaning specified in Section 7.01.
            ---------------                                            

           "Person" means an individual, partnership, corporation, business
            ------                                                         
     trust, limited liability company, joint stock company, trust,
     unincorporated association, joint venture or other organization or
     Governmental Authority.

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
           "Pro Rata Share" means, as to any Bank at any time, the percentage
            --------------                                                   
     equivalent (expressed as a decimal, rounded to the ninth decimal place) at
     such time of such Bank's Commitment divided by the combined Commitments of
     all Banks.

           "Reference Banks" means BofA and The Chase Manhattan Bank.
            ---------------                                          

           "Requirement of Law" means, as to any Person, any law (statutory or
            ------------------                                                
     common), treaty, rule or regulation or determination of an arbitrator or of
     a Governmental Authority, in each case applicable to or binding upon the
     Person or any of its property or to which the Person or any of its property
     is subject, including but not limited to any Environmental Law.

           "Responsible Officer" means the chief executive officer, the
            -------------------
     president or any vice president of the Company; and, with respect to
     compliance with financial covenants, the chief financial officer or the
     treasurer of the Company.

           "Revolving Termination Date" means the earlier to occur of:
            --------------------------                                

                (a)  May __, 1998;

                (b)  The effective date of the AmeriSource Transaction; and

                (c)  the date on which the Commitments terminate in accordance
           with the provisions of this Agreement.

           "SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any
            ---                                                      
     Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.

           "Subsidiary" of a Person means any corporation, association,
            ----------                                                 
     partnership, limited liability company, joint venture or other business
     entity of which more than 50% of the voting stock or other equity interests
     (in the case of Persons other than corporations), is owned or controlled
     directly or indirectly by the Person, or one or more of the Subsidiaries of
     the Person, or a combination thereof.  Unless the context otherwise clearly
     requires, references herein to a "Subsidiary" refer to a Subsidiary of the
     Company.

           "Surety Instruments" means all letters of credit (including standby
            ------------------                                                
     and commercial), banker's acceptances, 

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
     bank guaranties, shipside bonds, surety bonds and similar instruments.

           "Swap Contract" means any agreement (including any master agreement
            -------------                                                     
     and any agreement, whether or not in writing, relating to any single
     transaction) that is an interest rate swap agreement, basis swap, forward
     rate agreement, commodity swap, commodity option, equity or equity index
     swap or option, bond option, interest rate option, forward foreign exchange
     agreement, rate cap, collar or floor agreement, currency swap agreement,
     cross-currency rate swap agreement, swaption, currency option or any other,
     similar agreement (including any option to enter into any of the
     foregoing).

           "Taxes" means any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts,
            -----                                                             
     deductions, charges or withholdings, and all liabilities with respect
     thereto, excluding, in the case of each Bank and the Agent, respectively,
     such taxes (including, without limitation, income taxes, capital taxes,
     minimum taxes, branch taxes, capital gains taxes or franchise taxes) (i) as
     are imposed on or measured by each Bank's or the Agent's, as the case may
     be, net income or taxable capital by the jurisdiction (or any political
     subdivision thereof) under the laws of which such Bank or the Agent, as the
     case may be, is organized or in respect of which it is a resident or within
     which it maintains the actual lending office or (ii) to the extent
     attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base located in any
     jurisdiction (or any political subdivision thereof) identified in (i)
     hereof.

           "Total Capitalization" means, on any date, the sum of (a) Total Debt
            --------------------                                               
     and (b) the Net Worth on such date.

           "Total Debt" means, on any date, all Indebtedness of the Company and
            ----------                                                         
     its Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis on such date.

           "Type" has the meaning specified in the definition of "Loan."
            ----                                                        

           "Unfunded Pension Liability" means the excess of a Pension Plan's
            --------------------------                                      
     benefit liabilities under Section 4001(a)(16) of ERISA, over the current
     value of that Pension Plan's assets, determined in accordance with the
     assumptions used for funding the Pension Plan pursuant to Section 412 of
     the Code for the applicable plan year.

           "United States" and "U.S." each means the United States of America.
            -------------       ----             

           "Wholly-Owned Subsidiary" means any corporation in which (other than
            -----------------------                                            
     directors' qualifying shares required by 

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
     law) 100% of the capital stock of each class having ordinary voting power,
     and 100% of the capital stock of every other class, in each case, at the
     time as of which any determination is being made, is owned, beneficially
     and of record, by the Company, or by one or more of the other Wholly-Owned
     Subsidiaries, or both.

     1.02  Other Interpretive Provisions.  (a)  The meanings of defined terms
           -----------------------------
are equally applicable to the singular and plural forms of the defined terms.

           (b)  The words "hereof", "herein", "hereunder" and similar words
refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this
Agreement; and subsection, Section, Schedule and Exhibit references are to this
Agreement unless otherwise specified.

           (c)  (i)   The term "documents" includes any and all instruments,
     documents, agreements, certificates, indentures, notices and other
     writings, however evidenced.

                (ii)  The term "including" is not limiting and means "including
     without limitation."

                (iii) In the computation of periods of time from a specified
     date to a later specified date, the word "from" means "from and including";
     the words "to" and "until" each mean "to but excluding", and the word
     "through" means "to and including."

           (d)  Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, (i) references to
agreements (including this Agreement) and other contractual instruments shall be
deemed to include all subsequent amendments and other modifications thereto, but
only to the extent such amendments and other modifications are not prohibited by
the terms of any Loan Document, and (ii) references to any statute or regulation
are to be construed as including all statutory and regulatory provisions
consolidating, amending, replacing, supplementing or interpreting the statute or
regulation.

           (e)  The captions and headings of this Agreement are for convenience
of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.

           (f)  This Agreement and the other Loan Documents may use several
different limitations, tests or measurements to regulate the same or similar
matters.  All such limitations, tests and measurements are cumulative and shall
each be performed in accordance with their terms.

           (g)  This Agreement and the other Loan Documents are the result of
negotiations among and have been reviewed by counsel to the Agent, the Company
and the other parties, and are 

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
the products of all parties. Accordingly, they shall not be construed against
the Banks or the Agent merely because of the Agent's or Banks' involvement in
their preparation.

     1.03  Accounting Principles . (a) Unless the context otherwise clearly
           ---------------------
requires, all accounting terms not expressly defined herein shall be construed,
and all financial computations required under this Agreement shall be made, in
accordance with GAAP, consistently applied.

           (b) If any changes in accounting principles from those used in the
preparation of the financial statements referred to in Section 5.08 hereafter
occasioned by the promulgation of rules, regulations, pronouncements and
opinions by or required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (or successors thereto or
agencies with similar functions) result in a change in the method of calculation
of financial covenants, standards or terms found in Articles I, VI and VII
hereof, the parties hereto agree to enter into negotiations in order to amend
such provisions so as to equitably reflect such changes with the desired result
that the criteria for evaluating the Company's financial condition shall be the
same after such changes as if such changes had not been made.

           (c) References herein to "fiscal year" and "fiscal quarter" refer to
such fiscal periods of the Company.



                                  ARTICLE II
                                        

                                        
                                  THE CREDITS
                                  -----------
                                        


     2.01  Amounts and Terms of Commitments . Each Bank severally agrees, on and
           --------------------------------
subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, to make Loans to the
Company from time to time as requested by the Company in accordance with
Sections 2.03 and 10.02 on any Business Day during the period from the Closing
Date to the Revolving Termination Date, in an aggregate amount not to exceed at
any time outstanding the amount set forth opposite its name on Schedule 2.01
                                                               -------------
(such amount, as the same may be reduced under Section 2.05 or as a result of
one or more assignments under Section 10.08, the Bank's "Commitment"); provided,
                                                         ----------    --------
however, that, after giving effect to any Borrowing, the aggregate principal
- -------
amount of all outstanding Loans to the Company shall not at any time exceed the
combined Commitments. Within the limits of each Bank's Commitment, and subject
to the other terms and conditions hereof, the Company may borrow under this
Section 2.01, prepay under Section 2.06 and reborrow under this Section 2.01.

     2.02  Loan Accounts.  (a) The Loans made by each Bank shall be evidenced by
           -------------
one or more loan accounts or records maintained by such Bank in the ordinary
course of business. The 


                                      16
<PAGE>
 
loan accounts or records maintained by the Agent and each Bank shall be
conclusive absent manifest error of the amount of the Loans made by the Banks to
the Company and the interest and payments thereon. Any failure so to record or
any error in doing so shall not, however, limit or otherwise affect the
obligation of the Company hereunder to pay any amount owing with respect to the
Loans made to the Company.

           (b) Upon the request of any Bank made through the Agent, the Loans
made by such Bank to the Company may be evidenced by one or more Notes, instead
of loan accounts.  Each such Bank shall endorse on the schedules annexed to its
Note(s) the date, amount and maturity of each Loan made by it and the amount of
each payment of principal made by the Company with respect thereto.  Each such
Bank is irrevocably authorized by the Company to endorse its Note(s) and each
Bank's record shall be conclusive absent manifest error; provided, however, that
                                                         --------  -------      
the failure of a Bank to make, or an error in making, a notation thereon with
respect to any Loan shall not limit or otherwise affect the obligations of the
Company hereunder or under any such Note to such Bank.

     2.03  Procedure for Borrowing.  (a) Each Borrowing shall be made upon the
           -----------------------
Company's irrevocable written notice delivered to the Agent in the form of a
Notice of Borrowing (which notice must be received by the Agent prior to 9:00
a.m. (San Francisco time) (i) three Business Days prior to the requested
Borrowing Date, in the case of Offshore Rate Loans; and (ii) on the requested
Borrowing Date, in the case of Base Rate Loans, specifying:

               (A) the amount of the Borrowing, which shall be in an aggregate
     minimum amount of $10,000,000 or any multiple of $1,000,000 in excess
     thereof;

               (B) the requested Borrowing Date, which shall be a Business Day;

               (C) the Type of Loans comprising the Borrowing; and

               (D) the duration of the Interest Period applicable to such Loans
     included in such notice.  If the Notice of Borrowing fails to specify the
     duration of the Interest Period for any Borrowing comprised of Offshore
     Rate Loans, such Interest Period shall be three months.

           (b) The Agent will promptly notify each Bank of its receipt of any
Notice of Borrowing and of the amount of such Bank's Pro Rata Share of that
Borrowing.

           (c) Each Bank will make the amount of its Pro Rata Share of each
Borrowing available to the Agent for the account of the Company at the Agent's
Payment Office on the Borrowing 

                                      17
<PAGE>
 
Date requested by the Company in funds immediately available to the Agent by
11:00 a.m. (San Francisco time). The proceeds of all such Loans will then be
made available to the Company on the Borrowing Date by the Agent at such office
by crediting the account of the Company on the books of BofA with the aggregate
of the amounts made available to the Agent by the Banks and in like funds as
received by the Agent.

           (e) After giving effect to any Borrowing, there may not be more than
five different Interest Periods in effect.

     2.04  Conversion and Continuation Elections.  (a) The Company may in
           -------------------------------------
respect of its outstanding Loans, upon irrevocable written notice to the Agent
in accordance with subsection 2.04(c):

               (i)  elect, as of any Business Day, in the case of Base Rate
     Loans, or as of the last day of the applicable Interest Period, in the case
     of Offshore Rate Loans, to convert any such Loans (or any part thereof in
     an amount not less than $10,000,000, or that is in an integral multiple of
     $1,000,000 in excess thereof) into Loans of any other Type; or

               (ii) elect, as of the last day of the applicable Interest Period,
     to continue any Loans having Interest Periods expiring on such day (or any
     part thereof in an amount not less than $10,000,000, or that is in an
     integral multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof);

provided, that if at any time the aggregate amount of Offshore Rate Loans in
- --------                                                                    
respect of any Borrowing is reduced, by payment, prepayment, or conversion of
part thereof to be less than $10,000,000, such Offshore Rate Loans shall
automatically convert into Base Rate Loans, and on and after such date the right
of the Company to continue such Loans as, and convert such Loans into, Offshore
Rate Loans shall terminate.

           (b) The Company shall deliver a Notice of Conversion/Continuation to
be received by the Agent not later than 9:00 a.m. (San Francisco time) (i) three
Business Days in advance of the Conversion/Continuation Date, if the Loans are
to be converted into or continued as Offshore Rate Loans; and (ii) on the
Conversion/Continuation Date, if the Loans are to be converted into Base Rate
Loans, specifying:

               (A) the proposed Conversion/Continuation Date;

               (B) the aggregate amount of Loans to be converted or renewed;

               (C) the Type of Loans resulting from the proposed conversion or
     continuation; and


                                      18
<PAGE>
 
               (D) other than in the case of conversions into Base Rate Loans,
     the duration of the requested Interest Period.


