US OFFICE PRODUCTS CO
S-3, 1997-01-09
CATALOG & MAIL-ORDER HOUSES
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<PAGE>
    AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JANUARY 9, 1997
 
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                           --------------------------
 
                                    FORM S-3
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                           --------------------------
 
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>                                       <C>
                DELAWARE                                    5112                                   52-1906050
      (State or other jurisdiction              (Primary Standard Industrial                    (I.R.S. Employer
   of incorporation or organization)            Classification Code Number)                  Identification Number)
</TABLE>
 
                           --------------------------
 
                       1025 THOMAS JEFFERSON STREET, N.W.
                                   SUITE 600E
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20007
                                 (202) 339-6700
  (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of
                   registrant's principal executive offices)
                         ------------------------------
 
                              JONATHAN J. LEDECKY
               CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                                MARK D. DIRECTOR
                  EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
                       1025 THOMAS JEFFERSON STREET, N.W.
                                   SUITE 600E
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20007
                                 (202) 339-6700
 (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
                             of agents for service)
                       ----------------------------------
 
                                   COPIES TO:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                              <C>
             LINDA L. GRIGGS, ESQ.                         LELAND E. HUTCHINSON, ESQ.
          Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP                        John L. MacCarthy, Esq.
              1800 M Street, N.W.                               Winston & Strawn
          Washington, D.C. 20036-5869                         35 West Wacker Drive
                (202) 467-7000                            Chicago, Illinois 60601-9703
                                                                 (312) 558-5600
</TABLE>
 
                           --------------------------
 
    APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after this registration statement becomes effective.
                           --------------------------
 
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       PROPOSED MAXIMUM       PROPOSED MAXIMUM          AMOUNT OF
                TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF                  AMOUNT TO BE       OFFERING          AGGREGATE OFFERING       REGISTRATION
             SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED                 REGISTERED     PRICE PER UNIT            PRICE(1)                 FEE
<S>                                                     <C>           <C>                 <C>                        <C>
Common Stock, $.001 par value per share...............   11,500,000        $33.968             $390,640,050.00         $118,375.94
</TABLE>
 
(1) Estimated solely for the purposes of calculating the registration fee
    pursuant to Rule 457(c) and based on the average of the high and low prices
    of the common stock reported by the Nasdaq National Market on January 2,
    1997.
                           --------------------------
 
    If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box. / /
 
    If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box. / /
 
    If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. / / _____
 
    If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. / / _____
 
    If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. / /
 
    THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a),
MAY DETERMINE.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
<PAGE>
                     SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, JANUARY 9, 1997
 
                                     [LOGO]
 
                               10,000,000 SHARES
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
 
    Of the 10,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $.001 per share (the
"Common Stock"), of U.S. Office Products Company (the "Company" or "U.S. Office
Products") offered hereby, 6,000,000 shares are being sold by the Company and
4,000,000 shares are being sold by certain stockholders of the Company (the
"Selling Stockholders"). See "Principal and Selling Stockholders." The Company
will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the Common Stock offered
by the Selling Stockholders. On January 8, 1997, the last sale price of the
Company's Common Stock, as reported on the Nasdaq National Market, was $34.875
per share.  The Company's Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market
under the symbol "OFIS."
 
    The Company has filed shelf registration statements with the Securities and
Exchange Commission relating to the separate offering of up to 38,381,471 shares
of Common Stock to be used in connection with acquisitions and resales of the
shares issued thereunder by the recipients of such shares.
 
                                 --------------
 
        THE COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY INVOLVES A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK.
                    SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 10.
                                 -------------
  THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
     AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS
      THE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
         ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
                     TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 UNDERWRITING                        PROCEEDS TO
                                                 PRICE TO       DISCOUNTS AND      PROCEEDS TO         SELLING
                                                  PUBLIC         COMMISSIONS        COMPANY(1)       STOCKHOLDERS
 
<S>                                          <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Per Share..................................         $                 $                 $                 $
 
Total (2)..................................         $                 $                 $                 $
</TABLE>
 
(1) Before deducting expenses, payable by the Company, estimated at $        .
 
(2) The Company and certain of the Selling Stockholders have granted the
    Underwriters 30-day options to purchase up to an additional 1,500,000 shares
    of Common Stock solely to cover over-allotments, if any. See "Underwriting."
    If such options are exercised in full, the total Price to Public,
    Underwriting Discounts and Commissions, Proceeds to Company and Proceeds to
    Selling Stockholders will be $        , $        , $        and $        ,
    respectively.
 
                                 --------------
 
    The Common Stock is offered by the Underwriters as stated herein, subject to
receipt and acceptance by them and subject to their right to reject any order in
whole or in part. It is expected that delivery of such shares will be made
through the offices of Robertson, Stephens & Company LLC ("Robertson, Stephens &
Company"), San Francisco, California, on or about February , 1997.
 
ROBERTSON, STEPHENS & COMPANY
 
                        MORGAN STANLEY & CO.                        INCORPORATED
 
                                              SMITH BARNEY INC.
 
                The date of this Prospectus is            , 1997
<PAGE>
Artwork--inside front cover

                                    [LOGO]

Title--"U.S. Office Products SM"
Sub-Title "The World's America's 
[the word "America's" has a line running through it] Hometown Stationers SM"


[Map of North America showing (using dots) the locations of the Company's 317 
Facilities. The phrase "317 Facilities" appears below the map.



Map of New Zealand showing (using a star) the Auckland headquarters of the 
Company's New Zealand operations. The phrase "267 Facilities" appears below 
the map.

Map of Australia showing (using a star) the Sydney headquarters of the 
Company's Australian operations. The phrase "96 Facilities" appears below the 
map.

Map of the United Kingdom showing (using a star) the London headquarters of 
the Company's United Kingdom operations. The phrase "6 Facilities" appears 
under the map.]

 
    IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK
OFFERED HEREBY AT A LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN
MARKET. SUCH TRANSACTIONS MAY BE EFFECTED ON THE NASDAQ NATIONAL MARKET OR
OTHERWISE. SUCH STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
                            ------------------------
 
    IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, CERTAIN UNDERWRITERS AND SELLING GROUP
MEMBERS OR THEIR AFFILIATES MAY ENGAGE IN PASSIVE MARKET MAKING TRANSACTIONS IN
THE COMMON STOCK ON THE NASDAQ NATIONAL MARKET IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 10b-6A
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934. SEE "UNDERWRITING."
<PAGE>
    NO DEALER, SALES REPRESENTATIVE OR ANY OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO
GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE
OFFERING OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE,
SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY, ANY SELLING STOCKHOLDER OR ANY UNDERWRITER. THIS
PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER
TO BUY, ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE REGISTERED SECURITIES TO WHICH IT RELATES
OR AN OFFER TO, OR SOLICITATION OF, ANY PERSON IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH AN
OFFER OR SOLICITATION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS
NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY
IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE
THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME
SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF.
                                 --------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                PAGE
                                                                                                                -----
<S>                                                                                                          <C>
Available Information......................................................................................           3
Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference..........................................................           4
Prospectus Summary.........................................................................................           5
Risk Factors...............................................................................................          10
Use of Proceeds............................................................................................          15
Dividend Policy............................................................................................          15
Price Range of Common Stock................................................................................          15
Capitalization.............................................................................................          16
Selected Financial Data....................................................................................          17
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations......................          20
Business...................................................................................................          28
Management.................................................................................................          37
Principal and Selling Stockholders.........................................................................          42
Underwriting...............................................................................................          44
Legal Matters..............................................................................................          45
Experts....................................................................................................          45
Index to Financial Statements..............................................................................         F-1
</TABLE>
 
