STANDARD BRANDS PAINT CO
PRES14A, 1995-02-23
BUILDING MATERIALS, HARDWARE, GARDEN SUPPLY
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<PAGE>
                            SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

                  Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
                      the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

    Filed by the Registrant /X/

    Check the appropriate box:
    /X/  Preliminary Proxy Statement
    / /  Definitive Proxy Statement
    / /  Definitive Additional Materials
    / /  Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section240.14a-11(c) or
         Section240.14a-12

                                STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY
- - - - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                (Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

                                STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY
- - - - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

/X/  $125 per Exchange Act Rules 0-11(c)(1)(ii), 14a-6(i)(1), 14a-6(j)(2).
/ /  $500  per each  party to  the controversy  pursuant to  Exchange Act Rule
     14a-6(i)(3).
/ /  Fee  computed  on  table  below   per  Exchange  Act  Rules   14a-6(i)(4)
     and 0-11.
     1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
     2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
     3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
        pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11:
        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
     4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
     / / Set  forth the amount on which the  filing fee is calculated and state
        how it was determined.
/ /  Check box if any part  of the fee is offset  as provided by Exchange  Act
     Rule  0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was
     paid previously. Identify the  previous filing by registration  statement
     number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
     1) Amount Previously Paid:
        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
     2) Form, Schedule, or Registration Statement No.:
        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
     3) Date Filed:
        ----------------------------------------------------------------------

<PAGE>
                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY
                             4300 WEST 190TH STREET
                           TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA 90509
                                                                  March   , 1995

Dear Stockholder:

    You  are cordially invited to attend  a Special Meeting of Stockholders (the
"Meeting") of Standard Brands Paint Company (the "Company") to be held on  April
  , 1995 at 10:00 a.m. at the offices of the Company.

    At  the Meeting,  stockholders will  be asked  to consider  and vote  upon a
proposal  to   approve   a  financial   restructuring   of  the   Company   (the
"Restructuring") pursuant to an Investment Agreement entered into by the Company
as of February 15, 1995. The principal elements of the Restructuring are:

            A.
           Amendment  to the Company's Restated  Certificate of Incorporation to
           increase the amount of authorized  capital stock of the Company,  and
    to effect a 1-for-10 reverse stock split ("Reverse Stock Split") pursuant to
    which  each  stockholder will  hold one  share  of the  Company's post-split
    shares for every ten shares presently held;

            B.
           Sale to Corimon Corporation, a  United States subsidiary of  Corimon,
           S.A.C.A.,  a Venezuelan corporation  with multinational operations in
    paint and related products  industries (collectively, "CRM"), of  15,700,496
    newly  issued shares of  the Company's common  stock ("Common Stock"), which
    will constitute  approximately 76.1%  of  the Company's  outstanding  common
    stock,  for  $14  million  (such  issuance  is  priced  at  $0.89  per share
    post-Reverse Stock Split or  $0.089 per share  pre-Reverse Stock Split,  and
    the  $14 million to be paid by CRM was previously advanced in the form of an
    interim loan);

            C.
           Exchange of $16 million of the Company's outstanding debt  (including
           approximately  $2 million of  debt held by  CRM) into 2,242,928 newly
    issued shares of Common Stock (at the same price per share as the CRM shares
    under  B  above)  and  1,570,049  newly  issued  shares  of  8%   cumulative
    convertible  redeemable preferred  stock of the  Company ("Preferred Stock")
    (priced at $8.92 per share of the Preferred Stock and including a conversion
    price for the Common Stock of $1.11 per share);

            D.
           Transfer of 15 of  the Company's real estate  properties to the  real
           estate  liquidating trust established on  July 12, 1994 ("Liquidating
    Property Trust"), in which  the Company currently  has a residual  interest;
    release  of  related  long-term debt;  and  sale of  the  Company's residual
    interest in the Liquidating Property  Trust to CRM and  to FCI, KRI and  the
    Insurance  Company  Lenders  (as defined  in  the Proxy  Statement),  for an
    additional $2 million payable in cash  by CRM and in consideration of  their
    participation  in the  Restructuring; in  the aggregate  as a  result of the
    Restructuring, properties or property  interests having a  book value as  of
    October  31,  1994 of  approximately  $95 million  will  be disposed  of and
    consolidated long term debt of  approximately $77 million will be  released.
    The  transactions  described  in  this clause  D,  as  more  fully described
    elsewhere herein, are herein sometimes called the "Property Transfers".

    The Company's  Board of  Directors has  carefully considered  the terms  and
conditions  of the proposed Restructuring and believes that the Restructuring is
in the best interests  of and is  fair to all stockholders  of the Company.  The
Argosy   Group  L.P.  was  engaged  by   the  Company  in  connection  with  the
Restructuring, and has rendered its written opinion dated February 15, 1995,  to
the  Company's Board of Directors,  that, based upon and  subject to the matters
stated therein, as of the date of such opinion, the Restructuring is fair,  from
a  financial point of view, to the public stockholders of the Company. The Board
of Directors unanimously recommends  a vote FOR  the Restructuring. Pursuant  to
the  Investment  Agreement,  FCI, KRI  and  the Insurance  Company  Lenders, who
collectively hold  in  excess  of  50%  of  the  Company's  Common  Stock,  have
irrevocably agreed and given proxies to CRM to vote for the Restructuring.

    We  urge  you  to  read  the enclosed  Proxy  Statement  and  other material
carefully and request that you complete and return the enclosed Proxy as soon as
possible. Your vote is important regardless of the number of shares you own.

                                          Sincerely yours,

                                          Ronald I. Scharman
                                          CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
<PAGE>
                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY
                             4300 WEST 190TH STREET
                           TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA 90509

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

                   NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                             ---------------------

                                 March   , 1995

To the Stockholders of
Standard Brands Paint Company

    Notice  is hereby given  that a Special Meeting  of Stockholders of Standard
Brands Paint Company (the "Company") will be held at the offices of the Company,
4300 West 190th Street,  Torrance, California on  April   ,  1995 at 10:00  a.m.
solely  to consider and act upon a proposal to approve a financial restructuring
of the Company (the "Restructuring") pursuant to an Investment Agreement entered
into by the  Company as of  February 15, 1995,  as more fully  described in  the
accompanying Proxy Statement.

    Only  shareholders of record on             , 1995 are entitled to notice of
and to vote at the Special Meeting or any adjournments thereof.

    Your attention is called to the Proxy Statement and accompanying Proxy Card.
You are requested, whether  or not you  plan to attend  the Special Meeting,  to
sign,  date and promptly return the enclosed Proxy Card in the envelope provided
for which no  postage must be  affixed if mailed  in the United  States. If  you
attend  the  Special Meeting,  you may  withdraw  your proxy  and vote  your own
shares.

                                          By Order of the Board of Directors
                                          Edward A. Drury
                                          SECRETARY
<PAGE>
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               PAGE
                                                                                                             ---------
<S>                                                                                                          <C>
VOTING SECURITIES..........................................................................................          5
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
 MANAGEMENT................................................................................................          6
RESTRUCTURING PROPOSAL.....................................................................................          7
  General..................................................................................................          7
  Principal Elements of Restructuring......................................................................          7
RISK FACTORS...............................................................................................          8
  Effect on Stockholders' Rights...........................................................................          8
  Certain Effects of Failure to Consummate the Proposed Restructuring......................................          8
  Common Stock Dilution....................................................................................          9
  Recent Losses............................................................................................         10
  Change in Control of the Company.........................................................................         10
  Interests of Certain Persons.............................................................................         10
  Trading Market for Common Stock..........................................................................         11
  No Dividends.............................................................................................         12
BACKGROUND OF RESTRUCTURING................................................................................         12
  1987 Recapitalization Plan...............................................................................         12
  Chapter 11 Filing and Plan Reorganization................................................................         12
  Events after Emergence from Chapter 11...................................................................         13
  Recent Developments......................................................................................         15
REASONS FOR THE RESTRUCTURING..............................................................................         16
  Results of Operations; Reduced Cash Flow.................................................................         16
  Leveraged Debt Structure; Loan Agreement Defaults........................................................         16
  Lack of Alternative Sources of Capital...................................................................         16
  Alliance with CRM........................................................................................         17
  Participation by Principal Stockholders and Creditors....................................................         17
  Alternative to Chapter 11 Reorganization or Liquidation..................................................         17
TERMS OF RESTRUCTURING.....................................................................................         17
  Interim Financing........................................................................................         17
  Reverse Stock Split......................................................................................         18
  Exchange of Interim Notes for Common Stock...............................................................         18
  Exchange of Outstanding Indebtedness for Common Stock and Preferred Stock................................         18
  Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation.......................................................         18
  Amendment to the Company's Bylaws........................................................................         19
  Board Composition........................................................................................         19
  Information Concerning Newly Appointed Directors.........................................................         20
  Modifications to the Liquidating Property Trust..........................................................         21
  Transfer of Properties to the Liquidating Property Trust.................................................         21
  Transfer and Sale of Company's Residual Interest in the Liquidating Property Trust.......................         22
  Tax Treatment of Transfer of Properties to the Liquidating Property Trust................................         22
  Sale of Working Capital Notes............................................................................         23
PRO FORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.............................................................................         24
BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDATION..........................................................................         28
  Fairness Opinion.........................................................................................         28
  Liquidation Analysis.....................................................................................         29
</TABLE>

                                       2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               PAGE
                                                                                                             ---------
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK...............................................................................         30
<S>                                                                                                          <C>
  Common Stock.............................................................................................         30
  Preferred Stock..........................................................................................         30
  Dividend Rights..........................................................................................         30
  Liquidation Rights.......................................................................................         31
  Optional Call and Redemption Rights......................................................................         31
  Mandatory Redemption.....................................................................................         31
  Conversion Rights........................................................................................         31
  Voting Rights............................................................................................         31
  Registration Rights......................................................................................         32
MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES.................................................................         32
  Consulting Arrangements..................................................................................         32
  Indemnification Agreements...............................................................................         32
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.....................................................................................         33
  Information Concerning Existing Directors................................................................         33
  Meetings, Organizations and Remuneration.................................................................         35
  Audit Committee..........................................................................................         35
  Compensation Committee...................................................................................         35
  Compensation Committee Interlocks And Insider Participation..............................................         35
  Executive Committee......................................................................................         36
MATTERS TO BE VOTED UPON...................................................................................         36
  Restructuring............................................................................................         36
  No Other Matters.........................................................................................         36
ACCOUNTANTS................................................................................................         36
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.....................................................................................         36
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBITS
- - - - ------------
<S>           <C>        <C>                                                                                       <C>
Exhibit A        --      Investment Agreement....................................................................     A-1
Exhibit B        --      Restated Certificate of Incorporation...................................................     B-1
Exhibit C        --      Amended and Restated Bylaws.............................................................     C-1
Exhibit D        --      Certificate of Designation..............................................................     D-1
Exhibit E        --      Opinion of The Argosy Group, L.P........................................................     E-1
Exhibit F        --      Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended by Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended January
                          30, 1994...............................................................................     F-1
Exhibit G        --      Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 30, 1994....................     G-1
</TABLE>

                                       3
<PAGE>
                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY
                             4300 WEST 190TH STREET
                           TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA 90509

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

                              PROXY STATEMENT FOR
                        SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                           TO BE HELD APRIL   , 1995
                             ---------------------

    The  accompanying proxy is  solicited by the Board  of Directors of Standard
Brands Paint  Company  (the "Company"),  to  be used  at  a Special  Meeting  of
Stockholders  to be  held on  April    , 1995  and any  adjournment thereof (the
"Meeting"). Shares represented  by valid proxies  in the enclosed  form will  be
voted  as specified if executed and received  in time for the Meeting. THE PROXY
IS REVOCABLE AT ANY TIME  PRIOR TO BEING VOTED  BY DELIVERING WRITTEN NOTICE  TO
THE  SECRETARY OF  THE CORPORATION  OR BY  ATTENDING THE  MEETING AND  VOTING IN
PERSON.

    The Meeting has been called for  the sole purpose of considering and  acting
upon  a  proposal  to approve  a  financial  restructuring of  the  Company (the
"Restructuring") pursuant to an Investment  Agreement, dated as of February  15,
1995  (the "Investment Agreement"), among Corimon, S.A.C.A. and its wholly owned
subsidiary Corimon Corporation (collectively, "CRM"), Fidelity Capital &  Income
Fund ("FCI"), Kodak Retirement Income Plan Trust Fund ("KRI"), Transamerica Life
Insurance  and Annuity Company ("TLIAC"), Transamerica Occidental Life Insurance
Company ("TOLIC"),  Sun  Life  Insurance Company  of  America  ("SAFI"),  Anchor
National  Life Insurance Co.  ("ANLIC"), Standard Brands  Paint Collateral Trust
("Grantor Trust") (collectively,  "Investors") and the  Company (the  Investment
Agreement  is  attached  hereto  as  Exhibit A  and  is  incorporated  herein by
reference). TLIAC, TOLIC, SAFI and ANLIC are sometimes collectively referred  to
as  the "Insurance Company Lenders". The principal elements of the Restructuring
are:

         A. Amendment to the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation  to
    increase  the  amount of  authorized capital  stock of  the Company,  and to
    effect a 1-for-10 reverse  stock split ("Reverse  Stock Split") pursuant  to
    which  each  stockholder will  hold one  share  of the  Company's post-split
    shares for every ten shares presently held;

         B. Sale to Corimon Corporation, a United States subsidiary of  Corimon,
    S.A.C.A.,  a Venezuelan  corporation with multinational  operations in paint
    and related products industries  (collectively, "CRM"), of 15,700,496  newly
    issued  shares of  the Company's common  stock ("Common  Stock"), which will
    constitute approximately 76.1%  of the Company's  outstanding common  stock,
    for  $14 million  (such issuance is  priced at $0.89  per share post-Reverse
    Stock Split or $0.089 per share pre-Reverse Stock Split, and the $14 million
    to be paid by CRM was previously advanced in the form of an interim loan);

         C. Exchange of $16 million of the Company's outstanding debt (including
    approximately $2 million of  debt held by CRM)  into 2,242,928 newly  issued
    shares  of Common Stock (at the same price per share as the CRM shares under
    B above)  and 1,570,049  newly issued  shares of  8% cumulative  convertible
    redeemable  preferred stock  of the  Company ("Preferred  Stock") (priced at
    $8.92 per share of the Preferred Stock and including a conversion price  for
    the Common Stock of $1.11 per share);

         D.  Transfer of 15 of the Company's  real estate properties to the real
    estate liquidating trust established on July 12, 1994 ("Liquidating Property
    Trust"), in which the Company currently has a residual interest; release  of
    related    long-term   debt;   and   sale    of   the   Company's   residual

                                       4
<PAGE>
    interest in the Liquidating Property  Trust to CRM and  to FCI, KRI and  the
    Insurance  Company Lenders, for an additional  $2 million payable in cash by
    CRM and in consideration of their participation in the Restructuring; in the
    aggregate as a result of the Restructuring, properties or property interests
    having a book value as of October 31, 1994 of approximately $95 million will
    be disposed of and consolidated long term debt of approximately $77  million
    will be released. The transactions described in this clause D, as more fully
    described  elsewhere  herein,  are  herein  sometimes  called  the "Property
    Transfers".

    As part of the  Investment Agreement, the parties  have agreed that, to  the
extent   not  already  performed,  all  the  transactions  contemplated  by  the
Investment  Agreement   must   occur   substantially   contemporaneously.   Such
transactions taken together will effectuate the Restructuring, and to the extent
required  to  be  approved  by  the  stockholders  of  the  Company  (whether by
applicable law or the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation, bylaws or
stock exchange  listing agreement),  must  all be  approved,  in order  for  the
Restructuring to be accomplished. The Company has therefore determined to embody
the  approval of the Restructuring in a  single proposal to stockholders, as set
forth under  "Matters  to  be  Voted Upon".  The  Restructuring  is  more  fully
described herein under "Terms of Restructuring".

    This Proxy Statement, the attached Notice and the accompanying form of proxy
are  first being mailed  to stockholders of  the Company on  or about March    ,
1995. The  Company will  bear  all costs  associated  with the  preparation  and
mailing  of this Notice of Special Meeting, Proxy Statement and form of proxy as
well as the cost of solicitation of proxies. The solicitation will be  primarily
by  mail;  however,  officers and  regular  employees  of the  Company  may also
directly solicit proxies (but not  for additional compensation) by telephone  or
telegram.   Banks,  brokerage  houses  and  other  custodians  and  nominees  or
fiduciaries will be requested  to forward proxy  solicitation material to  their
principals and to obtain authorizations for the execution of proxies and will be
reimbursed for their reasonable expenses in doing so.

    No   person  is  authorized   to  give  any  information   or  to  make  any
representations other than those contained in this Proxy Statement and, if given
or made, such information must not be relied upon as having been authorized. The
next regular Annual Stockholders Meeting of the Company is expected to occur  in
July 1995.

                               VOTING SECURITIES

    Only  stockholders of record at the close of business on             , 1995,
are entitled to  notice of and  to vote at  the Meeting, each  share having  one
vote.  With respect  to the proposal  to be  voted on, stockholders  may vote in
favor of  the  proposal,  against  the proposal  or  may  abstain  from  voting.
Stockholders  should specify their choices on the  enclosed form of proxy. If no
specific instructions are given  with respect to the  matters to be acted  upon,
the  shares represented by a  signed proxy will be  voted FOR the Restructuring.
Stockholders will  not  be  entitled  to  dissenters'  rights  as  part  of  the
Restructuring.  Approval of the Restructuring  will require the affirmative vote
of a  majority  of  the  shares  of Common  Stock  of  the  Company  issued  and
outstanding.  FCI, KRI and  the Insurance Company Lenders  presently own, in the
aggregate, in  excess of  50% of  the Company's  voting stock  and have  granted
irrevocable  proxies to CRM as part of the Restructuring to vote in favor of the
Restructuring  and  against  any  proposals  that  would  impede  or  delay  the
Restructuring.  On  the  record  date the  Company  had  issued  and outstanding
22,429,275 shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share.

                                       5
<PAGE>
         SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

    The following table indicates the number  of shares of the Company's  Common
Stock  beneficially owned as  of February 15,  1995 prior to  and without giving
effect to the Restructuring, by (i) all persons known to the Company to own more
than 5% thereof, (ii) all directors of the Company, and (iii) all directors  and
officers of the Company as a group:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           AMOUNT AND NATURE OF       PERCENT
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER                                                   BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP   OF COMMON STOCK
- - - - -------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------------------  -----------------
<S>                                                                        <C>                   <C>
Fidelity Capital & Income Fund (1)
  82 Devonshire Street, F7E
  Boston, Massachusetts 02109                                                     7,630,307            34.06 %
Kodak Retirement Income Plan Trust Fund (1)
  c/o Fidelity Investments
  82 Devonshire Street, F7E
  Boston, Massachusetts 02109                                                     1,433,413             6.40 %
SunAmerica, Inc. ("SAI")(2)
  1999 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 3800
  Los Angeles, CA 90067                                                           1,305,700             5.82 %
Transamerica Occidental Life
  Insurance Company (3)
  1150 S. Olive Street
  Los Angeles, CA 90015                                                           2,139,940             9.54 %
Diane L. Ackerman
  1010 Fifth Avenue
  New York, New York                                                              1,260,000             5.62 %
Fletcher L. Byrom                                                                         --            --
Richard L. Boje                                                                       10,000           *
Robert N. Dangremond                                                                  10,000           *
Deborah Hicks Midanek                                                                 10,000           *
Blandina Cardenas Ramirez                                                             10,000           *
Ronald I. Scharman (4)                                                                40,000           *
William E. Yingling III                                                               10,000           *
All directors and officers as a group (10 persons)                                    92,260           *
<FN>
- - - - ------------------------
* Less than 1% ownership.
(1)  Fidelity  Capital &  Income Fund  is a  portfolio of  an investment company
     registered under  Section 8  of  the Investment  Company  Act of  1940,  as
     amended.   Fidelity  Management  and   Research  Company,  a  Massachusetts
     corporation and an investment advisor  registered under Section 203 of  the
     Investment  Advisors  Act  of 1940  ("FMRC")  provides  investment advisory
     services to FCI, to  certain other registered  investment companies and  to
     certain  other funds that are generally  offered to United States groups of
     investors. Kodak Retirement Income Plan Trust Fund is an account managed by
     Fidelity Managemment Trust Company, a Massachusetts corporation and a  bank
     as  defined in Section 3(a)(6)  of the Securities Exchange  Act of 1934, as
     amended ("FMTC"). FMRC and FMTC are wholly owned subsidiaries of FMR Corp.,
     a Massachusetts corporation.
(2)  SunAmerica, Inc. is an affiliate of SAFI and ANLIC.
(3)  Transamerica  Occidental  Life  Insurance   Company  is  a  subsidiary   of
     Transamerica  Insurance Corporation of California  which is a subsidiary of
     Transamerica Corporation and is an affiliate of TLIAC.
(4)  Held by  Mr. Scharman's  spouse, Naomi  Kobayashi. Mr.  Scharman  possesses
     voting power over the shares held by his spouse.
</TABLE>

                                       6
<PAGE>
    As  of February 15, 1995, pursuant to the terms of the Investment Agreement,
Fletcher L.  Byrom and  Blandina Cardenas  Ramirez resigned  from the  Company's
Board  of Directors, and three representatives of CRM, Roland F. Breault, Thomas
A. White and Juan Gramage, were elected to the Company's Board of Directors,  by
the  other directors. Additionally, at the closing of the Restructuring which is
anticipated to occur promptly after the Meeting, the Board of Directors will  be
increased to ten persons and two other representatives of CRM, Arthur W. Broslat
and  Charles  Codrea, are  expected  to be  elected  to the  Company's  Board of
Directors, by  the other  directors. None  of Messrs.  Breault, Gramage,  White,
Broslat  or Codrea  own any  common stock  or other  securities of  the Company.
Additional information regarding  the present and  anticipated directors of  the
Company  is included elsewhere  herein. Additionally, the  Company will hold its
regular Annual Stockholders Meeting in July 1995 at which directors for the next
year will be elected.

                             RESTRUCTURING PROPOSAL

GENERAL

    At the  Meeting, stockholders  will be  asked to  consider and  vote upon  a
proposal   to  approve   the  financial   restructuring  of   the  Company  (the
"Restructuring") pursuant to an Investment Agreement entered into by the Company
as of  February 15,  1995 ("Investment  Agreement"). A  copy of  the  Investment
Agreement  is  attached  hereto as  Exhibit  A, accompanied  by  certain related
documents also attached hereto as Exhibits. The following description should  be
read  in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirely by, reference to the
full text of the Investment Agreement and related Exhibits. Each stockholder  is
urged  to read with care the entire  Proxy Statement, including the Exhibits. It
is contemplated that the  closing and effective date  ("Effective Date") of  the
Restructuring   will  take  place   promptly  after  the   Meeting,  subject  to
satisfaction of  any  other conditions  precedent  to the  Effective  Date.  The
Company's  Annual Report  on Form  10-K, as amended,  for the  fiscal year ended
January 30, 1994 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October
30, 1994 are  attached hereto as  Exhibits F  and G and  incorporated herein  by
reference.

    The Board of Directors of the Company unanimously approved the Restructuring
and   recommends  that  the   stockholders  vote  "FOR"   the  approval  of  the
Restructuring. The Argosy Group  L.P. ("Argosy") was engaged  by the Company  in
connection  with the Restructuring,  and has rendered  its written opinion dated
February 15, 1995,  to the Company's  Board of Directors,  that, based upon  and
subject  to the  matters stated  therein, as  of the  date of  such opinion, the
Restructuring  is  fair,  from  a  financial  point  of  view,  to  the   public
stockholders of the Company. The public stockholders include the stockholders of
the  Company other than FCI, KRI and the Insurance Company Lenders. See "REASONS
FOR THE RESTRUCTURING," "RISK FACTORS," and "BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDATION."

PRINCIPAL ELEMENTS OF RESTRUCTURING

    The principal elements of the Restructuring are:

         A. Amendment to the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation  to
    increase  the  amount of  authorized capital  stock of  the Company,  and to
    effect a 1-for-10  Reverse Stock  Split pursuant to  which each  stockholder
    will  hold one share of the Company's post-split shares for every ten shares
    presently held;

         B. Sale to Corimon Corporation, a United States subsidiary of  Corimon,
    S.A.C.A.,  a Venezuelan  corporation with multinational  operations in paint
    and related products industries  (collectively, "CRM"), of 15,700,496  newly
    issued  shares of  the Company's common  stock ("Common  Stock"), which will
    constitute approximately 76.1%  of the Company's  outstanding common  stock,
    for  $14 million  (such issuance is  priced at $0.89  per share post-Reverse
    Stock Split or $0.089 per share pre-Reverse Stock Split, and the $14 million
    to be paid by CRM was previously advanced in the form of an interim loan);

         C. Exchange of $16 million of the Company's outstanding debt (including
    approximately $2 million of  debt held by CRM)  into 2,242,928 newly  issued
    shares of Common Stock (at the same

                                       7
<PAGE>
    price  per share as the CRM shares under B above) and 1,570,049 newly issued
    shares of  8%  cumulative  convertible redeemable  preferred  stock  of  the
    Company  ("Preferred Stock")  (priced at  $8.92 per  share of  the Preferred
    Stock and including  a conversion price  for the Common  Stock of $1.11  per
    share);

         D.  Transfer  of 15  of  the Company's  real  estate properties  to the
    Liquidating Property Trust, in  which the Company  currently has a  residual
    interest;  release  of related  long-term debt;  and  sale of  the Company's
    residual interest in the Liquidating Property  Trust to CRM and to FCI,  KRI
    and  the Insurance Company Lenders, for  an additional $2 million payable in
    cash  by  CRM   and  in   consideration  of  their   participation  in   the
    Restructuring; in the aggregate as a result of the Restructuring, properties
    or  property  interests  having a  book  value  as of  October  31,  1994 of
    approximately $95 million  will be  disposed of and  consolidated long  term
    debt  of  approximately  $77  million  will  be  released.  The transactions
    described in this clause  D, as more fully  described elsewhere herein,  are
    herein sometimes called the "Property Transfers".

    Pursuant  to the Investment Agreement, CRM loaned $14 million to the Company
at the signing of the Investment Agreement as of February 15, 1995 (the "Interim
Financing"). The loan made as part of the Interim Financing will be exchanged at
the Effective Date for Common Stock. The Interim Financing permitted the Company
to have access to the funds constituting the purchase price for the Common Stock
to be issued to CRM pursuant to the Investment Agreement during the period prior
to the  Meeting and  Effective  Date. See  "TERMS  OF RESTRUCTURING  --  Interim
Financing."

    As  a result of the Restructuring,  the Company's financial position will be
improved by (1)  $16 million  of new  capital comprised  of $14  million of  new
Common Stock and $2.0 million representing the purchase price from CRM for a 49%
residual  interest in the  Liquidating Property Trust, (2)  $5.0 million under a
working capital facility with  FCI or an  affiliate and (3)  a reduction in  the
Company's  consolidated  indebtedness  by an  aggregate  of  approximately $87.8
million (in part paid for by the  issuance of additional shares of Common  Stock
and  the  Preferred  Stock).  See  "PRO  FORMA  FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS."  Current
stockholders (other  than  parties to  the  Restructuring) will  be  immediately
diluted by the new issuances of Common Stock from their current 44% shareholding
to  approximately 5% of the outstanding Common Stock, and upon conversion of the
Preferred Stock into Common Stock, would be further diluted to approximately 3%.
See "RISK FACTORS -- Common Stock Dilution."

                                  RISK FACTORS

EFFECT ON STOCKHOLDERS' RIGHTS

    Upon completion  of  the Restructuring,  the  existing stockholders  of  the
Company  other  than  FCI,  KRI  and  the  Insurance  Company  Lenders  will own
approximately 3%  of the  outstanding  Common Stock  on  a fully  diluted  basis
(including  conversion of the Preferred Stock).  Approximately 53% of the Common
Stock on a fully diluted basis will be held by CRM. Another approximately 43% of
the Common Stock  on a fully  diluted basis will  be owned by  FCI, KRI and  the
Insurance  Company  Lenders. CRM  will  have the  power  to elect  seven  of the
Company's ten  directors, control  the affairs  of the  Company and  direct  all
fundamental  corporate  transactions.  The  Insurance  Company  Lenders  will be
entitled to appoint one director, but have  not exercised this right as part  of
the  Restructuring. Stockholders  will not be  entitled to  dissenters rights as
part of  the  Restructuring. See  "RISK  FACTORS --  Change  in Control  of  the
Company."

CERTAIN EFFECTS OF FAILURE TO CONSUMMATE THE PROPOSED RESTRUCTURING

    Prior  to February 15, 1995, the Company  was not in compliance with various
provisions of its loan agreements and leases with the Insurance Company Lenders,
the  Grantor  Trust  and  the  Liquidating  Property  Trust.  Because  of   such
non-compliance,  the  Company faced  possible  default and  acceleration  of the
amounts due or the exercise of other remedies under such agreements. The Company
was also over-advanced by approximately $1.75 million, as of February 15,  1995,
under   its  working   capital  facility   with  Foothill   Capital  Corporation
("Foothill")   based    on    a    formula    of    inventory    and    accounts

                                       8
<PAGE>
receivable,  and faces possible termination of,  and acceleration of the amounts
due under, such facility.  Unavailability under the  Foothill facility and  poor
liquidity  have resulted in the delay  of inventory shipments from suppliers who
are unwilling  to extend  credit  to the  Company. Diminished  inventory  levels
coupled  with  poor  fill rates  have  negatively impacted  the  Company's sales
revenue, thus making it  difficult to meet working  capital needs, satisfy  debt
service requirements and maintain the Company's operations.

    While  the foregoing defaults and non-compliance were waived or brought into
compliance as part of the Restructuring, if for any reason the Restructuring  is
not  consummated, then the  Interim Financing from  CRM would immediately become
due and payable and all or a  substantial part of the other indebtedness of  the
Company could be accelerated.

    Unless  the Restructuring is consummated, the Company is likely to be forced
to reorganize  under  Chapter  11  of the  United  States  Bankruptcy  Code,  or
liquidate under Chapter 7 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. Creditors of the
Company (including FCI, KRI, the Insurance Company Lenders or Foothill) may also
force  the  Company into  bankruptcy. In  the  event of  bankruptcy, all  of the
outstanding  indebtedness  under  the   Company's  loan  agreements  and   other
indebtedness,  which aggregated in  excess of $100 million  at October 30, 1994,
and $14 million of additional indebtedness to CRM incurred as Interim  Financing
pending  the Restructuring, see  "TERMS OF RESTRUCTURING  -- Interim Financing,"
would rank senior in  right of payment  to the holders  of the Company's  Common
Stock.  As a  result, the  amount available  for payment  to the  holders of the
Common Stock upon liquidation of the  Company would depend upon the amount  that
could  be realized on the assets of  the Company under the circumstances of such
liquidation. The  Company  believes  that  in the  event  of  a  liquidation  in
bankruptcy  the  holders of  Common Stock  would  not receive  any distributions
because the  amount of  existing prior  claims substantially  exceeds the  value
likely to be realized upon liquidation of the Company's assets.

COMMON STOCK DILUTION

    Upon  consummation of the Restructuring,  following the Reverse Stock Split,
the Company  will issue  18,392,008 shares  of Common  Stock, including  448,586
shares  of Common Stock to  be issued to the  Company's investment advisors; and
1,570,049 shares  of  Preferred  Stock.  On  a  fully-diluted  basis,  including
conversion  of the Preferred Stock  into Common Stock, the  number of shares and
percentage ownership of Common Stock prior to and after the consummation of  the
Restructuring,  based on information as to pre-Restructuring ownership of Common
Stock as of February 15, 1995, would be as follows:

                           OWNERSHIP OF CAPITAL STOCK

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 PRIOR TO RESTRUCTURING                            AFTER RESTRUCTURING
                 ----------------------  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                  NUMBER OF                                           NEWLY ISSUED
                   COMMON                   NUMBER OF                   PREFERRED                       FULLY
    HOLDERS        SHARES         %       COMMON SHARES       %          SHARES       FULLY DILUTED   DILUTED %
- - - - ---------------  -----------  ---------  ---------------  ---------  ---------------  -------------  -----------
<S>              <C>          <C>        <C>              <C>        <C>              <C>            <C>
CRM                        0      *          15,972,332        77.4       190,288        17,494,636       52.70
FCI                7,630,307      34.06       1,979,626         9.6       851,616         8,792,554       26.49
KRI                1,433,413       6.40         372,148         1.8       160,165         1,653,468        4.98
SAFI               1,305,700       5.82         261,992         1.3        91,995           997,952        3.00
TOLIC              2,139,940       9.54         345,416         1.7        91,995         1,081,376        3.26
TLIAC                      0      *             131,422         0.6        91,995           867,382        2.61
ANLIC                      0      *             131,422         0.6        91,995           867,382        2.61
Management            92,260      *               9,226       *                 0             9,226       *
<FN>
- - - - ------------------------
* Less than 1% ownership
</TABLE>

    As a result of  the Restructuring, the ownership  interest of the  Company's
existing  stockholders will be substantially  diluted. Existing stockholders who
are not parties  to the Restructuring  will own approximately  3% of the  Common
Stock on a fully diluted basis.

                                       9
<PAGE>
RECENT LOSSES

    The  Company has not been profitable for the past five fiscal years. For the
nine months ended October 30, 1994, the Company reported consolidated losses  of
$11.91  million.  The Company  has continued  to  have significant  losses since
October 30, 1994. See "BACKGROUND OF RESTRUCTURING -- Recent Developments."

    Following the  Restructuring,  the  Company will  be  under  new  management
appointed  by CRM, which has developed a  new business plan for the Company. The
Restructuring  is  designed  to  provide   new  capital  for  the  Company   and
substantially  reduce  its outstanding  indebtedness. However,  additional lease
payments will in part offset reductions  in interest payments. The new  business
plan  contemplates increasing  inventory levels  in the  stores, refocusing sale
strategies and  increasing  advertising and  other  marketing efforts.  CRM  has
advised  management of the Company that  they believe the Restructuring, and the
new business plan, will  be capable of returning  the Company to  profitability.
However,  there can be no assurances that  the Company will be successful in the
Restructuring or in the new  business plan, or that it  will be able to  improve
its  existing  levels  of  operations.  Previously,  the  Company  has  not been
successful in its  prior restructuring  efforts, which  are described  elsewhere
herein.   The  inability   of  the   Company  to   successfully  effectuate  the
Restructuring and the new business plan could have a material adverse effect  on
the Company and its stockholders.

CHANGE IN CONTROL OF THE COMPANY

    The  consummation of the Restructuring will result in a change in control of
the Company. Immediately upon  consummation of the  Restructuring, CRM will  own
beneficially approximately 77% of the outstanding shares of the Company's Common
Stock,  and pursuant to  a stockholders' agreement between  CRM and the Company,
will have the power to designate seven of the ten directors of the Company.  CRM
will  have  the power  to  control the  affairs of  the  Company and  direct all
fundamental corporate transactions. The Company has been informed by CRM that it
has  no  current  intentions  with  respect  to  effecting  any  such  corporate
transactions  or any  other material transactions  with respect  to the Company.
However, there can be no assurances such transactions may not be effected in the
future. See "SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT" and
"TERMS OF RESTRUCTURING."

INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS

    During 1994,  the  Company engaged  Libra  Investments, Inc.  ("Libra")  and
Pinnacle  Partners,  Inc.  ("Pinnacle")  to act  as  its  financial  advisors in
connection with the Company's search  for and negotiations with potential  third
parties  interested in  an investment,  purchase or  other financing transaction
with the Company. Michael Adams Zurawin is a principal of Pinnacle, and was  for
a period of time expected to participate with CRM as an investor in the Company.
Mr. Zurawin is also a principal of Adams Brush Mfg. Co., Inc., a supplier of the
Company.  Each of Pinnacle and Libra are to receive $750,000 for their services.
Libra has agreed to receive $350,000 of their compensation payable in cash  over
time  and $400,000 payable in  448,586 shares of Company  Common Stock valued at
$0.89 per share (post Reverse Stock Split value).

    As a result  of the  relationships with  the Restructuring  and the  Company
described  above, Libra and  Pinnacle may be  deemed to have  an interest in the
Restructuring and  the Company.  The Company  has  been and  is aware  of  these
potential  conflicts of  interest and  considered these  in connection  with its
approval of  the Restructuring.  The  Board of  Directors designated  a  special
committee of independent directors for purposes of consideration and negotiation
of  a transaction with CRM, FCI, KRI and the Insurance Company Lenders, and that
committee engaged Argosy as its  independent financial advisors for purposes  of
consideration  of  the  transaction.  Argosy has  issued  its  opinion  that the
transaction is fair to the public  stockholders of the Company from a  financial
point of view. See "BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDATION -- Fairness Opinion."

    Prior  to the  Interim Financing, FCI  purchased from CRM  516,129 shares of
Corimon Corporation Series A  Exchangeable Preferred Stock  at $15.50 per  share
and $9,939,175 principal amount of Corimon Corporation Put Notes due 2000 for an
aggregate purchase price of approximately

                                       10
<PAGE>
$17,939,175.  FCI  currently holds  34.06% of  the Company's  outstanding Common
Stock. Pursuant  to the  Investment Agreement,  CRM purchased  approximately  $2
million  of debt securities held by the Grantor Trust (as described herein). The
Grantor Trust distributed the remaining $10 million of debt held by the  Grantor
Trust to FCI and KRI. See "TERMS OF RESTRUCTURING -- Interim Financing."

TRADING MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK

    While  the Company  intends to  maintain its listing  on the  New York Stock
Exchange, as a result  of the Reverse Stock  Split and the significant  dilution
faced by the existing holders of Common Stock, there can be no assurance that an
active  trading  market  for the  Common  Stock will  continue.  Accordingly, no
assurances can be  given that  a holder  of Common Stock  will be  able to  sell
Common  Stock in the future or  as to the price at  which the Common Stock might
trade.  The  number  of   stockholders  before  the   Reverse  Stock  Split   is
approximately  2,830. After the Reverse Stock  Split, the number of stockholders
is not expected to be significantly reduced.

    The following table shows the high and  low sale prices of the Common  Stock
for  the periods indicated  as reported on  the NYSE Composite  Tape during each
period.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    HIGH        LOW
                                                                                                  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                               <C>        <C>
Fiscal Year Ending January 28, 1996
  First Quarter (through February 17, 1995).....................................................  $     3/4  $   15/64

Fiscal Year Ended January 29, 1995
  First Quarter.................................................................................  $   2 3/8      1 3/4
  Second Quarter................................................................................          2      1 3/8
  Third Quarter.................................................................................      1 5/8          1
  Fourth Quarter................................................................................          1      13/64

Fiscal Year Ended January 30, 1994
  First Quarter.................................................................................  $   2 7/8  $   1 1/2
  Second Quarter................................................................................      4 7/8          2
  Third Quarter.................................................................................      3 5/8          2
  Fourth Quarter................................................................................      2 1/4      1 3/4

Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 1993
  First Quarter.................................................................................  $   2 3/8  $   1 1/2
  Second Quarter................................................................................      1 3/4        7/8
  Third Quarter.................................................................................      1 1/4          1
  Fourth Quarter................................................................................      1 7/8          1
</TABLE>

    The Company announced the  Restructuring on February  17, 1995, although  it
had  previously  announced  that it  was  holding discussions,  and  had reached
certain agreements in principle, with CRM regarding a possible restructuring. On
February 16,  1995, the  closing sale  price of  the Common  Stock on  the  NYSE
Composite  Tape was $ 3/4, and such price on February 9, 1995 (one week earlier)
was $ 5/16.

                                       11
<PAGE>
NO DIVIDENDS

    The  Company  has  not paid  any  dividends  since October  1987.  After the
Restructuring, the Company will be prohibited from paying dividends by the terms
of the Preferred  Stock, unless  all accrued  dividends on  the Preferred  Stock
shall  have  been  paid and  the  full  dividend thereon  for  the  then current
quarter-yearly dividend period shall  have been paid or  declared and set  apart
for payment. Covenants in certain of the Company's loan agreements also prohibit
the  payment of dividends. Accordingly, the  Company does not anticipate that it
will pay any dividends on the Common Stock in the foreseeable future.

                          BACKGROUND OF RESTRUCTURING

1987 RECAPITALIZATION PLAN

    In 1987, the Company  implemented a recapitalization  pursuant to which  the
Company  repurchased 55% of the then  outstanding shares of the Company's Common
Stock ("1987  Recapitalization").  The  1987 Recapitalization  was  financed  by
approximately  $190 million  of new  debt and the  issuance of  $16.3 million of
Series B Preferred Stock.  The indebtedness incurred consisted  of (i) a  $132.5
million  loan  secured  by  substantially  all  of  the  Company's  real  estate
("Insurance Company Loan  Agreement") from the  Insurance Company Lenders,  (ii)
bank  ("Bank") financing for a $45 million  revolving line of credit and (iii) a
$15 million  loan  to the  Company's  Leveraged Employee  Stock  Ownership  Plan
("LESOP").

    The   Company  implemented  a   business  plan  concurrent   with  the  1987
Recapitalization  emphasizing  various  strategic   changes  to  the   Company's
operations.  During the 1988  and 1989 fiscal  years, however, extrinsic factors
dramatically reduced the Company's profitability. Declines in housing starts,  a
consumer  spending slowdown in several of  the Company's markets, defense budget
reductions and increased competition from warehouse-type distributors and  large
home  centers in already saturated markets  resulted in reduced sales and caused
the Company to reduce prices leading to an erosion of the Company's retail gross
profit margins.

    As the Company  continued to  experience reduced sales  and a  deteriorating
financial  condition, its  gross profit  margin continued  to erode  due to poor
economic conditions  along with  promotional pricing  and the  need for  special
order  merchandise  (dictated  by  tightening  liquidity).  The  Company  made a
strategic decision to refocus the  marketing and the merchandising strategy  for
its  retail stores  and return  to its  historical role  as a  retail center for
paint. In spite  of its efforts,  high levels of  debt service caused  operating
losses of $10 million for the fiscal year ended January 27, 1991.

    In  the first quarter  of fiscal 1991, the  Company's bank credit facilities
were cancelled, resulting in a $5 million decrease in available working capital.
The Company's trade  creditors, in  response, modified  their terms,  restricted
credit,  or limited  or withheld merchandise  shipments. As  a result, inventory
levels became  insufficient  to  sustain normal  operations.  In  addition,  the
Company lacked liquid resources for debt service due to operational problems and
the  depressed  economic  conditions.  In  May  1991,  unable  to  refinance the
obligations owed under the  bank facility, the  Company defaulted under  certain
financial covenants with the Insurance Company Lenders. The Company restructured
its  debt in the latter part of May  1991 by amending the Insurance Company Loan
Agreement  to  include  a  pledge  of  $1.2  million  in  value  of   previously
unencumbered and undeveloped real estate, and a preferred stock exchange of $7.9
million  of Series  D Preferred  Stock and  $8.3 million  of Series  E Preferred
Stock. The Bank  received additional  collateral in  the form  of the  Company's
LESOP  note  receivable  for the  LESOP  loan. Following  this  restructure, the
Company sought but was unable to obtain additional capital. For the fiscal  year
ended  January 26, 1992, the  Company reported a net loss  of $18 million and an
operating loss of $26.7 million.

CHAPTER 11 FILING AND PLAN REORGANIZATION

    Unable to  resolve its  financial problems,  the Company,  and four  of  its
direct  and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries,  filed voluntary petitions under
Chapter 11 of the United States  Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C. Section101 et  seq.,
on  February  11, 1992,  for  the purpose  of  implementing the  operational and

                                       12
<PAGE>
financial restructuring  of their  businesses. On  March 3,  1993, the  Company,
along  with the other filed subsidiaries,  filed their Fourth Amended Joint Plan
of Reorganization (the  "Reorganization Plan")  with the  Bankruptcy Court.  The
Reorganization  Plan was confirmed by  the Bankruptcy Court on  May 13, 1993 and
became effective on June 14, 1993.

    The Reorganization Plan resulted in a recapitalization of the Company and  a
change  in  management  as  follows:  (i)  approximately  $29.6  million  of the
outstanding debt owed to FCI and KRI  as successor in interest to the Bank,  was
converted  into  approximately 50.5%  of  the Company's  issued  and outstanding
Common Stock  as of  the effective  date of  the Reorganization  Plan, (ii)  the
Insurance  Company Loan was amended ("Amended Insurance Company Loan") to extend
the maturity  date (on  a  principal amount  outstanding of  approximately  $117
million) and reduce the interest rate, (iii) unsecured priority claims were paid
in  cash in  full, (iv) $22  million of  unsecured claims were  paid through the
distribution of $8.9 million cash plus proceeds of up to $4.2 million from sales
of eight of  the Company's Colorado  real estate properties,  (v) the  Company's
existing  outstanding Series  D Preferred  Stock and  Series E  Preferred Stock,
including accrued but unpaid dividends (which was held by the Insurance  Company
Lenders)  was exchanged  for 24.5% of  the issued and  outstanding Common Stock,
(vi) all of the Common Stock held  by the Company's LESOP and its Payroll  Stock
Ownership  Plan ("PAYSOP") was distributed to plan participants, and (vii) a new
board of directors and senior management  team was elected. Existing holders  of
Common  Stock  retained  their  equity  interests,  with  the  exception  of all
interests arising under the Company's Rights Agreement, which was  extinguished.
Consequently,  prior holders of  the Company's Common  Stock including the LESOP
and PAYSOP  distributees,  collectively  retained  approximately  25.0%  of  the
Company's  total issued and outstanding  shares as of the  effective date of the
Reorganization Plan.

    The Reorganization Plan was  financed, in part, by  FCI and KRI through  the
purchase  of  a  $20 million  principal  amount secured  note  ("FCI/KRI Secured
Notes") from the Grantor Trust. The  FCI/KRI Secured Notes were secured  through
the  Grantor Trust  by the capital  stock of:  (i) a holding  company owning the
capital stock of The Art Store, (ii) a holding company owning the capital  stock
of  Zynolyte Products Company  ("Zynolyte"), and (iii)  a holding company owning
two real estate properties,  all of which capital  stock was transferred by  the
Company  to the Grantor Trust in consideration for the loan by the Grantor Trust
of all  of  the  proceeds  of  the  FCI/KRI  Secured  Notes  issuance  with  the
contemplation  that the capital  stock would be sold  to unrelated third parties
and the  proceeds from  such sales  used to  reduce the  indebtedness under  the
FCI/KRI Secured Notes. The Company retained 100% of the residual interest in the
assets  of the  Grantor Trust.  However, some of  the assets  were encumbered by
mortgages relating to debt owed to  the Insurance Company Lenders and  therefore
the  Company's interest was effectively subordinated to such debt. Subsequently,
the capital stock of Zynolyte was  sold for approximately $14.8 million to  Grow
Group,  Inc., over 25%  of whose capital stock  is owned by  CRM, and in October
1993 one  of the  parcels of  real estate  was sold  to an  unrelated party  for
approximately  $1.4 million. The net proceeds  of both transactions were used to
reduce  the  principal   outstanding  under   the  FCI/KRI   Secured  Notes   to
approximately  $4.5 million. In addition, the  Company guaranteed certain of the
FCI/KRI Secured Notes, which guaranty  was subsequently reduced to $2.5  million
by February 15, 1995 (the "Grantor Trust Guarantee").

EVENTS AFTER EMERGENCE FROM CHAPTER 11

    The  Company's  capital  structure  remained  highly  leveraged  despite its
recapitalization and restructuring. On June 14, 1993, the effective date of  the
reorganization,  the Company repaid  $2.2 million previously  borrowed under its
Debtor-in-Possession ("DIP") line of credit  with Foothill, and through  January
30,  1994 borrowed  approximately $6.6 million  (net) available  under a revised
Loan and Security Agreement  dated June 14, 1993  with Foothill. At January  30,
1994,  the  Company had  no additional  availability  under its  working capital
facility with Foothill. The credit agreement provided for a one year renewal  on
June 14, 1994. On April 14, 1994, the credit agreement was amended to extend the
line  of credit for three additional years  through April 14, 1997. On March 16,
1994, the Amended  Insurance Company Loan  was amended to  provide, among  other
things,  a waiver  of compliance  with all  financial covenants  until April 30,
1995.

                                       13
<PAGE>
    During the third and  fourth quarters of the  fiscal year ended January  30,
1994,  the Company borrowed an additional  $6.0 million for working capital from
the Grantor Trust. The Grantor Trust financed  the loan by issuing notes to  FCI
and  KRI (the "Grantor Trust  Notes") in an aggregate  amount of $6.0 million on
terms substantially identical to  the FCI/KRI Secured  Notes. During the  fourth
quarter  of  fiscal  1993,  the  Insurance Company  Lenders  agreed  to  defer a
mandatory $1.0 million prepayment due  under the Amended Insurance Company  Loan
for a period of six months.

    Notwithstanding   the  additional  borrowings,   the  Company  continued  to
experience cash flow difficulties due to continued operating losses and the lack
of sufficient borrowing availability under  its credit agreement with  Foothill.
Lower sales resulted from general economic conditions and increased competition.
In  addition,  the Company's  business plan  was adjusted  during the  third and
fourth quarters of  fiscal 1993  to close an  additional 34  retail stores.  The
ability  to fund  the expected costs  resulting from those  changes, including a
reduction in  sales relating  to these  stores, had  been premised  on  expected
increased  sales  to third  parties by  the Company's  manufacturing subsidiary,
Major Paint  Company.  The expected  sales  did not  materialize.  With  working
capital levels deteriorating, the Company's major vendors became concerned about
receiving  payment on past due accounts.  Some vendors ceased shipping or placed
additional credit limits  on the Company's  orders, with the  result that  store
inventories of items other than paint were becoming increasingly depleted at the
Company's retail stores.

    On  March  16,  1994,  the  Company entered  into  an  agreement  ("New Loan
Agreement") with the  Insurance Company Lenders  and the Grantor  Trust for  $10
million  of new financing and  a plan to restructure  the Company's $103 million
indebtedness under  the  Amended  Insurance  Company Loan  and  its  $6  million
indebtedness to the Grantor Trust.

    Under the terms of the New Loan Agreement, the Company borrowed an aggregate
of $10 million from the Insurance Company Lenders and the Grantor Trust. The New
Loan  provides for monthly interest at a rate of 10% per annum. Principal on the
loan is due in full in March 1999. The indebtedness is secured by a second  lien
on substantially all of the Company's real property. The loan proceeds were used
to  pay existing  trade debt,  provide working  capital and  pay for transaction
expenses. FCI  and KRI  through  the Grantor  Trust  agreed to  restructure  the
Grantor  Trust Notes to  a term of  six years (due  in full in  March 2000) with
interest payable  quarterly  at  a rate  of  10%  per annum.  As  part  of  this
financing, Foothill agreed to extend its facility through April, 1997.

    In  accordance with the terms of the  New Loan Agreement, on August 1, 1994,
the Company and certain of its subsidiaries established the Liquidating Property
Trust and transferred (subject  to the existing liens  of the Insurance  Company
Lenders)  78 of its 103  operating and non-operating real  properties with a net
book value of approximately $82.7 million  to the Liquidating Property Trust  in
exchange  for the assumption by the  Liquidating Property Trust of approximately
$68.7 million of indebtedness  owed to the Insurance  Company Lenders under  the
Amended  Insurance Company Loan  ("Original Trust Debt").  The Company estimated
that the book value  of the properties  to be sold  by the Liquidating  Property
Trust  would exceed the sales proceeds,  less applicable fees expenses and other
costs by approximately $14.6 million. Accordingly, the Company provided for this
loss as of January 30,  1994. The interest rate on  the Original Trust Debt  was
increased  to 10%. Interest  and principal on  the Original Trust  Debt was made
payable only to the  extent of proceeds from  sales of the Liquidating  Property
Trust  assets. The  Company provided a  limited guarantee on  the Original Trust
Debt in an  amount equal to  10% of  the Original Trust  Debt (the  "Liquidating
Property Trust Guarantee").

    The  Company retained a  100% residual interest  in the Liquidating Property
Trust, and the Insurance Company Lenders were to be paid contingent interest  on
the  Original  Trust Debt  in an  amount equal  to  20% of  the proceeds  of the
liquidation of the properties  in excess of the  liabilities of the  Liquidating
Property  Trust. Under the terms of the Liquidating Property Trust documents, to
the extent the Company received  distributions for its residuary interest  those
proceeds were to be used

                                       14
<PAGE>
first  to retire the approximately $30.5  million of indebtedness remaining from
the  Amended  Insurance  Company  Loan   retained  by  the  Company   ("Retained
Indebtedness") and then to retire the $10 million outstanding under the New Loan
Agreement.

    The terms of the Retained Indebtedness were amended to provide for principal
to  be due and owing in  July, 1999. Interest continued to  be due monthly at an
annual rate of 9% per annum.  The Retained Indebtedness continued to be  secured
by  first  liens  on real  properties  of  the Company  not  transferred  to the
Liquidating Property Trust.

    In connection with the Liquidating  Property Trust transaction, the  Company
issued  to the Insurance  Company Lenders, FCI  and KRI warrants  to purchase an
aggregate of 375,000 shares of the  Company's Common Stock at an exercise  price
of $1.50 per share. Warrants to purchase up to an additional 375,000 shares will
become effective after September 16, 1996 reduced to the extent principal on the
New  Loan  Agreement has  been repaid.  The  warrants have  certain registration
rights with respect to their underlying  shares. The warrants are redeemable  by
the  Company, at any time,  for a price equal  to $1 per share  in excess of the
Market Price (as defined in the warrants).

    As of February 15, 1995, the Company  operated 58 paint stores, 27 of  which
are  among  the  78 parcels  of  real  property transferred  to  the Liquidating
Property Trust. Under the terms of  the Liquidating Property Trust, the  Company
was  to  be given  a minimum  of four  months notice  prior to  the sale  of any
currently operating  retail paint  store. Until  sold, 13  of the  27  operating
retail  stores properties were being leased back to the Company through July 31,
1995 at an  aggregate monthly rent  of approximately $178,500  (on a triple  net
basis).  After July 31, 1995,  such properties which remained  unsold were to be
leased to the Company on a month to month basis at a fair market rent as  agreed
to  between  the Disposition  Agent and  the Company.  Upon the  sale of  the 27
currently operating retail paint stores,  the Company intended to either  remain
in  the same location on a leased basis or relocate to new leased locations. The
terms of the Liquidating Property Trust  will be modified in the  Restructuring.
See "TERMS OF RESTRUCTURING -- Modifications to the Liquidating Property Trust."

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

    From  July  31,  1994 to  January  1,  1995, the  Company's  working capital
decreased to $6.8 million from $12.6 million. The lack of availability under the
Foothill facility coupled with diminished cash flows necessitated a slowdown  in
payments  to trade creditors which,  in turn, caused many  suppliers to limit or
suspend inventory  shipments.  As a  result,  the  Company has  been  unable  to
maintain  adequate inventory levels  and fill rates  have dropped significantly.
Consequently, comparable store sales in November and December of 1994  decreased
$1.4  million or  14.09% and  $.9 million  or 14.52%,  respectively, compared to
1993.

    Retail store inventories were approximately 20% below planned levels at  the
beginning of January 1995. As inventories decreased, the Company was not able to
stay  within  the  availability  formula under  its  working  capital  line with
Foothill.  As  of  February   15,  1995,  the   Company  was  over-advanced   by
approximately $1.75 million. Foothill approved the over-advance of $1.75 million
and consented to the Restructuring.

    As  of  February 15,  1995, approximately  $4.1 million  or 61%  of accounts
payable to trade creditors  were more than  30 days past  due. In addition,  the
Company  had  not paid  interest  of $639,000,  a portion  of  which was  due in
December, 1994 to the Grantor Trust and a portion of which was due on January 1,
1995 and February 1, 1995 to both the Insurance Company Lenders and the  Grantor
Trust. The Company had not made its rent payments of $378,000 to the Liquidating
Property  Trust which was also due on January 1, 1995 and February 1, 1995. Such
payments were made as of February 15, 1995 following the Interim Financing.

                                       15
<PAGE>
                         REASONS FOR THE RESTRUCTURING

    The following  are significant  factors that  should be  considered by  each
stockholder  in evaluating the Restructuring.  Stockholders should also consider
the  risks  associated  with  the  Restructuring.  See  "RISK  FACTORS"  for   a
description of certain of these risks.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS; REDUCED CASH FLOW

    The  Company has not been  profitable for the past  five fiscal years. Since
the Company's emergence from its reorganization  under Chapter 11 of the  United
States  Bankruptcy Code in June  1993, the Company has  not been able to achieve
its sales growth and  other strategic objectives.  Although the Company  reduced
its  retail paint store  operations to a  core group of  stores, the Company has
continued to experience reduced sales on a comparable store basis. For the  nine
months  period ending October 30, 1994  the Company reported consolidated losses
of almost $12 million.  The Company has also  incurred significant losses  since
October 30, 1994.

    The Company's decreasing sales have resulted in reduced cash flow. This loss
of  liquidity  has,  in  turn,  caused the  Company  to  delay  payments  to its
suppliers. As  a result,  the  Company's relationships  with its  suppliers  are
strained and the Company has been unable to obtain inventory shipments from many
suppliers.  As inventories  are reduced and  not restocked,  sales decrease. See
"BACKGROUND OF RESTRUCTURING -- Recent Developments."

    Prior to the Interim Financing, the  Company's cash flow was not  sufficient
to fund its operations and pay its current debt.

LEVERAGED DEBT STRUCTURE; LOAN AGREEMENT DEFAULTS

    Despite  the Company's reorganization under Chapter  11 of the United States
Bankruptcy  Code  in  1993,  the  Company's  capital  structure  remains  highly
leveraged. At January 29, 1995, prior to the Restructuring, the Company had over
$100  million  of long  and short-term  debt, with  an average  monthly interest
expense of approximately $858,000.

    Prior to February 15, 1995, the Company was not in compliance with the terms
of its  loan agreements  and  leases with  the  Insurance Company  Lenders,  the
Grantor  Trust and the Liquidating Property  Trust. In addition, the Company was
over-advanced under  its  working capital  loan  facility with  Foothill,  which
limits  the Company's  borrowing based on  the amount of  inventory and accounts
receivable which secure the facility. Accordingly, absent the Restructuring  and
the  forbearance of  these lenders, the  Company faced  imminent acceleration of
these loans.

    The Restructuring will substantially  reduce the Company's indebtedness.  At
October  30,  1994,  the Company's  balance  sheet reflected  $113.3  million in
outstanding short-  and long-term  debt. Adjusted  for the  Restructuring,  this
would  be reduced to approximately $25.5 million  on a pro forma basis. Interest
expense will be  substantially reduced from  $8.6 million for  the period  ended
October  30, 1994 to $1.7 million for the  same period on a pro forma basis. See
"PRO FORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS."

LACK OF ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF CAPITAL

    To successfully  implement  its  strategic objectives,  increase  sales  and
reduce  debt,  the  Company requires  significant  new sources  of  capital. The
Company's current and anticipated  sales levels are not  sufficient to fund  the
interest expense associated with the Company's current high level of fixed debt.
In  addition,  the Company  requires additional  capital  to pay  down inventory
financed by its suppliers  and to purchase new  inventory to restock its  retail
stores.

    In  early 1994, the Company determined  that a comprehensive solution to the
Company's highly leveraged debt structure  and liquidity problems would  require
significant   new  capital.  The  Company   began  to  seek  possible  financing
alternatives and potential financing parties. The Company also sought buyers for
the Company or its Common Stock.

                                       16
<PAGE>
    In  June 1994,  the Company engaged  Pinnacle and Libra  to develop possible
financing alternatives for the Company and to seek potential financing partners.
The Company and  its financial  advisors conducted  a search  for third  parties
interested  in completing a financing  and/or restructuring transaction with the
Company. During this process, the Company entered into certain agreements with a
foreign investor group which was  subsequently unable to close the  transaction.
Although the Company investigated several other possible transactions, none were
superior to the Restructuring.

ALLIANCE WITH CRM

    CRM  is a multinational retailer and producer of paint and related products.
CRM's shares (in the form of American  Depository Shares) are listed on the  New
York  Stock Exchange.  Management believes  that CRM's  financial and management
resources will  improve  the Company's  ability  to achieve  its  strategic  and
operational objectives, for the benefit of its stockholders and creditors.

PARTICIPATION BY PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS AND CREDITORS

    FCI,  which  holds  approximately  34.06%  of  the  Company's  Common Stock,
provided the  financing  to  CRM  to  make  the  Interim  Financing  and  it  is
contemplated  that it or an affiliate will provide $5 million of working capital
financing at the Effective Date. Also party to the Restructuring are KRI and the
Insurance Company Lenders,  which collectively  with FCI  hold over  50% of  the
Company's  Common Stock and have  granted irrevocable proxies to  CRM to vote in
favor of  the Restructuring.  These entities  are also  the Company's  principal
lenders,  holding over $100  million of the Company's  long-term debt other than
the Interim Financing.

ALTERNATIVE TO CHAPTER 11 REORGANIZATION OR LIQUIDATION

    The Company also considered the option of again seeking protection under the
reorganization provisions of Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. In
any bankruptcy, the  interest of stockholders  will rank below  all debt  claims
against  the Company as a  matter of law. The  Company believes that its current
cash flow and  other operational difficulties  would not permit  reorganization,
and   that  any  filing  under  the  reorganization  provisions  would  lead  to
liquidation of the Company. Substantially all of the Company's assets secure the
Company's outstanding debt  and it  is likely that  the value  of the  Company's
assets in a liquidation would be substantially less than the Company's aggregate
indebtedness,  which would  leave no  assets for  distribution to  the Company's
stockholders.

    If the closing of the Restructuring does not occur, which is unlikely  given
the  participation of the Company's principal stockholders, then the Company may
have no alterative other than to file for protection under Chapter 11 or Chapter
7 of the United States Bankruptcy Code  and proceed to liquidate its assets.  In
that  event, the Company does not anticipate  that any assets would be available
for distribution  to  stockholders  after payment  of  outstanding  secured  and
unsecured debt.

                             TERMS OF RESTRUCTURING

    The principal elements of the Restructuring are as described below.

INTERIM FINANCING

    As  of February 15, 1995,  CRM provided interim financing  to the Company in
contemplation of the completion of the Restructuring ("Interim Financing").  CRM
entered  into  an Interim  Loan  Agreement pursuant  to  which it  purchased $14
million of notes ("Interim  Notes") from the Company  on substantially the  same
terms  as the $10 million originally borrowed  by the Company under the New Loan
Agreement. Pursuant to an intercreditor  agreement, the Interim Notes share  pro
rata in the collateral securing the obligations under the New Loan Agreement and
the  Grantor Trust Notes, and the Company has granted fourth mortgages to CRM on
its real properties to secure the indebtedness.

    As of  February  15, 1995,  CRM  purchased $1,939,175  principal  amount  of
Grantor  Trust Notes and indebtedness  under the New Loan  Agreement held by the
Grantor Trust (collectively,  the "Purchased Indebtedness").  The Grantor  Trust
paid  $1,578,351  of  indebtedness  to the  Insurance  Company  Lenders  and the
cross-collateralization of the property held by The Art Store was released.  The

                                       17
<PAGE>
Grantor  Trust contributed  a note owed  by The Art  Store to The  Art Store for
cancellation. FCI and  KRI exchanged  the FCI/KRI  Secured Notes  issued by  the
Grantor  Trust for (i)  $10,310,825 aggregate principal  amount of Grantor Trust
Notes and indebtedness under the New  Loan Agreement held by the Grantor  Trust,
(ii)  the stock of the holding company owning the capital stock of The Art Store
and a holding company owning a real estate property and (iii) the remaining cash
held by the Grantor Trust. FCI and KRI delivered the Grantor Trust Guarantee  to
the Company for cancellation. The Company believes that the value of the Grantor
Trust's  assets  was  not  greater  than  the  amount  of  the  Grantor  Trust's
liabilities to FCI and KRI.

    FCI, KRI  and the  Insurance Company  Lenders terminated  their warrants  to
purchase  Common Stock with  respect to 750,000  shares, all of  which are at an
exercise price substantially above the current market price.

    The Company believes that  it is extremely unlikely  that the Company  would
have been able to avoid bankruptcy if it had not received the Interim Financing.

REVERSE STOCK SPLIT

    On  the Effective Date of the Restructuring,  each 10 shares of Common Stock
will be combined into one share of Common Stock (the "Reverse Stock Split"). The
par value will not be  changed from $.01 per share.  The Company shall have  the
option  of paying cash in  lieu of fractional shares  resulting from the reverse
stock split or  rounding up  fractional shares to  the nearest  whole number  of
shares.

EXCHANGE OF INTERIM NOTES FOR COMMON STOCK

    On  the Effective Date, after giving effect  to the Reverse Stock Split, CRM
will exchange the  Interim Notes for  15,700,496 shares of  newly issued  Common
Stock  which will  constitute approximately  76.1% of  the Company's  issued and
outstanding stock, at a price of $0.89  per share. All of the mortgages  granted
in connection with the Interim Notes will be released.

EXCHANGE OF OUTSTANDING INDEBTEDNESS FOR COMMON STOCK AND PREFERRED STOCK

    On  the Effective Date, after giving effect  to the Reverse Stock Split, the
Grantor Trust Notes (in the principal amount of $6 million) and the indebtedness
under the New Loan Agreement  (in the principal amount  of $10 million) will  be
exchanged  for Common  Stock and Preferred  Stock. Two  million dollar principal
amount of such indebtedness will be exchanged for 2,242,928 newly issued  shares
of  Common Stock, at a price of $0.89  per share, and the balance of $14 million
principal amount of such indebtedness will be exchanged for 1,570,049 shares  of
Preferred  Stock  at  a price  of  $8.92 per  share.  All of  the  mortgages and
guarantees granted in connection with the  Grantor Trust Notes and the New  Loan
Agreement  will be released. CRM will receive 271,836 shares of Common Stock and
190,288 shares of Preferred Stock as a result of their purchase and exchange  of
the Purchased Indebtedness. See " -- Interim Financing."

AMENDMENT TO RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

    The board of directors of the Company has adopted a resolution setting forth
the  following amendment to the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation,
declaring its advisability and calling  the special meeting of stockholders,  to
which  this Proxy Statement relates. Approval by the stockholders of the Company
of the Restructuring, specifically  set forth under "Matters  to be Voted  Upon"
below, will constitute the approval by the stockholders of this amendment to the
Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation.

    The  Company's  Restated Certificate  of  Incorporation (attached  hereto as
Exhibit B and  incorporated herein  by reference) will  be amended  in order  to
increase  the total number of  shares which the Company  is authorized to issue,
effectuate the Reverse Stock Split, and remove the Company's current  limitation
on  the  issuance  of non-voting  stock.  Specifically, the  first  paragraph of
Article IV  of  the Company's  Restated  Certificate of  Incorporation  will  be
amended such that said paragraph shall read as follows:

    "The Corporation is authorized to issue two classes of shares of stock to be
    designated,  respectively, "Common  Stock" and "Preferred  Stock." The total
    number of shares which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is  one
    hundred five million (105,000,000) shares, consisting of

                                       18
<PAGE>
    one  hundred million  (100,000,000) shares of  common stock  having $.01 par
    value per  share ("Common  Stock") and  five million  (5,000,000) shares  of
    preferred  stock having $.01 par value  per share ("Preferred Stock")". Upon
    the amendment  of  this Article  IV  effected  by this  Amendment,  each  10
    outstanding  shares  of Common  Stock will  be converted  into one  share of
    Common Stock, provided that no fractional  shares may be issued pursuant  to
    such change. The Corporation may, at its option, pay cash for any fractional
    shares  or round such  fractional shares up  to the nearest  whole number of
    shares."

AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY'S BYLAWS

    At the  consummation of  the Interim  Financing, the  Company's Bylaws  were
amended  and restated (attached  hereto as Exhibit C  and incorporated herein by
reference) to, among other things, (i) provide  for a board of directors of  not
less than eight (8) nor more than twelve (12) and to initially fix the number at
eight  (8) thereby eliminating  one of the vacancies  that previously existed on
the board of directors, and  (ii) eliminate "staggered" terms whereby  directors
were elected in different years.

BOARD COMPOSITION

    At  the consummation  of the  Interim Financing,  the Company's  Bylaws were
amended and restated to initially provide for a board of directors consisting of
eight (8) members  until further resolution  by the board  of directors.  During
1994,  Gary Depolo resigned from the board thereby creating a vacancy. The board
was reconstituted,  at  the consummation  of  the Interim  Financing,  with  the
resignation  of  Fletcher  L. Byrom,  the  former Chairman  and  Chief Executive
Officer of the Company (see  "MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES"),  and
Blandina  Cardenas-Ramirez, and with the addition  of CRM's designees, Roland F.
Breault, Juan Gramage and  Thomas A. White to  fill the vacancies.  Furthermore,
Deborah  Hicks Midanek was elected Chairman of  the Board and Ronald I. Scharman
was elected interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

    On the Effective Date,  the board will  fix the number  of directors at  ten
(10).  Arthur W. Broslat  and Charles Codrea will  be added to  the board on the
Effective Date. In accordance with a  stockholders agreement, CRM will have  the
right  to name seven (7) directors, the  Insurance Company Lenders will have the
right to name  one (1) director  and the nominating  committee of the  Company's
board  of directors will have the right to  name two (2) directors. At least two
of the directors will be "independent" as  defined by the rules of the New  York
Stock  Exchange. The Insurance Company Lenders have not exercised their right to
name a director as  part of the Restructuring;  but may choose to  do so in  the
future.

                                       19
<PAGE>
INFORMATION CONCERNING NEWLY APPOINTED DIRECTORS

    The  following table sets  forth the principal  occupation or employment and
principal business of the employer, if any, of each newly appointed director  of
the  Company,  as  well  as  his  or  her  age,  business  experience  and other
directorships.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION FOR PAST FIVE YEARS;
      NAME, AGE AND PRESENT POSITION                       OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS; BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
- - - - -------------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>
Arthur W. Broslat, 50                        Arthur  W.  Broslat  is  the  Executive  Vice-President  of  CRM,   a
 Director -- After the Effective Date         Venezuelan  corporation with multinational  operations in the fields
                                              of paint,  construction  materials, food  products,  chemicals,  and
                                              packaging. Prior to joining CRM in 1989, Mr. Broslat was Director of
                                              Bank  of America's Latin America Corporate Finance Division based in
                                              Venezuela. Before joining Bank of America, Mr. Broslat was a captain
                                              in the U.S.  Air Force and  held a variety  of financial  management
                                              positions  for a major U.S. computer manufacturer. He is currently a
                                              member of the Board of  the Venezuelan American Chamber of  Commerce
                                              (VENAMCHAM) and the Board of Directors of Grow Group, Inc. (U.S.A.),
                                              a paint and consumer products company.

Roland F. Breault, 55                        Roland  F. Breault is  the Director of  corporate planning for Dakota
 Director                                     Services, Inc., a subsidiary of CRM.  Prior to joining CRM in  1994,
                                              Mr.  Breault  was  Vice-President  and Area  Director  of  the Latin
                                              American division  of  Olin  Corporation, a  chemicals,  metals  and
                                              defense company. He joined Olin Corporation in 1983 and held several
                                              positions in operations, strategic planning and marketing.

Charles Codrea, 47                           Charles  Codrea is  the Vice  President of  Finance of  CRM. Prior to
 Director -- After the Effective Date         joining CRM in 1994, he was with Continental Bank N.A. for 13 years,
                                              during  which  time  he  held  the  positions  of  Senior   Managing
                                              Director-Partner  Venezuelan Unit  for eight years,  and Second Vice
                                              President and Manager of International Unit of Continental  Illinois
                                              Leasing  Corporation for  three years.  Before jointing Continental,
                                              Mr. Codrea was General Manager of Latin American Operations of Trans
                                              Union Leasing Corporation in  Chicago and Mexico  City from 1978  to
                                              1981.