           (c) If upon the expiration of any Interest Period applicable to
Offshore Rate Loans the Company has failed to select in a timely manner a new
Interest Period to be applicable to such Offshore Rate Loans, or if any Default
or Event of Default then exists, the Company shall be deemed to have elected to
convert such Offshore Rate Loans into Base Rate Loans effective as of the
expiration date of such Interest Period.

           (d) The Agent will promptly notify each Bank of its receipt of a
Notice of Conversion/Continuation, or, if no timely notice is provided by the
Company, the Agent will promptly notify each Bank of the details of any
automatic conversion.  All conversions and continuations shall be made ratably
according to the respective outstanding principal amounts of the Loans held by
each Bank with respect to which the notice was given.

           (e) Unless the Majority Banks otherwise agree, during the existence
of a Default or Event of Default, the Company may not elect to have a Loan
converted into or continued as an Offshore Rate Loan.

           (f) After giving effect to any conversion or continuation of Loans,
there may not be more than five different Interest Periods in effect.

     2.05  Voluntary Termination or Reduction of Commitments. The Company may,
           -------------------------------------------------
upon not less than three Business Days' prior notice to the Agent, terminate or
permanently reduce the Commitments, provided that any such permanent reduction
shall be in an aggregate minimum amount of $10,000,000 or any multiple of
$1,000,000 in excess thereof; unless, after giving effect thereto and to any
                              ------
prepayments of Loans made on the effective date thereof, the then-outstanding
principal amount of the Loans would exceed the amount of the combined
Commitments then in effect. Once reduced in accordance with this Section, the
Commitments may not be increased. Any reduction of the Commitments shall be
applied to each Bank according to its Pro Rata Share. All accrued commitment
fees to, but not including, the effective date of any reduction or termination
of Commitments shall be paid on the effective date of such reduction or
termination.

     2.06  Optional Prepayments.  Subject to Section 3.04, the Company may, at
           --------------------
any time or from time to time, upon irrevocable notice to the Agent by no later
than 9:00 a.m. (San Francisco time) (i) no less than three Business Days prior
to the date specified for prepayment in the case of Offshore Rate Loans, and
(ii) on the date specified for prepayment in the case of Base Rate Loans,
ratably prepay Loans in whole or in part, in minimum 


                                      19
<PAGE>
 
amounts of $10,000,000 or any multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof. Any
notice of prepayment shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment and
the Type(s) of Loans to be prepaid. The Agent will promptly notify each Bank of
its receipt of any such notice, and of such Bank's Pro Rata Share of such
prepayment. If such notice is given by the Company, the Company shall make such
prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and
payable on the date specified therein, together with accrued interest to each
such date on the amount prepaid and any amounts required pursuant to Section
3.04.

     2.07  Repayment.  The Company shall repay to the Agent for payment to the
           ---------
Banks on the Revolving Termination Date the aggregate principal amount of Loans
outstanding on such date.

     2.08  Interest.  (a) Each Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding
           --------
principal amount thereof from the applicable Borrowing Date as follows:

               (i)  if a Base Rate Loan, then at a rate per annum equal to the
     Base Rate; and


               (ii) if an Offshore Rate Loan, then at a rate per annum equal to
     the Offshore Rate plus the Applicable Margin.
                       ----                       

           (b) Interest on each Loan shall be paid in arrears on each Interest
Payment Date.  Interest shall also be paid on the date of any prepayment of
Loans under Section 2.06 for the portion of the Loans so prepaid and upon
payment (including prepayment) in full thereof and, during the existence of any
Event of Default, interest shall be paid on demand of the Agent at the request
or with the consent of the Majority Banks.

           (c) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this Section, if any amount of
principal of or interest on any Loan, or any other amount payable hereunder or
under any other Loan Document is not paid in full when due (whether at stated
maturity, by acceleration, demand or otherwise), the Company agrees to pay
interest on such unpaid principal or other amount, from the date such amount
becomes due until the date such amount is paid in full, and after as well as
before entry of judgment thereon to the extent permitted by law, payable on
demand, at a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus 1%.
                                                               ----    

           (d) Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the obligations
of the Company to any Bank hereunder shall be subject to the limitation that
payments of interest shall not be required for any period for which interest is
computed hereunder, to the extent (but only to the extent) that contracting for
or receiving such payment by such Bank would be contrary to the provisions of
any law applicable to such Bank limiting the highest rate of interest that may
be lawfully 

                                      20
<PAGE>
 
contracted for, charged or received by such Bank, and in such event the Company
shall pay such Bank interest at the highest rate permitted by applicable law.

     2.09  Facility Fees.  The Company shall pay to the Agent for the account of
           -------------
each Bank a facility fee equal to 0.0500% per annum times the full amount of
such Bank's Commitment, computed on a quarterly basis in arrears on the last
Business Day of each calendar quarter, and payable on the later of the fifth
Business Day following the end of each calendar quarter or the fifth Business
Day after the Company has received from the Agent a notice setting forth the
amount of such fee. Such facility fee shall accrue from the Closing Date to the
Revolving Termination Date and shall be due and payable quarterly in arrears on
the date specified above following the end of each calendar quarter through the
Revolving Termination Date, with the final payment to be made on the Revolving
Termination Date; provided that, in connection with any reduction or termination
                  -------------
of Commitments under Section 2.05, the accrued facility fee calculated for the
period ending on such date shall also be paid on the date of such reduction or
termination, with the following quarterly payment being calculated on the basis
of the period from such reduction or termination date to such quarterly payment
date. The facility fee provided in this subsection shall accrue at all times
after the Closing Date, including at any time during which one or more
conditions in Article IV are not met.

     2.10  Computation of Fees and Interest.  (a) All computations of interest
           --------------------------------
for Base Rate Loans when the Base Rate is determined by BofA's "reference rate"
shall be made on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, and
actual days elapsed. All other computations of fees and interest shall be made
on the basis of a 360-day year and actual days elapsed (which results in more
interest being paid than if computed on the basis of a 365-day year). Interest
and fees shall accrue during each period during which interest or such fees are
computed from the first day thereof to the last day thereof.

           (b) Each determination of an interest rate by the Agent shall be
conclusive and binding on the Company and the Banks in the absence of manifest
error.

           (c) If any Reference Bank's Commitment terminates (other than on
termination of all the Commitments), or for any reason whatsoever the Reference
Bank ceases to be a Bank hereunder, that Reference Bank shall thereupon cease to
be a Reference Bank, and the Offshore Rate shall be determined on the basis of
the rates as notified by the remaining Reference Banks.

           (d) Each Reference Bank shall use its best efforts to furnish
quotations of rates to the Agent as contemplated hereby.  If any of the
Reference Banks fails to supply such rates to the 


                                      21
<PAGE>
 
Agent upon its request, the rate of interest shall be determined on the basis of
the quotations of the remaining Reference Banks.

     2.11  Payments by the Company.  (a) All payments to be made by the Company
           -----------------------
shall be made without set-off, recoupment or counterclaim. Except as otherwise
expressly provided herein, all payments by the Company shall be made to the
Agent for the account of the Banks at the Agent's Payment Office. Such payments
shall be made in immediately available funds and no later than 12:00 noon (San
Francisco time) on the date specified herein. The Agent will promptly distribute
to each Bank its Pro Rata Share (or other applicable share as expressly provided
herein) of such payment in like funds as received. Any payment received by the
Agent later than 12:00 noon (San Francisco time) shall be deemed to have been
received on the following Business Day and any applicable interest or fee shall
continue to accrue.

           (b) Subject to the provisions set forth in the definition of
"Interest Period" herein, whenever any payment is due on a day other than a
Business Day, such payment shall be made on the following Business Day, and such
extension of time shall in such case be included in the computation of interest
or fees, as the case may be.

           (c) Unless the Agent receives notice from the Company prior to the
date on which any payment is due to the Banks that the Company will not make
such payment in full as and when required, the Agent may assume that the Company
has made such payment in full to the Agent on such date in immediately available
funds and the Agent may (but shall not be so required), in reliance upon such
assumption, distribute to each Bank on such due date an amount equal to the
amount then due such Bank.  If and to the extent the Company has not made such
payment in full to the Agent, each Bank shall repay to the Agent on demand such
amount distributed to such Bank, together with interest thereon at the Federal
Funds Rate, for each day from the date such amount is distributed to such Bank
until the date repaid.

     2.12  Payments by the Banks to the Agent.  (a)  Unless the Agent receives
           ----------------------------------
notice from a Bank at least one Business Day prior to the date of any Borrowing,
that such Bank will not make available as and when required hereunder to the
Agent for the account of the Company the amount of that Bank's Pro Rata Share of
the Borrowing, the Agent may assume that each Bank has made such amount
available to the Agent in immediately available funds on the Borrowing Date and
the Agent may (but shall not be so required), in reliance upon such assumption,
make available to the Company on such date a corresponding amount. If and to the
extent any Bank shall not have made its full amount available to the Agent in
immediately available funds and the Agent in such circumstances has made
available to the Company such amount, that Bank shall on the Business Day
following such Borrowing Date make such amount available to the Agent, together

                                      22
<PAGE>
 
with interest at the Federal Funds Rate for each day during such period. A
notice of the Agent submitted to any Bank with respect to amounts owing under
this subsection (a) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error. If such amount
is so made available, such payment to the Agent shall constitute such Bank's
Loan on the date of Borrowing for all purposes of this Agreement. If such amount
is not made available to the Agent on the Business Day following the Borrowing
Date, the Agent will notify the Company of such failure to fund and, upon demand
by the Agent, the Company shall pay such amount to the Agent for the Agent's
account, together with interest thereon for each day elapsed since the date of
such Borrowing, at a rate per annum equal to the interest rate applicable at the
time to the Loans comprising such Borrowing.

           (b) The failure of any Bank to make any Loan on any Borrowing Date
shall not relieve any other Bank of any obligation hereunder to make a Loan on
such Borrowing Date, but no Bank shall be responsible for the failure of any
other Bank to make the Loan to be made by such other Bank on any Borrowing Date.

     2.13  Sharing of Payments, Etc.  If, other than as expressly provided
           ------------------------
elsewhere herein, any Bank shall obtain on account of the Loans made by it any
payment (whether voluntary, involuntary, through the exercise of any right of
set-off, or otherwise) in excess of its Pro Rata Share, such Bank shall
immediately (a) notify the Agent of such fact, and (b) purchase from the other
Banks such participations in the Loans made by them to the Company as shall be
necessary to cause such purchasing Bank to share the excess payment pro rata
with each of them; provided, however, that if all or any portion of such excess
                   --------  -------
payment is thereafter recovered from the purchasing Bank, such purchase shall to
that extent be rescinded and each other Bank shall repay to the purchasing Bank
the purchase price paid therefor, together with an amount equal to such paying
Bank's ratable share (according to the proportion of (i) the amount of such
paying Bank's required repayment to (ii) the total amount so recovered from the
purchasing Bank) of any interest or other amount paid or payable by the
purchasing Bank in respect of the total amount so recovered. The Company agrees
that any Bank so purchasing a participation from another Bank may, to the
fullest extent permitted by law, exercise all its rights of payment (including
the right of set-off, but subject to Section 10.10) with respect to such
participation as fully as if such Bank were the direct creditor of the Company
in the amount of such participation. The Agent will keep records (which shall be
conclusive and binding in the absence of manifest error) of participations
purchased under this Section and will in each case notify the Banks following
any such purchases or repayments.

                                      23
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE III
                                        
                     TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY
                     --------------------------------------
                                        



     3.01  Taxes. (a)  Any and all payments by the Company to each Bank or the
           -----
Agent under this Agreement and any other Loan Document shall be made free and
clear of, and without deduction or withholding for any Taxes. In addition, the
Company shall pay all Other Taxes.


           (b) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Bank and
the Agent for the full amount of Taxes or Other Taxes (including any Taxes or
Other Taxes imposed by any jurisdiction on amounts payable under this Section)
paid by the Bank or the Agent and any liability (including penalties, interest,
additions to tax and expenses) arising therefrom or with respect thereto,
whether or not such Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally asserted.
Payment under this indemnification shall be made within 30 days after the date
the Bank or the Agent makes written demand therefor.