                                 --------------
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
    The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") in Washington, D.C. a Registration Statement on Form S-3 under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), with respect to the
securities offered hereby. This Prospectus, which constitutes part of the
Registration Statement, omits certain of the information contained in the
Registration Statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto on file with the
Commission pursuant to the Securities Act and the rules and the regulations of
the Commission thereunder. Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the
contents of any contract or other document referred to are not necessarily
complete and in each instance reference is made to the copy of such contract or
other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, and each such
statement is qualified in all respects by such reference. The Company is subject
to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act"), and, in accordance therewith, files reports, proxy
statements, and other information with the
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
Commission. Such reports, proxy statements and other information can be
inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the
Commission at Judiciary Plaza, Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional Offices of the Commission: Seven World
Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048; and 500 West Madison Avenue,
Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such material can be obtained
from the public reference section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates, or from the Commission's Internet
web site at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, such materials also may be
inspected and copied at the offices of the Nasdaq National Market, 1735 K
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.
 
               INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
 
    The following documents of the Company filed with the Commission (File No.
0-25372) are incorporated herein by reference:
 
    (a) Historical financial statements required by Item 3-05 of Regulation S-X
relating to the following companies acquired by the Company included in the
Company's Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
333-13133) filed on October 9, 1996: MISSCO Commercial Division; Emmons-Napp
Office Products, Inc. -- Commercial Division; and Blue Star Group Limited;
 
    (b) The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April
30, 1996 filed with the Commission on July 16, 1996;
 
    (c) The Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the interim periods
ended July 27, 1996 (filed with the Commission on September 10, 1996) and
October 26, 1996 (filed with the Commission on December 11, 1996);
 
    (d) The Company's Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 9, 1997, October
25, 1996 (as amended), September 23, 1996, August 20, 1996, July 26, 1996 (as
amended), July 23, 1996, July 16, 1996 and May 2, 1996 (as amended); and
 
    (e) The description of the Company's Common Stock under the caption
"Description of Registrant's Securities to be Registered" in the Company's
Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form 8-A, dated February 13, 1995,
and the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the interim period ended
July 27, 1996 disclosing, among other things, an amendment to the Company's
Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
 
    In addition, all reports and other documents filed by the Company with the
Commission pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act
subsequent to the date of effectiveness of the Registration Statement of which
this Prospectus is a part and prior to the termination of the offering made
hereby, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
Any statement contained herein or incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of
this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other
subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded,
to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
 
    THIS PROSPECTUS INCORPORATES DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE WHICH ARE NOT PRESENTED
HEREIN OR DELIVERED HEREWITH. THESE DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST FROM
THE COMPANY BY CONTACTING MARK D. DIRECTOR, 1025 THOMAS JEFFERSON STREET, N.W.,
SUITE 600E, WASHINGTON, DC 20007. IN ORDER TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY OF THE
DOCUMENTS, ANY REQUEST SHOULD ALLOW AT LEAST FIVE (5) BUSINESS DAYS FOR
DELIVERY.
 
                            ------------------------
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
    THIS PROSPECTUS CONTAINS FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS WHICH INVOLVE RISKS AND
UNCERTAINTIES. WHEN USED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, THE WORDS "ANTICIPATE," "BELIEVE,"
"ESTIMATE," AND "EXPECT" AND SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS AS THEY RELATE TO THE COMPANY
OR ITS MANAGEMENT ARE INTENDED TO IDENTIFY SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. THE
COMPANY'S ACTUAL RESULTS, PERFORMANCE OR ACHIEVEMENTS COULD DIFFER MATERIALLY
FROM THE RESULTS EXPRESSED IN, OR IMPLIED BY, THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS.
FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE OR CONTRIBUTE TO SUCH DIFFERENCES INCLUDE THOSE
DISCUSSED IN "RISK FACTORS." THIS PROSPECTUS ALSO CONTAINS PRO FORMA FINANCIAL
INFORMATION THAT GIVES EFFECT TO CERTAIN EVENTS. SUCH INFORMATION IS NOT
NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF THE RESULTS THAT THE COMPANY WOULD HAVE ATTAINED HAD
THE EVENTS OCCURRED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE PERIODS PRESENTED, AS ASSUMED, OR OF
THE FUTURE RESULTS OF THE COMPANY. SEE "PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS."
 
    THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY, AND SHOULD BE READ IN
CONJUNCTION WITH, THE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION AND THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
RELATED NOTES THERETO APPEARING ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE HEREIN. SEE "RISK FACTORS" FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN RISKS
ASSOCIATED WITH AN INVESTMENT IN THE COMMON STOCK. UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE
REQUIRES, THE TERMS "U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS" OR THE "COMPANY" REFER TO U.S. OFFICE
PRODUCTS COMPANY, A DELAWARE CORPORATION, AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES AND PREDECESSORS.
ALL REFERENCES TO YEARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, REFER TO THE COMPANY'S FISCAL
YEAR, WHICH ENDED ON APRIL 30 OF EACH YEAR UNTIL YEARS BEGINNING WITH THE 1997
FISCAL YEAR, WHICH END ON THE LAST SATURDAY OF APRIL. THIS PROSPECTUS IS BEING
USED BY THE COMPANY AND THE SELLING STOCKHOLDERS TO OFFER, RESPECTIVELY,
6,000,000 SHARES AND 4,000,000 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK (THE "OFFERING"). THE
INFORMATION SET FORTH HEREIN ASSUMES AN OFFERING PRICE OF $35.00 PER SHARE FOR
THE COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY AND, UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, NO EXERCISE OF
THE UNDERWRITERS' OVER-ALLOTMENT OPTION WITH RESPECT TO THE OFFERING.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
    U.S. Office Products is one of the world's largest and fastest growing
suppliers of a broad range of office products and business services to
corporate, commercial, industrial and educational customers. Since its founding
in October 1994, the Company has emerged as a leading consolidator of several
highly fragmented industries that serve the office needs of business and
educational customers. The Company has annualized revenues of $2.5 billion
(double the pro forma revenues for the six months ended October 26, 1996). U.S.
Office Products currently provides products and services from over 300
facilities in North America, and from over 350 facilities in New Zealand,
Australia and the United Kingdom. The Company currently has over 13,000
employees.
 
    The Company's strategy is to serve as the sole source for the full range of
business products, services, and equipment used by middle market businesses
around the world. The Company believes that middle market businesses, which it
defines as those with between 20 and 500 employees, constitute the fastest
growing sector of the economy and have served as a greater source of new job
growth in recent years than have larger organizations. The Company sells to its
business and educational customers a full range of more than 34,000 products and
services, including office supplies, office furniture, office coffee services,
computer and telecommunications network services, and school supplies and school
furniture. The Company believes that in many middle market businesses most of
these products and services are purchased by a single decisionmaker. The
Company's goal is to emerge as the provider of choice for all of a customer's
office needs by offering superior customer service, convenience and a full range
of products and services to such decisionmakers.
 