Juan Gramage, 43                             Juan  Gramage is General Manager of the Construcentro division of CRM
 Director                                     and he has held  that position since 1992.  It is expected that  Mr.
                                              Gramage will be appointed the chief executive officer of the Company
                                              following the Effective Date. Prior to 1992 Mr. Gramage held various
                                              positions  with  Industrias Plycem  S.A., including  General Manager
                                              from 1988  to  1992.  Prior  to  1982  he  was  employed  by  Copesa
                                              Industrias Sabana C.A.
</TABLE>

                                       20
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION FOR PAST FIVE YEARS;
      NAME, AGE AND PRESENT POSITION                       OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS; BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
- - - - -------------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>
Thomas A. White, 53                          Thomas A. White is the Director of Manufacturing for Dakota Services,
 Director                                     Inc.,  and  he has  held that  position  since June  of 1994.  He is
                                              responsible for manufacturing for the Paint Division coatings plants
                                              across North and South America. Before joining CRM, he was  employed
                                              at  PPG Industries, a  chemicals and coatings  company, from 1985 to
                                              1994, as  the  Director  of  Manufacturing  and  previously  as  the
                                              Director of Quality Assurance.
</TABLE>

MODIFICATIONS TO THE LIQUIDATING PROPERTY TRUST

    The Board of Directors of the Company has approved the Property Transfers to
be  effected  as  part of  the  Restructuring  on the  terms  described  in this
subsection, and  the following  two  subsections of  this Proxy  Statement,  and
determined  that  the  Property Transfers  were  in  the best  interests  of the
Company. The approval by the stockholders  of the Company of the  Restructuring,
as  set  forth  under  "MATTERS  TO BE  VOTED  UPON"  below,  will  constitute a
resolution adopted by the stockholders authorizing the Property Transfers.

    Under the terms of the Restructuring, the terms of the Liquidating  Property
Trust will be modified. In 1994, 78 of the Company's properties were transferred
to  the Liquidating Property Trust with a net book value of $82.7 million and an
estimated appraised value of $92 million  in exchange for the assumption by  the
Liquidating  Property  Trust of  approximately $68.7  million of  Original Trust
Debt. Twenty-two of  these properties have  been sold and  22 properties are  in
escrow  or the subject of sales  negotiation. Sixteen of the Company's operating
stores and  one of  its warehouse  properties which  are currently  part of  the
assets  of the Liquidating Property Trust will be leased to the Company ("Leased
Properties"). Eight of  the Leased  Properties and the  warehouse property  will
have 10 year leases with two renewal options of five years each. The other eight
Leased  Properties will have 18 month leases with no renewal options. The rental
on each property will  be 12% of the  properties' 1992 appraised value.  Renewal
rent  will be 95%  of market but not  less than the  prior rent. The Liquidating
Property Trust  Guarantee  of approximately  $6.8  million of  the  indebtedness
transferred  to the Liquidating Property Trust  will be released in exchange for
the retention  by the  Company of  approximately  $2.5 million  of debt  on  the
transferred properties (included in the Retained Company Debt, as defined below)
and  a cash payment of $500,000 to  the Insurance Company Lenders. Upon the sale
of any of the Leased Properties, the buyer will be required to take the property
subject to the Company's leasehold interest.

TRANSFER OF PROPERTIES TO THE LIQUIDATING PROPERTY TRUST

    At the time the Liquidating Property Trust was formed, the Company  retained
approximately   $30.5  million  of  Retained  Indebtedness.  The  terms  of  the
Restructuring contemplate  the transfer  of  15 of  the Company's  remaining  26
properties (not previously transferred to the Liquidating Property Trust) with a
book  value of  $20.9 million and  a 1992 appraised  value on a  vacant basis of
approximately $21.5 million to the Liquidating Property Trust. The Company  will
also  transfer approximately $14.3  million of the  Retained Indebtedness to the
Liquidating Property  Trust ("New  Trust Debt").  The Company  will continue  to
retain  11  properties  (2  warehouse  properties  for  its  paint manufacturing
operations, 6 operating stores, 1 store currently leased to a third party and  2
vacant  properties) and approximately  $16 million of  the Retained Indebtedness
("Retained Company Debt").  The new  properties transferred  to the  Liquidating
Property  Trust will  be leased  back to  the Company  for an  aggregate rent of
approximately $2.8 million per year (on  a triple net basis), adjusted every  30
months.  The properties will be leased for 10 years subject to 2 renewal options
of 5 years each. Renewal rent  will be at 95% of  market, but not less than  the
prior rent.

    The  Retained Company Debt will be modified with a maturity of 10 years from
the Effective Date and  interest payable at 10%  per annum, compounded  monthly.
Interest  only will be due in years one  and two with principal and interest due
in   years   three   through    10   based   on    a   15   year    amortization

                                       21
<PAGE>
schedule.  The indebtedness will be secured by the existing first trust deeds on
the 8  retained properties  and a  security  interest on  all of  the  Company's
personal property and equipment (excluding cash, inventory, trademarks, accounts
receivable and rolling stock).

    The  New Trust Debt will be due and payable 3 years from the Effective Date.
Interest is payable monthly  at 10% per annum  compounded monthly. Interest  and
principal  on the New Trust Debt are payable only to the extent of proceeds from
sales of the Liquidating Property Trust assets.

    The disposition  agent to  the Liquidating  Property Trust  is  Transamerica
Realty  Services,  Inc.  (the  "Disposition  Agent")  which  is  responsible for
maintaining and selling the trust assets. The Disposition Agent is an  affiliate
of TLIAC and TOLIC, both parties to the Restructuring. The Disposition Agent, in
its  sole  discretion, will  also perform  the  following services:  develop and
implement policies for the disposition of the Liquidating Property Trust assets;
obtain insurance coverage and maintain the properties; collect all proceeds from
leases affecting the properties; collect any and all insurance and  condemnation
award  proceeds  relating to  the  properties; recommend  and  implement capital
improvements (not to exceed $20,000 without consultation with the Company); meet
each month with  representatives of  the Company  and provide  a written  report
covering  activities for the  previous period; monitor the  results of all co-op
real estate brokers, if any; hire and supervise inspectors to repair  properties
in  need of repairs;  review the status  of all escrows;  review and approve all
title documents; coordinate  all applicable  legal work;  execute all  documents
needed  to close the sale of Liquidating Property Trust assets and release liens
on the assets; and handle the listing, marketing and hiring of professionals  to
sell  the Liquidating Property Trust assets.  The Disposition Agent will be paid
an administration fee of $41,000 per month, reduced to $38,000 once one half  of
the  78 initial properties are  sold, plus a 1%  disposition fee for each escrow
closing based on the sum of (i) the gross selling price and (ii) any proceeds of
insurance or condemnation awards received for such property.

    In exchange for a payment of  $500,000 to the Insurance Company Lenders  and
the  retention  by the  Company of  approximately  $2.5 million  of debt  on the
transferred properties (included in the Retained Company Debt), the  Liquidating
Property  Trust Guarantee will be released and  the Company will not be required
to guarantee any of the Original Trust Debt or the New Trust Debt.

TRANSFER AND SALE OF COMPANY'S RESIDUAL INTEREST IN THE LIQUIDATING PROPERTY
TRUST

    On the Effective Date, the Company will transfer 20% and 31% of its residual
interest in the Liquidating Property Trust  to the Insurance Company Lenders  or
their  affiliates,  and FCI  and KRI,  respectively,  in consideration  of their
participation in the Restructuring and in further consideration of the Insurance
Company Lenders release of their  right to contingent interest. See  "BACKGROUND
OF  RESTRUCTURING --  Events After Emerging  from Chapter 11."  In addition, CRM
will purchase the Company's remaining  49% residual interest in the  Liquidating
Property Trust for $2 million. As a result of the Property Transfers and sale of
its  residual  interests  in  the Liquidating  Property  Trust  pursuant  to the
Restructuring, the Company will no longer  consolidate assets having a net  book
value  of  $95.4  million and  liabilities  of $76.5  million.  Accordingly, the
Company will recognize a loss of $16.9  million for the year ending January  29,
1995,  representing the excess of the net book value as of the Effective Date of
real properties transferred in 1994 and on the Effective Date to the Liquidating
Property Trust over the  indebtedness assumed and  outstanding on the  Effective
Date  and the proceeds from  the sale of the  Company's residual interest in the
Liquidating Property Trust.

TAX TREATMENT OF TRANSFER OF PROPERTIES TO THE LIQUIDATING PROPERTY TRUST

    Since its inception, the  Liquidating Property Trust has  been treated as  a
grantor  trust, such that the initial transfer  of the real estate properties to
the Liquidating Property Trust had no immediate federal income tax  consequences
to  the Company. Rather,  the assets and related  liabilities of the Liquidating
Property Trust,  as well  as its  operations (including  interest and  operating
expense,  and the gain or loss from  the sale of properties), have been included
in the Company's consolidated operating results for both financial statement and
tax purposes.

                                       22
<PAGE>
    The book values for  the properties held by  the Liquidating Property  Trust
are  significantly higher than the adjusted tax basis for the properties, as the
book values  reflect a  write-up  to appraised  values as  of  the date  of  the
Company's  emergence from Chapter  11 proceedings, while  the adjusted tax basis
for the properties reflects their  lower historical cost basis less  accumulated
tax  depreciation. Thus, the  gains from sales of  properties by the Liquidating
Property Trust have been, and will continue to be, significantly higher for  tax
purposes  than for financial  statement purposes. This  treatment is expected to
continue through the Effective Date of the Restructuring.

    Upon the disposition of the  Company's residual interest in the  Liquidating
Property  Trust,  the Company  will  be considered  to  have sold  the remaining
properties held by the Liquidating Property Trust, as well as the 15  additional
properties   to  be   transferred  to   the  Liquidating   Property  Trust,  for
consideration consisting of (1) the Original Trust Debt, (2) the New Trust Debt,
and (3)  the  payments  received, or  deemed  to  have been  received,  for  the
Company's  residual interest in the Liquidating  Property Trust. The gains to be
recognized for federal income tax purposes as a result of these transactions are
expected to be significant. However, subject to certain limitations as a  result
of  changes  in  the ownership  of  the  Company, the  Company  expects  to have
approximately $47.6  million  in net  operating  losses ("NOLs")  available  for
carryforward  from its 1991,  1992 and 1993  fiscal years to  offset such gains.
Additionally, the Company expects to  have an NOL in  excess of $15 million  for
its  1994 fiscal  year. The Company  intends to  utilize these NOLs  in order to
offset the  gains to  be recognized  for federal  income tax  purposes from  the
disposition of its interest in the Liquidating Property Trust and the additional
real estate properties.

    Subject  to certain limitations, the federal alternative minimum tax ("AMT")
system NOLs available  for utilization  by the  Company in  connection with  the
Restructuring will generally be lower than the NOLs identified above for regular
tax  purposes. The  AMT NOLs  available for  utilization in  connection with the
Restructuring from  fiscal  years  1991,  1992 and  1993,  are  expected  to  be
approximately $43.7 million.

    The  gain to be recognized from the Restructuring for AMT purposes generally
will be lower than the gain recognized for other tax purposes. Thus, the AMT NOL
for fiscal 1994 is expected  to be in excess of  $18 million due to  adjustments
reflecting a lower gain, for AMT purposes, with respect to properties which were
sold during the fiscal year.

    Since AMT NOLs can be utilized to offset only 90% of preliminary alternative
minimum  taxable income for a given period, it is possible that the Company will
incur an AMT liability for the taxable period which includes the Effective  Date
of the Restructuring. However, such tax liability is not expected to be material
to the Company's financial statements, and the deferred tax liability previously
provided  for and carried on the Company's balance sheet since the end of fiscal
year 1993, is expected to be more than adequate. Additionally, to the extent the
Company incurs alternative minimum tax in connection with the Restructuring,  it
will  give rise to a like amount of minimum tax credit, which can be utilized to
offset regular tax liability, dollar-for-dollar, in subsequent periods.

    It is possible that  the Company will incur  California income or  franchise
tax  liabilities as a result of the Restructuring. However, such tax liabilities
are not expected to be material to the Company's financial statements.

SALE OF WORKING CAPITAL NOTES

    On or after the Effective Date, it is contemplated that FCI or an  affiliate
will  purchase $5 million of  working capital notes from  the Company. The notes
will be secured by a second lien on Company's inventory and receivables and  two
warehouse   properties  that  comprise  the  paint  facility  of  the  Company's
wholly-owned subsidiary, Major Paint  Company. The notes  have an interest  rate
equal  to prime rate plus  5.5%. The notes mature in  24 months, but the Company
has an option to extend the maturity for two consecutive six month periods  upon
payment  of a 2% fee for each extension.  The proceeds from the sale of any such
notes will be used by the Company for working capital.

                                       23
<PAGE>
                         PRO FORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

    Set  forth below  are the  unaudited pro  forma financial  statements of the
Company as of and for the period ended October 30, 1994. The unaudited pro forma
condensed consolidated balance sheet is  not necessarily indicative of what  the
actual  financial position  would have  been at  October 30,  1994, nor  does it
purport to represent the total financial  position of the Company. In  addition,
the  Company  has incurred  significant losses  since October  30, 1994  and has
incurred $14  million of  indebtedness pursuant  to the  Interim Financing.  See
"TERMS OF RESTRUCTURING".

                 STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
           PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                       NINE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 30, 1994
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                  (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        PRO FORMA      PRO FORMA
                                                                            ACTUAL     ADJUSTMENTS    AS ADJUSTED
                                                                          ----------  --------------  -----------
<S>                                                                       <C>         <C>             <C>
Net sales...............................................................  $   91,869                   $  91,869
Cost of sales...........................................................      55,268                      55,268
                                                                          ----------                  -----------
Gross margin............................................................      36,601                      36,601
Other costs and expenses:
  Operating and general and administrative expenses.....................      37,883       3,666(A)       41,549
  Loss on real properties transferred to the Liquidating Property
   Trust................................................................                  16,887(E)       16,887
  Depreciation and amortization.........................................       2,521      (1,447)(B)       1,074
  Interest (income).....................................................        (113)                       (113)
  Interest expense......................................................       8,578      (6,878)(C)       1,700
  Other expense (income), net...........................................        (421)      3,883(D)        3,462
                                                                          ----------                  -----------
Loss from operations before reorganization items and income taxes.......     (11,847)                    (27,958)
Reorganization items:
  Loss on transfer of business units and real properties to a grantor
   trust................................................................         (65)                        (65)
                                                                          ----------                  -----------
Loss before income taxes................................................     (11,912)                    (28,023)
Provision for income taxes..............................................          --                          --
                                                                          ----------                  -----------
Net (loss)..............................................................  $  (11,912)                  $ (28,023)
                                                                          ----------                  -----------
                                                                          ----------                  -----------
<FN>
- - - - ------------------------
Proforma adjustments:
(A)  Represents  additional rent  payments on  13 retail  paint stores currently
     being leased from the Liquidating Property Trust and 15 retail paint stores
     and a warehouse facility to be leased from the Liquidating Property Trust.
(B)  Represents the  elimination of  depreciation  and amortization  expense  on
     properties transferred to the Liquidating Property Trust.
(C)  Represents  the elimination of interest  expense on indebtedness assumed by
     the Liquidating Property Trust and indebtedness exchanged for Common  Stock
     and Preferred Stock.
(D)  Includes  estimated transaction costs of $2.6  million and the write off of
     the unamortized portion of the costs incurred to establish the  Liquidating
     Property Trust of $1.283 million.
(E)  Represents  the excess of the net book value of real properties transferred
     to the  Liquidating  Property  Trust  over  the  indebtedness  assumed  and
     proceeds   from  the  sale  of  the  Company's  residual  interest  in  the
     Liquidating Property Trust.
</TABLE>

                                       24
<PAGE>
                 STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
           PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                       NINE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 30, 1994
                                  (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                       PRO FORMA
                                                                                         ACTUAL       AS ADJUSTED
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
<S>                                                                                   <C>            <C>
Per common share:
Net loss per share
  Loss from operations before reorganization items..................................          $(.53)        $(1.36)
Reorganization Items................................................................
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
Net (loss)..........................................................................          $(.53)        $(1.36)
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding..........     22,347,000     20,635,000
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
</TABLE>

                                       25
<PAGE>
                 STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                             AS OF OCTOBER 30, 1994
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA*)
                                  (UNAUDITED)

                                     ASSETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       PRO FORMA
                                      ACTUAL           PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS          AS ADJUSTED
                                     --------   -----------------------------------   -----------
<S>                                  <C>        <C>               <C>                 <C>
Cash...............................  $  1,715   $21,000(A)(B)                         $   22,715
Accounts and notes receivable,
 net...............................     3,511                                              3,511
Inventories........................    21,454                                             21,454
Prepaid expenses...................     3,813                     $ (1,283)(I)             2,530
Deferred income taxes..............     4,082                         (756)(K)             3,326
                                     --------                                         -----------
    Total current assets...........    34,575                                             53,536
Net property, plant and equipment:
  Retained properties..............    39,384                      (20,937)(C)            18,447
  Liquidating trust properties.....    74,512   20,937(C)          (95,449)(E)
                                     --------                                         -----------
                                      113,896                                             18,447
Other assets.......................     1,600                                              1,600
                                     --------                                         -----------
    Total assets...................  $150,071                                         $   73,583
                                     --------                                         -----------
                                     --------                                         -----------

                         LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)

Short-term borrowings..............  $  4,488                                         $    4,488
Accounts payable...................     9,722                         (237)(J)             9,959
Accrued expenses...................     9,819                       (2,200)(H)            12,019
Income taxes payable...............                                   (543)(K)               543
                                     --------                                         -----------
    Total current liabilities......    24,029                                             27,009
Senior notes, secured, payable to
 related parties...................    30,501   14,488(D)(J)                              16,013
Notes payable to FCI...............                                 (5,000)(B)             5,000
Liquidating Property Trust notes...    62,311   76,562(E)          (14,257)(D)
Notes payable to related parties...    10,000   10,000(F)
Grantor Trust note payable.........     6,000    6,000(F)
Deferred income taxes..............     7,013    1,299(K)                                  5,714
Other long-term liabilities........     7,554                                              7,554
Preferred stock subject to
 mandatory redemption, $.01 par
 value per share, authorized
 5,000,000 [5,000,000] shares; 8%
 cumulative convertible redeemable
 preferred stock, issued and
 outstanding [1,570,049] shares....                                (14,000)(F)            14,000
Common stock, $.01 par value per
 share, authorized 30,000,000
 [100,000,000] shares; issued and
 outstanding 22,429,275
 [20,634,936] shares...............       224       18(A)(F)(H)                              206
Additional paid-in capital.........    35,577                      (16,418)(A)(F)(H)      51,995
Deficit............................   (32,323)  20,770(G)(H)(I)                          (53,093)
Less: treasury stock, at cost,
 28,231 [2,823] shares.............      (815)                                              (815)
                                     --------                                         -----------
    Total common stockholders'
     equity........................     2,663                                             (1,707)
                                     --------   ---------------   -----------------   -----------
    Total liabilities and
     stockholders equity
     (deficit).....................  $150,071   $171,074          $(171,074)          $   73,583
                                     --------   ---------------   -----------------   -----------
<FN>
- - - - ----------------------------------
Proforma adjustments:
 *    Note: Share amounts shown in [brackets] represent pro forma shares.
(A)   Represents the investment  by CRM  of $14 million  to purchase  15,700,496
      newly issued shares of Common Stock at $.89 per share, and the purchase by
      CRM  of the  the Company's residual  interest in  the Liquidating Property
      Trust for $2 million.
(B)   Represents the purchase by  FCI or an affiliate  of $5 million of  working
      capital notes. (24 month maturity).
(C)   Represents  the transfer by the  Company of 15 retail  paint stores to the
      Liquidating Property Trust.
(D)   Represents the  assumption  of debt  on  15  retail paint  stores  by  the
      Liquidating Property Trust.
(E)   Represents  the elimination of the assets  and related debt and guarantees
      in connection  with the  sale and  disposition of  the Company's  residual
      interest in the Liquidating Property Trust.
</TABLE>

                                       26
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>   <C>
(F)   Represents  the exchange of  $2 million of  the Company's indebtedness for
      2,242,928 newly issued shares  of Common Stock at  $.89 per share and  $14
      million of the Company's indebtedness for 1,570,049 newly issued shares of
      Preferred Stock at $8.92 per share.
(G)   Represents  the loss  on sale  and disposition  of the  Company's residual
      interest in the Liquidating Property Trust ($16.887 million).
(H)   Represents  the  estimated  transaction  costs  ($2.6  million)  of  which
      $400,000 is being paid with newly issued Common Stock.
(I)   Represents  the write off the unamortized portion of the costs incurred to
      establish the Liquidating Property Trust ($1.283 million).
(J)   Represents a prepayment of Retained Indebtedness ($237,000).
(K)   Represents the  reclassification  of  deferred  income  taxes  to  reflect
      estimated current liability regarding alternative minimum taxes.
</TABLE>

                                       27
<PAGE>
                       BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDATION

    On December 22, 1994, at the request of the Chairman, the Board of Directors
established  an independent committee of directors (the "Independent Committee")
for the purpose of  reviewing the proposed  Restructuring transaction with  CRM,
FCI,  KRI and  the Insurance Company  Lenders, any  alternative transactions and
making a  recommendation  to  the  full  Board  of  Directors.  Members  of  the
Independent  Committee are Deborah Hicks Midanek (chairman), Richard L. Boje and
William  E.  Yingling,  III.  During  the  period  since  its  appointment,  the
Independent Committee held eight formal meetings. In addition members met or had
discussions  with  their advisors  on  numerous other  occasions  throughout the
period of the negotiation  of the Restructuring,  to consider the  Restructuring
and  its  alternatives.  The Independent  Committee  retained  Marcus Montgomery
Wolfson P.C., a New York law firm, as  its counsel and The Argosy Group, L.P.  a
New York investment banking firm, as its independent financial advisory firm.

    On  February  8,  1995,  at a  special  meeting,  the  Independent Committee
reviewed and, on February 9, 1995, unanimously recommended the Restructuring  to
the Board of Directors as being in the best interests of the Company and fair to
its stockholders and creditors. The Board of Directors subsequently approved the
terms  of  the  Restructuring  and  the  transactions  contemplated  thereby. In
considering  such  matters  and  reaching  their  conclusions,  the  Independent
Committee  and the Board of Directors took into account, among other things, the
reasons for  the  Restructuring  and  the risk  factors  set  forth  above.  The
Independent  Committee and  the Board  also considered  the opinion  provided by
Argosy with respect  to the fairness,  from a  financial point of  view, to  the
public  stockholders of the consideration received  by the Company, and Argosy's
analysis of the Company  and its financial position  which formed the basis  for
that opinion. See "--Fairness Opinion."

    The  Board of Directors believes that  the Restructuring has been structured
to be fair to all  of the Company's stockholders. In  that regard, the Board  of
Directors  established the Independent Committee with  broad authority to act to
protect the  interests of  the public  stockholders, including  negotiating  the
terms of the Restructuring to ensure that the Restructuring would be fair to the
public stockholders.

FAIRNESS OPINION

    The  Company  retained  Argosy  to  render  an  opinion  to  the Independent
Committee as to  the fairness, from  a financial  point of view,  to the  public
stockholders  of the consideration to be received by the Company pursuant to the
Restructuring.

    On February 8,  1995, Argosy rendered  its oral opinion  to the  Independent
Committee,  which was subsequently confirmed by a written opinion dated February
15, 1995, to the Board of Directors  to the effect that, based upon and  subject
to  certain  matters  stated  therein,  as of  the  date  of  such  opinion, the
Restructuring  is  fair,  from  a  financial  point  of  view,  to  the   public
stockholders.

    The  full text of Argosy's opinion dated February 15, 1995, which sets forth
a description of  the assumptions  made, matters  considered and  limits on  the
review  undertaken, is attached hereto as Exhibit  E to this Proxy Statement and
is incorporated herein by reference. Holders  of Common Stock are urged to  read
the  opinion in its entirety, especially with regard to the assumptions made and
matters considered by Argosy. The summary of the opinion of Argosy set forth  in
this  Proxy Statement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text
of such opinion. Argosy's  analysis and opinion were  prepared for the Board  of
Directors and are directed only to the fairness, from a financial point of view,
to  the public stockholders of  the consideration to be  received by the Company
pursuant to the Restructuring and do not constitute an opinion as to the  merits
of   the   various  transactions   contemplated  by   the  Restructuring   or  a
recommendation to any Company stockholder as to how to vote at the Meeting.

    In arriving at its opinion, Argosy, among other things: (i) reviewed certain
publicly available business and historical financial information relating to the
Company; (ii) reviewed certain financial information and other data provided  to
Argosy    by   the   Company   that   is   not   publicly   available   relating

                                       28
<PAGE>
to the business and  prospects of the  Company, including financial  projections
prepared  by the  management of  the Company;  (iii) conducted  discussions with
members of  the  senior  management  of  the  Company;  (iv)  reviewed  publicly
available  financial  and  stock  market  data  with  respect  to  certain other
companies in lines of business the  Company believed to be generally  comparable
to  those  of  the  Company;  (v)  considered  the  pro  forma  effects  of  the
Restructuring  on  the  Company's  capitalization  and  Common  Stock  ownership
profile;  (vi) reviewed the  historical market prices and  trading volume of the
Company's Common Stock; (vii) reviewed  drafts of the Restructuring  agreements;
(viii)  considered the terms and provisions of the Company Preferred Stock to be
issued to CRM, FCI,  KRI and the Insurance  Company Lenders; and (ix)  conducted
such  other financial studies, analyses  and investigations, and considered such
other information, as Argosy deemed necessary or appropriate.

    Argosy did not independently  verify any of  the foregoing information  with
the Company or any other parties and relied, with the consent of the Independent
Committee,  on  the  information being  complete  and accurate  in  all material
respects. In addition, Argosy did not make any appraisal of any of the assets or
liabilities (contingent  or  otherwise) of  the  Company. With  respect  to  any
financial projections given to Argosy by Company management, Argosy assumed that
they  had been reasonably  prepared in good  faith on bases  reflecting the best
currently available estimates and  judgments of the  Company's management as  to
the future financial performance of the Company.

    Argosy performed certain procedures, including the analysis described below,
and  reviewed with the  management of the  Company the assumptions  on which all
such analyses were  based as well  as other factors,  including the current  and
projected  financial results of the Company.  No limitations were imposed by the
Independent Committee  with respect  to the  investigations made  or  procedures
followed by Argosy in rendering its opinion. Any estimates contained in Argosy's
analyses are not necessarily indicative of actual values or predictive of future
results or values, which may be significantly more or less favorable than as set
forth  therein. In  addition, analyses  relating to  the value  of businesses or
securities do not purport to  be appraisals or to  reflect the actual prices  at
which businesses or securities may be sold.

LIQUIDATION ANALYSIS

    The  following  is a  summary of  the Liquidation  Analysis (one  of several
analyses, as well as the most  relevant analysis) performed by Argosy to  arrive
at  its opinion. A preliminary review  of Company's current assets, property and
equipment and liabilities was performed to determine the likely cash proceeds to
stockholders from a potential Chapter 7 liquidation of the Company. The analysis
took into account the estimated residual values,  if any, to the Company of  the
Liquidating   Property  Trust  and   the  Grantor  Trust.   The  value  of  both
Company-owned properties and  the properties in  the Liquidating Property  Trust
were  impacted  by the  assumed  cessation of  the  Company's operations  over a
defined period  of time.  With respect  to the  determination of  amounts to  be
realized  upon  liquidation  of  the Company's  assets,  Argosy  relied, without
independent verification, on  estimates provided by  management or estimates  in
the Company's Reorganization Plan. The analysis indicated that liquidation would
result  in gross proceeds significantly below the total liabilities remaining at
the Company. This analysis implies that the liquidation of the Company would not
result in any net proceeds to the stockholders of the Company.

    The summary set forth above does not purport to be a complete description of
the analyses performed by Argosy. The preparation of a fairness opinion involves
various determinations  as  to the  most  appropriate and  relevant  methods  of
financial  analysis  and  the application  of  these methods  to  the particular
circumstances and,  therefore, such  an opinion  is not  readily susceptible  to
summary description. However, based on the Company's current financial condition
and  management's  belief that  in the  absence  of a  transaction with  CRM the
Company would not  be able to  continue its operations,  it is Argosy's  opinion
that  the Liquidation Analysis is the  most relevant valuation method with which
to determine the fairness of the Restructuring.

                                       29
<PAGE>
    Argosy is  a  recognized investment  banking  firm  which, as  part  of  its
investment   banking  business,  regularly  is  engaged  in  the  evaluation  of
businesses and their  securities in  connection with  mergers and  acquisitions,
negotiated  underwritings, competitive  bids, secondary  distributions of listed
and unlisted securities, private placements and valuations for estate, corporate
and other purposes. The  Independent Committee selected Argosy  on the basis  of
the firm's expertise and independence.

    Argosy  has not performed investment banking services for the Company in the
past. Pursuant  to an  engagement letter  between the  Company and  Argosy,  the
Company  agreed  to pay  Argosy a  fee  of $200,000  for the  services described
herein. The Company also agreed to reimburse Argosy for the expenses  reasonably
incurred  by it in connection with  its engagement (including reasonable counsel
fees) and to indemnify Argosy and its officers, directors, employees, agents and
controlling  persons  against  certain  expenses,  losses,  claims,  damages  or
liabilities  in connection with its services,  including those arising under the
federal securities laws.

                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

    Upon the Effective Date,  the authorized capital stock  of the Company  will
consist of 100,000,000 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value per share ("Common
Stock")  and  5,000,000 shares  of  Preferred Stock,  $.01  par value  per share
("Preferred Stock"). The following summary  description relating to the  capital
stock  does  not purport  to  be complete.  Reference  is made  to  the Restated
Certificate  of  Incorporation  of  the  Company  as  amended  as  part  of  the
Restructuring  (attached  hereto as  Exhibit  B) the  Bylaws  of the  Company as
amended as part  of the  Restructuring (attached hereto  as Exhibit  C) and  the
Certificate of Designations of Series A Preferred Stock of Standard Brands Paint
Company (attached hereto as Exhibit D).

COMMON STOCK

    Holders  of Common Stock are entitled to  receive such dividends as may from
time to time be declared by the Board  of Directors of the Company out of  funds
legally available therefor. Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote per
share  on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote and do not have
any cumulative  voting  rights. Holders  of  Common Stock  have  no  preemptive,
conversion,  redemption or sinking  fund rights. In the  event of a liquidation,
dissolution or winding-up of the Company,  holders of Common Stock are  entitled
to share equally and ratably in the net assets of the Company, if any, remaining
after the payment preference of any outstanding Preferred Stock. The outstanding
shares of Common Stock are, and the shares of Common Stock when issued, will be,
fully  paid and nonassessable. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders
of Common Stock are subject to any  series of Preferred Stock which the  Company
may issue in the future.

PREFERRED STOCK

    Pursuant to the Restructuring, the Company will issue 1,570,049 shares of 8%
Series  A Convertible Mandatory  Redeemable Preferred Stock  in exchange for $14
million of the Company's indebtedness. The terms and conditions of the Preferred
Stock are more fully set forth in the Certificate of Designations.

DIVIDEND RIGHTS

    The holders of shares of the  Preferred Stock shall be entitled to  receive,
when  and  as declared  by  the Company's  board  of directors,  cumulative cash
dividends at the annual rate of $0.71 per share, payable quarterly. The  initial
dividend on the Preferred Stock shall be payable on the first quarterly dividend
payment  date following after  the date ("Commencement Date")  that is 18 months
after the original issuance  date of such shares  ("Issuance Date"). So long  as
any  share of Preferred Stock remains outstanding,  no dividend shall be paid or
declared and no  distribution made  on any junior  stock other  than a  dividend
payable  in junior  stock, and  no shares  of junior  stock shall  be purchased,
redeemed or otherwise  acquired for  consideration by the  Company, directly  or
indirectly (other than as a result of a reclassification of junior stock, or the
exchange or conversion of one junior stock for or

                                       30
<PAGE>
into  another junior stock, or  other than through the use  of the proceeds of a
substantially contemporaneous sale of other junior stock), unless all  dividends
on  the Preferred Stock accrued for  all past quarter-yearly dividends since the
Commencement Date shall have been paid or declared or set aside for payment.

LIQUIDATION RIGHTS

    In the event of any voluntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of  the
affairs  of  the Company,  the holders  of  shares of  Preferred Stock  shall be
entitled, before  any distribution  or payment  is made  to the  holders of  any
junior  stock, to be paid in full the  Redemption Price in effect at the time of
such distribution. The Redemption Price shall be $6.69 per share for the  period
from  the  Issuance  Date to  the  first  anniversary thereof,  $7.14  per share
thereafter to  the second  anniversary of  the Issuance  Date, $7.60  per  share
thereafter  for the  next six-month period,  $8.03 per share  thereafter for the
next six-month period, $8.47 per share thereafter for the next six-month  period
and $8.92 per share thereafter.

    In the event of an involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
affairs  of the Company, then, before any  distribution or payment to holders of
any junior stock, the holders of Preferred Stock shall be entitled to be paid in
full an amount equal to $8.92 per share, together with accrued dividends to such
date whether or not earned or declared.

OPTIONAL CALL AND REDEMPTION RIGHTS

    CRM or the Company  may purchase or  redeem up to 785,025  of the shares  of
Preferred  Stock,  at the  Redemption Price  in effect  at the  redemption date,
together with accrued dividends to the redemption date. Such dividends shall  be
deemed to have been cumulative from the Issuance Date.

MANDATORY REDEMPTION

    The  Company will redeem the  whole of the shares  of Preferred Stock at the
time outstanding at the tenth  anniversary of the Issuance  Date, at a price  of
$8.92 per share.

CONVERSION RIGHTS

    The  holders of  shares of  Preferred Stock shall  have the  right, at their
option, to convert such shares into Company  Common Stock at any time after  the
Commencement  Date, and  prior to  such date  if and  only if  the price  of the
Company's Common Stock  trades at a  twenty day  average price at  or above  the
Conversion  Price (as hereafter defined). The  price at which Common Stock shall
be delivered upon conversion (the  "Conversion Price") shall initially be  $1.11
per  share of  Common Stock. Each  share of  Preferred Stock shall  be valued at
$8.92 for the purpose of conversion. In lieu of issuing any fractional share  of
Common  Stock upon conversion, the Company shall pay the cash equivalent thereof
based on the then current market price of such shares.

VOTING RIGHTS

    The holders of  Preferred Stock shall  be entitled to  the following  voting
rights.  After the  Commencement Date, if  and whenever  six quarterly dividends
payable on any shares of Preferred Stock shall be in arrears in whole or in part
whether or not earned or declared, the number of directors then constituting the
Board of  Directors shall  be increased  by two  and the  holders of  shares  of
Preferred  Stock, together with the  holders of shares of  every other series of
Preferred Stock similarly entitled  to vote for the  election of two  additional
directors,  voting separately  as a  class, shall be  entitled to  elect the two
additional directors. When all dividends in  arrears on the shares of  Preferred
Stock  then outstanding  shall have been  paid the  right of the  holders of the
shares of Preferred Stock  to elect such two  additional directors shall  cease,
and the terms of office of all persons so elected as directors shall terminate.

    The  consent of the holders  of at least 66 2/3%  of the shares of Preferred
Stock shall be necessary to  effect or validate, any  of the following: (i)  any
amendment,  alteration or repeal of any of  the provisions of the certificate of
incorporation or bylaws of the Company which adversely affect the voting powers,
rights or preferences  of the  holders of shares  of Preferred  Stock; (ii)  the
authorization or creation of, or

                                       31
<PAGE>
the  increase  in the  authorized  amount of,  any shares  of  any class  or any
security convertible into  shares of any  class ranking prior  to the  Preferred
Stock  in the distribution of assets  on any liquidation, dissolution or winding
up of  the Company  or in  the  payment of  dividends; or  (iii) the  merger  or
consolidation  of the  Company with  or into  any other  corporation, unless the
resulting corporation  will thereafter  have no  class of  shares and  no  other
securities either authorized or outstanding ranking prior to the Preferred Stock
in  the distribution of its assets on  liquidation, dissolution or winding up or
in the payment of dividends.

    The consent of the holders of at least a majority of the shares of Preferred
Stock shall be necessary  to effect or validate  any increase in the  authorized
amount  of the  Preferred Stock,  or the  authorization or  creation of,  or the
increase in the  authorized amount of  any shares or  security convertible  into
shares  ranking on  a parity  with the  Preferred Stock  in the  distribution of
assets on any liquidation, dissolution  or winding up of  the Company or in  the
payment of dividends.

REGISTRATION RIGHTS

    The  holders of the shares of Preferred Stock and the shares of Common Stock
acquired pursuant to  the Restructuring will  have (i) the  right to have  their
shares  registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, by the Company,
and (ii)  "piggyback" registration  rights,  subject to  standard  underwriters'
cutback  provisions. The  holders of  the shares  of Preferred  Stock and Common
Stock shall be entitled to liquidated damages from the Company in the event  the
Company  fails to timely file the registration  statement or fails to receive an
effective order from  the Securities  and Exchange Commission  within a  certain
period  of time  after filing. The  Company will bear  the registration expenses
(exclusive of underwriting discounts and commissions) of all registrations.

                   MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES

    Fletcher L. Byrom, the Company's Chairman  of the Board and Chief  Executive
Officer,  resigned  as of  the  date of  the  Interim Financing.  See  "TERMS OF
RESTRUCTURING -- Board Composition." In lieu of any other severance  obligation,
the  Company agreed to pay Mr. Byrom  $421,144 in twelve equal installments paid
quarterly over three years beginning February 15, 1995.

    Ronald I. Scharman, the Company's former Executive Vice President has agreed
to continue  with  the  Company through  June  30,  1995 as  its  interim  Chief
Executive  Officer.  See  "TERMS  OF RESTRUCTURING  --  Board  Composition." The
Company has agreed to pay Mr. Scharman a bonus in an amount equal to six  months
salary  if he  remains with the  Company until June  30, 1995. In  lieu of other
severance benefits, Mr. Scharman will receive a one year severance from July  1,
1995  through  June 30,  1996, payable  monthly. In  addition, the  Company will
reimburse Mr. Scharman $10,000 for moving  expenses. See also, "RISK FACTORS  --
Interests  of Certain Persons" for a  description of other Material Transactions
with Related Parties which may exist among Parties to the Restructuring.

CONSULTING ARRANGEMENTS

    On February 15, 1995, the Company and Dakota Services, Inc., a subsidiary of
CRM, entered  into  a  contract  for  the  provision  of  management  consulting
services. Payment for such services is made monthly based on hours worked, in an
amount not less than $35,000 per month.

INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENTS

    At  the consummation of the Interim Financing, each of the directors entered
into Indemnification Agreements with the  Company pursuant to which the  Company
agreed  to indemnify the directors in  accordance with the Company's Certificate
of Incorporation and By-Laws,  for actions brought against  them arising out  of
the Restructuring or from any other action taken on behalf of the Company.

                                       32
<PAGE>
                             THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

INFORMATION CONCERNING EXISTING DIRECTORS

    The  following table sets  forth the principal  occupation or employment and
principal business of the employer, if any, of each director of the Company,  as
well  as his or her age, business experience and other directorships held by him
or her and the period during which  he or she has previously served as  director
of the Company (See also "TERMS OF RESTRUCTURING -- Information Concerning Newly
Appointed Directors").

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION FOR PAST FIVE YEARS;
       NAME, AGE AND PRESENT POSITION                       OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS; BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
- - - - --------------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                           <C>
Deborah Hicks Midanek, 40                     Deborah Hicks Midanek was elected to the Board of Directors on
Chairman of the Board                          December 10, 1993 at a meeting of the Board of Directors. Ms.
                                               Midanek was elected Chairman of the Board at the consummation of
                                               the Interim Financing. Ms. Midanek is Chairman of the Company's
                                               Compensation Committee and is a member of the Company's Audit and
                                               Human Relations Committees. Ms. Midanek was Chairman of the
                                               Independent Committee. Ms. Midanek presently serves as Chairman of
                                               the Board and the Chief Executive Officer of The Solon Funds, a
                                               registered investment company, and of Solon Asset Management L.P.,
                                               a registered investment adviser, positions she has held since 1989
                                               and March 1, 1994, respectively. During the period from 1992
                                               through 1993, Ms. Midanek served as Managing Director and Director
                                               of Mutual Funds for Montgomery Asset Management, L.P. From 1984
                                               through 1990, Ms. Midanek held various positions with Drexel
                                               Burnham Lambert, Inc. in the Mortgage Backed Securities Department.
Richard L. Boje, 58                           Richard L. Boje was elected to the Board of Directors on December
Director                                       10, 1993 at a meeting of the Board of Directors. Mr. Boje is
                                               Chairman of the Company's Executive Committee and is a member of
                                               the Company's Compensation Committee. Mr. Boje was also a member of
                                               the Independent Committee. From 1977 through 1987, Mr. Boje served
                                               in various positions at Carter Hawley Hale Stores, Inc. and its
                                               subsidiaries and affiliates (specialty/retail), including serving
                                               as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive officer of Weinstocks
                                               from 1982 through 1985 and Chairman of the Board and Chief
                                               Executive Officer of the John Wanamaker Division from 1985 through
                                               1987. From 1987 through 1992, Mr. Boje served as Chairman of the
                                               Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Lynn-Edwards Corporation
                                               (office products distributor). Mr Boje presently is an independent
                                               investor and consultant.
</TABLE>

                                       33
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION FOR PAST FIVE YEARS;
       NAME, AGE AND PRESENT POSITION                       OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS; BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
- - - - --------------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                           <C>
Robert N. Dangremond, 58                      Robert N. Dangremond was elected to the Board of Directors on
Director                                       December 10, 1993 at a meeting of the Board of Directors. Mr.
                                               Dangremond is a member of the Company's Executive Committee and is
                                               Chairman of the Company's Audit Committee. Mr. Dangremond is
                                               presently the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive
                                               Officer of AM International, Inc. (graphic arts supplies and
                                               manufacturing). AM International is listed on the American Stock
                                               Exchange. Mr. Dangremond was elected to his current positions at AM
                                               International on February 6, 1993. AM International filed a
                                               voluntary petition under the Federal bankruptcy laws on May 17,
                                               1993. On September 29, 1993, AM International's plan of
                                               reorganization was confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court and became
                                               effective on October 13, 1993. Since August 1989, Mr. Dangremond
                                               has been a Principal with Jay Alix & Associates, a consulting and
                                               accounting firm specializing in corporate restructurings and
                                               turnaround activities. From 1981 through 1989, Mr. Dangremond was
                                               the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Leach & Garner
                                               Company (manufacturing). From 1969 to 1981, Mr. Dangremond held
                                               various positions with Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. and prior to that
                                               was with Scott Paper Company. Mr. Dangremond is also a director of
                                               Envirodyne Industries, Inc. (manufacturing) and Barry's Jewelry,
                                               Inc. (retail).
Ronald I. Scharman, 42                        At the consummation of the Interim Financing, Ronald I. Scharman
Director and Chief Executive Officer           became the interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr.
                                               Scharman served previously as Executive Vice President of the
                                               Company a position he held since June 14, 1993 when the
                                               Reorganization Plan became effective. Mr. Scharman was elected to
                                               the Board of Directors in July 1993. Mr. Scharman is a member of
                                               the Company's Human Relations Committee. Prior to joining the
                                               Company, Mr. Scharman was the managing director of Fawn Holdings, a
                                               firm specializing in financial restructuring of troubled companies,
                                               a position held since 1992. During the period 1988 through 1992,
                                               Mr. Scharman was the managing director and chief financial officer
                                               of Trading Alliance Corporation (TAC), a trade finance merchant
                                               bank servicing under-capitalized and financially troubled
                                               companies. From 1983 to 1988, Mr. Scharman held various positions
                                               with Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company and Manufacturers Hanover
                                               World Trade Corporation.
</TABLE>

                                       34
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION FOR PAST FIVE YEARS;
       NAME, AGE AND PRESENT POSITION                       OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS; BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
- - - - --------------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                           <C>
William E. Yingling, III, 51                  William E. Yingling, III was elected to the Board of Directors on
Director                                       December 10, 1993 at a meeting of the Board of Directors. Mr.
                                               Yingling is a member of the Company's Compensation and Executive
                                               Committees. Mr. Yingling was also a member of the Independent
                                               Committee. Mr. Yingling from 1991 through 1993 was the Chairman of
                                               the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Thrifty Corporation
                                               (pharmaceuticals and specialty/ retail). During the period 1986
                                               through 1991, Mr. Yingling was the President of the Southern
                                               California division of Lucky Stores, Inc. (supermarket).
</TABLE>

MEETINGS, ORGANIZATIONS AND REMUNERATION

    The  business affairs of the Company are  managed under the direction of the
Board of Directors, although the Board is not involved in day-to-day operations.
During the fiscal year  ended January 29,  1995, the Board  of Directors met  14
times. For their services on the Board during the 1994 fiscal year, non-employee
directors  were paid a  retainer fee of  $15,000 per annum,  $750 for each Board
Meeting attended and $500 for each  committee meeting attended. In fiscal  1994,
each non-employee director received 10,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock.
Each  director  attended at  least  75% of  all  Board and  applicable committee
meetings.

    In addition to the  following, the Board  established a special  Independent
Committee  in  connection  with  the  Restructuring.  See  "BOARD  OF  DIRECTORS
RECOMMENDATION." Each member of the  Independent Committee received payments  of
$250 per hour up to a maximum of $2,000 per day for their work on the committee.

AUDIT COMMITTEE

    The  Audit  Committee  recommends  to  the  Board  of  Directors  a  firm of
independent certified  public accountants  to conduct  the annual  audit of  the
Company's  books and  records; reviews with  such accounting firm  the scope and
results of  the  annual  audit;  reviews the  performance  of  such  independent
accountants  of  professional services,  in addition  to  those which  are audit
related; consults with the independent  accountants with regard to the  adequacy
of  the  Company's  system of  internal  accounting controls;  and  reviews fees
charged by the independent accountants for professional services.

    The Company's independent public accountants are invited to attend  meetings
of  the Audit Committee and certain members of management may also be invited to
attend. The Audit Committee consisted  of three nonemployee directors in  fiscal
1994, Messrs. Robert N. Dangremond who is the chairman of the Committee, Deborah
Hicks  Midanek  and Blandina  Cardinas Ramirez.  The  Audit Committee  met twice
during the fiscal year ended January 29, 1995.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

    The Compensation Committee reviews and approves all salary arrangements  and
other  remuneration  for officers  of  the Company.  The  Compensation Committee
consists of three nonemployee directors, Messrs. Richard L. Boje, Deborah  Hicks
Midanek,  who is the chairperson of the Committee, and William E. Yingling, III.
The Compensation Committee met 5 times during the fiscal year ended January  29,
1995.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

    No  member of the Compensation  Committee was an officer  or employee of the
Company or any of its subsidiaries during the fiscal year. None of the executive
officers of  the  Company  has served  on  the  board of  directors  or  on  the
compensation  committee of any other entity, any of whose officers served either
on the Board of Directors or on the Compensation Committee of the Company.

                                       35
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

    The Executive Committee, during intervals  between meetings of the Board  of
Directors,  may  exercise the  powers  of the  Board  of Directors,  except with
respect to a limited number of  matters, which include amending the  Certificate
of  Incorporation or the Bylaws of the  Company, adopting an agreement of merger
or consolidation for  the Company and  recommending to the  shareholders of  the
Company  a merger of  the Company, the sale  of all or  substantially all of the
assets of the Company or the dissolution of the Company. The Executive Committee
consists of non-employee directors, Messrs. Richard L. Boje, who is the chairman
of the  Committee, Robert  N.  Dangremond, and  William  E. Yingling,  III.  The
Executive Committee met once during the fiscal year ended January 29, 1995.

                            MATTERS TO BE VOTED UPON

RESTRUCTURING

    The  stockholders  will consider  and vote  upon a  proposal to  approve the
Restructuring of the Company.

    THE BOARD  OF  DIRECTORS  RECOMMENDS  A  VOTE  "FOR"  THE  APPROVAL  OF  THE
RESTRUCTURING OF THE COMPANY.

    The  affirmative  vote  of  the  majority  of  the  shares  of  Common Stock
outstanding shall constitute approval.

NO OTHER MATTERS

    It is not  contemplated that  any other matters  will be  considered at  the
Special Meeting.

                                  ACCOUNTANTS

    Representatives  of  the Company's  independent accounting  firm of  Ernst &
Young are expected to be present at the Meeting and will have an opportunity  to
make  a statement if they  so desire and will be  able to respond to appropriate
questions.

                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

    Each stockholder  will receive  with  this Proxy  Statement  a copy  of  the
Company's  Form 10-K, as amended by Form  10-K/A, for the year ended January 30,
1994 and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 30, 1994, attached,  containing
the  Company's  most  recent  financial  statements  which  are  incorporated by
reference herein.

                                          By Order of the Board of Directors

                                          Edward A. Drury
                                          Secretary

Torrance, California
March   , 1995

                                       36
<PAGE>
                                    EXHIBITS

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                     <C>
Exhibit A -- Investment Agreement.....................................................        A-1

Exhibit B -- Restated Certificate of Incorporation....................................        B-1

Exhibit C -- Bylaws...................................................................        C-1

Exhibit D -- Certificate of Designations..............................................        D-1

Exhibit E -- Opinion of The Argosy Group, L.P.........................................        E-1

Exhibit F -- Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended by Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year
              ended January 30, 1994..................................................        F-1

Exhibit G -- Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 30, 1994.....        G-1
</TABLE>

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

                              INVESTMENT AGREEMENT

                                     AMONG

                               CORIMON, S.A.C.A.,
                            A VENEZUELAN CORPORATION

                              CORIMON CORPORATION,
                             A DELAWARE CORPORATION

          FIDELITY CAPITAL & INCOME FUND, KODAK RETIREMENT INCOME PLAN
            TRUST FUND, TRANSAMERICA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CO.,
         TRANSAMERICA OCCIDENTAL LIFE INSURANCE CO., SUN LIFE INSURANCE
          COMPANY OF AMERICA, ANCHOR NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY,

                     STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COLLATERAL TRUST

                                      AND

                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY,
                             A DELAWARE CORPORATION

                         DATED AS OF FEBRUARY 15, 1995

- - - - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - - - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                 PAGE
                                                                                                               ---------
<S>        <C>                                                                                                 <C>
                                                       ARTICLE I
                                                      DEFINITIONS
    1.1.   Definitions.......................................................................................        A-1
    1.2.   Interpretation....................................................................................        A-7

                                                       ARTICLE II
                                                    INTERIM FUNDING
    2.1.   Note Purchase Agreement...........................................................................        A-8
    2.2.   Grantor Trust Transactions........................................................................        A-8
    2.3.   Investment Agreement and Ancillary Funding Agreements.............................................        A-8
    2.4.   Directors and By-Laws.............................................................................        A-8
    2.5.   Funding...........................................................................................        A-8

                                                      ARTICLE III
                                              PURCHASE AND SALE OF SHARES
    3.1.   Company Action....................................................................................        A-9
    3.2.   Exchange of Debt and Issuance of Shares...........................................................        A-9
    3.3.   Advisor Fees......................................................................................        A-9
    3.4.   Fidelity Note Purchase Agreement..................................................................        A-9
    3.5.   Property Transfer.................................................................................        A-9
    3.6.   Leases and Other Ancillary Agreements.............................................................        A-9
    3.7.   Closing...........................................................................................        A-9

                                                       ARTICLE IV
                                           CONDITIONS TO FUNDING AND CLOSING
    4.1.   Conditions of Parent and Holdings with Respect to the Funding and Closing.........................        A-9
    4.2.   Conditions of Company with Respect to the Funding and Closing.....................................       A-11
    4.3.   Conditions of the Other Investors and Grantor Trust with Respect to the Funding and Closing.......       A-12

                                                       ARTICLE V
                                             REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
    5.1.   Representations and Warranties of Company.........................................................       A-13
    5.2.   Representations and Warranties of Parent and Holdings.............................................       A-23
    5.3.   Representations and Warranties of the Other Investors.............................................       A-24

                                                       ARTICLE VI
                                  COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF BUSINESS OF COMPANY
    6.1.   Conduct of Business...............................................................................       A-25

                                                      ARTICLE VII
                                                 ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
    7.1.   Preparation of the Proxy Statement; Stockholders Meeting..........................................       A-27
    7.2.   Access to Information; Confidentiality............................................................       A-27
    7.3.   Reasonable Efforts; Notification; Consent.........................................................       A-28
    7.4.   Fees and Expenses.................................................................................       A-29
    7.5.   Public Announcements..............................................................................       A-29
    7.6.   Stockholder Litigation............................................................................       A-29
    7.7.   Employment Arrangements...........................................................................       A-29
    7.8.   Reporting Company.................................................................................       A-29
</TABLE>

                                      A-i
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                 PAGE
                                                                                                               ---------
<S>        <C>                                                                                                 <C>
    7.9.   NYSE Listing......................................................................................       A-29
    7.10.  Liquidating Property Trust Leases and Property Transfer...........................................       A-29
    7.11.  Agreement to Vote Shares..........................................................................       A-29
    7.12.  No Voting Trusts..................................................................................       A-29
    7.13.  No Proxy Solicitations............................................................................       A-30
    7.14.  Transfer and Encumbrance..........................................................................       A-30
    7.15.  Additional Purchases..............................................................................       A-30
    7.16.  Covenants Relating to Post-Funding Tax Matters....................................................       A-30
    7.17.  Environmental Indemnity, Etc......................................................................       A-32

                                                      ARTICLE VIII
                                           TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
    8.1.   Termination.......................................................................................       A-32
    8.2.   Effect of Termination.............................................................................       A-33
    8.3.   Amendment.........................................................................................       A-33
    8.4.   Extension; Waiver.................................................................................       A-33
    8.5.   Procedure for Termination, Amendment, Extension or Waiver.........................................       A-33

                                                       ARTICLE IX
                                                   GENERAL PROVISIONS
    9.1.   Survival of Warranties and Certain Agreements.....................................................       A-33
    9.2.   Notices...........................................................................................       A-33
    9.3.   Counterparts......................................................................................       A-35
    9.4.   Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries....................................................       A-35
    9.5.   Assignment........................................................................................       A-35
    9.6.   Severability......................................................................................       A-36
    9.7.   GOVERNING LAW.....................................................................................       A-36
    9.8.   Enforcement.......................................................................................       A-36
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<S>                 <C>
                                          SCHEDULES
Schedule 1.1        Financial Information
Schedule 3.2        Debt Exchange
Schedule 5.1(b)     Subsidiaries
Schedule 5.1(c)     Stock Equivalents
Schedule 5.1(d)     Consents
Schedule 5.1(e)     Balance Sheet
Schedule 5.1(g)     Certain Changes
Schedule 5.1(h)     Mortgaged Property
Schedule 5.1(i)     Litigation
Schedule 5.1(k)     Taxes
Schedule 5.1(m)     Disqualified Individual Payments
Schedule 5.1(q)     Material Contracts
Schedule 5.1(t)     Affiliates
Schedule 5.1(aa)    Grantor Trust Subsidiaries
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<S>         <C>
                                          EXHIBITS
Exhibit A   Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation
Exhibit B   Certificate of Designations
Exhibit C   Form of Proxy
Exhibit D   Closing Memorandum
Exhibit E   Allocation Schedule
Exhibit F   Amended Liquidating Property Trust Agreement
Exhibit G   Third Amended Agreement
Exhibit H   Second Amended and Restated Trust Loan Agreement
</TABLE>

                                      A-ii
<PAGE>
    INVESTMENT AGREEMENT dated as of February 15, 1995 (this "Agreement"), among
Corimon,  S.A.C.A., a Venezuelan corporation  ("Parent"), Corimon Corporation, a
Delaware corporation  and  a wholly  owned  Subsidiary of  Parent  ("Holdings"),
Fidelity  Capital  & Income  Fund, ("Investor1"),  Kodak Retirement  Income Plan
Trust Fund, ("Investor2"), Transamerica Life Insurance and Annuity Co., a  North
Carolina  corporation ("Investor3"), Transamerica Occidental Life Insurance Co.,
a California corporation ("Investor4"), Sun  Life Insurance Company of  America,
an  Arizona corporation ("Investor5"), Anchor National Life Insurance Company, a
California corporation  ("Investor6" and,  together with  Investor1,  Investor2,
Investor3,  Investor4  and Investor5,  the  "Other Investors"),  Standard Brands
Paint Collateral  Trust,  a California  trust  ("Grantor Trust"),  and  Standard
Brands Paint Company, a Delaware corporation ("Company").

                                    RECITALS

    WHEREAS  Parent, Holdings,  the Other  Investors, Grantor  Trust and Company
desire to make the respective  investments in, and recapitalization of,  Company
on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement;

    WHEREAS  Parent, Holdings,  the Other  Investors, Grantor  Trust and Company
desire to make certain representations, warranties, covenants and agreements and
also to  prescribe  various  conditions  in  connection  with  the  Transactions
contemplated hereby; and

    WHEREAS,  simultaneously with the execution  and delivery of this Agreement,
each of Parent,  Holdings, the Other  Investors, Grantor Trust  and Company  has
entered into the Ancillary Funding Agreements to which it is a party.

    NOW,   THEREFORE,  in  consideration  of  the  representations,  warranties,
covenants and  agreements  contained in  this  Agreement and  in  the  Ancillary
Agreements,  and  for other  good and  valuable  consideration, the  receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereto hereby agree as
follows:

                                   ARTICLE I
                                  DEFINITIONS

    1.1.  DEFINITIONS.  For purposes of this Agreement:

    "ADVISOR SHARES" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.

    "AFFILIATE" has the  same meaning  as in  Rule 12b-2  promulgated under  the
Exchange Act.

    "ALLONGES"  means  the Allonges  delivered by  Borrowers to  Servicing Agent
pursuant to subsection 3.1A of the Second Amended Agreement and substantially in
the form of Exhibit II to the Second Amended Agreement.

    "AMENDED  LIQUIDATING  PROPERTY  TRUST  AGREEMENT"  means  the  Amended  and
Restated  Liquidating Property Trust Agreement to be entered into among Company,
Borrowers, Holdings, Newco,  the Insurance Company  Lenders or their  Affiliates
and  Bankers Trust Company of California,  as Trustee, in substantially the form
of Exhibit F hereto.

    "AMENDMENTS" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(b).

    "ANCILLARY AGREEMENTS"  means  the  Ancillary  Funding  Agreements  and  the
Ancillary Closing Agreements.

    "ANCILLARY  CLOSING AGREEMENTS"  means (i) the  Beneficial Interest Purchase
Agreement, (ii) the  Liquidating Property Trust  Note Purchase Agreement,  (iii)
the  Liquidating  Property Trust  Amendment  Documents, (iv)  the  Third Amended
Agreement, (v) the Liquidating Property Trust Lease Documents and (vi) the South
Warehouse Lease.

                                      A-1
<PAGE>
    "ANCILLARY FUNDING AGREEMENTS"  means (i) the  Stockholders Agreement,  (ii)
the  Registration Rights Agreement,  (iii) the Proxies,  (iv) the Put Agreement,
(v) the Interim Loan  Agreement and (vi)  the Intercreditor Agreement.  "Argosy"
has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(f).

    "BANKRUPTCY  CODE"  means  the  United States  Code,  the  Federal  Rules of
Bankruptcy Procedure promulgated thereunder, and the local Bankruptcy Rules  for
the Central District of California.

    "BANKRUPTCY  COURT" means the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Central
District of California.

    "BASE AMOUNT" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(m).

    "BENEFICIAL INTEREST PURCHASE AGREEMENT"  has the meaning  set forth in  the
Liquidating Property Trust Amendment Documents.

    "BOARD  OF DIRECTORS" means  the Board of Directors  of Company except where
the context requires otherwise.

    "BORROWER NOTES" means the promissory notes of Borrowers issued pursuant  to
subsection  2.1D  of the  Original Agreement  and substantially  in the  form of
Exhibit II to the Original Agreement, as modified pursuant to the Allonges,  and
as  such notes may be  amended, supplemented or otherwise  modified from time to
time.

    "BORROWERS" means Standard  Brands Paint  Co., Standard  Brands Realty  Co.,
Inc. and The Art Store.

    "BUSINESS  DAY" means any day excluding Saturday, Sunday and any day that is
a legal holiday under the laws  of the State of California  or New York or is  a
day on which banking institutions located in the State of California or New York
are authorized by law or other governmental action to close.

    "CAPITAL  LEASE", as applied to any Person,  means any lease of any property
(whether real,  personal, or  mixed) by  that Person  as lessee  that would,  in
conformity  with GAAP, be required to be accounted for as a capital lease on the
balance sheet of that Person.

    "CERTIFICATE OF  DESIGNATIONS"  means  the certificate  of  designations  of
Company, in the form of Exhibit B hereto.

    "CERTIFICATE  OF INCORPORATION"  means the  certificate of  incorporation of
Company, and as amended in the form of Exhibit A hereto.

    "CLOSING" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.

    "CLOSING DATE" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.

    "CLOSING DOCUMENTS"  means  the documents  agreed  to be  delivered  at  the
Closing as set forth in the Closing memorandum attached as Exhibit D hereto.

    "COMMON  STOCK" means the common stock of Company, par value $.01 per share,
and as converted pursuant to the Stock Split.

    "COMPANY" has the meaning set forth above.

    "CONTINGENT OBLIGATION",  as applied  to  any Person,  means any  direct  or
indirect  liability, contingent or otherwise, of that Person with respect to any
indebtedness, lease, dividend, letter of  credit, or other obligation of  itself
or  another, including,  without limitation,  any obligation  under any interest
rate swap  agreement or  currency  swap agreement,  any obligation  directly  or
indirectly guaranteed, endorsed (otherwise than for collection or deposit in the
ordinary  course of business),  co-made, or discounted or  sold with recourse by
that Person,  or  in respect  of  which that  Person  is otherwise  directly  or
indirectly  liable, including, without limitation, any such obligation for which
that Person is in effect liable through any agreement (contingent or  otherwise)
to  purchase, repurchase, or  otherwise acquire such  obligation or any security
therefor,   or   to    provide   funds    for   the    payment   or    discharge

                                      A-2
<PAGE>
of  such obligation  (whether in the  form of loans,  advances, stock purchases,
capital contributions, or otherwise), or to maintain the solvency or any balance
sheet, income or other financial condition of the obligor of such obligation, or
to  make  payment  for  any  products,   materials,  or  supplies  or  for   any
transportation,   services,  or   lease  regardless   of  the   non-delivery  or
non-furnishing thereof,  in any  such case  if  the purpose  or intent  of  such
agreement  is  to  provide  assurance  that  such  obligation  will  be  paid or
discharged, or that any  agreements relating thereto will  be complied with,  or
that  the holders  of such obligation  will be  protected (in whole  or in part)
against loss in respect thereof. The  amount of any Contingent Obligation  shall
be equal to the amount of the obligation so guaranteed or otherwise supported.

    "DGCL" means the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

    "DIRECTOR" means a member of the Board of Directors.

    "DISQUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(m).

    "DOLLARS" means the lawful money of the United States of America.

    "EFFECTIVE DATE" means the effective date of the Plan, as provided therein.

    "ERISA"  means  the  Employee Retirement  Income  Security Act  of  1974, as
amended from time to time and any successor statute.

    "ERISA AFFILIATE", as  applied to any  Person, means any  trade or  business
(whether  or not incorporated) that is a member  of a group of which that Person
is also a  member and that  is under common  control within the  meaning of  the
regulations promulgated under Section 414 of the Internal Revenue Code.

    "EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTIONS" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(c).

    "EXCESS PARACHUTE PAYMENT" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(m).

    "EXCHANGE  ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act  of 1934 and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder, as amended.

    "EXISTING GRANTOR  TRUST  INDEBTEDNESS"  means Indebtedness  of  Company  or
Borrowers  to the Grantor Trust  in an aggregate principal  amount not to exceed
$6,000,000 pursuant to the Existing Grantor Trust Loan Agreements.

    "EXISTING GRANTOR  TRUST  LOAN AGREEMENTS"  means  the documents  listed  on
Schedule 9 to the New Loan Agreement and the Loan Agreement dated March 16, 1994
among Company, the New Loan Borrowers and the Grantor Trust.

    "EXISTING  INSURANCE COMPANY INDEBTEDNESS" means indebtedness of Company and
Interim Borrowers  to the  Insurance Company  Lenders pursuant  to the  Existing
Insurance Company Loan Agreement.

    "EXISTING  INSURANCE COMPANY LOAN AGREEMENT"  means the Amended and Restated
Loan Agreement dated  as of June  14, 1993 among  Company, Borrowers,  Insurance
Company  Lenders and Servicing Agent, as such Agreement may be amended, modified
or supplemented  from time  to time,  including pursuant  to the  Third  Amended
Agreement.

    "FIDELITY  LIMITED GUARANTY" means the  limited recourse guaranty by Company
of up to $10,000,000 of the obligations  of the Grantor Trust under the  Secured
Fidelity  Note pursuant to the Plan, which amount has been reduced in accordance
with its terms to  $2,500,000, as it may  be amended, supplemented or  otherwise
modified pursuant to Section 6.14 of the New Loan Agreement.

    "FIDELITY  NOTE  PURCHASE AGREEMENT"  means  a Note  Purchase  Agreement for
$5,000,000 or more of notes between Company and one or more entities  affiliated
with Investor1 and Investor2.

    "FILED SEC DOCUMENTS" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(g).

                                      A-3
<PAGE>
    "FUNDING" AND "FUNDING DATE" have the meanings set forth in Section 2.5.

    "GAAP"  means  generally accepted  accounting  principles set  forth  in the
opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board and the  American
Institute  of  Certified  Public  Accountants,  including,  without limitations,
adjustments prescribed in accordance  with SOP 90-7 if  elected by the  Company,
and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or
in  such  other  statements  by  such  other entity  as  may  be  approved  by a
significant segment of  the accounting  profession, that are  applicable to  the
circumstances as of the date of determination.

    "GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(b).

    "GRANTOR TRUST" has the meaning set forth above.

    "GRANTOR  TRUST DOCUMENTS" means the  Grantor Trust Asset Purchase Agreement
(as defined  in the  Plan),  the Existing  Grantor  Trust Loan  Agreements,  the
Secured  Fidelity Notes,  the Fidelity Limited  Guaranty and  the "Grantor Trust
Documents" as defined in the Plan.

    "GRANTOR TRUST SUBSIDIARIES" means  The Art Store  Holding Company, The  Art
Store and SBP Properties Holding Company.

    "HOLDINGS" has the meaning set forth above.

    "HSR ACT" means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and
the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as amended.

    "INDEBTEDNESS",  as applied  to any Person,  means (i)  all indebtedness for
borrowed money, (ii) that portion of obligations with respect to Capital  Leases
that  is capitalized  on a  balance sheet in  conformity with  GAAP, (iii) notes
payable and drafts  accepted representing  extensions of credit  whether or  not
representing obligations for borrowed money, (iv) any obligation owed for all or
any  part of the deferred purchase price  of property or services which purchase
price is  (y) due  more than  six  months from  the date  of incurrence  of  the
obligation  in respect thereof,  or (z) evidenced  by a note  or similar written
instrument, and  (v) all  indebtedness secured  by any  mortgage, pledge,  Lien,
security  interest, or  vendor's interest  under any  conditional sale  or other
title retention agreement  existing on any  property or asset  owned or held  by
that  Person regardless whether the indebtedness secured thereby shall have been
assumed by that Person or is non-recourse to the credit of that Person; PROVIDED
that, applied to  Borrowers, "Indebtedness"  shall not  include the  Liquidating
Property Trust Obligations.

    "INSURANCE  COMPANY  LENDERS"  means  Investor3,  Investor4,  Investor5  and
Investor6.

    "INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT" means the Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of the
date hereof, among Holdings, the Other Investors, Interim Borrowers and Company,
in the form of Exhibit C to the Interim Loan Agreement.

    "INTERIM BORROWERS"  means Standard  Brands Paint  Co. and  Standard  Brands
Realty Co., Inc.

    "INTERIM  LOAN AGREEMENT" means the Interim  Loan Agreement, dated as of the
date hereof, among Company, Interim Borrowers and Holdings.

    "INTERIM NOTES"  means  the promissory  notes  of Interim  Borrowers  issued
pursuant  to the Interim Loan Agreement and substantially in the form of Exhibit
A thereto, and as such Interim Notes may be amended, supplemented, or  otherwise
modified from time to time.

    "INTERNAL  REVENUE CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
to the  date hereof  and  from time  to time  hereafter.  For purposes  of  this
Agreement,  all reference to Sections of the Internal Revenue Code shall include
any applicable predecessor provisions to such Sections.

    "LENDER" AND  "LENDERS"  have  the  meanings  set  forth  in  the  New  Loan
Agreement.

    "LIEN"  means  any lien,  mortgage,  pledge, security  interest,  charge, or
encumbrance of any kind (including any conditional sale or other title retention
agreement, any  lease in  the nature  thereof,  and any  agreement to  give  any
security interest).

                                      A-4
<PAGE>
    "LIQUIDATING   PROPERTY   TRUST"  means   the  liquidating   property  trust
established pursuant to the Liquidating Property Trust Documents.

    "LIQUIDATING PROPERTY TRUST AGREEMENT" means the Trust Agreement dated as of
July 12, 1994 among Company, Standard  Brands Paint Co., Standard Brands  Realty
Co.  Inc.,  as Depositors,  and Bankers  Trust Company  of California,  N.A., as
Trustee.

    "LIQUIDATING  PROPERTY  TRUST   AMENDMENT  DOCUMENTS"   means  the   Amended
Liquidating  Property Trust Agreement and the  Second Amended and Restated Trust
Loan Agreement.

    "LIQUIDATING PROPERTY TRUST DOCUMENTS" means the Liquidating Property  Trust
Agreement and the Amended and Restated Trust Loan Agreement dated as of July 12,
1994  among  the  Liquidating  Property  Trust,  Insurance  Company  Lenders and
Servicing Agent, as each such agreement may be amended, supplemented or modified
from time  to  time,  including  by the  Liquidating  Property  Trust  Amendment
Documents.

    "LIQUIDATING  PROPERTY  TRUST  LEASE  DOCUMENTS"  has  the  same  meaning as
Depositors Leases in the Liquidating Property Trust Amendment Documents.

    "LIQUIDATING PROPERTY TRUST  LEASES" has  the meaning set  forth in  Section
4.1(k).

    "LIQUIDATING PROPERTY TRUST NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT" means the Note Purchase
Agreement among Holdings, an entity organized by Investor1 and Investor2 and the
Insurance Company Lenders.

    "LIQUIDATING PROPERTY TRUST OBLIGATIONS" means all of the obligations of the
Liquidating  Property  Trust to  Insurance Company  Lenders and  Servicing Agent
under the Liquidating Property Trust Documents.

    "MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE" or "MATERIAL  ADVERSE EFFECT" means any change  or
effect  (or any development that is reasonably likely to result in any change or
effect)  that  is  materially  adverse  to  the  business,  properties,  assets,
condition  (financial  or  otherwise),  results of  operations  or  prospects of
Company and its Subsidiaries in each case taken  as a whole, or to the value  of
the Common Stock or the Preferred Stock. By way of background, Schedule 1.1 sets
forth the most recent financial information of the Company.

    "MATERIAL CONTRACTS" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(q).

    "MORTGAGE"  or  "MORTGAGES" have  the  meanings set  forth  in the  New Loan
Agreement and the Interim Loan Agreement.

    "MORTGAGED PROPERTY" means real and personal property subject to the lien of
a  Mortgage;  but  shall  not  include  the  Mortgaged  Properties  which   were
transferred  to  the  Liquidating  Property Trust  pursuant  to  the Liquidating
Property Trust Documents.