           (c) If the Company shall be required by law to deduct or withhold any
Taxes or Other Taxes from or in respect of any sum payable hereunder to any Bank
or the Agent, then:


               (i)   the sum payable shall be increased as necessary so that
     after making all required deductions and withholdings (including deductions
     and withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section)
     such Bank or the Agent, as the case may be, receives an amount equal to the
     sum it would have received had no such deductions or withholdings been
     made;

               (ii)  the Company shall make such deductions and withholdings;



               (iii) the Company shall pay the full amount deducted or withheld
     to the relevant taxing authority or other authority in accordance with
     applicable law; and



               (iv)  the Company shall also pay to such Bank or Agent at the
     time the sum payable is paid, all additional amounts which the Bank or
     Agent specifies as necessary to preserve the after-tax yield the Bank or
     Agent would have received if such Taxes or Other Taxes had not been
     imposed.

           (d) Within 30 days after the date of any payment by the Company of
Taxes or Other Taxes, the Company shall furnish the Agent the original or a
certified copy of a receipt evidencing payment thereof, or other evidence of
payment satisfactory to the Agent.

           (e) If the Company is required to pay additional amounts to any Bank
or the Agent pursuant to this Section 3.01, 

                                      24
<PAGE>
 
then such Bank shall use reasonable efforts (consistent with legal and
regulatory restrictions) to take such actions as are necessary to minimize the
Company's obligations under this Article III, including without limitation,
changing the jurisdiction of its Lending Office so as to eliminate any such
additional payment by the Company which may thereafter accrue, if such actions
in the sole judgment of such Bank are not otherwise disadvantageous to such
Bank.

           (f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 3.01,
the Company shall not be required to compensate an Assignee or Participant of a
Loan for withholding taxes, if at the time of such assignment (i) the assigning
Bank was not subject to withholding taxes in respect of any amount in respect of
the Loans and (ii) the Assignee or Participant was subject to withholding taxes
at the time of such assignment in respect of such amount.

           (g) Without prejudice to the survival of any other agreement of the
Company hereunder, the agreements and obligations of the Company contained in
this Section 3.01 shall survive the payment in full of principal and interest
hereunder and under any instrument delivered hereunder.

     3.02  Illegality.  (a)  If any Bank determines that the introduction of any
           ----------
Requirement of Law, or any change in any Requirement of Law, or in the
interpretation or administration of any Requirement of Law, has made it
unlawful, or that any central bank or other Governmental Authority has asserted
that it is unlawful, for any Bank or its applicable Lending Office to make
Offshore Rate Loans, then, on notice thereof by the Bank to the Company through
the Agent, any obligation of that Bank to make Offshore Rate Loans shall be
suspended until the Bank notifies the Agent and the Company that the
circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist.

           (b) If a Bank determines that it is unlawful to maintain any Offshore
Rate Loan, the Company shall, upon its receipt of notice of such fact and demand
from such Bank (with a copy to the Agent), either, (i) convert in full such
Offshore Rate Loans into Loans of another Type or (ii) prepay in full such
Offshore Rate Loans of that Bank then outstanding, together with interest
accrued thereon (in the case of a prepayment) and amounts required under Section
3.04, either on the last day of the Interest Period thereof, if the Bank may
lawfully continue to maintain such Offshore Rate Loans to such day, or
immediately, if the Bank may not lawfully continue to maintain such Offshore
Rate Loan.  If the Company prepays any Offshore Rate Loan as provided in the
preceding sentence, then concurrently with such prepayment, the Company shall
borrow from the affected Bank, in the amount of such repayment, a Base Rate
Loan.

                                      25
<PAGE>
 
     3.03  Increased Costs and Reduction of Return.  (a)  If any Bank determines
           ---------------------------------------
that, due to either (i) the introduction of or any change in or in the
interpretation of any law or regulation (other than any change by way of
imposition of or increase in reserve requirements included in the calculation of
the CD Rate or the Offshore Rate or in respect of the assessment rate payable by
any Bank to the FDIC for insuring U.S. deposits or any change introduced prior
to the Closing Date) or (ii) the compliance by that Bank with any guideline or
request from any central bank or other Governmental Authority (whether or not
having the force of law) (other than any guideline or request introduced prior
to the Closing Date), there shall be any increase in the cost to such Bank of
agreeing to make or making, funding or maintaining any Offshore Rate Loans or CD
Rate Loans, then the Company shall be liable for, and shall from time to time,
upon demand (with a copy of such demand to be sent to the Agent), pay to the
Agent for the account of such Bank, additional amounts as are sufficient to
compensate such Bank for such increased costs; provided that no Bank shall be
                                               --------
entitled to obtain compensation with respect to any period prior to six (6)
months prior to making such demand.

           (b) If any Bank shall have determined that (i) the introduction of
any Capital Adequacy Regulation, (ii) any change in any Capital Adequacy
Regulation, (iii) any change in the interpretation or administration of any
Capital Adequacy Regulation by any central bank or other Governmental Authority
charged with the interpretation or administration thereof, or (iv) compliance by
the Bank (or its Lending Office) or any corporation controlling the Bank with
any Capital Adequacy Regulation, in any such case, after the Closing Date,
affects or would affect the amount of capital required or expected to be
maintained by the Bank or any corporation controlling the Bank and (taking into
consideration such Bank's or such corporation's policies with respect to capital
adequacy and such Bank's desired return on capital) determines that the amount
of such capital is increased as a consequence of its Commitment, loans, credits
or obligations under this Agreement, then, upon demand of such Bank to the
Company through the Agent, the Company shall pay to the Bank, from time to time
as specified by the Bank, additional amounts sufficient to compensate the Bank
for such increase; provided no Bank shall be entitled to receive additional
                   --------
amounts with respect to any period prior to six (6) months prior to making such
demand.

           (c) If any Bank requests compensation from the Company under
subsection 3.03(a) or 3.03(b), the Company shall have the right, with the
assistance of the Agent, to seek one or more Eligible Assignees (which may be
one or more of the Banks) reasonably satisfactory to the Agent and the Company
to purchase the Loans and assume the Commitment of such Bank, and the Company,
the Agent, such Bank, and such Eligible Assignee(s) shall execute and deliver an
appropriately completed Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to Section 10.08
hereof to effect the 

                                      26
<PAGE>
 
assignment of rights to and the assumption of obligations by such Eligible
Assignee(s); provided that such requesting Bank shall be entitled to
             --------
compensation under Section 3.03 for any costs incurred by it prior to its
replacement.

     3.04  Funding Losses.  The Company shall reimburse each Bank and hold each
           --------------
Bank harmless from any loss or expense which the Bank may sustain or incur as a
consequence of:

           (a) the failure of the Company to make on a timely basis any payment
of principal of any Offshore Rate Loan;

           (b) the failure of the Company to borrow, continue or convert a Loan
after the Company has given (or is deemed to have given) a Notice of Borrowing
or a Notice of Conversion/Continuation;

           (c) the failure of the Company to make any prepayment in accordance
with any notice delivered under Section 2.06;

           (d) the prepayment or other payment (including after acceleration
thereof) of an Offshore Rate Loan on a day that is not the last day of the
relevant Interest Period; or

           (e) the automatic conversion under Section 2.04 of any Offshore Rate
Loan to a Base Rate Loan on a day that is not the last day of the relevant
Interest Period;

including any such loss or expense arising from the liquidation or reemployment
of funds obtained by such Bank to maintain its Offshore Rate Loans or from fees
payable by such Bank to terminate the deposits from which such funds were
obtained or from charges relating to any Loans.  For purposes of calculating
amounts payable by the Company to the Banks under this Section and under
subsection 3.03(a), each Offshore Rate Loan made by a Bank (and each related
reserve, special deposit or similar requirement) shall be conclusively deemed to
have been funded at the LIBOR used in determining the Offshore Rate for such
Offshore Rate Loan by a matching deposit or other borrowing in the interbank
eurodollar market for a comparable amount and for a comparable period, whether
or not such Offshore Rate Loan is in fact so funded.

     3.05  Inability to Determine Rates.  If the Agent determines that for any
           ----------------------------
reason adequate and reasonable means do not exist for determining the Offshore
Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Offshore Rate
Loan, or that the Offshore Rate applicable pursuant to subsection 2.08(a) for
any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Offshore Rate Loan does
not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to the Banks of funding such Loan,
the Agent will promptly so notify the Company and each Bank. Thereafter, the
obligation of the Banks to make or maintain Offshore Rate Loans hereunder shall
be suspended until the Agent revokes such 

                                      27
<PAGE>
 
notice in writing. Upon receipt of such notice, the Company may revoke any
Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion/Continuation previously submitted by
the Company. If the Company does not revoke such Notice, the Banks shall make,
convert or continue the Loans, as proposed by the Company, in the amount
specified in the applicable notice submitted by the Company, but such Loans
shall be made, converted or continued as Base Rate Loans instead of Offshore
Rate Loans.

     3.06  Certificates of Banks.  Any Bank claiming reimbursement or
           ---------------------
compensation under this Article III shall deliver to the Company (with a copy to
the Agent) a certificate setting forth in reasonable detail the amount payable
to the Bank hereunder and such certificate shall be conclusive and binding on
the Company in the absence of manifest error.

     3.07  Survival.  The agreements and obligations of the Company in this
           --------
Article III shall survive the payment of all other Obligations.



                                  ARTICLE IV

                             CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
                             --------------------
 
     4.01  Conditions of Initial Loans. The obligation of each Bank to make its
           ---------------------------
initial Loan hereunder is subject to the condition that the Agent have received
on or before the date the initial Loan is made but not later than fifteen (15)
Business Days after the date hereof all of the following, in form and substance
satisfactory to the Agent and each Bank, and in sufficient copies for each Bank:


           (a)  Credit Agreement.  This Agreement executed by each party hereto
and, if requested by any Bank, the Note(s) requested by such Bank executed by 
the Company.

           (b)  Resolutions; Incumbency.
                -----------------------

                (i)   Copies of the resolutions of the board of directors of the
     Company authorizing the transactions contemplated hereby, certified as of
     the Closing Date by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company;
     and



                (ii)  A certificate of the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of
     the Company, certifying the names and true signatures of the officers of
     the Company authorized to execute, deliver and perform, as applicable, this
     Agreement, and all other Loan Documents to be delivered by it hereunder;


                                      28
<PAGE>
 
          (c) Organization Documents; Good Standing. Each of the following
              -------------------------------------
documents:

              (i)   the articles or certificate of incorporation and the bylaws
     of the Company as in effect on the Closing Date, certified by the Secretary
     or Assistant Secretary of the Company as of the Closing Date; and

             (ii)   a good standing and tax good standing certificate for the
     Company from the applicable Secretary of State (or similar, applicable
     Governmental Authority) of the States of Delaware and California dated as
     of a recent date;


           (d)  Legal Opinion.  An opinion of Ivan D. Meyerson, Vice President
                -------------
and General Counsel of the Company, addressed to the Agent and the Banks,
substantially in the form of Exhibit D;

          (e)  Payment of Fees.  Evidence of payment by the Company of all
               ---------------
accrued and unpaid fees, costs and expenses to the extent then due and payable
on the Closing Date, together with Attorney Costs of BofA to the extent invoiced
prior to or on the Closing Date, including any such costs, fees and expenses
arising under or referenced in Sections 2.09 and 10.04;

          (f)  Company Certificates.  A certificate signed by a Responsible
               --------------------
Officer of Company, dated as of the Closing Date, stating that:


               (i)   the representations and warranties contained in Article V
     and the other Loan Documents are true and correct on and as of such date,
     as though made on and as of such date;

              (ii)   no Default or Event of Default exists or would result from
     the initial Borrowing;

             (iii)   there has occurred since September 30, 1997, no event or
     circumstance that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in
     a Material Adverse Effect; and

              (iv)   designating the Closing Date; and


           (g)  Other Documents.  Such other approvals, opinions, documents or
                ---------------
materials as the Agent or any Bank may reasonably request.

     4.02  Conditions to All Borrowings.  The obligation of each Bank to make
           ----------------------------
any Loan to be made by it (including its initial Loan) or to continue or convert
any Loan under Section 2.04 is subject to the satisfaction of the following
conditions precedent on the relevant Borrowing Date or Conversion/Continuation
Date:

                                      29
<PAGE>
 
          (a) Notice of Borrowing or Conversion/Continuation.  The Agent shall
              ----------------------------------------------
have received (with, in the case of the initial Loan only, a copy for each Bank)
a Notice of Borrowing or a Notice of Conversion/Continuation, as applicable;

          (b) Continuation of Representations and Warranties.  The
              ----------------------------------------------  
representations and warranties in Article V and the other Loan Documents shall
be true and correct on and as of such Borrowing Date or Conversion/Continuation
Date with the same effect as if made on and as of such Borrowing Date or
Conversion/Continuation Date (except to the extent such representations and
warranties expressly refer to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true
and correct as of such earlier date); and

          (c) No Existing Default.  No Default or Event of Default shall exist
              -------------------
or shall result from such Borrowing or continuation or conversion.