    The Company has an aggressive acquisition program through which it has
acquired and seeks to acquire companies with established sales presences and
brand names in given geographic, product or service markets. Since its founding
through January 7, 1997, the Company has completed 131 acquisitions (the
"Completed Acquisitions"). The Company believes that the fragmented nature of
many of the markets it serves has both allowed it to identify suitable
acquisition candidates and enabled it, through acquisitions, to establish a
leadership position in these markets. For example, the Company believes that,
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
based on current sales volume, it is now one of the largest contract stationers
in the United States, one of the largest school supply distributors in the
United States, one of the largest providers of office coffee services in the
United States and one of the largest providers of contract furniture in the
United States. The Company is currently organized into six divisions to serve
its various product, service, and geographic markets, and to identify and pursue
complementary acquisitions within these markets. See "Business."
 
    During the current fiscal year, the Company has acquired 65 businesses
located in the United States and 18 businesses located in Australia, New
Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom. During this period, the Company's
acquisitions in the United States included 33 contract stationers, 10 office
coffee services companies, 11 furniture companies and eight school supplies and
school furniture companies. In addition, the Company recently acquired two
businesses, Bay State Computer Group and Fortran Corporation, which represent
the Company's first entry into the computer and telecommunications network
services markets, respectively, and one business, The Systems House, Inc.
("TSH"), which is a leading software and management information systems ("MIS")
provider to the office products distribution industry. The Company also entered
into an exclusive arrangement to distribute Starbucks-Registered Trademark-
coffee in the North American office coffee services market for a period of five
years.
 
    The Company's 18 international acquisitions included the November 1996
acquisition of a 49% interest in Dudley Stationery Limited ("Dudley"), the
United Kingdom's largest independent office products dealer, and the July 1996
acquisition of New Zealand-based Whitcoulls Group Limited ("Whitcoulls"), the
Company's largest single acquisition since its inception. Dudley serves as the
stationer to Her Majesty the Queen and The Prince of Wales. The investment in
Dudley was the Company's first acquisition in the European office products
market. Whitcoulls, which the Company acquired for cash consideration of $220
million, sells a broad array of office, educational and printing products and
services to the commercial, retail, government and school supply markets
throughout New Zealand and Australia.
 
    As a result of its aggressive acquisition program, the Company has been in
discussions with potential acquirees at most times since its founding. It
currently has, and from time to time expects to enter into, letters of intent
with respect to additional acquisitions, both in the United States and
internationally. There can be no assurance, however, that definitive agreements
for additional acquisitions will be executed or that additional acquisitions
will be completed. See "Risk Factors--Rapid Expansion; Dependence on
Acquisitions for Future Growth."
 
    The Company operates with a decentralized sales and customer contact
strategy in an effort to provide superior customer service and retain the
historical customers of acquired businesses. The Company believes that many
customers purchase office products and business services based on established
long-term commercial relationships. The Company seeks to preserve these
relationships by retaining the management, sales organizations, and brand name
identity of acquired companies. By broadening the range of products and services
that it sells, the Company also believes that it can create additional sales
opportunities for its local sales organizations.
 
    While retaining the identities of acquired businesses, the Company also
seeks to achieve the operating efficiencies of a large organization by (i)
generating cost savings through volume purchasing of office products and
increasing the percentage of office supplies purchased directly from
manufacturers; (ii) combining certain general and administrative functions at
the corporate level and eliminating redundant facilities; and (iii) implementing
improved technology and operating systems. In its acquisition program, the
Company utilizes a "hub and spoke" strategy, which involves the acquisition of
(i) a larger established, high quality local company, or hub, and (ii)
additional smaller companies, or spokes, in secondary markets surrounding the
hubs. Where possible, the operations of the acquired spokes are integrated into
the operations of existing hubs, thereby eliminating a portion of the operating
expenses of the acquired spokes. The Company also has begun to develop regional
consolidation and integration plans, such as establishing regional warehouses
(referred to by the Company as district fulfillment centers), which will enable
certain operational activities to be shared among hubs and spokes located within
a specific
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
geographic area. The Company expects that this regional approach will permit the
elimination of duplicative facilities and costs.
 
    The Company is a Delaware corporation. Its executive offices are located at
1025 Thomas Jefferson Street, N.W., Suite 600 East, Washington, D.C. 20007, and
its telephone number is 202-339-6700.
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                              <C>
Common Stock Offered by the Company............................  6,000,000 shares (1)
 
Common Stock Offered by the Selling Stockholders...............  4,000,000 shares (2)
 
Common Stock to be Outstanding After the Consummation of the
  Offering.....................................................  52,931,608 shares (1)(3)
 
Use of Proceeds................................................  Repayment of indebtedness.
                                                                 See "Use of Proceeds."
 
Nasdaq National Market Symbol..................................  OFIS
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Excludes 900,000 shares of Common Stock subject to the Underwriters'
    over-allotment option.
 
(2) Excludes 600,000 shares of Common Stock subject to the Underwriters'
    over-allotment option.
 
(3) Excludes 578,573 shares of Common Stock subject to options exercisable as of
    January 7, 1997.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
                           SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA(1)
              (In thousands, except per share data and footnotes)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          FISCAL YEAR ENDED APRIL 30,
                            ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                         PRO FORMA
                                                                                            PRO FORMA     1996 AS
                               1992          1993         1994      1995        1996         1996(2)    ADJUSTED(3)
                            -----------   -----------   --------  --------  -------------   ----------  -----------
<S>                         <C>           <C>           <C>       <C>       <C>             <C>         <C>
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:
Revenues..................  $   381,161   $   458,456   $533,018  $723,794  $   1,149,691   $2,424,227  $2,424,227
Cost of revenues..........      271,011       328,608    382,197   534,562        848,003    1,728,092   1,728,092
                            -----------   -----------   --------  --------  -------------   ----------  -----------
Gross profit..............      110,150       129,848    150,821   189,232        301,688      696,135     696,135
Selling, general and
  administrative
  expenses................      102,001       123,275    135,526   162,423        256,681      584,367     584,367
Nonrecurring acquisition
  costs...................                                                          8,057
Nonrecurring restructuring
  costs...................                                                                       8,092       8,092
Discontinuation of
  printing division at
  subsidiary..............                                                            682          682         682
                            -----------   -----------   --------  --------  -------------   ----------  -----------
Operating income..........        8,149         6,573     15,295    26,809         36,268      102,994     102,994
Interest expense..........        3,397         4,083      4,139     6,182         13,115       38,224      24,533
Interest income...........         (420)         (280)      (405)     (682)        (3,750)
Foreign currency gain.....
Other (income) expense....       (2,248)       (1,414)      (633)     (549)        (1,063)      (2,305)     (2,305)
Equity in net income of
  affiliated company......                                                                       1,155       1,155
                            -----------   -----------   --------  --------  -------------   ----------  -----------
Income before income taxes
  and extraordinary
  item....................        7,420         4,184     12,194    21,858         27,966       68,230      81,921
Provision for income
  taxes...................        1,315         1,899      1,947     3,009          6,610       29,543      35,019
                            -----------   -----------   --------  --------  -------------   ----------  -----------
Income before
  extraordinary item......        6,105         2,285     10,247    18,849         21,356       38,687      46,902
                                                                                            ----------  -----------
                                                                                            ----------  -----------
Extraordinary item(4).....
                            -----------   -----------   --------  --------  -------------
Net income................  $     6,105   $     2,285   $ 10,247  $ 18,849  $      21,356(5)
                            -----------   -----------   --------  --------  -------------
                            -----------   -----------   --------  --------  -------------
Net income per share(7)...                                                  $        0.67(5) $     0.82 $     0.88
                                                                            -------------   ----------  -----------
                                                                            -------------   ----------  -----------
Weighted average shares
  outstanding(8)..........                                                         31,789       47,267      53,267
 