    "MULTIEMPLOYER PLAN"  means a  "MULTIEMPLOYER PLAN"  as defined  in  Section
4001(a)(3)  of ERISA in which any employees of Company or any ERISA Affiliate of
Company participate or from which any such employees may derive a benefit.

    "NEW BORROWER NOTES" means the promissory notes of New Loan Borrowers issued
pursuant to subsection 2.1(D) of the New Loan Agreement and substantially in the
form of Exhibit II annexed to the New Loan Agreement.

    "NEW LOAN AGREEMENT" means that certain Loan Agreement dated as of March 16,
1994 by and among  Company, the New Loan  Borrowers, the lenders named  therein,
Transamerica  Occidental  Life Insurance  Company,  as servicing  and collateral
agent for  lenders,  as  such  New Loan  Agreement  may  be  amended,  restated,
supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

    "NEW  LOAN BORROWERS"  means Standard Brands  Paint Co.  and Standard Brands
Realty Co., Inc.

    "NEW SHARES" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2.

                                      A-5
<PAGE>
    "NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT" means the Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of the
date hereof, between Holdings and Grantor Trust.

    "OBLIGATIONS" means all obligations of every nature of Company from time  to
time owed to Holdings under the Interim Loan Agreement and the Interim Notes.

    "ORIGINAL  AGREEMENT" means  the Loan  Agreement, dated  as of  November 30,
1987, among Company, Borrowers, Insurance  Company Lenders and Servicing  Agent,
as amended to the date hereof.

    "OTHER INVESTORS" has the meaning set forth above.

    "PARTY" means a Party to this Agreement.

    "PENSION  PLAN" means any employee plan that is subject to the provisions of
Title IV of ERISA in  which any employees of Company  or any ERISA Affiliate  of
Company participate or from which any such employees may derive a benefit, other
than a Multiemployer Plan.

    "PERSON"   means  and   includes  natural   persons,  corporations,  limited
partnerships, general  partnerships,  joint  stock  companies,  joint  ventures,
associations,  companies, trusts, banks, trust  companies, land trusts, business
trusts, or other organizations, whether  or not legal entities, and  governments
and agencies and political subdivisions thereof.

    "PLAN"  means  Debtors' Fourth  Amended Joint  Plan of  Reorganization filed
March 1993, filed by Company in the Reorganization Cases on March 1993 and as it
was amended thereafter, was  confirmed on May 14,  1993 and became effective  on
June 14, 1993.

    "PREFERRED SHARES" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2.

    "PREFERRED  STOCK" means the  preferred stock of  Company issued pursuant to
the Certificate of Designations.

    "PROPERTY TRANSFER" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(j).

    "PROPOSALS" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(i).

    "PROXY" means a Proxy contemplated by Section 2.3(d), in the form of Exhibit
C hereto.

    "PROXY STATEMENT" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(a).

    "PUT AGREEMENT"  means  the Put  Agreement,  dated the  date  hereof,  among
Parent, Grantor Trust, the Other Investors and Company.

    "REGISTRATION  RIGHTS  AGREEMENT" means  the Registration  Rights Agreement,
dated the date hereof, among Holdings, the Other Investors and Company.

    "REORGANIZATION CASES" means  Company's and Borrowers'  (other than The  Art
Store) jointly administered cases under the Bankruptcy Code.

    "SARS" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(c)

    "SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    "SEC DOCUMENTS" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(e).

    "SECOND  AMENDED AGREEMENT" means  the Second Amended  and Restated Existing
Loan Agreement, dated as of July  12, 1994, among Company, Borrowers,  Insurance
Company Lenders and Servicing Agent.

    "SECOND  AMENDED AND RESTATED TRUST LOAN AGREEMENT" means the Second Amended
and Restated  Trust Loan  Agreement to  be entered  into among  the  Liquidating
Property  Trust, Insurance Company Lenders and Servicing Agent, in substantially
the form of Exhibit H hereto.

                                      A-6
<PAGE>
    "SECURED FIDELITY NOTES" means the Fixed Rate and Floating Rate Senior Notes
issued by the Grantor Trust to Investor1 and Investor2.

    "SECURITIES ACT"  means  the  Securities  Act of  1933  and  the  rules  and
regulations promulgated thereunder, as amended.

    "SERVICING  AGENT" means Transamerica Occidental  Life Insurance Company, as
servicing and collateral agent for Lenders and Insurance Company Lenders.

    "SHARE" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(a).

    "SHARE ISSUANCES" shall mean the issuances of the New Shares, the  Preferred
Shares and the Advisor Shares pursuant to Sections 3.2 and 3.3.

    "SOUTH  WAREHOUSE" means the South Warehouse located in Torrance, California
and owned by the Liquidating Property Trust.

    "SOUTH WAREHOUSE LEASE" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(l).

    "STOCK EQUIVALENTS" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(c).

    "STOCK SPLIT" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(a).

    "STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT" means the Stockholders  Agreement, dated as of  the
date hereof, between Holdings and Company.

    "STOCKHOLDERS MEETING" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(b).

    "SUBSIDIARY"  has the  same meaning as  in Rule 12b-2  promulgated under the
Exchange Act.

    "TAX" or "TAXES"  shall mean  all federal,  state, local  or foreign  taxes,
including  but  not  limited  to,  income,  gross  receipts,  windfall  profits,
alternative minimum, value added,  severance, property, production, sales,  use,
license,  excise, franchise, employment, withholding  or similar taxes, together
with and interest, additions or penalties with respect thereto and any  interest
in respect of such additions or penalties.

    "TAX  RETURN" shall mean all  reports and returns required  to be filed with
respect to Taxes.

    "THE ART STORE NOTE" means the note  dated May 31, 1993, from The Art  Store
to  Standard Brands Paint Co.  in the principal amount  of $5,000,000, such note
having been endorsed to  Lewis C. Leighton  as Trustee of  the Grantor Trust  on
June 14, 1993.

    "THIRD  AMENDED  AGREEMENT" means  the Third  Amended and  Restated Existing
Agreement, among  Company, Borrowers,  Insurance Company  Lenders and  Servicing
Agent, in the form of Exhibit G hereto.

    "TRANSACTIONS" means the Transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the
Ancillary Agreements.

    "WORKING CAPITAL NOTES" means the notes issued pursuant to the Fidelity Note
Purchase Agreement and purchased by Investor1.

    1.2.   INTERPRETATION.   When  a reference  is made  in this  Agreement to a
Section, Exhibit or Schedule,  such reference shall  be to a  Section of, or  an
Exhibit  or Schedule to, this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. The table of
contents and headings  contained in  this Agreement are  for reference  purposes
only  and shall  not affect  in any  way the  meaning or  interpretation of this
Agreement. Whenever the words "include",  "includes" or "including" are used  in
this  Agreement,  they shall  be deemed  to  be followed  by the  words "without
limitation". For purposes of  this Agreement, the knowledge  of any Party  shall
mean the knowledge of such Party and its Subsidiaries after due inquiry.

                                      A-7
<PAGE>
                                   ARTICLE II
                                INTERIM FUNDING

    2.1.   NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT.  Prior to the execution and delivery of this
Agreement,  the  Parties  thereto  executed  and  delivered  the  Note  Purchase
Agreement and the closing occurred thereunder.

    2.2.   GRANTOR  TRUST TRANSACTIONS.   The  Transactions in  this Section 2.2
shall precede the Transactions in Sections 2.3 and 2.4; and the Transactions  in
this  Section  2.2 shall  occur in  the  order stated.  Grantor Trust  shall pay
$1,518,351 of  Existing Insurance  Company Indebtedness  and Company  shall  pay
$237,374  of Existing Insurance Company  Indebtedness. Insurance Company Lenders
shall release the cross-collateralization and the guarantees with respect to the
Existing Insurance Company Indebtedness owed to Insurance Company Lenders by The
Art Store  and  discharge  any  deed  of  trust  or  other  security  instrument
encumbering  real or  personal property  owned by  The Art  Store. Grantor Trust
shall contribute the Art Store  Note to The Art  Store Holding Company. The  Art
Store  Holding Company shall contribute the Art Store Note to The Art Store. The
Art Store  shall  cancel the  Art  Store  Note. Investor1  and  Investor2  shall
exchange  the Secured Fidelity  Notes with the Grantor  Trust for (i) $5,050,200
principal  amount  of  Existing  Grantor  Trust  Indebtedness,  (ii)  $5,260,625
principal amount of New Borrower Notes, (iii) the stock of The Art Store Holding
Company,  a  Delaware  corporation, (iv)  the  stock of  SBP  Properties Holding
Company, a California corporation  and (v) $594,824 in  cash, all in  accordance
with  Exhibit  E  hereto. Investor1  and  Investor2 shall  deliver  the Fidelity
Limited Guaranty to Company for cancellation.

    2.3.  INVESTMENT AGREEMENT AND  ANCILLARY FUNDING AGREEMENTS.   Concurrently
with the execution and delivery of this Agreement,

    (a)  The Parties  thereto shall  execute and  deliver each  of the Ancillary
       Funding Agreements;

    (b) Holdings shall loan $14,000,000  to Interim Borrowers, by wire  transfer
       to  Company for their benefit, for a  like amount of Interim Notes issued
       under the  Interim  Loan Agreement  and  all filings  and  recordings  in
       connection with the Interim Loan Agreement shall be made;

    (c) All outstanding options, SARs and warrants for the Common Stock shall be
       cancelled  as of  or prior  to the Funding  Date and  the Other Investors
       shall cancel and return all options,  SARs and warrants for Common  Stock
       held by them; and

    (d)  The Other Investors shall grant  their irrevocable proxies, each in the
       form of Exhibit  C hereto,  to Holdings  or its  designees. Such  proxies
       shall  be irrevocable  during the  term of  this Agreement  to the extent
       permitted under Delaware law  and coupled with  an interest. Company  and
       Borrowers shall simultaneously pay all accrued and unpaid payments to the
       Other  Investors and  all accrued  and unpaid  rent due  under the Master
       Lease (as  defined  in the  Liquidating  Property Trust  Agreement).  Any
       defects  in  such proxies  shall be  corrected  by the  Other Investor(s)
       concerned promptly after the Funding according to the reasonable  request
       of Holdings.

    2.4.   DIRECTORS AND BY-LAWS.   Concurrently with the execution and delivery
of this  Agreement  and  the  Stockholders  Agreement,  Company  will  take  all
necessary  action to appoint to its Board of Directors the individuals set forth
in Schedule 2.1 to the  Stockholders Agreement and to  adopt the By-Laws as  set
forth in Schedule 2.6 to the Stockholders Agreement.

    2.5.    FUNDING.   The interim  funding which  consists of  the Transactions
referred to in Sections  2.1 through 2.4  (the "Funding") shall  be held at  the
offices of Sullivan & Cromwell, 444 South Flower Street, Los Angeles, California
90071 (provided that certain of the actions contemplated by Section 2.1 may take
place  in New York or Boston)  as of the date of  execution and delivery of this
Agreement (the  "Funding  Date"). At  the  Funding, Company,  Parent,  Holdings,
Grantor  Trust and the Other Investors shall deliver such opinions, certificates
and documents as may be reasonably requested to evidence such Funding.

                                      A-8
<PAGE>
                                  ARTICLE III
                          PURCHASE AND SALE OF SHARES

    3.1.  COMPANY ACTION.  (a)  Prior to Closing, Company will effect a 1 for 10
reverse stock split of its Common  Stock, pursuant to which each 10  outstanding
shares of its Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, will be converted into one
share  (a "Share") of its new Common Stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Stock
Split"). The Company may, at its option,  pay cash for any fractional shares  or
round such fractional shares up to the nearest whole number of Shares.

    (b)   Prior  to  or  concurrently  with  Closing,  Company  will  amend  its
Certificate of Incorporation as set forth in Exhibit A hereto (the "Amendments")
and take  all  necessary  action  to  appoint to  its  Board  of  Directors  the
individuals set forth in Schedule 2.1 to the Stockholders Agreement.

    3.2.   EXCHANGE OF  DEBT AND ISSUANCE OF  SHARES.  Subject  to the terms and
conditions  set  forth  herein,   Holdings,  Investor1,  Investor2,   Investor3,
Investor4,  Investor5 and Investor6 shall exchange $14,000,000 of Interim Notes,
$6,000,000 of  Existing  Grantor  Trust  Indebtedness  and  $10,000,000  of  New
Borrower Notes (collectively, the "Exchange Debt") held by them with the Company
for  17,943,422 newly  issued Shares  (the "New Shares")  of Common  Stock at an
exchange price of $0.89 (based on the principal amount of the Exchange Debt) per
New Share  and  1,570,049  newly  issued  shares  (the  "Preferred  Shares")  of
Preferred  Stock at an exchange price of $8.92 (based on the principal amount of
the Exchange Debt) per  Preferred Share, as set  forth on Schedule 3.2.  Company
shall  simultaneously pay to the holders thereof all interest accrued and unpaid
on the Exchange Debt. Each Party shall take all actions necessary to release any
Liens, security interests or guarantees in connection with the Exchange Debt and
discharge any deed  of trust or  other security instrument  encumbering real  or
personal property securing such Exchange Debt.

    3.3.   ADVISOR FEES.  As partial payment to Libra Investments, Inc., Company
shall issue to Libra Investments, Inc. 448,586 newly issued Shares (the "Advisor
Shares"). Such partial  payment of their  advisory fees shall  be credited at  a
price of $0.89 per Share.

    3.4.   FIDELITY NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT.  It is presently contemplated that,
concurrently or  shortly  after the  Closing,  a  closing shall  occur  under  a
Fidelity Note Purchase Agreement.

    3.5.  PROPERTY TRANSFER.  Concurrently with the Closing, the Parties thereto
shall execute and deliver the Liquidating Property Trust Amendment Documents and
the  Third Amended  Agreement and  the Property  Transfer shall  occur under the
Liquidating Property Trust Amendment Documents.

    3.6.  LEASES AND OTHER ANCILLARY AGREEMENTS.  Concurrently with the Closing,
the Parties thereto  shall execute  and deliver the  Liquidating Property  Trust
Lease  Documents  and  to  the  extent not  already  done,  the  other Ancillary
Agreements.

    3.7.  CLOSING.  The Closing of the Transactions contemplated in Sections 3.2
through 3.6 (the "Closing") shall be held at the offices of Sullivan & Cromwell,
444 South Flower Street, Los Angeles, California 90071 (provided that certain of
the actions  may  take  place  in  New York  or  Boston)  on  the  Business  Day
immediately  following  the Stockholders  Meeting  or such  other  date mutually
agreed upon  by the  Parties.  The date  on which  the  Closing shall  occur  is
hereinafter  referred to as the "Closing Date". At the Closing, Company, Parent,
Holdings, and the Other Investors shall deliver the Closing Documents.

                                   ARTICLE IV
                       CONDITIONS TO FUNDING AND CLOSING

    4.1.  CONDITIONS  OF PARENT  AND HOLDINGS WITH  RESPECT TO  THE FUNDING  AND
CLOSING.   The obligations of Parent and Holdings to consummate the Transactions
contemplated to occur at the Funding

                                      A-9
<PAGE>
and the  Closing  are subject  to  the satisfaction  (or  waiver by  Parent  and
Holdings)  as of the Funding and the  Closing of the following conditions (it is
understood that the  execution and delivery  of this Agreement  and the  Funding
shall occur at the same time):

        (a) The representations and warranties of Company, Grantor Trust and the
    Other  Investors set forth in this Agreement and in the Ancillary Agreements
    qualified as to  materiality shall  be true and  correct, and  those not  so
    qualified shall be true and correct in all material respects, as of the date
    hereof  and as of the time of the  Funding and the Closing as though made as
    of such  time, except  to  the extent  such representations  and  warranties
    expressly  relate to an earlier date (in which case such representations and
    warranties qualified as to materiality shall be true and correct, and  those
    not  so qualified shall be true and correct in all material respects, on and
    as of  such earlier  date). Each  of Company,  Grantor Trust  and the  Other
    Investors shall have performed or complied in all material respects with all
    obligations  and  covenants required  by  this Agreement  and  the Ancillary
    Agreements to be performed  or complied with by  Company, the Grantor  Trust
    and the Other Investors by the time of the Funding and the Closing.

        (b)  No statute,  rule, regulation,  executive order,  decree, temporary
    restraining order,  preliminary  or  permanent  injunction  or  other  order
    enacted,  entered, promulgated,  enforced or  issued by  any Federal, state,
    local  or  foreign  government  or  any  court  of  competent  jurisdiction,
    administrative  agency  or  commission or  other  governmental  authority or
    instrumentality, domestic  or foreign  (a  "Governmental Entity")  or  other
    legal  restraint  or prohibition  preventing  the Transactions  shall  be in
    effect.

        (c) Each of Company,  Grantor Trust and the  Other Investors shall  have
    executed  and delivered to Parent and Holdings as applicable, each Ancillary
    Funding Agreement. Each Ancillary Funding  Agreement shall be in full  force
    and  effect, subject to the conditions contained herein or therein, and none
    of Company,  Grantor Trust  or  the Other  Investors  shall be  in  material
    default  thereunder.  The  conditions  contained  in  the  Ancillary Funding
    Agreements shall have been satisfied or waived.

        (d) The waiting  periods under the  HSR Act shall  have expired or  been
    terminated    and   the   consents,   approvals,   orders,   authorizations,
    registrations, declarations and filings set  forth on Schedule 5.1(d)  shall
    have been obtained or made.

        (e)  The New Shares  shall have been  approved for quotation  on the New
    York Stock Exchange.

        (f) The Board  of Directors of  the Company (i)  shall have received  an
    opinion  of  The  Argosy  Group  L.P.  ("Argosy")  to  the  effect  that the
    Transactions contemplated hereby are fair from a financial point of view  to
    the   stockholders  of  the  Company  and   (ii)  shall  have  approved  the
    Transactions and the Proposals.

        (g) The Proxy Statement shall have been filed, or be in a form ready  to
    file, with the SEC.

        (h)  The form of the Liquidating  Property Trust Amendment Documents and
    the form of the Liquidating Property  Trust Leases shall be satisfactory  in
    form and substance to Parent and Holdings.

        The  conditions  set  forth  in subsections  (i)  through  (l)  shall be
    applicable at Closing (but not at Funding).

        (i) Proposals approving (i) this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements,
    (ii) the Stock Split, (iii) the Amendments, (iv) the Property Transfer,  (v)
    the  Share  Issuances and  (vi) the  appointment of  directors set  forth in
    Schedule 2.1 to  the Stockholders Agreement,  as well as  any other  matters
    that  the Company and the Parent may reasonably consider advisable to effect
    the Transactions (the "Proposals") shall have been approved, in person or by
    proxy, by  the  stockholders of  Company  at the  Stockholders  Meeting,  in
    accordance with applicable law, the rules of The New York Stock Exchange and
    the Certificate and By-Laws of Company.

                                      A-10
<PAGE>
        (j)   Company shall  have transferred to  the Liquidating Property Trust
    the  properties  identified  in  the  Amended  Liquidating  Property   Trust
    Agreement,  together with  related Existing  Insurance Company Indebtedness,
    and the closing shall  have occurred under the  Third Amended Agreement  and
    the   Liquidating   Property  Trust   Amendment  Documents   (the  "Property
    Transfer").

        (k) The  Liquidating Property  Trust shall  have leased  to Company  the
    stores  owned by the Liquidating Property  Trust pursuant to leases that are
    satisfactory in form and substance to Parent and Holdings (the  "Liquidating
    Property Trust Leases").

        (l)  The Liquidating  Property Trust  shall have  leased to  Company the
    South Warehouse on terms that are  satisfactory to Parent and Holdings  (the
    "South Warehouse Lease").

    4.2.   CONDITIONS OF COMPANY  WITH RESPECT TO THE  FUNDING AND CLOSING.  The
obligation of Company to  consummate the Transactions  contemplated to occur  at
the  Funding  and the  Closing are  subject  to the  satisfaction (or  waiver by
Company) as of the Funding  and the Closing of  the following conditions (it  is
understood  that the  execution and delivery  of this Agreement  and the Funding
shall occur at the same time):

        (a) The  representations and  warranties  of Parent,  Holdings,  Grantor
    Trust  and  the Other  Investors  set forth  in  this Agreement  and  in the
    Ancillary Agreements qualified as to materiality shall be true and  correct,
    and  those  not so  qualified  shall be  true  and correct  in  all material
    respects, as of the date hereof and as of the time of the Closing as  though
    made  as  of  such  time,  except to  the  extent  such  representations and
    warranties  expressly  relate  to  an  earlier  date  (in  which  case  such
    representations and warranties qualified as to materiality shall be true and
    correct,  and  those not  so  qualified shall  be  true and  correct  in all
    material respects,  on  and  as  of such  earlier  date).  Each  of  Parent,
    Holdings,  Grantor Trust  and the  Other Investors  shall have  performed or
    complied in  all  material  respects  with  all  obligations  and  covenants
    required  by this Agreement and the  Ancillary Agreements to be performed or
    complied with by Parent, Holdings, Grantor Trust and the Other Investors  by
    the time of the Funding and the Closing.

        (b)  No statute,  rule, regulation,  executive order,  decree, temporary
    restraining order,  preliminary  or  permanent  injunction  or  other  order
    enacted, entered, promulgated, enforced or issued by any Governmental Entity
    or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing the Transactions shall be
    in effect.

        (c)  Each of  Parent, Holdings,  Grantor Trust  and the  Other Investors
    shall  have  executed  and  delivered  to  Company  each  Ancillary  Funding
    Agreement  to which it is a party. Each Ancillary Funding Agreement shall be
    in full force  and effect,  subject to  the conditions  contained herein  or
    therein,  and  none of  the  Parent, Holdings,  Grantor  Trust or  the Other
    Investors shall be in material default thereunder. The conditions  contained
    in the Ancillary Funding Agreements shall have been satisfied or waived.

        (d)  The waiting periods  under the HSR  Act shall have  expired or been
    terminated   and   the   consents,   approvals,   orders,    authorizations,
    registrations,  declarations and filings set forth on Schedule 5.1(d) (other
    than those within the control of Company) shall have been obtained or made.

        (e) The Board of Directors of the Company shall have received an opinion
    of Argosy to the effect that  the Transactions contemplated hereby are  fair
    from a financial point of view to the stockholders of the Company.

        The  conditions  set  forth  in subsections  (f)  through  (i)  shall be
    applicable at Closing (but not at Funding).

        (f) The  Proposals  shall have  been  approved by  the  stockholders  of
    Company  at the Stockholders Meeting, in accordance with applicable law, the
    rules of the  New York  Stock Exchange and  the Certificate  and By-Laws  of
    Company.

                                      A-11
<PAGE>
        (g) The Property Transfer shall have occurred.

        (h)  The Liquidating  Property Trust Leases  shall be in  full force and
    effect.

        (i) The South Warehouse Lease shall be in full force and effect.

    4.3.  CONDITIONS OF  THE OTHER INVESTORS AND  GRANTOR TRUST WITH RESPECT  TO
THE  FUNDING AND CLOSING.   The obligation  of the Other  Investors, and Grantor
Trust  in  the  case  of  the  Funding  only,  to  consummate  the  Transactions
contemplated  to  occur  at the  Funding  and  the Closing  are  subject  to the
satisfaction (or waiver  by the  Other Investors and  Grantor Trust)  as of  the
Funding  and the Closing of the following  conditions (it is understood that the
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Funding shall occur at the same
time):

        (a) The representations and warranties  of Parent, Holdings and  Company
    set  forth in this Agreement and in the Ancillary Agreements qualified as to
    materiality shall be true and correct,  and those not so qualified shall  be
    true  and correct in all material respects, as  of the date hereof and as of
    the time of  the Funding and  the Closing as  though made as  of such  time,
    except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to
    an earlier date (in which case such representations and warranties qualified
    as  to materiality  shall be  true and correct,  and those  not so qualified
    shall be  true and  correct in  all material  respects, on  and as  of  such
    earlier  date). Each of Parent, Holdings and Company shall have performed or
    complied in  all  material  respects  with  all  obligations  and  covenants
    required  by this Agreement and the  Ancillary Agreements to be performed or
    complied with by Parent, Holdings, Investor  and Company by the time of  the
    Funding and the Closing.

        (b)  No statute,  rule, regulation,  executive order,  decree, temporary
    restraining order,  preliminary  or  permanent  injunction  or  other  order
    enacted, entered, promulgated, enforced or issued by any Governmental Entity
    or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing the Transactions shall be
    in effect.

        (c)  Each of  the Parent, Holdings  and Company shall  have executed and
    delivered to  Grantor Trust  and the  Other Investors,  as applicable,  each
    Ancillary  Funding Agreement. Each  Ancillary Funding Agreement  shall be in
    full force  and  effect, subject  to  the conditions  contained  herein  and
    therein,  and  none of  Parent,  Holdings or  Company  shall be  in material
    default thereunder.  The  conditions  contained  in  the  Ancillary  Funding
    Agreements shall have been satisfied or waived.

        (d)  The waiting periods  under the HSR  Act shall have  expired or been
    terminated   and   the   consents,   approvals,   orders,    authorizations,
    registrations,  declarations and filings set  forth on Schedule 5.1(d) shall
    have been obtained or made.

        (e) The New  Shares shall have  been approved for  quotation on the  New
    York Stock Exchange.

        (f)  The Board of  Directors of the  Company (i) shall  have received an
    opinion of Argosy to  the effect that  the Transactions contemplated  hereby
    are  fair from a financial point of  view to the stockholders of the Company
    and (ii) shall have approved the Transactions and the Proposals.

        (g) The Proxy Statement shall have been filed, or be in a form ready  to
    file, with the SEC.

        (h) The form of the Liquidating Property Trust Amendment Documents shall
    be satisfactory in form and substance to Investor1 and Investor2.

        The  conditions  set  forth  in subsections  (i)  through  (l)  shall be
    applicable at Closing (but not at Funding).

        (i) The Proposals shall have been approved in person or by proxy, by the
    stockholders of  Company at  the Stockholders  Meeting, in  accordance  with
    applicable law, the rules of the New York Stock Exchange and the Certificate
    and By-Laws of Company.

                                      A-12
<PAGE>
        (j)  The Property Transfer shall have occurred.

        (k)  The Liquidating  Property Trust Leases  shall be in  full force and
    effect.

        (l) The South Warehouse Lease shall be in full force and effect.

                                   ARTICLE V
                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

    5.1.  REPRESENTATIONS  AND WARRANTIES  OF COMPANY.   Company represents  and
warrants to Parent, Holdings, Grantor Trust and the Other Investors as follows:

    (a)   ORGANIZATION, STANDING AND  CORPORATE POWER.  Company  and each of its
Subsidiaries is  a corporation  duly  organized, validly  existing and  in  good
standing  under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is incorporated and has
the requisite corporate  power and  authority to carry  on its  business as  now
being  conducted.  Company and  each of  its Subsidiaries  is duly  qualified or
licensed to do business and  is in good standing  in each jurisdiction in  which
the  nature of its business or the  ownership or leasing of its properties makes
such qualification  or licensing  necessary, other  than in  such  jurisdictions
where  the  failure to  be  so qualified  or  licensed (individually  or  in the
aggregate) would not  have a  material adverse  effect on  Company. Company  has
delivered   to  Parent  complete  and  correct  copies  of  its  Certificate  of
Incorporation and By-Laws and the  certificates of incorporation and by-laws  or
other constitutive documents of its Subsidiaries, in each case as amended to the
date  of  this  Agreement. Grantor  Trust  is  a trust  duly  organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of California and  has
the requisite power and authority to enter into this Agreement and the Ancillary
Agreements and to consummate the Transactions. The Liquidating Property Trust is
a  trust duly  organized and  validly existing  under the  laws of  the State of
California and  has  all  requisite  power  and  authority  to  enter  into  the
Liquidating   Property  Trust  Documents  and  to  carry  out  the  Transactions
contemplated thereby.

    (b)  SUBSIDIARIES.   Schedule 5.1(b) lists each  Subsidiary of Company.  All
the outstanding shares of capital stock of each Subsidiary that is a corporation
have  been validly issued  and are fully  paid and nonassessable.  Except as set
forth in  Schedule 5.1(b),  the entire  equity interest  in each  Subsidiary  of
Company  is owned by Company, by another Subsidiary of Company or by Company and
another such Subsidiary, free and clear of all Liens. Except as permitted  under
Section  6.3  of  the  New  Loan  Agreement,  neither  Company  nor  any  of its
Subsidiaries owns or holds, directly or indirectly, any capital stock or  equity
security  of, or any equity interest in,  any corporation or business other than
Subsidiaries of Company.

    (c)   CAPITAL  STRUCTURE; NEW  SHARES;  PREFERRED SHARES.    The  authorized
capital  stock of  Company consists  of 30,000,000  shares of  Common Stock, par
value $0.01 per share, and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value  $0.01
per  share. At  the date hereof,  (i) 22,429,275  shares of Common  Stock and no
shares of preferred stock  of Company were issued  and outstanding, (ii)  28,231
shares  of Common Stock were held by Company in its treasury, (iii) there are no
outstanding employee stock options to purchase shares of Common Stock ("Employee
Stock Options") and  no shares reserved  for issuance pursuant  to any  Employee
Stock  Option  (although  1,500,000 shares  of  Common Stock  are  authorized in
connection with the  relevant plans), and  (iv) 750,000 shares  of Common  Stock
were  reserved for  issuance upon the  exercise of outstanding  warrants, all of
which warrants are held by  one or more Parties. Except  as set forth above,  at
the  date  hereof, no  shares of  capital  stock or  other voting  securities of
Company were issued,  reserved for  issuance or  outstanding and  except as  set
forth  on Schedule 5.1(c), there are not  any phantom stock or other contractual
rights the value of which is determined in whole or in part by the value of  any
capital  stock of Company ("Stock Equivalents").  There are no outstanding stock
appreciation rights  ("SARs")  with respect  to  Common Stock.  Except  for  the
approval of the Proposals as contemplated by Section 4.1(i), no further approval
of  the stockholders or the  directors of Company or  of any Governmental Entity
will be required by Company for the issuance and sale of the New Shares and  the
Preferred Shares as contemplated by this

                                      A-13
<PAGE>
Agreement.  When  issued  and  sold  to  Holdings  or  the  Other  Investors, as
applicable, the New  Shares and the  Preferred Shares will  be duly  authorized,
validly  issued, fully paid and nonassessable and  will be free and clear of all
claims, liens,  encumbrances,  security  interests and  charges  of  any  nature
(arising  from actions  of the  Company) and are  not subject  to any preemptive
right of any stockholder of Company. Other than this Agreement and the Ancillary
Agreements, the  New Shares  and the  Preferred Shares  are not  subject to  any
voting  trust agreement or other contract, agreement, arrangement, commitment or
understanding to which  the Company is  a party, including  any such  agreement,
arrangement,  commitment or  understanding restricting or  otherwise relating to
the voting  or  disposition of  the  New Shares  or  the Preferred  Shares.  All
outstanding  shares of capital stock of Company  are, and all shares that may be
issued pursuant  to the  Employee Stock  Options and  the other  agreements  and
instruments  listed above will be, when issued, duly authorized, validly issued,
fully paid and nonassessable and not subject to preemptive rights. There are not
any outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness of Company having
the right to vote (or convertible  into, or exchangeable for, securities  having
the  right to vote)  on any matters  on which stockholders  of Company may vote.
Except as set forth above, as of the  date of this Agreement, there are not  any
securities,  options,  warrants,  calls,  rights,  convertible  or  exchangeable
securities or commitments, agreements, arrangements or undertakings of any  kind
to  which Company or any of its Subsidiaries is  a party or by which any of them
is bound obligating Company or any of its Subsidiaries to issue, deliver or sell
or create,  or cause  to be  issued, delivered  or sold  or created,  additional
shares  of  capital stock  or other  voting securities  or Stock  Equivalents of
Company or  of any  of its  Subsidiaries or  obligating Company  or any  of  its
Subsidiaries  to issue, grant,  extend or enter into  any such security, option,
warrant, call, right, commitment, agreement,  arrangement or undertaking. As  of
the   date  of  this  Agreement,  there  are  not  any  outstanding  contractual
obligations of  Company or  any of  its Subsidiaries  to repurchase,  redeem  or
otherwise  acquire  any  shares  of  capital stock  of  Company  or  any  of its
Subsidiaries. Except in agreements to which  any Party is also a party,  neither
the  Company  nor any  of its  Subsidiaries  has entered  into any  agreement to
register its equity or debt securities  under the Securities Act. Grantor  Trust
is  the  record  and beneficial  owner  of  $6,250,000 principal  amount  of New
Borrower  Notes,  $6,000,000   principal  amount  of   Existing  Grantor   Trust
Indebtedness  and all of  the capital stock  of SBP Holding  Company and The Art
Store Holding Company, to the best of Company's knowledge, is free and clear  of
all Liens.

    (d)   AUTHORITY; NONCONTRAVENTION.   (i) Company,  each Interim Borrower and
Grantor Trust has  the requisite  corporate (or  other) power  and authority  to
enter  into  this Agreement  and the  Ancillary Agreements  and, subject  to the
Proposals  having  been  approved  by   the  stockholders  of  Company  at   the
Stockholders Meeting, to consummate the Transactions. The execution and delivery
by  the Company and each  Interim Borrower of this  Agreement and each Ancillary
Agreement by Company, each Interim Borrower and  Grantor Trust to which it is  a
party  and the consummation by Company,  each Interim Borrower and Grantor Trust
of the Transactions  have been duly  authorized by all  necessary corporate  (or
other)  action on the part of Company,  each Interim Borrower and Grantor Trust,
subject, in the case  of this Agreement,  to adoption of  this Agreement by  the
holders  of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. This Agreement
and the Ancillary Agreements to which it is a party have been duly executed  and
delivered  by Company,  each Interim Borrower  and Grantor  Trust and constitute
valid and  legally binding  agreements  of Company,  each Interim  Borrower  and
Grantor  Trust enforceable  against Company,  each Interim  Borrower and Grantor
Trust  in  accordance  with  their  respective  terms,  subject  to  bankruptcy,
insolvency,  fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of
general applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to  general
equity principles.

    (ii) The execution and delivery by Company and each Interim Borrower of this
Agreement  and the  Ancillary Agreements  did not,  and the  consummation of the
Transactions and  compliance  with the  provisions  of this  Agreement  and  the
Ancillary  Agreements without obtaining the consent of any third party will not,
conflict with, or result in any violation of, or default (with or without notice
or lapse  of time,  or both)  under, or  give rise  to a  right of  termination,
cancellation  or acceleration of any obligation or  to loss by Company or any of
its   Subsidiaries   of   a   material   benefit   under,   or   the    creation

                                      A-14
<PAGE>
of  any material additional benefit  to any third party  under, or result in the
creation of any Lien upon any of the  properties or assets of Company or any  of
its  Subsidiaries  under, (i)  the Certificate  of  Incorporation or  By-Laws of
Company or the  comparable charter  or organizational  documents of  any of  its
Subsidiaries,   (ii)  any  loan  or  credit  agreement,  note,  bond,  mortgage,
indenture, lease or other  agreement, instrument, permit, concession,  franchise
or  license applicable to Company or any of its Subsidiaries or their respective
properties or assets  or (iii)  subject to  the governmental  filings and  other
matters  referred to  in the  following sentence,  any judgment,  order, decree,
statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to Company or any of  its
Subsidiaries  or their respective properties or  assets, other than, in the case
of clauses (ii) and (iii), any  such conflicts, violations, defaults, rights  or
Liens  that individually or in the aggregate could not reasonably be expected to
(x) have a material adverse effect on Company, (y) impair the ability of Company
and each Interim Borrower to perform its obligations under this Agreement or any
Ancillary Agreement to which it  is a party or  (z) prevent the consummation  of
any  of the  Transactions. No consent,  approval, order or  authorization of, or
registration, declaration or filing with,  any Governmental Entity or any  party
to  a Material Contract is required by or  with respect to Company or any of its
Subsidiaries in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and
the Ancillary Agreements  or the  consummation by Company  of the  Transactions,
except for (i) the filing of a premerger notification and report form by Company
under  the  HSR  Act and  any  filings  required pursuant  to  the  statutes and
regulations listed on Schedule  5.1(d), (ii) the  filing with the  SEC of (x)  a
proxy  statement relating to the approval by Company's stockholders of the Share
Issuances and the other Proposals (as amended or supplemented from time to time,
the "Proxy Statement") and (y) such reports  under Sections 12 and 13(a) of  the
Exchange Act as may be required in connection with this Agreement, the Ancillary
Agreements  and  the  Transactions  and (iii)  such  other  consents, approvals,
orders, authorizations, registrations, declarations and filings as are set forth
on Schedule 5.1(d), which have been obtained prior to the date hereof.

    (e)  SEC DOCUMENTS; UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES.  Company has filed all required
reports, schedules, forms,  statements and  other documents with  the SEC  since
January  31, 1993 (the "SEC  Documents"). As of their  respective dates, the SEC
Documents complied  in  all  material  respects with  the  requirements  of  the
Securities  Act or the  Exchange Act, as  the case may  be, and none  of the SEC
Documents contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted 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.  Except to  the extent  that information  contained in  any SEC
Document has been revised or superseded by  a later Filed SEC Document, none  of
the  SEC Documents contains any untrue statement  of a material fact or omits 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 were
made,  not misleading. The  financial statements of Company  included in the SEC
Documents comply as to form in all material respects with applicable  accounting
requirements  and the  published rules and  regulations of the  SEC with respect
thereto, have been  prepared in  accordance with  generally accepted  accounting
principles  (except, in the  case of unaudited statements,  as permitted by Form
10-Q of  the SEC)  applied on  a consistent  basis during  the periods  involved
(except  as  may be  indicated  in the  notes  thereto) and  fairly  present the
consolidated financial position of Company and its Subsidiaries as of the  dates
thereof and their consolidated statements of operations, stockholders equity and
cash  flows  for the  periods  then ended  (subject,  in the  case  of unaudited
statements, to normal year-end  audit adjustments). Except as  set forth in  the
Filed  SEC  Documents,  neither Company  nor  any  of its  Subsidiaries  has any
liabilities or obligations of any nature (whether accrued, absolute,  contingent
or  otherwise) required  by generally accepted  accounting principles  to be set
forth on a consolidated balance sheet of Company and its Subsidiaries or in  the
notes  thereto, other than liabilities and  obligations incurred in the ordinary
course of business consistent with  prior practice and experience since  October
31,  1994. Schedule 5.1(e) sets forth a balance sheet of The Art Store as of the
balance sheet date indicated on such  Schedule. Such balance sheet has not  been
prepared  in  accordance with  generally  accepted accounting  principles, among
other

                                      A-15
<PAGE>
things  the  footnotes  are  omitted,  but  was  rather  prepared  for  internal
management   purposes.  Nevertheless,   such  balance   sheet  makes  reasonable
disclosure of the financial condition of the subject company as of such  balance
sheet  date. Since such  balance sheet date,  to the best  knowledge of Company,
there has been no material adverse change in The Art Store.

    (f)  PROXY STATEMENT.  The Proxy Statement will not, at the date it is first
mailed to Company's  stockholders or  at the time  of the  meeting of  Company's
stockholders  held  to vote  on approval  of the  Proposals, 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 Proxy Statement
will  comply as to  form in all  material respects with  the requirements of the
Exchange Act. No representation  is made by Company  with respect to  statements
made  or incorporated by  reference in the Proxy  Statement based on information
supplied  by  Parent,  Holdings  or   the  Other  Investors  for  inclusion   or
incorporation by reference in the Proxy Statement.

    (g)   ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES OR EVENTS.   Except as disclosed in the SEC
Documents filed and publicly available prior to the date of this Agreement  (the
"Filed  SEC Documents") or in Schedule 1.1,  since January 31, 1994, Company has
conducted its business only in the ordinary  course, and there has not been  (i)
any  material adverse change in Company,  (ii) any declaration, setting aside or
payment of  any  dividend or  other  distribution  (whether in  cash,  stock  or
property)  with  respect to  any of  Company's capital  stock, (iii)  any split,
combination or reclassification of any of  its capital stock or any issuance  or
the authorization of any issuance of any other securities in respect of, in lieu
of  or in substitution for  shares of its capital  stock (other than pursuant to
the Stock Split), (iv) except as set  forth on Schedule 5.1(g) (x) any  granting
by Company or any of its Subsidiaries to any executive officer of Company or any
of  its Subsidiaries  of any  increase in  compensation, except  in the ordinary
course of  business consistent  with prior  practice or  as was  required  under
employment agreements in effect on January 31, 1994, (y) any granting by Company
or  any of  its Subsidiaries to  any such  executive officer of  any increase in
severance or  termination pay,  except  as was  required under  any  employment,
severance  or termination agreements in  effect on January 31,  1994, or (z) any
entry by Company or  any of its Subsidiaries  into any employment, severance  or
termination   agreement  with  any  such  executive  officer,  (v)  any  damage,
destruction or loss, whether or not covered by insurance, that has had or  could
reasonably  be expected to have a material adverse effect on Company or (vi) any
change in  accounting methods,  principles or  practices by  Company  materially
affecting  its assets, liabilities or business,  except insofar as may have been
required by a change in generally accepted accounting principles.

    (h)  TITLE TO PROPERTIES AND ASSETS; LIENS.

    (i) Except as contemplated by  this Agreement and the Ancillary  Agreements,
Company  and its Subsidiaries have  good, sufficient and legal  title to all the
properties and assets reflected in the consolidated balance sheet as of  October
31, 1994 included in Form 10-Q of Company except for assets acquired or disposed
of  in  the ordinary  course of  business  since the  date of  such consolidated
balance sheet.  All such  properties are  free  and clear  of Liens,  except  as
permitted under Section 6.2 of the New Loan Agreement.

    (ii)  Schedule 5.1(h) hereto correctly  sets forth the following information
with respect to each  Mortgaged Property: (a) store  number (if applicable)  and
(b)  street address. Each Subsidiary  has good and marketable  fee title to each
Mortgaged Property  identified  in  Schedule  5.1(h)  as  being  owned  by  such
Subsidiary  and each Mortgaged  Property is free  and clear of  Liens, except as
permitted under Section 6.2 of the New Loan Agreement.

   (iii) Company has previously furnished  to Parent true, correct and  complete
copies  of  all ground  leases,  space leases,  subleases,  easement agreements,
reciprocal  easement  agreements,  two-party  supplemental  agreements,   option
agreements, license agreements, and other agreements, instruments, and documents
(whether  or not  recorded) that encumber,  or otherwise affect  in any material
respect, its  fee  interest in  or  to any  Mortgaged  Property or  any  portion
thereof.

                                      A-16
<PAGE>
   (iv)  No condemnation proceeding involving  any Mortgaged Property or portion
of any thereof or  parking facility used in  connection therewith has  commenced
or,  to  the knowledge  of any  Subsidiary  or Company,  is contemplated  by any
governmental authority.

    (v) The  operation  of the  Company,  its Subsidiaries,  the  Grantor  Trust
Subsidiaries and each Mortgaged Property does not involve a violation of (i) any
statutes, laws, regulations, rules, ordinances, or orders of any kind whatsoever
(including,  without limitation, zoning and building laws, ordinances, codes, or
approvals and environmental protection orders,  laws or regulations) other  than
violations  that  would  not result  in  any  material change  in  the business,
operations, properties,  assets or  condition (financial  or otherwise)  of  any
Subsidiary,  Grantor  Trust  Subsidiary  or  Company  and  would  not materially
adversely affect such Mortgaged Property or the ability of Company or any of its
Subsidiaries or the  Grantor Trust  to perform their  respective Obligations  or
consummate  the Transactions, (ii) any building permits, restrictions of record,
or any agreement affecting any such Mortgaged Property or portion thereof  other
than  violations that would not  result in any material  change in the business,
operations, properties,  assets or  condition (financial  or otherwise)  of  any
Subsidiary,  Grantor  Trust  Subsidiary  or  Company  and  would  not materially
adversely affect such Mortgaged Property or the ability of Company or any of its
Subsidiaries or the  Grantor Trust  to perform their  respective Obligations  or
consummate the Transactions.

   (vi)  Each Mortgaged Property has  adequate water, gas, telephone, electrical
supply, storm and sanitary  sewage facilities, and means  of access to and  from
public  highways,  and has  fire  and police  protection  to the  fullest extent
available in the jurisdiction in which such Mortgaged Property is located.

   (vii) Except as disclosed  in writing to Parent  on Schedule 5.1(h), (x)  the
operations  of  Company  and each  of  its  Subsidiaries and  the  Grantor Trust
Subsidiaries comply  with  all  applicable  environmental,  health,  and  safety
statutes  and  regulations except  to the  extent  that noncompliance  would not
result in any material change  in the business, operations, properties,  assets,
or   condition  (financial  or  otherwise)  of  any  Subsidiary,  Grantor  Trust
Subsidiary or  Company,  and that  would  not materially  adversely  affect  any
Mortgaged  Property or  the ability  of Company  or any  of its  Subsidiaries to
perform their respective Obligations or consummate the Transactions; (y) none of
the Mortgaged  Properties  or  the operations  to  the  Company or  any  of  its
Subsidiaries  or the  Grantor Trust Subsidiaries  is the subject  of any private
claims or any  federal or  state investigation evaluating  whether any  remedial
action  is needed in response to a release  of any hazardous waste (as such term
is  defined  in  any  applicable  state  or  federal  or  environmental  law  or
regulations)  or other  hazardous material  into the  environment except  to the
extent that such  claims or  remedial action would  not result  in any  material
change  in the business, operations, properties, assets, or condition (financial
or otherwise) of  any Subsidiary, Grantor  Trust Subsidiary or  the Company  and
that would not materially adversely affect any Mortgaged Property or the ability
of Company or any of its Subsidiaries to perform their respective Obligations or
consummate the Transactions; and (z) neither Company nor any of its Subsidiaries
nor  any  Grantor  Trust Subsidiary  has  any material  contingent  liability in
connection with any release  of any hazardous waste  or hazardous material  into
the  environment including, without limitation, any contingent liability arising
in  connection  with  a  failure,  or  alleged  failure,  to  comply  with   the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as
amended  (42  U.S.C.  SectionSection 9601,  ET  SEQ.), or  the  Federal Resource
Conservation and  Recovery Act,  as amended  (42 U.S.C.  SectionSection 6901  ET
SEQ.),  except  for  such contingent  liabilities  that  would not  result  in a
material change in  the business, operations,  properties, assets, or  condition
(financial  or otherwise) of any Subsidiary, Grantor Trust Subsidiary or Company
and that would  not materially adversely  affect any Mortgaged  Property or  the
ability  of  Company or  any  of its  Subsidiaries  to perform  their respective
Obligations or consummate the Transactions.

    (i)  LITIGATION;  ADVERSE FACTS.   There is no  action, suit, proceeding  or
arbitration  (whether or  not purportedly  on behalf  of Company  or any  of its
Subsidiaries or the Liquidating Property Trust or the Grantor Trust Subsidiaries
at law or  in equity  or before  or by any  federal, state,  municipal or  other
government  department, commission,  board, bureau,  agency, or instrumentality,
domestic or foreign)

                                      A-17
<PAGE>
pending (except as  otherwise disclosed on  Schedule 5.1(i) hereto)  or, to  the
knowledge  of Company or any Subsidiary, threatened against or affecting Company
or any of  its Subsidiaries  or the Liquidating  Property Trust  or the  Grantor
Trust  Subsidiaries or any of Company's  or such Subsidiary's or the Liquidating
Property Trust's or the Grantor Trust Subsidiaries' properties not provided  for
in  the  Plan  that would  (i)  result in  any  material adverse  change  in the
business, operations, properties, assets, or condition (financial or  otherwise)
of  Company and its Subsidiaries,  taken as a whole,  or the Grantor Trust, (ii)
materially adversely affect any Mortgaged Property, (iii) impair the ability  of
Company  or Grantor Trust to perform its obligations under this Agreement or any
Ancillary Agreement or (iv) prevent the consummation of any of the Transactions,
and there is no basis known to Company for any such action, suit or  proceeding.
Neither  Company nor any of its  Subsidiaries nor the Liquidating Property Trust
nor the Grantor  Trust Subsidiaries is  (i) in violation  of any applicable  law
that  materially  adversely  affects  or  may  materially  adversely  affect any
Mortgaged Property, the  business, operations, properties,  assets or  condition
(financial  or otherwise) of Company and its  Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or
the Grantor Trust, or the  ability of Company, the Grantor  Trust or any of  its
Subsidiaries   to  perform  their  respective   Obligations  or  consummate  the
Transactions, or  (ii)  subject to  or  in default  with  respect to  any  final
judgment,  writ,  injunction, decree,  rule or  regulation of  any court  or any
federal, state, municipal, or other governmental department, commission,  board,
bureau,  agency,  or instrumentality,  domestic or  foreign,  that would  have a
material adverse  affect  any  Mortgaged  Property,  the  business,  operations,
properties,  assets or  condition (financial  or otherwise)  of Company  and its
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or the Grantor Trust, or the ability of  Company
or  any of  its Subsidiaries  or the Grantor  Trust to  perform their respective
Obligations  or  consummate  the  Transactions.   There  is  no  action,   suit,
proceeding,  or  investigation  pending or,  to  the knowledge  of  Company, the
Grantor Trust or any Subsidiary, threatened against or affecting Company or  any
of  its  Subsidiaries or  the Liquidating  Property Trust  or the  Grantor Trust
Subsidiaries that questions the validity or enforceability of this Agreement  or
any of the Ancillary Agreements or challenges the Transactions.

    (j)  ABSENCE OF CHANGES IN BENEFIT PLANS.

    (i)  Company  and each  of  its ERISA  Affiliates  is in  compliance  in all
material respects with any  applicable provisions of  ERISA and the  regulations
and  published interpretations thereunder with respect  to all Pension Plans and
Multiemployer Plans, except  to the  extent that all  such noncompliances  would
result  in the loss of the deductibility of contributions to any Pension Plan or
Multiemployer Plan, or would result in  the incurrence by Company and its  ERISA
Affiliates  of any civil penalty assessed pursuant to Section 502(i) of ERISA or
a tax imposed by Section  4975 of Internal Revenue  Code in an aggregate  amount
not in excess of $100,000.

    (ii)  Except for the  termination of Company's LESOP  and PAYSOP, as defined
and described in  the Plan and  the contemplated "freezing"  of Company's  three
Pension  Plans by ceasing the  accrual of benefits under  such Pension Plans, no
event or condition  which presents a  material risk of  plan termination or  any
other event that may cause the Company or any ERISA Affiliate to incur liability
or  have a lien imposed on its assets under title IV of ERISA has occurred or is
reasonably expected to occur with respect to  any Pension Plan; and none of  the
events  described above might result in the imposition of any lien or incurrence
by Company or any  of its ERISA  Affiliates of any  liability under any  Pension
Plan  or to the Pension Benefit  Guaranty Corporation (or any successor thereto)
or any other party under Sections 4062, 4063, and 4064 of ERISA or any other law
in excess of $100,000.

   (iii) Vested liabilities  (as defined in  Section 3(25) of  ERISA) under  all
Pension  Plans (with assets less than vested liabilities only) do not exceed the
assets thereunder by more than $100,000.

   (iv) Neither  Company  nor  any  of its  ERISA  Affiliates  has  incurred  or
reasonably  expects  to  incur  any  withdrawal  liability  under  ERISA  to any
Multiemployer Plan in excess of $100,000.

    (k)  PAYMENT OF TAXES.   Except as set forth  in Schedule 5.1(k), as of  the
date  of this agreement  and on the Closing  Date, (i) all  Tax Returns that are
required to  be  filed by  or  with  respect to  the  Company and  each  of  its
Subsidiaries  have  been duly  filed, (ii)  all  Taxes due  with respect  to the
periods

                                      A-18
<PAGE>
covered by the  Tax Returns referred  to in  clause (i) have  been timely  paid,
(iii)  no adjustments or deficiencies relating to the Tax Returns referred to in
clause (i) have  been proposed,  asserted or  assessed by  the Internal  Revenue
Service  or the  appropriate state, local  or foreign taxing  authority, (iv) no
extension of time with respect to any date on which a Tax Return was or is to be
filed by the Company or any Subsidiary is in force, and there are no pending  or
threatened  actions or  proceedings for  the assessment  or collection  of Taxes
against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (v) each adjustment, deficiency,
action or proceeding set forth in Schedule 5.1(k) is being contested or  handled
in good faith, (vi) there are no outstanding waivers or agreements extending the
applicable  statute of limitations for  any period with respect  to any Taxes of
the  Company  or  any  of  its   Subsidiaries,  (vii)  the  Company's  and   the
Subsidiaries'  income Tax  Returns have  been examined  by the  Internal Revenue
Service or the  appropriate state,  local or  foreign tax  authority, (viii)  no
closing  agreement pursuant  to Section  7121 of  the Internal  Revenue Code, or
similar provision of any state, local, or foreign law, has been entered into  by
or with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ix) there are no tax
sharing  agreements or similar contracts or arrangements to which the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries is a party,  (x) the Company or any of its  Subsidiaries
has not been a member of an affiliated group (within the meaning of Section 1504
of  the Internal Revenue Code) filing  a consolidated federal income Tax Return,
other than a group the common parent of which is the Company, (xi) no powers  of
attorney with respect to Taxes granted by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
are  in  effect,  (xii)  no claim  has  ever  been  made by  an  authority  in a
jurisdiction where the Company or any Subsidiary does not file Tax Returns  that
the  Company  or  such Subsidiary  is  or may  be  subject to  taxation  by that
jurisdiction, (xiii) no  audit of any  Tax Return  filed by the  Company or  any
Subsidiary  is in progress, and neither the  Company nor any Subsidiary has been
notified by any tax  authority that any such  audit is contemplated or  pending,
and (xiv) there are no security interests on any of the assets of the Company or
any Subsidiary that arose in connection with any failure (or alleged failure) to
pay any Taxes.

    (l)    OFFICERS.   Except  as set  forth on  Schedule  5.1(g), there  are no
severance  or  other  payment   obligations  triggered  as   a  result  of   the
Transactions. No action, suit, proceeding or arbitration relating to any officer
of the Company is pending or threatened against the Company.

    (m)    NO EXCESS  PARACHUTE  PAYMENTS.   No  amount that  could  be received
(whether in cash or property or the vesting  of property) as a result of any  of
the  Transactions by any employee, officer or  director of Company or any of its
affiliates who  is a  "disqualified  individual" (as  such  term is  defined  in
proposed  Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1)  under any employment, severance
or  termination  agreement,  other  compensation  arrangement  or  Benefit  Plan
currently  in effect would be characterized as an "excess parachute payment" (as
such term is defined  in Section 280G(b)(1) of  the Internal Revenue Code).  Set
forth  in Schedule 5.1(m) is  (i) the maximum amount that  could be paid to each
such  disqualified  individual  as  a  result  of  the  Transactions  under  all
employment,   severance   and   termination   agreements,   other   compensation
arrangements and Benefit Plans  currently in effect and  (ii) the "base  amount"
(as such term is defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code) for
each such disqualified individual calculated as of the date of this Agreement.

    (n)    VOTING REQUIREMENTS.    The affirmative  vote  of a  majority  of the
Company's issued and outstanding stock with respect to the Proposals is the only
vote of the holders of any class or series of Company's capital stock  necessary
to  approve this Agreement, the Ancillary  Agreements and the Transactions. This
Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements  and the Transactions have been  approved
by a vote of the directors as required by Company's Certificate of Incorporation
and By-Laws.

    (o)   STATE  TAKEOVER STATUTES.   The Board  of Directors  has approved this
Agreement and  the Ancillary  Agreements,  and such  approval is  sufficient  to
render  inapplicable  to  this  Agreement,  the  Ancillary  Agreements  and  the
Transactions the provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL. To the best of Company's
knowledge, no  other state  takeover statute  or similar  statute or  regulation
applies  or purports to apply to this  Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or any
of the Transactions.

                                      A-19
<PAGE>
    (p)  BROKERS.   No  broker, investment  banker, financial  advisor or  other
person,  other than Libra  Investments, Inc., Pinnacle  Partners and Argosy, the
fees and expenses of which will be paid by Company, is entitled to any broker's,
finder's, financial advisor's or other  similar fee or commission in  connection
with the Transactions based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of Company. A
complete   and  correct  copy   of  Company's  engagement   letters  with  Libra
Investments, Inc., Pinnacle  Partners and  Argosy has been  delivered to  Parent
prior  to  the execution  of  this Agreement.  Company  has not,  and  will not,
increase any such fees and expenses prior to Closing.

    (q)  MATERIAL  CONTRACTS.   All contracts,  leases and  other agreements  to
which Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party and that are material to the
business,  properties, assets,  condition (financial  or otherwise),  results of
operations or prospects of Company and  its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole  (the
"Material  Contracts") have been filed  as exhibits to the  SEC Documents or are
listed on Schedule 5.1(q). Except as disclosed in Schedule 5.1(q), each Material
Contract is  in  full  force  and effect;  Company  and  its  Subsidiaries  have
performed  in all material respects all the obligations required to be performed
thereby  under  each  Material  Contract;   neither  Company  nor  any  of   its
Subsidiaries  has received any  written assertion of  default under any Material
Contract; neither Company nor any of its Subsidiaries expects any termination or
material change  to, or  receipt  of a  proposal with  respect  to, any  of  the
Material  Contracts as a result of the Transactions; and neither Company nor any
of its Subsidiaries has knowledge of any material breach or anticipated material
breach by any  other party to  any Material  Contract. Company has  filed as  an
exhibit  to an  SEC Document  or has  furnished Parent  with true,  complete and
unredacted copies  of  each Material  Contract,  together with  all  amendments,
waivers or other changes thereto. Company does not have any Material Contract or
any other contract or agreement with the United States Department of Energy, the
United  States Department of  Defense or any  of the armed  forces of the United
States.

    (r)  GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION.  Neither  Company nor any of its  Subsidiaries
is  subject to regulation under the Public  Utility Holding Company Act of 1935,
the Federal Power Act,  the Interstate Commerce Act,  or the Investment  Company
Act  of 1940  or to  any federal  or state  statute or  regulation, limiting its
ability to  (i)  issue  the New  Shares  or  the Preferred  Shares,  (ii)  incur
Indebtedness  for money borrowed, (iii) to create Liens on any of its properties
to secure such Indebtedness  or (iv) otherwise  to consummate the  Transactions.
SBP  Transportation  Co.,  Inc., a  California  corporation, is  subject  to the
Interstate Commerce  Act, but  such act  does not  limit the  actions  described
above.

    (s)  DISCLOSURE.  No representation or warranty of Company or any Subsidiary
contained  in this Agreement or any  Ancillary Agreement, or any other document,
certificate, or written  statement furnished  to Parent, Holdings  or the  Other
Investors by or on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary for use in connection
with  the Transactions contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits
to state a material fact (known to Company or any Subsidiary in the case of  any
document  not  furnished  by it)  necessary  in  order the  make  the statements
contained herein or therein not misleading. The term "material" in the preceding
sentence shall be interpreted in accordance  with Section 10(b) of the  Exchange
Act.  There is no fact known to Company or any Subsidiary (other than matters of
general  economic  nature)  that  materially  adversely  affects  any  Mortgaged
Property, the business, operations, property, assets, or condition (financial or
otherwise)  of Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or the ability of
Company or any Subsidiary to perform their respective obligations that have  not
been  disclosed herein or  in such other  documents, certificates and statements
furnished to Parent, Holdings, Grantor Trust and the Other Investors for use  in
connection with the Transactions.

    (t)   AFFILIATES.   Company  hereby certifies  to Fidelity  Management Trust
Company ("Fidelity")  both in  its individual  capacity and  its capacity  as  a
fiduciary  (as defined  in Section  3(21)(A) of  the Employee  Retirement Income
Security Act  of 1974,  as amended)  of the  Kodak Retirement  Income Plan  (the
"Plan"),  that, to the  best of its  knowledge, Company is  not an affiliate (as
defined in  Section  V(C)  of  the U.S  Department  of  Labor  Prohibited  Class
Exemption  84-14, 49 Fed. Reg. 9494 (March 13, 1984) ("PTCE 84-14")), and during
the one-year period ending on the Closing Date was

                                      A-20
<PAGE>
not such  an affiliate,  of any  person identified  on Schedule  5.1(t)  hereto.
Company  hereby acknowledges and agrees that the foregoing certification will be
relied upon  by Fidelity  in causing  the Plan  to enter  into the  Transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.

    (u)  LICENSES.  The Company and its Subsidiaries hold all material licenses,
franchises,  permits, consents, registrations,  certificates and other approvals
(including, without limitation, those relating to environmental matters,  public
and  worker health and  safety, buildings, highways  or zoning) (individually, a
"License" and collectively, "Licenses") required for the conduct of its business
as now being conducted,  and is operating  in substantial compliance  therewith,
except  where the failure to  hold any such License  or to operate in compliance
therewith would  not have  a material  adverse  effect on  the Company  and  its
Subsidiaries.

    (v)    PRIVATE  OFFERINGS.    No form  of  general  solicitation  or general
advertising was used by  the Company or  any of its Subsidiaries  or any of  the
Company's  or such  Subsidiary's representatives,  or, to  the knowledge  of the
Company, any  other  Person acting  on  behalf of  the  Company or  any  of  its
Subsidiaries,  in connection with the offering of the securities being purchased
under this Agreement or  under any other document.  Neither the Company, any  of
its  Subsidiaries nor  any person acting  on the Company's  or such Subsidiary's
behalf has  directly or  indirectly offered  the Interim  Notes, New  Shares  or
Preferred  Shares, or any  part thereof or  any other similar  securities or the
securities being purchased  under any other  document, for sale  to, or sold  or
solicited  any offer  to buy any  of the  same from, or  otherwise approached or
negotiated in respect thereof with any Person or Persons other than the Parties.
Assuming the accuracy  of the  representations of the  Parties as  set forth  in
Sections  5.2 and  5.3, neither  the Company,  any of  its Subsidiaries  nor any
person acting on  the Company's or  such Subsidiary's behalf  has taken or  will
take  any action which would subject the  issue and sale of the securities being
purchased under this Agreement to the provisions of Section 5 of the  Securities
Act.

    (w)   FOREIGN ASSETS CONTROL REGULATION, ETC.  Neither the issue and sale of
the Interim Notes, the New Shares or the Preferred Shares by the Company nor its
use of the proceeds thereof as  contemplated by this Agreement will violate  the
Foreign  Assets Control Regulations,  the Control Regulations,  the Cuban Assets
Control Regulations, the Foreign Funds  Control Regulations, the Iranian  Assets
Control Regulations, the Nicaraguan Trade Control Regulations, the South African
Transactions  Control Regulations, the Libyan  Sanctions Regulations, the Soviet
Gold Coin  Regulations, the  Panamanian  Transactions Regulations,  the  Haitian
Transactions Regulations or the Iraqi Sanctions Regulations of the United States
Treasury  Department (31 C.F.R., Subtitle B, Chapter V, as amended) or Executive
Orders 12722 and 12724 (Transactions with Iraq).

    (x)  FEDERAL RESERVE REGULATIONS AND OTHER MATTERS.  Neither the Company nor
any of its Subsidiaries  will, directly or indirectly,  use any of the  proceeds
from  the  sale  of  the  Interim  Notes  for  the  purpose,  whether immediate,
incidental or  ultimate,  of  buying  any "margin  stock,"  or  of  maintaining,
reducing  or retiring any indebtedness originally incurred to purchase any stock
that is  currently  a "margin  stock,"  or for  any  other purpose  which  might
constitute  the Transactions a "purpose credit," in each case within the meaning
of Regulation G or U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (12
C.F.R. 207 and 221, as amended, respectively), or otherwise take or permit to be
taken any  action  which would  involve  a violation  of  such Regulation  G  or
Regulation  U or of Regulations T or X  of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System (12 C.F.R.  220 and 224, as  amended, respectively) or any  other
regulation  of such  Board. No indebtedness  that may be  maintained, reduced or
retired with the proceeds from  the sale of the  Interim Notes was incurred  for
the purpose of purchasing or carrying any "margin stock" and neither the Company
nor  any of  its Subsidiaries own  any such  "margin stock" or  have any present
intention of acquiring, directly or indirectly any such "margin stock."

    (y)  INSURANCE.  After the Funding Date, Company will provide to each Party,
if so requested in writing, a list of all insurance policies and fidelity  bonds
covering  the  assets, business,  equipment, properties,  operations, employees,
officers and directors under  which the Company or  any of its Subsidiaries  may
derive  any material benefit, the term and  deductible for each such policy, the
agency

                                      A-21
<PAGE>
and company providing such  insurance and the name  of each person scheduled  as
having  an interest  therein as  loss payee, pledgee  or otherwise.  There is no
claim by  the Company  or any  of its  Subsidiaries pending  under any  of  such
policies  or bonds as to which coverage has been questioned, reserved, denied or
disputed by the  underwriters of such  policies or bonds  or their agents  where
such  question,  reservation, denial  or  dispute, in  each  case, would  have a
material adverse effect on  the Company and its  Subsidiaries on a  consolidated
basis.  All premiums due and payable under all such policies and bonds have been
paid, and the Company and its Subsidiaries are otherwise in full compliance with
the terms and conditions  of all such  policies and bonds,  except in each  case
where  the failure would not  have a material adverse  effect on the Company and
its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.  Such policies of insurance and  bonds
(or other policies and bonds providing substantially similar insurance coverage)
are  and have been in full force and effect  for at least the last year or since
the inception of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, as the case may be, and
remain in full force and effect. Such policies of insurance and bonds are of the
type and in amounts customarily  carried by persons conducting business  similar
to  that presently  conducted by the  Company and its  Subsidiaries. The Company
knows of no threatened termination of any  such policies or bonds that would  be
material to the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

    (z)  INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.  The Company and its Subsidiaries have ownership
of,  or license to use, all patent, copyright, trade secret, trademark, or other
proprietary rights used or to be used in  the business of the Company or any  of
its Subsidiaries and which are material to the Company and its Subsidiaries on a
consolidated  basis (collectively, "Intellectual Property"). There are no claims
or demands of any other person  pertaining to any of such Intellectual  Property
and  no proceedings have been instituted, or are pending or, to the knowledge of
the Company, threatened, which challenge the rights of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries in respect  thereof, except those  that would not  have a  material
adverse  effect on the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. The
Company and its Subsidiaries have the right to use all customer lists,  designs,
manufacturing or other processes, computer software, systems, data compilations,
research  results and other information required for or incident to its products
or their business as presently conducted or contemplated and which are  material
to the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

    (aa)    GRANTOR  TRUST  SUBSIDIARIES.    (i)  The  Art  Store,  a California
corporation has  good, sufficient  and legal  fee title  to all  the  properties
listed  on Schedule  5.1(h) as being  owned by The  Art Store free  and clear of
Liens, except as disclosed on Schedule 5.1(h) or as permitted under Section  6.2
of the New Loan Agreement.

    (ii)  The Art Store has  a good, sufficient and  legal leasehold interest in
all of the properties listed on Schedule 5.1(h) as being leased by The Art Store
and such leasehold interest is free and clear of all Liens, except as  disclosed
on Schedule 5.1(h).

   (iii)  Schedule 5.1(aa) sets forth the  following information with respect to
each of the Grantor  Trust Subsidiaries as of  the most recent practicable  date
through  the  Funding: (A)  the basis  of  the Grantor  Trust Subsidiary  in its
assets; (B) the basis of The Art Store  Holding Company in the Stock of The  Art
Store;  and (C) the amount  of any net operating  loss, net capital loss, unused
investment  or  other   credit,  unused  foreign   tax,  or  excess   charitable
contribution allocable to such Grantor Trust Subsidiary.

   (iv)  As of the Funding, the adjusted  basis of The Art Store Holding Company
in the stock of  The Art Store will  be at least $7,000,000;  the excess of  the
adjusted  basis of The Art  Store in its assets over  its liabilities will be at
least $7,000,000; and the excess of the adjusted basis of SBP Properties Holding
Company in its assets over its liabilities will be at least $1,500,000.

    (v) Except  as disclosed  on Schedule  5.1(aa), none  of the  Grantor  Trust
Subsidiaries has any liability for the Taxes of any other Person (other than the
Grantor  Trust Subsidiaries and other than  Taxes of the consolidated group, the
common parent  of  which is  Company)  (A) under  Treasury  Regulations  Section
1.1502-6  (or any similar  provision of state,  local or foreign  law), (B) as a
transferee or successor, (C) by contract or (D) otherwise.

                                      A-22
<PAGE>
    5.2.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND HOLDINGS.  Each of Parent
and Holdings  represents and  warrants to  Company and  the Other  Investors  as
follows:

        (a)  AUTHORITY.  Each of Parent and Holdings has the requisite power and
    authority  to enter into this Agreement  and the Ancillary Agreements and to
    consummate the Transactions.

        (b)  VALIDITY.   This Agreement and the  Ancillary Agreements have  been
    duly   authorized,  executed  and  delivered  by  Parent  and  Holdings  and
    constitute valid  and  legally binding  agreements  of Parent  and  Holdings
    enforceable  against such Party  in accordance with  their respective terms,
    subject to  bankruptcy,  insolvency,  fraudulent  transfer,  reorganization,
    moratorium  and  similar  laws  of  general  applicability  relating  to  or
    affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles.

        (c)  INFORMATION SUPPLIED.   None of the  information supplied or to  be
    supplied  by  Parent or  Holdings about  Parent or  Holdings in  writing for
    inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Proxy Statement will, at  the
    date the Proxy Statement is first mailed to the Company's stockholders or at
    the  time  of the  meeting of  the  Company's stockholders  held to  vote on
    adoption of this Agreement, 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.

        (d)   BROKERS.  No broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other
    person is entitled to any  broker's, finder's, financial advisor's or  other
    similar  fee or  commission in connection  with the  Transactions based upon
    arrangements made by or on behalf of Parent or Holdings, except as described
    in Section 5.1(p), which would be or become the responsibility of any  other
    Party.

        (e)   OWNERSHIP OF  COMPANY SECURITIES.  Neither  Parent nor Holdings is
    the record or  beneficial owner  of any  shares of  Common Stock,  principal
    amount  of New Borrower  Notes or Grantor Trust  Notes, warrants to purchase
    shares of  Common  Stock or  any  other equity  or  debt securities  of  the
    Company,   except  as  contemplated  by  this  Agreement  or  the  Ancillary
    Agreements.

        (f)  INVESTMENT  INTENT.  Holdings  is purchasing or  acquiring the  New
    Shares  and Preferred Shares for its own account for investment and not with
    a present view to, or for sale in connection with, any distribution  thereof
    in  violation of  the Securities Act.  Holdings does not  have any contract,
    undertaking, agreement or arrangement with  any person to sell, transfer  or
    grant  participations to such person or to any third person, with respect to
    any of  the New  Shares or  Preferred  Shares. Holdings  is aware  that  the
    certificates  evidencing  the New  Shares  and Preferred  Shares  shall bear
    substantially the following legend relating to restrictions on resale  under
    the Securities Act:

       "THESE  SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN  REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT
       OF 1933, AS  AMENDED, OR  ANY STATE SECURITIES  LAWS AND  MAY NOT  BE
       SOLD,  OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE
       THEREWITH."

        (G)   ACQUISITION  FOR INVESTMENT  AND  RULE  144.   Holdings  has  such
    knowledge  and  experience  in financial  and  business matters  that  it is
    capable of evaluating the  merits and risks  of the prospective  investment.
    Holdings  understands that the  New Shares and Preferred  Shares will not be
    registered under the Securities Act in reliance on a specific exemption from
    the registration provision of the  Securities Act which depends upon,  among
    other  things,  the  bona  fide nature  of  Holdings'  investment  intent as
    expressed herein. Holdings  acknowledges that the  New Shares and  Preferred
    Shares  must be  held indefinitely  unless they  are subsequently registered
    under  the  Securities  Act  or  an  exemption  from  such  registration  is
    available.  Holdings has been advised or is  aware of the provisions of Rule
    144 and Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act which permits limited
    resale  of  shares  purchased  in   a  private  placement  subject  to   the
    satisfaction of certain conditions.