Each Notice of Borrowing and Notice of Conversion/Continuation submitted by the
Company hereunder shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Company,
as of the date of each such notice and as of each Borrowing Date or
Conversion/Continuation Date, as applicable, that the conditions in Section 4.02
are satisfied.

                                ARTICLE V

                        REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
                        ------------------------------
 
     The Company represents and warrants to the Agent and each Bank that:

     5.01  Corporate Existence and Power.  The Company and each of its
           -----------------------------
Subsidiaries:

           (a) is  duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under
the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or formation;

           (b) has the power and authority and all required governmental
licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals to own its assets, carry on its
business and to execute, deliver, and perform its obligations under the Loan
Documents;

           (c) is duly qualified as a foreign corporation and is licensed and in
good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or
operation of property or the conduct of its business requires such qualification
or license; and

           (d) is in compliance with all Requirements of Law;


                                      30
<PAGE>
 
except, with respect to Subsidiaries of the Company other than Material
Subsidiaries, to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and, with respect to the Company and
its Material Subsidiaries in each case referred to in clause (c) or clause (d),
to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have
a Material Adverse Effect.

     5.02  Corporate Authorization; No Contravention.  The execution, delivery
           -----------------------------------------
and performance by the Company of this Agreement and each other Loan Document to
which the Company is party, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate
action, and do not and will not:

           (a) contravene the terms of any of the Company's Organization
Documents;

           (b) conflict with or result in any breach or contravention of, or the
creation of any Lien under, any document evidencing any Contractual Obligation
to which the Company is a party or any order, injunction, writ or decree of any
Governmental Authority to which the Company or its property is subject; or

           (c)  violate any Requirement of Law.

     5.03  Governmental Authorization.  No approval, consent, exemption,
           --------------------------
authorization, or other action by, or notice to, or filing with, any
Governmental Authority is necessary or required in connection with the
execution, delivery or performance by, or enforcement against, the Company of
the Agreement or any other Loan Document.

     5.04  Binding Effect.  This Agreement and each other Loan Document to which
           --------------
the Company is a party constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of
the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective
terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights
generally or by equitable principles relating to enforceability.

     5.05  Litigation.  There are no actions, suits, proceedings, claims or
           ----------
disputes pending, or to the best knowledge of the Company, threatened or
contemplated, at law, in equity, in arbitration or before any Governmental
Authority, against the Company, or its Subsidiaries or any of their respective
properties which:

           (a) purport to affect or pertain to this Agreement or any other Loan
Document, or any of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby; or

                                      31
<PAGE>
 
           (b) if determined adversely to the Company or its Subsidiaries, would
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect as of the Closing Date.
No injunction, writ, temporary restraining order or any order of any nature has
been issued by any court or other Governmental Authority purporting to enjoin or
restrain the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement or any other
Loan Document, or directing that the transactions provided for herein or therein
not be consummated as herein or therein provided.

     5.06  No Default.  No Default or Event of Default exists or would result
           ----------   
from the incurring of any Obligations by the Company. As of the Closing Date,
neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in default under or with respect to
any Contractual Obligation in any respect which, individually or together with
all such defaults, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect as of the Closing Date, or that would, if such default had occurred after
the Closing Date, create an Event of Default under subsection 8.01(e).

     5.07  Use of Proceeds; Margin Regulations.  The proceeds of the Loans are
           -----------------------------------
to be used solely for the purposes set forth in Section 6.09. Neither the
Company nor any Subsidiary is generally engaged in the business of purchasing or
selling Margin Stock or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or
carrying Margin Stock.

     5.08  Financial Condition.  (a) The (i) audited consolidated financial
           -------------------
statements of the Company and its Subsidiaries dated March 31, 1997, and the
related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders' equity
and cash flows for the fiscal year ended on that date and (ii) unaudited
consolidated financial statements of the Company and its Subsidiaries dated
September 30, 1997, and the related consolidated statements of income or
operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the three months ended on
that date:


               (A) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied
     throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted
     therein, subject in the case of the unaudited statements to ordinary, good
     faith year end audit adjustments;

               (B) fairly present the financial condition of the Company and its
     Subsidiaries as of the date thereof and results of operations for the
     period covered thereby; and

               (C) show all material indebtedness and other liabilities, direct
     or contingent, of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of the
     date thereof required to be shown in accordance with GAAP.

           (b) As of the Closing Date, since September 30, 1997, there has been
no Material Adverse Effect.

                                      32
<PAGE>
 
     5.09  Regulated Entities.  None of the Company, any Person controlling the
           ------------------ 
Company, or any Subsidiary, is an "Investment Company" within the meaning of the
Investment Company Act of 1940. The Company is not subject to regulation under
the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, the Federal Power Act, the
Interstate Commerce Act, any state public utilities code, or any other Federal,
state or other statute or regulation limiting its ability to incur Indebtedness.

     5.10  No Burdensome Restrictions.  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary
           --------------------------  
is a party to or bound by any Contractual Obligation, or subject to any
restriction in any Organization Document, or any Requirement of Law, which could
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

     5.11  Subsidiaries and Certain Liens As of the Closing Date. As of the
           -----------------------------------------------------
Closing Date, the Company has no corporate Subsidiaries other than those
specifically disclosed in part (a) of Schedule 5.11 hereto. As of the Closing
                                      -------------
Date, part (b) of Schedule 5.11 describes all outstanding Indebtedness of the
                  -------------
Company and its Subsidiaries for borrowed money in excess of $10,000,000 that is
secured by a Lien existing on property of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries.

                                ARTICLE VI

                             AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
                             ---------------------
 
     So long as any Bank shall have any Commitment hereunder, or any Loan or
other Obligation (other than Obligations under Section 10.05 that remain
contingent after termination of the Commitments and payment of all other
Obligations) shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, unless the Majority Banks waive
compliance in writing:


     6.01  Financial Statements.  The Company shall deliver to the Agent, in
           --------------------
form and detail satisfactory to the Agent and the Majority Banks, with
sufficient copies for each Bank:

          (a) as soon as available, but not later than 90 days after the end of
each fiscal year (commencing with the fiscal year ended March 31, 1998), a copy
of the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries as
at the end of such year and the related consolidated statements of income or
operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for such year, setting forth in
each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, and
accompanied by the opinion of Deloitte & Touche or another nationally-recognized
independent public accounting firm ("Independent Auditor") which report shall
                                     -------------------                     
state that such consolidated financial statements present fairly the financial
position for the periods indicated in conformity with GAAP applied on a basis
consistent with prior 

                                      33
<PAGE>
 
years. Such opinion shall not be qualified or limited because of a restricted or
limited examination by the Independent Auditor of any material portion of the
Company's or any Subsidiary's records; and

          (b) as soon as available, but not later than 60 days after the end of
each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (commencing with the
fiscal quarter ended December 31, 1997), a copy of the unaudited consolidated
balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such quarter
and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders'
equity and cash flows for the period commencing on the first day and ending on
the last day of such quarter, and certified by a Responsible Officer as fairly
presenting, in accordance with GAAP (subject to ordinary, good faith year-end
audit adjustments), the financial position and the results of operations of the
Company and the Subsidiaries (which certification may be part of the related
Compliance Certificate delivered pursuant to Section 6.02(a)).

     6.02  Certificates; Other Information.  The Company shall furnish to the
           -------------------------------
Agent, with sufficient copies for each Bank:

           (a) concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements
referred to in subsections 6.01(a) and (b), a Compliance Certificate executed by
a Responsible Officer of the Company;

           (b) promptly, copies of all financial statements and reports that the
Company sends to its shareholders, and copies of all financial statements and
regular, periodical or special reports (including Forms 10K, 10Q and 8K) that
the Company or any Subsidiary may make to, or file with, the SEC; and

           (c) promptly, such additional information regarding the business,
financial or corporate affairs of the Company or any Subsidiary, as the Agent,
at the request of any Bank, may from time to time reasonably request.

     6.03  Notices.  The Company shall notify the Agent and each Bank:
           -------

           (a) promptly, upon such occurrence, of the occurrence of any Default
or Event of Default, and of the occurrence or existence of any event or
circumstance that foreseeably will become a Default or Event of Default;

           (b) promptly, upon such occurrence, of any matter that has resulted
or may result in a Material Adverse Effect;

           (c) promptly upon any Responsible Officer of Company obtaining
knowledge thereof of (i) the institution of, or non-frivolous threat of, any
action, suit, proceeding (whether administrative, judicial or otherwise),
governmental 

                                      34
<PAGE>
 
investigation of arbitration against or affecting the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries or any property of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
(collectively "Proceedings") not previously disclosed in writing by the Company
to the Banks or (ii) any material development in any Proceeding that, in the
case of clause (i) or (ii) above, (1) if adversely determined, has a reasonable
possibility of giving rise to a Material Adverse Effect; or (2) seeks to enjoin
or otherwise prevent the consummation of, or to recover any damages or obtain
relief as a result of, the transactions contemplated hereby, together with such
other information as may be reasonably available to Company that the Agent
requests to enable the Agent and the Banks to evaluate such matters.

           (d) of any material change in accounting policies or financial
reporting practices by the Company or any of its consolidated Subsidiaries,
including but not limited to any change that has any effect on the calculation
of any financial covenant in this Agreement.

     6.04  Preservation of Corporate Existence, Etc.  The Company shall, and
           ----------------------------------------
shall cause its Material Subsidiaries to:

           (a) preserve and maintain in full force and effect its corporate
existence and good standing under the laws of their respective states or
jurisdictions of incorporation except, in the case of any Material Subsidiary
(other than Medis), in connection with transactions permitted by Section 7.02;
and

           (b) preserve and maintain in full force and effect all governmental
rights, privileges, qualifications, permits, licenses and franchises necessary
in the normal conduct of its business except in connection with transactions
permitted by Section 7.02 or except to the extent that the failure to do so
could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

     6.05  Insurance.  The Company shall maintain, and shall cause its Material
           ---------
Subsidiaries to maintain, with financially sound and reputable insurers,
insurance (including self-insurance) with respect to its properties and business
against loss or damage of the kinds customarily insured against by Persons
engaged in the same or similar business, of such types and in such amounts as
the Company reasonably deems prudent from time to time.

     6.06  Payment of Taxes.  The Company shall, and shall cause each of its
           ----------------
Material Subsidiaries to, pay and discharge as the same shall become due and
payable, all tax liabilities, assessments and governmental charges or levies
upon it or its properties or assets (other than obligations that a Responsible
Officer is not aware of or are of a nominal amount), unless the 

                                      35
<PAGE>
 
same are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and adequate
reserves in accordance with GAAP are being maintained by the Company or such
Subsidiary.

     6.07  Compliance with Law.  The Company shall comply, and shall cause each
           -------------------
of its Subsidiaries to comply, in all material respects with all material
Requirements of Law of any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over it or
its business (including the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act), except such as
may be contested in good faith or as to which a bona fide dispute may exist.

     6.08  Inspection of Property and Books and Records.  The Company shall
           --------------------------------------------
maintain and shall cause each of its Material Subsidiaries to maintain in all
material respects proper books of record and account, in which full, true and
correct entries in conformity with GAAP consistently applied shall be made of
all financial transactions and matters involving the assets and business of the
Company and such Subsidiary. The Company shall permit, and shall cause each of
its Subsidiaries to permit, representatives and independent contractors of the
Agent or any Bank to visit and inspect any of their respective properties, to
examine their respective corporate, financial and operating records, and make
copies thereof or abstracts therefrom, and to discuss their respective affairs,
finances and accounts with their respective directors, officers, and independent
public accountants, at such reasonable times during normal business hours and as
often as may be reasonably desired, upon reasonable advance notice to the
Company; provided, however, when an Event of Default exists the Agent or any
         --------  -------
Bank may do any of the foregoing at the reasonable expense of the Company at any
time during normal business hours and without advance notice.

     6.09  Use of Proceeds.  The Company shall use the proceeds of the Loans for
           ---------------
general corporate purposes not in contravention of any Requirement of Law or of
any Loan Document.