<CAPTION>
                                                  SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                       OCTOBER 31, 1995 AND OCTOBER 26, 1996
                            ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              PRO FORMA
                                                     PRO FORMA   PRO FORMA   FISCAL 1997
                             FISCAL                    FISCAL      FISCAL        AS
                              1996    FISCAL 1997     1996(2)     1997(2)    ADJUSTED(3)
                            --------  ------------   ----------  ----------  -----------
<S>                         <C>       <C>            <C>         <C>         <C>
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:
Revenues..................  $485,546  $    996,414   $1,178,089  $1,249,890  $1,249,890
Cost of revenues..........   361,534       716,849      849,666     889,808     889,808
                            --------  ------------   ----------  ----------  -----------
Gross profit..............   124,012       279,565      328,423     360,082     360,082
Selling, general and
  administrative
  expenses................   106,852       227,245      286,276     297,004     297,004
Nonrecurring acquisition
  costs...................     5,192         5,727
Nonrecurring restructuring
  costs...................
Discontinuation of
  printing division at
  subsidiary..............
                            --------  ------------   ----------  ----------  -----------
Operating income..........    11,968        46,593       42,147      63,078      63,078
Interest expense..........     4,639        18,643       20,612      20,612      13,767
Interest income...........      (662)       (5,382)
Foreign currency gain.....                  (3,420)                  (3,420)     (3,420)
Other (income) expense....      (718)         (476)         922        (750)       (750)
Equity in net income of
  affiliated company......                                  629         782         782
                            --------  ------------   ----------  ----------  -----------
Income before income taxes
  and extraordinary
  item....................     8,709        37,228       21,242      47,418      54,263
Provision for income
  taxes...................       494        13,948        9,070      20,520      23,258
                            --------  ------------   ----------  ----------  -----------
Income before
  extraordinary item......     8,215        23,280       12,172      26,898      31,005
                                                     ----------  ----------  -----------
                                                     ----------  ----------  -----------
Extraordinary item(4).....                     612
                            --------  ------------
Net income................  $  8,215(5) $     22,668(5)
                            --------  ------------
                            --------  ------------
Net income per share(7)...  $   0.29(5) $       0.52(5)(6) $     0.26 $     0.56 $     0.58
                            --------  ------------   ----------  ----------  -----------
                            --------  ------------   ----------  ----------  -----------
Weighted average shares
  outstanding(8)..........    28,166        43,622       46,991      47,898      53,898
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               APRIL 30,
                                                                         -----------------------------------------------------
                                                                           1992       1993       1994       1995       1996
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital........................................................  $  30,231  $  30,233  $  36,635  $  59,674  $ 247,918
Total assets...........................................................    120,504    140,518    152,555    258,773    792,229
Long-term debt less current portion....................................     21,180     16,958     23,785     29,939    181,593
Stockholders' equity...................................................     38,843     39,289     43,275     90,803    334,518
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  OCTOBER 26, 1996
                                                                         ----------------------------------
                                                                                                PRO FORMA
                                                                                       PRO          AS
                                                                          ACTUAL    FORMA(9)   ADJUSTED(10)
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ------------
<S>                                                                      <C>        <C>        <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital........................................................  $ 120,806  $  62,587   $  263,187
Total assets...........................................................  1,444,231  1,491,916    1,491,916
Long-term debt less current portion....................................    383,367    383,367      383,367
Stockholders' equity...................................................    526,223    532,046      732,646
</TABLE>
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
- ------------------------
 
(1) As a result of the substantial continuing interests in the Company of the
    former stockholders of the four companies acquired by the Company for a
    combination of Common Stock and cash concurrent with the closing of its
    initial public offering (the "IPO") (the "Combined Companies"), the
    historical financial information of the Combined Companies and the
    historical financial information of the businesses that were acquired after
    the closing of the IPO in business combinations accounted for under the
    pooling-of-interests method (the "Pooled Companies") have been combined on a
    historical cost basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting
    principles ("GAAP") to present this financial data as if the Combined
    Companies and the Pooled Companies had always been members of the same
    operating group. The financial information of the businesses acquired in the
    business combinations accounted for under the purchase method (the
    "Purchased Companies") is included from the dates of their respective
    acquisitions. The pro forma data reflect acquisitions completed by the
    Company through January 7, 1997.
 
(2) Gives effect to: (i) the acquisitions completed by the Company since May 1,
    1995 as if such acquisitions had been made on May 1, 1995; (ii) the sales by
    the Company in August 1995 of 4,025,000 shares of Common Stock as if such
    sales had been made on May 1, 1995; (iii) the sales by the Company in
    February and March 1996 of 5,543,045 shares of Common Stock and 5 1/2%
    Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2001 in the principal amount of $143.75
    million as if such sales had been made on May 1, 1995; (iv) the sales by the
    Company in May and June 1996 of 5 1/2% Convertible Subordinated Notes due
    2003 in the principal amount of $230.0 million as if such sales had been
    made on May 1, 1995; and (v) the sale by the Company in September 1996 of
    1,250,000 shares of Common Stock as if such sale had been made on May 1,
    1995.
 
(3) Gives effect to: (i) the acquisitions completed by the Company since May 1,
    1995 as if such acquisitions had been made on May 1, 1995; (ii) the sales by
    the Company in August 1995 of 4,025,000 shares of Common Stock as if such
    sales had been made on May 1, 1995; (iii) the sales by the Company in
    February and March 1996 of 5,543,045 shares of Common Stock and 5 1/2%
    Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2001 in the principal amount of $143.75
    million as if such sales had been made on May 1, 1995; (iv) the sales by the
    Company in May and June 1996 of 5 1/2% Convertible Subordinated Notes due
    2003 in the principal amount of $230.0 million as if such sales had been
    made on May 1, 1995; (v) the sale by the Company in September 1996 of
    1,250,000 shares of Common Stock as if such sale had been made on May 1,
    1995; and (vi) the sale by the Company of 6,000,000 shares of Common Stock
    in the Offering as if such sale has been made on May 1, 1995.
 
(4) Extraordinary item represents the loss associated with the early termination
    of the Company's $50 million credit facility with First Bank National
    Association, net of the related income tax benefit.
 
(5) Net income and net income per share include nonrecurring acquisition costs
    incurred in conjunction with the business combinations with the Pooled
    Companies and the costs associated with the discontinuation of the printing
    division at a subsidiary. GAAP requires the Company to expense all costs
    related to acquisitions accounted for under the pooling-of-interests method.
 
(6) Includes a loss of $.01 per share related to the extraordinary item.
 
(7) Pro forma net income per share is pro forma income before extraordinary item
    per share.
 
(8) For calculation of the pro forma weighted average shares outstanding for the
    year ended April 30, 1996 and for each of the six months ended October 26,
    1996 and October 31, 1995, see Note 2(j) of Notes to Pro Forma Combined
    Financial Statements included herein.
 