                                      A-23
<PAGE>
        (h)  CONSENTS.  All material consents, approvals, orders, authorizations
    of  or registrations, declarations  or filings in  connection with the valid
    execution and delivery  of this  Agreement and the  Ancillary Agreements  by
    Parent  and Holdings  or the  purchase of the  New Shares  and the Preferred
    Shares by Holdings have been obtained or  made, or will be obtained or  made
    prior to the Closing Date.

    5.3.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES  OF THE OTHER INVESTORS.   Each of the
Other Investors and Grantor Trust represents and warrants, with respect to  such
Person only, severally and jointly, to Company, Parent and Holdings as follows:

        (a)   AUTHORITY.   Investor1  has the  requisite power  and authority to
    enter into this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements and to consummate the
    Transactions. Investor2 has the requisite power and authority to enter  into
    this   Agreement  and  the  Ancillary   Agreements  and  to  consummate  the
    Transactions. Each of  Investor3, Investor4,  Investor5 and  Investor6 is  a
    corporation  duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
    laws of its respective jurisdiction  of incorporation and has the  requisite
    power  and  authority  to  enter  into  this  Agreement  and  the  Ancillary
    Agreements and to consummate the Transactions.

        (b)  VALIDITY.   This Agreement and the  Ancillary Agreements have  been
    duly  authorized, executed and delivered by such Person and constitute valid
    and legally binding agreements of such Person enforceable against such Party
    in  accordance  with   their  respective  terms,   subject  to   bankruptcy,
    insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws
    of  general applicability relating to or  affecting creditors' rights and to
    general equity principles.

        (c)  INFORMATION SUPPLIED.   None of the  information supplied or to  be
    supplied  by  such Person  about  such Person  in  writing for  inclusion or
    incorporation by reference  in the  Proxy Statement  will, at  the date  the
    Proxy  Statement is first mailed to Company's stockholders or at the time of
    the Stockholders Meeting, 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.

        (d)   BROKERS.  No broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other
    person is entitled to any  broker's, finder's, financial advisor's or  other
    similar  fee or  commission in connection  with the  Transactions based upon
    arrangements made by or  on behalf of  such Person, except  as set forth  in
    Section  5.1(p), which  would be or  become the responsibility  of any other
    Party.

        (e)  OWNERSHIP OF COMPANY SECURITIES.  Investor1 is the beneficial owner
    of 7,630,307 shares of Common Stock and warrants to purchase 394,547  shares
    of  Common Stock. Investor2  is the beneficial owner  of 1,433,413 shares of
    Common Stock  and  warrants  to  purchase 74,203  shares  of  Common  Stock.
    Investor3  is the  beneficial owner of  no shares of  Common Stock, $937,500
    principal amount  of New  Borrower  Notes and  warrants to  purchase  70,312
    shares  of  Common Stock.  Investor4 is  the  beneficial owner  of 2,139,940
    shares of Common Stock, $937,500 principal amount of New Borrower Notes  and
    warrants  to  purchase  70,312  shares of  Common  Stock.  Investor5  is the
    beneficial owner of  1,305,700 shares  of Common  Stock, $937,500  principal
    amount  of  New Borrower  Notes and  warrants to  purchase 70,312  shares of
    Common Stock.  Investor6 is  the beneficial  owner of  no shares  of  Common
    Stock,  $937,500  principal amount  of New  Borrower  Notes and  warrants to
    purchase 70,312 shares of Common Stock. Except for such ownership, as of the
    date of this Agreement, such Person does not beneficially own any shares  of
    Common  Stock,  principal  amount of  Existing  Grantor  Trust Indebtedness,
    Borrower Notes or New Borrower Notes, warrants to purchase shares of  Common
    Stock  or  any  other  equity  or  debt  securities  of  Company,  except as
    contemplated by this  Agreement, the  Ancillary Agreements  or the  Existing
    Loan Agreement.

        (f)   INVESTMENT INTENT.  Such Person is purchasing or acquiring the New
    Shares and the Preferred Shares for  its own account for investment and  not
    with a present view to, or for sale in

                                      A-24
<PAGE>
    connection  with, any  distribution thereof  in violation  of the Securities
    Act, provided that disposition of such Person's property shall at all  times
    be  within its control. Such Person does not have any contract, undertaking,
    agreement or  arrangement  with  any  person  to  sell,  transfer  or  grant
    participations to such person or to any third person, with respect to any of
    the  New  Shares  or  Preferred  Shares.  Such  Person  is  aware  that  the
    certificates representing the New Shares and the Preferred Shares will  bear
    such  legends relating to restrictions on resale under the Securities Act as
    provided in Section 5.2(f).

        (g)  ACQUISITION  FOR INVESTMENT  AND RULE 144.   Such  Person has  such
    knowledge  and  experience  in financial  and  business matters  that  it is
    capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the proposed Investment.  Such
    Person  understands that the New Shares and the Preferred Shares will not be
    registered under the Securities Act in reliance on a specific exemption from
    the registration provision of the  Securities Act which depends upon,  among
    other  things, the  bona fide nature  of such Person's  investment intent as
    expressed herein.  Such Person  acknowledges  that the  New Shares  and  the
    Preferred  Shares  must be  held indefinitely  unless they  are subsequently
    registered under the Securities Act  or an exemption from such  registration
    is  available. Such Person has been advised or is aware of the provisions of
    Rule 144 and Rule  144A promulgated under the  Securities Act which  permits
    limited  resale of  shares purchased in  a private placement  subject to the
    satisfaction of certain conditions.

        (h)  LEGAL INVESTMENT; CONSENTS.  The purchase of the New Shares and the
    Preferred Shares  by  such Person  hereunder  is legally  permitted  in  all
    material  respects  by all  laws  and regulations  to  which such  Person is
    subject and all material consents,  approvals, orders, authorizations of  or
    registrations,   declarations  or  filings  in  connection  with  the  valid
    execution and delivery  of this  Agreement and the  Ancillary Agreements  by
    such  Person or the purchase  of the New Shares  and the Preferred Shares by
    such Person have been obtained or made, or will be obtained or made prior to
    the Closing Date.

                                   ARTICLE VI
              COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF BUSINESS OF COMPANY

    6.1.  CONDUCT OF BUSINESS.   (a) Conduct of  Business by Company. Except  as
otherwise  contemplated by this  Agreement and the  Ancillary Agreements, during
the period from the date of this Agreement to the earlier of (x) the Closing and
(y) the  first day  on which  each of  the five  persons designated  as  Holding
Directors  on  Schedule  2.1 of  the  Stockholders Agreement  shall  have become
Directors of Company, Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to,  carry
on  their respective  businesses in  the usual,  regular and  ordinary course in
substantially the  same  manner  as  heretofore conducted  and,  to  the  extent
consistent  therewith, use  its best  efforts to  preserve intact  their current
business organizations, keep  available the services  of their current  officers
and  other employees and preserve their relationships with customers, suppliers,
licensors, licensees,  distributors and  others  having business  dealings  with
them.  By way of background,  Schedule 1.1 sets forth  the most recent financial
information of  Company.  Without  limiting the  generality  of  the  foregoing,
without  the prior written consent of Parent, during the period from the date of
this Agreement to the Closing,  Company shall not, and  shall not permit any  of
its Subsidiaries to:

        (i) take any action in violation of the covenants contained in Company's
    loan  agreements  (except to  the extent  such  covenants have  already been
    violated and no waivers have been obtained);

        (ii) (x) split, combine or reclassify any of its capital stock or  issue
    or  authorize the issuance of any other securities in respect of, in lieu of
    or in substitution for shares of  its capital stock or (y) purchase,  redeem
    or  otherwise acquire any shares  of capital stock of  Company or any of its

                                      A-25
<PAGE>
    Subsidiaries or  any other  securities thereof  or any  rights, warrants  or
    options  to  acquire any  such  shares or  other  securities (other  than in
    accordance with  the Stock  Split) or  (z)  declare, set  aside or  pay  any
    dividend (whether in cash, capital stock or property);

       (iii)  issue, deliver, sell,  pledge or otherwise  encumber any shares of
    its capital stock, any other voting securities or any securities convertible
    into, or any rights, warrants or options to acquire, any such shares, voting
    securities or convertible securities (other than (x) the issuance of  Common
    Stock  upon the exercise or conversion of Employee Stock Options outstanding
    on the date of this Agreement and in accordance with their present terms and
    (y) the  issuance  and  sale of  the  New  Shares and  Preferred  Shares  in
    accordance with the terms hereof);

       (iv)  amend its Certificate of Incorporation, By-Laws or other comparable
    charter or  organizational  documents (other  than  in accordance  with  the
    Amendments);

        (v) acquire or agree to acquire any assets in excess of $100,000;

       (vi)  sell, lease, license, mortgage or  otherwise encumber or subject to
    any Lien or otherwise dispose of any  of its properties or assets in  excess
    of $10,000, or waive or release any rights, or compromise, release or assign
    any indebtedness owed to it or any claims held by it;

       (vii) (x) incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or guarantee any such
    indebtedness  of  another  person,  issue or  sell  any  debt  securities or
    warrants or other rights to acquire any debt securities of Company or any of
    its Subsidiaries, guarantee  any debt  securities of  another person,  enter
    into  any "keep well" or other agreement to maintain any financial statement
    condition of  another  person  or  enter into  any  arrangement  having  the
    economic  effect of any  of the foregoing,  (y) make any  loans, advances or
    capital contributions to, or investments in, any other person, other than to
    Company or any direct or indirect wholly owned Subsidiary of Company or  (z)
    incur  any other debt, liability or  obligation, direct or indirect, whether
    accrued, absolute, contingent or  otherwise, other than current  liabilities
    incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

      (viii)  make or agree to make  any new capital expenditure or expenditures
    which, individually or in the aggregate, are in excess of $10,000;

       (ix) pay, discharge  or satisfy  any claims,  liabilities or  obligations
    (absolute,  accrued,  contingent  or  otherwise),  other  than  the payment,
    discharge or satisfaction,  in the  ordinary course  of business  consistent
    with  past  practice  or  in accordance  with  their  terms,  of liabilities
    reflected or  reserved  against in,  or  contemplated by,  the  most  recent
    consolidated financial statements (or the notes thereto) of Company included
    in  the Filed SEC Documents  or incurred in the  ordinary course of business
    consistent with past practice;

        (x) provide any  discounts on  sales of inventory  other than  discounts
    consistent with past practice;

       (xi)  enter  into, terminate  or  substantially amend  or  supplement any
    contract, lease or other agreement unless  the same is done in the  ordinary
    and  usual course of business and the  contract, lease or other agreement in
    question does not provide for any  party thereto to make payment or  deliver
    goods or services (or any combination thereof) aggregating more than $10,000
    over the term thereof;

       (xii)  increase in any manner the  compensation or fringe benefits of any
    of its  officers,  directors  or  employees  or pay  or  agree  to  pay  any
    severance,  pension,  retirement  allowance  or  other  similar  benefit not
    required by any previously existing plan or agreement to any such  officers,
    directors  or  employees,  or  commit  itself  to  any  severance,  pension,
    retirement or profit-sharing loan or agreement or employment agreement  with
    or for the benefit of any officer, director, employee or other person;

                                      A-26
<PAGE>
      (xiii) permit any insurance policy (excluding, however, those policies for
    which  no replacement is available at a cost comparable to that currently in
    effect) naming it as a beneficiary or  a loss payable payee to be  cancelled
    or   terminated  or  any  of  the   coverage  thereunder  to  lapse,  unless
    simultaneously with  such  termination, cancellation  or  lapse  replacement
    policies  providing substantially  the same coverage  are in  full force and
    effect;

      (xiv) change any accounting policy or procedure; or

       (xv) authorize any of, or commit or  agree to take any of, the  foregoing
    actions.

    (b)   OTHER ACTIONS.  Except as required by law, regulation, or contemplated
by this Agreement or  the Ancillary Agreements,  the Company, Parent,  Holdings,
the  Grantor Trust and the Other Investors  shall use all reasonable efforts not
to, and shall use all reasonable efforts  not to permit any of their  respective
Subsidiaries  to,  take  any action  that  would,  or that  could  reasonably be
expected to, result  in (i) any  of the representations  and warranties of  such
Party set forth in this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements that are qualified
as  to  materiality  becoming  untrue,  (ii)  any  of  such  representations and
warranties that are not so qualified becoming untrue in any material respect  or
(iii) any of the conditions set forth in Article IV not being satisfied.

    Company,  Parent, Holdings and the Other Investors shall promptly notify the
other Parties of any change or event causing, or that, insofar as can reasonably
be foreseen, would cause, any of the conditions with respect to such Person  set
forth in Article IV not being satisfied.

                                  ARTICLE VII
                             ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

    7.1.  PREPARATION OF THE PROXY STATEMENT; STOCKHOLDERS MEETING.  (a) Company
shall  have prepared  and given  Parent, Holdings,  Grantor Trust  and the Other
Investors a reasonable opportunity to comment on the Proxy Statement to be filed
by Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Proxy  Statement").
If  the Proxy Statement has not been filed with the SEC, Company shall file with
the SEC the Proxy Statement  within 7 days after  the date hereof. After  giving
Parent, Holdings, Grantor Trust and the Other Investors a reasonable opportunity
to comment, Company shall file with the SEC any amendments or supplements to the
Proxy  Statement that may be necessary in response to SEC comments or otherwise.
Company shall use reasonable efforts to  cause the Proxy Statement to be  mailed
to  the Company's stockholders as promptly as practicable. Company shall provide
to Parent,  Holdings and  the Other  Investors promptly  any comments  or  other
correspondence  it  receives  from  the  SEC staff  with  respect  to  the Proxy
Statement.

    (b) Company  shall,  as soon  as  practicable  following the  date  of  this
Agreement,  duly  call,  give notice  of,  convene  and hold  a  meeting  of its
stockholders (the  "Stockholders  Meeting") for  the  purpose of  approving  the
Proposals   and  shall,  through  its  Board  of  Directors,  recommend  to  its
stockholders approval of the Proposals.  The obligations of Company pursuant  to
Section  7.1(a)  and the  first sentence  of  this Section  7.1(b) shall  not be
affected  by   the  commencement,   public   proposal,  public   disclosure   or
communication to Company of any takeover proposal by any third party.

    7.2.   ACCESS  TO INFORMATION;  CONFIDENTIALITY.   Company shall,  and shall
cause each  of  its Subsidiaries  to,  afford to  Parent  and to  the  officers,
employees, accountants, counsel, financial advisors and other representatives of
the  Parent, reasonable  access during normal  business hours  during the period
prior to  the Closing  to  all their  respective properties,  books,  contracts,
commitments,  personnel and records and, during  such period, Company shall, and
shall cause each of its  Subsidiaries to, furnish promptly  to the Parent (a)  a
copy  of each report, schedule, registration  statement and other document filed
by it  during such  period pursuant  to  the requirements  of Federal  or  state
securities   laws  and  (b)  all  other  information  concerning  its  business,
properties and personnel as such other Party may reasonably request.

                                      A-27
<PAGE>
    7.3.  REASONABLE  EFFORTS; NOTIFICATION; CONSENT.   (a) Upon  the terms  and
subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, each of the Parties shall
use  all reasonable efforts (in the case  of Investor1 and Investor2, within the
context  of  its  fiduciary  obligations,  if  any,  and  applicable  regulatory
restrictions) 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 Transactions, including (i) the obtaining of
all necessary  actions  or  nonactions, waivers,  consents  and  approvals  from
Governmental  Entities and the making of all necessary registrations and filings
(including filings with  Governmental Entities, if  any) and the  taking of  all
reasonable steps as may be necessary to obtain an approval or waiver from, or to
avoid  an action or proceeding by,  any Governmental Entity, including those set
forth on Schedule 5.1(d), to the extent necessary to consummate its  obligations
as  part of the  Transactions, (ii) the  obtaining or granting  of all necessary
consents, approvals or waivers  from third parties  or Parties, including  those
set  forth  on  Schedule  5.1(d),  to the  extent  necessary  to  consummate its
obligations as part of the Transactions, (iii) the defending of any lawsuits  or
other  legal  proceedings, whether  judicial or  administrative, against  it and
challenging  this  Agreement  or  any   of  the  Ancillary  Agreements  or   the
consummation  of  the  Transactions,  including  seeking  to  have  any  stay or
temporary restraining order entered  by any court  or other Governmental  Entity
vacated  or  reversed, and  (iv) the  execution and  delivery of  any additional
instruments necessary to  consummate the  Transactions contemplated  by, and  to
fully  carry out the  purposes of, this Agreement  and the Ancillary Agreements,
including the  satisfaction  of all  conditions  set  forth in  Article  IV  and
completion  of the  Funding and  the Closing  on a  timely basis,  provided that
nothing in this Article VII shall be construed to require any Party to waive any
right or condition to any obligation it  may have pursuant to this Agreement  or
any  Ancillary Agreement. In connection with and without limiting the foregoing,
Company and its Board of Directors shall (i) take all action necessary to ensure
that no state takeover  statute or similar statute  or regulation is or  becomes
applicable   to  this  Agreement,   the  Ancillary  Agreements   or  any  future
transactions between or among the Parties solely as a result of the Transactions
and (ii) if any state takeover statute or similar statute or regulation  becomes
applicable  to this  Agreement, any Ancillary  Agreement or  any contemplated by
this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement,  take all action necessary to  ensure
that the Transactions may be consummated as promptly as practicable on the terms
contemplated  by this  Agreement and the  Ancillary Agreements  and otherwise to
minimize the effect of such statute or regulation on the Transactions.

    (b) Each Party  shall give prompt  notice to  the other Parties  of (i)  any
representation  or  warranty  made by  it  contained  in this  Agreement  or any
Ancillary Agreement  becoming  untrue or  inaccurate  in any  respect  (ii)  the
failure  by it to comply  with or satisfy in  any material respect any covenant,
condition or  agreement  to be  complied  with or  satisfied  by it  under  this
Agreement   or  any  Ancillary  Agreement;   provided,  however,  that  no  such
notification  shall  affect  the   representations,  warranties,  covenants   or
agreements  of the Parties or  the conditions to the  obligations of the Parties
under this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements.

    (c) In order to induce each of  the Parties to enter into the  Transactions,
and  anything in the agreements with the Company  to which such Party is a Party
to the contrary notwithstanding, each Party hereby consents to the  Transactions
and,  subject  to  satisfaction of  the  conditions  to Funding  or  Closing, as
applicable, hereby waives  all defaults and  events of default  relating to  any
existing  agreement  between  or among  any  of  the Parties  and  which include
Company, any of its Subsidiaries, any of the Grantor Trust Subsidiaries, Interim
Borrowers or Grantor Trust as a Party or Parties thereto, that, to such  Party's
knowledge, occurred prior to and are continuing as of the date hereof; provided,
that  if Closing does not occur by December 31, 1995 or the Investment Agreement
terminates prior to  Closing, the Parties  will have the  right to rescind  such
waiver  except with respect to  actions and events that  are taken in connection
with the Transactions. All terms,  conditions and provisions of such  agreements
are  and  shall  remain in  effect  (except  as otherwise  contemplated  by this
Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements) and, except as set forth above,  nothing
herein shall operate as a consent to or waiver of any other or further matter or
any other right, power or remedy of such Party under such agreements.

                                      A-28
<PAGE>
    7.4.   FEES AND EXPENSES.   (a) Except as provided  below or in the Existing
Insurance Company Loan Agreement, all  fees and expenses incurred in  connection
with  this Agreement and the  Transactions shall be paid  by the Party incurring
such fees  or expenses,  whether  or not  the  sale of  the  New Shares  or  the
Preferred Shares on the terms contemplated hereby is consummated. Company agrees
to reimburse Investor1 and Investor2 for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
in connection with this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements and the Transactions
in an amount not to exceed $100,000.

    (b)  If a  direct or  indirect acquisition of,  or merger  or other business
combination with, Company or  any substantial portion  of Company's business  or
assets,  or the sale or other disposition of  a majority of the capital stock of
Company (any of such  transactions, a "Disposition")  is consummated by  Company
with  any  person  other  than  Parent after  the  date  hereof,  then  upon the
consummation of such Company shall pay to Parent in immediately available funds,
an amount  equal to  Parent's  and Holdings'  out-of-pocket costs  and  expenses
(including  legal fees and expenses). This Section 7.4(b) shall not apply to any
Disposition undertaken through an involuntary bankruptcy of Company.

    7.5.   PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS.   Parent,  Holdings, Grantor  Trust, the  Other
Investors  and Company shall consult with each other before issuing, and provide
each other the  opportunity to  review and comment  upon, any  press release  or
other public statements with respect to the Transactions and shall not issue any
such press release or make any such public statement prior to such consultation,
except as may be required by applicable law, court process, regulatory authority
or by obligations pursuant to any listing agreement with any national securities
exchange.

    7.6.   STOCKHOLDER LITIGATION.  Company shall give Parent the opportunity to
participate in the defense or  settlement of any stockholder litigation  against
the  Company and its directors relating  to the Transactions; PROVIDED, HOWEVER,
that no  such settlement  shall be  agreed to  without Parent's  consent,  which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

    7.7.    EMPLOYMENT  ARRANGEMENTS.   The  Company  shall not  enter  into any
employment agreement or implement any severance arrangement with or with respect
to any employee of the Company.

    7.8.  REPORTING COMPANY.   Company shall  use its best  efforts to remain  a
reporting  company under the Exchange Act prior  to and upon consummation of the
Transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements.

    7.9.   NYSE LISTING.    Company shall  use its  best  efforts to  cause  the
outstanding  shares of Common Stock  and the New Shares  to remain listed on the
New York  Stock Exchange  prior to  and upon  consummation of  the  Transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements.

    7.10.   LIQUIDATING  PROPERTY TRUST LEASES  AND PROPERTY  TRANSFER.  Company
shall use its  best efforts to  obtain from the  Liquidating Property Trust  the
Liquidating Property Trust Leases and cause the Property Transfer to occur.

    7.11.  AGREEMENT TO VOTE SHARES.  Each of the Parties agrees that during the
term of this Agreement to vote such Party's shares of Common Stock, and to cause
any  holder of record of such  shares to vote (a) in  favor of the Proposals and
the Transactions, (b) against any action  or agreement that would compete  with,
impede,   interfere  with  or  attempt  to  discourage  or  inhibit  the  timely
consummation of the Transactions, (c)  except for the Transactions, against  any
merger,  consolidation, business  combination, reorganization, recapitalization,
liquidation or sale or transfer of any material assets or securities of  Company
or  its Subsidiaries that would be inconsistent with the Transactions and (d) as
to any matter related to  the election or removal  of directors, as directed  by
Holdings.

    7.12.  NO VOTING TRUSTS.  Each of the Parties agrees that they will not, nor
will  they permit any entity under their control to, deposit any of their shares
of Common Stock in a voting trust or subject any of their shares of Common Stock
to any  arrangement  with  respect to  the  voting  of such  Shares  other  than
agreements entered into with Holdings.

                                      A-29
<PAGE>
    7.13.   NO PROXY SOLICITATIONS.  Each  of the Parties agrees that such Party
will not, nor will such Party permit  any entity under such Party's control  to,
(a) solicit proxies or become a "participant" in a "solicitation" (as such terms
are  defined  in Regulation  14A under  the  Exchange Act)  in opposition  to or
competition with the consummation of the Transactions or otherwise encourage  or
assist  any party  in taking  or planning any  action which  would compete with,
impede,  interfere  with  or  attempt  to  discourage  or  inhibit  the   timely
consummation of the Transactions, (b) directly or indirectly encourage, initiate
or  cooperate in  a stockholders'  vote or  action by  consent of  the Company's
stockholders in opposition  to or in  competition with the  consummation of  the
Transactions,  or (c)  become a  member of a  "group" (as  such term  is used in
Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act) with respect to any voting securities of  the
Company  for the purpose of  opposing or competing with  the consummation of the
Transactions.

    7.14.  TRANSFER AND ENCUMBRANCE.  On or after the date hereof and during the
term of this Agreement until the Closing, except pursuant to this Agreement  and
the  Ancillary Agreements,  each of  the Parties  agrees not  to transfer, sell,
offer, exchange, pledge or otherwise dispose of or encumber any of such  Party's
shares of Common Stock or any Interim Notes, Existing Grantor Trust Indebtedness
or New Borrower Notes, without the prior written consent of Company and Holdings
and  prior notice  to the  Other Parties,  except that  (i) each  of the Parties
(other than  Company) may  make such  a transfer  to any  Affiliate (other  than
Company)  of such Party who agrees  in writing to be bound  by the terms of this
Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, but no such transfer shall relieve  such
Party  of  any  of  its  obligations  under  this  Agreement  and  the Ancillary
Agreements (except that such relief will be granted in the case of Investor1  or
Investor2  upon any transfer by them to a  fund or account managed or advised by
Fidelity Management and Research Co. or Fidelity Management Trust Co.).  Company
and  Holdings will not  unreasonably withhold such  consent to limited transfers
(for example up to 5% of each Party's  holdings on a pro rata basis) so long  as
their material interests are not adversely affected thereby.

    7.15.   ADDITIONAL PURCHASES.   Each of  the Parties agrees  that such Party
will not purchase  or otherwise acquire  beneficial ownership of  any shares  of
Common  Stock  after  the  execution  of  this  Agreement,  nor  will  any Party
voluntarily acquire the right to  vote or share in the  voting of any shares  of
Common  Stock, unless such Party agrees to deliver to Holdings immediately after
such purchase  or acquisition  an irrevocable  proxy substantially  in the  form
attached  hereto  as Exhibit  C with  respect to  such new  shares. Each  of the
Parties also severally agrees that any  new shares acquired or purchased by  him
or  her shall be subject to the terms of this Agreement to the same extent as if
they constituted shares  of Common  Stock held  by such  Party as  set forth  in
Article V hereof.

    7.16.  COVENANTS RELATING TO POST-FUNDING TAX MATTERS.

    (a)   TAX SHARING AGREEMENTS.  Any Tax sharing agreement between the Company
and any of the Grantor  Trust Subsidiaries is terminated  as of the Funding  and
will  have no further  effect for any  taxable year, whether  current, future or
past.

    (b)  TAX  RETURNS.  Company  will include  the income of  the Grantor  Trust
Subsidiaries  on the Company's  consolidated income Tax  Returns for all periods
through the Funding and  pay income Taxes attributable  to such income.  Grantor
Trust  Subsidiaries will pay  income Taxes attributable to  their income for all
periods  following  the   Funding.  Upon  reasonable   request,  Grantor   Trust
Subsidiaries  and Company  will provide  tax information  to each  other for the
purpose of preparing Tax Returns. Company will take no position that relates  to
Grantor  Trust Subsidiaries on  its consolidated income  Tax Returns for periods
through the Funding that  is not in accordance  with past practice, without  the
prior  written consent  of Investor1  and Investor2,  which consent  will not be
unreasonably withheld. The Grantor Trust Subsidiaries will take no position that
relates to Company on their  Tax Returns for periods  after the Funding that  is
not  in  accordance with  past practice,  without the  prior written  consent of
Company, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld.

    (c)  AUDITS.  Company on the  one hand and Investor1, Investor2 and  Grantor
Trust Subsidiaries on the other will each provide reasonable notice to the other
party regarding audits of any Tax

                                      A-30
<PAGE>
Returns,  to the extent that such audits  may affect the other party's liability
for Taxes. Company and the Grantor Trust Subsidiaries will permit each other and
their respective counsel to participate in  any such audits. None of Company  or
the  Grantor Trust  Subsidiaries will  settle any audit  in a  manner that would
adversely affect the Tax liability of the other party, without the prior written
consent of Investor1 and Investor2 or Company, respectively.

    (d)  SALE  OF STOCK.   Company, Investor1, Investor2  and the Grantor  Trust
Subsidiaries  shall, upon Company  request, make a  joint election under Section
338(h)(10) of the Internal  Revenue Code and  any corresponding elections  under
state  and local  tax laws (the  "Election") with  respect to the  stock of each
Grantor Trust Subsidiary, and as  promptly as practicable following the  Funding
Date,  cooperate with each  other to take all  actions necessary and appropriate
(including filing such forms, returns, elections, schedules and other  documents
as  may be required) to effect and preserve a timely Election in accordance with
Section 338(h)(10) of  the Internal  Revenue Code and  the Treasury  Regulations
thereunder or any successor provisions and the corresponding provisions of state
and  local  tax laws.  However, the  agreement  in this  subsection (d)  is made
subject to  the condition  that  the making  of the  Election  will not  have  a
material  adverse  effect on  Investor1, Investor2  or  their investment  in the
Grantor Trust Subsidiaries, as such material adverse effect is defined in a side
letter between Investor1 and  Investor2, on the one  hand, and Holdings and  the
Company, on the other hand, which side letter such parties agree to negotiate in
good faith.

    (e)   REFUNDS.  The Grantor Trust  Subsidiaries will promptly pay to Company
any net Tax refund (or  net reduction in Tax liability  ) with respect to  Taxes
for  periods through the Funding when such  refund is received or such reduction
is realized, by the Grantor Trust  Subsidiaries or any of their Affiliates.  The
Grantor Trust Subsidiaries will cooperate with Company, at Company's expense, in
obtaining such refunds or reductions. Company will indemnify each of the Grantor
Trust  Subsidiaries for any Taxes resulting  from the subsequent disallowance of
any such refund or reduction.

    (f)  INDEMNIFICATIONS BY COMPANY.  Company agrees subsequent to the  Funding
to  indemnify  and  hold the  Grantor  Trust Subsidiaries  and  their respective
Subsidiaries and Affiliates and persons serving as officers, directors, partners
or employees thereof (the "Grantor Trust Indemnified Parties") harmless from and
against any liability  of the Grantor  Trust Indemnified Parties  for Taxes  (i)
arising  with respect to periods which end on or prior to the Funding Date or as
a result of the Funding, or (ii) arising out of or based upon any breach of  the
representations   and  warranties  contained  in  Sections  5.1(k)  or  5.1(aa),
including without limitation any liability for Taxes of Company or any member of
its consolidated  group other  than  the Grantor  Trust Subsidiaries  (A)  under
Treasury  Regulation Section 1.1502-6 (or any  similar provision of state, local
or foreign  law), (B)  as a  transferee or  successor, (C)  by contract  or  (D)
otherwise.  For purpose  of this  subsection and  subsection (g)  below, "Taxes"
includes any related costs, fines, penalties, interest and expenses with respect
thereto (including, without limitation, reasonable fees of counsel) of any  kind
and  nature whatsoever  (whether or  not arising  out of  third-party claims and
including any reasonable amounts paid in investigation, defense or settlement of
the foregoing) which will be sustained or suffered by the Indemnified Parties.

    (g)   INDEMNIFICATION BY  GRANTOR  TRUST SUBSIDIARIES.   The  Grantor  Trust
Subsidiaries  agree subsequent to the Funding  to indemnify and hold Company and
its Subsidiaries  and Affiliates  and persons  serving as  officers,  directors,
partners  or employees thereof (the "Company Indemnified Parties") harmless from
and against any liability of the  Company Indemnified Parties for Taxes  imposed
with respect to the Grantor Trust Subsidiaries for periods, or portions thereof,
beginning  after the Funding Date  (other than Taxes imposed  as a result of the
Funding). For purposes of this subsection  "Taxes" has the meaning set forth  in
subsection (f) above.

    (h)   SOLE REMEDY.  The indemnification  provided in Section 7.16(e) and (f)
above shall be the sole and  exclusive remedy of the Grantor Trust  Subsidiaries
with  respect  to  the  matters  set  forth  in  Section  7.16(e)  and  (f). The
indemnification provided  in  Section  7.16(g)  above  shall  be  the  sole  and
exclusive remedy of the Company with respect to the matters set forth in Section
7.16(g).

                                      A-31
<PAGE>
    7.17.   ENVIRONMENTAL INDEMNITY, ETC.   (a) Company agrees subsequent to the
Funding to  indemnify  and  hold  Investor1, Investor2  and  the  Grantor  Trust
Subsidiaries  ("Indemnitees")  harmless from  and  against any  losses, damages,
liabilities or expenses (including reasonable  expenses of counsel) that  result
from  any breach of the representations  and warranties of the Company contained
in Section 5.1(h)(vii) to the extent, but  only to the extent, that such  breach
relates  to the Grantor  Trust Subsidiaries, and subject  to a maximum aggregate
indemnification liability of Company under this provision of $2.5 million.

    (b) Promptly after becoming aware of or receiving notice of any such breach,
each Indemnitee  shall, if  the Indemnitee  believes that  indemnification  with
respect  thereto may be sought from Company under this Agreement, notify Company
in writing and specify with reasonable particularity the circumstances  thereof.
The  right to indemnification  shall terminate as  to any matter  for which such
notice has not been given  within two years from  the date hereof. In  addition,
Indemnitee  shall  give  Company  such information  and  cooperation  as  it may
reasonably require and as shall be within Indemnitee's power. Any delay in  such
notification,  if within such two year period, will not relieve Company from any
such liability unless the  delay in notice  materially prejudiced Company.  This
right of indemnification is not transferrable.

    (c)  If the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification on some claims, issues
or matters, but not on others, involved in a legal or administrative proceeding,
the Company shall indemnify the Indemnitee against an appropriate proportion  of
the overall losses, damages, liabilities or expenses (and no more), based on the
matters  for which  the Indemnitee  is entitled  to be  indemnified hereunder in
relation to any other matters involved therein.

    (d) The  expenses incurred  by Indemnitee  in investigating,  defending,  or
appealing any legal or administrative proceeding covered by this indemnity shall
be  paid by Company in advance, with the understanding and agreement hereby made
by Indemnitee, or made by  its acceptance of any  such advancement, that in  the
event  it shall ultimately be determined that  Indemnitee was not entitled to be
indemnified, or was not  entitled to be fully  indemnified, that the  Indemnitee
shall  repay to Company such amount, or the appropriate portion thereof, so paid
or advanced.

    (e) Company  shall  be  entitled to  assume  the  defense of  any  legal  or
administrative  proceeding for which indemnification is owing under this Section
7.17. Company will not be liable  for any settlement effected without its  prior
written consent, which will not be unreasonably withheld.

                                  ARTICLE VIII
                       TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER

    8.1.     TERMINATION.    (a)  Anything  contained  herein  to  the  contrary
notwithstanding,  this  Agreement  may   be  terminated  and  the   Transactions
contemplated hereby abandoned at any time prior to the Closing Date:

    (i) by  mutual written consent of Parent,  Holdings, the Other Investors and
        the Company;

    (ii) by Parent and Holdings  if any of the  conditions set forth in  Section
         4.1 shall have become incapable of fulfillment, and shall not have been
         waived by Parent and Holdings;

   (iii) by Company if any of the conditions set forth in Section 4.2 shall have
         become  incapable of fulfillment, and shall not have been waived by the
         Company;

   (iv) by the Other Investors if any of the conditions set forth in Section 4.3
        shall have  become incapable  of fulfillment,  and shall  not have  been
        waived by the Other Investors; or

    (v) by  any Party if Closing shall not have occurred on or prior to December
        31, 1995;

PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Party  seeking termination pursuant to clause  (ii),
(iii)  or  (iv)  is  not  in material  breach  of  any  of  its representations,
warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement.

                                      A-32
<PAGE>
    (b) In the event of termination pursuant to this Section 8.1, written notice
thereof shall forthwith be given to the other Parties and the Transactions shall
be terminated, without further action by any Party.

    8.2.  EFFECT OF TERMINATION.  In the event of termination of this  Agreement
as  provided  in Section  8.1,  the Parties  shall  no longer  have  any further
liabilities or  obligations  under this  Agreement,  except under  Section  7.4,
Section  7.5  (which  shall terminate  one  year  from the  termination  of this
Agreement), this Section 8.2 and Article IX  and except to the extent that  such
termination results from the wilful and material breach by a Party of any of its
representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement
or  any of the Ancillary Agreements. Upon  such termination the warrants held by
the Parties that were cancelled pursuant to Section 2.3(c) shall be reissued and
a proportionate amount  of warrants  shall be issued  to Holdings  based on  the
amount  of  Interim  Notes,  New  Borrower  Notes  and  Existing  Grantor  Trust
Indebtedness then outstanding.

    8.3.  AMENDMENT.  This Agreement may  be amended by the Parties at any  time
before  or after any  required approval of matters  presented in connection with
this Agreement  by the  stockholders of  the Company;  PROVIDED, HOWEVER,  that,
after  any such approval, there shall be  made no amendment that by law requires
further approval  by such  stockholders  without the  further approval  of  such
stockholders.  This  Agreement may  not be  amended except  by an  instrument in
writing signed on behalf of each of the parties.

    8.4.  EXTENSION; WAIVER.  At any time prior to the Closing, the Parties  may
(a)  extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts
of the other  Parties, (b)  waive any  inaccuracies in  the representations  and
warranties  contained in this Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant to
this Agreement or (c)  subject to the proviso  of Section 8.3, waive  compliance
with  any  of the  agreements  or conditions  contained  in this  Agreement. Any
agreement on the part of a Party to any such extension or waiver shall be  valid
only  if set forth in  an instrument in writing signed  on behalf of such Party.
The failure of any  Party to assert  any of its rights  under this Agreement  or
otherwise shall not constitute a waiver of such rights.

    8.5.    PROCEDURE  FOR  TERMINATION,  AMENDMENT,  EXTENSION  OR  WAIVER.   A
termination of this  Agreement pursuant  to Section  8.1, an  amendment of  this
Agreement  pursuant to Section 8.3 or an extension or waiver pursuant to Section
8.4 shall, in order to  be effective, require in  the case of Parent,  Holdings,
Grantor Trust or the Other Investors, action by its board of directors, trustees
or  authorized  officers  or  the  duly  authorized  designee  of  its  board of
directors, trustees  or authorized  officers or,  in the  case of  the  Company,
action by a majority of its entire Board of Directors.

                                   ARTICLE IX
                               GENERAL PROVISIONS

    9.1.   SURVIVAL OF  WARRANTIES AND CERTAIN AGREEMENTS.   (a) All agreements,
representations, and  warranties made  herein shall  survive the  execution  and
delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the Transactions.

    (b)  Notwithstanding anything  in this  Agreement or  implied by  law to the
contrary, the agreements of the parties set forth in Sections 7.4 shall  survive
the consummation of the Transactions and the termination of this Agreement.

    9.2.     NOTICES.    All  notices,   requests,  claims,  demands  and  other
communications hereunder shall be  in writing and shall  be given (and shall  be
deemed  to have been duly  given upon receipt) by  delivery in person, by cable,
facsimile transmission, telegram  or telex  or by registered  or certified  mail

                                      A-33
<PAGE>
(postage  prepaid, return  receipt requested) to  the respective  parties at the
following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be  specified
in a notice given in accordance with this Section 9.2):

    (i) If to Parent or Holdings, to:

        Corimon, S.A.C.A.
       Calle Hans Neumann
       Edificio Corimon
       Los Cortijos de Lourdes
       Apartado 3654
       Caracas 1010-A, Venezuela
       Attention: Arthur W. Broslat
       Facsimile: (582) 203-5757

        with a copy to:

        Sullivan & Cromwell
       444 South Flower Street
       Los Angeles, California 90071
       Attention: Frank H. Golay, Jr.
       Facsimile: (213) 683-0457

    (ii) If to Grantor Trust, to:

        Standard Brands Paint Collateral Trust
       c/o Karl Savryn, Trustee
       Dornbush, Mensch, Mandelstam & Schaeffer
       74 Third Avenue, 11th Floor
       New York, New York 10017
       Facsimile: (212) 753-7673

   (iii) If to Investor1, to:

        Fidelity Capital & Income Fund
       c/o Fidelity Management and Research Co.
       82 Devonshire Street - F7E and F7D
       Boston, Massachusetts 02109
       Attention: Portfolio Manager and
                 Robert M. Gervis, Esq.
       Facsimile: (617) 476-3316 and 476-7774

        If to Investor2, to:

        Kodak Retirement Income Plan Trust Fund
       c/o Fidelity Management Trust Company
       82 Devonshire Street - F7E and F7D
       Boston, Massachusetts 02109
       Attention: Portfolio Manager and
                 Robert M. Gervis, Esq.
       Facsimile: (617) 476-3316 and 476-7774

        with a copy to:

        Goodwin Procter & Hoar
       Exchange Place
       53 State Street

                                      A-34
<PAGE>
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
Attention: Laura Hodges Taylor
       Facsimile: (617) 523-1231

   (iv) If to Investor3, to:

        Transamerica Life Insurance and Annuity Co.
       c/o Transamerica Realty Services, Inc.
       1150 South Olive Street, Suite 2200
       Los Angeles, CA 90015
       Attention: Lyman Lokken
       Facsimile: (213) 741-6917

    (v) If to Investor4, to:

        Transamerica Occidental Insurance Co.
       c/o Transamerica Realty Services, Inc.
       1150 South Olive Street, Suite 2200
       Los Angeles, CA 90015
       Attention: Lyman Lokken
       Facsimile: (213) 741-6917

   (vi) If to Investor5, to:

        Sun Life Insurance Co.
       1 Sun America Center
       Century City, CA 90067
       Attention: Robert Sydow
       Facsimile: (310) 772-6150

   (vii) If to Investor6, to:

        Anchor National Life Insurance Co.
       1 Sun America Center
       Century City, CA 90067
       Attention: Robert Sydow
       Facsimile: (310) 772-6150

  (viii) If to the Company, to:

        Standard Brands Paint Company
       4300 West 190th Street
       Torrance, CA 90509-2956
       Attention: Ronald I. Scharman
       Facsimile: (310) 371-8770

    9.3.    COUNTERPARTS.    This  Agreement may  be  executed  in  one  or more
counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement.

    9.4.  ENTIRE AGREEMENT;  NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES.   This Agreement  and
the  Ancillary Agreements, and the other  agreements and instruments referred to
herein and therein, (a) constitute the entire agreement, and supersede all prior
agreements and understandings, both written  and oral, among the parties  hereto
with  respect  to  the  subject  matter  of  this  Agreement  and  the Ancillary
Agreements and (b) are  not intended to  confer upon any  person other than  the
parties and their permitted successors and assigns any rights or remedies.

    9.5.  ASSIGNMENT.  None of the Parties shall assign this Agreement or any of
its  rights, interests or obligations hereunder,  in whole or in part (including
by operation of law in  connection with a merger,  or sale of substantially  all
the   assets,   of   Company,   Parent,  Holdings,   the   Other   Investors  or

                                      A-35
<PAGE>
otherwise), without the prior written consent of the other Parties, except  that
each of the Parties (other than Company) may assign, in its sole discretion, any
or  all of  its rights,  interests and obligations  under this  Agreement to any
Affiliate (other than Company) of such Party  who agrees in writing to be  bound
by  the  terms of  this  Agreement and  the  Ancillary Agreements,  but  no such
assignment shall  relieve  such Party  of  any  of its  obligations  under  this
Agreement  and except  that each of  Investor1, Investor2 and  the Grantor Trust
Subsidiaries may  assign, in  its sole  discretion, any  or all  of its  rights,
interests  and  obligations  under this  Agreement  as they  relate  to Sections
5.1(k), 5.1(aa) and 7.16, but no such assignment shall relieve any of Investor1,
Investor2 or the Grantor  Trust Subsidiaries of any  of their obligations  under
this  Agreement.  Subject  to the  preceding  sentence, this  Agreement  will be
binding upon, inure to the  benefit of, and be  enforceable by, the parties  and
their  respective successors and assigns.  Any attempted assignment in violation
of this Section 9.5 shall be void.

    9.6.  SEVERABILITY.   If  any term  or provision  of this  Agreement or  the
application  thereof  to  any  party  or  set  of  circumstances  shall,  in any
jurisdiction and to any extent, be  finally held invalid or unenforceable,  such
term or provision shall only be ineffective as to such jurisdiction, and only to
the  extent  of such  invalidity  or unenforceability,  without  invalidating or
rendering unenforceable any other terms or provisions of this Agreement or under
any other  circumstances,  and the  parties  shall  negotiate in  good  faith  a
substitute  provision which  comes as  close as  possible to  the invalidated or
unenforceable term or  provision, and  which puts each  party in  a position  as
nearly  comparable as possible to the position it would have been in but for the
finding  of   invalidity  or   unenforceability,  while   remaining  valid   and
enforceable.

    9.7.   GOVERNING LAW.  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REGARDLESS OF THE LAWS  THAT
MIGHT OTHERWISE GOVERN UNDER APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS THEREOF.

    9.8.  ENFORCEMENT.  The Parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in
the  event that any of the provisions of  this Agreement or any of the Ancillary
Agreements were not performed  in accordance with their  specific terms or  were
otherwise  breached. It is accordingly agreed that the Parties shall be entitled
to an injunction or  injunctions to prevent breaches  of this Agreement and  the
Ancillary  Agreements and  to enforce specifically  the terms  and provisions of
this Agreement  and the  Ancillary  Agreements in  any  Federal or  state  court
located  in the State of New York, this being in addition to any other remedy to
which they are entitled at  law or in equity. In  addition, each of the  parties
hereto (a) consents to submit itself to the personal jurisdiction of any Federal
or  state court located in the State of New York in the event any dispute arises
out  of  this  Agreement,  any  of  the  Ancillary  Agreements  or  any  of  the
Transactions,  (b)  agrees that  it  will not  attempt  to deny  or  defeat such
personal jurisdiction by motion or other  request for leave from any such  court
and (c) agrees that it will not bring any action relating to this Agreement, any
of the Ancillary Agreements or any of the Transactions in any court other than a
Federal  or state court sitting  in the State of New  York. The Parties agree to
accept service of process  in connection with any  such action or proceeding  in
any manner permitted for a notice hereunder.

    However,  anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the
case of  any legal  proceeding specifically  relating to  one of  the  Ancillary
Agreements,  which itself  contains specific choice  of law,  forum selection or
jurisdiction provisions, which  is or  would be inconsistent  with this  Section
9.8,  then in  such case  the provisions  contained in  such Ancillary Agreement
shall control, and this Section 9.8 shall not be applicable thereto.

                                      A-36
<PAGE>
                              INVESTMENT AGREEMENT

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

                                          STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY
                                          By ___________________________________
                                             Name:
                                             Title:

                                          CORIMON, S.A.C.A.
                                          By ___________________________________
                                             Name:
                                             Title:

                                          CORIMON CORPORATION
                                             ___________________________________
                                             Name:
                                             Title:

                                          TRANSAMERICA LIFE INSURANCE AND
                                           ANNUITY CO.
                                          By ___________________________________
                                             Name:
                                             Title:

                                          TRANSAMERICA OCCIDENTAL LIFE
                                           INSURANCE COMPANY
                                          By ___________________________________
                                             Name:
                                             Title:

                                          SUN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF  AMERICA
                                          By ___________________________________
                                             Name:
                                             Title:

                                      A-37
<PAGE>
                                          ANCHOR NATIONAL LIFE
                                           INSURANCE COMPANY
                                          By ___________________________________
                                             Name:
                                             Title:

                                          STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COLLATERAL
                                           TRUST
                                          By ___________________________________
                                             Name:
                                             Title:

                                          KODAK RETIREMENT INCOME PLAN  TRUST
                                          FUND
                                          By ___________________________________
                                             Name:
                                             Title:

                                          FIDELITY CAPITAL & INCOME FUND
                                          By ___________________________________
                                             Name:
                                             Title:

                                      A-38
<PAGE>
    Investor1 is  a portfolio  of  a Massachusetts  business  trust. A  copy  of
Investor1's  Declaration  of  Trust  is  on  file  with  the  Secretary  of  the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees  that
this agreement is not executed on behalf of or binding upon any of the trustees,
officers,  directors or shareholders of Investor1 or Investor2 individually, but
is binding only upon  the assets and property  of Investor1 and Investor2.  With
respect  to all obligations of Investor1 arising  out of this Agreement, each of
the Parties shall look for  payment or satisfaction of  any claim solely to  the
assets  and  property  of  Investor1  and Investor2.  Each  of  the  Parties are
expressly put on notice that the rights and obligations of each series of shares
of each of Investor1 and Investor2  under its Declaration of Trust are  separate
and distinct from those of any and all other series.

                                      A-39
<PAGE>
                                                                       EXHIBIT B

                                    RESTATED
                          CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
                                       OF
                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY

    STANDARD  BRANDS PAINT COMPANY,  a corporation organized  and existing under
the laws of the State of Delaware, hereby certifies as follows:

        1.   The name  of  the Corporation  is  STANDARD BRANDS  PAINT  COMPANY.
    STANDARD  BRANDS PAINT  COMPANY was  originally incorporated  under the name
    STANDARD BRANDS PAINT  COMPANY (DELAWARE)  and the  original Certificate  of
    Incorporation  of the Corporation  was filed with the  Secretary of State of
    Delaware on June 5, 1987.

        2.  This Restated Certificate of Incorporation has been adopted pursuant
    to the authority of Section 303 of  the General Corporation of the State  of
    Delaware.

        3.   Pursuant to Section 303 of the General Corporation Law of the State
    of  Delaware,  this  Restated  Certificate  of  Incorporation  restates  and
    integrates   and  further  amends  the  provisions  of  the  Certificate  of
    Incorporation of this Corporation.

        4.  The text of the Certificate of Incorporation is hereby restated  and
    amended to read in its entirety as follows:

                                   ARTICLE I

        The name of the Corporation is STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY.

                                   ARTICLE II

        The address of the registered office of the Corporation in the State
    of  Delaware is  1209 Orange Street,  County of  New Castle, Wilmington,
    Delaware 19801, and the name of its registered agent at that address  is
    The Corporation Trust Company.

                                  ARTICLE III

        The  purpose of the  Corporation is to  engage in any  lawful act or
    activity for  which  corporations may  be  organized under  the  General
    Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

                                   ARTICLE IV

        The  Corporation is  authorized to  issue two  classes of  shares of
    stock to  be designated,  respectively,  "Common Stock"  and  "Preferred
    Stock."  The total  number of  shares which  the Corporation  shall have
    authority  to  issue   is  thirty-five   million  (35,000,000)   shares,
    consisting  of thirty million (30,000,000) shares of common stock having
    $.01 par value per share  ("Common Stock") and five million  (5,000,000)
    shares  of preferred stock  having $.01 par  value per share ("Preferred
    Stock"). The Corporation  is prohibited from  issuing non-voting  equity
    stock.

        The shares of Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one
    or  more series. The Board  of Directors is hereby  authorized to fix by
    resolution or  resolutions  the  voting  rights,  designations,  powers,
    preferences  and the relative, participating,  optional or other rights,
    if any, and the qualifications,  limitations or restrictions thereof  of
    any  wholly unissued shares of Preferred Stock; and to fix the number of
    shares constituting such series, and to increase or decrease the  number
    of shares of any such series, but not below the number of shares thereof
    then outstanding.

                                      B-1
<PAGE>
                                   ARTICLE V

        In  furtherance and  not in  limitation of  the powers  conferred by
    statute, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to make, repeal,
    alter, amend and rescind the Bylaws of the Corporation.

                                   ARTICLE VI

        A director of the Corporation shall not be personally liable to  the
    Corporation  or its stockholders for monetary  damages for breach of the
    director's fiduciary duty as  a director, except  for liability (i)  for
    any  breach of the director's duty of  loyalty to the Corporation or its
    stockholders, (ii) for  acts or  omissions not  in good  faith or  which
    involve  intentional  misconduct or  a knowing  violation of  law, (iii)
    under Section  174  of the  General  Corporation  Law of  the  State  of
    Delaware  or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an
    improper personal benefit.

                                  ARTICLE VII

        This Corporation shall indemnify its officers, directors, employees,
    and agents to the  maximum extent permitted  by the General  Corporation
    Law  of the State of Delaware, as  now and hereinafter enacted (with any
    and all amendments thereto), including, but not limited to, the right to
    make indemnification contracts.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

        The Corporation shall have perpetual existence.

    IN WITNESS  WHEREOF, this  Restated Certificate  of Incorporation  has  been
signed under the seal of the Corporation this 14th day of June, 1993.

                                          STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY,

                                          By____________________________________
                                            Stuart D. Buchalter, CHAIRMAN OF THE
                                                          BOARD

                [SEAL]

Attest:
______________________________________
  Terri Rogers, ASSISTANT SECRETARY

                                      B-2
<PAGE>
                                                                       EXHIBIT C

                              AMENDED AND RESTATED
                                    BY-LAWS
                                       OF
                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY
                                   ARTICLE I
                                    OFFICES

SECTION 1.  REGISTERED OFFICE.

    The  registered office of Standard  Brands Paint Company (hereinafter called
the "Corporation") in  the State  of Delaware shall  be at  1209 Orange  Street,
Wilmington, Delaware 19801, and the name of the registered agent at that address
shall be The Corporation Trust Company.

SECTION 2.  PRINCIPAL OFFICES.

    The  board of directors of the  Corporation (the "Board of Directors") shall
fix the location  of the principal  executive office of  the Corporation at  any
place  within  or  without the  State  of  Delaware as  the  Board  of Directors
determines from time to time or as the business of the Corporation may require.

SECTION 3.  OTHER OFFICES.

    The Corporation may also have  an office or offices  at such other place  or
places,  either  within  or without  the  State  of Delaware,  as  the  Board of
Directors may from time to time determine or as the business of the  Corporation
may require.

                                   ARTICLE II
                            MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

SECTION 1.  PLACE OF MEETINGS.

    Meetings  of the stockholders  of the Corporation  ("Stockholders") shall be
held at any  place within or  without the  State of Delaware  designated by  the
Board  of Directors. In  the absence of any  such designation, the Stockholders'
meetings shall be held at the principal executive office of the Corporation.

SECTION 2.  ANNUAL MEETINGS.

    The annual meetings of the Stockholders of the Corporation may be called  at
any  time by the Chairman of the Board,  if any, the Vice Chairman of the Board,
if any, the President or the Board of  Directors, to be held at such date,  time
and place either within or without the State of Delaware as may be stated in the
notice of the meeting.

SECTION 3.  SPECIAL MEETINGS.

    Special meetings of the Stockholders may be called by the Board of Directors
pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the directors then in office.

SECTION 4.  NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDERS' MEETINGS.

    Except  as otherwise required or permitted by law, whenever the Stockholders
are required  or permitted  to take  any  action at  a meeting,  written  notice
thereof shall be given, stating the place, date and time of the meeting, and, in
the  case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is
called. The notice shall also designate the place where the Stockholders list is
available for  examination, unless  the list  is  kept at  the place  where  the
meeting  is to be held. A  copy of the notice of  any meeting shall be delivered
personally or shall be  mailed, not less  than ten (10) and  no more than  sixty
(60) days before the date of the meeting, to each Stockholder of record entitled
to vote at such meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given when
deposited  in the United States mail, postage pre-paid, and shall be directed to
each  Stockholder   at  its   address   as  it   appears   on  the   record   of

                                      C-1
<PAGE>
Stockholders, unless it shall have filed with the Secretary of the Corporation a
written  request that notices be mailed to  some other address, in which case it
shall be  directed to  the Stockholder  at  such other  address. Notice  of  any
meeting of Stockholders shall not be required to be given to any Stockholder who
shall  attend  the meeting,  except  if such  Stockholder  shall attend  for the
express purpose of objecting at the beginning thereof to the transaction of  any
business   because  the  meeting  is  not  lawfully  called  or  convened,  such
Stockholder shall submit, either before or after the meeting, a signed waiver of
notice. Unless the Board  of Directors, after the  adjournment, shall fix a  new
record  date for an adjourned meeting or unless the adjournment is for more than
thirty (30) days, notice of an adjourned meeting need not be given if the place,
date and  time to  which the  meeting shall  be adjourned  is announced  at  the
meeting at which the adjournment is taken.

SECTION 5.  QUORUM.

    Except  as otherwise provided by law  or by the certificate of incorporation
of the Corporation (the "Certificate of Incorporation"), the presence in  person
or  by proxy of the holders of a majority  of the shares entitled to vote at the
meeting of  Stockholders  shall  constitute  a quorum  for  the  transaction  of
business.  The Stockholders present at a duly  called or held meeting at which a
quorum is present may continue to do business until adjournment, notwithstanding
the withdrawal of enough Stockholders to leave less than a quorum, if any action
taken (other than adjournment) is approved by at least a majority of the  shares
required to constitute a quorum.

SECTION 6.  VOTING.

    A  Stockholder may vote in person or  by proxy. Except as otherwise provided
by law, the Certificate of Incorporation  or these Bylaws, any corporate  action
to  be taken by  a vote of  Stockholders shall be  authorized by the affirmative
vote of the majority of shares present in person or represented by proxy at  the
meeting and entitled to vote thereon.

    Directors  shall be elected as provided in Section 3 of Article III of these
Bylaws. Written ballots shall not be  required for voting on any matter,  unless
otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation.

SECTION 7.  PROXIES.

    Each Stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of Stockholders or to express
consent  or  dissent  to  corporate  action in  writing  without  a  meeting may
authorize another person or persons to act for such Stockholder by proxy, but no
such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three years from its date,  unless
the  proxy  provides  for  a  longer period.  A  duly  executed  proxy  shall be
irrevocable if it states that it is irrevocable and if, and only as long as,  it
is  coupled with an interest sufficient in  law to support an irrevocable power,
regardless of whether the interest  with which it is  coupled is an interest  in
the  stock itself or an interest in the Corporation generally. A Stockholder may
revoke any proxy which is not irrevocable by attending the meeting and voting in
person or by filing an instrument in writing revoking the proxy or another  duly
executed  proxy  bearing a  later date  with the  Secretary of  the Corporation.
Voting at meetings of Stockholders need not be by written ballot and need not be
conducted by inspectors  unless the  holders of  a majority  of the  outstanding
shares  of all classes  of stock entitled  to vote thereon  present in person or
represented by proxy at such meeting shall so determine.

SECTION 8.  INSPECTORS OF ELECTION.

    Before any meeting of Stockholders, the  Board of Directors may appoint  any
persons  other than nominees for office to  act as inspectors of election at the
meeting or its  adjournment. If  no inspectors  of election  are appointed,  the
chairman  of the meeting may,  and on the request of  the holders of ten percent
(10%) of the stock entitled to  vote at such election shall, appoint  inspectors
of  election at the  meeting. No candidate  for the office  of Director shall be
appointed inspector. The number of inspectors  shall either be one (1) or  three
(3).  If inspectors  are appointed at  a meeting  on the request  of ten percent
(10%) of the Stockholders  or proxies, the  holders of a  majority of shares  or
their proxies

                                      C-2
<PAGE>
present  at the meeting shall determine whether  one (1) or three (3) inspectors
are to be appointed.  If any person  appointed as inspector  fails to appear  or
fails  or refuses to act, the vacancy may  be filled by appointment by the Board
of Directors before the meeting, or by the chairman at the meeting.

    The duties of these inspectors shall be as follows:

        (i) Determine the number of shares  outstanding and the voting power  of
    each,  the shares represented at the meeting, the existence of a quorum, and
    the authenticity, validity and effect of proxies;

        (ii) Receive votes, ballots or consents;

       (iii) Hear and determine all challenges and questions in any way  arising
    in connection with the right to vote;

       (iv) Count and tabulate all votes or consents;

        (v) Determine the election result; and

       (vi) Do any other acts that may be proper to conduct the election or vote
    with fairness to all Stockholders.

SECTION 9.  ACTION WITHOUT MEETING.

    Unless  otherwise  provided  in  the  Certificate  of  Incorporation  of the
Corporation, any action which may 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 or  consents in writing, setting  forth the action so  taken,
shall  be signed,  in person or  by proxy,  by the holders  of outstanding stock
having not less  than the minimum  number of  votes that would  be necessary  to
authorize  or take the action at a meeting  at which all shares entitled to vote
thereon were present  and voted  in person  or by  proxy. Prompt  notice of  the
taking  of the corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written
consent shall be given to those Stockholders who have not consented in  writing,
but who were entitled to vote on the matter.

                                  ARTICLE III
                               BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SECTION 1.  POWERS.

    Subject  to the provisions  of the Delaware General  Corporation Law and any
limitations in the  Certificate of  Incorporation and these  Bylaws relating  to
action required to be approved by the Stockholders or by the outstanding shares,
the  business and affairs of the Corporation  shall be managed and all corporate
powers shall be exercised by or under the direction of the Board of Directors.

    Without  prejudice  to  such  general  powers,  but  subject  to  the   same
limitations,  it is hereby expressly declared  that the Board of Directors shall
have the power and authority to:

        (i) Select  and  remove  all  officers,  agents  and  employees  of  the
    Corporation  and prescribe  such powers  and duties for  them as  may not be
    inconsistent with  law,  with  the Certificate  of  Incorporation  or  these
    Bylaws.

        (ii)  Change the  principal executive  office or  the principal business
    office in or outside of the State of Delaware from one location to  another;
    cause  the Corporation to  be qualified to  do business in  any other state,
    territory, dependency  or foreign  country and  conduct business  within  or
    without  the State; designate any place within  or without the State for the
    holding of any Stockholders' meeting or meetings, including annual meetings;
    adopt,  make  and  use  a  corporate  seal,  and  prescribe  the  forms   of
    certificates  of  stock,  and  alter  the form  of  such  seal  and  of such
    certificates from time  to time  as in their  judgment they  may deem  best,
    provided  that  such forms  shall at  all times  comply with  the applicable
    provisions of law.

                                      C-3
<PAGE>
       (iii) Authorize the issuance of shares  of stock of the Corporation  from
    time to time, upon such terms as may be lawful.

       (iv)  Borrow  money  and  incur  indebtedness  for  the  purpose  of  the
    Corporation, and  cause  to  be  executed and  delivered  therefor,  in  the
    corporate  name,  promissory  notes,  bonds,  debentures,  deeds  of  trust,
    mortgages,  pledges,  hypothecations  and   other  evidences  of  debt   and
    securities therefor.

SECTION 2.  NUMBER OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

    The  Board of Directors  shall consist of  not less than  eight (8) nor more
than twelve (12) members. Until such  time as the Board of Directors  determines
otherwise,  the number of directors shall be  eight (8). The number of Directors
of the Board  of Directors  may be  reduced or increased  from time  to time  by
action of a majority of the Board of Directors, but no such decrease may shorten
the term of an incumbent Director. When used in these Bylaws, the phrase "entire
Board  of Directors" means  the total number of  directors which the Corporation
would have in office if there were no vacancies.

SECTION 3.  ELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE OF DIRECTORS.

    The Directors shall be elected by  the Stockholders of the Corporation,  and
at  each election the persons receiving the  greatest number of votes, up to the
number of Directors then to be elected,  shall be the persons then elected.  The
election  of Directors is subject to  any provision contained in the Certificate
of Incorporation relating thereto. Nominations of persons to serve as  Directors
must  be submitted to the Secretary of  the Corporation not less than forty-five
(45) days prior to the meeting of  the Stockholders at which Directors shall  be
elected.  At each  annual meeting  of the  Stockholders of  the Corporation, the
successors of the Directors whose term expires at that meeting shall be  elected
to  hold office for a term expiring  at the next annual meeting of Stockholders.
Subject to his earlier death, resignation  or removal, each Director shall  hold
office  until  his  successor  shall  have  been  duly  elected  and  shall have
qualified.

SECTION 4.  REMOVAL.

    Subject to  the limitations  set  forth in  Section  141(k) of  the  General
Corporation Law of Delaware, the Board of Directors, or any individual Director,
may  be  removed from  office,  with or  without cause,  and  a new  Director or
Directors  elected  by  a  vote  of  Stockholders  holding  a  majority  of  the
outstanding shares entitled to vote at an election of Directors.

SECTION 5.  RESIGNATIONS.

    Any Director may resign effective upon giving written notice to the Chairman
of  the  Board  of Directors,  the  President,  the Secretary  or  the  Board of
Directors, unless the  notice specifies a  later time for  the effectiveness  of
such  resignation, in which case such resignation shall be effective at the time
specified. Unless such  resignation specifies otherwise,  its acceptance by  the
Corporation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

SECTION 6.  VACANCIES.

    Any vacancy in the Board of Directors arising from an increase in the number
of  Directors  or otherwise  may be  filled by  a  vote of  the majority  of the
Directors then in  office, though less  than a  quorum, or by  a sole  remaining
Director.  Subject to the  earlier death, resignation or  removal of a Director,
each Director so elected shall hold office until the next election of the  class
for which such Director shall have been chosen, and until his successor shall be
elected and qualified.

    A  vacancy in the Board of Directors exists as to any authorized position of
Director which is not then filled by a duly elected Director, whether caused  by
death, resignation, removal or increase in the authorized number of Directors or
otherwise.

SECTION 7.  PLACE OF MEETINGS.

    Meetings  of the Board of Directors of  the Corporation shall be held at any
place within  or  without the  State  of Delaware  designated  by the  Board  of
Directors.

                                      C-4
<PAGE>
SECTION 8.  ANNUAL MEETING.

    The  annual  meeting of  the Board  of Directors  shall be  held as  soon as
practicable after the annual  meeting of Stockholders on  such date and at  such
time and place as the Board of Directors determines.

SECTION 9.  REGULAR MEETINGS.

    Regular  meetings of the Board of Directors  shall be held on such dates and
at such places and times as the Board of Directors determines. In the absence of
such determination, regular meetings  shall be held  at the principal  executive
office  of the Corporation. Notice  of such regular meetings  need not be given,
except as otherwise required by law. If any  day fixed for a meeting shall be  a
legal  holiday at the  place where the meeting  is to be  held, then the meeting
shall be held at the same hour and place on the next succeeding business day not
a legal holiday.

SECTION 10.  SPECIAL MEETINGS.

    Special meetings of the Board of  Directors for any purpose or purposes  may
be  called  at any  time by  the Chairman  of the  Board or  the President  or a
majority of  the  Directors,  to  be  held  at  the  principal  offices  of  the
Corporation  or at such  other place or  places, within or  without the State of
Delaware, as the person or persons calling the meeting may designate.

    Notice of  the  time  and  place of  special  meetings  shall  be  delivered
personally  or by  telephone to  each Director  or sent  by first-class  mail or
telegram, charges prepaid, addressed  to each Director at  his address as it  is
shown  upon the records  of the Corporation.  In case such  notice is mailed, it
shall be deposited in the United States mail at least two (2) days prior to  the
time of the holding of the meeting. In case such notice is delivered personally,
or by telephone or telegram, it shall be delivered personally or by telephone or
to the telegraph office at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the time of the
holding  of the meeting. Any oral notice given personally or by telephone may be
communicated to either the Director or to a person at the office of the Director
whom  the  person  giving  the  notice  has  reason  to  believe  will  promptly
communicate  it to the Director. The notice  need not specify the purpose of the
meeting nor the place if  the meeting is to be  held at the principal  executive
office of the Corporation.

SECTION 11.  QUORUM.

    Except  as otherwise  provided by law,  the Certificate  of Incorporation or
these Bylaws, at all meetings of the Board of Directors, six (6) of the  elected
Directors  shall constitute  a quorum for  the transaction of  business, and the
vote of a majority of  the Directors present at a  meeting at which a quorum  is
present  shall be  the act  of the  Board of  Directors, except  as specifically
provided by the law of the State of Delaware, the Certificate of  Incorporation,
these  Bylaws or any contract or agreement  to which the Corporation is a party.
Notice of any adjourned meeting need not be given.

SECTION 12.  CONDUCT OF MEETINGS.

    Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be presided over by the Chairman of
the Board, if any, or in  the absence of the Chairman  of the Board by the  Vice
Chairman  of the Board,  if any, or in  the absence of the  Vice Chairman of the
Board by the President, or in their absence by a chairman chosen at the meeting.
The Secretary, or in the absence of the Secretary an Assistant Secretary,  shall
act  as secretary of  the meeting, but in  the absence of  the Secretary and any
Assistant Secretary the chairman of the meeting may appoint any person to act as
secretary of the meeting.

SECTION 13.  WAIVER OF NOTICE.

    The transactions of any  meeting of the Board  of Directors, however  called
and  noticed or wherever  held, shall be as  valid as though  taken at a meeting
duly held after regular call  and notice if a quorum  is present and if,  either
before  or after the meeting, each of  the Directors not present signs a written
waiver of notice, a consent to holding the meeting or an approval of the minutes
thereof. The waiver of  notice or consent  need not specify  the purpose of  the
meeting.  All  such waivers,  consents  and approvals  shall  be filed  with the
corporate records or  made a part  of the minutes  of the meeting.  Notice of  a
meeting  shall also  be deemed  given to  any Director  who attends  the meeting
without protesting, prior thereto or at its commencement, the lack of notice  to
such Director.

                                      C-5
<PAGE>
SECTION 14.  ADJOURNMENT.

    A  majority of the Directors present,  whether or not constituting a quorum,
may adjourn any meeting to another time and place.

SECTION 15.  NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT.

    Notice of the time  and place of  holding an adjourned  meeting need not  be
given,  unless the meeting is adjourned for more than twenty-four (24) hours, in
which case notice of such time and place shall be given prior to the time of the
adjourned meeting, in the manner specified in Section 10 of this Article III, to
the Directors who were not present at the time of the adjournment.

SECTION 16.  ACTION WITHOUT MEETING.

    Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board  of
Directors,  or of any committee  thereof, may be taken  without a meeting if all
members of the Board or of such  committee, as the case may be, consent  thereto
in  writing,  and  the  writing  or  writings  are  filed  with  the  minutes of
proceedings of the Board or committee.

SECTION 17.  FEES AND COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS.

    Directors and members of committees  may receive such compensation, if  any,
for  their  services and  such reimbursement  of  expenses, as  may be  fixed or
determined by resolution  of the  Board of Directors.  Nothing herein  contained
shall  be construed to preclude any Director from serving the Corporation in any
other capacity  as  an  officer,  agent, employee  or  otherwise  and  receiving
compensation for such services.

SECTION 18.  COMMITTEES OF DIRECTORS.

    The  Board of  Directors may,  by these  Bylaws or  resolutions passed  by a
majority of the whole Board of Directors, designate one or more committees, each
consisting of one or more  Directors, to serve at the  pleasure of the Board  of
Directors.  The  Board  of Directors  may  designate  one or  more  Directors as
alternate members of any committee, who  may replace any absent or  disqualified
member  at any meeting of the committee. In the absence or disqualification of a
member of a committee, the member or members thereof present at any meeting  and
not disqualified from voting, whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may
unanimously  appoint another  member of  the Board  of Directors  to act  at the
meeting in place of any such absent or disqualified member. Any such  committee,
to  the  extent provided  in these  Bylaws or  the resolutions  of the  Board of
Directors, shall have and may  exercise all of the  powers and authority of  the
Board  of  Directors  in the  management  of  the business  and  affairs  of the
Corporation and may authorize the seal of  the Corporation to be affixed to  all
papers  which may require such seal; but  no such committee shall have the power
or authority in reference to amending the Certificate of Incorporation, adopting
an agreement of merger  or consolidation, recommending  to the Stockholders  the
sale,  lease  or  exchange of  all  or  substantially all  of  the Corporation's
property and  assets, recommending  to  the Stockholders  a dissolution  of  the
Corporation  or  revocation of  a  dissolution, or  amending  the Bylaws  of the
Corporation; and, unless a resolution of the Board of Directors, these Bylaws or
the Certificate of  Incorporate expressly  so provide, no  such committee  shall
have  the power or  authority to declare  a dividend, to  adopt a certificate of
ownership and merger pursuant to Section 253 of the Delaware General Corporation
Law, or  to authorize  the issuance  of  stock. Any  such committee  shall  keep
written minutes of its meetings and report the same to the Board of Directors at
the next regular meeting of the Board of Directors.