                                  ARTICLE VII

                                NEGATIVE COVENANTS
                                ------------------
 
     So long as any Bank shall have any Commitment hereunder, or any Loan or
other Obligation (other than Obligations under Section 10.05 that remain
contingent after termination of the Commitments and payment of all other
Obligations) shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, unless the Majority Banks waive
compliance in writing:

     7.01  Limitation on Liens.  The Company shall not, and shall not suffer or
           -------------------
permit any of its Subsidiaries to directly or indirectly, make, create, incur,
assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon or with respect to any part of its
property, 

                                      36
<PAGE>
 
whether now owned or hereafter acquired, other than the following ("Permitted
                                                                    ---------
Liens"):
- -----
           (a) any Lien existing on property of the Company or any Subsidiary on
the Closing Date securing Indebtedness outstanding on such date;

           (b) any Lien created under any Loan Document;

           (c) Liens for taxes, fees, assessments or other governmental charges
which are not delinquent or remain payable without penalty, or to the extent
that non-payment thereof is permitted by Section 6.07;

           (d) carriers', warehousemen's, mechanics', landlords', materialmen's,
repairmen's or other similar Liens arising in the ordinary course of business
which are not delinquent or remain payable without penalty;

           (e) Liens (other than any Lien imposed by ERISA) consisting of
pledges or deposits required in the ordinary course of business in connection
with workers' compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security
legislation;

           (f) Liens on the property of the Company or its Subsidiary securing
(i) the non-delinquent performance of bids, trade contracts (other than for
borrowed money), leases, statutory obligations, (ii) contingent obligations on
surety and appeal bonds, and (iii) other non-delinquent obligations of a like
nature; in each case, incurred in the ordinary course of business, provided all
such Liens in the aggregate would not (even if enforced) cause a Material
Adverse Effect;

           (g) easements, rights-of-way, restrictions and other similar
encumbrances incurred in the ordinary course of business which, in the
aggregate, are not substantial in amount, and which do not in any case
materially detract from the value of the property subject thereto or interfere
with the ordinary conduct of the businesses of the Company and its Subsidiaries;

           (h) Liens arising solely by virtue of any statutory or common law
provision relating to banker's liens, rights of set-off or similar rights and
remedies as to deposit accounts or other funds maintained with a creditor
depository institution; provided that (i) such deposit account is not a
                        --------                                       
dedicated cash collateral account and is not subject to restrictions against
access by the Company in excess of those set forth by regulations promulgated by
the FRB, and (ii) such deposit account is not intended by the Company or any
Subsidiary to provide collateral to the depository institution;

           (i)  Liens on inventory, proceeds thereof and replacement inventory
securing debt to GE Capital Corporation, incurred in connection with the
acquisition by the Company of 

                                      37
<PAGE>
 
certain assets of FoxMeyer Corporation and its Affiliates, in an aggregate
principal amount outstanding at any time not to exceed $400,000,000; provided
that such Liens shall have been released on or before the date which is 45 days
after the incurrence of such debt and shall no longer constitute Permitted Liens
after such date; and

           (j) Any other Liens (other than any Lien imposed by ERISA or any Lien
for taxes, fees, assessments or other governmental charges that is not expressly
permitted under Section 7.01(c)); provided that the aggregate amount of all
                                  --------                                 
Permitted Liens does not exceed at any time 25% of Net Worth.

     7.02  Consolidations and Mergers.  The Company shall not, and shall not
           --------------------------
suffer or permit any of its Material Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly,
liquidate, dissolve, merge, consolidate with or into, or convey, transfer, lease
or otherwise dispose of (whether in one transaction or in a series of
transactions) all or substantially all of its assets (whether now owned or
hereafter acquired) to or in favor of any Person, except:

           (a) any Subsidiary may merge with the Company, provided that the
Company shall be the continuing or surviving corporation, or with any one or
more Subsidiaries, provided that if any transaction shall be between a
Subsidiary and a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary, the Wholly-Owned Subsidiary shall be
the continuing or surviving corporation;

           (b) any Subsidiary may sell all or substantially all of its assets
(upon voluntary liquidation or otherwise) to the Company or another Wholly-Owned
Subsidiary; and

           (c) the Company may merge with another Person provided that the
Company shall be the continuing or surviving corporation and no Default or Event
of Default is in effect immediately prior to or on the date of or would result
from such merger.

     7.03  Use of Proceeds.  (a) The Company shall not, and shall not suffer or
           ---------------
permit any of its Subsidiaries to, use any portion of the Loan proceeds,
directly or indirectly, (i) to purchase or carry Margin Stock, (ii) to repay or
otherwise refinance indebtedness of the Company or others incurred to purchase
or carry Margin Stock, (iii) to extend credit for the purpose of purchasing or
carrying any Margin Stock, or (iv) to acquire any security in any transaction
that is subject to Section 13 or 14 of the Exchange Act.

           (b) The Company shall not, directly or indirectly, use any portion of
the Loan proceeds (i) knowingly to purchase Ineligible Securities from the
Arranger during any period in which the Arranger makes a market in such
Ineligible Securities, (ii) knowingly to purchase during the underwriting or
placement 

                                      38
<PAGE>
 
period Ineligible Securities being underwritten or privately placed by
the Arranger, or (iii) to make payments of principal or interest on Ineligible
Securities underwritten or privately placed by the Arranger and issued by or for
the benefit of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company.  The Arranger is a
registered broker-dealer and permitted to underwrite and deal in certain
Ineligible Securities; and "Ineligible Securities" means securities which may
                            ---------------------                            
not be underwritten or dealt in by member banks of the Federal Reserve System
under Section 16 of the Banking Act of 1933 (12 U.S.C. (S) 24, Seventh), as
amended.

     7.04  Maximum Debt to Capitalization Ratio.  The Company shall not permit
           ------------------------------------
the ratio of Total Debt to Total Capitalization as at the last day of any
calendar month to exceed 0.565 to 1.00.

                                ARTICLE VIII

                               EVENTS OF DEFAULT
                               -----------------
 
     8.01  Event of Default.  Any of the following shall constitute an "Event of
           ----------------                                             --------
Default":
- -------
           (a)  Non-Payment.  The Company fails to pay, (i) when and as required
                ----------- 
to be paid herein, any amount of principal of any Loan, or (ii) within 5 days
after the same becomes due, any interest, fee or any other amount payable by the
Company hereunder or under any other Loan Document; or

           (b)  Representation or Warranty.  Any representation or warranty by
                -------------------------- 
the Company or any Subsidiary made or deemed made herein, in any other Loan
Document, or which is contained in any certificate, document or financial or
other statement by the Company, any Subsidiary, or any Responsible Officer,
furnished at any time under this Agreement, or in or under any other Loan
Document, is incorrect in any material respect on or as of the date made or
deemed made; or

           (c)  Specific Defaults.  The Company fails to perform or observe any
                -----------------
term, covenant or agreement contained in Section 6.04(a) or in Article VII; or

           (d)  Other Defaults.  The Company fails to perform or observe any
                --------------
other term or covenant contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document,
and such default shall continue unremedied for a period of 20 days after the
earlier of (i) in the case of any provision in Article V or VI, the date upon
which a Responsible Officer knew of such failure or (ii) the date upon which
written notice thereof is given to the Company by the Agent or any Bank; or

           (e)  Cross-Default.  The Company or any Subsidiary (i) fails to make
                -------------
any payment in respect of any Indebtedness or Contingent Obligation having an
aggregate principal amount 

                                      39
<PAGE>
 
(including undrawn committed or available amounts and including amounts owing to
all creditors under any combined or syndicated credit arrangement) of more than
$10,000,000 when due (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment,
acceleration, demand, or otherwise) and such failure continues after the
applicable grace or notice period, if any, specified in the relevant document on
the date of such failure; or (ii) fails to perform or observe any other
condition or covenant, or any other event shall occur or condition exist, under
any agreement or instrument relating to any Indebtedness or Contingent
Obligation having an aggregate principal amount (including undrawn committed or
available amounts and including amounts owing to all creditors under any
combined or syndicated credit arrangement) of more than $10,000,000, if the
effect of such failure, event or condition is to cause such Indebtedness to be
declared to be due and payable prior to its stated maturity, or such Contingent
Obligation to become payable or cash collateral in respect thereof to be
demanded; or

           (f) Insolvency; Voluntary Proceedings.  The Company or any Material
               ---------------------------------
Subsidiary (i) ceases or fails to be solvent, or generally fails to pay, or
admits in writing its inability to pay, its debts as they become due, subject to
applicable grace periods, if any, whether at stated maturity or otherwise; (ii)
voluntarily ceases to conduct its business in the ordinary course; (iii)
commences any Insolvency Proceeding with respect to itself; or (iv) takes any
action to effectuate or authorize any of the foregoing; or

           (g)  Involuntary Proceedings.  (i) Any involuntary Insolvency
                -----------------------
Proceeding is commenced or filed against Company or any Material Subsidiary, or
any writ, judgment, warrant of attachment, execution or similar process, is
issued or levied against a substantial part of Company's or any Material
Subsidiary's properties, and any such proceeding or petition shall not be
dismissed, or such writ, judgment, warrant of attachment, execution or similar
process shall not be released, vacated or fully bonded within 60 days after
commencement, filing or levy; (ii) the Company or any Material Subsidiary admits
the material allegations of a petition against it in any Insolvency Proceeding,
or an order for relief (or similar order under non-U.S. law) is ordered in any
Insolvency Proceeding; or (iii) the Company or any Material Subsidiary
acquiesces in the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator,
liquidator, mortgagee in possession (or agent therefor), or other similar Person
for itself or a substantial portion of its property or business; or

           (h)  ERISA.  There shall occur one or more ERISA Events which
                ----- 
individually or in the aggregate results in or might reasonably be expected to
result in liability of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in excess of
$25,000,000 during the term of this Agreement; or there shall exist an amount of
unfunded benefit liabilities (as defined in Section 

                                      40
<PAGE>
 
4001(a)(18) of ERISA), individually or in the aggregate for all Pension Plans
(excluding for purposes of such computation any Pension Plans with respect to
which assets exceed benefit liabilities), which exceeds 5% of Net Worth.

     8.02  Remedies.  If any Event of Default occurs, the Agent shall, at the
           -------- 
request of, or may, with the consent of, the Majority Banks,

           (a) declare the commitment of each Bank to make Loans to be
terminated, whereupon such commitments shall be terminated;

           (b) declare the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans, all
interest accrued and unpaid thereon, and all other amounts owing or payable
hereunder or under any other Loan Document to be immediately due and payable,
without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which
are hereby expressly waived by the Company; and

           (c) exercise on behalf of itself and the Banks all rights and
remedies available to it and the Banks under the Loan Documents or applicable
law;

provided, however, that upon the occurrence of any event specified in subsection
- --------  -------                                                               
(f) or (g) of Section 8.01 (in the case of clause (i) of subsection (g) upon the
expiration of the 60-day period mentioned therein), the obligation of each Bank
to make Loans shall automatically terminate and the unpaid principal amount of
all outstanding Loans and all interest and other amounts as aforesaid shall
automatically become due and payable without further act of the Agent or any
Bank.

     8.03  Rights Not Exclusive.  The rights provided for in this Agreement and
           -------------------- 
the other Loan Documents are cumulative and are not exclusive of any other
rights, powers, privileges or remedies provided by law or in equity, or under
any other instrument, document or agreement now existing or hereafter arising.


                                  ARTICLE IX

                                   THE AGENT
                                   ---------
 
     9.01  Appointment and Authorization.  Each Bank hereby irrevocably (subject
           -----------------------------
to Section 9.09) appoints, designates and authorizes the Agent to take such
action on its behalf under the provisions of this Agreement and each other Loan
Document and to exercise such powers and perform such duties as are expressly
delegated to it by the terms of this Agreement or any other Loan Document,
together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. Notwithstanding
any provision to the contrary contained elsewhere in this Agreement or in any
other Loan 

                                      41
<PAGE>
 
Document, the Agent shall not have any duties or responsibilities, except those
expressly set forth herein, nor shall the Agent have or be deemed to have any
fiduciary relationship with any Bank, and no implied covenants, functions,
responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities shall be read into this
Agreement or any other Loan Document or otherwise exist against the Agent.

     9.02  Delegation of Duties.  The Agent may execute any of its duties under
           --------------------
this Agreement or any other Loan Document by or through agents, employees or
attorneys-in-fact and shall be entitled to advice of counsel concerning all
matters pertaining to such duties. The Agent shall not be responsible for the
negligence or misconduct of any agent or attorney-in-fact that it selects with
reasonable care.

     9.03  Liability of Agent.  None of the Agent-Related Persons shall (a) be
           ------------------
liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by any of them under or in
connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the transactions
contemplated hereby (except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct),
or (b) be responsible in any manner to any of the Banks for any recital,
statement, representation or warranty made by the Company or any Subsidiary or
Affiliate of the Company, or any officer thereof, contained in this Agreement or
in any other Loan Document, or in any certificate, report, statement or other
document referred to or provided for in, or received by the Agent under or in
connection with, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or the validity,
effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement or
any other Loan Document, or for any failure of the Company or any other party to
any Loan Document to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder. No Agent-
Related Person shall be under any obligation to any Bank to ascertain or to
inquire as to the observance or performance of any of the agreements contained
in, or conditions of, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or to inspect
the properties, books or records of the Company or any of the Company's
Subsidiaries or Affiliates.