(9) Gives effect to acquisitions completed after October 26, 1996 as if they had
    been made on October 26, 1996.
 
(10) Gives effect to (i) acquisitions completed after October 26, 1996 as if
    they had been made on October 26, 1996; and (ii) the sale by the Company of
    6,000,000 shares of Common Stock in the Offering.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
    Prospective purchasers of the Common Stock offered hereby should consider
carefully the following risk factors, as well as the other information in this
Prospectus or incorporated herein by reference, in evaluating an investment in
the Common Stock. This Prospectus contains forward-looking statements which
involve risks and uncertainties. When used herein, the words "anticipate,"
"believe," "estimate," and "expect" and similar expressions as they relate to
the Company or its management are intended to identify such forward-looking
statements. The Company's actual results, performance or achievements could
differ materially from the results expressed in, or implied by, these
forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such
differences include those discussed in the following risk factors.
 
RAPID EXPANSION; DEPENDENCE ON ACQUISITIONS FOR FUTURE GROWTH
 
    One of the Company's strategies is to increase its revenues and the markets
it serves through the acquisition of additional businesses offering a broad
array of office and educational products, services and equipment. From its
inception through January 7, 1997, the Company completed 131 acquisitions. The
Company is actively negotiating to acquire additional office and educational
products and services businesses, both in the United States and internationally,
consistent with its strategy of pursuing an aggressive acquisition program.
There can be no assurance, however, that the Company's management and financial
controls, personnel, computer systems and other corporate support systems will
be adequate to manage the continuing increase in the size and scope of the
Company's operations and acquisition activity.
 
    The Company depends on acquisitions and organic growth to increase its
earnings. There can be no assurance that the Company will complete acquisitions
in a manner that coincides with the end of its fiscal quarters. The failure to
complete acquisitions on a timely basis could have a material adverse effect on
the Company's quarterly results. Likewise, delays in implementing planned
integration strategies and activities also could adversely affect the Company's
quarterly earnings. In addition, there can be no assurance that acquisitions
will occur at the same pace or be available to the Company on favorable terms,
if at all. For example, if the market price of the Common Stock were to decline
significantly over a sustained period, the owners of potential acquisition
targets might not be willing to receive shares of Common Stock in exchange for
their businesses, thereby adversely affecting the pace of the Company's
acquisition program. Such an effect on the pace of the Company's acquisition
program could further reduce the price of a share of Common Stock, to the
further detriment of the Company's acquisition strategy. In addition, the
consolidation of the domestic contract stationer industry has reduced the number
of larger companies available for sale, which could lead to higher prices being
paid for the acquisition of the remaining domestic, independent companies.
 
RISKS RELATED TO EXPANSION INTO NEW PRODUCT AND SERVICE AREAS
 
    The Company's ability to manage an aggressive consolidation program in
markets other than the domestic contract stationer market, including furniture,
office coffee services, computer and telecommunications network services and
school supplies and school furniture, has not yet been fully tested. In
addition, there can be no assurance that companies that have been acquired or
that may be acquired in the future will achieve sales and profitability levels
that justify the investment therein. Acquisitions may involve a number of
special risks that could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
operations and financial performance, including adverse short-term effects on
the Company's reported operating results; diversion of management's attention;
difficulties with the retention, hiring and training of key personnel; risks
associated with unanticipated problems or legal liabilities; and amortization of
acquired intangible assets.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION
 
    As of January 7, 1997, the Company's international operations were in New
Zealand, Australia, Canada and, through its 49% interest in Dudley, the United
Kingdom. In addition to their contract stationery, office furniture, and school
supply and school furniture operations, the Company's international operations
have retail book and stationery stores which the Company does not have
domestically. If the Company had acquired its international operations as well
as the other Completed Acquisitions at the beginning of fiscal 1996, the
Company's international operations would have accounted for approximately 35% of
the Company's fiscal 1996 pro forma revenues and 33% of pro forma revenues for
the six months ended October 26, 1996. International operations constituted
approximately 6% of historical fiscal 1996 revenues and 25% of historical
revenues for the six months ended October 26, 1996. The Company intends to focus
significant attention and resources on international expansion in the future and
expects foreign sales to represent a significant proportion of the Company's
total sales. Expansion into international markets involves additional risks
relating to currency exchange rates; new and different legal, regulatory and
competitive requirements; difficulties in staffing and managing foreign
operations; different business lines; and other factors.
 
INTEGRATION OF ACQUISITIONS AND LIMITED COMBINED OPERATING HISTORY
 
    U.S. Office Products was founded in October 1994 and conducted no operations
prior to the acquisition of its founding companies in February 1995. From its
inception through January 7, 1997, U.S. Office Products has acquired 131
companies, and it intends to continue to make acquisitions. In most cases, the
managers of the acquired companies have continued to operate their companies
after being acquired by U.S. Office Products. There can be no assurance that the
Company will be able to successfully integrate these companies within its
operations without substantial costs, delays or other problems. In addition,
there can be no assurance that the Company's executive management group will be
able to oversee the combined entity and effectively implement the Company's
operating or growth strategies in each of the markets that the Company serves.
There also can be no assurance that the pace of the Company's acquisitions will
not adversely affect the Company's efforts to integrate acquisitions and manage
those acquisitions profitably. Finally, although the Company conducts due
diligence and generally requires representations, warranties, and
indemnifications from the former owners of acquired companies, there can be no
assurance that such owners will have accurately represented the financial and
operating conditions of their companies; if not, this could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial condition.
 
DEPENDENCE ON IMPLEMENTATION AND OPERATION OF SYSTEMS
 
    The Company believes that the successful operation of the businesses that it
has acquired and intends to acquire depends in part on the implementation of
computerized inventory management and order processing systems and warehouse
management and distribution systems. While the Company recently acquired TSH,
its primary software and management information systems provider, the Company
may experience delays, complications or expenses in implementing, integrating
and operating these systems, any of which could have a material adverse effect
on the Company's results of operations and financial condition. In addition,
interruptions or disruptions in systems operations could adversely affect the
financial results of particular locations. Finally, while the Company believes
that its operating and technology systems will be adequate for its future needs
as a result of the acquisition of TSH, such systems will require modification,
improvement or replacement as the Company expands or as new technologies make
these systems obsolete. Such modifications, improvements or replacements may
require substantial expenditures to design and implement and may require
interruptions in operations during periods of implementation, any of which could
have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and
financial condition.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
SUBSTANTIAL COMPETITION
 
    The Company operates in a highly competitive environment. In the markets in
which the Company operates, the Company generally competes with a large number
of smaller, independent companies, many of which are well-established in their
markets. In addition, in the contract stationer market, the Company currently
competes with five large office products companies, each of which has
significant financial resources. Several of the Company's large competitors
operate in many of the Company's geographic and product markets, and other
competitors may choose to enter the Company's geographic and product markets in
the future. In addition, as a result of this competition, the Company may lose
customers or have difficulty acquiring new customers. As a result of competitive
pressures on the pricing of products, the Company's revenues and/or margins may
decline.
 
    The Company faces significant competition to acquire additional businesses
as the office products industry undergoes continuing consolidation. Significant
competition exists, or is expected to develop, in the other markets that the
Company serves or is planning to enter, as consolidation occurs (or accelerates)
in those markets. A number of the Company's major competitors are actively
pursuing acquisitions outside of the United States. These companies, or other
large companies, may compete with the Company for acquisitions in markets other
than the market for office products. Such competition could lead to higher
prices being paid for acquired companies.
 