SECTION 19.  MEETINGS AND ACTION OF COMMITTEES.

    Meetings  and action of committees shall be  governed by, and held and taken
in accordance with, the provisions of this Article III with such changes in  the
context  of these Bylaws  as are necessary  to substitute the  committee and its
members for the  Board of Directors  and its  members, except that  the time  of
regular  meetings of committees may be determined  by resolution of the Board of
Directors as well as the committee,  special meetings of committees may also  be
called by resolutions of the Board of

                                      C-6
<PAGE>
Directors  and notice of special  meetings of committees shall  also be given to
all alternate members, who shall  have the right to  attend all meetings of  the
committee.  The Board  of Directors  may adopt rules  for the  governance of any
committee not inconsistent with the provisions of these Bylaws.

SECTION 20.  EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

    The Board of  Directors may,  in each  year, by  the affirmative  vote of  a
majority of the entire Board of Directors, elect from the Directors an executive
committee  (the "Executive  Committee") to consist  of such  number of Directors
(not less than three) as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.
The chairman  of  the Executive  Committee  shall be  elected  by the  Board  of
Directors.  The Board of Directors by such  affirmative vote shall have power at
any time to change the members of the Executive Committee and may fill vacancies
in the Executive  Committee by election  from the Directors.  When the Board  of
Directors  is  not  in  session,  the Executive  Committee  shall  have  and may
exercise, subject to  the powers,  duties and responsibilities  vested by  these
Bylaws  in the Finance Committee of the  Board of Directors of this Corporation,
any or all  of the powers  of the Board  of Directors in  the management of  the
business  and affairs of  the Corporation (including the  power to authorize the
seal of the  Corporation to  be affixed  to all  papers which  may require  it),
except  as provided by law or any contract or agreement to which the Corporation
is a party and  except the power to  increase or decrease the  size of, or  fill
vacancies on, the Board of Directors, to remove or appoint executive officers or
to  dissolve or change the permanent  membership of the Executive Committee, and
the power to make or amend these Bylaws. The Executive Committee may fix its own
rules of  procedure,  and  may meet  when  and  as provided  by  such  rules  or
resolutions  of the  Board of Directors,  but in  every case, the  presence of a
majority shall be necessary to constitute a quorum. In the absence of any member
of the Executive Committee, the members thereof present at any meeting,  whether
or  not they constitute a quorum, may appoint a member of the Board of Directors
to act in the place of such absent member.

SECTION 21.  FINANCE COMMITTEE.

    The Board of  Directors may,  in each  year, by  the affirmative  vote of  a
majority  of the entire Board  of Directors, elect from  the Directors a finance
committee (the "Finance Committee") to consist of such number of Directors  (not
less  than three) as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine. The
chairman of the Finance  Committee shall be elected  by the Board of  Directors.
The Board of Directors by such affirmative vote shall have the power at any time
to  change the members  of the Finance  Committee and may  fill vacancies in the
Finance Committee  by election  from the  Directors. The  powers, functions  and
duties  of the Finance Committee  shall include (i) the  review, on a continuing
basis, of the Corporation's  financial policies and  the implementation of  such
policies and the making of appropriate recommendations to the Board of Directors
for   the  modification  or  continuation  thereof,   (ii)  the  review  of  the
Corporation's basic financial plans prior to submission thereof to the Board  of
Directors,  (iii) the review of  possible or proposed acquisitions, divestitures
and capital  expenditures  and the  authority  to approve  capital  expenditures
within  the  financial limits  from time  to  time established  by the  Board of
Directors, (iv) the review of  the Corporation's asset and liability  management
programs  and (v) such other  powers, functions and duties  as may, from time to
time, be delegated to the Finance Committee by the Board of Directors. From time
to time, various executives  and counsel to the  Corporation may be selected  by
the  chairman of the Finance Committee in  consultation with the Chairman of the
Board of Directors and President of  the Corporation to serve as consultants  to
the  Finance Committee  on a permanent  or temporary basis,  as appropriate. The
Finance Committee may fix its own rules  of procedure, and may meet when and  as
provided  by such rules or  resolutions of the Board  of Directors, but in every
case, the presence of a majority shall be necessary to constitute a quorum.

SECTION 22.  COMPENSATION COMMITTEE.

    The Board of  Directors may,  in each  year, by  the affirmative  vote of  a
majority  of  the  entire  Board  of  Directors,  elect  from  the  Directors  a
compensation committee (the "Compensation Committee") to consist of such  number
of  Directors (not less than  three) as the Board of  Directors may from time to
time determine. The chairman of the  Compensation Committee shall be elected  by
the Board of

                                      C-7
<PAGE>
Directors.  The Board of Directors by such affirmative vote shall have the power
at any time to  change the members  of the Compensation  Committee and may  fill
vacancies  in the  Compensation Committee  by election  from the  Directors. The
powers, functions and duties of the Compensation Committee shall include (i) the
review of and the making of recommendations to the Board regarding compensation,
both direct and indirect,  of the chief executive  officer and other members  of
executive  management  of the  Corporation, (ii)  the  review and  submission of
recommendations regarding new executive compensation plans to the full Board  of
Directors,  (iii)  the establishment  and periodic  review of  the Corporation's
policies relating to executive perquisites, (iv) the administration of executive
incentive compensation plans and (v) such other powers, functions and duties  as
may,  from time to time, be delegated to the Compensation Committee by the Board
of Directors.  From  time  to  time,  various  executives  and  counsel  to  the
Corporation  may be  selected by the  chairman of the  Compensation Committee in
consultation with the Chairman  of the Board of  Directors and President of  the
Corporation to serve as consultants to the Compensation Committee on a permanent
or  temporary basis, as appropriate. The  Compensation Committee may fix its own
rules of  procedure,  and  may meet  when  and  as provided  by  such  rules  or
resolutions  of the  Board of Directors,  but in  every case, the  presence of a
majority shall be necessary to constitute a quorum.

SECTION 23.  AUDIT COMMITTEE.

    The Board of  Directors may,  in each  year, by  the affirmative  vote of  a
majority  of the entire  Board of Directors,  elect from the  Directors an audit
committee (the "Audit Committee")  to consist of such  number of Directors  (not
less  than three) as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine. The
chairman of the Audit Committee shall be elected by the Board of Directors.  The
Board  of Directors by such affirmative vote shall have the power at any time to
change the members of the  Audit Committee and may  fill vacancies in the  Audit
Committee  by election from  the Directors. The powers,  functions and duties of
the Audit Committee shall include (i) recommendations regarding the  appointment
of  independent  auditors  of  the  Corporation,  (ii)  consultation  with  such
independent auditors regarding the plan of any audits, (iii) review of the audit
report and management letter, (iv)  consultations with the independent  auditors
regarding  the adequacy  of the Corporation's  system of  internal controls, (v)
meeting with the internal  auditors to review the  results of the  Corporation's
internal  audits and (vi) such  other powers, functions and  duties as may, from
time to time, be  delegated to the  Audit Committee by  the Board of  Directors.
From  time to  time, various  executives and counsel  to the  Corporation may be
selected by  the  chairman of  the  Audit  Committee in  consultation  with  the
Chairman  of the Board of Directors and President of the Corporation to serve as
consultants to  the  Audit Committee  on  a  permanent or  temporary  basis,  as
appropriate.  The Audit Committee  may fix its  own rules of  procedure, and may
meet when  and as  provided by  such  rules or  by resolution  of the  Board  of
Directors,  but in  every case,  presence of  a majority  shall be  necessary to
constitute a quorum.

SECTION 24.  MEETINGS HELD OTHER THAN IN PERSON.

    Members of the  Board of  Directors or any  committee may  participate in  a
meeting  of the Board of Directors or committee, as the case may be, by means of
conference telephone or similar communications  equipment by means of which  all
persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and such participation
shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.

SECTION 25.  REMUNERATION.

    The  Directors shall  be paid  such remuneration,  if any,  as the  Board of
Directors may from  time to  time determine. Any  remuneration so  payable to  a
Director who is also an officer or employee of the Corporation or who is counsel
or  solicitor  to  the Corporation  or  otherwise  serves it  in  a professional
capacity shall, unless the Board of  Directors shall otherwise determine, be  in
addition  to his salary as such officer  or employee or to his professional fees
as the case may be. In addition,  the Board of Directors may by resolution  from
time  to time award special remuneration out  of the funds of the Corporation to
any Director who  performs any  special work or  service for  or undertakes  any
special  mission on behalf  of the Corporation  outside of the  work or services
ordinarily required of a Director of a Corporation. The Directors shall also  be
paid    such    sums    in    respect    of    their    out-of-pocket   expenses

                                      C-8
<PAGE>
incurred in attending meetings of the Board of Directors or otherwise in respect
of the performance by them  of their duties as the  Board of Directors may  from
time   to  time  determine.  Confirmation  by   the  Stockholders  of  any  such
remuneration or payment shall not be required.

SECTION 26.  MANDATORY RETIREMENT.

    All Directors  upon  reaching  the  age  of  seventy-two  (72)  years  shall
thereupon  be ineligible to stand for reelection  to the Board of Directors, and
such directorship  shall automatically  terminate effective  upon the  first  to
occur  of (i) the resignation of such  Director pursuant to call therefor by the
Chairman of the  Board of  Directors; (ii) the  nomination and  election to  the
Board  of Directors of a  successor replacement for such  Director; or (iii) the
attainment of  such Director's  73rd birthday.  The provisions  of this  Section
shall  apply only to members  of the Board of  Directors of this Corporation who
are first elected on July 1, 1987  or thereafter and shall not apply to  persons
who are members of the Board of Directors as of June 30, 1987.

                                   ARTICLE IV
                                    OFFICERS

SECTION 1.  EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.

    The executive officers of the Corporation shall be the Chairman of the Board
of  Directors, the President, one  or more Vice-Presidents (the  number of to be
determined by the Board of Directors), the Secretary and the Treasurer and  such
other  officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of Section
3 of this Article IV.

SECTION 2.  ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

    The officers of this Corporation, except  such officers as may be  appointed
in  accordance with the provisions of Section 3 or Section 5 of this Article IV,
shall be chosen by the  Board of Directors, and each  shall serve for one  year,
subject to the rights, if any, of an officer under any contract of employment.

    Any  two offices, except those of  President and Vice-President, may be held
by the same  person, but  no officer shall  execute, acknowledge  or verify  any
instrument  in more than one  capacity if such instrument  is required by law or
these Bylaws to be executed, acknowledged or verified by two or more officers.

SECTION 3.  SUBORDINATE OFFICERS.

    The Board  of Directors  or  the Executive  Committee  may appoint  and  may
empower  the  Chairman of  the Board  and  the President  to appoint  such other
officers as the business of the Corporation may require, each of whom shall hold
office for  such period,  have such  authority and  perform such  duties as  are
provided  in these  Bylaws or as  the Board of  Directors may from  time to time
determine.

SECTION 4.  REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION OF OFFICERS.

    Subject to  the  rights,  if  any,  of an  officer  under  any  contract  of
employment,  any officer may  be removed, either  with or without  cause, by the
Board of Directors, at any regular or special meeting thereof, or, except in the
case of an officer chosen  by the Board of Directors,  by any officer upon  whom
such power of removal may be conferred by the Board of Directors.

    Any  officer  may  resign  at  any time  by  giving  written  notice  to the
Corporation. Any such resignation  shall take effect on  the date of receipt  of
such  notice  or at  any  later time  specified  therein; and,  unless otherwise
specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary  to
make  it effective. Any such resignation is  without prejudice to the rights, if
any, of the Corporation under any contract to which the officer is a party.

SECTION 5.  VACANCIES IN OFFICES.

    A  vacancy  in   any  office   because  of   death,  resignation,   removal,
disqualification  or any other cause shall be filled in the manner prescribed in
these Bylaws for regular appointments to such office.

                                      C-9
<PAGE>
SECTION 6.  CHAIRMAN.

    The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall be the chief executive  officer
of  the Corporation (provided that the Chairman may appoint any other officer of
the Corporation to serve as chief executive officer for any reasonable period of
time); shall, if present,  preside at all meetings  of the Stockholders and  the
Board  of Directors; shall,  subject to the  control of the  Board of Directors,
have general supervision, direction and control of the business and officers  of
the  Corporation; and shall exercise and perform such other powers and duties as
may from time to time be assigned to him by the Board of Directors or prescribed
by these Bylaws.

SECTION 7.  PRESIDENT.

    Subject to such supervisory powers, if any, as may be given by these  Bylaws
or the Board of Directors to the Chairman of the Board of Directors, if there be
such  an officer,  the President  shall be  the chief  operating officer  of the
Corporation. He shall,  subject to  the control of  the Board  of Directors  and
Chairman  of the  Board of  Directors, have  general supervision,  direction and
control of the  operations of  the Corporation, and  he shall  have the  general
powers  usually vested in the  chief operating officer of  a corporation. In the
absence or disability of the Chairman  of the Board of Directors, the  President
shall  perform all of the duties of the  Chairman of the Board of Directors, and
when so acting  shall have  all the  powers of,  and be  subject to  all of  the
restrictions  upon, the Chairman of the  Board of Directors. The President shall
have such other duties or powers as may be prescribed by the Board of  Directors
or these Bylaws.

SECTION 8.  VICE PRESIDENTS.

    In the absence or disability of the President, the Vice-Presidents, in order
of  their  rank as  fixed  by the  Board  of Directors,  or  if not  ranked, the
Vice-President designated  by the  Board  of Directors,  shall perform  all  the
duties of the President, and when so acting shall have all the powers of, and be
subject  to all the restrictions upon,  the President. The Vice-Presidents shall
have such other powers and perform such other duties as from time to time may be
prescribed for them respectively by the Board of Directors or these Bylaws.

SECTION 9.  SECRETARY.

    The Secretary shall  keep or cause  to be kept,  at the principal  executive
office  of the  Corporation or such  other place  as the Board  of Directors may
order, a book of minutes of  all meetings of Directors, committees of  Directors
and  Stockholders,  with  the time  and  place  of holding,  whether  regular or
special, and, if special, how authorized, the notice thereof given, the names of
those present at Directors' and committee meetings, the number of shares present
and represented at Stockholders' meetings and the proceeding thereof.

    The Secretary shall keep,  or cause to be  kept, at the principal  executive
office  of the Corporation or at the  office of the Corporation's transfer agent
or registrar, as  determined by resolution  of the Board  of Directors, a  share
register,  or a duplicate share register,  showing the names of all Stockholders
and their addresses, the  number and class of  shares held by each  Stockholder,
the number and date of certificates issued for the same, and the number and date
of cancellation of every certificate surrendered for cancellation.

    The  Secretary shall give, or  cause to be given,  notice of all meetings of
the Stockholders and of  the Board of  Directors required to  be given by  these
ByLaws, and he shall keep the seal of the Corporation in safe custody, as may be
prescribed by the Board of Directors or these Bylaws.

SECTION 10.  TREASURER.

    The  Treasurer shall have the powers and  duties customary to the office and
as the Board of Directors may from time to time provide.

                                      C-10
<PAGE>
                                   ARTICLE V
       INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND OTHER AGENTS

SECTION 1.  AGENTS, PROCEEDINGS AND EXPENSES.

    For the purposes of this Article, "agent"  means any person who is or was  a
director,  officer, employee, or other  agent of this Corporation,  or is or was
serving at the request of this Corporation as a director, officer, employee,  or
agent  of another foreign  or domestic corporation,  partnership, joint venture,
trust or other enterprise, or was a  director, officer, employee, or agent of  a
foreign  or domestic  corporation, which was  a predecessor  corporation of this
Corporation or  of  another  enterprise  at  the  request  of  such  predecessor
corporation;  "proceeding" means any threatened,  pending or completed action or
proceeding, whether  civil,  criminal,  administrative,  or  investigative;  and
"expenses"  includes, without  limitation, attorneys'  fees and  any expenses of
establishing a right to indemnification under this Article.

SECTION 2.  ACTIONS OTHER THAN BY THE CORPORATION.

    This Corporation shall  indemnify any person  who was  or is a  party or  is
threatened  to be made a party to any  proceeding (other than an action by or in
the right of the Corporation) by reason of  the fact that such person is or  was
an  agent  of this  Corporation  against expenses  (including  attorneys' fees);
judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlements and other amounts actually  and
reasonably  incurred in connection with such  proceeding if such person acted in
good faith and in a manner that such person 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 the conduct of
such person was unlawful. The termination of any proceeding by judgment,  order,
settlement,  conviction, or  upon a plea  of nolo contendere  or its equivalent,
shall not, of itself, create a presumption  that the person did not act in  good
faith  and in a  manner which the person  reasonably believed to  be in the best
interests of  this Corporation,  or  that the  person  had reasonable  cause  to
believe that the person's conduct was unlawful.

SECTION 3.  ACTIONS BY THE CORPORATION.

    This  Corporation shall  indemnify any person  who was  or is a  party or is
threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action  by
or in the right of this Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason
of  the fact  that such person  is or was  an agent of  this Corporation against
expenses (including attorneys'  fees) actually and  reasonably incurred by  such
person  in connection with the  defense or settlement of  that action or suit if
such person acted  in good faith  and in  a manner that  such person  reasonably
believed  to be  in or not  opposed to  the best interests  of this Corporation,
except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any proceeding as  to
which  such  person shall  have been  adjudged  to be  liable for  negligence or
misconduct in the performance of his duty to the Corporation unless and only  to
the  extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit
was brought shall determine upon  application that, despite the adjudication  of
liability  but in view of  all circumstances of the  case, such person is fairly
and reasonably  entitled to  indemnity  for such  expenses  which the  Court  of
Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

SECTION 4.  INDEMNIFICATION AGAINST EXPENSES OF SUCCESSFUL PARTY.

    Notwithstanding  the other provisions of this Article, to the extent that an
agent of this Corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in  the
defense of any suit or proceeding referred to in Section 2 or 3 of this Article,
or  in  defense  of any  claim,  issue or  matter  therein, the  agent  shall be
indemnified against expenses actually  and reasonably incurred  by the agent  in
connection therewith.

SECTION 5.  DETERMINATION OF RIGHT OF INDEMNIFICATION.

    Any indemnification under Sections 2 or 3 of this Article (unless ordered by
a  court) shall be  made by the  Corporation only as  authorized in the specific
case upon a  determination that indemnification  of the agent  is proper in  the
circumstances  because the agent  has met the applicable  standard of conduct as
set forth in Sections 2 or 3  of this Article. Such determination shall be  made
(i) by the Board

                                      C-11
<PAGE>
of  Directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of Directors who are not
parties to such proceeding, (ii) if such a quorum is not obtainable, or even  if
obtainable, a quorum of disinterested Directors so directs, by independent legal
counsel in a written opinion or (iii) by the Stockholders.

SECTION 6.  ADVANCES OF EXPENSES.

    Expenses incurred by an officer or Director in defending a proceeding may be
paid  by the Corporation in advance of  the final disposition of such proceeding
as authorized by the Board of Directors in the specific case upon receipt of  an
undertaking  by or on  behalf of such  Director or officer  to repay such amount
unless it shall ultimately be determined  that he is entitled to be  indemnified
by  the Corporation  as authorized  in this  Article. Such  expenses incurred by
other employees and agents  may be so  paid upon such  terms and conditions,  if
any, as the Board of Directors deems appropriate.

SECTION 7.  OTHER RIGHTS AND REMEDIES.

    The  indemnification provided by this Article  shall not be deemed exclusive
of any other rights to which  one seeking indemnification may be entitled  under
any  Bylaw,  agreement,  vote  of Stockholders  or  disinterested  directors, or
otherwise.

SECTION 8.  INSURANCE.

    The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any  person
who  is or was a Director, officer, employee  or agent of the Corporation, or is
or was  serving  at the  request  of, or  to  represent the  interests  of,  the
Corporation  as  a  subsidiary officer  of  any affiliated  entity,  against any
liability asserted against such person in  any such capacity, or arising out  of
such  person's status  as such,  whether or not  the Corporation  would have the
power to indemnify such  person against such liability  under the provisions  of
this Article or applicable law.

                                   ARTICLE VI
                              RECORDS AND REPORTS

SECTION 1.  MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION OF SHARE REGISTER.

    The  Secretary of  the Corporation  shall prepare and  make, or  cause to be
made, at least ten  (10) days before every  meeting of Stockholders, a  complete
list  of  the  Stockholders  entitled  to  vote  at  the  meeting,  arranged  in
alphabetical order and showing the address of each Stockholder and the number of
shares registered in the name  of each Stockholder. Such  list shall be open  to
the  examination of  any Stockholder,  for any  purpose germane  to the meeting,
during ordinary business hours, for a period of at least ten (10) days prior  to
the  meeting, either at a place within the city where the meeting is to be held,
which place  shall be  specified in  the notice  of the  meeting, or  if not  so
specified,  at the place where the meeting is to be held. The list shall also be
produced and kept at  the time and  place of the meeting  during the whole  time
thereof,  and may be  inspected by any  Stockholder who is  present. The willful
neglect or refusal of the  Directors to produce such a  list at any meeting  for
the  election of Directors, shall make such Directors ineligible for election to
any office at such meeting.

    The stock ledger shall be the only  evidence as to who are the  Stockholders
entitled  to examine the  stock ledger, the list  of Stockholders required under
this Section 1 or the books of the Corporation, or to vote in person or by proxy
at any meeting of Stockholders.

    Any Stockholder, in person or by  attorney or other agent, shall, upon  five
(5)  days written demand under oath stating  the purpose thereof, have the right
during the  usual hours  for business  to  inspect for  any proper  purpose  the
Corporation's  stock ledger, a list of its Stockholders, and its other books and
records, and to make copies or extracts therefrom. A proper purpose shall mean a
purpose reasonably related to such person's interests as a Stockholder. In every
instance where an  attorney or other  agent shall  be the person  who seeks  the
right  to inspection, the demand  under oath shall be  accompanied by a power of
attorney or such other writing which  authorizes the attorney or other agent  to
so  act on behalf of the Stockholder. The demand under oath shall be directed to
the Corporation at its registered office in this State or at its principal place
of business.

                                      C-12
<PAGE>
    If the  Corporation or  an officer  or agent  thereof refuses  to permit  an
inspection  sought by a  Stockholder or attorney  or other agent  acting for the
Stockholder pursuant to this Section  1 or does not  reply to the demand  within
five (5) business days after the demand has been made, the Stockholder may apply
to the Court of Chancery for an order to compel such inspection.

    Any Director shall have the right to examine the Corporation's stock ledger,
a  list  of its  Stockholders  and its  other books  and  records for  a purpose
reasonably related  to his  position as  a Director.  The Court  of Chancery  is
hereby vested with the exclusive jurisdiction to determine whether a Director is
entitled to the inspection sought.

SECTION 2.  MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION OF BYLAWS.

    The  Corporation shall  keep at  its principal  executive office,  or if its
principal executive office is not in this State at its principal business office
in this State, the original  or a copy of the  Bylaws as amended to date,  which
shall  be open to inspection by the  Stockholders at all reasonable times during
office hours. If the  principal executive office of  the Corporation is  outside
this  State and the Corporation has no  principal business office in this State,
the Secretary shall,  upon the written  request of any  Stockholder, furnish  to
such Stockholder a copy of the Bylaws as amended to date.

SECTION 3.  MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION OF OTHER CORPORATE RECORDS.

    The  minutes of proceedings  of the Stockholders and  the Board of Directors
and any committee or committees of the Board of Directors shall be kept at  such
place or places designated by the Board of Directors, or, in the absence of such
designation,  at the principal executive office  of the Corporation. The minutes
shall be kept in written form. Such minutes shall be open to inspection upon the
written demand of any Stockholder or holder of a voting trust certificate at any
reasonable time during usual business hours for a purpose reasonably related  to
such  holder's interests  as a Stockholder  or as  the holder of  a voting trust
certificate. Such inspection may be  made in person or  by an agent or  attorney
and shall include the right to copy and make extracts.

    Every  Director  shall have  the absolute  right at  any reasonable  time to
inspect and copy all books, records and  documents of every kind and to  inspect
the  physical  properties  of  this  Corporation  and  any  subsidiary  of  this
Corporation. Such inspection by a Director may be made in person or by agent  or
attorney  and  the right  of  inspection includes  the  right to  copy  and make
extracts.

    The foregoing  rights of  inspection shall  extend to  the records  of  each
subsidiary of the Corporation.

SECTION 4.  ANNUAL REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS.

    The  Board  of Directors  shall cause  an annual  report to  be sent  to the
Stockholders not later than one hundred twenty (120) days after the close of the
fiscal year adopted by the Corporation. Such  report shall be sent at least  ten
(10) days prior to the annual meeting of Stockholders to be held during the next
fiscal  year and  in the manner  specified in Section  4 of Article  II of these
Bylaws for giving notice to Stockholders  of the Corporation. The annual  report
shall  contain a balance sheet as  of the end of such  fiscal year and an income
statement and statement of  changes in financial position  of such fiscal  year,
accompanied  by a report thereon  of independent accountants or,  if there is no
such report, the certificate  of an authorized officer  of the Corporation  that
such  statements were prepared without  audit from the books  and records of the
Corporation.

                                  ARTICLE VII
                             DIVIDENDS AND RESERVES

    Subject  always  to   the  provisions   of  law  and   the  Certificate   of
Incorporation, the Board of Directors shall have full power to determine whether
any  and, if any,  what part of any  funds legally available  for the payment of
dividends shall  be declared  as dividends  and paid  to the  Stockholders;  the
division  of the whole or  any part of such funds  of the Corporation shall rest
wholly within the lawful discretion of the Board of Directors, and it shall  not
be   required   at   any   time,  against   such   discretion,   to   divide  or

                                      C-13
<PAGE>
pay any  part  of such  funds  among or  to  the Stockholders  as  dividends  or
otherwise, and before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any
funds  of the Corporation available for dividends  such sum or sums as the Board
of Directors from time to time, in  its absolute discretion, thinks proper as  a
reserve  or reserves to meet contingencies,  or for equalizing dividends, or for
repairing or maintaining  any property  of the  Corporation, or  for such  other
purpose  as the Board of Directors shall think conducive to the interests of the
Corporation, and the Board of Directors  may modify or abolish any such  reserve
in the manner in which it was created.

                                  ARTICLE VIII
                           GENERAL CORPORATE MATTERS

SECTION 1.  RECORD DATE.

    For  purposes of  determining the Stockholders  entitled to notice  of or to
vote at any meeting of Stockholders  or any adjournment thereof, or entitled  to
receive  payment  of any  dividends or  other distribution  or allotment  of any
rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change,  conversion
or  exchange of  stock or  for the purpose  of any  lawful action,  the Board of
Directors may fix, in advance, a record date, which shall not be more than sixty
(60) nor less than ten (10) days prior to the date of any such meeting, nor more
than sixty  (60)  days  prior  to  any other  action.  A  determination  of  the
Stockholders  of record  entitled to notice  of or to  vote at a  meeting of the
Stockholders shall apply to any  adjournment of the meeting; provided,  however,
that  the  Board of  Directors may  fix a  new record  date for  the adjournment
meeting.

    If the Board of Directors does not so fix a record date; then

        (1) The record date for determining the Stockholders entitled to  notice
    of  or to vote  at a meeting  of the Stockholders  shall be at  the close of
    business on the date next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if
    notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day
    on which the meeting is held.

        (2) The  record date  for  determining the  Stockholders for  any  other
    purpose  shall be at the close of business  on the day on which the Board of
    Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.

SECTION 2.  CHECKS, DRAFTS AND EVIDENCES OF INDEBTEDNESS.

    All checks, drafts  or other  orders for payment  of money,  notes or  other
evidence  of indebtedness, issued in  the name of or  payable to the Corporation
shall be signed or  endorsed by such  person or persons and  in such manner  as,
from time to time, shall be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors.

SECTION 3.  CORPORATE CONTRACTS AND INSTRUMENTS: MANNER OF EXECUTION.

    The  Board of  Directors, except  as otherwise  provided in  the Bylaws, may
authorize any officer or officers or agent or agents, to enter into any contract
or execute any instrument in the name  of and on behalf of the Corporation,  and
such  authority may be general or confined to specific instances; and, unless so
authorized or ratified by the Board of  Directors or within the agency power  of
an  officer, no officer, agent or employee  shall have any power or authority to
bind the Corporation by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or to
render it liable for any purpose or to any amount.

SECTION 4.  STOCK CERTIFICATES.

    Every holder  of  stock of  the  Corporation shall  be  entitled to  have  a
certificate  signed by or in the name of the Corporation by the Chairman or Vice
Chairman of  the Board  of  Directors, if  any, or  the  President or  any  Vice
President,  and by the Treasurer or any Assistant Treasurer, or the Secretary or
any Assistant Secretary, of the Corporation  certifying the number of shares  of
stock  in the Corporation owned by such holder in the Corporation. Any or all of
the signatures on the certificate may be a facsimile. In case that any  officer,
transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been
placed  upon a certificate shall have ceased  to be such officer, transfer agent
or

                                      C-14
<PAGE>
registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation
with the same  effect as if  such person  were such officer,  transfer agent  or
registrar  at the date of issue. The Corporation may issue the whole or any part
of its  shares as  partly paid  and subject  to call  for the  remainder of  the
consideration  to  be  paid  therefor.  Upon the  face  or  back  of  each stock
certificate issued to represent any such partly paid shares, the total amount of
the consideration  to be  paid therefor  and the  amount paid  thereon shall  be
stated.  Upon  the  declaration  of  any  dividend  on  fully  paid  shares, the
Corporation shall declare a dividend upon partly paid shares of the same  class,
but  only upon the  basis of the  percentage of the  consideration actually paid
thereon.

    Any stock certificate shall also contain  such legend or other statement  as
may  be required  by law  or by  any agreement  between the  Corporation and the
issuee thereof.

SECTION 5.  LOST CERTIFICATES.

    No new certificate for  shares shall be issued  in place of any  certificate
theretofore  issued unless the  latter is surrendered and  cancelled at the same
time; provided,  however, that  a  new certificate  may  be issued  without  the
surrender and cancellation of the old certificate if the certificate theretofore
issued  is alleged to have  been lost, stolen or destroyed.  In case of any such
allegedly lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, the Corporation may require the
owner thereof or the legal representative of such owner to give the  Corporation
a  bond sufficient to indemnify it against any claim that may be made against it
(including any expense or  liability) on account of  the alleged loss, theft  or
destruction of any such certificate or the issuance of such new certificate.

SECTION 6.  REPRESENTATION OF SHARES OF OTHER CORPORATIONS.

    The  Chairman of the Board of Directors, the President, the Secretary or any
Vice President or any person authorized by resolution of the Board of  Directors
or  by any of the foregoing designated officers, is authorized to vote on behalf
of the Corporation any and all shares of any other corporation or  corporations,
foreign  or domestic,  standing in  the name  of the  Corporation. The authority
herein granted  to  said  officers  to  vote  or  represent  on  behalf  of  the
Corporation  any and all shares held by the Corporation in any other corporation
or corporations may be exercised by any such officer in person or by any  person
authorized to do so by a proxy duly executed by said officer.

SECTION 7.  CONSTRUCTION AND DEFINITIONS.

    Unless  the  context requires  otherwise, the  general provisions,  rules of
construction and  definitions  in the  Delaware  General Corporation  Law  shall
govern  the construction of these Bylaws. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the  singular number  includes the  plural, the  plural includes  the
singular and the term "person" includes both a corporation and a natural person.

SECTION 8.  SEAL.

    The Corporation's seal shall be in such form as is required by law and shall
be approved by the Board of Directors.

SECTION 9.  FISCAL YEAR.

    The  fiscal year  of the  Corporation shall  be determined  by the  Board of
Directors.

                                   ARTICLE IX
                                   AMENDMENTS

SECTION 1.  AMENDMENT BY STOCKHOLDERS.

    Subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, these  Bylaws
may  be altered, amended or repealed at  any regular meeting of the Stockholders
(or at a special meeting  duly called for that purpose)  by the approval of  not
less  than a majority of  all shares of the Corporation  entitled to vote in the
election of Directors considered for the  purposes of this Article IX as  voting
as  one class; provided,  however, that in  the notice of  such special meeting,
notice of such purpose shall be given.

                                      C-15
<PAGE>
SECTION 2.  AMENDMENT BY DIRECTORS.

    Subject  to  the  laws  of  the  State  of  Delaware,  the  Certificate   of
Incorporation  and these Bylaws, the Board of Directors may by the majority vote
of those Directors present at any meeting  of the Board of Directors at which  a
quorum  is present  amend these Bylaws  or enact  such other Bylaws  as in their
judgment may be advisable for  the regulation of the  conduct of the affairs  of
the Corporation.

                                      C-16
<PAGE>
                                                                       EXHIBIT D

                          CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATIONS
                                       OF
                            SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK
                                       OF
                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY
                     PURSUANT TO SECTION 151 OF THE GENERAL
                    CORPORATION LAW OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE

    We,  the  undersigned  duly  authorized officers  of  Standard  Brands Paint
Company, a corporation organized and existing under the General Corporation  Law
of  the State of Delaware (the "Corporation"), in accordance with the provisions
of Section 103 thereof, and pursuant to Section 151 thereof, do hereby certify:

    That pursuant to the authority conferred upon the Board of Directors by  the
Certificate  of Incorporation of the Corporation,  the Board of Directors of the
Corporation on February 8, 1995 approved the creation of the following series of
Preferred Stock  and  adopted the  following  resolution creating  a  series  of
1,570,049  shares of Preferred Stock, no par value per share, each designated as
set forth below:

    RESOLVED, that pursuant to the authority vested in the Board of Directors of
the Corporation  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  its  Certificate  of
Incorporation,  a series  of the  class designated  as the  Preferred Stock (the
"Preferred Stock") of the Corporation be and it hereby is created, and that  the
designation  and amount thereof  and the preferences  and relative, optional and
other special  rights of  the shares  of such  series, and  the  qualifications,
limitations or restrictions thereof, are as follows:

        (i)  The  distinctive serial  designation of  this  series shall  be "8%
    Series  A  Cumulative  Convertible  Mandatory  Redeemable  Preferred  Stock"
    (hereinafter  called the "Series A Preferred Stock"). Each share of Series A
    Preferred Stock shall be identical in all respects with the other shares  of
    Series  A  Preferred Stock  except  as to  the  dates from  and  after which
    dividends thereon shall be cumulative.

        (ii) The number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall initially be
    1,570,049, which number may from time to time be increased or decreased (but
    not below the number then outstanding) by the Board of Directors. Shares  of
    Series A Preferred Stock redeemed, purchased by the Corporation or converted
    into  Common  Stock shall  be canceled  and shall  revert to  authorized but
    unissued Preferred Stock undesignated as to series.

       (iii) The holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled
    to receive, when and as declared by the Board of Directors, but only out  of
    funds  legally available therefor,  cumulative cash dividends  at the annual
    rate of $0.71 per share, and no more, payable quarterly on the first days of
    [January, April, July and October], respectively, in each year with  respect
    to  the quarterly  dividend period  (or portion  thereof) ending  on the day
    preceding such respective dividend payment  date, to stockholders of  record
    on  the respective  date, not exceeding  fifty days  preceding such dividend
    payment date, fixed for the purpose by the Board of Directors in advance  of
    payment  of each particular  dividend. However, the  initial dividend on the
    Series A  Preferred Stock  shall  be payable  on  the first  such  quarterly
    dividend  payment date following after the Commencement Date (as hereinafter
    defined), and not earlier.

       (iv) Dividends  on  the shares  of  Series  A Preferred  Stock  shall  be
    cumulative  from the date (the "Commencement  Date") that is 18 months after
    the original issuance date of such shares (the "Issuance Date").

                                      D-1
<PAGE>
        So long as any share of Series A Preferred Stock remains outstanding, no
    dividend whatsoever shall be  paid or declared and  no distribution made  on
    any  junior stock  other than  a dividend  payable in  junior stock,  and no
    shares of junior stock  shall be purchased,  redeemed or otherwise  acquired
    for  consideration by the Corporation, directly or indirectly (other than as
    a result  of  a  reclassification  of  junior  stock,  or  the  exchange  or
    conversion  of one junior stock  for or into another  junior stock, or other
    than through the use of the proceeds of a substantially contemporaneous sale
    of other junior stock), unless all dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock
    accrued for all past quarter-yearly dividend periods since the  Commencement
    Date shall have been paid and the full dividend thereon for the then current
    quarter-yearly  dividend period  shall have  been paid  or declared  and set
    apart for  payment.  Subject  to  the foregoing,  and  not  otherwise,  such
    dividends  (payable in cash, stock or otherwise) as may be determined by the
    Board of Directors may be declared and paid on any junior stock from time to
    time out of any funds legally available therefor, and the Series A Preferred
    Stock shall not be  entitled to participate in  any such dividends,  whether
    payable in cash, stock or otherwise.

        (v) In the event of any voluntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up
    of  the  affairs of  the  Corporation, the  holders  of shares  of  Series A
    Preferred Stock shall  be entitled,  before any distribution  or payment  is
    made  to the holders of any junior stock,  to be paid in full the redemption
    price in effect at the time of such distribution or payment date as provided
    in subparagraph  (vi)  hereof,  together  with  accrued  dividends  to  such
    distribution or payment date whether or not earned or declared. In the event
    of  any involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of
    the Corporation, then, before any distribution  or payment shall be made  to
    the holders of any junior stock, the holders of shares of Series A Preferred
    Stock  shall be  entitled to be  paid in full  an amount equal  to $8.92 per
    share  (which  amount  is  hereinafter  referred  to  as  the   "involuntary
    liquidation  amount"), together with accrued  dividends to such distribution
    or payment date whether or not earned or declared.

        If such payment shall have been made in full to all holders of shares of
    Series A Preferred Stock, the remaining  assets of the Corporation shall  be
    distributed among the holders of junior stock, according to their respective
    rights  and  preferences  and in  each  case according  to  their respective
    numbers  of  shares.  For  the  purposes  of  this  subparagraph  (v),   the
    consolidation  or merger of the Corporation with any other corporation shall
    not be deemed to constitute a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of  the
    Corporation.

       (vi)  Corimon, S.A.C.A.,  a Venezuelan  corporation (or  any affiliate of
    Corimon, S.A.C.A. designated by  it), or the Corporation,  at the option  of
    the  Board of Directors, may purchase or  redeem up to 785,025 of the shares
    of Series A Preferred  Stock at the  time outstanding, at  any time or  from
    time  to time, upon notice given as hereinafter specified, at the redemption
    price in effect  at the  redemption date  as provided  in this  subparagraph
    (vi),  together  with accrued  dividends to  the  redemption date.  For this
    purpose only, dividends are deemed to have been cumulative from the Issuance
    Date. The redemption price for shares  of Series A Preferred Stock shall  be
    $6.69  per  share  for  the  period from  the  Issuance  Date  to  the first
    anniversary thereof, $7.14 per share thereafter to the second anniversary of
    the Issuance  Date, $7.60  per  share thereafter  for the  next  six-monthly
    period,  $8.03 per share  thereafter for the  next six-monthly period, $8.47
    for the next six-monthly period and $8.92 per share thereafter.

        The Corporation  will  redeem  the  whole of  the  shares  of  Series  A
    Preferred  Stock at  the time outstanding,  at the tenth  anniversary of the
    Issuance Date, at the mandatory redemption price in effect at the  mandatory
    redemption date as provided in this subparagraph (vi), together with accrued
    dividends  to the redemption date. The mandatory redemption price for shares
    of Series A Preferred Stock shall be $8.92 per share.

        Notice of every redemption of shares  of Series A Preferred Stock  shall
    be  mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the holders of
    record of the shares  to be redeemed at  their respective last addresses  as
    they  shall appear on  the books of  the Corporation. Such  mailing shall be

                                      D-2
<PAGE>
    at least 30  days and  not more than  60 days  prior to the  date fixed  for
    redemption.  Any notice which is mailed  in the manner herein provided shall
    be conclusively  presumed  to have  been  duly  given, whether  or  not  the
    stockholder  receives such notice,  and failure duly to  give such notice by
    mail, or any  defect in such  notice, to any  holder of shares  of Series  A
    Preferred  Stock designated for redemption shall  not affect the validity of
    the proceedings for the redemption of any other shares of Series A Preferred
    Stock.

        In case of redemption of a part only of the shares of Series A Preferred
    Stock at the time outstanding the redemption will be pro rata. The Board  of
    Directors  shall have  full power and  authority, subject  to the provisions
    herein contained, to prescribe the terms and conditions upon which shares of
    the Series A Preferred Stock shall be redeemed from time to time.

        If notice of redemption shall have been duly given, and if, on or before
    the  redemption  date  specified  therein,  all  funds  necessary  for  such
    redemption  shall have been set aside by the Corporation, separate and apart
    from its other funds, in  trust for the pro rata  benefit of the holders  of
    the  shares called for redemption, so as  to be and continue to be available
    therefor, then, notwithstanding  that any certificate  for shares so  called
    for  redemption shall not have been surrendered for cancellation, all shares
    so called for redemption shall no longer be deemed outstanding on and  after
    such  redemption  date, and  all rights  with respect  to such  shares shall
    forthwith on such redemption date cease and terminate, except only the right
    of the holders thereof to receive the amount payable on redemption  thereof,
    without interest.

        If  such  notice of  redemption shall  have  been duly  given or  if the
    Corporation shall  have  given to  the  bank or  trust  company  hereinafter
    referred  to irrevocable authorization promptly to  give such notice, and if
    on or before the redemption date  specified therein the funds necessary  for
    such  redemption shall have been deposited by the Corporation with such bank
    or trust company in  trust for the  pro rata benefit of  the holders of  the
    shares called for redemption, then, notwithstanding that any certificate for
    shares  so  called  for  redemption  shall  not  have  been  surrendered for
    cancellation, from and after the time of such deposit, all shares so  called
    for  redemption shall no longer  be deemed to be  outstanding and all rights
    with respect to such shares shall forthwith cease and terminate, except only
    the right of the holders thereof to receive from such bank or trust  company
    at  any time after the time of  such deposit the funds so deposited, without
    interest, and  the  right to  exercise,  on or  before  the date  fixed  for
    redemption,  privileges of exchange  or conversion, if  any, not theretofore
    expiring. The aforesaid bank or trust company shall be organized and in good
    standing under the laws of the United  States of America or of the State  of
    New  York, shall be doing business in  the Borough of Manhattan, The City of
    New York, shall have capital,  surplus and undivided profits aggregating  at
    least  $10,000,000 according to  its last published  statement of condition,
    and shall be identified in the notice of redemption. Any interest accrued on
    such funds shall be paid to Corporation from time to time.

        Any funds so set aside or  deposited by the Corporation which shall  not
    be  required for  such redemption  because of the  exercise of  any right of
    conversion subsequent  to the  date of  such deposit  shall be  released  or
    repaid to the Corporation forthwith. Any funds so set aside or deposited, as
    the  case  may  be,  and unclaimed  at  the  end of  three  years  from such
    redemption date shall, to the extent permitted by law, be released or repaid
    to the  Corporation, after  which repayment  the holders  of the  shares  so
    called  for  redemption  shall  look only  to  the  Corporation  for payment
    thereof.

       (vii) The holders of  shares of Series A  Preferred Stock shall have  the
    right,  at their  option, to  convert such shares  into Common  Stock of the
    Corporation at any time after the Commencement Date, and prior to such  date
    if  and only if a  Conversion Event occurs, on  and subject to the following
    terms and conditions:

           (a) The shares of  Series A Preferred Stock  shall be convertible  at
       the  principal office  of the  Corporation, and  at such  other office or
       offices, if any, as the Board of Directors may designate, into fully paid
       and non-assessable  shares  (calculated  as to  each  conversion  to  the

                                      D-3
<PAGE>
       nearest  1/100th of a share)  of Common Stock of  the Corporation, at the
       conversion price, determined  as hereinafter provided,  in effect at  the
       time of conversion, each share of Series A Preferred Stock being taken at
       $8.92 for the purpose of such conversion. The price at which Common Stock
       shall be delivered upon conversion (herein called the "conversion price")
       shall initially be $1.11 per share of Common Stock.

           (b)  In  order to  convert shares  of Series  A Preferred  Stock into
       Common Stock the holder thereof shall surrender at the office hereinabove
       mentioned the  certificate or  certificates  therefor, duly  endorsed  or
       assigned  to the Corporation or in blank,  and give written notice to the
       Corporation at said office  that he elects to  convert such shares.  Upon
       conversion  no allowance  or adjustment  shall be  made for  dividends on
       either class of stock.

           Shares of  Series A  Preferred Stock  shall be  deemed to  have  been
       converted  immediately prior to the  close of business on  the day of the
       surrender of such shares for conversion in accordance with the  foregoing
       provisions,  and the  person or  persons entitled  to receive  the Common
       Stock issuable upon such conversions shall be treated for all purposes as
       the record  holder or  holders of  such  Common Stock  at such  time.  As
       promptly  as practicable on or after the conversion date, the Corporation
       shall issue and shall deliver at said office (or by mail if so  requested
       by  the person converting), a certificate  or certificates for the number
       of full shares of  Common Stock issuable  upon such conversion,  together
       with payment in lieu of any fraction of a share, as hereinafter provided,
       to  the person or persons entitled to receive the same. In case shares of
       Series A Preferred Stock are called for redemption, the right to  convert
       such  shares shall cease  and terminate at  the close of  business on the
       date fixed for redemption, unless default shall be made in payment of the
       redemption price.

           (c) No  fractional  share  of  Common  Stock  shall  be  issued  upon
       conversion  of shares  of Series A  Preferred Stock, but,  instead of any
       fraction which would otherwise  be issuable in  respect of the  aggregate
       number  of shares of Series A  Preferred Stock surrendered for conversion
       at one  time  by  the same  holder,  the  Corporation shall  pay  a  cash
       adjustment  in an amount equal to the  same fraction of the Closing Price
       (as hereinafter  defined)  on  the  date  on  which  the  certificate  or
       certificates for such shares were duly surrendered for conversion, or, if
       such  date is  not a  Trading Day (as  hereinafter defined),  on the next
       Trading Day.

           (d) The  conversion price  shall be  adjusted from  time to  time  as
       follows:

               (A)  In case the Corporation  shall (i) pay a  dividend or make a
           distribution on its outstanding shares  of Common Stock in shares  of
           its  capital stock, (ii)  subdivide its outstanding  shares of Common
           Stock, (iii) combine its  outstanding shares of  Common Stock into  a
           smaller   number  of  shares  of  Common  Stock,  or  (iv)  issue  by
           reclassification of its shares of Common Stock (whether pursuant to a
           merger or  consolidation  or  otherwise)  any  other  shares  of  the
           Corporation,  the holder  of any shares  of Series  A Preferred Stock
           surrendered for conversion after the record date for such dividend or
           distribution (which  for  this  purpose  shall be  at  the  close  of
           business  on the date fixed  by the Board of  Directors as the record
           date), or after the close of  business on the effective date of  such
           subdivision, combination or reclassification, as the case may be (the
           close of business times being hereinafter in this clause (A) referred
           to as "such record date"), shall be entitled to receive the aggregate
           number  and kind of shares of capital stock of the Corporation which,
           if such  shares  of  Series  A Preferred  Stock  had  been  converted
           immediately prior to such record date at the conversion price then in
           effect,  he would  have been  entitled to  receive by  virtue of such
           dividend, distribution, subdivision, combination or reclassification;
           and the conversion price shall be deemed to have been adjusted  after
           such  record  date to  apply  to such  aggregate  number and  kind of
           shares. Such  adjustment shall  be made  whenever any  of the  events
           listed above shall occur.

               (B)  In case the Corporation shall  fix a record date for issuing
           to all holders of shares of Common Stock rights or warrants entitling
           them to subscribe for or purchase shares

                                      D-4
<PAGE>
           of Common Stock  at a price  per share less  than the current  market
           price  per share (as determined pursuant to clause (D) below) on such
           record date,  the conversion  price  in effect  from and  after  such
           record  date shall be adjusted so that it shall be equal to the price
           determined by multiplying the conversion price in effect  immediately
           prior to such record date by a fraction, of which the numerator shall
           be  the number of  shares of Common Stock  outstanding on such record
           date plus the number  of shares of Common  Stock which the  aggregate
           offering  price  of the  total number  of shares  of Common  Stock so
           offered for subscription or purchase  would purchase at such  current
           market  price and  of which  the denominator  shall be  the number of
           shares of  Common Stock  outstanding  on such  record date  plus  the
           number   of  additional  shares  of   Common  Stock  so  offered  for
           subscription or purchase.  For the  purpose of this  clause (B),  the
           issuance   of  rights  or  warrants  to  subscribe  for  or  purchase
           securities convertible into shares of Common Stock shall be deemed to
           be the  issuance of  rights or  warrants to  purchase the  shares  of
           Common  Stock  into  which  such  securities  are  convertible  at an
           aggregate offering price  equal to  the aggregate  offering price  of
           such  securities plus the  minimum aggregate amount  (if any) payable
           upon conversion of such securities into shares of Common Stock.  Such
           adjustment  shall be made successively whenever such a record date is
           fixed. In the event that such rights or warrants are not issued after
           such a record  date has  been fixed,  the conversion  price shall  be
           retroactively  adjusted to the conversion price which would have been
           in effect if such record date had not been fixed.

               (C) In  case the  Corporation shall  fix a  record date  for  the
           distribution  to  all  holders  of shares  of  Common  Stock (whether
           pursuant to a merger  or consolidation or  otherwise) of evidence  of
           its  indebtedness or assets (excluding  cash dividends), or rights to
           subscribe (excluding those referred to in clause (B) above), then  in
           each  such case  the conversion price  in effect from  and after such
           record date shall be adjusted so that the same shall be equal to  the
           price  determined  by  multiplying  the  conversion  price  in effect
           immediately prior to  such record date  by a fraction,  of which  the
           numerator  shall be the current market price per share (determined as
           provided in clause (D) below) of  the shares of Common Stock on  such
           record date less the fair market value (as determined by a resolution
           of  the Board of Directors of the Corporation filed with the transfer
           agent for the Series A Preferred Stock, which determination shall  be
           conclusive) of the portion of the evidences of indebtedness or assets
           so distributed or of such rights to subscribe applicable to one share
           of  Common Stock and  of which the denominator  shall be such current
           market price per share of Common Stock. Such adjustment shall be made
           whenever any  such record  date  is fixed.  In  the event  that  such
           distribution is not made after such a record date has been fixed, the
           conversion  price shall  be retroactively adjusted  to the conversion
           price which would  have been in  effect if such  record date had  not
           been fixed.

               (D)  For the purpose of any computation under clauses (B) and (C)
           above, the current market price per share of Common Stock on any date
           shall be deemed to be the average of the daily Closing Prices for  30
           consecutive  Trading Days selected by  the Corporation commencing not
           more than 45 Trading Days before the date in question.

               (E) In any case in which this subdivision (d) shall require  that
           an  adjustment as  a result  of any  event become  effective from and
           after a record date, the Corporation  may elect to defer until  after
           the  occurrence of such event (i) issuing to the holder of any shares
           of Series  A Preferred  Stock converted  after such  record date  and
           before  the occurrence of such event  the additional shares of Common
           Stock issuable  upon  such  conversion  over  and  above  the  shares
           issuable  on the basis of the  conversion price in effect immediately
           prior to adjustment and (ii) paying to such holder any amount in cash
           in lieu of a fractional share of Common Stock pursuant to subdivision
           (c) above. In lieu of

                                      D-5
<PAGE>
           the shares the  issuance of which  is deferred pursuant  to item  (i)
           above,  the  Corporation shall  issue or  cause  one of  its transfer
           agents to issue due bills or other appropriate evidence of the  right
           to receive such shares.

               (F)  Any adjustment in the conversion price otherwise required by
           this  subparagraph  (vii)  to  be  made  may  be  postponed  if  such
           adjustment  (plus any  other adjustments  postponed pursuant  to this
           clause (F) and not theretofore made) would not require an increase or
           decrease of more than 1% in  such price. All calculations under  this
           subdivision  (d) shall be made to the  nearest cent or to the nearest
           1/100th of a share, as the case may be.

               (G) The  Board of  Directors  may make  such adjustments  in  the
           conversion  price, in addition to  those required by this subdivision
           (d) as shall  be determined  by the Board,  as evidenced  by a  Board
           resolution,  to be  advisable in  order to  avoid taxation  so far as
           practicable of any  dividend of stock  or stock rights  or any  event
           treated  as such for  Federal income tax  purposes to the recipients.
           The Board shall have  the power to resolve  any ambiguity or  correct
           any  error in  this subdivision  (d) and its  action in  so doing, as
           evidenced by a Board resolution, shall be final and conclusive.

               (H) In the event that at any  time, as a result of an  adjustment
           made pursuant to clause (A) above, the holder of any shares of Series
           A  Preferred Stock thereafter surrendered for conversion shall become
           entitled to receive any  shares of capital  stock of the  Corporation
           other  than shares  of Common  Stock, thereafter  the number  of such
           other shares so receivable upon conversion of such shares of Series A
           Preferred Stock shall be subject to adjustment from time to time in a
           manner and  on  terms as  nearly  equivalent as  practicable  to  the
           provisions  with respect to  the shares of  Common Stock contained in
           clauses (A) to  (G), inclusive,  above, and the  other provisions  of
           this subdivision (d) with respect to the shares of Common Stock shall
           apply on like terms to any such other shares.

           (e) Whenever the conversion price is adjusted as herein provided:

               (A)  The Corporation shall compute  the adjusted conversion price
           and  shall  cause  to  be  prepared  a  certificate  signed  by   the
           Corporation's  treasurer setting forth  the adjusted conversion price
           and a brief statement of the facts requiring such adjustment and  the
           computation  thereof; such certificate shall  forthwith be filed with
           the transfer agent for the Series A Preferred Stock; and

               (B) A notice stating that the conversion price has been  adjusted
           and  setting forth  the adjusted conversion  price shall,  as soon as
           practicable, be mailed to the holders of record of outstanding shares
           of the Series A Preferred Stock.

           (f) In case:

               (A)  The   Corporation  shall   declare  a   dividend  or   other
           distribution on its shares of Common Stock, other than in cash;

               (B)  The Corporation shall authorize  the issuance to all holders
           of its shares of Common Stock of rights or warrants entitling them to
           subscribe for or  purchase any shares  of Common Stock  or any  other
           subscription rights or warrants; or

               (C)   Of  any  reclassification  of  the  capital  stock  of  the
           Corporation  (other  than  a   subdivision  or  combination  of   its
           outstanding  shares  of Common  Stock),  or of  any  consolidation or
           merger to which the Corporation is a party and for which approval  of
           any  stockholders of  the Corporation  is required,  or of  the sale,
           lease, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all  the
           property and assets of the Corporation; or

                                      D-6
<PAGE>
               (D)  Of the voluntary or  involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
           winding up of the Corporation;

           then the Corporation shall cause to  be mailed to the transfer  agent
       for  the Series  A Preferred Stock  and to  the holders of  record of the
       outstanding shares of Series A Preferred  Stock, at least 20 days (or  10
       days  in any  case specified  in clause  (A) or  (B) above)  prior to the
       applicable record  or  effective  date hereinafter  specified,  a  notice
       stating  (x) the  date as  of which  the holders  of record  of shares of
       Common Stock to  be entitled  to such dividend,  distribution, rights  or
       warrants   are  to  be  determined,  or   (y)  the  date  on  which  such
       reclassification,   consolidation,   merger,   sale,   lease,   exchange,
       disposition, liquidation, dissolution or winding up is expected to become
       effective, and the date as of which it is expected that holders of record
       of  shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to exchange their shares for
       securities  or   other   property,   if  any,   deliverable   upon   such
       reclassification,   consolidation,   merger,   sale,   lease,   exchange,
       disposition, liquidation, dissolution or winding up. The failure to  give
       the notice required by this subdivision (f), or any defect therein, shall
       not  affect the legality or validity  of any such dividend, distribution,
       right, warrant,  reclassification,  consolidation, merger,  sale,  lease,
       exchange,  disposition, liquidation,  dissolution or  winding up,  or the
       vote on any action authorizing such.

           (g) The Corporation shall  at all times  reserve and keep  available,
       free from preemptive rights, out of its authorized but unissued shares of
       Common Stock, for the purpose of issuance upon conversion of the Series A
       Preferred  Stock,  the  full  number  of  shares  of  Common  Stock  then
       deliverable upon the conversion of all shares of Series A Preferred Stock
       then outstanding.

           (h) The Corporation will pay any and all taxes that may be payable in
       respect of  the  issuance  or  delivery of  shares  of  Common  Stock  on
       conversion  of shares of Series A  Preferred Stock. The Corporation shall
       not, however, be required to pay any tax which may be payable in  respect
       of any transfer involved in the issuance and delivery of shares of Common
       Stock in a name other than that in which the shares of Series A Preferred
       Stock  so converted  were registered,  and no  such issuance  or delivery
       shall be made unless  and until the person  requesting such issuance  has
       paid  to the Corporation the amount of any such tax or has established to
       the satisfaction of the Corporation that such tax has been paid.

           (i) For the purpose of this  subparagraph (vii), the term "shares  of
       Common Stock" shall include any shares of the Corporation of any class or
       series which has no preference or priority in the payment of dividends or
       in   the  distribution  of  assets  upon  any  voluntary  or  involuntary
       liquidation, dissolution or winding  up of the  Corporation and which  is
       not  subject to redemption by the  Corporation. However, shares of Common
       Stock issuable  upon conversion  of shares  of Series  A Preferred  Stock
       shall  include only  shares of the  class designated as  shares of Common
       Stock as of  the original  date of  issuance of  the shares  of Series  A
       Preferred  Stock, or shares  of the Corporation of  any classes or series
       resulting from  any  reclassification or  reclassifications  thereof  and
       which  have no preference or  priority in the payment  of dividends or in
       the distribution of assets upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
       dissolution or winding up of the Corporation and which are not subject to
       redemption by the Corporation, provided that  if at any time there  shall
       be  more than one such resulting class or series, the shares of each such
       class  and  series  then  so  issuable  shall  be  substantially  in  the
       proportion  which the  total number  of shares  of such  class and series
       resulting from all such  reclassifications bears to  the total number  of
       shares   of  all  such  classes  and   series  resulting  from  all  such
       reclassifications.

           (j)  As used in this subparagraph (vii), the term "Closing Price"  on
       any day shall mean the reported last sale price per share of Common Stock
       regular way on such day or, in case no such sale takes place on such day,
       the  average of the reported closing bid and asked prices regular way, in
       each case on the  New York Stock  Exchange, or, if  the shares of  Common
       Stock

                                      D-7
<PAGE>
       are  not listed or admitted to trading  on such Exchange, on the American
       Stock Exchange,  or, if  the shares  of Common  Stock are  not listed  or
       admitted   to  trading  on  such  Exchange,  on  the  principal  national
       securities exchange on  which the shares  of Common Stock  are listed  or
       admitted  to trading, or, if the shares of Common Stock are not listed or
       admitted to trading on any  national securities exchange, the average  of
       the  closing  bid  and asked  prices  in the  over-the-counter  market as
       reported by  the National  Association of  Securities Dealers'  Automated
       Quotation  System, or,  if not so  reported, as reported  by the National
       Quotation Bureau, Incorporated, or any  successor thereof, or, if not  so
       reported, the average of the closing bid and asked prices as furnished by
       any  member  of  the  National Association  of  Securities  Dealers, Inc.
       selected from time to time by  the Corporation for that purpose; and  the
       term  "Trading  Day" shall  mean a  day on  which the  principal national
       securities exchange on  which the shares  of Common Stock  are listed  or
       admitted  to trading is open  for the transaction of  business or, if the
       shares of  Common Stock  are not  listed or  admitted to  trading on  any
       national  securities exchange, a Monday,  Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or
       Friday on which banking  institutions in the  Borough of Manhattan,  City
       and State of New York are not authorized or obligated by law or executive
       order to close.

           (k)  As used in this subparagraph  (vii), the term "Conversion Event"
       shall mean the  Common Stock shall  have traded at  a twenty-day  average
       Closing Price at or above the conversion price.

           (l)  The certificate of any independent firm of public accountants of
       recognized  standing  selected  by  the  Board  of  Directors  shall   be
       presumptive  evidence of  the correctness  of any  computation made under
       this subparagraph (vii).

           (m) Notwithstanding anything  contained in  this subparagraph  (vii),
       the  Corporation shall have  the option, in lieu  of delivering shares of
       Common Stock of the Corporation upon conversion, of paying to such holder
       a cash  amount equal  to the  current market  price per  share of  Common
       Stock,  as determined  under clause (vii)(d)(D)  above, of  the number of
       shares of Common Stock issuable upon such conversion.

      (viii) The holders  of Series A  Preferred Stock shall  be entitled to  no
    voting rights, except as hereinafter provided.

        Commencing  after the Commencement  Date, if and  whenever six quarterly
    dividends payable on  any shares  of Series A  Preferred Stock  shall be  in
    arrears in whole or in part whether or not earned or declared, the number of
    directors then constituting the Board of Directors shall be increased by two
    and  the holders of  shares of Series  A Preferred Stock,  together with the
    holders of  shares  of  every  other series  of  Preferred  Stock  similarly
    entitled  to  vote  for the  election  of two  additional  directors, voting
    separately as a class, regardless of series, shall be entitled to elect  the
    two  additional directors at  any annual meeting  of stockholders or special
    meeting held in place  thereof, or at  a special meeting  of the holders  of
    such  series of the Preferred Stock called as hereinafter provided. Whenever
    all arrears in  dividends on  the shares of  Series A  Preferred Stock  then
    outstanding  shall  have been  paid and  dividends  thereon for  the current
    quarterly dividend period shall have been paid or declared and set apart for
    payment, then the right of the holders  of the shares of Series A  Preferred
    Stock to elect such additional two directors shall cease (but subject always
    to  the same provisions for the vesting of such voting rights in the case of
    any similar future arrearages in dividends), and the terms of office of  all
    persons  elected as  directors by  the holders  of such  shares of  Series A
    Preferred Stock shall  forthwith terminate and  the number of  the Board  of
    Directors  shall be reduced accordingly. At any time after such voting power
    shall have been so  vested in the  holders of shares  of Series A  Preferred
    Stock, the secretary of the Corporation may, and upon the written request of
    any holder of shares of Series A Preferred Stock (addressed to the secretary
    at the principal office of the Corporation) shall, call a special meeting of
    the  holders of  the Series A  Preferred Stock  for the election  of the two
    directors to be elected by them as herein provided, such call to be made  by
    notice  similar  to  that provided  in  the  by-laws for  a  special meeting

                                      D-8
<PAGE>
    of the  stockholders or  as required  by law.  If any  such special  meeting
    required to be called as above provided shall not be called by the secretary
    within  20 days after receipt of any such request, then any holder of shares
    of Series A  Preferred Stock may  call such meeting,  upon the notice  above
    provided,  and for that purpose shall have  access to the stock books of the
    Corporation. The directors elected  at any such  special meeting shall  hold
    office  until the next annual meeting of the stockholders or special meeting
    held in place thereof if such office shall not have previously terminated as
    above provided. In case any vacancy shall occur among the directors  elected
    by  the holders of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock, a successor shall
    be elected by the Board of Directors to serve until the next annual  meeting
    of  the  stockholders or  special  meeting held  in  place thereof  upon the
    nomination of the  then remaining director  elected by the  holders of  such
    series or the successor of such remaining director.

       (ix)  So long as any shares of  Series A Preferred Stock are outstanding,
    in addition to any other vote or consent of stockholders required by law  or
    by  the certificate of incorporation, the consent of the holders of at least
    66 2/3% of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock, at the time  outstanding,
    acting  as a single  class, given in  person or by  proxy, either in writing
    without a meeting or by vote at any meeting called for the purpose, shall be
    necessary for effecting or validating:

           (a) Any amendment, alteration or repeal  of any of the provisions  of
       the  certificate of incorporation, or of the by-laws, of the Corporation,
       which affects adversely the voting  powers, rights or preferences of  the
       holders  of shares  of the Series  A Preferred  Stock; provided, however,
       that the amendment of the provisions of the certificate of  incorporation
       so  as to authorize or  create, or to increase  the authorized amount of,
       any junior stock or any shares of any class ranking on a parity with  the
       Series  A Preferred  Stock shall  not be  deemed to  affect adversely the
       voting powers, rights  or preferences  of the  holders of  shares of  the
       Series A Preferred Stock.

           (b)  The  authorization  or  creation  of,  or  the  increase  in the
       authorized amount of, any shares of any class or any security convertible
       into shares of any class ranking prior to the Series A Preferred Stock in
       the distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding  up
       of the Corporation or in the payment of dividends; or

           (c)  The merger or consolidation of  the Corporation with or into any
       other corporation, unless the resulting corporation will thereafter  have
       no  class  of  shares  and  no  other  securities  either  authorized  or
       outstanding ranking prior to Series A Preferred Stock in the distribution
       of its assets on liquidation, dissolution or winding up or in the payment
       of dividends, except  the same number  of shares and  the same amount  of
       other  securities with the same rights  and preferences as the shares and
       securities of  the Corporation  respectively authorized  and  outstanding
       immediately  preceding such merger  or consolidation, and  each holder of
       shares of Series A Preferred  Stock immediately preceding such merger  or
       consolidation  shall receive  the same  number of  shares, with  the same
       rights and preferences, of the resulting corporation;

        provided, however,  that no  such consent  of the  holders of  Series  A
    Preferred  Stock shall  be required if,  at or  prior to the  time when such
    amendment, alteration or repeal  is to take effect  or when the issuance  of
    any  such prior shares or  convertible security is to  be made, or when such
    consolidation or merger, purchase  or redemption is to  take effect, as  the
    case  may be, provision is made for the redemption of all shares of Series A
    Preferred Stock at the time outstanding.

        (x) So long as any shares  of Series A Preferred Stock are  outstanding,
    in  addition to any other vote or consent of stockholders required by law or
    by the certificate of incorporation, the consent of the holders of at  least
    a  majority  of  the  shares  of  Series  A  Preferred  Stock,  at  the time
    outstanding, acting as a single class,  given in person or by proxy,  either
    in  writing  without a  meeting or  by vote  at any  meeting called  for the
    purpose, shall be necessary for effecting or

                                      D-9
<PAGE>
    validating any increase in the authorized  amount of the Series A  Preferred
    Stock,  or  the  authorization  or  creation  of,  or  the  increase  in the
    authorized amount of, any  shares of any class  or any security  convertible
    into  shares of any class,  ranking on a parity  with the Series A Preferred
    Stock in  the distribution  of assets  on any  liquidation, dissolution,  or
    winding  up of  the Corporation  or in  the payment  of dividends; provided,
    however, that no such consent shall be required if, at or prior to the  time
    such  increase, authorization, or  creation of parity shares  is to be made,
    provision is made  for the redemption  of all shares  of Series A  Preferred
    Stock at the time outstanding.

       (xi)  As  used  herein with  respect  to  Series A  Preferred  Stock, the
    following terms shall have the following meanings:

           (a) The term "junior stock" shall mean the Common Stock and any other
       class or series of  shares of the  Corporation hereafter authorized  over
       which  Series A Preferred Stock has preference or priority in the payment
       of dividends  or  in  the  distribution of  assets  on  any  liquidation,
       dissolution or winding up of the Corporation.

           (b)  The term "accrued  dividends", with respect to  any share of any
       class or series,  shall mean an  amount computed at  the annual  dividend
       rate  for the class  or series of  which the particular  share is a part,
       from the date on which dividends  on such share became cumulative to  and
       including  the date to which  such dividends are to  be accrued, less the
       aggregate amount of all dividends theretofore paid thereon.

       (xii) The shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall not have any relative,
    participating, optional or other special rights and powers other than as set
    forth herein.

    IN WITNESS  WHEREOF, we  have signed  this  certificate on  the      day  of
         ,  1995,  and  affirm the  statements  contained herein  as  true under
penalties of perjury.

                                          --------------------------------------
                                                        President

                                          --------------------------------------
                                                        Secretary

                                      D-10
<PAGE>
                                                                       EXHIBIT E
                                  [LETTERHEAD]

                                               February 15, 1995

The Board of Directors
Standard Brands Paint Company
4300 West 190th Street
Torrance, CA 90509-2956

Ladies and Gentlemen:

    We  understand that Standard  Brands Paint Company  ("SBP" or the "Company")
and Corimon, S.A.C.A. ("CRM") and Corimon Corporation ("CRM Corp."), a  Delaware
Corporation,  and the  other parties  thereto, have  entered into  an Investment
Agreement dated  as  of  February  15, 1995  (the  "Agreement").  The  Agreement
contemplates  that, among other things, the Company  will: (i) sell to CRM Corp.
newly issued SBP common stock representing 76.1% of the pro forma primary common
stock outstanding of the  Company for $14  million in cash at  a share price  of
$0.89  adjusted  for  a  one-for-ten  reverse  stock  split;  (ii)  transfer  15
properties of the  Company to  an existing liquidating  trust (the  "Liquidating
Trust")  in  return  for  the  extinguishment  of  $14.229  million  of  secured
indebtedness of the Company  (the "Secured Debt")  payable to certain  insurance
companies  named in the Agreement (the  "Insurance Company Lenders"); (iii) sell
49% of the  residual interest in  the Liquidating  Trust for $2  million to  CRM
Corp.; (iv) exchange $14 million of newly issued SBP convertible preferred stock
with  a liquidation preference of $8.92 per share and $2 million of newly issued
SBP common stock valued at $0.892 per share for $16 million of SBP accrued notes
held by  a  grantor trust  (the  "Grantor Trust")  created  for the  benefit  of
Fidelity  Capital &  Income Fund  ("FCI") and  the Kodak  Retirement Income Plan
Trust Fund ("KRI"), the  Insurance Company Lenders and  CRM Corp.; (v)  transfer
31%  of  the  residual interest  in  the  Liquidating Trust  and  distribute the
remaining assets in the Grantor Trust to FCI and KRI in return for FCI and KRI's
agreement to participate in the transactions contemplated by the Agreement,  the
cancellation of $16.75 million of indebtedness, plus accrued interest, issued by
the  Grantor Trust to FCI and KRI, and the release of a guarantee by SBP in $2.5
million of the debt issued by the Grantor Trust; (vi) pay the Insurance  Company
Lenders  a fee of  $500,000 to release  SBP's $6.9 million  guarantee on certain
existing indebtedness of  the Liquidating  Trust held by  the Insurance  Company
Lenders,  prepay  $236,000 of  SBP Secured  Debt held  by the  Insurance Company
Lenders and transfer 20%  of the residual interest  in the Liquidating Trust  to
the  Insurance Company Lenders; (vii) pay a  transaction fee of $350,000 in cash
and $400,000 in newly issued SBP stock at $0.892 per share to Libra Investments,
Inc.; and (viii) pay a transaction fee of $750,000 in cash to Pinnacle Capital.

    The purchase of the common stock of SBP by CRM Corp., the transfer of the 15
properties to  the Liquidating  Trust, the  sale and  transfer of  the  residual
interests  in  the  Liquidating  Property  Trust  and  the  Grantor  Trust,  the
distribution of assets in the Grantor  Trust, the exchange of SBP secured  notes
for  newly issued SBP common and preferred  stock, the prepayment of SBP Secured
Debt, the payment of  the release fee  and the payment  of the transaction  fees
are, collectively, hereinafter referred to as the "Transaction."

    You have requested our opinion as to the fairness to the shareholders of SBP
other  than  its officers  and  directors, FCI,  KRI  and the  Insurance Company
Lenders (the "Public  Shareholders"), from  a financial  point of  view, of  the
total consideration to be received by SBP in the Transaction.