     9.04  Reliance by the Agent.  (a) The Agent shall be entitled to rely, and
           ---------------------  
shall be fully protected in relying, upon any writing, resolution, notice,
consent, certificate, affidavit, letter, telegram, facsimile, telex or telephone
message, statement or other document or conversation believed by it to be
genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by the proper Person
or Persons, and upon advice and statements of legal counsel (including counsel
to the Company), independent accountants and other experts selected with
reasonable care by it. The Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing
to take any action under this Agreement or any other Loan Document unless it
shall first receive such advice or concurrence of the Majority Banks as it deems
appropriate and, if it so requests, it shall first be 

                                      42
<PAGE>
 
indemnified to its satisfaction by the Banks against any and all liability and
expense which may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take
any such action. The Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or
in refraining from acting, under this Agreement or any other Loan Document in
accordance with a request or consent of the Majority Banks and such request and
any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all of
the Banks.

           (b) For purposes of determining compliance with the conditions
specified in Section 4.01, each Bank that has executed this Agreement shall be
deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each
document or other matter either sent by the Agent to such Bank for consent,
approval, acceptance or satisfaction, or required thereunder to be consented to
or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to the Bank.

     9.05  Notice of Default.  The Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge
           -----------------
or notice of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, except with
respect to defaults in the payment of principal, interest and fees required to
be paid to it for the account of the Banks, unless it shall have received
written notice from a Bank or the Company referring to this Agreement,
describing such Default or Event of Default and stating that such notice is a
"notice of default". The Agent will notify the Banks of its receipt of any such
notice. The Agent shall take such action with respect to such Default or Event
of Default as may be requested by the Majority Banks in accordance with Article
VIII; provided, however, that unless and until the Agent has received any such
      --------  -------  
request, the Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or
refrain from taking such action, with respect to such Default or Event of
Default as it shall deem advisable or in the best interest of the Banks.

     9.06  Credit Decision.  Each Bank acknowledges that none of the Agent-
           ---------------
Related Persons has made any representation or warranty to it, and that no act
by the Agent hereinafter taken, including any review of the affairs of the
Company and its Subsidiaries, shall be deemed to constitute any representation
or warranty by any Agent-Related Person to any Bank. Each Bank represents to the
Agent that it has, independently and without reliance upon any Agent-Related
Person and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate,
made its own appraisal of and investigation into the business, prospects,
operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the
Company and its Subsidiaries, and all applicable bank regulatory laws relating
to the transactions contemplated hereby, and made its own decision to enter into
this Agreement and to extend credit to the Company hereunder. Each Bank also
represents that it will, independently and without reliance upon any Agent-
Related Person and based on such documents and information as it shall deem
appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit analysis, appraisals
and 

                                      43
<PAGE>
 
decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents, and to make such investigations as it deems necessary to inform
itself as to the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other
condition and creditworthiness of the Company. Except for notices, reports and
other documents expressly herein required to be furnished to the Banks by the
Agent, the Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility to provide any Bank
with any credit or other information concerning the business, prospects,
operations, property, financial and other condition or creditworthiness of the
Company which may come into the possession of any of the Agent-Related Persons.

     9.07  Indemnification of Agent.  Whether or not the transactions
           ------------------------
contemplated hereby are consummated, the Banks shall indemnify upon demand the
Agent-Related Persons (to the extent not reimbursed by or on behalf of the
Company and without limiting the obligation of the Company to do so), pro rata,
from and against any and all Indemnified Liabilities and any other liability,
obligation, loss, damage, penalty, action, judgment, suit, cost, charge, expense
or disbursement (including Attorney's Costs) that would be an Indemnified
Liability but for the fact that it relates or arises out of a claim or
threatened claim by the Company or other Person party to this Agreement;
Agreement; provided, however, that no Bank shall be liable for the payment to
           --------  -------
the Agent-Related Persons of any portion of such Indemnified Liabilities
resulting solely from such Person's gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Without limitation of the foregoing, each Bank shall reimburse the Agent upon
demand for its ratable share of any costs or out-of-pocket expenses (including
Attorney Costs) incurred by it in connection with the preparation, execution,
delivery, administration, modification, amendment or enforcement (whether
through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of, or legal advice in
respect of rights or responsibilities under, this Agreement, any other Loan
Document, or any document contemplated by or referred to herein, to the extent
that it is not reimbursed for such expenses by or on behalf of the Company. The
undertaking in this Section shall survive the payment of all Obligations
hereunder and the resignation or replacement of the Agent.

     9.08  Agent in Individual Capacity.  BofA and any of its Affiliates may
           ----------------------------
make loans to, issue letters of credit for the account of, accept deposits from,
acquire equity interests in and generally engage in any kind of banking, trust,
financial advisory, underwriting or other business with the Company and its
Subsidiaries and Affiliates as though BofA were not the Agent hereunder and
without notice to or consent of the Banks. The Banks acknowledge that, pursuant
to such activities, BofA or any of its Affiliates may receive information
regarding the Company or its Affiliates (including information that may be
subject to confidentiality obligations in favor of the Company or such
Subsidiary) and acknowledge that the Agent shall not be under any obligation to
provide such information to them. With

                                      44
<PAGE>
 
respect to its Loans, BofA shall have the same rights and powers under this
Agreement as any other Bank and may exercise the same as though it were not the
Agent. The terms "Bank" and "Banks" include BofA in its individual capacity.

     9.09  Successor Agent.  The Agent may, and at the request of the Majority
           ---------------
Banks shall, resign as the Agent upon 30 days' notice to the Banks. If the Agent
resigns under this Agreement, then the Majority Banks shall appoint from among
the Banks a successor agent for the Banks which successor agent shall be
approved by the Company. If no successor agent is appointed prior to the
effective date of the resignation of the Agent, the Agent may appoint, after
consulting with the Banks and the Company, a successor agent from among the
Banks. Upon the acceptance of its appointment as successor agent hereunder, such
successor agent shall succeed to all the rights, powers and duties of the
retiring Agent and the term "Agent" shall mean such successor agent and the
retiring agent's appointment, powers and duties as Agent shall be terminated.
After any retiring agent's resignation hereunder as Agent, the provisions of
this Article IX and Sections 10.04 and 10.05 shall inure to its benefit as to
any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was Agent under this
Agreement. If no successor agent has accepted appointment as Agent by the date
which is 30 days following a retiring agent's notice of resignation, the
retiring agent's resignation shall nevertheless thereupon become effective and
the Banks shall perform all of the duties of the Agent hereunder until such
time, if any, as the Majority Banks appoint a successor agent as provided for
above.

     9.10  Withholding Tax.  (a) If any Bank is a "foreign corporation,
           ---------------
partnership or trust" within the meaning of the Code and such Bank claims
exemption from, or a reduction of, U.S. withholding tax under Sections 1441 or
1442 of the Code, such Bank agrees with and in favor of the Agent, to deliver to
the Agent:

               (i)   if such Bank claims an exemption from, or a reduction of,
     withholding tax under a United States tax treaty, properly completed IRS
     Forms 1001 and W-8 before the payment of any interest in the first calendar
     year and before the payment of any interest in each third succeeding
     calendar year during which interest may be paid under this Agreement;

               (ii)  if such Bank claims that interest paid under this Agreement
     is exempt from United States withholding tax because it is effectively
     connected with a United States trade or business of such Bank, two properly
     completed and executed copies of IRS Form 4224 before the payment of any
     interest is due in the first taxable year of such Bank and in each
     succeeding taxable year of such Bank during which interest may be paid
     under this Agreement, and IRS Form W-9; and

                                      45
<PAGE>
 
               (iii) such other form or forms as may be required under the Code
     or other laws of the United States as a condition to exemption from, or
     reduction of, United States withholding tax.


Such Bank agrees to promptly notify the Agent of any change in circumstances
which would modify or render invalid any claimed exemption or reduction.

           (b) If any Bank claims exemption from, or reduction of, withholding
tax under a United States tax treaty by providing IRS Form 1001 and such Bank
sells, assigns, grants a participation in, or otherwise transfers all or part of
the Obligations of the Company to such Bank, such Bank agrees to notify the
Agent of the percentage amount in which it is no longer the beneficial owner of
Obligations of the Company to such Bank.  To the extent of such percentage
amount, the Agent will treat such Bank's IRS Form 1001 as no longer valid.

           (c) If any Bank claiming exemption from United States withholding tax
by filing IRS Form 4224 with the Agent sells, assigns, grants a participation
in, or otherwise transfers all or part of the Obligations of the Company to such
Bank, such Bank agrees to undertake sole responsibility for complying with the
withholding tax requirements imposed by Sections 1441 and 1442 of the Code.

           (d) If any Bank is entitled to a reduction in the applicable
withholding tax, the Agent may withhold from any interest payment to such Bank
an amount equivalent to the applicable withholding tax after taking into account
such reduction.  If the forms or other documentation required by subsection (a)
of this Section are not delivered to the Agent, then the Agent may withhold from
any interest payment to such Bank not providing such forms or other
documentation an amount equivalent to the applicable withholding tax.

           (e) If the IRS or any other Governmental Authority of the United
States or other jurisdiction asserts a claim that the Agent did not properly
withhold tax from amounts paid to or for the account of any Bank (because the
appropriate form was not delivered, was not properly executed, or because such
Bank failed to notify the Agent of a change in circumstances which rendered the
exemption from, or reduction of, withholding tax ineffective, or for any other
reason) such Bank shall indemnify the Agent fully for all amounts paid, directly
or indirectly, by the Agent as tax or otherwise, including penalties and
interest, and including any taxes imposed by any jurisdiction on the amounts
payable to the Agent under this Section, together with all costs and expenses
(including Attorney Costs).  The obligation of the Banks under this subsection
shall survive the payment of all Obligations and the resignation or replacement
of the Agent.

                                      46
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE X

                                 MISCELLANEOUS
                                 -------------
 



     10.01  Amendments and Waivers. No amendment or waiver of any provision of
            ----------------------
this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and no consent with respect to any
departure by the Company therefrom, shall be effective unless the same shall be
in writing and signed by the Majority Banks (or by the Agent at the written
request of the Majority Banks) and the Company and acknowledged by the Agent,
and then any such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific
instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided, however, that
                                                       --------  ------- 
no such waiver, amendment, or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by all
the Banks, the Company and acknowledged by the Agent, do any of the following:


          (a) increase or extend the Commitment of any Bank (or reinstate any
Commitment terminated pursuant to Section 8.02);

          (b) postpone or delay any date fixed by this Agreement or any other
Loan Document for any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts due
to the Banks (or any of them) hereunder or under any other Loan Document;

          (c) reduce the principal of, or the rate of interest specified herein
on any Loan, or (subject to clause (ii) below) any fees or other amounts payable
hereunder or under any other Loan Document;

          (d) change the percentage of the Commitments or of the aggregate
unpaid principal amount of the Loans which is required for the Banks or any of
them to take any action hereunder; or

          (e) amend this Section, or Section 2.13, or any provision herein
providing for consent or other action by all Banks;

and, provided, further, that no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in
     --------  -------                                                       
writing and signed by the Agent, in addition to the Majority Banks or all the
Banks, as the case may be, affect the rights or duties of the Agent under this
Agreement or any other Loan Document.

     10.02  Notices. (a)  All notices, requests and other communications 
            -------
required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing, except as otherwise
expressly set forth herein (including, unless the context expressly otherwise
provides, by facsimile transmission, provided that any matter transmitted by the
Company by facsimile (i) shall be immediately confirmed by a telephone call to
the recipient at the number specified on 

                                       47
<PAGE>
 
Schedule 10.02, and (ii) shall be followed promptly by delivery of a hard copy
- --------------
original thereof), and mailed, faxed or delivered, to the address or facsimile
number specified for notices on Schedule 10.02; or, as directed to the Company
                                --------------        
or the Agent, to such other address as shall be designated by such party in a
written notice to the other parties, and as directed to any other party, at such
other address as shall be designated by such party in a written notice to the
Company and the Agent.

          (b) All such notices, requests and communications shall, when
transmitted by overnight delivery, or faxed, be effective when delivered for
overnight (next-day) delivery, or transmitted in legible form by facsimile
machine, respectively, or if mailed, upon the third Business Day after the date
deposited into the U.S. mail, or if delivered, upon delivery; except that
notices pursuant to Article II or IX shall not be effective until actually
received by the Agent.