CONSIDERATION FOR OPERATING COMPANIES EXCEEDS ASSET VALUE
 
    The purchase prices of the Company's acquisitions have not been established
by independent appraisals, but generally have been determined through
arms-length negotiations between the Company and representatives of such
companies. The consideration for each such company has been based primarily on
the value of such company as a going concern and not on the value of the
acquired assets. Valuations of these companies determined solely by appraisals
of the acquired assets would have been less than the consideration paid for the
companies. No assurance can be given that the future performance of such
companies will be commensurate with the consideration paid. Moreover, the
Company has incurred and expects to continue to incur significant amortization
charges resulting from consideration paid in excess of the fair value of the net
assets of the companies acquired in business combinations accounted for under
the purchase method of accounting.
 
EFFECT OF QUARTERLY FLUCTUATIONS IN OPERATING RESULTS ON PRICE OF COMMON STOCK
 
    The Company's business is subject to seasonal influences. The Company's
historical sales and profitability in its core office products business have
been lower in the first two quarters of its fiscal year, primarily due to the
lower level of business activity in North America during the summer months. The
seasonality of the core office products business, however, is expected to be
impacted by the seasonality of its other operations, which have been expanding
through acquisitions. For example, the revenues and profitability of the
Company's school supplies and school furniture business have been higher during
the Company's first and second quarters and significantly lower in its third and
fourth quarters, and the revenues and profitability of the Company's operations
in New Zealand and Australia have generally been higher in the Company's third
quarter. As the Company's mix of businesses evolves through future acquisitions,
these seasonal fluctuations may continue to change.
 
    Quarterly results also may be materially affected by the timing of
acquisitions, the timing and magnitude of costs related to such acquisitions,
variations in the prices paid by the Company for the products it sells, the mix
of products sold and general economic conditions. Moreover, the operating
margins of companies acquired by the Company may differ substantially from those
of the Company, which could contribute to the further fluctuation in the
Company's quarterly operating results. Therefore, results for any quarter are
not necessarily indicative of the results that the Company may achieve for any
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
subsequent fiscal quarter or for a full fiscal year. Fluctuations caused by
variations in quarterly operating results may have a material adverse effect on
the market price of the Company's Common Stock.
 
POSSIBLE VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE
 
    The market price of the Common Stock is subject to significant fluctuations
caused by variations in stock market conditions, changes in financial estimates
by securities analysts or failures by the Company to meet such estimates,
quarterly operating results, announcements by the Company or its competitors,
general conditions in the office products and services industry and other
factors. Since the beginning of fiscal 1997 through January 7, 1997, the Common
Stock has traded in the range of $24.25 to $45.50 per share. The stock market in
recent years has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that often
have been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of publicly
traded companies. These broad fluctuations may have a material adverse effect on
the market price of the Common Stock.
 
NEED FOR ADDITIONAL FINANCING TO CONTINUE ACQUISITION STRATEGY
 
    The Company has financed most acquisitions, and intends to finance future
acquisitions in the United States, by using cash and shares of Common Stock. If
the Company does not have sufficient cash resources to pay the cash
consideration for acquisitions, or if potential acquisition candidates are
unwilling to accept the Common Stock as part of the consideration for the sale
of their businesses because the Common Stock does not maintain sufficient value
or for other reasons, the Company may be unable to continue the current pace of
its aggressive acquisition program, which could have a material adverse impact
on the Company and the market price of its Common Stock. The Company has filed
shelf registration statements with the Commission relating to the offering of
38,381,471 shares of Common Stock to be used as consideration for acquisitions
by the Company, of which approximately 36,060,637 shares remain available. In
addition, the Company has sold debt and equity securities to raise cash proceeds
for acquisitions. In May and June 1996, the Company completed the sales of $230
million in aggregate principal amount of 5 1/2% Convertible Subordinated Notes
due 2003 (the "May Notes"). The proceeds from the sale of the May Notes were
used for general corporate purposes, including to pay the cash consideration
($220 million) for the acquisition of Whitcoulls. In addition, in September
1996, the Company completed the sale of 1,250,000 shares of Common Stock for
$38.1 million in a privately negotiated transaction. The proceeds from such sale
were used to reduce outstanding indebtedness. The Company expects that future
acquisitions outside the United States may be for cash consideration.
 
    Assuming that the current pace of the Company's acquisitions continues, the
Company may need additional debt or equity financing in order to continue its
acquisition program. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to
obtain such financing if and when it is needed or that any such financing will
be available on terms the Company deems acceptable. In August 1996, the Company
entered into an agreement under which a syndicate of financial institutions led
by Bankers Trust Company, as Agent, is providing the Company with a $500 million
credit facility (the "Credit Facility"). The amount available to be borrowed
under the Credit Facility for acquisitions will vary from time to time depending
on the level of, on a pro forma basis reflecting consummated acquisitions, the
Company's consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and
amortization ("EBITDA") and the Company's total indebtedness and related
interest expense. As of January 7, 1997, the Company had $314 million
outstanding under the Credit Facility at an annual interest rate of
approximately 7.2%. The amount outstanding under the Credit Facility is expected
to be significantly reduced with the proceeds of the Offering. See "Use of
Proceeds" and "Capitalization."
 
RELIANCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
 
    The Company's operations depend on the continued efforts of Jonathan J.
Ledecky, its Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer; Timothy J.
Flynn, its President and Chief Operating Officer; its other executive officers;
and the senior management of its subsidiaries. Furthermore, the Company will
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
likely depend on the senior management of companies that may be acquired in the
future. If any of these people become unable to continue in their present roles,
or if the Company is unable to attract and retain other skilled employees, the
Company's business would be adversely affected. The Company currently has key
man life insurance covering Mr. Ledecky in the amount of $20 million, but does
not have and does not intend to obtain key man life insurance covering any of
its other executive officers or other members of senior management.
 
CONTROL BY MANAGEMENT AND STOCKHOLDERS
 
    As of January 3, 1997, officers and directors of the Company and its
subsidiaries beneficially own approximately 29.4% of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock. Assuming consummation of the Offering, the officers and directors
of the Company and its subsidiaries will beneficially own 23.3% of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock. These stockholders acting together may be
able to elect a sufficient number of directors to control the Board of Directors
and to approve or disapprove any matter submitted to a vote of stockholders.
 
RISKS RELATED TO UNIONIZED EMPLOYEES
 
    A small number of the Company's employees are members of labor unions. If
unionized employees were to engage in a strike or other work stoppage, or if
other employees were to become unionized, the Company could experience a
disruption of operations or higher labor costs, which could have a material
adverse effect on operations.
 
POTENTIAL EFFECT OF SHARES ISSUED IN ACQUISITIONS ON PRICE OF COMMON STOCK
 
    As of January 7, 1997, there were 46,931,608 shares of Common Stock of the
Company outstanding, of which approximately 3,853,050 shares are subject to
contractual restrictions on the transfer thereof (other than restrictions
relating to shares issued in transactions accounted for under the
pooling-of-interests method of accounting, described below). These contractual
restrictions expire at various times, generally up to two years from the date of
issuance of the shares.
 