    In  arriving at our  opinion, we have reviewed  the Agreement, including all
Exhibits and Schedules thereto  and all Ancillary Agreements  as defined in  the
Agreement. We have discussed the business,

                                      E-1
<PAGE>
operations  and  prospects of  SBP with  certain  officers, directors  and other
representatives and advisors  of SBP. We  have visited the  Major Paint  Company
plant  and retail store  locations. We have  examined certain publicly available
business and financial information relating to SBP as well as certain  financial
forecasts  and other data for SBP that were  provided to us by the management of
SBP. Our review was  conducted in relation to,  among other things: the  current
market price and trading volume of SBP common stock; the historical earnings and
cash  flow of SBP; and the capitalization and the current financial condition of
SBP, which we understand to be extremely poor and, according to SBP  management,
will  force the Company into a Chapter 11 liquidation or a Chapter 7 liquidation
were it  not  for  the Transaction.  We  have  also considered,  to  the  extent
available,   certain  financial,  stock  market  and  other  publicly  available
information  relating  to  public  companies  whose  businesses  we   considered
comparable to those of SBP and, to a lesser extent, analyzed the financial terms
of  certain transactions which resulted in a change in the control of a majority
of the voting common stock  of companies comparable to  SBP. In addition to  the
foregoing,  we  have  conducted  other analyses  and  examinations,  including a
liquidation analysis, and  have considered  such other  financial, economic  and
market criteria as we deemed necessary in arriving at our opinion.

    In  rendering our opinion,  we have assumed  and relied, without independent
verification, upon  the accuracy  and completeness  of all  financial and  other
information publicly available or furnished to or otherwise discussed with us as
of  the date hereof and we have not made any independent appraisal of the assets
or properties of SBP. With respect to financial forecasts and other  information
provided  to or otherwise discussed with us, we have assumed that such forecasts
and other  information were  reasonably prepared  on bases  reflecting the  best
currently  available estimates and judgments of the  management of SBP as to the
current and expected future financial performance of SBP. We have not been asked
to consider,  and our  opinion does  not  address, the  relative merits  of  the
Transaction  as compared to  any other alternative  business strategy that might
exist for  SBP. Our  opinion herein  is necessarily  based on  financial,  stock
market,  general economic and  other conditions and  circumstances as they exist
and can be evaluated as of the date hereof.

    We have  made, based  on  generally accepted  accounting principles  and  on
discussions  with  and representations  by the  management of  SBP, a  number of
assumptions with respect to the  Transaction, with which you concur,  including,
without   limitation,  certain  assumptions   relating  to  financial  statement
presentation as a result of the Transaction and the form and presentation of the
pro forma historical  and estimated capital  structure of SBP  giving pro  forma
effect to the Transaction.

    The  Argosy Group L.P. ("Argosy") has been engaged to render this opinion to
SBP in connection with the Transaction and will receive a fee upon the  delivery
of  the opinion and, under certain circumstances, for the delivery of subsequent
opinions. Argosy has not attempted to  find potential purchasers of the  Company
or  its common  stock, which was  not contemplated as  part of the  scope of its
engagement.

    The opinion expressed herein is provided solely for the use of the Board  of
Directors  of SBP in evaluating  the fairness to the  Public Shareholders of the
consideration to be received in the  Transaction from a financial point of  view
and  is not on behalf of, and is not intended to confer rights or remedies upon,
SBP, any shareholder of SBP or any  person other than the Board of Directors  of
SBP.  Our opinion  may not be  published or  otherwise used or  referred to, nor
shall any  public reference  to  Argosy be  made, except  as  set forth  in  our
engagement letter, without our prior written consent.

    Based  upon and subject to the  foregoing (including the various assumptions
and limitations  set forth  herein), our  experience as  investment bankers  and
other  factors we deemed  relevant, we are of  the opinion that,  as of the date
hereof, the  consideration  to  be  received by  the  Company  pursuant  to  the
Transaction  is fair, from a financial point of view, to the Public Shareholders
of SBP.

                                          Very truly yours,

                                          THE ARGOSY GROUP L.P.

                                      E-2
<PAGE>
                                                                       EXHIBIT F
- - - - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - - - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                  FORM 10-K/A

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
    (MARK ONE)
       /X/    ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
            EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [FEE REQUIRED] -- AMENDMENT

                      FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 30, 1994

                                          OR

       / /    TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
            SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]

           FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM             TO

                         COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-4505

                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

<TABLE>
<S>                           <C>
          DELAWARE               95-6029682
(State or other jurisdiction  (I.R.S. Employer
             of                Identification
      incorporation or              No.)
       organization)

   4300 WEST 190TH STREET
    TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA         90509-2956
   (Address of principal         (Zip Code)
     executive offices)
</TABLE>

       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (310) 214-2411

          Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

<TABLE>
<S>                                <C>
  COMMON STOCK, $.01 PAR VALUE          NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE
       Title of each class               Name of each exchange
                                          on which registered
</TABLE>

        Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: NONE
                            ------------------------

                                AMENDMENT NO. 1

    The  undersigned  registrant hereby  amends  the following  items, financial
statements, exhibits or other portions of  its Annual Report for the year  ended
January 30, 1994 on Form 10-K as set forth on the pages attached hereto:

        Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
                Results of Operations (page 12)

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

                                          STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY

<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>
Date: June 13, 1994                       By s/ HOWARD S. SCHWARTZ
                                             -------------------------------------
                                             Howard S. Schwartz
                                             Senior Vice President/Finance
                                              and Chief Financial Officer
                                              (Principal Financial Officer)
</TABLE>

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

                                      F-1
<PAGE>
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

    The  Company currently operates 58 paint stores (62 at January 30, 1994), 31
of which are among the 91 parcels of real property to be transferred to the Real
Estate Trust. From the date upon which those parcels are transferred to the Real
Estate Trust until the date upon which those parcels are sold, the Company shall
not be responsible for any lease payments to the Real Estate Trust, provided the
sales occur prior  to October  31, 1997.  Upon the  sale of  those parcels,  the
Company  intends generally  to either  remain in the  same location  on a leased
basis or relocate to new leased locations.  The Company will be given a  minimum
of  four months notice prior to the sale of any currently operating retail paint
store. The Company has already engaged a real estate consultant who is  actively
involved in identifying potential sites for new stores.

    The  Company's  liquidity coverage  is highly  dependent  on cash  flow from
operating paint stores. During fiscal 1993, the cash flow from the 58  currently
operating  paint stores was  approximately $13.1 million  of which approximately
$5.8 million was the cash flow from the 31 stores which are to be transferred to
the Real Estate Trust. While it  is the Company's intention generally to  either
remain  in  the  same location  on  a leased  basis  or relocate  to  new leased
locations, the Company can give no assurances that it will be able to  negotiate
favorable  leases for the  same locations or  find and relocate  to suitable new
leased locations with favorable terms as these stores are sold.

    Beginning with  fiscal 1995,  the  Company's cash  flow could  be  seriously
impacted depending on the number of operating stores which could be sold and the
timing  of such  sales. Should  this occur,  the Company's  ability to  meet its
obligations would be impaired and additional sources of working capital would be
required. The Company  would then  pursue other  potential financing  activities
which  may include  the sale  of certain  other assets  such as  the Major Paint
Company.

    As previously discussed, a proposed restructuring of the Company's debt with
the Insurance Company  Lenders, which  will substantially  reduce the  Company's
debt  service  requirements,  is  subject to  stockholder  approval.  Since this
restructuring has  not yet  been  approved by  the Company's  stockholders,  the
report of the Company's independent auditors dated April 22, 1994 indicates that
there  is substantial doubt as  to the Company's ability  to continue as a going
concern. The potential consequences of the Company's inability to continue as  a
going concern would be the filing of a petition(s) under chapter 7 of the United
States Bankruptcy Code.

    However, the Company expects that the proposed restructuring of debt will be
approved  by the  stockholders at  the Annual  Meeting. Fidelity  and Kodak have
advised the  Corporation  that  they  currently intend  to  vote  their  shares,
approximately  41.56% of the issued and outstanding common stock of the Company,
for this  proposal. The  Insurance Company  Lenders have  agreed to  vote  their
shares,  approximately 21.8% of  the issued and outstanding  common stock of the
Company, in the same proportion that all  other shares are voted for or  against
the proposal.

INVENTORY VALUATION

    During  the  first quarter  of fiscal  1991, the  Company determined  that a
change in  accounting principles  to  include as  inventory costs  all  expenses
directly   related  to  the  distribution  of  merchandise  to  the  stores  was
appropriate. Previously,  the  Company  charged specific  merchandise  cost  and
freight  into the Company's  warehouse as inventory  costs. The Company believes
that the new costing technique is  preferable because (1) it more  appropriately
matches  costs and revenue in  the periods in which  the revenues are earned and
(2) the method more closely corresponds  with the methods used by others  within
the Company's industry.

    The  additional freight and  rehandling costs associated  with the Company's
restructuring and closing  of stores  during fiscal  1993 were  not included  as
inventory  costs.  The  inventory  in  those  stores  designated  to  close  was
substantially  liquidated  through  in-store  clearance  sales  with   remaining

                                      F-2
<PAGE>
minimal  amounts transferred to  other nearby stores.  The costs of transferring
the remaining inventory was charged to operations. The nature of the  additional
freight  and handling costs consisted of  freight charges to move store fixtures
and remaining inventory from a  closed store to a  nearby store and labor  costs
associated  with  packing,  loading, and  unloading  of the  store  fixtures and
inventory.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

    As of  January  30,  1994, the  Company  has  been notified  that  it  is  a
potentially  responsible party (PRP) with respect to hazardous waste at five (5)
of its  sites. The  Company  has estimated  and accrued  for  the costs  of  its
participation  in remediation activities based upon a reasonable estimate of the
costs, or if available  information indicates that the  estimated amount of  the
costs  is  within  a  range,  the  lower  end  of  the  range  was  accrued. The
determination was based on an  analysis of each of  the five sites. The  Company
believes  that there will not be a future material change to earnings due to its
PRP status at these sites based on the amounts accrued.

EXPLANATION OF SALES DECREASE FOR 1992

    The sales decrease for fiscal 1992 reflects the impact of the reorganization
process and  restructuring of  operations under  Chapter 11.  The Company  began
fiscal  1992 with extremely limited financial resources, poor-in-stock inventory
positions,  heavy  pressure  from   competitors  and  poor  market   conditions,
particularly  in  the  Company's  core California  markets.  The  impact  of the
reorganization process and the restructuring  of operations under Chapter 11  is
not  expected to negatively  impact sales in the  future. However, the Company's
sales are still impacted by poor market conditions in the California markets and
sales in the future may be impacted by heavy pressure from competitors.

                                      F-3
<PAGE>
- - - - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - - - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                   FORM 10-K

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

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

    (MARK ONE)
       /X/    ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
              SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [FEE REQUIRED]

                   FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 30, 1994

                                       OR

       / /    TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
              SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]

           FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM             TO

                         COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-4505

                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

<TABLE>
<S>                           <C>
          DELAWARE               95-6029682
(State or other jurisdiction  (I.R.S. Employer
             of                Identification
      incorporation or              No.)
       organization)

   4300 WEST 190TH STREET
    TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA         90509-2956
   (Address of principal         (Zip Code)
     executive offices)
</TABLE>

       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (310) 214-2411

          Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>
      COMMON STOCK, $.01 PAR VALUE                NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE
          Title of each class                     Name of each exchange on
                                                      which registered
</TABLE>

        Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: NONE

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

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

                               Yes  _X_    No  __

    Indicate by check mark if disclosure  of delinquent filers pursuant to  Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best  of registrant's knowledge,  in definitive proxy  or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K. / /

            THE EXHIBIT INDEX IS LOCATED AT PAGES F-27 THROUGH F-30.

             APPLICABLE ONLY TO REGISTRANTS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY
                  PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PRECEDING FIVE YEARS

    Indicate by check mark  whether the registrant has  filed all documents  and
reports  required to  be filed  by Section  12, 13,  or 15(d)  of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to  the distribution of securities under a  plan
confirmed by a court.

                                Yes _X_    No __

    As  of April  15, 1994  the registrant had  22,341,044 shares  of its Common
Stock, $.01 par value, issued and outstanding, and the aggregate market value of
the voting  stock  held by  non-affiliates  of the  registrant  was  $47,474,718
(approximately  based upon the closing price of the Common Stock on the New York
Stock Exchange on such date).

                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

    Portions of the registrant's Proxy Statement  dated May 18, 1994 for use  at
the  registrant's annual meeting of stockholders  are incorporated into Part III
by reference.

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

                                      F-4
<PAGE>
                                     PART I

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS

GENERAL

    Standard Brands  Paint  Company,  a Delaware  corporation  founded  in  1939
(hereinafter  referred to, together  with its consolidated  subsidiaries, as the
"Company") is an integrated supplier of paint and related products. The  Company
endeavors  to provide the do-it-yourself customer with exceptional value through
a  complete  selection  of  high  quality  merchandise  at  competitive  prices,
supported  by attentive, friendly  and expert service and  project advice. As of
January 30, 1994,  the end  of the  1993 fiscal  year, the  Company operated  62
retail  units. The Company plans  to close 3 additional  locations by the end of
May, 1994. Retail  locations identified  for eventual sale  are not  necessarily
reflective  of any intention to  abandon an area or  market. The Company is also
looking at opportunities to  improve certain owned  locations with leased  store
sites.

    In  1987, the Company  implemented a recapitalization  pursuant to which the
Company (i) repurchased six million shares of  Common Stock, or 55% of the  then
outstanding  shares of the Company's Common Stock for $150 million or $25.00 per
share, and (ii) increased employee equity ownership primarily through a purchase
of Common Stock by  the Company's then Leveraged  Employee Stock Ownership  Plan
("LESOP")  ("1987 Recapitalization"). The source of funds for the acquisition of
the Common Stock consisted of (a) a $132.5 million mortgage financing loan  (the
"Insurance  Company Loan")  from Sun Life  Insurance Company  of America, Anchor
National Life Insurance Co., Transamerica Occidental Life Insurance Company, and
Transamerica Life Insurance and  Annuity Company ("Insurance Company  Lenders"),
secured  by substantially all of the Company's real estate, (b) the placement of
$16.3 million of Series B 10% Cumulative Redeemable Convertible Preferred  Stock
with  the Insurance  Company Lenders, and  (c) a $45  million reducing revolving
line of credit from Security Pacific  National Bank, (now Bank of America  NT&SA
(the  "Bank")),  and a  $15 million  seven-year  LESOP loan  from the  Bank. The
Company incurred a  total of approximately  $190 million of  new debt under  the
1987  Recapitalization,  with  debt  service  and  preferred  dividend  payments
requiring  cash  flows  of  $34,047,000  in  1988,  $30,676,000  in  1989,   and
$23,941,000 in 1990.

    Concurrent  with  the  1987  Recapitalization,  the  Company  implemented  a
business plan that emphasized  various strategic plans  for its future  business
development.  The  Company  closed  several  of  its  unprofitable  retail "Home
Decorating Centers"  located  in  Colorado  and  Oklahoma,  along  with  several
undeveloped  sites in Colorado and Oklahoma, and placed the properties for sale.
Furthermore, through a cost-savings program, the Company controlled its selling,
general,  and  administrative  expenses,  gross  profit  margins,  and   overall
operating  margins. Since the business plan focussed on the Company's core paint
business, the  Company sold  its wallcovering  distributor and  Rocky  Mountains
paint distributor subsidiaries in early 1988.

    During  the 1988 and 1989 fiscal years (the term "fiscal year" refers to the
Company's yearly  period  ending in  January  of  the year  following  the  year
described,  so, "1988  fiscal year" means  the yearly period  ending in January,
1989), extrinsic  factors  dramatically  reduced  the  Company's  profitability.
Declines  in  housing starts,  a consumer  spending slowdown  in several  of the
Company's markets,  defense budget  reductions, and  increased competition  from
warehouse-type  distributors and large home centers in already saturated markets
resulted in reduced sales, and caused the Company to reduce prices resulting  in
an erosion of the Company's retail gross profit margins.

    As  the Company  continued to experience  reduced sales  and a deteriorating
financial condition,  the  dismal  economic  outlook  coupled  with  promotional
pricing,  and the  need for  special order  merchandise (dictated  by tightening
liquidity), the  gross profit  margin continued  to erode.  The Company  made  a
strategic  decision to refocus the marketing  and merchandising strategy for its
retail stores and return to  its historical role as  a retail center for  paint.
The  Company's paint sales have  always been its primary  source of retail sales
comprising  approximately  40%   of  all   retail  sales.   While  the   Company

                                      F-5
<PAGE>
augmented  its  merchandising mix  with  paint sundries,  wall  coverings, floor
coverings, window treatment, art supplies and other home decorating merchandise,
the Company had failed to capture  the consumer's attention as "home  decorating
centers."  The decision to refocus its market  on paint and related items led to
renewed emphasis on the Company's wide  selection of high quality, value  priced
paint  and professional sales staff. Many of the Company's stores were remodeled
or refurbished during that period and new merchandising layouts installed. A new
signing program was established in the Company's paint stores. A new  electronic
media  advertising campaign was  built around the  Company's renewed emphasis on
paint and related  items. Special  incentive plans were  implemented to  further
compensate  salespersons  contributing to  the  success of  the  Company's paint
sales. In  spite  of  these efforts,  high  levels  of debt  service  caused  an
operating  loss of  $10,058,000 for  the fiscal year  ended January  27, 1991. A
second significant decision  in fiscal  1990 was  to close  the Company's  Texas
operations  and  place sixteen  unprofitable  Home Decorating  Centers,  and one
distribution facility in  Texas for sale,  along with four  unimproved sites  in
Texas.  This decision was made only after substantial efforts over many years to
increase sales in these stores as a group. The Texas closing program resulted in
a $4.7 million restructuring charge.

    The Company also determined that a more directed focus on paint and  related
items  could be accomplished in less retail space. At that time stores generally
averaged 14,000  square  feet.  The  Company  believed  that  the  paint-focused
merchandise  approach could  be accomplished  in 10,000  to 12,000  square feet.
During fiscal 1991,  the Company  began to redesign  its large  store format  at
several  locations and had undertaken to lease the newly created adjoining space
to compatible users. In addition,  as part of the  refocus on paint and  related
items,  at that time the  Company opened two new  trial format "Metro" stores in
highly populated neighborhoods. These Metro stores contained approximately 2,500
stock-keeping units ("SKUs"), primarily paint  and paint sundries, in less  than
4,000 square feet, and featured the Company's noted paint lines.

    In the first quarter of fiscal 1991, the Bank cancelled the Company's credit
facilities, resulting in a $5 million decrease in available working capital. The
Company's trade creditors, in response, modified their terms, restricted credit,
or  limited or  withheld merchandise  shipments. As  a result,  inventory levels
became insufficient  to  sustain normal  operations.  In addition,  the  Company
lacked  liquid resources  for debt service  due to operational  problems and the
depressed economic  conditions.  In  May  1991, unable  to  refinance  the  Bank
obligations, the Company defaulted under certain financial covenants in the Bank
loans  and in the Insurance Company Loan Agreement. The Company restructured its
debt in  the later  part of  May 1991  by amending  the Insurance  Company  Loan
Agreement  to include a pledge of $1,172,000 in value of previously unencumbered
and undeveloped real estate, and a preferred stock exchange of $7,945,000 Series
D Preferred Stock and $8,309,000 of Series E Preferred Stock. The Bank  received
additional collateral in the form of the Company's LESOP note receivable for the
LESOP  Loan. Following  this restructure, the  Company sought but  was unable to
obtain additional  capital. For  the fiscal  year ended  January 26,  1992,  the
Company reported a net loss of $18,030,000 and an operating loss of $26,798,000.

CHAPTER 11 FILING AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION

    Unable to resolve its financial problems, Standard Brands Paint Company, and
four of its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries, Standard Brands Paint
Co.,  a California corporation,  Major Paint Company,  a California corporation,
Standard Brands  Realty  Co.,  Inc.,  a  California  corporation,  and  Zynolyte
Products  Company,  a California  corporation,  filed voluntary  petitions under
chapter 11 of the United States  Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C. Section101 et  seq.,
on  February  11, 1992,  for  the purpose  of  implementing the  operational and
financial restructuring of their  businesses. Following protracted  negotiations
with  the Insurance Company Lenders, the Bank, and unsecured creditors, on March
3, 1993, Standard Brands Paint Company along with the other filed  subsidiaries,
filed  their Fourth  Amended Joint  Plan of  Reorganization (the "Reorganization
Plan") with the Bankruptcy Court. The  Reorganization Plan was confirmed by  the
Bankruptcy Court on May 13, 1993 and became effective on June 14, 1993.

                                      F-6
<PAGE>
    The  Reorganization Plan resulted in a recapitalization of the Company and a
change in  management  as  follows:  (i)  approximately  $29.6  million  of  the
outstanding  debt owed to Fidelity Capital  & Income Fund ("Fidelity") and Kodak
Retirement Income Plan  Trust Fund ("Kodak")  as successors in  interest to  the
Bank,  was converted  into 11,283,720 shares  of Common  Stock, or approximately
50.5% of the Company's issued and  outstanding Common Stock as of the  effective
date of the Reorganization Plan, (ii) the maturity date of the Insurance Company
Loan  (with a  principal amount outstanding  of approximately  $117 million) was
extended at a reduced interest rate,  (iii) unsecured priority claims were  paid
cash  in  full, (iv)  $22  million of  unsecured  claims were  paid  through the
distribution of $8.8 million cash plus proceeds of up to $4.2 million from sales
of eight of  the Company's Colorado  real estate properties,  (v) the  Company's
existing  outstanding Series  D Preferred  Stock and  Series E  Preferred Stock,
including accrued but unpaid dividends (which was held by the Insurance  Company
Lenders)  was exchanged  for 5,474,280 shares  of the Company's  Common Stock or
approximately 24.5%  of  the issued  and  outstanding  Common Stock  as  of  the
effective  date of the Reorganization Plan, (vi) all of the common stock held by
the LESOP and Payroll  Stock Ownership Plan ("PAYSOP")  was distributed to  plan
participants,  and (vii) a new board of directors and senior management team was
elected. Existing common stockholders retained their equity interests, with  the
exception  of all interests  arising under the  Company's Rights Agreement dated
November 10, 1987, which  was extinguished. Consequently,  prior holders of  the
Company's Common Stock including the LESOP and PAYSOP distributees, collectively
retained  approximately  25.0% of  the  Company's total  issued  and outstanding
shares as of the effective date of the Reorganization Plan.

    The Reorganization Plan was financed, in part, by Fidelity and Kodak through
the purchase of  a $20  million principal amount  secured note  ("Fidelity/Kodak
Secured  Notes") for $8 million in cash  and a $12 million note ("Fidelity/Kodak
Exchange Note"). The Fidelity/Kodak  Secured Notes are secured  by the stock  of
three  holding companies which own: (i) the  Common Stock of The Art Store, (ii)
the Common  Stock  of Zynolyte  Products  Company,  and (iii)  two  real  estate
properties,  the stock of  such three corporations having  been transferred to a
grantor trust with the contemplation that (i) the capital stock of Zynolyte  and
the Art Store would be sold to unrelated third parties, and (ii) the real estate
would  be sold and the proceeds from  such sales used to reduce the indebtedness
under the Fidelity/Kodak Secured Notes. The Company has a residuary interest  in
the  assets of the grantor trust, and on repayment of the Fidelity/Kodak Secured
Notes will be  entitled to such  assets. As contemplated  by the  Reorganization
Plan, on August 2, 1993 the capital stock of Zynolyte was sold for approximately
$14.8  million. In October 1993, one of the  parcels of real estate was sold for
approximately $1.4 million. The net proceeds  of both transactions were used  to
reduce  the  principal outstanding  under  the Fidelity/Kodak  Secured  Notes to
approximately $4.5 million. In addition, the Company has guaranteed $2.5 million
of the principal outstanding on the Fidelity/Kodak Secured Notes.

STANDARD BRANDS SPECIALTY RETAIL STORES

    The Company's  specialty retail  stores (the  "Paint Stores")  cater to  the
do-it-yourself  customer. The Company  pioneered this retailing  concept in 1939
and continues to  be one  of the  major specialty  retailers of  paint and  home
decorating  products in the western United  States. The Company's marketing goal
for the  retail stores  is to  provide the  best source  for paint  and  related
products   in  the  Company's   marketing  area  aimed  at   the  needs  of  the
"do-it-yourself" customer interested  in decorating and  maintaining his or  her
home. The retail stores' marketing strategy is to characterize the retail stores
as "neighborhood" Paint Stores, offering the best selection of paint and related
products  aimed at the needs of  the do-it-yourself customer, coupled with first
class service and everyday low prices.

    The retail  stores  generally offer  the  do-it-yourself customer  the  most
complete   selection  of  paint,  paint  applicator  products  and  accessories,
wallcoverings, window treatments and floorcoverings combined under one roof,  as
well  as excellent  selections of art  supplies. Over 8,000  stock keeping units
offer large  selections of  paint colors  in addition  to wallcoverings,  window
treatments,  flooring and  carpeting, and  art material.  Stockkeeping units are
offered in quantities and assortments large

                                      F-7
<PAGE>
enough to  handle virtually  any home  decorating project.  Large selections  of
paint  colors, wallcoverings, window treatments, flooring and carpeting are also
conveniently  offered  through  special  order  to  meet  customer  demands.  In
addition, a multitude of products are conveniently offered through special order
to meet customer demands of even the most discriminating decorator.

    The  retail stores stock the Company's own high quality products in addition
to national name brand merchandise. The Company continually reviews its  product
mix,  discontinuing some products and adding  others, to anticipate and meet the
changing needs of its customers. A  wide selection of the most popular  products
are offered at prices comparable to those of the Company's primary competitors.

    The  Company's marketing strategy emphasizes  the retailing of quality paint
at competitive prices with friendly, knowledgeable service. The Company  strives
to  distinguish itself from  large warehouse operations  by emphasizing customer
service. The Company's sales staff offers one-on-one personal service  including
step-by-step project advice in all product categories.

    As  of January 30,  1994, the Company  owned and operated  62 retail stores.
When selecting  a  retail location,  the  Company  searches for  sites  on  well
trafficked  streets  in  popular  shopping areas,  generally  on  or  near major
intersections. The Paint Stores range in size from sites of approximately  3,800
square feet to stores of approximately 22,000 square feet. In the more prevalent
format, the retail stores range from approximately 10,000 to 16,000 square feet,
resulting  in an average of approximately 13,300 square feet. Net retail selling
space ranges  from  approximately  3,300  square feet  to  18,000  square  feet,
resulting in an average of approximately 12,000 square feet.

    The  Paint Stores compete with  numerous general merchandisers and warehouse
stores that emphasize everyday low pricing, home improvement centers, paint  and
wallpaper stores, hardware and specialty stores located in the same geographical
areas.  The market for Paint Store products is highly fragmented and competition
is based upon service, product quality and price.

ADVERTISING

    The Company's retail advertising utilizes an aggressive multimedia  approach
to  attract new customers and to reemphasize values to existing customers. Print
advertising represented 47% of the overall  budget, and 3.0% of retail sales  in
the  year ended January  30, 1994. Television  and radio advertising represented
48% of the overall budget, while  yellow page advertising fees, publicity,  etc.
represented  the  balance. For  the  fiscal year  ending  January 30,  1994, the
Company spent 6.3% of sales on advertising costs. The percentage of sales  spent
on  advertising costs for the fiscal year  ending January 30, 1994 represents an
unusually high percentage.  The Company expects  that advertising expenses  will
return  to a lower percentage of sales in fiscal 1994 due to a planned reduction
in spending.

MERCHANDISING

    The Company's retail merchandise strategy is  to offer to its customers  the
most   comprehensive  selection  of  quality   paint  and  paint-related  items,
wallcoverings, window treatment, floor coverings, and art and hobby supplies  at
competitive prices.

    PAINT.   The largest single specialty  product group in the Company's retail
sales mix is paint which contributed 41.1% to total retail sales for the  fiscal
year  ended  January  30,  1994.  Of  those  sales  78.4%  were  from  paint and
paint-related  products  manufactured  by  the  Company's  Major  Paint  Company
subsidiary.  The  Company's most  notable manufactured  paint lines,  DECADE and
HIDE-ALL, are heavily advertised and promoted. The Company's retail stores carry
a vast selection of types and  qualities of paint and paint specialty  products.
The  Company can computer match and mix any color of paint that a customer might
need, and offers this service free of charge. Paint applicators, accessories and
sundries added another 13.1% to retail  sales for the fiscal year ended  January
30, 1994.

                                      F-8
<PAGE>
    FLOORCOVERING.   The Company's retail stores  offer a wide selection of hard
surface floorcoverings including  sheet vinyl, floor  tile, ceramic, marble  and
wood  tile, as well as a full compliment of carpeting, ranging from fine quality
broadloom to  indoor/outdoor. Floorcovering  contributed 27.2%  to total  retail
sales for the fiscal year ended January 30, 1994.

    WALLCOVERING.  The Company's retail stores stock an average of 150 wallpaper
patterns,  and offer  approximately 30,000  wallpaper patterns  through in-store
selection of special  order books  and offer  virtually every  pattern of  every
national  brand of wallcovering through a customized direct order program. Among
other wall decor options  available at the stores  are wall murals, cork  panels
and  mirrors. Wallcovering contributed 3.3% to total retail sales for the fiscal
year ended January 30, 1994.

    WINDOW TREATMENT.  A full selection of vertical blinds, mini blinds, pleated
shades, valances,  drapery hardware  and  exterior blinds  is available  at  the
Company's  retail stores. The Company's  special order program offers customized
selections to meet its customers' individual demands and specifications.  Window
treatment  made up 5.2% of total retail  sales for the fiscal year ended January
30, 1994.

    ART MATERIALS.  The Company's retail  stores carry a wide range of  artists'
materials  including artists' colors,  brushes, canvas, frames  and papers. They
also stock drafting materials, easels,  marking pens, printing inks,  adhesives,
and  other complementary materials aimed  at accommodating the part-time artist.
Sales of art materials contributed 7.1% to total retail sales for the the fiscal
year ended January 30, 1994.

    CONVENIENCE AND REPLACEMENT  ITEMS.   The Company's retail  stores carry  an
assortment  of  products  often  needed by  customers  as  replacement  items to
complete their  painting  project,  including  lighting,  plumbing,  electrical,
cabinet  hardware, security hardware, cleaners and waxes, and shelf paper. Sales
of convenience and replacement  items contributed 3% to  total retail sales  for
the fiscal year ended January 30, 1994.

    IN  HOME SALES AND SERVICES.  During  the fourth quarter of fiscal 1993, the
Company implemented a new "In-Home Sales and Services" program. This program  is
designed  to meet its customers needs  for expert, at-home consultation for home
fashion products, especially  the measuring and  selection of floorcovering  and
window treatment.

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

    All  of the  Company's retail  units are computer  linked to  its main frame
computer. Sales transactions are computer processed and UPC bar code scanning is
operational in all stores. The Company plans,  within the next 12 to 24  months,
to  replace  its present  mainframe computer  with  a mini-computer  system. The
conversion to  a mini  computer system  will result  in sizeable  reductions  in
operating and support services costs.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

    Vendors  and industry professionals  are called upon  to provide product and
job training in live sessions or on video tape to improve the Company's  ability
to  better serve customers  and increase customer  count. Retail store employees
receive customer service training on a  regular basis to reinforce the  priority
of  satisfying  customers  and  ensuring their  return  for  future  needs. This
training emphasizes that a transaction can only be good for the Company if it is
good for the customer.

TRADEMARKS

    The Company owns, or is  in the process of  applying for, federal and  state
registrations  of  numerous  trademarks  and  servicemarks  associated  with its
products, including STANDARD BRANDS,  DECADE, NEXT DECADE, ADVANTAGE,  GALLERIE,
HIDE-ALL,  KIDDO,  NEAT AND  CLEAN, PREMIUM,  PROFESSIONAL, RUST  DEFENDER, RUST
GUARD, SATIN  WALL  FINISH, STANDARD  BRANDS  WINDSOR 21,  SUPER-TONE,  WALL  OF
ANOTHER COLOR, MAJOR, WITH MY OWN TWO HANDS and its Brush Design Logo.

                                      F-9
<PAGE>
SEASONALITY OF RETAIL BUSINESS

    Due  to  warm-weather paint  purchase and  use trends  by consumers  and the
significant proportion of  retail sales  to the Company's  total revenue,  sales
tend to be highest during the summer months.

MAJOR PAINT COMPANY

    The Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Major Paint Company, manufactures and
distributes  high  quality paint  and  related products.  Major  Paint Company's
production capacity enables it to control availability, minimize inventories and
price its products  competitively. Major Paint  Company's production  facilities
manufacture   predominantly  water-based,   interior/exterior  paints   and  are
automated to maximize productivity and are environmentally safe.

    Major Paint Company produces 78%  of the paints sold  by the Company in  its
retail stores, consisting of 27 lines of paint and paint products.

    For the fiscal year ended January 30, 1994, Major Paint Company packaged 7.9
million  gallons  of  paint  and  paint  products  at  its  Torrance, California
facility.

    Major Paint Company actively pursues  outside sales through the  manufacture
and  sale of  both the Company's  labeled paint products,  paints packaged under
private  labels  and   paint  concentrate.  Major   Paint  Company's  sales   to
unaffiliated companies were $8.6 million for fiscal 1993.

    The  paints  manufactured  by  Major  Paint  Company  require  over  100 raw
materials including resins such as latex emulsions and alkyd solutions, pigments
such as titanium dioxide and other  chemicals such as glycols and solvents,  all
of   which  are  generally  available   from  several  suppliers  in  sufficient
quantities.

    RESEARCH AND  DEVELOPMENT.   Major  Paint  Company is  responsible  for  the
research  and  development activities  associated with  the Company's  paint and
paint-related products. A  fully equipped laboratory  is maintained, staffed  by
chemists  and  laboratory  technicians,  to  research  and  develop  new product
formulations.

    New and  alternative raw  materials are  also tested  in this  research  and
development  laboratory  to  determine  their  value  in  further  improving the
coverage, flow  and leveling  qualities  of the  Company's paints.  The  Company
expended $364,600 in connection with research and development activities for the
fiscal  year ended January  30, 1994, compared  to $414,100 for  the fiscal year
ended January 31, 1993 and $526,200 for the fiscal year ended January 26, 1992.

    QUALITY CONTROL.   Assuring  the quality  of  its paint  products is  a  top
priority  of the Company. Once  a formulation has been  developed by Major Paint
Company's research laboratory, every production  batch is tested in the  quality
control  lab for both its practical properties and its technical specifications.
A staff of chemists and technicians is employed to guarantee the consistency and
quality of all the products manufactured by Major Paint Company.

    TRADEMARKS.  Major Paint Company owns, or is in the process of applying for,
federal and  state  registrations  of  numerous  trademarks  and  service  marks
associated  with its products, including BASIX, CONTEMPO, CYCLE II, CONTRACTOR'S
CHOICE, CONTRACTORS GRADE A, KIDS PRUF-MOM'S SECRET WEAPON, and SUDDENLY 21.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

    The Company  undertakes  to  comply with  various  governmental  regulations
pertaining to the environment, the use, storage and discharge of waste materials
and  worker safety. The Company maintains health and safety programs to minimize
potential exposures  and to  protect the  health and  welfare of  employees  and
community   residents.  Major  Paint   Company's  Torrance  paint  manufacturing
operation has been exempted  from federal and state  permit requirements due  to
its  program in waste reduction at the source and through recycling then reusing
manufacturing  process  waste  water.  Due  to  the  nature  of  paint  products
manufactured    and/or    sold    in   the    past,    the    Company   received

                                      F-10
<PAGE>
various notifications from  governmental agencies  and landowners  prior to  and
during the Chapter 11 Proceeding that it may have been a potentially responsible
party  at several sites. These  matters were compromised and  settled as part of
the Reorganization Plan.

    As part of its environmental disposal program, Major Paint Company currently
manufacturers and sells recycled paint to municipalities, state governments, the
United States General  Services Administration and  to retail customers  through
the  Paint Stores. The recycled paint consists of old paint, manufacturing waste
and virgin materials.

    Capital expenditures to comply with  governmental regulations have not  been
significant  and  have had  no material  effect  upon the  Company's competitive
position or earnings.

EMPLOYEES

    As of January  30, 1994, the  Company employed 1,350  people, 1,050 of  whom
worked  in  retailing  and  300  of  whom  worked  in  office,  warehousing  and
manufacturing positions.  Approximately  60%  of  the  Company's  employees  are
represented  by  the  United Food  and  Commercial Workers  Union  ("UFCW"). The
majority of these  employees are covered  by four-year contracts  with the  UFCW
which were ratified in November 1991.

ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES

    As of January 30, 1994, the Company owned and leased retail footage totaling
approximately  844,000 square feet, representing the Company's 62 retail stores.
Of the operating  retail store sites,  52 are Company-owned  and 10 are  leased.
Manufacturing,  warehousing and  office facilities  owned by  the Company  as of
January 30, 1994 are  located in Torrance,  California occupying 900,100  square
feet  on 31 acres. All properties are well maintained, are in good condition and
provide adequate and  suitable space for  the operations at  each location.  The
Company  managed  25 Company-owned  properties which  are leased  to non-related
parties totaling 150,000 square  feet of space  as of January  30, 1994 with  an
occupancy rate of 97%.

    On  March 16, 1994, the Company entered into an agreement with the Insurance
Company Lenders and Fidelity and  Kodak for $10 million  of new financing and  a
plan  to restructure the Company's existing  $103 million Insurance Company Loan
and existing $6 million indebtedness with Fidelity and Kodak.

    Under the  terms of  the  planned restructure,  the  Company has  agreed  to
establish  a grantor trust ("Real  Estate Trust") to which  it will transfer all
but approximately  19 of  its  operating and  non-operating real  properties  in
exchange  for  the assumption  by  the Real  Estate  Trust of  approximately $80
million of existing indebtedness ("Assumed Indebtedness") owed to the  Insurance
Company  Lenders under  the Amended and  Restated Loan Agreement  dated June 14,
1993 ("Amended Insurance Company Loan"). As of January 30, 1994, the book  value
of  the 32 operating  and 59 non-operating  properties to be  transferred to the
Real Estate Trust was approximately $114,742,000.

    The servicer of the Real Estate Trust will be Transamerica Realty  Services,
Inc.  (the "Servicer"). The Servicer  will sell the Real  Estate Trust assets in
the ordinary course. Until sold, the operating properties will be leased back to
the Company for no rent until October 31, 1997. Proceeds from such sales will be
used to repay the Assumed Indebtedness. The Company will retain an 80% residuary
interest in the Real Estate Trust after all of the Assumed Indebtedness has been
repaid. The Insurance Company  Lenders will retain a  20% residuary interest  in
the  Real Estate  Trust. As operating  properties are sold,  the Company intends
generally to either remain in the location on a leased basis, or relocate to new
leased premises.

    The establishment of the Real Estate Trust and transfer of substantially all
of the Company's real  estate properties is subject  to stockholder approval  at
the Company's Annual Meeting to be held in June 1994.

                                      F-11
<PAGE>
ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

    Other  than as discussed  above and the ordinary  litigation incident to its
business, the Company is not a party to any other legal proceedings material  to
its business or financial condition.

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

    Not applicable.

                                    PART II

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
         MATTERS

    The  principal market for trading  in the Company's Common  Stock is the New
York Stock Exchange under the symbol "SBP". The Company has approximately  1,900
shareholders  of record of its Common Stock.  No dividends have been paid in the
last two years  and the  Company's ability  to pay  dividends in  the future  is
limited  by the  Company's financial condition  and by  various loan agreements.
Market data for the last two fiscal years is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             1993                  1994
                                                                      ------------------    ------------------
                                                                       HIGH        LOW       HIGH        LOW
                                                                      -------    -------    -------    -------
<S>                                                                   <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
First Quarter......................................................     2 7/8      1 1/2      2 3/8      1 1/2
Second Quarter.....................................................     4 7/8      2          1 3/4        7/8
Third Quarter......................................................     3 5/8      2          1 1/4      1
Fourth Quarter.....................................................     2 1/4      1 3/4      1 7/8      1
</TABLE>

                                      F-12
<PAGE>
ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            FISCAL YEAR 1993
                                     ------------------------------
                                       SIX MONTHS      SIX MONTHS
                                          ENDED           ENDED                          FISCAL YEAR
                                       JANUARY 30,      AUGUST 1,    ---------------------------------------------------
                                          1994            1993          1992         1991         1990          1989
                                     ---------------  -------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
<S>                                  <C>              <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
                                       (SUCCESSOR     (PREDECESSOR
                                        COMPANY)        COMPANY)                    (PREDECESSOR COMPANY)
Continuing Operations
(in thousands)
  Net Sales........................    $    84,000     $   115,528   $   226,749  $   253,017  $   293,582  $    314,023
  Gross Profit.....................         31,668          44,016        88,083      101,437      130,210       138,386
  Earnings (loss) from continuing
   operations......................    $   (20,411)    $   (23,190)  $   (38,337) $   (19,390) $    (6,222) $      3,708
  Net earnings (loss)..............    $   (20,411)    $    28,561   $   (38,337) $   (18,030) $    (6,964) $      3,708
                                     ---------------  -------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
Per Common Share
  Earnings (loss)..................    $      (.91)    $      4.94   $     (7.25) $     (3.59) $     (1.53) $        .36
  Tangible stockholders, equity
   (deficiency) (1)................    $       .65     $      6.28   $     (5.71) $     (1.07) $      2.10  $       3.37
  Average number of shares
   outstanding.....................     22,341,000       5,578,000     5,555,000    5,529,000    5,608,000     5,730,000
  Market price (high-low)..........    $3.625-1.75     $4.875-1.50   $2.375-.875  $10.00-1.63  $14.75-4.63  $19.38-11.50
                                     ---------------  -------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
Year-end Financial Position
(in thousands)
  Current assets...................    $    35,106     $    47,247   $    56,460  $    60,891  $    80,693  $     90,404
  Current liabilities (2)..........    $    37,312     $    41,338   $    26,305  $   187,867  $    72,670  $     41,843
  Working capital (deficiency).....    $    (2,206)    $     5,909   $    30,155  $  (126,976) $     8,023  $     48,561
  Total assets.....................    $   169,837     $   214,966   $   187,982  $   201,756  $   229,106  $    238,263
Long-term debt.....................    $   103,080     $   109,684   $   116,317  $   147,368  $   156,492  $    162,153
Mandatory redeemable preferred
 stock.............................    $         0     $         0   $    16,244  $    15,946  $    15,724  $     15,724
Tangible stockholders' equity
 (deficiency) (1)..................    $    14,568     $    35,049   $   (31,731) $    (5,132) $    11,767  $     19,287
                                     ---------------  -------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
Year-end Statistics
  Current ratio (2)(3).............          .94-1          1.14-1         2.0-1        .32-1        1.1-1         2.2-1
  Capital expenditures (in
   thousands)......................    $       913     $     1,596   $     1,856  $     3,849  $    10,119  $      7,748
  Depreciation and amortization (in
   thousands)......................    $     1,744     $     2,558   $     5,910  $     5,956  $     6,734  $      6,532
  Number of retail stores..........             62             103           130          145          141           155
  Square feet of gross retail store
   space...........................        844,000       1,406,059     1,793,954    1,902,177    1,901,014     2,130,402
  Square feet of support and
   manufacturing facilities........        900,100         900,100     1,012,614      982,100      982,100     1,304,500
  Number of employees..............          1,350           1,855         1,921        2,014        2,841         3,460
<FN>
- - - - ------------------------------
(1)  Excludes preferred  stock subject  to mandatory  redemption and  intangible
     assets.

(2)  As  of January 26, 1992, all contractual debt for legal entities in Chapter
     11 had  been  classified  as  current  because  of  various  loan  covenant
     violations.

(3)  As  of  January  31, 1993,  all  contractual  debt had  been  classified as
     non-current or as a liability subject to compromise.
</TABLE>

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
         OF OPERATIONS

                      (FINANCIAL INFORMATION IN THOUSANDS)

INTRODUCTION

    The Company  emerged  from its  reorganization  proceedings in  June,  1993.
Management believes it will be able to concentrate on operational activities and
pursue  the  Company's long-term  growth and  strategic objectives.  The Company
believes  that   its   ability  to   meet   growth  and   strategic   objectives

                                      F-13
<PAGE>
is  contingent upon  several factors.  The Company has  reduced the  size of its
retail paint store  chain to  a core group  of stores  concentrating on  selling
paint  and related merchandise,  and must increase  operating profits from these
remaining core stores. The Company will also focus on its competitive and  asset
strengths  in  paint market  share,  retail locations,  and  paint manufacturing
capabilities. In a  multifaceted approach,  the Company hopes  to add  potential
incremental business and profits by (i) remerchandising its retail paint stores,
(ii)  launching new paint products, (iii)  increasing sales to outside retailers
(i.e., private labeling),  and (iv)  reducing general  corporate overhead  costs
associated   with  such  areas  as  distribution,  warehousing,  and  management
information systems.

    On March 16, 1994, the Company entered into an agreement with the  Insurance
Company  Lenders and Fidelity and  Kodak for $10 million  of new financing and a
plan to restructure the Company's  existing $103 million Insurance Company  Loan
and existing $6 million indebtedness with Fidelity and Kodak.

    Under  the  terms of  the  planned restructure,  the  Company has  agreed to
establish a grantor trust  ("Real Estate Trust") to  which it will transfer  all
but  approximately  19 of  its operating  and  non-operating real  properties in
exchange for  the assumption  by  the Real  Estate  Trust of  approximately  $80
million of existing indebtedness owed to the Insurance Company Lenders under the
Amended Insurance Company Loan. The Company estimates that the book value of the
properties  to be sold by  the Real Estate Trust  will exceed the sale proceeds,
less applicable  fees,  expenses  and other  costs,  by  approximately  $16,478.
Accordingly,  the  Company  has  provided  for  this  loss  in  the Consolidated
Financial  Statements  for  the  fiscal   year  ended  January  30,  1994.   The
establishment  of the Real Estate Trust and transfer of substantially all of the
Company's real  estate properties  is  subject to  stockholder approval  at  the
Company's  Annual  Meeting to  be held  in  June 1994.  (See also  Liquidity and
Capitalization Measures.)

CHAPTER 11 FILINGS

    On February 11,  1992 ("Petition  Date"), the Company  and four  (4) of  its
wholly-owned   direct  and  indirect  subsidiaries  ("Debtors")  filed  separate
voluntary petitions  for reorganization  under Chapter  11 of  Title 11  of  the
United States Code ("Bankruptcy Code") in the United States Bankruptcy Court for
the Central District of California.

    On  May  13,  1993 ("Confirmation  Date"),  based  upon the  receipt  of the
required creditor and equity holder  acceptances under the Bankruptcy Code,  the
Bankruptcy  Court  confirmed the  Debtors' Plan.  On  June 14,  1993 ("Effective
Date"), all conditions  to effectiveness  were met and  the Reorganization  Plan
became effective.

    In  general,  the Reorganization  Plan provided  for  the resolution  of all
prepetition claims  that  existed  at  the Petition  Date  and  cancellation  of
preferred  stock, as well  as the resolution of  certain environmental and legal
matters in exchange  for cash, real  property, other assets,  and common  stock.
Pursuant  to the Reorganization  Plan, holders of the  Company's common stock on
the Effective Date  retained their  shares and 16,758,000  shares of  additional
common  stock were issued and distributed in partial satisfaction of the allowed
claims of the Company's creditors and preferred shareholders.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FISCAL YEARS 1993 AND 1992

    Upon emergence  from its  Chapter 11  proceedings, the  Company adopted  the
provisions  of Statement of Position No.  90-7, "Financial Reporting by Entities
in Reorganization  Under  the  Bankruptcy  Code"  ("Fresh-Start  Reporting")  as
promulgated  by  the  American  Institute  of  Certified  Public  Accountants in
November 1990. Accordingly,  all assets  and liabilities have  been restated  to
reflect  their reorganization value, which approximates  their fair value at the
Effective Date.  In  addition,  the  accumulated  deficit  of  the  Company  was
eliminated   and   capital  structure   was  recast   in  conformity   with  the
Reorganization Plan, and as  such, the Company has  recorded the effects of  the
Reorganization  Plan  and  Fresh-Start  Reporting  as  of  August  1,  1993.  In
connection with the adoption of Fresh-Start Reporting, the Company recorded  one
time  adjustments  of $41,463  (see, Reorganization  Items) which  increased the
Company's net income for  the six months  ended August 1,  1993. The results  of

                                      F-14
<PAGE>
operations  and  cash flows  for the  six  months ended  August 1,  1993 include
operations prior to the Company's emergence from Chapter 11 proceedings and  the
effect  of adopting Fresh-Start Reporting,  and include operations subsequent to
the Company's emergence from Chapter 11 proceedings. Furthermore, the results of
operations and cash  flows for  the six months  ended January  30, 1994  include
operations subsequent to the Company's emergence from Chapter 11 proceedings. As
a  result, net income (loss)  for the six month period  ended August 1, 1993 and
six month period ended January 30, 1994 are not comparable with prior periods.

    Fiscal 1992 was impacted  by the effects of  the reorganization process  and
the  restructuring of operations under Chapter 11. The Company began fiscal 1992
with extremely limited financial  resources, poor in-stock inventory  positions,
intense  pressure from competitors and  weakened market conditions, particularly
in the Company's core  California markets. Shortly after  filing for Chapter  11
protection,  the Company arranged a $17,000 debtor-in-possession working capital
facility with a financial institution  which provided adequate liquidity  during
the  Chapter  11  process. During  the  remainder  of fiscal  1992,  the Company
restructured virtually  all operational  departments, closed  selected  marginal
stores  and  sold  certain real  properties  to better  its  financial position.
Accordingly, the Company's financial statements for fiscal 1992 reflect sizeable
Reorganization items including the costs  of professional fees, store  closings,
estimated  liabilities for rejected  executory contracts and  a write-off of the
note receivable from the Leveraged Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("LESOP"). Such
Reorganization items contributed to a loss of $21,675 for fiscal 1992.

PROFITABILITY MEASUREMENTS

    The Company's  methods  of  measuring  profitability  stated  below  include
various  ratios  and statistics  which  define key  performance  parameters from
continuing operations:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              FISCAL YEAR 1993
                                         --------------------------
                                         SIX MONTHS     SIX MONTHS
                                            ENDED         ENDED              FISCAL YEAR
                                         JANUARY 30,    AUGUST 1,     -------------------------
                                            1994           1993           1992          1991
                                         -----------   ------------   ------------   ----------
                                         (SUCCESSOR    (PREDECESSOR
                                          COMPANY)       COMPANY)       (PREDECESSOR COMPANY)
<S>                                      <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>
Decrease in retail sales (1)(2)........  $ (21,140)    $   (2,341)    $  (27,999)    $(45,750)
Percentage decrease in retail sales
 (1)(2)................................      (21.2)%         (2.3)%        (12.1)%      (16.5)%
Percentage (decrease) increase in same
 store sales (1)(2)....................       (4.0)%          4.5%         (11.0)%      (12.6)%
Gross profit percentage................       37.7%          38.1%          38.8%        40.1%
(Loss) earnings before interest and
 taxes (3).............................  $ (27,192)    $   35,007     $  (24,359)    $(10,110)
<FN>
- - - - ------------------------
(1)  Retail store sales for the six month period ended January 30, 1994 and  the
     six  month period ended August 1, 1993  reflect sales for 52 weeks compared
     to 53  weeks for  fiscal 1992.  The additional  week of  sales included  in
     fiscal  1992 for the sixty-two (62) stores  open as of January 30, 1994 was
     approximately $2.1 million.

(2)  "Same" stores are defined as  stores open for more  than one year. For  the
     six  months ended  January 30,  1994 and August  1, 1993,  same store sales
     reflect sales for the sixty-two (62)  stores which the Company operated  as
     of January 30, 1994.

(3)  In  connection  with the  adoption  of Fresh-Start  Reporting,  the Company
     recorded one-time adjustments of  $41,463 (see Reorganization Items)  which
     increased  the Company's  earnings before  interest and  taxes for  the six
     months ended August 1, 1993.
</TABLE>

                                      F-15
<PAGE>
SALES AND GROSS PROFIT

    The following table summarizes the decrease in sales for fiscal 1993:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         FISCAL YEAR 1993
                                               -------------------------------------
                                                   SIX MONTHS         SIX MONTHS
                                                     ENDED               ENDED        FISCAL YEAR
                                                JANUARY 30, 1994    AUGUST 1, 1993        1992      VARIANCE
                                               ------------------  -----------------  ------------  ---------
                                                   (SUCCESSOR        (PREDECESSOR     (PREDECESSOR
                                                    COMPANY)           COMPANY)         COMPANY)
<S>                                            <C>                 <C>                <C>           <C>
Continuing Paint Stores......................       $56,592            $ 62,586       $   118,844   $     344
Closed Paint Stores*.........................        21,761              32,566            71,886     (17,559)
                                                   --------        -----------------  ------------  ---------
                                                     78,353              95,152           190,730     (17,225)
Art Stores (1)...............................             0               5,571            11,827      (6,256)
Zynolyte Products Company (1)................             0              11,821            21,862     (10,041)
Major Paint Company and Export Sales.........         5,647               2,984             2,330       6,301
                                                   --------        -----------------  ------------  ---------
                                                    $84,000            $115,528       $   226,749   $ (27,221)
                                                   --------        -----------------  ------------  ---------
                                                   --------        -----------------  ------------  ---------
<FN>
- - - - ------------------------
* Updated to reflect additional store closures through January 30, 1994.

(1)  These business units were transferred to newly formed corporations owned by
     a grantor  trust  pursuant  to  the  Reorganization  Plan,  to  secure  the
     indebtedness  owed to Fidelity  and Kodak under  the Fidelity/Kodak Secured
     Notes. Zynolyte Products Company was sold on August 2, 1993.
</TABLE>

    Consolidated sales for the  six months ending January  30, 1994 and the  six
months  ending August 1,  1993 were $84,000  and $115,528 a  decrease of $27,221
compared to $226,749 for the fiscal year ending January 31, 1993. The  decreased
sales  were principally  caused by  the closure  of unprofitable  stores and the
transfer of two of the Company's  business units pursuant to its  Reorganization
Plan.   The  sales  decrease  for  fiscal   1992  reflects  the  impact  of  the
reorganization process and the restructuring of operations under Chapter 11. The
Company began  fiscal  1992 with  extremely  limited financial  resources,  poor
in-stock  inventory positions, heavy  pressure from competitors  and poor market
conditions, particularly in  the Company's  core California  markets. Sales  for
fiscal  1991 decreased due to poor in-stock positions and heavy competition from
large discount warehouse stores.

    In connection  with  the  adoption of  Fresh-Start  Reporting,  the  Company
(referred  to as "Successor  Company" in the  financial tables contained herein)
adopted the First-in, First-out ("FIFO") method for determining the cost of  its
inventories.  The Company's consolidated FIFO gross  profit was 37.7%, 37.4% and
38.8% for the six months ended January 30, 1994, six months ended August 1, 1993
and twelve months  ended January  31, 1993, respectively.  The decreased  margin
resulted,  in part, from  strategic marketing decisions  and competitive factors
pursuant to which the Company reduced  prices in certain product categories  and
utilized   promotional  markdowns   to  improve  customer   traffic  and  reduce
discontinued merchandise.

    The Company's gross profit  percentage for fiscal  1992 decreased to  38.8%.
This   change  reflects  the  results   of  strategic  marketing  decisions  and
competitive factors  whereby  the  Company reduced  prices  in  certain  product
segments  to attract  and hold customers  and utilized  promotional markdowns to
attempt to improve customer traffic. During fiscal 1991, the Company  determined
that a change in accounting principle to include as inventory costs all expenses
directly  related to the distribution of  merchandise to stores was appropriate.
Previously the Company charged  specific merchandise cost  and freight into  the
Company's warehouse as inventory costs.

    The  Company's gross  profit percentage decreased  to 40.1%  in fiscal 1991.
This decrease results from  the change in  accounting principle discussed  above
($5,550)  as well  as a  focused change  toward promotional  pricing and special
order merchandise sales dictated by the Company's search for liquidity.

                                      F-16
<PAGE>
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

    For fiscal 1993, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 5.9%
as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  FISCAL YEAR 1993
                                          ---------------------------------
                                             SIX MONTHS       SIX MONTHS
                                               ENDED             ENDED       FISCAL YEAR
                                          JANUARY 30, 1994  AUGUST 1, 1993       1992      VARIANCE
                                          ----------------  ---------------  ------------  --------
                                             (SUCCESSOR      (PREDECESSOR    (PREDECESSOR
                                              COMPANY)         COMPANY)        COMPANY)
<S>                                       <C>               <C>              <C>           <C>
Paint Stores............................  $    29,314       $   35,722       $    68,272   $ (3,236)
Art Stores (1)..........................            0            2,047             3,819     (1,772)
Zynolyte Products Company (1)...........            0            2,722             4,501     (1,779)
Major Paint Company and Export Sales....        1,174              114               244      1,044
Corporate costs.........................        4,154            5,103             8,543        714
                                             --------       ---------------  ------------  --------
                                          $    34,642       $   45,708       $    85,379   $ (5,029)
                                             --------       ---------------  ------------  --------
                                             --------       ---------------  ------------  --------
<FN>
- - - - ------------------------
(1)  These business units were transferred to newly formed corporations owned by
     a  grantor  trust  pursuant  to  the  Reorganization  Plan,  to  secure the
     indebtedness owed to  Fidelity and Kodak  under the Fidelity/Kodak  Secured
     Notes. Zynolyte Products Company was sold on August 2, 1993.
</TABLE>

    The  decrease  results  primarily from  the  closing  of 57  stores  and the
transfer of two of the Company's  business units pursuant to its Plan.  Selling,
general  and administrative expenses were 41.2% and  39.6% of sales, for the six
months ended January 30, 1994 and August 1, 1993, respectively, versus 37.7% for
the fiscal year ended January 31, 1993. The increase in the percentage of  sales
for  the six months ended January 30, 1994 and August 1, 1993 versus fiscal 1992
is due to the reduction in sales as previously discussed and the fixed nature of
certain expenses.

    The decrease for  fiscal 1992  resulted from the  closing of  15 stores  and
stringent  cost controls. For fiscal 1991, the decrease resulted from the change
in accounting for warehouse  costs and the Company's  program to close  selected
unprofitable stores.

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

    The results of operations for the fiscal year ended January 30, 1994 reflect
a  provision  of  $6,000  for  the  anticipated  costs  to  effect  the expanded
restructuring  of  the  Company's   operations  and  closure  of   approximately
thirty-four  (34) retail outlets which the Company owns. This provision includes
$3,200 for inventory  clearance markdowns,  employee severance  and other  store
closing costs. The provision also includes $1,200 for property taxes, utilities,
maintenance  and other ongoing holding costs  which the Company expects to incur
until these  thirty-four (34)  retail stores  are sold  and $1,600  for  similar
ongoing  costs relating  to 31  previously closed  stores which,  due to various
market conditions, have not yet been sold.

    The Company has reduced the number of  paint stores in operation to 62  from
120  since emerging from bankruptcy  on June 14, 1993  and plans to be operating
approximately 59 retail outlets by  the end of May,  1994. This is revised  from
the  Company's  initial  plan to  maintain  approximately  80 of  its  stores in
operation.

    At the end of fiscal 1991, the Company identified certain paint stores which
were unprofitable. The Company determined that these stores should be closed and
recorded a  $2,000 restructuring  charge  against the  fiscal 1991  earnings  to
recognize markdown and other costs related to the closing of those stores.

DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION

    Depreciation and amortization was $1,744 and $2,558 for the six months ended
January  30, 1994 and August 1, 1993, respectively, versus $5,910 for the fiscal
year ended January 31, 1993.  This decrease was principally  due to the sale  of
surplus real estate properties and the Company's adoption

                                      F-17
<PAGE>
of  Fresh-Start reporting whereby it restated and reallocated real estate values
between  non-depreciable  land  and  depreciable  buildings  and  fixtures.   In
addition, the Company does not depreciate non-operating properties held for sale
as  such properties are carried at  their net realizable value. Depreciation and
amortization was $5,956 in fiscal 1991.

INTEREST INCOME AND INTEREST EXPENSE

    Interest income reflects amounts earned  on cash deposits. Interest  expense
includes  accrued amounts on the Senior Notes, short-term borrowings, as well as
the other debt. Interest expense for the  six months ended January 30, 1994  and
six  months ended  August 1,  1993 was  $5,358 and  $6,556, respectively, versus
$13,846 for  the year  ended January  31, 1993.  The decrease  results from  the
reduction  of  outstanding  long-term  debt  from  the  sale  of  real  property
encumbered under  the  Company's  Senior Notes  and  settlement  of  prepetition
obligations pursuant to the Plan.

    Interest  income for  fiscal 1992  of $156 is  classified as  a component of
Reorganization  Items  in  the  Company's  consolidated  financial   statements.
Interest  income  of  $1,397  for  fiscal  1991  reflects  the  availability and
investment of  excess funds  prior to  the  time such  funds were  required  for
working capital.

    During  its Chapter 11  case, the Company accrued  interest on the Insurance
Company Loan at  9%. Under  the terms  of an  "Adequate Protection  Stipulation"
approved  by the Bankruptcy Court  the Company was required  to make payments to
the Insurance Company Lenders amounting to $900 per month. Such interest expense
was approximately  $3,331  less  than the  contractual  stated  rate  (initially
11.75%). Similarly, the Company accrued interest on the Revolving Loan and LESOP
loan at prime plus 2%.

    Interest  expense during fiscal 1991 decreased in direct relationship to the
repayment of debt. The Company repaid (net of issuance) $9,124 in 1991.

OTHER INCOME

    Other income primarily represents the Company's  gains on the sales of  real
property.

LOSS ON TRANSFER OF REAL PROPERTIES TO A GRANTOR TRUST

    On  March 16, 1994, the Company entered into an agreement with the Insurance
Company Lenders and Fidelity and  Kodak for $10 million  of new financing and  a
plan  to restructure the Company's existing  $103 million Insurance Company Loan
and existing $6 million indebtedness with Fidelity and Kodak.

    Under the  terms of  the  planned restructure,  the  Company has  agreed  to
establish  a grantor trust ("Real  Estate Trust") to which  it will transfer all
but approximately  19 of  its  operating and  non-operating real  properties  in
exchange  for  the assumption  by  the Real  Estate  Trust of  approximately $80
million of existing indebtedness owed to the Insurance Company Lenders under the
Amended Insurance Company Loan. The Company estimates that the book value of the
properties to be sold by  the Real Estate Trust  will exceed the sale  proceeds,
less  applicable  fees,  expenses  and other  costs,  by  approximately $16,478.
Accordingly, the  Company  has  provided  for  this  loss  in  the  Consolidated
Financial  Statements  for the  fiscal year  ended January  30, 1994.  (See also
Liquidity and Capitalization Measures).

REORGANIZATION ITEMS

    Reorganization  items   consist  of   expenses  directly   related  to   the
reorganization of the Company from the Petition Date through the Effective Date,
including  professional fees  and other costs  related to  the administration of
bankruptcy matters.  In addition,  reorganization items  include adjustments  to
record  assets and  liabilities at fair  value in connection  with the Company's
adoption of Fresh-Start Reporting, and a loss on the sale of business units  and
real  properties transferred  to a  grantor trust  in accordance  with the Plan.
Additional information is included in Item 1  and in Note 2 to the  Consolidated
Financial Statements.

                                      F-18
<PAGE>
INCOME TAXES

    The  tax provision for fiscal 1993  represents the minimum due for franchise
taxes and the net change in deferred tax.

    The 1992 tax provisions represents the expense associated with settlement of
an Internal Revenue Service examination covering the Company's four fiscal years
preceding the Chapter 11 filing,  additional refunds received from carryback  of
the  federal and state  operating losses for fiscal  1991, state tax liabilities
for fiscal 1992, and the net change in deferred tax for fiscal 1992.

    The 1991 tax provision represents  the Company's current benefit  equivalent
to  the anticipated tax refund available when the current year's taxable loss is
carried back to offset previous year's  tax liabilities plus the liquidation  of
deferred taxes related to balance sheet changes reflected in selected assets and
liabilities at the end of fiscal 1991.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITALIZATION MEASURES

    The Company considers the following as comparative measures of liquidity and
capital resources:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        FISCAL YEAR 1993
                                ---------------------------------
                                  SIX MONTHS
                                     ENDED          SIX MONTHS              FISCAL YEAR
                                  JANUARY 30,          ENDED        ---------------------------
                                     1994         AUGUST 1, 1993        1992          1991
                                ---------------   ---------------   ------------  -------------
                                  (SUCCESSOR       (PREDECESSOR
                                   COMPANY)          COMPANY)          (PREDECESSOR COMPANY)
<S>                             <C>               <C>               <C>           <C>
Working capital (deficiency)
 (1)(2).......................  $     (2,206)     $      5,909      $     30,155  $    (126,976)
Current ratio (1)(2)..........      .94 to 1         1.14 to 1         2.15 to 1       .32 to 1
Cash (used for) provided by
 operating activities.........  $    (11,413)     $     (9,089)     $        648  $       7,880
Debt and mandatory redeemable
 preferred stock to
 stockholders' equity ratio
 (1)(2).......................     10.7 to 1         7.05 to 1       (7.44) to 1   (78.27) to 1
<FN>
- - - - ------------------------
(1)  As  of  January  31, 1993,  all  contractual  debt has  been  classified as
     non-current or as a liability subject to compromise.

(2)  As of January 26, 1992, all contractual debt for legal entities in  Chapter
     11  had  been  classified  as  current  because  of  various  loan covenant
     violations.
</TABLE>

    The  Company's  capital  structure  remains  highly  leveraged  despite  its
recapitalization and restructuring.

    On  the Effective Date, the Company  repaid $2.2 million previously borrowed
under its Debtor-in-Possession ("DIP") line  of credit, and through January  30,
1994  borrowed approximately $6.6  million (net) available under  a new Loan and
Security Agreement  dated  June  14,  1993  with  Foothill  Capital  Corporation
("Foothill").

    At  January 30, 1994,  the Company had no  additional availability under its
working capital facility with Foothill. The credit agreement provided for a  one
year  renewal on  June 14,  1994. On  April 14,  1994, the  credit agreement was
amended to extend the  line of credit for  three additional years through  April
14, 1997. As of January 30, 1994, the Company was not in compliance with certain
financial  covenants contained in  the Amended Insurance  Company Loan. On March
16, 1994, the Amended Insurance Company Loan was amended to provide, among other
things, a waiver  of compliance  with all  financial covenants  until April  30,
1995.

    During the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 1993, the Company borrowed an
additional  $6 million  for working capital  from the  grantor trust established
under the Reorganization  Plan. The grantor  trust financed the  loan on  issuer
notes  to Fidelity  and Kodak in  an aggregate  amount of $6  million upon terms
substantially identical to the Fidelity/Kodak  Secured Notes. During the  fourth

                                      F-19
<PAGE>
quarter  of  fiscal  1993,  the  Insurance Company  Lenders  agreed  to  defer a
mandatory $1.0 million prepayment due  under the Amended Insurance Company  Loan
for  a period of  six months upon  terms substantially identical  to the Amended
Insurance Company Loan.

    Notwithstanding the  additional  borrowings  discussed  above,  the  Company
continued to experience cash flow difficulties due to continued operating losses
and  the lack  of sufficient borrowing  availability under  its credit agreement
with Foothill.

    On March 16, 1994, the Company entered into an agreement with the  Insurance
Company  Lenders and Fidelity and  Kodak for $10 million  of new financing and a
plan to restructure the Company's  existing $103 million Insurance Company  Loan
and existing $6 million indebtedness with Fidelity and Kodak. Under the terms of
this  agreement,  the Company  borrowed  an aggregate  of  $10 million  from the
Insurance Company Lenders,  Fidelity and Kodak  (the "New Loan").  The New  Loan
provides  for monthly interest at a rate of 10% per annum. Principal on the loan
is due in full in  March 1999. The indebtedness is  secured by a second lien  on
substantially all of the Company's real property. The loan proceeds will be used
to  pay existing  trade debt,  provide working  capital and  pay for transaction
expenses.

    The $10  million of  new financing  coupled with  projected cash  flow  from
operations  is expected to provide adequate  liquidity coverage through the 1994
fiscal year end.

    Fidelity and  Kodak  have  agreed  to restructure  $6  million  of  existing
indebtedness to a term of six years with interest payable quarterly at a rate of
10%  per annum. This indebtedness will be secured  by a third lien on certain of
the Company's real properties.

    Under the  terms of  the  planned restructure,  the  Company has  agreed  to
establish  a grantor trust ("Real  Estate Trust") to which  it will transfer all
but approximately  19 of  its  operating and  non-operating real  properties  in
exchange  for  the assumptions  by the  Real Estate  Trust of  approximately $80
million of existing indebtedness owed to the Insurance Company Lenders under the
Amended Insurance Company Loan  ("Assumed Indebtedness"). The Company  estimates
that  the book value of the properties to  be sold by the Real Estate Trust will
exceed the sale  proceeds, less  applicable fees,  expense and  other costs,  by
approximately  $16,478. Accordingly, the  Company has provided  for this loss in
the Consolidated  Financial Statements  for the  fiscal year  ended January  30,
1994. Interest and principal on the Assumed Indebtedness will only be payable to
the extent of proceeds from sales of Real Estate Trust assets. The interest rate
on the Assumed Indebtedness will be increased to 10% per annum. The Company will
provide   a  limited  guaranty  in  an  amount  equal  to  10%  of  the  Assumed
Indebtedness.

    The servicer of the Real Estate Trust will be Transamerica Realty  Services,
Inc.  (the "Servicer"). The Servicer  will sell the Real  Estate Trust assets in
the ordinary course. Until sold, the operating properties will be leased back to
the Company for no rent until October 31, 1997. Proceeds from such sales will be
used to repay the Assumed Indebtedness. The Company will retain an 80% residuary
interest in the Real Estate Trust after all of the Assumed Indebtedness has been
repaid. The Insurance Company  Lenders will retain a  20% residuary interest  in
the  Real Estate  Trust. As operating  properties are sold,  the Company intends
generally to either remain in the location on a leased basis, or relocate to new
leased premises.

    The establishment of the Real Estate Trust and transfer of substantially all
of the Company's real  estate properties is subject  to stockholder approval  at
the  Company's Annual Meeting to be held in June 1994. Upon the establishment of
the Real Estate Trust, the Company has agreed to issue to the Insurance  Company
Lenders,  Fidelity and Kodak warrants to purchase an aggregate of 750,000 shares
of the Company's common stock at an exercise price equal to the market price for
the shares on the day of grant. Thirty months from the establishment of the Real
Estate Trust, warrants  to purchase  an additional aggregate  of 750,000  shares
will  be issued to  the Insurance Company  Lenders, Fidelity and  Kodak. In each
case the warrants will be redeemable by  the Company for a price equal to  $1.00
per share.

                                      F-20
<PAGE>
    Under  the  terms  of the  restructure,  if  the Real  Estate  Trust  is not
established and  the properties  transferred  by September  16, 1994,  then  the
principal  on the New Loan  and the existing indebtedness  to Fidelity and Kodak
will become due and payable.

    The existing Insurance Company Lenders' indebtedness not assumed by the Real
Estate Trust  (approximately  $23  million) ("Retained  Indebtedness")  will  be
restructured  to  provide for  principal  to be  due  and owing  in  March 1999.
Interest will continue to be due monthly at an annual rate of 9% per annum.  The
Retained  Indebtedness will  continue to  be secured  by real  properties of the
Company not transferred to the Real Estate Trust.

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

    The information required by this item appears on pages F-32 through F-56.

ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
         FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

    During the Chapter 11 Proceedings, the Bankruptcy Court determined that  the
Company's  then independent auditors, Deloitte & Touche could no longer serve as
the Company's independent  auditors during  the bankruptcy proceeding  due to  a
conflict  of  interest by  virtue  of the  fact that  Deloitte  & Touche  was an
unsecured creditor of  the Company. Consequently,  pursuant to Bankruptcy  Court
order  dated April 20, 1992, the Company selected Ernst & Young as the Company's
independent auditors as of March 30, 1992. During the Company's two most  recent
fiscal  years  preceding  the  removal  of  Deloitte  &  Touche,  there  were no
disagreements with Deloitte & Touche on  any matter of accounting principles  or
practices,  financial statement disclosure,  or auditing scope  or procedure nor
did the  financial statements  contain an  adverse opinion  or a  disclaimer  of
opinion, or a qualification as to audit scope or accounting principles. Deloitte
&  Touche's opinion for  the fiscal year  ended January 26,  1992 did contain an
explanatory paragraph relating to  the uncertainty of  the Company's ability  to
continue as a going concern due to the fact that the Company, together with four
of  its subsidiaries, filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter
11 of  the  United States  Bankruptcy  Code on  February  11, 1992.  Deloitte  &
Touche's  opinion for the fiscal  year ended January 27,  1991 also contained on
explanatory paragraph concerning the fact that the Company was in default  under
the  covenants  of its  Senior Notes.  The Company  emerged from  the Bankruptcy
Proceeding on June 15, 1993.

    During the two most recent fiscal years, the Company did not consult Ernst &
Young regarding any of the matters or events set forth in Item 304(a)(2)(i)  and
(ii) of Regulation S-K of the Securities Act of 1933.

                                    PART III

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

    The  following table  sets forth  certain information  with respect  to each
person who is an officer or director of the Company.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME                                  AGE      POSITION
- - - - ---------------------------------  ----------  ----------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>         <C>
Fletcher L. Byrom                         75   Chairman of the Board; Chief Executive Officer;
                                                President
Ronald I. Scharman                        41   Executive Vice President; Director
Howard Schwartz                           47   Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Edward A. Drury                           40   Vice President -- Legal; Corporate Secretary
Richard Boje                              57   Director
Robert Dangremond                         51   Director
Gary L. Depolo                            58   Director
Deborah Hicks Midanek                     39   Director
Blandina Cardenas Ramirez                 49   Director
William Yingling                          50   Director
</TABLE>

                                      F-21
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

    Richard L. Boje was elected to the  Board of Directors on December 10,  1993
at  a meeting of the Board  of Directors. His term as  a director expires at the
next annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 1994. Mr. Boje is Chairman  of
the  Company's Executive Committee and is a member of the Company's Compensation
Committee. From  1977 through  1987, Mr.  Boje served  in various  positions  at
Carter   Hawley  Hale   Stores,  Inc.   and  its   subsidiaries  and  affiliates
(specialty/retail), including  serving  as  Chairman  of  the  Board  and  Chief
Executive Officer of Weinstocks from 1982 through 1985 and Chairman of the Board
and  Chief Executive  Officer of the  John Wanamaker Division  from 1985 through
1987. From 1987 through 1992, Mr. Boje served as Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer of the Lynn-Edwards Corporation (office products distributor).
Mr. Boje presently is an independent investor and consultant.

    Fletcher L. Byrom was  elected to the  Board of Directors  on June 14,  1993
when  the Reorganization Plan  became effective. He was  elected Chairman of the
Board, Chief  Executive Officer  and President  in August  1993. His  term as  a
director  expires at the next annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 1994.
From 1967  until retirement  in 1982,  Mr. Byrom  served at  various periods  as
Chairman  of the Board and Chief Executive  Officer of Koppers Company, Inc. Mr.
Byrom presently is on the board of directors of PureCycle Corp., Globe  Building
Materials,  Inc.,  Pathe  Technologies, Inc.,  TCW  Americas  Development, Inc.,
Thermadyne Holdings  Corporation,  and  is  Chairman  of  the  Board  and  Chief
Executive  Officer for Adience, Inc. (refractory brick manufacturing). Mr. Byrom
formerly served on the board of  directors of ASARCO, Incorporated, Bell of  PA,
The  Continental  Group, Drexel  Burnham Lambert  Group, Inc.,  Lehman Investors
Fund, Lehman Capital Fund, MAG Inc., Mellon Bank N.A., Mellon Bank Corp.,  North
American   Philips  Corp.,  Northwestern  Mutual  Life  Insurance  Co.,  Philips
Electronic and Pharmaceutical Inc., and Ralston Purina Co.

    Robert N. Dangremond was elected to  the Board of Directors on December  10,
1993  at a meeting of the Board of  Directors. His term as a director expires at
the next annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 1994. Mr. Dangremond is  a
member  of the  Company's Executive Committee  and is Chairman  of the Company's
Audit Committee.  Mr.  Dangremond  is  presently  the  Chairman  of  the  Board,
President  and Chief Executive  Officer of AM  International, Inc. (graphic arts
supplies and manufacturing). AM  International is listed  on the American  Stock
Exchange.   Mr.  Dangremond  was   elected  to  his   current  positions  at  AM
International on February 6, 1993.  AM International filed a voluntary  petition
under  the Federal bankruptcy  laws on May  17, 1993. On  September 29, 1993, AM
International's plan of reorganization was confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court and
became effective on October 13, 1993. Since August 1989, Mr. Dangremond has been
a Principal  with  Jay Alix  &  Associates,  a consulting  and  accounting  firm
specializing  in corporate  restructurings and turnaround  activities. From 1981
through 1989, Mr. Dangremond  was the Chief Financial  Officer and Treasurer  of
the  Leach & Garner  Company (manufacturing). From 1969  to 1981, Mr. Dangremond
held various positions  with Chase Manhattan  Bank, N.A. and  prior to that  was
with  Scott  Paper Company.  Mr.  Dangremond is  also  a director  of Envirodyne
Industries, Inc. (manufacturing) and Barry's Jewelry, Inc. (retail).

    Gary L. Depolo was elected to the  Board of Directors on June 14, 1993  when
the  Reorganization  Plan  became  effective.  Mr. Depolo  is  a  member  of the
Company's Audit, Executive and Human  Relations Committees. His term expires  at
the  next annual  meeting of stockholders  to be  held in 1994.  From 1963 until
early retirement in 1991, Mr. Depolo served at various periods as Executive Vice
President and Senior Vice President as well as on the Board of Directors of  all
major  subsidiaries of Transamerica Corp. From 1958 to 1963, Mr. Depolo was with
Ernst & Young. Mr. Depolo serves on the Board of Directors of California  Health
Systems  and is Vice Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Finance Committee
of Alta Bates  Health System. Mr.  Depolo serves  on the Board  of Directors  of
Hexcel Corp. and the Advisory Board of Foster Farms.

    Deborah  Hicks Midanek was elected to the Board of Directors on December 10,
1993 at a meeting of the Board of  Directors. Her term as a director expires  at
the next annual meeting of stockholders to

                                      F-22
<PAGE>
be  held  in 1994.  Ms.  Midanek is  Chairperson  of the  Company's Compensation
Committee and is a member of the Company's Audit and Human Relations Committees.
Ms. Midanek presently serves  as Chairman of the  Board and the Chief  Executive
Officer  of The Solon Funds, a registered investment company, a position she has
held since  1990 when  she co-founded  the  firm. During  the period  from  1992
through  1993, Ms.  Midanek served as  Managing Director and  Director of Mutual
Funds for Montgomery Asset Management, L.P. From 1984 through 1990, Ms.  Midanek
held  various positions with Drexel Burnham Lambert, Inc. in the Mortgage Backed
Securities Department.

    Blandina Cardenas Ramirez was elected to the Board of Directors on  December
10,  1993 at a meeting of the Board of Directors. Her term as a director expires
at the next annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 1994. Ms. Ramirez is  a
member  of the  Company's Audit and  Human Relations Committees.  Ms. Ramirez is
presently a  Professor of  Education and  Director of  the Southwest  Center  on
Values,  Achievement  and  Community  in  Education  at  Southwest  Texas  State
University. From 1989 through  1993, Ms. Ramirez served  as the Director of  the
Office  of Minorities  in Higher Education  American Council  on Education. From
1980 through 1993, Ms.  Ramirez served as a  Commissioner for the United  States
Commission on Civil Rights.

    Ronald  I. Scharman became  Executive Vice President of  the Company on June
14, 1993 when the  Reorganization Plan became effective  and was elected to  the
Board  of Directors in  July, 1993. His term  as a director  expires at the next
annual meeting of stockholders to be held  in 1994. Mr. Scharman is a member  of
the  Company's  Human Relations  Committee. Prior  to  joining the  Company, Mr.
Scharman was the  managing director  of Fawn  Holdings, a  firm specializing  in
financial  restructuring  of troubled  companies,  a position  held  since 1992.
During the period 1988 through 1992, Mr. Scharman was the managing director  and
chief  financial officer of Trading Alliance  Corporation (TAC), a trade finance
merchant bank servicing  under-capitalized and  financially troubled  companies.
From  1983  to  1988, Mr.  Scharman  held various  positions  with Manufacturers
Hanover Trust Company and Manufacturers Hanover World Trade Corporation.

    William E. Yingling, III was elected  to the Board of Directors on  December
10,  1993 at a meeting of the Board of Directors. His term as a director expires
at the next annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 1994. Mr. Yingling is a
member of the Company's Compensation and Executive Committees. Mr. Yingling from
1991 through 1993 was the Chairman of  the Board and Chief Executive Officer  of
Thrifty  Corporation (pharmaceuticals  and specialty/retail).  During the period
1986 through 1991,  Mr. Yingling was  the President of  the Southern  California
division of Lucky Stores, Inc. (supermarket).

    Howard  Schwartz has  served as  Senior Vice  President and  Chief Financial
Officer since  November 29,  1993. Mr.  Schwartz is  a member  of the  Company's
Pension  and Benefits Committee. Prior to  joining the Company, Mr. Schwartz was
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Conrans-Habitat (specialty
retail) since  1991.  From  1987  through 1991,  Mr.  Schwartz  served  as  Vice
President  and Chief Financial Officer for Hoffritz for Cutlery, Inc. (specialty
retail).

    Edward A. Drury has served as  Vice President/Legal since October 1990.  For
more  than five years  prior thereto, Mr. Drury  was Tax Counsel, Director/Taxes
and Assistant Corporate Secretary for the Company.

                                      F-23
<PAGE>
                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY
                   INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               PAGE
                                                                                                             ---------

<S>                                                                                                          <C>
Reports of Independent Auditors............................................................................       F-32

Consolidated Balance Sheets at January 30, 1994 and January 31, 1993.......................................       F-34

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the six months ended January 30, 1993 and August 1, 1993, and the
 years ended January 31, 1993 and January 26, 1992.........................................................       F-35

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) and Preferred Stock Subject to Mandatory
 Redemption for the six months ended January 30, 1994 and August 1, 1993, and the years ended January 31,
 1993 and January 26, 1992.................................................................................       F-36

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended January 30, 1994 and August 1, 1993, and the
 years ended January 31, 1993 and January 26, 1992.........................................................       F-37

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................................................................       F-38

Schedule IV -- Indebtedness of and to Related Parties -- Not Current.......................................       F-53

Schedule V -- Property, Plant and Equipment................................................................       F-54

Schedule VI -- Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization of Property, Plant and Equipment......       F-55

Schedule X -- Supplementary Income Statement Information...................................................       F-56
</TABLE>

                                      F-24
<PAGE>
ITEMS 11, 12 AND 13.

    The information  required  by these  items  is contained  in  the  Company's
definitive  Proxy Statement dated May 18, 1994  which relates to election of the
Company's directors and  the proposal to  approve the formation  of the  grantor
trust  and the  transactions contemplated thereby  and which was  filed with the
Commission within 120 days after the close of the Company's fiscal year pursuant
to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

                                    PART IV

ITEM 14.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

    (A)  1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        Reports of Independent Auditors

        Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 30, 1994 and January 31, 1993

        For the Six Months Ended  January 30, 1994 and  August 1, 1993, and  the
    years ended January 31, 1993 and January 26, 1992:

           Consolidated Statements of Operations

           Consolidated   Statements  of  Stockholders'   Equity  (Deficit)  and
           Preferred Stock Subject to Mandatory Redemption

           Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

        Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

        2.  FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

        The following schedules are included in Part II of this Report:

           Schedule IV -- Indebtedness of and to Related Parties -- Not Current

           Schedule V  -- Property, Plant and Equipment

           Schedule VI -- Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization
                          of Property, Plant and Equipment

           Schedule X  -- Supplementary Income Statement Information

    Schedules not  included in  these financial  statement schedules  have  been
omitted  because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in
the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

        3.  EXHIBITS

        The Exhibits required to  be filed hereunder are  indexed on pages  F-27
    through F-30.

    (B)  REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

    The  Company filed  a Current  Report on Form  8-K dated  December 10, 1993,
reporting the election of directors under  Item 5, during the fourth quarter  of
fiscal 1993.

                                      F-25
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES

    Pursuant  to  the requirements  of  Section 13  or  15(d) of  the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
                                          STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY

<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>
Date: April 28, 1994                      By           s/ FLETCHER L. BYROM
                                          ---------------------------------------------
                                                        Fletcher L. Byrom
                                                            PRESIDENT
</TABLE>

    Pursuant to the requirements  of the Securities Exchange  Act of 1934,  this
report  has  been  signed  below  by the  following  persons  on  behalf  of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature                                 Title                                          Date

<S>                                       <C>                                       <C>
By     s/ FLETCHER L. BYROM
   ---------------------------------      President and Chairman of the Board of    April 28, 1994
         Fletcher L. Byrom                 Directors [Chief Executive Officer]

By
   ---------------------------------      Director                                  April   , 1994
            Richard Boje

By   s/ ROBERT N. DANGREMOND
   ---------------------------------      Director                                  April 28, 1994
       Robert N. Dangremond

By       s/ GARY L. DEPOLO
   ---------------------------------      Director                                  April 26, 1994
           Gary L. Depolo

By   s/ DEBORAH HICKS MIDANEK
   ---------------------------------      Director                                  April 28, 1994
       Deborah Hicks Midanek

By  s/ BLANDING CARDINAS RAMIREZ
   ---------------------------------      Director                                  April 28, 1994
     Blanding Cardinas Ramirez

By     s/ RONALD I. SCHARMAN
   ---------------------------------      Director and Executive Vice President     April 28, 1994
        Ronald I. Scharman

By
   ---------------------------------      Director                                  April   , 1994
       William E. Yingling, III

By      s/ HOWARD SCHWARTZ                Senior Vice President and Chief
   ---------------------------------       Financial Officer [Principal Financial   April 28, 1994
         Howard Schwartz                   and Accounting Officer]
</TABLE>

                                      F-26
<PAGE>
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  EXHIBIT
  NUMBER                                                EXHIBIT                                               PAGE NUMBER
- - - - -----------  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------------
<S>          <C>                                                                                             <C>
       2.1   Fourth Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization dated March 3, 1993 filed by the Registrant and
             certain of its subsidiaries, incorporated by reference herein from Exhibit 2.1 to Registrant's
             Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated February 3, 1994, Registration No. 33-74744 ("1994
             Form S-1")....................................................................................
       3.1   Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, dated June 14, 1993, incorporated by reference
             herein from Exhibit 3.1 of the 1994 Form S-1..................................................
       3.2   Bylaws of the Registrant, dated June 5, 1987, and Amendment thereto, dated June 14, 1993,
             incorporated by reference herein from Exhibit 3.2 of the 1994 Form S-1........................
      10.1   The Registrant's Moneybuilder 401(k) Savings and Profit-Sharing Plan and Trust Agreement,
             incorporated by reference herein from Exhibit 10(c) to Registrants Annual Report on Form 10-K
             for its fiscal year ended January 27, 1985....................................................
      10.2   Amended and Restated Loan Agreement by and between the Registrant and Standard Brands Paint
             Co., Standard Brands Realty Co., Inc., and Sun Life Insurance Company of America, Anchor
             National Life Insurance Co., Transamerica Life Insurance and Annuity Company and Transamerica
             Occidental Life Insurance Company, as Servicing Agent, dated June 14, 1993, incorporated by
             reference herein from Exhibit 10.2 of the 1994 Form S-1.......................................
      10.3   First Waiver To Credit Agreement by and between the Registrant, Standard Brands Paint Co.,
             Standard Brands Realty Co., Inc., and Sun Life Insurance Company of America, Anchor National
             Life Insurance Co., Transamerica Life Insurance and Annuity Company and Transamerica
             Occidental Life Insurance Company, as Servicing Agent, dated December 31, 1993................
      10.4   Second Amendment and Limited Waiver to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement by and between
             Registrant, Standard Brands Paint Co., Standard Brands Realty Co., Inc., and Transamerica
             Occidental Life Insurance Company as Servicing Agent, dated March 16, 1994....................
      10.5   Mutual Release and Waiver dated March 16, 1994, by and among Registrant, Standards Brands
             Paint Co., Standard Brands Realty Co., Inc., The Art Store, and Transamerica Occidental Life
             Insurance Company as Servicing Agent..........................................................
      10.6   New Loan Agreement, dated March 16, 1994, by and among Registrant, Standard Brands Paint Co.,
             Standard Brands Realty Co., Inc. and Sun Life Insurance Company of America, Anchor National
             Life Insurance Co., Transamerica Life Insurance and Annuity Company, Standard Brands Paint
             Collateral Trust and Transamerica Occidental Life Insurance Company as Servicing Agent........
      10.7   Amended and Restated Intercreditor Agreement dated March 16, 1994, by and between (i) Fidelity
             Capital & Income Fund and Kodak Retirement Income Plan Trust Fund, (ii) Registrant, (iii)
             Standard Brands Paint Co., Standard Brands Realty Co., Inc., The Art Store, (iv) Standard
             Brands Paint Collateral Trust and (v) Transamerica Occidental Life Insurance Company as
             Servicing Agent...............................................................................
      10.8   Exchange Agreement dated June 14, 1993 by and among the Registrant, SunAmerica Financial,
             Inc., Transamerica Occidental Life Insurance Company and Transamerica Life Insurance and
             Annuity Company, incorporated by reference herein from Exhibit 10.4 of the 1994 Form S-1......
</TABLE>

                                      F-27
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  EXHIBIT
  NUMBER                                                EXHIBIT                                               PAGE NUMBER
- - - - -----------  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------------
<S>          <C>                                                                                             <C>
      10.9   Registration Rights Agreement dated June 14, 1993 by and among the Registrant, SunAmerica
             Financial, Inc., Transamerica Occidental Life Insurance Company and Transamerica Life
             Insurance and Annuity Company, and Fidelity Capital & Income Fund, incorporated by reference
             herein by Exhibit 10.5 of the 1994 Form S-1...................................................
      10.10  Registration Rights Agreement dated June 14, 1993, by and among the Registrant, SunAmerica
             Financial, Inc., Transamerica Occidental Life Insurance Company and Transamerica Life
             Insurance and Annuity Company, and Kodak Retirement Income Plan Trust Fund, incorporated by
             reference herein by Exhibit 10.6 of the 1994 Form S-1.........................................
      10.11  Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 14, 1993, by and among Standard Brands Paint
             Company, Standard Brands Paint Co., Standard Brands Realty Co., Inc. Major Paint Company, Art
             Store Holding Company, Zynolyte Products Holding Company, S.B.P. Properties Holding Company
             and Standard Brands Paint Collateral Trust, by Lewis C. Leighton, as trustee, incorporated by
             reference herein by Exhibit 10.7 of the 1994 Form S-1.........................................
      10.12  Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 14, 1993, by and between Standard Brands Paint
             Collateral Trust and Fidelity Capital & Income Fund, incorporated by reference herein by
             Exhibit 10.8 of the 1994 Form S-1.............................................................
      10.13  Amendment Number One, dated September 30, 1993, to Note Purchase Agreement, by and between
             Standard Brands Paint Collateral Trust and Fidelity Capital & Income Fund, incorporated by
             reference herein by Exhibit 10.9 to the 1994 Form S-1.........................................
      10.14  Amendment Number Two, dated January 3, 1994, to Note Purchase Agreement, by and between
             Standard Brands Paint Collateral Trust and Fidelity Capital & Income Fund.....................
      10.15  Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 14, 1993, between Standard Brands Paint Collateral
             Trust and Kodak Retirement Income Plan Trust Fund, incorporated by reference herein by Exhibit
             10.11 of the 1994 Form S-1....................................................................
      10.16  Amendment Number One, dated September 30, 1993, to Note Purchase Agreement, by and between
             Standard Brands Paint Collateral Trust and Kodak Retirement Income Plan Trust Fund,
             incorporated by reference herein by Exhibit 10.12 of the 1994 Form S-1........................
      10.17  Amendment Number Two, dated January 3, 1993, to Note Purchase Agreement, by and between
             Standard Brands Paint Collateral Trust and Kodak Retirement Income Plan Trust Fund............
      10.18  Pledge Agreement, dated as of June 14, 1993, between Standard Brands Paint Collateral Trust
             and Benjamin Aerenson, as collateral agent, incorporated by reference herein by Exhibit 10.14
             of the 1994 Form S-1..........................................................................
      10.19  Amendment One to Pledge Agreement, dated September 30, 1993, between Standard Brands Paint
             Collateral Trust and Benjamin Aerenson, as collateral agent, incorporated by reference herein
             by Exhibit 10.15 of the 1994 Form S-1.........................................................
      10.20  Amendment Two to Pledge Agreement dated, January 3, 1994, between Standard Brands Paint
             Collateral Trust and Benjamin Aerenson, as collateral agent...................................
      10.21  Guarantee, dated as of June 14, 1993, by Standard Brands Paint Company, incorporated by
             reference herein by Exhibit 10.17 of the 1994 Form S-1........................................
</TABLE>

                                      F-28
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  EXHIBIT
  NUMBER                                                EXHIBIT                                               PAGE NUMBER
- - - - -----------  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------------
<S>          <C>                                                                                             <C>
      10.22  Amendment One to Guarantee, dated September 30, 1993, by Standard Brands Paint Company,
             incorporated by reference herein by Exhibit 10.18 of the 1994 Form S-1........................
      10.23  Amendment Two to Guarantee, dated January 3, 1994, by Standard Brands Paint Company...........
      10.24  Amendment Three to Guarantee, dated March 16, 1994, by Standard Brands Paint Company..........
      10.25  Liquidating Trust Agreement, dated as of June 14, 1993, by and among Standard Brands Paint
             Company, Standard Brands Paint Co., Major Paint Company, Standard Brands Realty Co., Inc.,
             Zynolyte Products, E.I. Du Pont DeNemours & Company, Inc., M.C.S. Industries, Inc., Diamond W.
             Floor Covering, Inc., American Credit Indemnity, Inc., as trustees, incorporated by reference
             herein by Exhibit 10.20 of the 1994 Form S-1..................................................
      10.26  Trust Estate Transfer Agreement, dated June 14, 1993 by and among Standard Brands Paint
             Company, Standard Brands Paint Co., Standard Brands Realty Co., Inc., Major Paint Company,
             Zynolite Products Company, and the Standard Brands Liquidating Trust, incorporated by
             reference herein by Exhibit 10.21 of the 1992 Form S-1........................................
      10.27  Disbursing Agent Agreement, dated June 14, 1993 by and among Standard Brands Paint Company,
             Standard Brands Paint Co., Major Paint Company, Standard Brands Realty Co., Inc., Zynolyte
             Products Company, and Bankruptcy Claims Administration, as disbursing agent, incorporated by
             reference herein by Exhibit 10.22 of the 1994 Form S-1........................................
      10.28  Liquidating Trust Disbursing Agent Agreement dated June 14, 1993, incorporated by reference
             herein by Exhibit 10.23 of the 1994 Form S-1..................................................
      10.29  Loan and Security Agreement dated as of June 14, 1993, by and among Foothill Capital, Paint
             Co., and Major Paint, incorporated by reference herein by Exhibit 10.24 of the 1994 Form
             S-1...........................................................................................
      10.30  General Continuing Guaranty, dated as of June 14, 1993, by Standard Brands Paint Company,
             incorporated by reference herein by Exhibit 10.25 of the 1994 Form S-1........................
      10.31  First Amendment to Borrower Guaranty Agreement, dated June 14, 1993, by Paint Co., Standard
             Brands Realty, and the Art Stores, incorporated by reference herein by Exhibit 10.26 of the
             1994 Form S-1.................................................................................
      10.32  Grantor Trust Agreement between Leighton and Standard Brands Paint Company, dated as of June
             14, 1993, incorporated by reference herein by Exhibit 10.27 of the 1994 Form S-1..............
      10.33  Amendment Number One to Grantor Trust Agreement, dated September 30, 1993, between Leighton
             and Standard Brands Paint Company, incorporated by reference herein by Exhibit 10.28 of the
             1994 Form S-1.................................................................................
      10.34  Amendment Number Two to Grantor Trust Agreement, dated January 3, 1994, between Karl Savryn
             and Standard Brands Paint Company.............................................................
      10.35  Secured Guarantee, dated September 30, 1993, by Standard Brands Paint Co., incorporated by
             reference herein by Exhibit 10.30 of the 1994 Form S-1........................................
      10.36  Amendment Number One, dated January 3, 1994, by Standard Brands Paint Co......................
</TABLE>

                                      F-29
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  EXHIBIT
  NUMBER                                                EXHIBIT                                               PAGE NUMBER
- - - - -----------  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------------
<S>          <C>                                                                                             <C>
      10.37  Secured Guarantee, dated September 30, 1993, by Major Paint Company, incorporated by reference
             herein by Exhibit 10.32 of the 1994 Form S-1..................................................
      10.38  Amendment Number One, dated January 3, 1994, by Major Paint Company...........................
      10.39  Security Agreement, dated September 30, 1993, by and among Benjamin Aerenson, as collateral
             agent for Fidelity Capital & Income Fund and Major Paint Company, incorporated by reference
             herein by Exhibit 10.34 of the 1994 Form S-1..................................................
      10.40  Security Agreement, dated September 30, 1993, by and among Benjamin Aerenson, as collateral
             agent for Fidelity Capital & Income Fund and Kodak Retirement Income Plan Trust Fund, and
             Standard Brands Paint Co., incorporated by reference herein by Exhibit 10.35 of the 1994 Form
             S-1...........................................................................................
      10.41  Security Agreement-Instrument, dated September 30, 1993, between Standard Brands Paint Company
             and Standard Brands Paint Collateral Trust, incorporated by reference herein by Exhibit 10.36
             of the 1994 Form S-1..........................................................................
      10.42  Amendment Number One, dated January 3, 1994, between Standard Brands Paint Company and
             Standard Brands Paint Collateral Trust........................................................
      10.43  Loan Agreement dated March 16, 1994 among Standard Brands Paint Company, Standard Brands Paint
             Co., Standard Brands Realty Co., Inc., and Karl Savryn, as trustee of the Standard Brands
             Paint Collateral Trust U/T/D 6-14-93..........................................................
      11.    The Registrant's Statement re Computation of Per Share Earnings (See Note 2 to Registrant's
             Consolidated Financial Statements)............................................................
      16.    Letter re Change in Certifying Accountant, incorporated by reference herein by Exhibit 16 of
             the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 22, 1993............................
      22.    Subsidiaries of the Registrant................................................................
</TABLE>

                                      F-30
<PAGE>
                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY
                            AVAILABILITY OF EXHIBITS

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

   THE COMPANY WILL FURNISH UPON REQUEST COPIES OF THE EXHIBITS INDICATED ON
 PAGES F-27 THROUGH F-30 OF FORM 10-K AT A COST OF 25 CENTS PER PAGE, WHICH IS
                                      THE
           REASONABLE COST TO THE COMPANY IN FULFILLING THE REQUEST.

                                      F-31
<PAGE>
                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

Stockholders and Board of Directors
Standard Brands Paint Company
Torrance, California

    We  have audited  the accompanying  consolidated balance  sheets of Standard
Brands Paint Company as of January 30, 1994 (Successor Company) and January  31,
1993   (Predecessor  Company),  and  the   related  consolidated  statements  of
operations, shareholders'  equity  (deficit)  and  preferred  stock  subject  to
mandatory redemption, and cash flows for the six month periods ended January 30,
1994  (Successor Company) and August 1,  1993 (Predecessor Company) and the year
ended January  31, 1993  (Predecessor  Company). Our  audits also  included  the
financial statement schedules listed in the Index at Item 14(a). These financial
statements and schedules are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility  is  to  express an  opinion  on these  financial  statements and
schedules based on our audits.

    We conducted  our  audits in  accordance  with generally  accepted  auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence  supporting
the  amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the  accounting  principles used  and  significant estimates  made  by
management,  as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

    In our opinion, the financial  statements referred to above present  fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Standard Brands
Paint  Company  at January  30, 1994  (Successor Company)  and January  31, 1993
(Predecessor Company), and the  consolidated results of  its operations and  its
cash  flows for the six month periods ended January 30, 1994 (Successor Company)
and August 1,  1993 (Predecessor Company)  and the year  ended January 31,  1993
(Predecessor   Company),  in  conformity   with  generally  accepted  accounting
principles. Also, in  our opinion,  the related  financial statement  schedules,
when  considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole,
present fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

    The  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  prepared
assuming that Standard Brands Paint Company will continue as a going concern. As
more  fully  described  in  Note  1, the  Company,  together  with  four  of its
subsidiaries, which  filed for  reorganization under  Chapter 11  of the  United
States  Bankruptcy code in 1992, emerged from their Chapter 11 bankruptcy status
effective June  14,  1993. Since  emerging  from  Chapter 11,  the  Company  has
continued  to incur operating losses, and is not expected to be able to meet its
fiscal year 1994 debt service requirements  as they currently exist. A  proposed
restructuring  of  debt  by the  lenders,  which will  substantially  reduce the
Company's debt  service  requirements, is  subject  to stockholder  approval  as
described  in Note 16. Since this restructuring has not yet been approved by the
Company's  stockholders  and  formally  accepted   by  the  lenders,  there   is
substantial  doubt about the  Company's ability to meet  its obligations as they
become due  and  therefore its  ability  to continue  as  a going  concern.  The
consolidated  financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the
possible future effects on  the recoverability and  classification of assets  or
the amounts and classifications of liabilities that may result from the possible
inability  of Standard Brands Paint Company  to restructure and service its debt
and continue as a going concern.

    As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, in 1993 the
Company changed its method of accounting for postretirement healthcare benefits.

                                                     [ERNST & YOUNG]

Los Angeles, California
April 22, 1994

                                      F-32
<PAGE>
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Standard Brands Paint Company:

    We have  audited the  accompanying  consolidated statements  of  operations,
stockholders'   equity  (deficit)  and  preferred  stock  subject  to  mandatory
redemption, and cash flows of Standard Brands Paint Company (the "Company")  and
subsidiaries (in reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy
Code  since February 11, 1992, see Note 1)  for the year ended January 26, 1992.
Our audit also included the financial statement schedules listed in the Index at
Item 14(a). These financial statements and financial statement schedules are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express  an
opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedules based on
our audit.

    We  conducted  our  audit  in conformity  with  generally  accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to  obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  As audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also  includes
assessing  the  accounting principles  used  and significant  estimates  made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement  presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

    In  our opinion, such  consolidated financial statements  present fairly, in
all material respects, the results of  operations and cash flows of the  Company
and  its subsidiaries  for the  year ended January  26, 1992  in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles. Also,  in our opinion, such  financial
statement  schedules,  when considered  in  relation to  the  basic consolidated
financial statements taken as a whole,  present fairly in all material  respects
the information set forth therein.

    As  discussed  in  Note  1 to  the  consolidated  financial  statements, the
Company, together with four of  its subsidiaries, filed voluntary petitions  for
reorganization  under Chapter  11 of  the United  States Bankruptcy  Code in the
United States Bankruptcy Court on February  11, 1992. The filing was the  result
of  continuing  defaults related  to  the Company's  loans,  recurring operating
losses and insufficient cash  flows. Although the  Company and its  subsidiaries
continue   to  operate  their  businesses  as  debtors-in-possession  under  the
jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy  Court, the continuation  of their businesses  as
going  concerns  is  contingent  upon,  among  other  things,  their  ability to
formulate a Plan of Reorganization which will be approved by their creditors and
confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court, and their ability to generate sufficient cash
flows from operations and financing sources.

    These factors raise substantial doubt about  their ability to continue as  a
going  concern.  The accompanying  consolidated  financial statements  have been
prepared assuming that the Company and its subsidiaries will continue as a going
concern and  do  not  include  any  adjustments  that  might  result  from  this
uncertainty.  Management's plans concerning these  matters are described in Note
1.

    The financial statements also do not  purport to reflect or provide for  the
consequences  of the  proceedings under  the United  States Bankruptcy  Code. In
particular, such financial statements do not  purport to show (a) as to  assets,
their  realizable  value  on a  reorganization  basis or  their  availability to
satisfy liabilities; (b) as to liabilities, the amounts that may be allowed  for
claims  or  contingencies,  or  the  status  and  priority  thereof,  (c)  as to
stockholders' equity (deficit), the  effect of any changes  that may be made  in
the  capitalization of the Company;  or (d) as to  operations, the effect of any
changes that may be made  in its business. The outcome  of these matters is  not
presently determinable.

    As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company
changed  its method  of accounting  for overhead  costs included  in inventories
during the year ended January 26, 1992.

                                          DELOITTE & TOUCHE

Los Angeles, California
April 20, 1992

                                      F-33
<PAGE>
                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     SUCCESSOR    PREDECESSOR
                                                                                      COMPANY       COMPANY
                                                                                    -----------   -----------
                                                                                    JANUARY 30,   JANUARY 31,
                                                                                       1994          1993
                                                                                    -----------   -----------
                                                                                         (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                 <C>           <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash............................................................................   $    911      $  9,062
  Accounts and notes receivable, net..............................................      3,398         2,987
  Inventories.....................................................................     23,849        36,432
  Prepaid expenses................................................................      2,866         4,772
  Deferred income taxes...........................................................      4,082         3,207
                                                                                    -----------   -----------
Total current assets..............................................................     35,106        56,460

Property, plant and equipment.....................................................    134,370       208,321
  Less accumulated depreciation and amortization..................................      1,623        80,251
                                                                                    -----------   -----------
                                                                                      132,747       128,070
Other assets......................................................................      1,984         3,452
                                                                                    -----------   -----------
Total assets......................................................................   $169,837      $187,982
                                                                                    -----------   -----------
                                                                                    -----------   -----------

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Current liabilities:
  Short-term borrowings...........................................................   $  6,646      $ --
  Grantor Trust Notes payable.....................................................      6,000        --
  Accounts payable................................................................     11,130         7,637
  Accrued expenses................................................................     13,536        18,668
                                                                                    -----------   -----------
Total current liabilities.........................................................     37,312        26,305

Senior notes, secured, payable to related parties.................................    103,080       116,317
Liabilities subject to compromise.................................................     --            54,598
Deferred income taxes.............................................................      7,013         3,728
Other long-term liabilities.......................................................      7,864        --
Commitments and contingencies
Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption, $.01 par value per share;
 5,000,000 shares authorized
  10% Cumulative convertible redeemable preferred stock; issued and outstanding
   162,542 shares at January 31, 1993.............................................     --             7,944
  10% Cumulative redeemable preferred stock; issued and outstanding 83,090 shares
   at January 31, 1993............................................................     --             8,300

Common stockholders' equity (deficit):
  Common stock, $.01 par value per share; authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued and
   outstanding 22,369,000 shares at January 30, 1994 and 5,602,000 shares at
   January 31, 1993...............................................................        223            56
  Additional paid-in capital......................................................     35,571           110
  Deficit.........................................................................    (20,411)      (28,561)
  Less treasury stock, at cost, 28,000 shares.....................................       (815)         (815)
                                                                                    -----------   -----------
Total common stockholders' equity (deficit).......................................     14,568       (29,210)
                                                                                    -----------   -----------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)..............................   $169,837      $187,982
                                                                                    -----------   -----------
                                                                                    -----------   -----------
</TABLE>

                            See accompanying notes.

                                      F-34
<PAGE>
                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                      (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         SUCCESSOR
                                                                          COMPANY             PREDECESSOR COMPANY
                                                                        -----------   ------------------------------------
                                                                           SIX MONTHS ENDED             YEARS ENDED
                                                                        -----------------------  -------------------------
                                                                        JANUARY 30,   AUGUST 1,  JANUARY 31,   JANUARY 26,
                                                                           1994         1993        1993          1992
                                                                        -----------   ---------  -----------   -----------
<S>                                                                     <C>           <C>        <C>           <C>
Net Sales.............................................................  $   84,000    $ 115,528   $ 226,749     $ 253,017
Cost of sales.........................................................      52,332       71,512     138,666       151,580
                                                                        -----------   ---------  -----------   -----------
Gross margin..........................................................      31,668       44,016      88,083       101,437
Other costs and expenses:
  Operating and general and administrative expenses...................      34,642       45,708      85,379       101,823
  Provision for restructuring and store closures......................       6,000       --          --             2,000
  Loss on real properties to be transferred to a grantor trust........      16,478       --          --            --
  Depreciation and amortization.......................................       1,716        2,323       5,443         5,495
  Interest income.....................................................         (70)        (110)       (156)       (1,397)
  Interest expense....................................................       5,358        6,556      13,846        18,085
  Other (income) expense, net.........................................        (240)      (3,469)       (211)        2,229
                                                                        -----------   ---------  -----------   -----------
Total other costs and expenses........................................      63,884       51,008     104,301       128,235
                                                                        -----------   ---------  -----------   -----------
Loss before reorganization items, income taxes, cumulative effect of
 change in accounting principle and extraordinary item................     (32,216)      (6,992)    (16,218)      (26,798)
Reorganization items:
  Fresh start adjustments.............................................      --           41,463      --            --
  Professional fees...................................................      --           (4,840)     (5,831)       --
  Provision for store closing costs and real estate valuation.........      --           --          (2,000)       --
  Provision for lease settlements.....................................      --           --          (2,000)       --
  Write-off LESOP note receivable.....................................      --           --         (12,000)       --
  Loss on transfer of business units and real properties to a grantor
   trust..............................................................        (264)      (6,441)     --            --
                                                                        -----------   ---------  -----------   -----------
Total reorganization gains (losses)...................................        (264)      30,182     (21,831)       --
                                                                        -----------   ---------  -----------   -----------
(Loss) income before income taxes, cumulative effect of change in
 accounting principle and extraordinary item..........................     (32,480)      23,190     (38,049)      (26,798)
Income tax provision (benefit)........................................     (12,069)      --             288        (7,408)
                                                                        -----------   ---------  -----------   -----------
(Loss) income before cumulative effect of change in accounting
 principle and extraordinary item.....................................     (20,411)      23,190     (38,337)      (19,390)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income
 taxes of $797........................................................      --           --          --             1,360
Extraordinary item -- gain on forgiveness of debt.....................      --            5,371      --            --
                                                                        -----------   ---------  -----------   -----------
Net (loss) income.....................................................  $  (20,411)   $  28,561   $ (38,337)    $ (18,030)
                                                                        -----------   ---------  -----------   -----------
                                                                        -----------   ---------  -----------   -----------
Net (loss) income for common stockholders:
  Net (loss) income...................................................  $  (20,411)   $  28,561   $ (38,337)    $ (18,030)
  Adjustment for preferred dividends..................................      --             (812)     (1,625)       (1,625)
  Accretion on redeemable preferred stock.............................      --             (218)       (298)         (222)
                                                                        -----------   ---------  -----------   -----------
                                                                        $  (20,411)   $  27,531   $ (40,260)    $ (19,877)
                                                                        -----------   ---------  -----------   -----------
                                                                        -----------   ---------  -----------   -----------
Per common share:
Net (loss) income per share -- primary and fully diluted:
  Loss before reorganization items, cumulative effect of change in
   accounting principle and extraordinary item........................  $     (.90)   $   (1.44)  $   (7.25)    $   (3.84)
Reorganization items..................................................        (.01)        5.42      --            --
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle...................      --           --          --               .25
Extraordinary item -- gain on forgiveness of debt.....................      --              .96      --            --
                                                                        -----------   ---------  -----------   -----------
Net (loss) income.....................................................  $     (.91)   $    4.94   $   (7.25)    $   (3.59)
                                                                        -----------   ---------  -----------   -----------
                                                                        -----------   ---------  -----------   -----------
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares
 outstanding -- primary and fully diluted.............................  22,341,000    5,578,000   5,555,000     5,529,000
                                                                        -----------   ---------  -----------   -----------
                                                                        -----------   ---------  -----------   -----------
</TABLE>

                            See accompanying notes.

                                      F-35
<PAGE>
                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY
           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
              AND PREFERRED STOCK SUBJECT TO MANDATORY REDEMPTION
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      RECEIVABLES MANDATORY   MANDATORY
                                                  ADDITIONAL  RETAINED                AND OTHER   REDEEMABLE  REDEEMABLE
                                          COMMON   PAID-IN    EARNINGS    TREASURY      CONTRA    PREFERRED   PREFERRED
                                          STOCK    CAPITAL    (DEFICIT)     STOCK      ACCOUNTS     STOCK       STOCK
                                          ------  ----------  ---------  -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                       <C>     <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>
Balance at January 27, 1991.............  $  56   $  --       $  29,138  $     (830 ) $ (14,000 ) $  --       $  15,724
  Net loss for the year.................   --        --         (18,030)     --          --          --          --
  Shares issued for employee plans......   --            74                      15      --          --          --
  Cash dividends paid...................   --        --            (812)     --          --          --          --
  Repayment of LESOP....................   --        --          --          --           2,000      --          --
  Exchange of preferred stock...........   --        --          --          --          --          --         (15,724 )
  Issuance of preferred stock...........   --        --          --          --          --           8,038       7,686
  Accretion of preferred stock to
   mandatory redemption value...........   --        --            (222)     --          --             113         109
                                          ------  ----------  ---------  -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Balance at January 26, 1992.............     56          74      10,074        (815 )   (12,000 )     8,151       7,795
  Net loss for the year.................   --        --         (38,337)     --          --          --          --
  Write-off of note receivable from
   LESOP................................   --        --          --          --          12,000      --          --
  Shares issued for employee plans......   --            36      --          --          --          --          --
  Accretion of preferred stock to
   mandatory redemption value...........   --        --            (298)     --          --             149         149
                                          ------  ----------  ---------  -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Balance at January 31, 1993.............     56         110     (28,561)       (815 )    --           8,300       7,944
  Shares issued for employee plans......   --            13      --          --          --          --          --
  Net loss for the six month period.....   --        --          (9,983)     --          --          --          --
                                          ------  ----------  ---------  -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Predecessor Company balance at August 1,
 1993...................................     56         123     (38,544)       (815 )    --           8,300       7,944
Recapitalization and fresh-start
 adjustments............................
  Issuance of common stock..............    112      19,329      --          --          --          --          --
  Exchange of mandatory redeemable
   preferred stock for common stock.....     55      16,189      --          --          --          (8,300 )    (7,944 )
  Fresh-start adjustments...............   --        --          38,544      --          --          --          --
                                          ------  ----------  ---------  -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Successor Company balance at August 1,
 1993...................................    223      35,641      --            (815 )    --          --          --
  Issuance costs of recapitalization
   common stock.........................   --           (70 )    --          --          --          --          --
  Net loss for the six month period.....   --        --         (20,411)     --          --          --          --
                                          ------  ----------  ---------  -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Successor Company balance at January 30,
 1994...................................  $ 223   $  35,571   $ (20,411) $     (815 ) $  --       $  --       $  --
                                          ------  ----------  ---------  -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                          ------  ----------  ---------  -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>

                            See accompanying notes.

                                      F-36
<PAGE>
                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            SUCCESSOR
                                                             COMPANY             PREDECESSOR COMPANY
                                                           -----------  -------------------------------------
                                                               SIX MONTHS ENDED            YEARS ENDED
                                                           ------------------------  ------------------------
                                                           JANUARY 30,   AUGUST 1,   JANUARY 31,  JANUARY 26,
                                                              1994         1993         1993         1992
                                                           -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                              IN THOUSANDS
<S>                                                        <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net (loss) income........................................   $ (20,411)   $  28,561    $ (38,337)   $ (18,030)
Adjustments to net (loss) income to obtain net cash (used
 in) provided by operating activities:
  Fresh start adjustments................................      --          (41,463)      --           --
  Loss on transfer of business units and real properties
   to a grantor trust....................................         264        6,441       --           --
  Extraordinary item -- gain on forgiveness of debt......      --           (5,371)      --           --
  Write-off LESOP note receivable........................      --           --           12,000       --
  Reorganization items...................................      --           --            4,000       --
  Restructuring charges..................................       6,000       --           --            2,000
  Loss on real properties to be transferred to a grantor
   trust.................................................      16,478       --           --           --
  Depreciation and amortization..........................       1,744        2,558        5,910        5,956
  Interest paid-in kind..................................       1,336          368       --           --
  Provision for losses on accounts receivable............          86          209          389          836
  Deferred tax benefit...................................     (12,069)      --              (33)      (3,643)
  (Gain) loss on sale of property........................        (239)      (3,469)         (77)       2,229
  Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle....      --           --           --           (2,157)
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities (net of the
   effects of business units transferred to a grantor
   trust as part of reorganization):
    Accounts receivable..................................      (1,408)      (4,221)       2,890          (25)
    Inventory, prepaid expenses and other................       8,928        1,447        3,228       20,544
    Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other.........     (12,122)       5,851       10,678          170
                                                           -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities......     (11,413)      (9,089)         648        7,880
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from transfer of business units and real
 properties to a grantor trust due to Chapter 11
 proceeding, net of cash transferred.....................      --            7,499       --           --
Increase (decrease) in other assets......................         786       (2,221)         112        1,277
Purchases of property, plant and equipment...............        (913)      (1,596)      (1,856)      (3,849)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment......      15,134        9,194        5,238        1,935
                                                           -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities......      15,007       12,876        3,494         (637)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from stock issuance.............................      --               13           36           89
Costs of recapitalization stock issuance.................         (70)      --           --           --
Dividend payments........................................      --           --           --             (812)
Repayment of long-term debt..............................     (10,151)      (8,197)      (5,326)     (12,524)
Settlement of pre-petition claims, net...................      --           (9,773)      --           --
Proceeds from short-term borrowings, net.................       4,274        8,372       --            3,400
Collections from LESOP...................................      --           --           --            2,000
                                                           -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Net cash used by financing activities....................      (5,947)      (9,585)      (5,290)      (7,847)
                                                           -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Net decrease in cash.....................................      (2,353)      (5,798)      (1,148)        (604)
Cash at beginning of period..............................       3,264        9,062       10,210       10,814
                                                           -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Cash at end of period....................................   $     911    $   3,264    $   9,062    $  10,210
                                                           -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                           -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
  Cash paid (received) for:
    Interest.............................................   $   3,862    $     957    $   8,634    $  15,159
    Income taxes.........................................         (34)          35       (3,131)      (3,797)
</TABLE>

                            See accompanying notes.

                                      F-37
<PAGE>
                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                         (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
                                JANUARY 30, 1994

1.  REORGANIZATION AND RECAPITALIZATION
    On  February 11, 1992, Standard Brands  Paint Company (the Company) and four
(4) of its  subsidiaries filed separate  voluntary petitions for  reorganization
under  Chapter 11 of the United States  Bankruptcy Code. While under Chapter 11,
certain claims  against the  Company  and the  four  subsidiaries that  were  in
existence  prior to  the filing  of the petitions  for relief  under the federal
bankruptcy laws  were  stayed  while  the  Company  and  the  four  subsidiaries
continued  their business operations as Debtors-In-Possession. These claims were
reflected  in  the   Company's  consolidated  balance   sheet  as   "Prepetition
liabilities subject to compromise" as of January 31, 1993.

    The  Company and the  four subsidiaries which  filed voluntary petitions for
reorganization under Chapter 11 emerged from their Chapter 11 bankruptcy  status
effective  June 14,  1993 (Effective  Date) in  accordance with  their confirmed
Fourth Amended Joint Plan  of Reorganization (the  Plan) (All capitalized  terms
used  in these notes, unless otherwise defined,  shall have the meaning given to
them in the  Plan). In  general, the  Plan provided  for the  resolution of  all
prepetition  claims as of  February 11, 1992,  the Chapter 11  petition date, as
well as the resolution  of certain legal and  environmental matters in  exchange
for cash, real property, other assets, and shares of common stock.

    The  Plan resulted  in a  recapitalization of  the Company  and a  change in
management as follows: (i) approximately $29,600 of the outstanding debt owed to
Fidelity Capital  & Income  Fund and  Kodak Retirement  Income Plan  Trust  Fund
(collectively,  Fidelity)  as  successor in  interest  to Bank  of  America, was
converted into 11,283,720 shares of common stock, or approximately 50.5% of  the
Company's issued and outstanding common stock as of the Effective Date; (ii) the
maturity  date of the Company's Senior Notes  was extended at a reduced interest
rate; (iii) unsecured priority claims were paid in cash in full; (iv)  unsecured
claims  were paid through the distribution of $8,800 cash plus proceeds of up to
$4,200 to be generated from the sales of eight (8) of the Company's surplus real
estate properties; (v)  the Company's  existing outstanding  Series D  Preferred
Stock  and Series E Preferred Stock, including accrued but unpaid dividends, was
exchanged for 5,474,280 shares  of the Company's  common stock or  approximately
24.5%  of the issued and outstanding common stock as of the Effective Date; (vi)
all of the  common stock owned  by the Leveraged  Employee Stock Ownership  Plan
(LESOP)  and  Payroll  Stock  Option  Plan  (PAYSOP)  was  distributed  to their
respective plan participants;  and (vii)  a new  board of  directors and  senior
management  team was elected. Existing common stockholders retained their equity
interests, with  the exception  of  all interests  arising under  the  Company's
Rights  Agreement dated November 10, 1987, which was extinguished as a result of
this Plan. Consequently, holders of the Company's common stock, including  LESOP
and PAYSOP distributees, collectively retained 25.0% of the Company's issued and
outstanding shares of common stock as of the Effective Date.

    The  Plan  was financed,  in part,  by  Fidelity through  the purchase  of a
$20,000 principal amount  secured noted  (Fidelity Secured Note)  for $8,000  in
cash  and a $12,000 note (Fidelity Exchange Note). The Fidelity Exchange Note is
secured by the capital stock of newly formed holding companies for The Art Store
and Zynolyte  Products Company  and certain  real estate  properties which  were
transferred to a grantor trust (Grantor Trust) with the contemplation that these
business  operations and  real estate assets  would be sold  to raise additional
capital. The proceeds from such sales or  financing is to be used to reduce  the
indebtedness  under the Fidelity Secured Note. The Company maintains a residuary
interest in the assets  of the Grantor  Trust and, upon payment  in full of  the
Fidelity Secured Note, will be entitled to any remaining assets. As contemplated
by  the Plan, on August  2, 1993 the Capital  Stock of Zynolyte Products Company
was sold to the Grow Group, Inc. for approximately $14,800. In October 1993, one
of the  parcels  of real  estate  was sold  for  approximately $1,400.  The  net

                                      F-38
<PAGE>
                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                         (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)

1.  REORGANIZATION AND RECAPITALIZATION (CONTINUED)
proceeds  of both  transactions were  used to  reduce the  principal outstanding
under the Fidelity Secured Note to approximately $4,500 as of January 30,  1994.
In  addition, the Company has guaranteed  $2,500 of the principal outstanding on
the Fidelity Secured Note.

    As a  result of  the  transactions which  occurred  on the  Effective  Date,
indebtedness  of $49,906 was discharged and mandatory redeemable preferred stock
of $16,244  was cancelled  in  the bankruptcy  proceedings  by the  issuance  of
16,758,000 shares of common stock and the exchange of other assets. Accordingly,
the  Company  recorded an  extraordinary gain  from forgiveness  of debt  in the
amount of $5,371.

    Upon emergence  from its  Chapter 11  proceedings, the  Company adopted  the
provisions  of Statement of Position No.  90-7, "Financial Reporting by Entities
in  Reorganization  Under  the  Bankruptcy  Code"  (Fresh-Start  Reporting)   as
promulgated  by  the  American  Institute  of  Certified  Public  Accountants in
November 1990. Accordingly,  all assets  and liabilities have  been restated  to
reflect  their reorganization value, which approximates  their fair value at the
Effective Date.  In  addition,  the  accumulated  deficit  of  the  Company  was
eliminated and its capital structure was recast in conformity with the Plan, and
as  such,  the Company  has recorded  the  effects of  the Plan  and Fresh-Start
Reporting as of August 1, 1993. The January 30, 1994 consolidated balance  sheet
is, therefore, the balance sheet of a new reporting entity and is not comparable
to  periods prior to August 1, 1993.  In addition, the results of operations and
cash flows for the six months ended  August 1, 1993 include operations prior  to
the  Company's emergence from Chapter 11  proceedings and the effect of adopting
Fresh-Start Reporting,  and  include  operations  subsequent  to  the  Company's
emergence  from Chapter 11  proceedings. Furthermore, the  results of operations
and cash flows  for the  six months ended  January 30,  1994 include  operations
subsequent  to the Company's emergence from Chapter 11 proceedings. As a result,
net income (loss) for the six month periods ended August 1, 1993 and January 30,
1994 are not comparable with prior periods.

    The reorganization value of the Company's common equity of $35,049 at August
1, 1993 was determined by the Company with the assistance of financial  advisors
after  consideration of  several factors  and by  reliance on  various valuation
methods, including discounted projected cash flows, price/ earnings ratios,  and
other  applicable ratios and  economic and industry  information relevant to the
operations of the Company.

    The reorganization value of the Company has been allocated to specific asset
categories pursuant to  Fresh-Start Reporting. Current  assets were recorded  at
their  book value,  which approximates  fair value,  including inventories which
were stated on  a first-in, first-out  basis (see Note  3). Property, plant  and
equipment which includes assets held for sale were recorded at their approximate
fair  market value as determined by an independent appraisal or other estimates,
based on estimated "fair market value  in continued use" which assumes that  the
property  will be used for the purpose for which it was designed and built or to
which it is currently adapted as part of a business unit or entity (see Note 4).

                                      F-39
<PAGE>
                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                         (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)

2.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

    COMPANY OPERATIONS

    The  Company operates in one industry segment as an integrated manufacturer,
distributor and retailer of paint and home decorating products.

    PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

    The consolidated  financial  statements  include the  accounts  of  Standard
Brands  Paint Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries after elimination of all
significant intercompany accounts and transactions.

    FISCAL YEAR

    The Company's fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in January.

    CASH FLOWS

    For purposes of  financial reporting, cash  includes cash on  hand and  cash
invested  in bank certificates of deposits  and commercial paper with maturities
of three months or less.

    ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

    Accounts receivable are  stated net  of an allowance  for doubtful  accounts
amounting  to $215,  $498 and  $965 at  January 30,  1994, January  31, 1993 and
January 26, 1992, respectively.

    INVENTORY VALUATION

    The Successor Company values inventory at the lower of cost or market  using
the  first-in,  first-out  (FIFO)  method,  while  the  Predecessor  Company had
previously used the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method.

    During the first quarter of  Fiscal 1991 the Predecessor Company  determined
that a change in accounting principle to include as inventory costs all expenses
directly  related to the distribution of  merchandise to stores was appropriate.
Previously the Predecessor Company charged specific merchandise cost and freight
into the Predecessor  Company's warehouse  as inventory  costs. The  Predecessor
Company  believes that  the new costing  technique is preferable  because (1) it
more appropriately matches  costs and  revenues in  the periods  in which  these
revenues  are  earned  and (2)  the  method  more closely  corresponds  with the
techniques  used  by  others  within  the  Company's  industry.  The  cumulative
adjustment for the change in accounting principle is recorded as a separate item
in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

    PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

    Property, plant and equipment was stated at approximate fair market value as
of  August 1,  1993. Additions  to property,  plant and  equipment subsequent to
August 1, 1993 are stated  at cost with property held  for sale being stated  at
net  realizable  value.  Prior  to Fresh-Start  Reporting,  property,  plant and
equipment were stated at cost.

    Depreciation  and  amortization   of  plant  and   equipment  are   provided
principally  by use of  the straight-line method. The  estimated useful lives of
the related assets are as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                        <C>
Buildings and improvements.................................................        15 years
Machinery and equipment....................................................   5 to 10 years
Furniture and fixtures.....................................................   5 to 10 years
</TABLE>

    AMORTIZATION OF INTANGIBLES

    The excess cost  of acquiring  a subsidiary in  1961 over  the related  fair
value  of net tangible assets amounting  to $2,521 was written-off in connection
with the adoption of Fresh-Start Reporting.

                                      F-40
<PAGE>
                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                         (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)

2.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
    PREOPENING COSTS

    Expenditures associated with opening  new stores are  charged to expense  as
incurred.

    INCOME TAXES

    The  Company adopted the liability method  of accounting for income taxes in
its financial statements for fiscal 1988. The Company adopted the provisions  of
Financial  Accounting Standards Board Statement  No. 109, "Accounting for Income
Taxes," which had  no material  effect on  the Company's  accounting for  income
taxes.

    The deferred tax liability is determined based on the difference between the
financial  statement and tax basis of assets  and liabilities and is measured at
the enacted tax  rates that will  be in effect  when these differences  reverse.
Deferred  tax expense is determined by the  change in the liability for deferred
taxes (Liability Method).

    RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

    The Company incurred  and charged to  expense $171, $194,  $414 and $526  in
research  and development costs  during the six month  periods ended January 30,
1994 and August 1, 1993 and the fiscal years ended January 31, 1993 and  January
26, 1992, respectively.

    LOSS PER COMMON SHARE

    The  weighted average  number of  shares is  not adjusted  for stock options
outstanding or the  preferred stock  because such impact  on loss  per share  is
either antidilutive or immaterial.

    FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

    The  carrying amounts  of the Company's  $103,080 in  senior notes, secured,
approximates their fair value at January 30, 1994.

    POST RETIREMENT BENEFITS

    The Company adopted Statement of  Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS)  No.
106  on "Employer's Accounting for  Postretirement Benefits other than Pensions"
during the  first  quarter of  its  fiscal year  ending  January 30,  1994.  The
postretirement  health care  plans are  contributory and  the Company  funds the
costs of these  plans on  a pay-as-you-go basis.  The Company  has computed  the
accumulated   postretirement   benefit  transition   obligation   (APBO),  which
represents the previously unrecognized prior service cost, and during the  first
quarter  utilized the  deferral method  which records  the amortization  of such
costs over a  20 year  period. In connection  with the  adoption of  Fresh-Start
Reporting,  the  Company recorded  an additional  liability on  the consolidated
balance sheet at August  1, 1993 for the  remaining unrecognized portion of  the
APBO of $8,000.

    RECLASSIFICATIONS

    Certain reclassifications to captions on prior years' consolidated financial
statements have been made to conform to the January 30, 1994 presentation.

                                      F-41
<PAGE>
                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                         (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)

3.  INVENTORIES
    Inventories  at  January  30,  1994  and January  31,  1993  consist  of the
following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              SUCCESSOR    PREDECESSOR
                                                                               COMPANY       COMPANY
                                                                             -----------   -----------
                                                                             JANUARY 30,   JANUARY 31,
                                                                                1994          1993
                                                                             -----------   -----------
<S>                                                                          <C>           <C>
Retail inventories.........................................................    $19,965       $30,638
Manufacturing inventories..................................................      3,380         3,231
Wholesale inventories......................................................        504         2,563
                                                                             -----------   -----------
                                                                               $23,849       $36,432
                                                                             -----------   -----------
                                                                             -----------   -----------
</TABLE>

    In connection  with the  adoption of  Fresh-Start Reporting,  the  Successor
Company adopted the FIFO method for determining the cost of its inventories. The
Predecessor Company had previously used the LIFO method for determining the cost
of  its inventories. The Predecessor Company's LIFO inventory reserve was $6,119
as of January 31, 1993.  As a result of  Fresh-Start Reporting the LIFO  reserve
was eliminated.

4.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
    A summary of property, plant and equipment follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              SUCCESSOR    PREDECESSOR
                                                                               COMPANY       COMPANY
                                                                             -----------   -----------
                                                                             JANUARY 30,   JANUARY 31,
                                                                                1994          1993
                                                                             -----------   -----------
<S>                                                                          <C>           <C>
Land.......................................................................    $42,030       $32,306
Buildings and leasehold improvements.......................................     22,211        64,199
Machinery and equipment....................................................         75        18,149
Furniture and fixtures.....................................................        120        40,245
Construction in progress...................................................        427           503
Property held for sale.....................................................     85,985        52,919
                                                                             -----------   -----------
                                                                               150,848       208,321
Less reserve for loss on properties which, subject to stockholder approval,
 are to be transferred to a grantor trust..................................    (16,478)       --
                                                                             -----------   -----------
                                                                               $134,370      $208,321
                                                                             -----------   -----------
                                                                             -----------   -----------
</TABLE>

    At  January  30, 1994  and  January 31,  1993 the  Company  owned 66  and 24
properties, respectively, which do not contribute to the Company's future  plans
and accordingly, are being offered for sale.

                                      F-42
<PAGE>
                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                         (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)

5.  ACCRUED EXPENSES
    Accrued expenses include the following items:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              SUCCESSOR    PREDECESSOR
                                                                               COMPANY       COMPANY
                                                                             -----------   -----------
                                                                             JANUARY 30,   JANUARY 31,
                                                                                1994          1993
                                                                             -----------   -----------
<S>                                                                          <C>           <C>
Payroll, related taxes and employee benefits...............................    $ 2,190       $ 3,897
Self-insurance reserves....................................................      4,500         4,900
Other taxes................................................................        943         1,895
Interest...................................................................        578        --
Chapter 11 costs...........................................................     --             3,250
Reserve for store closings.................................................      2,959         3,000
Other......................................................................      2,366         1,726
                                                                             -----------   -----------
                                                                               $13,536       $18,668
                                                                             -----------   -----------
                                                                             -----------   -----------
</TABLE>

6.  SHORT TERM BORROWINGS
    Subsequent to the filings of the Company's Chapter 11 petitions, the Company
entered into a credit agreement with Foothill Capital Corp. (Foothill), pursuant
to which Foothill made available to the Company a senior secured credit facility
in  the aggregate principal amount of $12,000. Pursuant to the Plan, the Company
entered into  a  new credit  agreement  with Foothill  on  June 14,  1993  which
provided  the Company with  a secured line  of credit in  the amount of $12,500.
Interest under the new credit agreement is  equal to the prime rate of  interest
plus 2% per annum. At January 30, 1994, the interest rate per annum was 8.0%. On
April  14, 1994 the  Company amended its  agreement with Foothill  to extend the
credit agreement for three additional years. The interest rate under the amended
agreement is equal to the prime rate of interest plus 3% per annum.

    At January 30, 1994 and January 31, 1993, short-term borrowings consisted of
amounts outstanding to Foothill of approximately $6,646 and $0, respectively. In
addition, at January 30, 1994 the  Company had outstanding letters of credit  of
$4,200  for the State  of California's Workers'  Compensation program and import
purchases.

    During the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 1993, the Company borrowed an
additional $6.0  million (Grantor  Trust  Notes) for  working capital  from  the
Grantor Trust established under the Plan. The Grantor Trust financed the loan on
issuer  notes to Fidelity Capital & Income Fund and Kodak Retirement Income Plan
Trust Fund in an aggregate amount  of $6,000 upon terms substantially  identical
to the previously issued Fidelity Secured Note (Note 1). The Grantor Trust Notes
bear  interest at the prime rate  plus 2% and are due  on September 30, 1994. At
January 30, 1994, the interest rate per annum was 8.0%

    On March 16, 1994 these Grantor Trust  Notes were restructured to a term  of
six  years with  interest payable  quarterly at  a rate  of 10%  per annum. This
indebtedness will be secured by  a third lien on  certain of the Company's  real
properties (see Note 16).

7.  SENIOR NOTES AND OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
    On  June 14,  1993 the  Company entered  into an  Amended and  Restated Loan
Agreement (the Amended  Note Agreement)  with its  senior lenders,  Transamerica
Insurance  Companies and Sun Life Insurance Companies (the Insurance Companies).
The Amended Note Agreement provided for a stated interest rate of 9.0% per annum
(reduced   from    11.75%),    however,    for    the    first    three    years

                                      F-43
<PAGE>
                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                         (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)

7.  SENIOR NOTES AND OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES (CONTINUED)
subsequent to June 14, 1993 the rate at which interest is paid is 6.5%, 7.5% and
8.5%, respectively, with the difference between the stated rate and the pay rate
added to principal as payment of interest in-kind.

    The Amended Note Agreement requires the Company to meet specific affirmative
and  negative covenants which include,  among other requirements, limitations on
the acquisition and disposition of assets, prohibition of borrowings other  than
under  the Amended Note  Agreement or as  set forth in  the Plan, prohibition of
dividend  declarations,  and  compliance   with  certain  financial   covenants,
including,  but not limited  to, current ratio, minimum  net worth, and interest
coverage. The  Amended Note  Agreement is  collateralized by  a perfected  first
priority  lien and  security interest  in specific  real property  assets of the
Company. On March  16, 1994 the  Amended Note Agreement  was further amended  to
provide, among other things, a waiver of compliance with all financial covenants
until April 30, 1995 (see Noted 16).

    In   settlement  of   certain  pre-petition   Federal  Tax   obligations  of
approximately $377, the Company  entered into an  unsecured obligation with  the
Internal  Revenue Service which  matures June 14,  1999. Interests and principal
are payable quarterly based upon a predetermined amortization schedule.

8.  RESTRUCTURING AND STORE CLOSURES
    During the period ended  January 30, 1994, the  Company provided a total  of
$6,000 for restructuring and store closures as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                        <C>
Inventory clearance markdowns.............................................. $    2,300
Employee severance costs...................................................        600
Advertising................................................................        100
Other store closing costs..................................................        200
Property taxes, utilities, maintenance and other...........................      2,800
                                                                           ----------
                                                                           $    6,000
                                                                           ----------
                                                                           ----------
</TABLE>

    In  November 1993, the Company announced  that it planned to restructure its
operations and close  approximately thirty-four (34)  retail outlets which  were
currently  operating.  The Company  closed thirty-one  (31)  of these  stores by
January 30, 1994. The remaining  three (3) stores are  expected to be closed  by
the end of May 1994. The provision of $6,000 includes $3,200 for the anticipated
costs  of  inventory liquidation,  employee  severance and  other  store closing
costs.

    In addition,  the  $6,000  provision includes  $1,200  for  property  taxes,
utilities, maintenance and other ongoing holding costs which the Company expects
to  incur until  the thirty-four  (34) stores are  sold, and  $1,600 for similar
ongoing costs associated  with thirty-one  (31) previously  closed stores  which
have remained unsold longer than originally anticipated. As of January 30, 1994,
$3,041  of this provision had  been incurred and paid  with the remaining $2,959
included in accrued expenses.

9.  LIABILITIES SUBJECT TO COMPROMISE
    Liabilities  subject  to  compromise  at  January  31,  1993  included   the
following:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                        <C>
Revolving loan............................................................. $   13,725
LESOP loan.................................................................     12,000
Accrued interest...........................................................      7,546
Trade and other miscellaneous claims.......................................     21,327
                                                                           ----------
                                                                           $   54,598
                                                                           ----------
                                                                           ----------
</TABLE>

                                      F-44
<PAGE>
                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                         (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)

9.  LIABILITIES SUBJECT TO COMPROMISE (CONTINUED)
    In  accordance with the  Plan, these liabilities  subject to compromise were
resolved on the Effective Date.

10. INCOME TAXES
    The provision (benefit) for income taxes is comprised of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              SUCCESSOR
                                                                               COMPANY                PREDECESSOR COMPANY
                                                                             -----------   -----------------------------------------
                                                                                  SIX MONTHS ENDED                YEAR ENDED
                                                                             ---------------------------   -------------------------
                                                                             JANUARY 30,     AUGUST 1,     JANUARY 31,   JANUARY 26,
                                                                                1994           1993           1993          1992
                                                                             -----------   -------------   -----------   -----------
<S>                                                                          <C>           <C>             <C>           <C>
Current:
Federal....................................................................   $ --          $ --           $      265    $   (3,797)
State......................................................................     --            --                   56            32
                                                                             -----------   -------------   -----------   -----------
                                                                                --            --                  321        (3,765)
                                                                             -----------   -------------   -----------   -----------
Deferred:
Federal....................................................................     (9,243)       --                    1        (3,721)
State......................................................................     (2,826)       --                  (34)           78
                                                                             -----------   -------------   -----------   -----------
                                                                               (12,069)       --                  (33)       (3,643)
                                                                             -----------   -------------   -----------   -----------
                                                                              $(12,069)     $ --           $      288    $   (7,408)
                                                                             -----------   -------------   -----------   -----------
                                                                             -----------   -------------   -----------   -----------
</TABLE>

    The change in  the deferred income  tax liability represents  the effect  of
changes  in the amounts of  temporary differences during the  year. The types of
temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax
liability for each fiscal year and the tax effect of changes in those  temporary
differences during the years are presented below.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              SUCCESSOR
                                                                               COMPANY              PREDECESSOR COMPANY
                                                                             -----------   --------------------------------------
                                                                                 SIX MONTHS ENDED              YEAR ENDED
                                                                             ------------------------   -------------------------
                                                                             JANUARY 30,   AUGUST 1,    JANUARY 31,   JANUARY 26,
                                                                                1994          1993         1993          1992
                                                                             -----------   ----------   -----------   -----------
<S>                                                                          <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>
Accelerated depreciation...................................................   $(10,981)     $   (87)      $  (130)      $  (240)
Self-insurance and other reserves..........................................         14           74          (623)          (73)
Deferred gain on sale of property..........................................     --             (208)         (703)         (486)
Deferred restructuring costs and tax basis difference......................         17        --           (1,068)           39
Uniform capitalization rules...............................................        274        1,190           100         1,064
Employee benefit plans.....................................................        185        5,785        (4,699)       (1,071)
State temporary differences................................................     --            --           --                78
Tax effect of NOL carryforward.............................................     (7,575)      (3,513)       (6,342)       (2,164)
Recognition of minimum tax credit..........................................     (1,194)       --             (442)         (222)
Valuation allowance with respect to deferred tax assets....................      8,459        --           14,180        --
Other......................................................................     (1,268)      (3,241)         (306)         (568)
                                                                             -----------   ----------   -----------   -----------
Deferred tax benefit.......................................................   $(12,069)     $ --          $   (33)      $(3,643)
                                                                             -----------   ----------   -----------   -----------
                                                                             -----------   ----------   -----------   -----------
</TABLE>

                                      F-45
<PAGE>
                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                         (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)

10. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
    Deferred  income taxes reflect the net  tax effects of temporary differences
between the carrying amounts of  assets and liabilities for financial  reporting
purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of
the  Company's deferred tax liabilities and assets as of January 30, 1994 are as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             CURRENT  NON-CURRENT
                                                                             -------  -----------
<S>                                                                          <C>      <C>
Deferred tax liabilities:
  Accelerated depreciation.................................................  $ --      $(23,370)
  Federal tax effect of California franchise tax...........................    --           (55)
  Alternative minimum tax..................................................    --          (923)
                                                                             -------  -----------
  Total deferred tax liabilities...........................................    --       (24,348)

Deferred tax assets:
  Self-insurance and other reserves........................................    1,909     --
  Deferred gains on property sales.........................................    --           611
  Provision for loss on reorganization and restructuring costs.............    1,225     --
  Employee benefit plans...................................................      826      3,104
  Other temporary differences..............................................      778        635
  Tax effect of NOL carryforward...........................................      545     19,050
  Minimum tax credit carryforward..........................................    --         1,194
                                                                             -------  -----------
Total deferred tax assets..................................................    5,283     24,594
Valuation allowance........................................................   (1,201)    (7,259)
                                                                             -------  -----------
Net deferred tax assets....................................................    4,082     17,335
                                                                             -------  -----------
Total deferred tax asset (liability).......................................  $ 4,082   $ (7,013)
                                                                             -------  -----------
                                                                             -------  -----------
</TABLE>

                                      F-46
<PAGE>
                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                         (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)

10. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
    Total income tax expense related to continuing operations differed from  the
amounts computed by applying the federal income tax rate of 34% to income before
income taxes as a result of the following items:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              SUCCESSOR
                                                                               COMPANY
                                                                             -----------
                                                                                                    PREDECESSOR COMPANY
                                                                                           --------------------------------------
                                                                                 SIX MONTHS ENDED              YEAR ENDED
                                                                             ------------------------   -------------------------
                                                                             JANUARY 30,   AUGUST 1,    JANUARY 31,   JANUARY 26,
                                                                                1994          1993         1993          1992
                                                                             -----------   ----------   -----------   -----------
<S>                                                                          <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>
"Expected" tax (benefit)...................................................   $(11,043)     $(4,023)      $(12,937)     $(9,111)
State income taxes, net of federal tax.....................................     (1,865)*      --   *           14*          109
Redetermination of prior years' tax liabilities............................     --            --              265           (24)
Effect of alternative minimum tax..........................................     --            --           --               336
Restructuring charges......................................................     --            1,104         1,685        --
Net deductible items to which tax benefit cannot be ascribed...............        837        2,904        11,074         1,315
Other......................................................................          2           15           187           (33)
                                                                             -----------   ----------   -----------   -----------
Total income tax expense (benefit).........................................   $(12,069)     $ --          $   288       $(7,408)
                                                                             -----------   ----------   -----------   -----------
                                                                             -----------   ----------   -----------   -----------
Effective income tax rate..................................................      (37.2)%       --            (0.8)%         27.6%
                                                                             -----------   ----------   -----------   -----------
                                                                             -----------   ----------   -----------   -----------
<FN>
- - - - ------------------------
* State income taxes net of valuation allowance
</TABLE>

    At  January 30, 1994,  the Company had the  following federal tax attributes
for income tax return purposes available for carryforward:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  FISCAL YEAR OF
                                                                             ------------------------
DESCRIPTION                                                                  ORIGINATION   EXPIRATION   AMOUNT
- - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------   ----------   -------
<S>                                                                          <C>           <C>          <C>
Net operating loss.........................................................     1991          2006      $ 6,457
Net operating loss.........................................................     1992          2007       15,912
                                                                                                        -------
Net operating loss.........................................................     1993          2008       27,540
                                                                                                        -------
                                                                                                        -------
                                                                                                        $49,909
                                                                                                        -------
                                                                                                        -------
General business credits...................................................     1992          2007      $    14
                                                                                                        -------
                                                                                                        -------
</TABLE>

    The utilization of the Company's net operating loss carryforwards for income
tax return purposes could  be limited under certain  provisions of the  Internal
Revenue Code.

11. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

    OPTIONS

    Under  the terms of  the Plan, all previously  outstanding options under the
Company's 1981 Incentive Stock Plan and 1986 Employee Non-Qualified Stock Option
plan were  cancelled  upon  the  Company's emergence  from  Chapter  11  on  the
Effective Date.

    LESOP

    The  Company has established stock ownership  plans to involve all employees
in the ownership  of the Company.  The Company originally  borrowed $15,000  and
loaned  such amount  to the Leveraged  Employee Stock Ownership  Plan (LESOP) to
purchase Company shares on behalf of all qualified

                                      F-47
<PAGE>
                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                         (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)

11. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)
employees.  At the end of Fiscal 1992 the employee trusts owned 1,007,484 shares
or 17.75%  of the  outstanding  shares. The  Company has  recorded  compensation
expense  for Fiscal 1991 related to the LESOP of $2,964. No compensation expense
was accrued in Fiscal 1992 since no payments of principle or interest were made.

    Under terms of the Plan, the LESOP trust arrangement was terminated upon the
Company's emergence from  Chapter 11.  As such,  all unallocated  shares in  the
Trust  were  allocated to  employees based  on their  current ownership  and all
shares were distributed directly to participants. Since the Trust was unable  to
repay  the Note Receivable  under the LESOP,  the Company wrote  off the $12,000
receivable from the Trust during the year ended January 31, 1993.

    PROFIT SHARING PLAN

    The Company has  a savings and  investment plan for  all salaried  employees
which  qualifies as a profit  sharing plan under Section  401(k) of the Internal
Revenue Code.  Contributions  under  the  plan, which  are  based  on  specified
percentages  of employee contributions  for the six  month periods ended January
30, 1994 and August 1, 1993 and the years ended January 31, 1993 and January 26,
1992 amounted to $0, $105,  $244 and $370, respectively.  As of August 1,  1993,
the Company no longer makes contributions under the plan.

    RETIREMENT PLAN

    The Company has three noncontributory defined benefit retirement plans which
cover   substantially  all  non-union  employees  and  certain  bargaining  unit
employees. The costs of these plans for the six month periods ended January  30,
1994  and August 1,  1993 and the years  ended January 31,  1993 and January 26,
1992 amounted to  $(113), $(112),  $(177) and $(34),  respectively. The  Company
contributes annually the amount actuarially determined to provide the plans with
sufficient  assets to meet future benefit  requirements. Assets of the plans are
maintained in trust funds.

    The components of net periodic pension cost for the six month periods  ended
January  30, 1994 and  August 1, 1993 and  the years ended  January 31, 1993 and
January 26, 1992 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              SUCCESSOR
                                               COMPANY             PREDECESSOR COMPANY
                                             -----------  -------------------------------------
                                                 SIX MONTHS ENDED             YEAR ENDED
                                             ------------------------  ------------------------
                                             JANUARY 30,   AUGUST 1,   JANUARY 31,  JANUARY 26,
                                                1994         1993         1993         1992
                                             -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Service cost...............................   $     236    $     237    $     544    $     523
Interest cost..............................         527          527          980          900
Gain on assets.............................        (938)        (938)      (1,548)      (2,813)
Net amortization and deferral..............          62           62         (153)       1,356
                                                  -----   -----------  -----------  -----------
                                              $    (113)   $    (112)   $    (177)   $     (34)
                                                  -----   -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                  -----   -----------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>

    Assumptions used in accounting  for net pension cost  were a 7.25%  discount
rate,  a 6.0% rate of  increase in compensation and  an 8.00% expected long-term
rate of  return on  plan assets.  The plan's  assets are  invested primarily  in
marketable equity securities.

    On  December 10, 1993 the Company's  Board of Directors approved resolutions
authorizing  the  amendment  of   the  three  noncontributory  defined   benefit
retirement  plans to cease the benefit accruals of all participants in the plans
as soon as administratively feasible.

                                      F-48
<PAGE>
                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                         (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)

11. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)
    The following sets forth the plans'  status as of the most recent  actuarial
valuation as projected to January 30, 1994:

    Actuarial present value of benefit obligations:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            ASSETS EXCEED   ACCUMULATED
                                                                             ACCUMULATED     BENEFITS
                                                                              BENEFITS     EXCEED ASSETS
                                                                            -------------  -------------
<S>                                                                         <C>            <C>
Vested benefit obligation.................................................   $    12,433     $     795
Nonvested benefit obligation..............................................           130           164
                                                                            -------------       ------
Accumulated benefit obligation............................................        12,563           959
Additional amounts related to projected salary increases..................         2,157        --
                                                                            -------------       ------
Projected benefit obligation..............................................        14,720           959
Plan assets at fair value.................................................        19,361           857
                                                                            -------------       ------
Assets in excess of (less than) projected benefit obligation..............   $     4,641     $    (102)
                                                                            -------------       ------
                                                                            -------------       ------
</TABLE>

    Assets in excess of projected benefit obligations consist of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             ASSETS EXCEED   ACCUMULATED
                                                                              ACCUMULATED     BENEFITS
                                                                               BENEFITS     EXCEED ASSETS
                                                                             -------------  -------------
<S>                                                                          <C>            <C>
Unrecognized net asset (obligation) existing at date of adoption of SFAS
 No. 87....................................................................    $   1,419      $  --
Unrecognized net actuarial gain or loss....................................        2,840             14
Unrecognized prior service cost............................................          (72)           (25)
Pension costs accrued......................................................          454           (101)
Additional liability.......................................................       --                 10
                                                                             -------------       ------
                                                                               $   4,641      $    (102)
                                                                             -------------       ------
                                                                             -------------       ------
</TABLE>

    The  Company  participates  in  several  multiemployer  plans  which provide
defined benefits to bargaining  employees. The Company  contributed $108 to  the
plans  during the year ended January 26,  1992, with no contributions being made
during the six month periods ended January  30, 1994 and August 1, 1993 and  the
year ended January 31, 1993.

    HEALTHCARE PLAN

    The  Company  sponsors  a defined  benefit  health care  plan  that provides
postretirement medical benefits to fulltime employees  who attain the age of  65
while  in service with the Company and certain other union employees who retired
prior to  July  1991.  The  plan is  contributory,  with  retiree  contributions
adjusted annually, and contains other cost-sharing features such as coinsurance.
The  Company's policy is to fund the cost  of the medical benefits in amounts as
necessary.

                                      F-49
<PAGE>
                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                         (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)

11. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)
    The following table shows the plan's  status at January 30, 1994  (Successor
Company):

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                      <C>
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation:
  Retirees.............................................................  $   7,073
  Actives..............................................................        490
                                                                         ---------
                                                                             7,563
Plan assets............................................................     --
                                                                         ---------
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation in excess of plan
 assets................................................................  $   7,563
                                                                         ---------
                                                                         ---------
</TABLE>

    Net periodic postretirement benefit cost includes the following components:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        SUCCESSOR     PREDECESSOR
                                                                         COMPANY        COMPANY
                                                                      -------------  -------------
                                                                            SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                      ----------------------------
                                                                       JANUARY 30,     AUGUST 1,
                                                                          1994           1993
                                                                      -------------  -------------
<S>                                                                   <C>            <C>
Service cost........................................................    $      26      $      26
Interest cost.......................................................          224            223
Amortization of transition obligation over 20 years.................       --                201
                                                                            -----          -----
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost............................    $     250      $     450
                                                                            -----          -----
                                                                            -----          -----
</TABLE>

    The  annual assumed rate of  increase in the cost  of covered benefits (i.e.
medical care cost trend rate) is 8%  for fiscal 1994 and is assumed to  decrease
gradually  to 4% for fiscal 1997  and thereafter. Increasing the assumed medical
care cost trend rates by  one percentage point in  each year would increase  the
APBO  as of  January 30,  1994 by  approximately $354  and the  aggregate of the
service and interest cost components of the net periodic postretirement  benefit
cost for both the six month periods ended January 30, 1994 and August 1, 1993 by
approximately  $18. The weighted-average  discount rate used  in determining the
APBO was 7% at January 30, 1994.

12. PREFERRED STOCK
    The Company  had authorized  5,000,000 shares  of $.01  par value  preferred
stock  consisting of Series A through E. No Series A or C shares were issued. In
1987, the Company issued 162,542 shares  of Series B, 10% Cumulative  Redeemable
Convertible  Preferred Stock to the two  lenders that provided the Senior Notes.
During 1991,  the Company  issued  79,542 Shares  of  Series D,  10%  Cumulative
Redeemable  Convertible Preferred stock ($100 stated value) and 83,090 shares of
Series E,  10% Cumulative  Redeemable  Preferred stock  ($100 stated  value)  in
exchange for all of the issued and outstanding Series B preferred stock.

    The  Series D  and E  preferred stock  were mandatorily  redeemable upon the
occurrence of certain "triggering events," generally related to certain  changes
in  the  ownership  or  control  of the  Company.  Accordingly,  both  series of
preferred stock were considered to be mandatorily redeemable.

    At January 31, 1993, preferred dividends in arrears amounted to $2,438.  The
effect  of such dividends  has been included  in the accretion  of the mandatory
redemption value.

    Pursuant to the  Plan, the preferred  stock was exchanged  for 24.5% of  the
common stock of the Company on the Effective Date (see Note 1).

                                      F-50
<PAGE>
                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                         (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)

13. SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN
    The  Company had adopted a Shareholder  Rights Plan whereby all shareholders
received  preferred  stock  purchase  rights  which  enabled  such  holders   to
participate  in specified future takeover transactions with their shares and the
preferred stock issuable  under the terms  of the Shareholder  Rights Plan.  The
Shareholder Rights Plan was terminated upon consummation of the Plan.

14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
    Rent  expense for the six month periods ended January 30, 1994 and August 1,
1993 and the years ended January 31, 1993 and January 26, 1992 amounted to $518,
$571, $1,658  and $2,256,  respectively. The  future minimum  obligations  under
operating leases as of January 30, 1994 are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                 <C>
1994..............................................................  $   2,100
1995..............................................................      1,700
1996..............................................................      1,200
1997..............................................................      1,100
1998..............................................................        700
Thereafter........................................................      4,000
                                                                    ---------
                                                                    $  10,800
                                                                    ---------
                                                                    ---------
</TABLE>

    As is common in the paint industry, the Company has been notified that it is
a potentially responsible party (PRP) with respect to hazardous waste at several
sites.  The Company has estimated and accrued for the present value of the costs
of its participation in remediation activities and, at this time, believes  that
there  will not be a future material charge to earnings due to its PRP status at
these sites.

15. RELATED PARTIES
    The  law  firm  of  Buchalter,  Nemer,  Fields  &  Younger,  a  Professional
Corporation,  of which Irwin Buchalter,  a director of the  Company prior to the
Effective Date,  is a  member, and  of which  Stuart Buchalter,  a director  and
Chairman  of the Board of Directors of  the Company prior to the Effective Date,
is of counsel, has  in the past  performed legal services  for the Company.  The
dollar  amount of fees  paid by the Company  to this law firm  for the six month
periods ended January 30, 1994  and August 1, 1993  and the years ended  January
31, 1993 and January 26, 1992 were $550, $555, $462 and $421, respectively.

16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
    On  March 16, 1994, the Company entered into an agreement with the Insurance
Companies and the Grantor Trust for $10  million of new financing and a plan  to
restructure the Company's existing $103 million in senior notes (see Note 7) and
existing $6 million indebtedness with the Grantor Trust (see Note 6).

    Under  the terms of the Agreement, the  Company borrowed an aggregate of $10
million from the Insurance Company Lenders and the Grantor Trust (the New Loan).
The New Loan provides for monthly interest at a rate of 10% per annum. Principal
on the loan  is due  in full in  March 1999.  The indebtedness is  secured by  a
second  lien  on substantially  all  of the  Company's  real property.  The loan
proceeds will be used  to pay existing trade  debt, provide working capital  and
pay for transaction expenses.

    The  Grantor  Trust has  agreed to  restructure the  $6 million  of existing
indebtedness to a term of six years  with interest payable quarterly at rate  of
10%  per annum. This indebtedness will be secured  by a third lien on certain of
the Company's real properties.

                                      F-51
<PAGE>
                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                         (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)

16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (CONTINUED)
    Under the terms of  the restructure, the Company  has agreed to establish  a
grantor   trust  (Real  Estate  Trust)  to   which  it  will  transfer  all  but
approximately 19 of its operating and non-operating real properties in  exchange
for  the assumption  by the  Real Estate Trust  of approximately  $80 million of
existing senior notes  owed to the  Insurance Companies under  the Amended  Note
Agreement  (Assumed Indebtedness). The Company estimates  that the book value of
the properties  to  be sold  by  the Real  Estate  Trust will  exceed  the  sale
proceeds,  less  applicable  fees,  expenses and  other  costs  by approximately
$16,478. Accordingly, the Company has provided  for this loss as of January  30,
1994. Interest and principal on the Assumed Indebtedness will only be payable to
the extent of proceeds from sales of Real Estate Trust assets. The interest rate
on the Assumed Indebtedness will be increased to 10% per annum. The Company will
provide  a limited guarantee on  the Assumed Indebtedness in  an amount equal to
10% of the Assumed Indebtedness.

    The remaining Insurance Companies' senior notes of approximately $23 million
not  assumed  by  the  Real   Estate  Trust  (Retained  Indebtedness)  will   be
restructured  to  provide for  principal  to be  due  and owing  in  March 1999.
Interest will continue to be due monthly at an annual rate of 9% per annum.  The
Retained  Indebtedness will  continue to  be secured  by real  properties of the
Company not transferred to the Real Estate Trust.

    The servicer of the Real Estate Trust will be Transamerica Realty  Services,
Inc.  (the Servicer). The Servicer will sell the Real Estate Trust assets in the
ordinary course. Until sold, the operating properties will be leased back to the
Company for no rent  until October 31,  1997. Proceeds from  such sales will  be
used to repay the Assumed Indebtedness. The Company will retain an 80% residuary
interest in the Real Estate Trust after all of the Assumed Indebtedness has been
repaid. The Insurance Companies will retain a 20% residuary interest in the Real
Estate Trust. As operating properties are sold, the Company intends generally to
either  remain in  the location  on a  leased basis,  or relocate  to new leased
premises.

    The establishment of the Real Estate  Trust and transfer of the real  estate
properties is subject to stockholder approval at the Company's Annual Meeting to
be  held in  June 1994.  Upon the  establishment of  the Real  Estate Trust, the
Company has agreed  to issue to  the Insurance Companies  and the Grantor  Trust
warrants  to purchase  an aggregate  of 750,000  shares of  the Company's common
stock at an exercise price equal to the  market price for the shares on the  day
of  grant.  Thirty  months from  the  establishment  of the  Real  Estate Trust,
warrants to purchase an additional aggregate of 750,000 shares will be issued to
the Insurance Companies and the Grantor Trust. In each case the warrants will be
redeemable by the Company for a price equal to $1.00 per share.

    Under the  terms  of  the restructure,  if  the  Real Estate  Trust  is  not
established  and  the properties  transferred by  September  16, 1994,  then the
principal on the New Loan  and the Grantor Trust Notes  (see Note 6) wil  become
due and payable.

    Management  believes that the completion of the debt restructuring described
above, combined with projected cash flow from operations, will allow the Company
to meet its obligations during the 1994 fiscal year as they become due.

                                      F-52
<PAGE>
                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY

             SCHEDULE IV -- INDEBTEDNESS OF AND TO RELATED PARTIES

            SIX MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 30, 1994 AND AUGUST 1, 1993 AND
               YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31, 1993 AND JANUARY 26, 1992

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      INDEBTEDNESS TO                                   INDEBTEDNESS TO
                      ------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------
                      BALANCE AT                              BALANCE   BALANCE AT    ADDITIONS   DEDUCTIONS    BALANCE
NAME OF PERSON         BEGINNING    ADDITIONS   DEDUCTIONS    AT END     BEGINNING     (1)(2)         (3)       AT END
- - - - --------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------
<S>                   <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Six months ended
 January 30, 1994:
  Senior Notes*.....                                                     $ 111,895    $   1,336    $  10,151   $ 103,080
                      -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------
                                                                         $ 111,895    $   1,336    $  10,151   $ 103,080
                      -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------
                      -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------
Six months ended
 August 1, 1993:
  Senior Notes*.....                                                     $ 116,317    $   5,530    $   9,952   $ 111,895
                      -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------
                                                                         $ 116,317    $   5,530    $   9,952   $ 111,895
                      -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------
                      -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------
Year ended January
 31, 1993:
  Senior Notes*.....                                                     $  --        $ 119,643    $   3,326   $ 116,317
                      -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------
                                                                         $  --        $ 119,643    $   3,326   $ 116,317
                      -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------
                      -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------
Year ended January
 26, 1992:
  Senior Notes*.....                                                     $ 121,990    $  --        $ 121,990   $  --
                      -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------
                                                                         $ 121,990    $  --        $ 121,990   $  --
                      -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------
                      -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------
<FN>
- - - - ------------------------------
(1)  Includes interest paid in kind of $1,336 and $368 for the six months  ended
     January 30, 1994 and August 1, 1993, respectively.

(2)  Includes  $5,162  of accrued  interest added  to  principal during  the six
     months ended August 1, 1993.

(3)  Includes $1,756 of debt reduction resulting from the transfer of a business
     unit to the Grantor Trust during the six months ended August 1, 1993.

*    Senior Notes are owned  by Transamerica Life  Insurance & Annuity  Company,
     Sun  Life Insurance Company and Anchor  National Life Insurance Company who
     also owned 4,932,917 Shares of Company Common Stock.
</TABLE>

                                      F-53
<PAGE>
                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY

                  SCHEDULE V -- PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

            SIX MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 30, 1994 AND AUGUST 1, 1993 AND
               YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31, 1993 AND JANUARY 26, 1992

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               BALANCE AT                                                   BALANCE AT
                                               BEGINNING   ADDITIONS               OTHER CHANGES -- ADD       END OF
CLASSIFICATION                                 OF PERIOD    AT COST   RETIREMENTS  (DEDUCT) -- DESCRIBE       PERIOD
- - - - ---------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  -----------  ---------------------    ----------
                                                                           (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                            <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>                      <C>
Six months ended January 30, 1994:
  Land.......................................  $   69,427  $  --      $      820   $  (26,577)(c)           $   42,030
  Buildings and improvements.................      40,337       291          600      (17,817)(c)               22,211
  Machinery and equipment....................      --            75       --           --                           75
  Furniture and fixtures.....................      --           120       --           --                          120
  Construction in progress...................      --           427       --           --                          427
  Property held for sale.....................      55,185     --          13,594       44,394(c)                85,985
  Loss reserve...............................      --         --          --          (16,478)(d)              (16,478)
                                               ----------  ---------  -----------    --------               ----------
                                               $  164,949  $    913   $   15,014   $  (16,478)              $  134,370
                                               ----------  ---------  -----------    --------               ----------
                                               ----------  ---------  -----------    --------               ----------
Six months ended August 1, 1993:
  Land.......................................  $   32,306  $  --      $   --       $   37,121 (c)(e         $   69,427
  Buildings and improvements.................      64,199       172       --          (24,034)(b)(c)(e)         40,337
  Machinery and equipment....................      18,149       583           12      (18,720)(b)(e)            --
  Furniture and fixtures.....................      40,245       390        3,151      (37,484)(b)(e)            --
  Construction in progress...................         503       451       --             (954)(b)(e)            --
  Property held for sale.....................      52,919     --           7,134        9,400(c)                55,185
                                               ----------  ---------  -----------    --------               ----------
                                               $  208,321  $  1,596   $   10,297   $  (34,671)              $  164,949
                                               ----------  ---------  -----------    --------               ----------
                                               ----------  ---------  -----------    --------               ----------
Year ended January 31, 1993:
  Land.......................................  $   46,925  $     33   $      285   $  (14,367)(c)           $   32,306
  Buildings and improvements.................      83,252        42          499      (18,596)(b)(c)            64,199
  Machinery and equipment....................      18,368       103          444          122 (b)(c)             18,149
  Furniture and fixtures.....................      39,245       122          428        1,306 (b)(c)             40,245
  Construction in progress...................       1,114     1,484           39       (2,056)(b)(c)               503
  Property held for sale.....................      24,043        72        4,283       33,087(c)                52,919
                                               ----------  ---------  -----------    --------               ----------
                                               $  212,947  $  1,856   $    5,978   $    (504)               $  208,321
                                               ----------  ---------  -----------    --------               ----------
                                               ----------  ---------  -----------    --------               ----------
Year ended January 26, 1992:
  Land.......................................  $   47,760  $      3   $        4   $     (834)(c)           $   46,925
  Buildings and improvements.................      78,057       270       --            4,925 (b)(c)             83,252
  Machinery and equipment....................      18,078       276           36           50 (a)(b)             18,368
  Furniture and fixtures.....................      37,181       305            1        1,760 (a)(b)             39,245
  Construction in progress...................       5,701     2,995       --           (7,582)(a)(b)             1,114
  Property held for sale.....................      26,919     --           3,373          497 (c)(d)             24,043
                                               ----------  ---------  -----------    --------               ----------
                                               $  213,696  $  3,849   $    3,414   $   (1,184)              $  212,947
                                               ----------  ---------  -----------    --------               ----------
                                               ----------  ---------  -----------    --------               ----------
<FN>
- - - - ------------------------
(a)  Transfers between classifications.
(b)  Transfers of construction in progress.
(c)  Reclassifications to property held for sale.
(d)  Write-down of property held for sale.
(e)  Adjustment to fair value pursuant to Fresh-Start Reporting.
</TABLE>

                                      F-54
<PAGE>
                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY
      SCHEDULE VI -- ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION, DEPLETION AND AMORTIZATION
                        OF PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
            SIX MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 30, 1994 AND AUGUST 1, 1993 AND
               YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31, 1993 AND JANUARY 26, 1992

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            ADDITIONS                  OTHER CHANGES
                                               BALANCE AT   CHARGED TO                      --          BALANCE AT
                                               BEGINNING      COSTS                   ADD (DEDUCT) --     END OF
CLASSIFICATION                                 OF PERIOD   AND EXPENSES  RETIREMENTS     DESCRIBE         PERIOD
- - - - ---------------------------------------------  ----------  ------------  -----------  ---------------   ----------
                                                                         (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                            <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>               <C>
Six months ended January 30, 1994:
  Building and improvements..................  $  --       $    1,702    $      121   $   --            $   1,581
  Machinery and equipment....................     --               33        --           --                   33
  Furniture and fixtures.....................     --                9        --           --                    9
  Property held for sale.....................     --           --            --           --               --
                                               ----------  ------------  -----------  ---------------   ----------
                                               $  --       $    1,744    $      121   $   --            $   1,623
                                               ----------  ------------  -----------  ---------------   ----------
                                               ----------  ------------  -----------  ---------------   ----------
Six months ended August 1, 1993:
  Building and improvements..................  $  24,843   $    1,285    $    1,565   $  (24,563)(b)    $  --
  Machinery and equipment....................     13,999          465            11      (14,453)(b)       --
  Furniture and fixtures.....................     30,332          808         2,937      (28,203)(b)       --
  Property held for sale.....................     11,077            0        --          (11,077)(b)       --
                                               ----------  ------------  -----------  ---------------   ----------
                                               $  80,251   $    2,558    $    4,513   $  (78,296)(b)    $  --
                                               ----------  ------------  -----------  ---------------   ----------
                                               ----------  ------------  -----------  ---------------   ----------
Year ended January 31, 1993:
  Building and improvements..................  $  28,455   $    2,925    $      242   $   (6,295)(a)    $  24,843
  Machinery and equipment....................     13,434          981           416       --               13,999
  Furniture and fixtures.....................     28,637        2,004           309       --               30,332
  Property held for sale.....................      5,120       --               338        6,295(a)        11,077
                                               ----------  ------------  -----------  ---------------   ----------
                                               $  75,646   $    5,910    $    1,305   $   --            $  80,251
                                               ----------  ------------  -----------  ---------------   ----------
                                               ----------  ------------  -----------  ---------------   ----------
Year ended January 26, 1992:
  Building and improvements..................  $  25,867   $    2,708    $   --       $     (120)(a)    $  28,455
  Machinery and equipment....................     12,484          984            34       --               13,434
  Furniture and fixtures.....................     26,456        2,181        --           --               28,637
  Property held for sale.....................      5,400       --               400          120(a)         5,120
                                               ----------  ------------  -----------  ---------------   ----------
                                               $  70,207   $    5,873    $      434   $   --            $  75,646
                                               ----------  ------------  -----------  ---------------   ----------
                                               ----------  ------------  -----------  ---------------   ----------
<FN>
- - - - ------------------------
(a)  Reclassification of property held for sale.

(b)  Adjustment pursuant to Fresh-Start Reporting.
</TABLE>

                                      F-55
<PAGE>
                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY
            SCHEDULE X -- SUPPLEMENTARY INCOME STATEMENT INFORMATION
            SIX MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 30, 1994 AND AUGUST 1, 1993 AND
               YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31, 1993 AND JANUARY 26, 1992

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            CHARGED TO COSTS AND EXPENSES
                                                                  --------------------------------------------------
                                                                      SIX MONTHS ENDED            YEARS ENDED
                                                                  ------------------------  ------------------------
                                                                  JANUARY 30,   AUGUST 1,   JANUARY 31,  JANUARY 26,
ITEM                                                                 1994         1993         1993         1992
- - - - ----------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                               <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Advertising costs...............................................   $   3,686    $   7,708    $  10,760    $   8,474
</TABLE>

- - - - ------------------------
Charges  pertaining to maintenance and repairs, depreciation and amortization of
intangible assets,  preoperating  costs, taxes  other  than payroll  and  income
taxes,  and royalties did not  exceed 1% of total  sales and revenues during the
years  reported  and  are,  therefore,  not  reflected  thereon.   Depreciation,
depletion and amortization of property, plant and equipment are disclosed in the
consolidated statements of cash flow.

                                      F-56
<PAGE>
                                                                       EXHIBIT G
- - - - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - - - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                 UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------

                                   FORM 10-Q

                   QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(D)
                     OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

<TABLE>
<S>                  <C>
 FOR QUARTER ENDED   COMMISSION FILE NUMBER
 OCTOBER 30, 1994            1-4505
</TABLE>

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

                         STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

<TABLE>
<S>                           <C>
          DELAWARE               95-6029682
(State or other jurisdiction  (I.R.S. Employer
             of
      incorporation or         Identification
       organization)                No.)

  4300 WEST 190TH STREET,
    TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA         90509-2956
   (Address of principal         (Zip Code)
    executive officers)
</TABLE>

       Registrant's telephone number, including area code (310) 214-2411
                            ------------------------

    Indicate  by check  mark whether  the registrant  (1) has  filed all reports
required to be filed by  Section 13 or 15(d) of  the Securities Exchange Act  of
1934  during  the preceding  12  months (or  for  such shorter  period  that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to  such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes _X_ No ____

               APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY
                PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PRECEDING FIVE (5) YEARS:

    Indicate  by check mark  whether the Registrant has  filed all documents and
reports required to  be filed by  Sections 12,  13, or 15(d)  of the  Securities
Exchange  Act of 1934 subsequent to the  distribution of securities under a plan
confirmed by a court. Yes _X_ No ____

    On February 11, 1992, the registrant and four (4) of its subsidiaries  filed
separate  voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of
the United States  Code in the  United States Bankruptcy  Court for the  Central
District of California (the "Bankruptcy Court"). On May 13, 1993, the Bankruptcy
Court  confirmed the Fourth Amended Joint  Plan of Reorganization, (the "Plan"),
of the Registrant and  filed subsidiaries. On June  14, 1993, all conditions  to
the  effectiveness  of  the  Plan  were  met,  and  the  Plan  became  effective
("Effective Date"). Pursuant  to the  Plan, holders of  the Registrant's  common
stock  on  the Effective  Date retained  their shares  and 16,758,000  shares of
additional common  stock were  issued  in partial  satisfaction of  the  allowed
claims  of the  creditors of  the Registrant and  its four  (4) subsidiaries and
preferred shareholders of the Registrant. The securities issued pursuant to  the
Plan were distributed on the Effective Date.

    On  July  31, 1994,  the number  of shares  outstanding of  the Registrant's
common stock, $.01 par value, was 22,401,044.

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

                                      G-1
<PAGE>
                 STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                     INDEX

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        PAGE NO.
                                                                                                       -----------
<S>                                                                                                    <C>
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets At October 30, 1994 and January 30, 1994.....................          G-3
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for Nine Months and Three Months Ended October 30,
   1994, Three Months Ended October 31, 1993 and Six Months Ended August 1, 1993.....................        G4-G5
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For Nine Months Ended October 30, 1994 and Three
   Months Ended October 31, 1993 and Six Months Ended August 1, 1993.................................        G6-G7
  Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements...............................................       G8-G10
  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations..............      G11-G15
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION AND SIGNATURES............................................................      G16-G17
</TABLE>

                                      G-2
<PAGE>
                         PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.

                 STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)

ASSETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   OCTOBER 30,      JANUARY 30,
                                                                                      1994             1994
                                                                                 ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                                                              <C>              <C>
                                                                                   (UNAUDITED)
Current assets:
  Cash.........................................................................    $     1,715      $       911
  Accounts and notes receivable, net...........................................          3,511            3,398
  Inventories..................................................................         21,454           23,849
  Prepaid expenses.............................................................          3,813            2,866
  Deferred income taxes........................................................          4,082            4,082
                                                                                 ---------------  ---------------
    Total current assets.......................................................         34,575           35,106
Property, Plant and equipment..................................................        117,282          134,370
  Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization..............................          3,386            1,623
                                                                                 ---------------  ---------------
    Net property, plant and equipment..........................................        113,896          132,747
Other assets...................................................................          1,600            1,984
                                                                                 ---------------  ---------------
                                                                                   $   150,071      $   169,837
                                                                                 ---------------  ---------------
                                                                                 ---------------  ---------------

                     See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Short-term borrowings........................................................    $     4,488      $     6,646
  Grantor Trust note payable...................................................                           6,000
  Accounts payable.............................................................          9,722           11,130
  Accrued expenses.............................................................          9,819           13,536
                                                                                 ---------------  ---------------
    Total current liabilities..................................................         24,029           37,312
Senior notes, secured, payable to related parties..............................         30,501          103,080
Liquidating Property Trust notes...............................................         62,311
Note payable to related parties................................................         10,000
Grantor Trust note payable.....................................................          6,000
Deferred income taxes..........................................................          7,013            7,013
Other long-term liabilities....................................................          7,554            7,864
Common stock, $.01 par value per share authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued and
 outstanding 22,429,000 shares at October 30, 1994 and 22,369,000 shares
 January 30, 1994..............................................................            224              223
Additional paid-in capital.....................................................         35,577           35,571
Deficit........................................................................        (32,323)         (20,411)
Less: treasury stock, at cost, 28,000 shares at October 30, 1994 and January
 30, 1994......................................................................           (815)            (815)
                                                                                 ---------------  ---------------
                                                                                         2,663            4,568
                                                                                 ---------------  ---------------
                                                                                   $   150,071      $   169,837
                                                                                 ---------------  ---------------
                                                                                 ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>

     See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

                                      G-3
<PAGE>
                 STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
                                  (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          SIX MONTHS
                                         NINE MONTHS     THREE MONTHS        ENDED
                                            ENDED            ENDED       -------------         THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                       ---------------  ---------------    AUGUST 1,    --------------------------------
                                         OCTOBER 30,      OCTOBER 31,        1993         OCTOBER 30,      OCTOBER 31,
                                       1994 (SUCCESSOR  1993 (SUCCESSOR  (PREDECESSOR   1994 (SUCCESSOR  1993 (SUCCESSOR
                                          COMPANY)         COMPANY)        COMPANY)        COMPANY)         COMPANY)
                                       ---------------  ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                    <C>              <C>              <C>            <C>              <C>
Net sales............................     $  91,869        $  46,656      $   115,528      $  29,639        $  46,656
Cost of sales........................        55,268           28,501           71,512         18,464           28,501
                                       ---------------  ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------------
Gross margin.........................        36,601           18,155           44,016         11,175           18,155
Other costs and expenses:
  Operating, and general and
   administrative expenses...........        37,883           18,717           45,708         12,553           18,717
  Provision for restructuring and
   store closures....................                          6,000                                            6,000
  Depreciation and amortization......         2,521              815            2,323            826              815
  Interest (income)..................          (113)             (33)            (110)           (42)             (33)
  Interest expense...................         8,578            2,727            6,556          2,723            2,727
  Other expense (income), net........          (421)              47           (3,469)          (258)              47
                                       ---------------  ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------------
Loss from operations before
 reorganization items, income taxes
 and extraordinary item..............       (11,847)         (10,118)          (6,992)        (4,627)         (10,118)
Reorganization items:
  Fresh start adjustments............                                          41,463
  Professional fees..................                                          (4,840)
  Loss on transfer of business units
   and real properties to a grantor
   trust.............................           (65)                           (6,441)           (65)
                                       ---------------  ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------------
(Loss) income before income taxes and
 extraordinary item..................       (11,912)         (10,118)          23,190         (4,692)         (10,118)
Provision for income taxes...........
                                       ---------------  ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------------
(Loss) income before extraordinary
 item................................       (11,912)         (10,118)          23,190         (4,692)         (10,118)
Extraordinary item -- gain on
 forgiveness of debt.................                                           5,371
                                       ---------------  ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------------
Net (loss) income....................     $ (11,912)       $ (10,118)     $    28,561      $  (4,692)       $ (10,118)
                                       ---------------  ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                       ---------------  ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------------
Net (loss) income for Common
 Shareholders:
  Net (loss) income..................     $ (11,912)       $ (10,118)     $    28,561      $  (4,692)       $ (10,118)
  Adjustment for preferred
   dividends.........................                                            (812)
  Accretion on redeemable preferred
   stock.............................                                            (218)
                                       ---------------  ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                          $ (11,912)       $ (10,118)     $    27,531      $  (4,692)       $ (10,118)
                                       ---------------  ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                       ---------------  ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>

     See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

                                      G-4
<PAGE>
                 STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                  (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        THREE MONTHS     SIX MONTHS
                                        NINE MONTHS         ENDED           ENDED             THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                           ENDED       ---------------  -------------  --------------------------------
                                      ---------------    OCTOBER 31,      AUGUST 1,                       OCTOBER 31,
                                        OCTOBER 30,         1993            1993         OCTOBER 30,         1993
                                      1994 (SUCCESSOR   (PREDECESSOR    (PREDECESSOR   1994 (SUCCESSOR   (PREDECESSOR
                                         COMPANY)         COMPANY)        COMPANY)        COMPANY)         COMPANY)
                                      ---------------  ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                   <C>              <C>              <C>            <C>              <C>
Per common Share:
Net (loss) income per share-primary
 and fully diluted (MANAGEMENT
 BELIEVES THE PER SHARE AMOUNTS ARE
 NOT COMPARABLE DUE TO THE
 REORGANIZATION):
  Loss from continuing operations
   before reorganization items and
   extraordinary item...............  $         (.53 ) $         (.56 ) $      (1.44 ) $         (.21 ) $         (.56 )
Reorganization Items................                                            5.42
Extraordinary item -- gain on
 forgiveness of debt................                                             .96
                                      ---------------  ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------------
  Net (loss) income.................  $         (.53 ) $         (.56 ) $       4.94   $         (.21 ) $         (.56 )
                                      ---------------  ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                      ---------------  ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------------
Weighted average number of common
 and common equivalent share
 outstanding -- primary and fully
 diluted............................      22,347,000       18,152,100      5,578,000       22,356,000       18,152,000
                                      ---------------  ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                      ---------------  ---------------  -------------  ---------------  ---------------
</TABLE>

     See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

                                      G-5
<PAGE>
                 STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                  (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     NINE MONTHS   THREE MONTHS    SIX MONTHS
                                                        ENDED          ENDED         ENDED
                                                     OCTOBER 30,    OCTOBER 31,    AUGUST 1,
                                                        1994           1993           1993
                                                    -------------  -------------  ------------
                                                     (SUCCESSOR     (SUCCESSOR    (PREDECESSOR
                                                      COMPANY)       COMPANY)       COMPANY)
<S>                                                 <C>            <C>            <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net (loss) income...............................    $ (11,912)     $ (10,118)    $   28,561
  Adjustments to net (loss) income to obtain net
   cash used for operating activities:
    Provision for restructuring and store
     closures.....................................                       6,000
    Fresh start adjustments.......................                                    (41,463)
    Loss on transfer of business units and real
     properties to a grantor trust................           65                         6,441
    Extraordinary item -- gain on forgiveness of
     debt.........................................                                     (5,371)
    Depreciation and amortization.................        2,521            815          2,558
    Interest paid-in-kind.........................        2,527            727            368
    Provision for losses on accounts receivable...          299             73            209
    (Gain) loss on sale of property...............         (420)            47         (3,469)
    Change in operating assets and liabilities
     (net of the effects of business units
     transferred to a grantor trust as part of
     reorganization):
      Increase in accounts receivable.............         (412)          (951)        (4,221)
      Decrease in inventory, prepaid expenses and
       other......................................          910          5,894          1,447
      (Decrease) increase in accounts payable,
       accrued expenses and other.................       (5,435)        (8,471)         5,851
                                                    -------------  -------------  ------------
    Net cash used for operating activities........    $ (11,857)     $  (5,984)    $   (9,089)
                                                    -------------  -------------  ------------
                                                    -------------  -------------  ------------
</TABLE>

     See accompanying note to condensed consolidated financial statements.

                                      G-6
<PAGE>
                 STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                  (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     NINE MONTHS   THREE MONTHS    SIX MONTHS
                                                        ENDED          ENDED          ENDED
                                                     OCTOBER 30,    OCTOBER 31,     AUGUST 1,
                                                        1994           1993           1993
                                                    -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                     (SUCCESSOR     (SUCCESSOR    (PREDECESSOR
                                                      COMPANY)       COMPANY)       COMPANY)
<S>                                                 <C>            <C>            <C>
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Proceeds from transfer of business units and
   real properties to a grantor trust due to
   Chapter 11 proceeding, net of cash
   transferred....................................                                  $   7,499
  Increase in other assets........................    $     319                        (2,221)
  Purchases of property, plant and equipment......         (189)     $    (363)        (1,596)
  Proceeds from sale of property, plant and
   equipment......................................       17,477          7,968          9,194
                                                    -------------  -------------  -------------
Net cash provided by investing activities.........       17,607          7,605         12,876
                                                    -------------  -------------  -------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  (Costs) proceeds from stock issuance............            7                            13
  Repayment of long-term debt.....................       (6,258)        (5,614)        (8,197)
  Repayment of Liquidating Property Trust notes...       (6,537)
  Settlement of pre-petition claims, net..........                                     (9,773)
  Proceeds from Grantor Trust note payable........                       5,000
  Refinancing of note payable -- Grantor Trust....       (6,000)
  Proceeds from note payable to related party.....       10,000
  (Repayment of) proceeds from short-term
   borrowings, net................................       (2,158)        (1,900)         8,372
  Refinancing of note payable -- Grantor Trust....        6,000
                                                    -------------  -------------  -------------
Net cash provided by (used for) financing
 activities.......................................       (4,946)        (2,514)        (9,585)
                                                    -------------  -------------  -------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash...................          804           (893)        (5,798)
                                                    -------------
Cash, beginning of period.........................          911          3,264          9,062
                                                    -------------  -------------  -------------
Cash, end of period...............................    $   1,715      $   2,371      $   3,264
                                                    -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                    -------------  -------------  -------------
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
  Cash paid for:
    Interest......................................    $   4,585      $     781      $     957
    Income taxes..................................    $    (120)                    $      35
</TABLE>

     See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

                                      G-7
<PAGE>
                 STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
              NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                         (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
                                  (UNAUDITED)

NOTE 1 -- BASIS OF PRESENTATION:
    The  accompanying  condensed consolidated  financial statements  of Standard
Brands Paint Company and Subsidiaries (the "Company") have been prepared by  the
Company  without audit. The condensed consolidated  balance sheet at January 30,
1994 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that
date.  Certain  information  and  footnote  disclosures,  including  significant
accounting  policies,  normally  included in  financial  statements  prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed  or
omitted.  The  Company  believes that  the  accompanying  condensed consolidated
financial statements include all  necessary adjustments (which  are of a  normal
and  recurring nature)  and those  adjustments required  to adopt  "fresh start"
reporting  as  described  below  which  are  considered  necessary  for  a  fair
presentation.  The  consolidated  results  for any  interim  period  may  not be
indicative of the results for the entire year.

    It is  suggested  that  the accompanying  unaudited  condensed  consolidated
financial  statements be read  in conjunction with  the financial statements and
notes incorporated by reference  in the Company's most  recent annual report  on
Form 10-K.

NOTE 2 -- REORGANIZATION AND RECAPITALIZATION:
    On  February 11, 1992,  the Company and  four (4) of  its subsidiaries filed
separate voluntary petitions for reorganization  under Chapter 11 of the  United
States Bankruptcy Code.

    The  Company and  the four subsidiaries  which filed  voluntary petition for
reorganization under Chapter 11 emerged from their Chapter 11 bankruptcy  status
effective  June 14, 1993  ("Effective Date") in  accordance with their confirmed
Fourth Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization (the "Plan"). See the Company's most
recent annual report on Form 10-K for a review of the impact of the Plan.

    Upon emergence form its Chapter 11  proceedings the Company (referred to  as
"Successor  Company" when compared  to periods prior to  August 1, 1993) adopted
the provisions  of  Statement of  Position  No. 90-7,  "Financial  Reporting  by
Entities  in Reorganization Under the Bankruptcy Code" ("Fresh-Start Reporting")
as promulgated  by the  American Institute  of Certified  Public Accountants  in
November  1990. Accordingly,  all assets and  liabilities have  been restated to
reflect their reorganization value, which  approximates their fair value at  the
Effective  Date.  In  addition,  the  accumulated  deficit  of  the  Company was
eliminated and its capital structure was recast in conformity with the Plan, and
as such,  the Company  has recorded  the  effects of  the Plan  and  Fresh-Start
Reporting as of August 1, 1993. The results of operations and cash flows for the
six  months and three months ended July 31, 1994 include operation subsequent to
the Company's emergence from Chapter 11 proceedings. As a result, the net (loss)
for the six and three month periods ended July 31, 1994 are not comparable  with
prior periods.

NOTE 3 -- INVENTORIES:
    Inventories  at  October  30,  1994  and January  30,  1994  consist  of the
following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      OCTOBER 30, 1994   JANUARY 30, 1994
                                      ----------------   ----------------
      <S>                             <C>                <C>
      Retail inventories............       $17,856            $19,965
      Manufacturing inventories.....         3,165              3,380
      Wholesale inventories.........           433                504
                                          --------           --------
                                           $21,454            $23,849
                                          --------           --------
                                          --------           --------
</TABLE>

                                      G-8
<PAGE>
                 STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
        NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                         (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
                                  (UNAUDITED)

NOTE 4 -- SHORT TERM BORROWINGS:
    Pursuant to the Plan, the Company  entered into a new credit agreement  with
Foothill  Capital Corp. ("Foothill") on June 14, 1993 which provided the Company
with a secured line of  credit in the amount of  $12,500. On April 14, 1994  the
Company  amended its agreement with Foothill  to extend the credit agreement for
three additional years. The interest rate  under the amended agreement is  equal
to  the  prime rate  of interest  plus 3%  per  annum. At  October 30,  1994 the
interest per annum was 10.75%.

    At October 30, 1994 and January 30, 1994, short-term borrowings consisted of
amounts  outstanding   to  Foothill   of   approximately  $4,488   and   $6,646,
respectively.  In  addition, at  October 30,  1994  the Company  had outstanding
letters of credit of $4,376 for the State of California's Workers'  Compensation
program.

NOTE 5 -- SENIOR NOTES:
    On  June 14,  1993 the  Company entered  into an  Amended and  Restated Loan
Agreement (the Amended  Note Agreement)  with its  senior lenders,  Transamerica
Insurance   Companies  and   Sun  Life   Insurance  Companies   (the  "Insurance
Companies"). The Amended Note Agreement provided  for a stated interest rate  of
9.0%  per  annum  (reduced  from  11.7%), however,  for  the  first  three years
subsequent to June 14, 1993 the rate at which interest is paid is 6.5%, 7.5% and
8.5%, respectively, with the difference between the stated rate and the pay rate
added to principal as payment of interest in-kind. The Amended Note Agreement is
collateralized by  a perfected  first  priority lien  and security  interest  in
specific real property assets of the Company. On August 1, 1994 the Amended Note
Agreement  was further amended to provide, among other things, the establishment
of a Liquidating Property Trust and the transfer of approximately $68.7  million
of existing indebtedness to the Liquidating Property Trust.

    The  remaining  Insurance  Companies' senior  notes  of  approximately $30.5
million not assumed  by the Liquidating  Property Trust (Retained  Indebtedness)
were  restructured to provide  for principal to  be due and  owing in July 1999.
Interest will continue to be due monthly at an annual rate of 9% per annum.  The
Retained  Indebtedness will  continue to  be secured  by real  properties of the
Company not transferred to the Liquidating Property Trust.

NOTE 6 -- LIQUIDATING PROPERTY TRUST NOTES:
    On  August  1,  1994,  the  Company  and  its  subsidiaries  established   a
Liquidating Property Trust and transferred (subject to the existing liens of the
Insurance  Companies) 78 of its 103  operating and non-operating real properties
with a  net  book value  of  approximately $82.7  million  in exchange  for  the
assumption  by the Liquidating Property Trust  of approximately $68.7 million of
existing senior notes  (see Note 5)  owed to the  Insurance Companies under  the
Amended  Note Agreement (Assumed  Indebtedness). The Company  estimates that the
book value of the properties to be  sold by the Liquidating Property Trust  will
exceed  the sales  proceeds, less applicable  fees, expenses and  other costs by
approximately $14.6 million. Accordingly, the Company has provided for this loss
as of January 30, 1994. Interest and principal on the assumed indebtedness  will
only  be payable to  the extent of  proceeds from sales  of Liquidating Property
Trust assets. The interest rate on the Assumed Indebtedness was increased to 10%
per annum.  The  Company  has  provided  a  limited  guarantee  on  the  Assumed
Indebtedness  in  an amount  equal to  10%  of the  Assumed Indebtedness.  As of
October 30, 1994 the amount outstanding was $62.3 million.

    The servicer  to  the  Liquidating Property  Trust  is  Transamerica  Realty
Services,  Inc. (the "Servicer"). The Servicer will sell the trust assets in the
ordinary course. Proceeds from such sales will be

                                      G-9
<PAGE>
                 STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
        NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                         (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
                                  (UNAUDITED)

NOTE 6 -- LIQUIDATING PROPERTY TRUST NOTES: (CONTINUED)
used to repay the Assumed Indebtedness. The Company will retain an 80% residuary
interest in the Liquidating Property Trust after all of the Assumed Indebtedness
has been repaid. The Insurance Companies will retain a 20% residuary interest in
the Liquidating Property Trust.

    Proceeds from the trust distributed to the Company must be used to repay the
Company's Retained Indebtedness of approximately $30.5 million principal  amount
owed  to the Insurance Companies and to repay the $10 million New Loan (see note
7).

    In connection  with  the  trust  transaction,  the  Company  issued  to  the
Insurance Companies, Fidelity Capital & Income Fund, and Kodak Retirement Income
Plan  Trust Fund  warrants to  purchase an  aggregate of  375,000 shares  of the
Company's common stock  at an  exercise price of  $1.50 per  share. Warrants  to
purchase  up  to  an  additional  375,000  shares  will  become  effective after
September 16, 1996 reduced  to the extent principal  on the $10 million  working
capital  loan has  been repaid.  The exercise price  will be  the Current Market
Value (as defined) of the  Company's common stock on  such date. The holders  of
the  warrants  will  have  certain registration  rights  with  respect  to their
underlying shares. The warrants are redeemable by the Company, at any time,  for
a price equal to $1 per share in excess of the Market Price (as defined).

NOTE 7 -- OTHER LONG TERM LIABILITIES:
    On  March 16,  1994, the  Company entered  into an  agreement with Insurance
Companies and the Grantor Trust for $10  million of new financing and a plan  to
restructure the Company's existing $103 million in senior notes (see Note 5) and
existing $6 million indebtedness with the Grantor Trust.

    Under  the terms of the agreement, the  Company borrowed an aggregate of $10
million from  the Insurance  Company Lenders  and the  Grantor Trust  (the  "New
Loan").  The New Loan provides for monthly interest  at a rate of 10% per annum.
Principal on the loan is due in full in March 1999. The indebtedness is  secured
by  a second lien on substantially all  of the Company's real property. The loan
proceeds were used to pay existing  trade debt, provide working capital and  pay
for transaction expenses.

    The  Grantor Trust has restructured the  $6 million of existing indebtedness
to a  term of  six years  (due  in full  in March  2000) with  interest  payable
quarterly  at a rate of 10% per annum.  This indebtedness is secured by a second
lien on certain of the Company's real properties.

                                      G-10
<PAGE>
ITEM 2.

                 STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
                      CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                         (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)

INTRODUCTION

    This  discussion  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  the  consolidated
financial  statements, related notes and management's discussion and analysis of
financial condition and results of  operations included in the Company's  Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 30, 1994.

    The  Company  emerged from  its  reorganization proceedings  in  June, 1993.
Management believes it will be able to concentrate on operational activities and
pursue the  Company's long-term  growth and  strategic objectives.  The  Company
believes  that its ability to meet growth and strategic objectives is contingent
upon several factors. The Company has reduced the size of its retail paint store
chain to  a core  group of  stores concentrating  on selling  paint and  related
merchandise,  and  must increase  operating  profits from  these  remaining core
stores. The Company will  also focus on its  competitive and asset strengths  in
paint market share, retail locations, and paint manufacturing capabilities. In a
multifaceted  approach, the Company hopes  to add potential incremental business
and profits by (i) remerchandising its  retail paint stores, (ii) launching  new
paint  products,  (iii) increasing  sales  to outside  retailers  (i.e., private
labeling), and (iv)  reducing general corporate  overhead costs associated  with
such areas as distribution, warehousing, and management information systems.

    On  March 16, 1994, the Company entered into an agreement with the Insurance
Company Lenders and Fidelity and  Kodak for $10 million  of new financing and  a
plan  to restructure the Company's existing  $103 million Insurance Company Loan
and existing  $6 million  indebtedness  with Fidelity  and Kodak  ("the  Grantor
Trust").

    Under  the terms of the  planned restructure, the Company  on August 1, 1994
established a Liquidating Property Trust and transferred 78 of its 103 operating
and non-operating real properties with a  net book value of approximately  $82.7
million in exchange for the assumption by the Real Estate Trust of approximately
$68.7  million of  existing indebtedness owed  to the  Insurance Company Lenders
under the Amended Insurance  Company Loan. The Company  estimates that the  book
value of the properties to be sold by the Real Estate trust will exceed the sale
proceeds, less applicable fees, expenses and other costs, by approximately $14.6
million  and has provided for this loss in the consolidated financial Statements
for the fiscal year ended January 30, 1994.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

    Upon emergence  from  bankruptcy  the  Company  adopted  the  provisions  of
Statement   of  Position   No.  90-7,   "Financial  Reporting   by  Entities  in
Reorganization Under the Bankruptcy Code", which resulted in the revaluation  of
all  assets and  liabilities to  reflect the  Company's estimated reorganization
value. As a result, the net loss for  the nine months ended October 30, 1994  is
not  comparable with the nine months ended October 31, 1993. In addition, due to
the seasonal nature  of the Company's  business, results of  operations for  the
nine  months and three  months ended October  30, 1994 may  not be indicative of
results of operations for the entire year.

    Consolidated sales for  the nine months  ended October 30,  1994 reflects  a
decrease  of $70,315 compared with the combined three month period ended October
31, 1993 and the six month period  ended August 1, 1993. Consolidated sales  for
the  three months ended October 30, 1994 reflects a decrease of $17,017 compared
with  the  three  months  ended  October  31,  1993.  The  decreased  sales  was
principally  caused by the closure  of 60 stores and the  transfer of two of the
Company's business units pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization.

                                      G-11
<PAGE>
    Comparable store sales for the nine months ended October 30, 1994  decreased
by  $6,032 or 6.7% compared  with the combined three  month period ended October
31, 1993 and the six month period  ended August 1, 1993. Comparable store  sales
for the three months ended October 30, 1994 decreased by $2,494 or 8.4% compared
with  the same fiscal period in 1993.  Sales and customer traffic continue to be
impacted by weak economic conditions  in California, the Company's core  market.
The recent increases in interest rates have put pressure on real estate activity
in  a market that is already plagued  by high unemployment and continued layoffs
in the defense and aerospace industries. The economy has also been impacted this
year by the  effects of the  January 17th Northridge  earthquake and layoffs  by
large employers in the financial-services, oil and high-tech industries.

    The following is an analysis of comparative year-to-date sales by component:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            NINE MONTHS        THREE MONTHS       SIX MONTHS
                                           ENDED OCTOBER      ENDED OCTOBER     ENDED AUGUST 1,
                                              30, 1994           31, 1993            1993
                                          ----------------   ----------------   ---------------
                                             (SUCCESSOR         (SUCCESSOR       (PREDECESSOR
                                              COMPANY)           COMPANY)          COMPANY)
<S>                                       <C>                <C>                <C>
Continuing Paint Stores.................       $83,909            $29,869           $ 60,107
Closed Paint Stores*....................           495             13,505             35,045
                                              --------           --------       ---------------
                                                84,804             43,374             95,152

Art Stores (1)..........................             0                  0              5,571
Zynolyte Products Company (1)...........             0                  0             11,821
Major Paint Company and Export Sales....         7,465              3,282              2,984
                                              --------           --------       ---------------
                                               $91,869            $46,656           $115,528
                                              --------           --------       ---------------
                                              --------           --------       ---------------
<FN>
- - - - ------------------------
 *   Updated to reflect additional store closures through October 30, 1994.

(1)  These business units were transformed to newly formed corporations owned by
     a  grantor  trust  pursuant  to  the  Reorganization  Plan,  to  secure the
     indebtedness owed to  Fidelity and Kodak  under the Fidelity/Kodak  Secured
     Notes. Zynolyte Products Company was sold on August 2, 1993.
</TABLE>

    In  connection  with  the  adoption of  Fresh-Start  Reporting,  the Company
adopted the First-in, First-out ("FIFO") method for determining the cost of  its
inventories.  The Company's consolidated  FIFO gross profit  was 39.9% and 37.7%
for the nine months and three months ended October 30, 1994, respectively versus
37.3% for the combined  three month period  ended October 31,  1993 and the  six
month  period ended  August 1,  1993 and 38.9%  for the  comparative three month
period in the prior fiscal year. The increased margin for the nine months  ended
October  30,  1994  versus  the  prior  periods  resulted,  in  part  from lower
promotional markdowns, lower markdowns on discontinued and clearance merchandise
and an improvement in inventory shortage. The lower margin for the three  months
ended  October  30,  1994  versus  1993 was  due  mainly  to  higher promotional
markdowns.

    Operating, general  and administrative  expenses decreased  $26,542 for  the
nine months ended October 30, 1994 compared with the combined three month period
ended  October  31, 1993  and  the six  month period  ended  August 1,  1993 and
decreased $6,164 for the three months  ended October 30, 1994 compared with  the
same  period in 1993.  The decreases resulted  primarily from the  closing of 60
stores and the transfer of two of  the Company's business units pursuant to  the
Plan.  Operating, general  and administrative expenses  were 41.2%  and 42.3% of
sales for the nine months and three  months ended October 30, 1994 versus  39.7%
for the combined three months ended October 31, 1993 and six months ended August
1,  1993 and 40.1% for three months ended  October 31, 1993. The increase in the
percentage of  sales for  the nine  months  ended October  30, 1994  versus  the
combined  three and  six month periods  in 1993  and for the  three months ended
October 30, 1994  versus 1993 is  due to  the reduction in  sales as  previously
discussed and the fixed nature of certain expenses.

                                      G-12
<PAGE>
    Depreciation  and amortization was  $2,521 and $826 for  the nine months and
three months ended October 30, 1994 compared with $3,138 for the combined  three
month  period ended October  31, 1993 and  the six month  period ended August 1,
1993 and  $815 for  the comparative  three  month period  in fiscal  1993.  This
decrease  was principally due to the sale of surplus real estate properties, and
the  Company's  adoption  of  Fresh-Start  reporting  whereby  it  restated  and
reallocated  real  asset  values between  non-depreciable  land  and depreciable
buildings and fixtures.

    Interest income reflects amounts earned  on cash deposits. Interest  expense
includes  accrued amounts  on the senior  notes, the  Liquidating Property Trust
notes, short-term borrowing as well as the other debt. Interest expense for  the
nine  months  and three  months ended  October  30, 1994  was $8,578  and $2,723
compared with $9,283 for the combined three month period ended October 31,  1993
and  the six month period  ended August 1, 1993 and  $2,727 for the three months
ended October  31, 1993.  The decrease  resulted mainly  from the  reduction  in
long-term  debt, from the sale of real  property and a reduction in the interest
rate on the senior notes from 11.7% to 9%.

    Other (income) expense, net primarily  represents the Company's gain on  the
sale of real property during the periods.

    Reorganization   items  consist   of  expenses   directly  related   to  the
reorganization of the Company from the Petition Date through the Effective Date,
including professional fees  and other  costs related to  the administration  of
bankruptcy  matters. In  addition, reorganization  items include  adjustments to
record assets and  liabilities at fair  value in connection  with the  Company's
adoption  of Fresh-Start Reporting, and a loss on the sale of business units and
real properties  to a  grantor trust  in accordance  with the  Plan.  Additional
information  is  included in  Item 1  in  Note 2  to the  condensed consolidated
financial statements.

    Pursuant to  the Plan,  on the  Effective Date  the Company  distributed  or
exchanged  cash, real property,  other assets and common  stock in settlement of
certain pre-petition  obligations.  The value  of  the above  cash,  assets  and
securities  was approximately $5,371,000 less than the pre-petition liabilities.
Accordingly, the resulting gain was recorded as an extraordinary item.

FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AS OF OCTOBER 30, 1994

    Working capital increased to $10,546 from  a deficit of ($2,206) at  January
30,  1994. This  increase resulted  from $10  million of  new financing  and the
restructuring of the $6 million Grantor Trust loan on March 16, 1994.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

    The  Company's  capital  structure  remains  highly  leveraged  despite  its
recapitalization and restructuring.

    At  October  30, 1994,  the Company  had no  availability under  its working
capital facility with  Foothill based  on a  formula of  inventory and  accounts
receivable.  The credit agreement  was amended on April  14, 1994 which extended
the $12.5 million working capital facility for three additional years.

    On March 16, 1994, the Company entered into an agreement with the  Insurance
Companies  and the Grantor Trust for $10 million  of new financing and a plan to
restructure the Company's existing $103 million in senior notes and existing  $6
million indebtedness with the Grantor Trust.

    Under  the terms of the agreement, the  Company borrowed an aggregate of $10
million from  the Insurance  Company Lenders  and the  Grantor Trust  (the  "New
Loan").  The New Loan provides for monthly interest  at a rate of 10% per annum.
Principal on the loan is due in full in March 1999. The indebtedness is  secured
by  a second lien on substantially all  of the Company's real property. The loan
proceeds were used to pay existing  trade debt, provide working capital and  pay
for transaction expenses.

                                      G-13
<PAGE>
    The  Grantor Trust has restructured the  $6 million of existing indebtedness
to a  term of  six years  (due  in full  in March  2000) with  interest  payable
quarterly  at a rate of 10% per annum.  This indebtedness is secured by a second
lien on certain of the Company's real properties.

    On  August  1,  1994,  the  Company  and  its  subsidiaries  established   a
Liquidating Property Trust and transferred (subject to the existing liens of the
Insurance  Companies) 78 of its 103  operating and non-operating real properties
with a  net  book value  of  approximately $82.7  million  in exchange  for  the
assumption  by the Liquidating Property Trust  of approximately $68.7 million of
existing senior notes  owed to the  Insurance Companies under  the Amended  Note
Agreement  (Assumed Indebtedness). The Company estimates  that the book value of
the properties to  be sold  by the Liquidating  Property Trust  will exceed  the
sales  proceeds, less applicable fees, expenses and other costs by approximately
$14.6 million. Accordingly, the Company has provided for this loss as of January
30, 1994.  Interest and  principal  on the  assumed  indebtedness will  only  be
payable  to  the extent  of proceeds  from sales  of Liquidating  Property Trust
assets. The interest rate on the  Assumed Indebtedness was increased to 10%  per
annum.  The Company has provided a limited guarantee on the Assumed Indebtedness
in an amount equal to 10% of the Assumed Indebtedness.

    The servicer  to  the  Liquidating Property  Trust  is  Transamerica  Realty
Services,  Inc. (the "Servicer"). The Servicer will sell the trust assets in the
ordinary course. Proceeds  from such  sales will be  used to  repay the  Assumed
Indebtedness.  The  Company  will  retain  an  80%  residuary  interest  in  the
Liquidating Property  Trust  after all  of  the Assumed  Indebtedness  has  been
repaid.  The Insurance  Companies will  retain a  20% residuary  interest in the
Liquidating Property Trust.

    Proceeds from the trust distributed to the Company must be used to repay the
Company's Retained Indebtedness of approximately $30.5 million principal  amount
owed to the Insurance Companies and to repay the $10 million New Loan.

    In  connection  with  the  trust  transaction,  the  Company  issued  to the
Insurance Companies, Fidelity Capital & Income Fund, and Kodak Retirement Income
Plan Trust  Fund warrants  to purchase  an aggregate  of 375,000  shares of  the
Company's  common stock  at an  exercise price of  $1.50 per  share. Warrants to
purchase up  to  an  additional  375,000  shares  will  become  effective  after
September  16, 1996 reduced to  the extent principal on  the $10 million working
capital loan has  been repaid.  The exercise price  will be  the Current  Market
Value  (as defined) of the  Company's common stock on  such date. The holders of
the warrants  will  have  certain  registration rights  with  respect  to  their
underlying  shares. The warrants are redeemable by the Company, at any time, for
a price equal to $1 per share in excess of the Market Price (as defined).

    The  terms  of   the  remaining   Insurance  Companies'   senior  notes   of
approximately  $30.5  million  not  assumed by  the  Liquidating  Property Trust
("Retained Indebtedness") were amended  to provide for principal  to be due  and
owing  in July 1999. Interest will continue to  be due monthly at an annual rate
of 9% per annum. The Retained Indebtedness  will continue to be secured by  real
properties of the Company not transferred to the trust.

    The  Company's liquidity  at October 30,  1994 combined  with projected cash
flows from  operations  for  fiscal 1994  may  not  be sufficient  to  meet  all
obligations  as  they  come due.  Consequently,  the  Company may  need  to seek
alternative sources of financing to meet its anticipated operating requirements.
However, the  Company can  give no  assurances  that it  will be  successful  in
obtaining alternate financing should it be necessary.

    If  the  Company  is  unable  to obtain  sufficient  financing  to  meet its
liquidity needs, the Company's ability to  continue as a going concern would  be
uncertain.  The  unaudited  condensed consolidated  financial  statements  as of
October 30, 1994 do not include  any adjustments to reflect the possible  future
effects  on the recoverability  and classification of assets  or the amounts and
classification of liabilities that may result from the possible inability of the
Company to continue as a  going concern. There can be  no assurance that in  the
event of a liquidation of the Company that there would be any proceeds available
to the shareholders.

                                      G-14
<PAGE>
    The Company currently operates 58 paint stores, 27 of which are among the 78
parcels  of real  property transferred  to the  Liquidating Property  Trust. The
Company will be given a minimum of four  months notice prior to the sale of  any
currently  operating  retail paint  store. Until  sold, 13  of the  27 operating
retail store properties are being leased back  to the Company for no rent  until
October  31, 1997. The remaining 14  operating retail store properties are being
leased  back  to  the  Company  until  July  31,  1995  at  a  monthly  rent  of
approximately  $190 thousand. After July 31,  1995, such properties which remain
unsold shall be leased to the Company on a month to month basis at a fair market
rent as agreed to between the Servicer and the Company. Upon the sale of the  27
currently  operating retail paint  stores, the Corporation  intends generally to
either remain in the same location on  a leased basis or relocate to new  leased
locations.  The Company  has engaged  a real  estate consultant  who is actively
involved in identifying potential sites for new stores.

    The Company's  liquidity coverage  is  highly dependent  on cash  flow  from
operating  paint stores. During fiscal 1993, the cash flow from the 58 currently
operating paint stores was approximately  $13.1 million, of which  approximately
$5.2  was  the cash  flow  from the  27  stores transferred  to  the Liquidating
Property Trust. While it is the  Company's intention generally to either  remain
in  the same location on a leased basis or relocate to new leased locations, the
Company can  give no  assurances that  it will  be able  to negotiate  favorable
leases  for  the same  locations or  find  and relocate  to suitable  new leased
locations with favorable terms as these stores are sold.

    Beginning with  fiscal 1995,  the  Company's cash  flow could  be  seriously
impacted depending on the number of operating stores which could be sold and the
timing  of such  sales. Should  this occur,  the Company's  ability to  meet its
obligations would be impaired and additional sources of working capital would be
required. The Corporation would then pursue other potential financing activities
which may include  the sale  of certain  other assets  such as  the Major  Paint
Company.

    On  November  28,  1994  the  Company  announced  that  it  had  executed  a
preliminary, non-binding  expression  of  interest  in  the  consummation  of  a
transaction  with  Corimon, S.A.C.A.  a Venezuelan  company ("CRM")  and certain
holders of the Company's outstanding notes that would restructure the  Company's
capitalization.  Pinnacle  Partners will  participate in  the transaction  as an
additional investor. Shares of CRM trade on  the New York Stock Exchange in  the
form of American Depository Shares under the symbol CRM.

    Any  agreement  to  pursue  the  restructuring  proposal  will  result  in a
significant dilution to the Company's current stock holders and be subject to  a
number  of conditions, including a due  diligence review, approval by regulatory
authorities, stockholders and other third  parties, and CRM board approval.  The
Company  intends to schedule a shareholder meeting  as soon as practical after a
definitive  agreement  is  negotiated,  in   order  to  seek  approval  of   the
restructuring.  Because the proposal  is not binding, there  can be no assurance
any restructuring will take place.

                                      G-15
<PAGE>
                          PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
                 STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

    Not Applicable

ITEM 2.  CHANGES IN SECURITIES

    Not Applicable

ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

    As of October 30, 1994, the Registrant was not in default in the payment  of
principal or interest with respect to any of its indebtedness.

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

    4(a).  Not Applicable

    4(b).  Not Applicable

    4(c).  Not Applicable

    4(d).  Not Applicable

ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION

    Not Applicable

ITEM 6(A).  EXHIBITS

    Not Applicable

ITEM 6(B).  REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

    None

                                      G-16
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES

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

<TABLE>
<S>                                           <C>
                                                     Standard Brands Paint Company
                                              -------------------------------------------
                                                              (REGISTRANT)

            Date           December 13, 1994             /s/ Fletcher L. Byrom
      --------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------
                                                           Fletcher L. Byrom
                                                  CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

            Date           December 13, 1994              /s/ Howard Schwartz
      --------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------
                                                            Howard Schwartz,
                                                 SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT/CHIEF FINANCIAL
                                                                OFFICER
</TABLE>

                                      G-17
<PAGE>
                                                                PRELIMINARY COPY
PROXY                    STANDARD BRANDS PAINT COMPANY

    Solicited  on  behalf of  the Board  of Directors  of STANDARD  BRANDS PAINT
COMPANY (the "Company")  for use  at the  Special Meeting  of Stockholders  (the
"Meeting")  to be  held on  April    , 1995  at 10:00  A.M., at  4300 West 190th
Street, Torrance, California.

    The undersigned hereby appoints Edward A. Drury and Denise McHugh, or either
one of them, as Proxies, with full power of substitution, to vote all shares  of
Common  Stock of the Company held of record  by the undersigned on             ,
1995 at the Meeting or  at any adjournments thereof,  on the proposal set  forth
below  and in  their discretion  upon such other  business as  may properly come
before the Meeting.

    The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the Restructuring Proposal.

1.  Approval of  the Restructuring  Proposal as  described in  the  accompanying
    Proxy Statement dated March   , 1995.

            / /  FOR            / /  AGAINST            / /  ABSTAIN

2.  In  their discretion,  the Proxies  are authorized  to vote  upon such other
    business as may properly come before the Meeting.

    This proxy, when properly executed will  be voted in the manner directed  by
the  undersigned stockholder. If no direction is given, this proxy will be voted
for the Restructuring Proposal. All proxies heretofore given by the  undersigned
are  hereby revoked.  Receipt of  the Proxy Statement  dated March     , 1995 is
acknowledged.
<PAGE>
    PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE  AND RETURN THIS PROXY  IN THE ACCOMPANYING  PREPAID
ENVELOPE.
                                                        Date: ____________, 1995
                                                        ________________________
                                                              (Signature)
                                                        ________________________
                                                              (Signature)

                                                        Please  sign  exactly as
                                                        your name appears
                                                        hereon. When signing  as
                                                        attorney, executor,
                                                        administrator,  trustee,
                                                        guardian  or   corporate
                                                        officer,  please include
                                                        full title.


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