          (c) Any agreement of the Agent and the Banks herein to receive certain
notices by telephone or facsimile is solely for the convenience and at the
request of the Company.  The Agent and the Banks shall be entitled to rely on
the authority of any Person purporting to be a Person authorized by the Company
to give such notice and the Agent and the Banks shall not have any liability to
the Company or other Person on account of any action taken or not taken by the
Agent or the Banks in reliance upon such telephonic or facsimile notice.  The
obligation the Company to repay the Loans shall not be affected in any way or to
any extent by any failure by the Agent and the Banks to receive written
confirmation of any telephonic or facsimile notice or the receipt by the Agent
and the Banks of a confirmation which is at variance with the terms understood
by the Agent and the Banks to be contained in the telephonic or facsimile
notice.

     10.03  No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies.  No failure to exercise and no 
            ------------------------------
delay in exercising, on the part of the Agent or any Bank, any right, remedy,
power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any
single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder
preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other
right, remedy, power or privilege. The rights and remedies of the parties
provided herein and in the other Loan Documents are cumulative and are in
addition to, and not exclusive of, any rights or remedies provided by law.


     10.04  Costs and Expenses.  The Company shall:
            ------------------

          (a) whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are
consummated, pay or reimburse all Agent-Related Persons (including BofA in its
capacity as Agent) within five Business Days after demand (subject to subsection
4.01(e)) for all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by such Agent-Related
Persons (including BofA in its capacity as Agent) reasonably 

                                       48
<PAGE>
 
required in connection with the development, preparation, negotiation, delivery,
administration and execution of, and any amendment, supplement, waiver or
modification to (in each case, whether or not consummated), this Agreement, any
Loan Document and any other documents prepared in connection herewith or
therewith, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby including reasonable Attorney Costs incurred by such Agent-Related
Persons (including BofA in its capacity as Agent) with respect thereto; provided
that any costs and expenses incurred under this subsection 10.04(a) prior to the
Closing Date shall be limited to the reasonable Attorneys Costs incurred by the
Agent and any out-of-pocket costs and expenses of the Agent and the Arranger;
and

          (b) pay or reimburse all Agent-Related Persons and each Bank within
five Business Days after demand (subject to subsection 4.01(e)) for all costs
and expenses (including Attorney Costs) incurred by them in connection with the
enforcement, attempted enforcement, or preservation of any rights or remedies
under this Agreement or any other Loan Document during the existence of an Event
of Default or after acceleration of the Loans (including in connection with any
"workout" or restructuring regarding the Loans, and including in any Insolvency
Proceeding or appellate proceeding).

     10.05  Company Indemnification.  Whether or not the transactions 
            -----------------------
contemplated hereby are consummated, the Company shall indemnify and hold the
Agent-Related Persons, and each Bank and each of its respective Affiliates,
officers, directors, employees, counsel, agents and attorneys-in-fact (each, an
"Indemnified Person") harmless from and against any and all liabilities, 
 ------------------                    
obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs,
charges, expenses and disbursements (including Attorney Costs) of any kind or
nature whatsoever which may at any time (including at any time following
repayment of the Loans and the termination, resignation or replacement of the
Agent or replacement of any Bank) be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against
any such Person as a result of any claim or threatened claim by a Person not
party to this Agreement or by the Company (except for claims by the Company or
against any Agent or a Bank that are successful on the merits as determined by a
court of competent jurisdiction), in any case in any way relating to or arising
out of this Agreement or any document contemplated by or referred to herein, or
the transactions contemplated hereby, or any action taken or omitted by any such
Person under or in connection with any of the foregoing, including with respect
to any investigation, litigation or proceeding (including any Insolvency
Proceeding or appellate proceeding) related to or arising out of this Agreement
or the Loans or the use of the proceeds thereof, whether or not any Indemnified
Person is a party thereto (all the foregoing, collectively, the "Indemnified
                                                                 -----------
Liabilities"); provided that the Company shall have no obligation hereunder to
- -----------    --------         
any Indemnified Person with respect to Indemnified Liabilities to the extent

                                       49
<PAGE>
 
resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnified
Person. The agreements in this Section shall survive payment of all other
Obligations; provided further that this Section 10.05 shall not be construed to
expand the obligations of the Company to make payments to the Banks in the
circumstances required under subsections 3.01, 3.02, 3.03, 3.04 or 3.05, it
being understood and agreed that such subsections shall govern the rights and
obligations of the Company and the Banks as to matters set forth therein, or to
require the Company to compensate a Bank for any Indemnified Liability relating
to its cost of funds for any Borrowing.

     10.06  Payments Set Aside.  To the extent that the Company makes a payment
            ------------------
to the Agent or the Banks, or the Agent or the Banks exercise their right of 
set-off, and such payment or the proceeds of such set-off or any part thereof
are subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set
aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the
Agent or such Bank in its discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any
other party, in connection with any Insolvency Proceeding or otherwise, then (a)
to the extent of such recovery the obligation or part thereof originally
intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued in full force and effect
as if such payment had not been made or such set-off had not occurred, and (b)
each Bank severally agrees to pay to the Agent upon demand its pro rata share of
any amount so recovered from or repaid by the Agent.

     10.07  Successors and Assigns.  The provisions of this Agreement shall be
            ----------------------
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
successors and assigns, except that the Company may not assign or transfer any
of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written
consent of the Agent and each Bank.

     10.08  Assignments, Participations, etc. (a)  Any Bank may, with the 
            ---------------------------------
written consent of the Company at all times other than during the existence of
an Event of Default and the Agent, which consents of the Company and the Agent
shall not be unreasonably withheld, at any time assign and delegate to one or
more Eligible Assignees (provided that no written consent of the Company or the
Agent shall be required in connection with any assignment and delegation by a
Bank to an Eligible Assignee that is an Affiliate of such Bank) (each an
"Assignee") all, or any ratable part of all, of the Loans, the Commitment and 
 --------                                          
the other rights and obligations of such Bank hereunder, in a minimum amount of
$10,000,000 or any multiple of $5,000,000 in excess thereof, or, if less, the
amount of the Commitment of such Bank; provided, however, that the Company and
                                       --------  ------- 
the Agent may continue to deal solely and directly with such Bank in connection
with the interest so assigned to an Assignee until (i) written notice of such
assignment, together with payment instructions, addresses and related
information with respect to the Assignee, shall have been given to the Company
and the Agent by such Bank 

                                       50
<PAGE>
 
and the Assignee; (ii) such Bank and its Assignee shall have delivered to the
Company and the Agent an Assignment and Acceptance substantially in the form of
Exhibit E ("Assignment and Acceptance") with such changes thereto as the Agent 
            -------------------------
and the Company may approve together with any Note or Notes subject to such
assignment and (iii) the assignor Bank or Assignee has paid to the Agent a
processing fee in the amount of $3,500.

          (b) From and after the date that the Agent notifies the assignor Bank
that it has received (and provided its consent and received the Company's
consent with respect to) an executed Assignment and Acceptance and payment of
the above-referenced processing fee, (i) the Assignee thereunder shall be a
party hereto and, to the extent that rights and obligations hereunder have been
assigned to it pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance, shall have the rights
and obligations of a Bank under the Loan Documents, and (ii) the assignor Bank
shall, to the extent that rights and obligations hereunder and under the other
Loan Documents have been assigned by it pursuant to such Assignment and
Acceptance, relinquish its rights and be released from its obligations under the
Loan Documents.

          (c) If the assignor Bank had received any Notes, within five Business
Days after its receipt of notice by the Agent that it has received an executed
Assignment and Acceptance and payment of the processing fee, (and provided that
the Company and the Agent have consented to such assignment in accordance with
subsection 10.08(a)), the Company shall execute and deliver to the Agent, new
Notes evidencing such Assignee's assigned Loans and, if the assignor Bank has
retained a portion of its Loans, replacement Notes in the principal amount of
the Loans retained by the assignor Bank (such Notes to be in exchange for, but
not in payment of, the Notes held by such Bank).  Immediately upon each
Assignee's becoming a party to this Agreement in accordance with Section
10.08(b)(i), this Agreement shall be deemed to be amended to the extent, but
only to the extent, necessary to reflect the addition of the Assignee and the
resulting adjustment of the Commitments arising therefrom.  The Commitment
allocated to each Assignee shall reduce the Commitment of the assigning Bank pro
                                                                             ---
tanto.
- ----- 

          (d) Any Bank may, with the written consent of the Company at all times
other than during the existence of an Event of Default and the Agent, which
consents of the Company and the Agent shall not be unreasonably withheld, at any
time sell to one or more Eligible Assignees (provided that no written consent of
the Company or the Agent shall be required in connection with any participation
by a Bank to an Eligible Assignee that is an Affiliate of such Bank) (a
"Participant") participating interests in any Loans, the Commitment of that Bank
- ------------                                                                    
and the other interests of that Bank (the "originating Bank") hereunder and
under the other Loan Documents; provided, however, that (i) the originating
                                --------  -------                          
Bank's obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) the
originating Bank shall remain 

                                       51
<PAGE>
 
solely responsible for the performance of such obligations, (iii) the Company
and the Agent shall continue to deal solely and directly with the originating
Bank in connection with the originating Bank's rights and obligations under this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and (iv) no Bank shall transfer or grant
any participating interest under which the Participant has rights to approve any
amendment to, or any consent or waiver with respect to, this Agreement or any
other Loan Document, except to the extent such amendment, consent or waiver
would require unanimous consent of the Banks as described in the first proviso
                                                                 ----- -------
to Section 10.01. In the case of any such participation, the Participant shall
not have any rights under this Agreement, or any of the other Loan Documents,
and all amounts payable by the Company hereunder shall be determined as if such
Bank had not sold such participation; except that, if amounts outstanding under
this Agreement are due and unpaid, or shall have been declared or shall have
become due and payable upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, each
Participant shall be deemed to have the right of set-off in respect of its
participating interest in amounts owing under this Agreement to the same extent
as if the amount of its participating interest were owing directly to it as a
Bank under this Agreement.

          (e) Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, any Bank
may at any time create a security interest in, or pledge, all or any portion of
its rights under and interest in this Agreement and any Notes held by it in
favor of any Federal Reserve Bank in accordance with Regulation A of the FRB or
U.S. Treasury Regulation 31 CFR (S)203.14, and such Federal Reserve Bank may
enforce such pledge or security interest in any manner permitted under
applicable law.

     10.09  Confidentiality.  The Agent and each Bank agrees to take and to
            ---------------
cause its Affiliates (including the Agent-Related Persons) to take normal and
reasonable precautions and exercise due care to maintain the confidentiality of
all information identified as "confidential" or "secret" by the Company and
provided to it by the Company or any Subsidiary, or by the Agent on the
Company's or Subsidiary's behalf, under this Agreement or any other Loan
Document, and neither it nor any of its Affiliates shall use any such
information other than in connection with or in enforcement of this Agreement
and the other Loan Documents or in connection with other business now or
hereafter existing or contemplated with the Company or any Subsidiary, except to
the extent such information (i) was or becomes generally available to the public
other than as a result of disclosure by any of the Agent or such Bank, or (ii)
was or becomes available on a non-confidential basis from a source other than
the Company, provided that such source is not bound by a confidentiality
agreement with the Company known to the Agent or such Bank; provided, however,
                                                            --------  -------
that the Agent and any Bank may disclose such information (A) at the request or
pursuant to any requirement of any Governmental Authority to which the Agent or
any Bank is subject or in connection with an 

                                       52
<PAGE>
 
examination of such Bank by any such authority; (B) pursuant to subpoena or
other court process; (C) when required to do so in accordance with the
provisions of any applicable Requirement of Law; (D) to the extent reasonably
required in connection with the exercise of any remedy hereunder or under any
other Loan Document; (E) to such Bank's independent auditors and other
professional advisors and to the Agent or any other Bank; (F) to any Participant
or Assignee, actual or potential, provided that such Person agrees in writing to
keep such information confidential to the same extent required of the Banks
hereunder; (G) as to the Agent or any Bank or its Affiliate, as expressly
permitted under the terms of any other document or agreement regarding
confidentiality to which the Company or any Subsidiary is party or is deemed
party with such Bank or such Affiliate; and (H) to its Affiliates; provided,
                                                                   -------- 
further, that to the extent permitted by applicable law or regulation, the Agent
- -------                    
and each Bank agree to notify the Company prior to (if reasonably practicable)
or concurrently with its disclosure of such information to any third party
pursuant to clauses (B), (C), or (F).