    The Company has an aggressive acquisition program under which it
periodically makes, and expects to continue to make, acquisitions that are
accounted for under the pooling-of-interests method of accounting. Under the
pooling-of-interests method of accounting, the affiliates of the acquired
companies, which are generally all of the stockholders of the companies acquired
by U.S. Office Products, must be free to sell or otherwise transfer shares of
the Common Stock received in the acquisition, subject to their compliance with
federal securities laws, as soon as the Company releases results of operations
that reflect the combined operations of the Company and the acquired company for
a minimum of thirty days. For example, the Company has issued approximately
707,604 shares of Common Stock in connection with acquisitions that were
recently completed and which were accounted for under the pooling-of-interests
method of accounting. Such shares will become freely transferable at the time
the Company publicly announces results of operations for its third quarter of
fiscal 1997, subject to certain volume and other restrictions of Rule 145(d) of
the Securities Act applicable to affiliates of the acquired companies. In
addition, the Company expects to complete additional acquisitions in the future
that will be accounted for under the pooling-of-interests method. If a
significant number of shares of Common Stock are issued in acquisitions that are
consummated in close proximity to each other, such shares will become freely
tradeable at the same time. If a large number of shares are sold by stockholders
in the market as soon as their shares become freely transferable, the price of
the Common Stock could be adversely affected.
 
ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECT OF CERTAIN CHARTER PROVISIONS
 
    The Board of Directors of the Company is empowered to issue preferred stock
without stockholder action. The existence of this "blank-check" preferred stock
could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of the
Company by means of a tender offer, merger, proxy contest or otherwise.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
    The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the 6,000,000 shares of
Common Stock offered hereby by the Company are expected to be approximately
$200.6 million ($230.2 million if the Underwriters' over-allotment option is
exercised in full), assuming a public offering price of $35.00 per share and
after deducting estimated underwriting discounts, commissions and offering
expenses payable by the Company.
 
    The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to repay
indebtedness incurred under the Credit Facility and, if there are any excess
proceeds, for general corporate purposes. As of January 7, 1997, the balance
outstanding under the Credit Facility, which matures on August 21, 2001, was
$314 million at an annual interest rate of approximately 7.2%. The borrowings
under the Credit Facility were incurred primarily to refinance $180 million in
high interest rate debt outstanding in Australia and New Zealand and for
domestic and international acquisitions. The Company will not receive any
proceeds from the sale of Common Stock by the Selling Shareholders. See
"Principal and Selling Stockholders."
 
                                DIVIDEND POLICY
 
    The Company does not anticipate paying any cash dividends on its shares of
Common Stock in the foreseeable future because it intends to retain its
earnings, if any, to finance the expansion of its business and for general
corporate purposes. Any payment of future dividends will be at the discretion of
the Board of Directors and will depend upon, among other things, the Company's
earnings, financial condition, capital requirements, level of indebtedness,
contractual restrictions with respect to the payment of dividends and other
factors that the Company's Board of Directors deems relevant. Further, the
Credit Facility prohibits the payment of dividends without the lenders' consent.
 
                          PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK
 
    The Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol
"OFIS." On January 8, 1997, the last sale price of the Common Stock was $34.875
per share. The following table sets forth, for the fiscal periods indicated, the
range of high and low sale prices for the Company's Common Stock on the Nasdaq
National Market. On January 8, 1997, there were approximately 657 stockholders
of record of the Common Stock.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              HIGH        LOW
                                                                                            ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                         <C>        <C>
FISCAL YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 1995
  Fourth Quarter..........................................................................  $  15.50   $   10.00(1)
 
FISCAL YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 1996
  First Quarter...........................................................................  $  15.88   $   10.50
  Second Quarter..........................................................................  $  18.13   $   13.50
  Third Quarter...........................................................................  $  26.38   $   16.25
  Fourth Quarter..........................................................................  $  40.00   $   22.00
 
FISCAL YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 1997
  First Quarter...........................................................................  $  45.50   $   24.50
  Second Quarter..........................................................................  $  38.00   $   24.75
  Third Quarter through January 8, 1997...................................................  $  37.25   $   26.25
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Represents the initial public offering price.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
    The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company as of
October 26, 1996, (i) on an actual basis; (ii) on a pro forma basis to reflect
the acquisitions completed between October 26, 1996 and January 7, 1997; and
(iii) on a pro forma basis as adjusted to reflect acquisitions completed between
October 26, 1996 and January 7, 1997, and to reflect the receipt and application
of the net proceeds from the sale of 6,000,000 shares of the Common Stock
offered by the Company hereby at an assumed public offering price of $35.00 per
share. The following table should be read in conjunction with the "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," the
historical consolidated financial statements and the pro forma combined
financial statements of the Company, and the related notes to each thereof,
included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       OCTOBER 26, 1996
                                                                             -------------------------------------
<S>                                                                          <C>         <C>          <C>
                                                                                                       PRO FORMA
                                                                               ACTUAL     PRO FORMA   AS ADJUSTED
                                                                             ----------  -----------  ------------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        (In thousands)
<S>                                                                          <C>         <C>          <C>
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt......................  $  227,571   $ 250,129   $     49,529
                                                                             ----------  -----------  ------------
                                                                             ----------  -----------  ------------
Long-term debt, excluding current portion..................................  $  383,367   $ 383,367   $    383,367
Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred Stock $0.001 par value, 500,000 shares authorized, none
    outstanding............................................................
  Common Stock, $0.001 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized and
    45,698,248 shares issued and outstanding (1); 46,931,608 shares issued
    and outstanding on a pro forma basis (1); and 52,931,608 shares issued
    and outstanding on a pro forma basis and as adjusted (1)...............          46          47             53
  Additional paid-in capital...............................................     467,687     471,462        672,056
  Cumulative translation adjustment........................................       4,988       4,988          4,988
  Retained earnings........................................................      53,502      55,549         55,549
                                                                             ----------  -----------  ------------
      Total stockholders' equity...........................................     526,223     532,046        732,646
                                                                             ----------  -----------  ------------
      Total capitalization.................................................  $  909,590   $ 915,413   $  1,116,013
                                                                             ----------  -----------  ------------
                                                                             ----------  -----------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Excludes 414,076 shares of Common Stock subject to options that were
    exercisable as of October 26, 1996.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
                            SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
    The Selected Financial Data for the fiscal years ended April 30, 1994, 1995,
and 1996 (except pro forma amounts) have been derived from the Company's
consolidated financial statements that have been audited by Price Waterhouse LLP
and are included elsewhere in this Prospectus. The Selected Financial Data for
the fiscal years ended April 30, 1992 and 1993 have been derived from unaudited
combined financial statements. The financial statements for the 1992 and 1993
fiscal years are not included elsewhere in this Prospectus or incorporated
herein by reference. The Selected Financial Data for the six months ended
October 31, 1995 and October 26, 1996 (except pro forma amounts) have been
derived from unaudited consolidated financial statements that appear elsewhere
in this Prospectus. The unaudited combined financial statements have been
prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements and,
in the opinion of management, contain all adjustments, consisting only of normal
recurring accruals, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position
and results of operations for the periods presented.
 