     10.10  Set-off.  In addition to any rights and remedies of the Banks 
            -------
provided by law, if an Event of Default exists or the Loans have been
accelerated, each Bank and its respective Affiliates are authorized at any time
and from time to time, without prior notice to the Company, any such notice
being waived by the Company to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off
and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional
or final) at any time held by, and other indebtedness at any time owing by, such
Bank or any such Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of the Company
against any and all Obligations owing to such Bank, now or hereafter existing,
irrespective of whether or not the Agent or such Bank shall have made demand
under this Agreement or any Loan Document and although such Obligations may be
contingent or unmatured. Each Bank agrees promptly to notify the Company and the
Agent after any such set-off and application made by such Bank; provided,
                                                                -------- 
however, that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of 
- -------                          
such set-off and application.

     10.11  Notification of Addresses, Lending Offices, Etc. Each Bank shall 
            ------------------------------------------------
notify the Agent in writing of any changes in the address to which notices to
the Bank should be directed, of addresses of any Lending Office, of payment
instructions in respect of all payments to be made to it hereunder and of such
other administrative information as the Agent shall reasonably request.

     10.12  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of
            ------------
separate counterparts, each of which, when so executed, shall be deemed an
original, and all of said counterparts taken together shall be deemed to
constitute but one and the same instrument.

                                       53
<PAGE>
 
     10.13  Severability.  The illegality or unenforceability of any  provision 
            ------------
of this Agreement or any instrument or agreement required hereunder shall not in
any way affect or impair the legality or enforceability of the remaining
provisions of this Agreement or any instrument or agreement required hereunder.

     10.14  No Third Parties Benefited.  This Agreement is made and entered into
            --------------------------
for the sole protection and legal benefit of the Company, the Banks, the Agent
and the Agent-Related Persons, and their permitted successors and assigns, and
no other Person shall be a direct or indirect legal beneficiary of, or have any
direct or indirect cause of action or claim in connection with, this Agreement
or any of the other Loan Documents.

     10.15  Governing Law and Jurisdiction; Language.  (a)  THIS AGREEMENT AND 
            ----------------------------------------
THE NOTES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE
STATE OF CALIFORNIA WITHOUT REFERENCE TO PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS.

          (b) ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT OR
ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT MAY BE BROUGHT IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
OR OF THE UNITED STATES FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA, AND BY
EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS AGREEMENT, EACH OF THE COMPANY, THE AGENT AND THE
BANKS CONSENTS, FOR ITSELF AND IN RESPECT OF ITS PROPERTY, TO THE NON-EXCLUSIVE
JURISDICTION OF THOSE COURTS.  EACH OF THE COMPANY, THE AGENT AND THE BANKS
IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION, INCLUDING ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE
OR BASED ON THE GROUNDS OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS, WHICH IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER
                           --------------------                               
HAVE TO THE BRINGING OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN SUCH JURISDICTION IN RESPECT
OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY DOCUMENT RELATED HERETO.  THE COMPANY, THE AGENT AND
THE BANKS EACH WAIVE PERSONAL SERVICE OF ANY SUMMONS, COMPLAINT OR OTHER
PROCESS, WHICH MAY BE MADE BY ANY OTHER MEANS PERMITTED BY CALIFORNIA LAW.

     10.16  Waiver of Jury Trial.  THE COMPANY, THE BANKS AND THE AGENT EACH
            --------------------
WAIVE THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHTS TO A TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION
BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE OTHER LOAN
DOCUMENTS, OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY, IN ANY ACTION,
PROCEEDING OR OTHER LITIGATION OF ANY TYPE BROUGHT BY ANY OF THE PARTIES AGAINST
ANY OTHER PARTY OR ANY AGENT-RELATED PERSON, PARTICIPANT OR ASSIGNEE, WHETHER
WITH RESPECT TO CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS, OR OTHERWISE. THE COMPANY, THE
BANKS AND THE AGENT EACH AGREE THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION SHALL BE
TRIED BY A COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, THE
PARTIES FURTHER AGREE THAT THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IS WAIVED
BY OPERATION OF THIS SECTION AS TO ANY ACTION, COUNTERCLAIM OR OTHER PROCEEDING
WHICH SEEKS, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, TO CHALLENGE THE VALIDITY OR ENFORCEABILITY OF
THIS AGREEMENT OR THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS OR ANY PROVISION HEREOF OR THEREOF.
THIS WAIVER SHALL APPLY TO ANY 

                                       54
<PAGE>
 
SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, SUPPLEMENTS OR MODIFICATIONS TO THIS AGREEMENT
AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS.

     10.17  Entire Agreement.  This Agreement, together with the other Loan
            ----------------
Documents, embodies the entire agreement and understanding among the Company,
the Banks and the Agent, and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous agreements
and understandings of such Persons, verbal or written, relating to the subject
matter hereof and thereof.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed and delivered in Los Angeles, California by their proper and duly
authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.



                           McKESSON CORPORATION


                           By:
                              -----------------------------
                           Title:  Vice President & Chief
                                 Financial Officer

                           By:
                              -----------------------------
                           Title:  Treasurer


                           BANK OF AMERICA NT&SA, as Agent


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

                           Title:
                                 --------------------------


                           BANK OF AMERICA NT&SA, as a Bank



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

                           Title:
                                 --------------------------



                           MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY OF
                           NEW YORK


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

                           Title:
                                 --------------------------

                                       55
<PAGE>
 
                           THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK


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

                           Title:
                                 ---------------------------

                                       56
<PAGE>
 
                           NATIONSBANK OF TEXAS, N.A.


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

                           Title:
                                 ----------------------------

                                       57

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1





              CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-4 No. 333-40587) and related Prospectus of
McKesson Corporation and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report
dated November 5, 1997, with respect to the consolidated financial statements
and schedules of AmeriSource Health Corporation included in its (Annual Report)
Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 1997, as filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.




Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
December 31, 1997

<PAGE>
 
                                                                EXHIBIT 23.2

                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on 
Form S-4 of McKesson Corporation ("McKesson") of our reports dated May 16, 1997 
on McKesson's consolidated financial statements and consolidated supplementary 
financial schedule, both such reports appearing in the Annual Report on Form 
10-K of McKesson Corporation for the year ended March 31, 1997, and our 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, appearing in the Current Report on Form 8-K/A of McKesson Corporation 
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 28, 1997 and to the 
reference to us under the heading "Experts" in the Joint Proxy 
Statement/Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.


Deloitte & Touche LLP

San Francisco, California
Dallas, Texas
January 2, 1998

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.3

               [LETTERHEAD OF PETER J. SOLOMON COMPANY LIMITED]


                                                                 January 2, 1998
 

Board of Directors
McKesson Corporation
One Post Street
San Francisco, CA 94104

Ladies and Gentlemen:

        We hereby consent to the references to our firm and to the inclusion of
the opinion of our firm dated September 22, 1997 in the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus of McKesson Corporation (which is also the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus of AmeriSource Health Corporation) filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof. In the foregoing consent,
we do not admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is
required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules
and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.


                                             PETER J. SOLOMON COMPANY LIMITED

<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.4
PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL

January 2, 1998

Board of Directors
AmeriSource Health Corporation
300 Chester Field Parkway
Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355

Re:      Registration Statement on Form S-4 of
         McKesson Corporation

Gentlemen:

Reference is made to our opinion letter dated September 22, 1997 with respect to
the fairness from a financial point of view to the holders of the outstanding
shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Shares"), of AmeriSource
Health Corporation (the "Company") of the exchange ratio of 0.71 shares of
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of McKesson Corporation ("McKesson") to
be received for each Share pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated
as of September 22, 1997, among McKesson, Patriot Acquisition Corp., a wholly-
owned direct subsidiary of McKesson, and the Company (the "Agreement").*

The foregoing opinion letter is provided for the information and assistance of
the Board of Directors of the Company in connection with its consideration of
the transaction contemplated therein and is not to be used, circulated, quoted
or otherwise referred to for any other purpose, nor is it to be filed with,
included in or referred to in whole or in part in any registration statement,
proxy statement or any other document, except in accordance with our prior
written consent.  We understand that the Company has determined to include our
opinion in the above-referenced Registration Statement.

In that regard, we hereby consent to the reference to the opinion of our Firm
under the captions "Summary - The Merger and the Merger Agreement" and "The
Merger - Opinion of AmeriSource's Financial Advisor" in, and to the inclusion of
the foregoing opinion as Appendix D to, the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus
included in the above-mentioned Registration Statement.  In giving such consent,
we do not thereby admit that we come within the category of persons whose
consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933 or the rules
and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.

Very truly yours,


/s/GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO. 
- -----------------------
GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
<PAGE>
 
* The opinion letter was based on the exchange ratio referenced in Section 2.1
 of the Agreement, which exchange ratio will be adjusted to 1.42 shares of
 McKesson Common Stock for each Share on January 5, 1998 to reflect the 2-for-1
 stock split declared by McKesson on October 29, 1997.

<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.4
 
PROXY

                             MCKESSON CORPORATION

                           Proxy for Special Meeting
                          1:00 P.M., February 9, 1998

       Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors of the Corporation

The undersigned, whose signature appears on the reverse side, hereby constitutes
and appoints Mark A. Pulido, Ivan D. Meyerson and Nancy A. Miller, and each of 
them, with full power of substitution, proxies to vote all stock of McKesson 
Corporation which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Special Meeting of 
Stockholders to be held in the Franciscan Room at the Ana Hotel, 50 Third
Street, San Francisco, California, on February 9, 1998, and any adjournments
thereof, as specified upon the matters indicated on the reverse side, and in
their discretion upon any other matters that may properly come before said
meeting.

You are urged to specify your voting preference by marking the appropriate box, 
SEE REVERSE SIDE, but you need not mark any box if you wish to vote in 
accordance with the Board of Directors' recommendation. The above named proxies 
cannot vote your shares unless you sign and return this card.

                                                                ----------------
                                                                SEE REVERSE SIDE
                                                                ----------------


<PAGE>
 
[X] Please mark your                                                  
    votes as in this 
    example

   This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed 
below.  If no direction is given, this proxy will be voted FOR the following 
proposal.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
     The Board of Directors Recommends a Vote FOR the Following Proposal.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Approval of the issuance of shares of McKesson Corporation ("McKesson")
   common stock, par value $0.01 per share, in the merger of AmeriSource Health
   Corporation ("AmeriSource") with and into McKesson in accordance with the
   Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of September 22, 1997, as amended, by
   and among McKesson, Patriot Acquisition Corp., a newly formed, wholly owned
   subsidiary of McKesson, and AmeriSource.

   FOR      AGAINST   ABSTAIN
  [   ]      [   ]     [   ]


   Signature             (Signature, if held jointly)           Date:      1998
            -------------                            -----------    ------

   Please sign exactly as name appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign.
   When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian,
   please give full title as such.


<PAGE>

                                                                    Exhibit 99.5
 
                        AMERISOURCE HEALTH CORPORATION

                   PROXY FOR SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                               FEBRUARY 9, 1998

          THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

   KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned stockholder of 
AMERISOURCE HEALTH CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, does hereby constitute 
and appoint R. David Yost and Teresa T. Ciccotelli, or any one of them, with 
full power to act alone and to designate substitutes, the true and lawful 
attorneys and proxies of the undersigned for and in the name and stead of the 
undersigned, to vote all shares of Common Stock of AMERISOURCE HEALTH 
CORPORATION, which the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally 
present at the Special Meeting of Stockholders to be held at The Desmond Great 
Valley Hotel and Conference Center, One Liberty Boulevard, Malvern, Pennsylvania
19355, on February 9, 1998 at 12:00 p.m., and at any and all adjournments and 
postponements thereof, as follows:

            (Continued, and to be marked, dated and signed, on the other side)
<PAGE>

The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR Item 1.           Please Mark
                                                               your voted as 
                                                               indicated in  [X]
                                                               this example


                                        FOR       AGAINST      ABSTAIN
Item 1. APPROVAL OF THE AGREEMENT AND   [  ]        [  ]         [  ]
        PLAN OF MERGER.


Item 2. OTHER MATTERS
        In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other 
        matters as may properly come before the meeting or at any adjournments
        thereof.


                THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE
                UNDERSIGNED STOCKHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS INDICATED, THIS
                PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR ITEM 1 AND WILL GRANT DISCRETIONARY
                                    ---
                AUTHORITY PURSUANT TO ITEM 2.


                Note: Please date this proxy, sign your name exactly as it 
                appears herein, and return promptly using the enclosed postage 
                paid envelope. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as 
                attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please 
                give full title as such.



Signature(s)                                             Date
            ---------------------------------------------    ------------


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