    The pro forma data gives effect, as applicable, to (i) the acquisitions
completed by the Company between May 1, 1995 and January 7, 1997 as if all of
such acquisitions had been made on May 1, 1995, (ii) the sales by the Company of
4,025,000 shares of Common Stock in the second offering in August 1995 as if
such sales had been made on May 1, 1995, (iii) the sales by the Company in
February and March 1996 of 5,543,045 shares of Common Stock and 5 1/2%
Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2001 in the principal amount of $143.75
million as if such sales had been made on May 1, 1995, (iv) the sales by the
Company in May and June 1996 of the May Notes in the principal amount of $230
million as if such sales had been made on May 1, 1995, and (v) the sale by the
Company in September 1996 (the "September Stock Sale") of 1,250,000 shares of
Common Stock as if such sale had been made on May 1, 1995. In addition, the pro
forma information is based on available information and certain assumptions and
adjustments. The Selected Financial Data provided herein should be read in
conjunction with the historical financial statements, including the notes
hereto, of U.S. Office Products and the other companies whose financial
statements appear elsewhere in, or are incorporated by reference into, this
Prospectus, the pro forma financial statements, including the notes thereto, and
the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" that appear elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
                           SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA(1)
              (In thousands, except per share data and footnotes)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          FISCAL YEAR ENDED APRIL 30,
                            ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                         PRO FORMA
                                                                                            PRO FORMA     1996 AS
                               1992          1993         1994      1995        1996         1996(2)    ADJUSTED(3)
                            -----------   -----------   --------  --------  -------------   ----------  -----------
<S>                         <C>           <C>           <C>       <C>       <C>             <C>         <C>
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:
Revenues..................  $   381,161   $   458,456   $533,018  $723,794  $   1,149,691   $2,424,227  $2,424,227
Cost of revenues..........      271,011       328,608    382,197   534,562        848,003    1,728,092   1,728,092
                            -----------   -----------   --------  --------  -------------   ----------  -----------
Gross profit..............      110,150       129,848    150,821   189,232        301,688      696,135     696,135
Selling, general and
  administrative
  expenses................      102,001       123,275    135,526   162,423        256,681      584,367     584,367
Nonrecurring acquisition
  costs...................                                                          8,057
Nonrecurring restructuring
  costs...................                                                                       8,092       8,092
Discontinuation of
  printing division at
  subsidiary..............                                                            682          682         682
                            -----------   -----------   --------  --------  -------------   ----------  -----------
Operating income..........        8,149         6,573     15,295    26,809         36,268      102,994     102,994
Interest expense..........        3,397         4,083      4,139     6,182         13,115       38,224      24,533
Interest income...........         (420)         (280)      (405)     (682)        (3,750)
Foreign currency gain.....
Other (income) expense....       (2,248)       (1,414)      (633)     (549)        (1,063)      (2,305)     (2,305)
Equity in net income of
  affiliated company......                                                                       1,155       1,155
                            -----------   -----------   --------  --------  -------------   ----------  -----------
Income before income taxes
  and extraordinary
  item....................        7,420         4,184     12,194    21,858         27,966       68,230      81,921
Provision for income
  taxes...................        1,315         1,899      1,947     3,009          6,610       29,543      35,019
                            -----------   -----------   --------  --------  -------------   ----------  -----------
Income before
  extraordinary item......        6,105         2,285     10,247    18,849         21,356       38,687      46,902
                                                                                            ----------  -----------
                                                                                            ----------  -----------
Extraordinary item(4).....
                            -----------   -----------   --------  --------  -------------
Net income................  $     6,105   $     2,285   $ 10,247  $ 18,849  $      21,356(5)
                            -----------   -----------   --------  --------  -------------
                            -----------   -----------   --------  --------  -------------
Net income per share(7)...                                                  $        0.67(5) $     0.82 $     0.88
                                                                            -------------   ----------  -----------
                                                                            -------------   ----------  -----------
Weighted average shares
  outstanding(8)..........                                                         31,789       47,267      53,267
 
<CAPTION>
                                                    SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                          OCTOBER 31, 1995 AND OCTOBER 26, 1996
                             ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  PRO FORMA
                                                        PRO FORMA    PRO FORMA   FISCAL 1997
                              FISCAL     FISCAL           FISCAL       FISCAL        AS
                               1996       1997           1996(2)      1997(2)    ADJUSTED(3)
                             --------   ---------       ----------   ----------  -----------
<S>                         <C>         <C>             <C>          <C>         <C>
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:
Revenues..................   $485,546   $ 996,414       $1,178,089   $1,249,890  $1,249,890
Cost of revenues..........    361,534     716,849          849,666      889,808     889,808
                             --------   ---------       ----------   ----------  -----------
Gross profit..............    124,012     279,565          328,423      360,082     360,082
Selling, general and
  administrative
  expenses................    106,852     227,245          286,276      297,004     297,004
Nonrecurring acquisition
  costs...................      5,192       5,727
Nonrecurring restructuring
  costs...................
Discontinuation of
  printing division at
  subsidiary..............
                             --------   ---------       ----------   ----------  -----------
Operating income..........     11,968      46,593           42,147       63,078      63,078
Interest expense..........      4,639      18,643           20,612       20,612      13,767
Interest income...........       (662)     (5,382)
Foreign currency gain.....                 (3,420)                       (3,420)     (3,420)
Other (income) expense....       (718)       (476)             922         (750)       (750)
Equity in net income of
  affiliated company......                                     629          782         782
                             --------   ---------       ----------   ----------  -----------
Income before income taxes
  and extraordinary
  item....................      8,709      37,228           21,242       47,418      54,263
Provision for income
  taxes...................        494      13,948            9,070       20,520      23,258
                             --------   ---------       ----------   ----------  -----------
Income before
  extraordinary item......      8,215      23,280           12,172       26,898      31,005
                                                        ----------   ----------  -----------
                                                        ----------   ----------  -----------
Extraordinary item(4).....                    612
                             --------   ---------
Net income................   $  8,215(5) $  22,668(5)
                             --------   ---------
                             --------   ---------
Net income per share(7)...   $   0.29(5) $    0.52(5)(6) $     0.26  $     0.56  $     0.58
                             --------   ---------       ----------   ----------  -----------
                             --------   ---------       ----------   ----------  -----------
Weighted average shares
  outstanding(8)..........     28,166      43,622           46,991       47,898      53,898
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               APRIL 30,
                                                                         -----------------------------------------------------
                                                                           1992       1993       1994       1995       1996
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital........................................................  $  30,231  $  30,233  $  36,635  $  59,674  $ 247,918
Total assets...........................................................    120,504    140,518    152,555    258,773    792,229
Long-term debt less current portion....................................     21,180     16,958     23,785     29,939    181,593
Stockholders' equity...................................................     38,843     39,289     43,275     90,803    334,518
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  OCTOBER 26, 1996
                                                                         ----------------------------------
                                                                                                PRO FORMA
                                                                                       PRO          AS
                                                                          ACTUAL    FORMA(9)   ADJUSTED(10)
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ------------
<S>                                                                      <C>        <C>        <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital........................................................  $ 120,806  $  62,587   $  263,187
Total assets...........................................................  1,444,231  1,491,916    1,491,916
Long-term debt less current portion....................................    383,367    383,367      383,367
Stockholders' equity...................................................    526,223    532,046      732,646
</TABLE>
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
- ------------------------
 
(1) As a result of the substantial continuing interests in the Company of the
    former stockholders of the four companies acquired by the Company for a
    combination of Common Stock and cash concurrent with the closing of its
    initial public offering (the "IPO") (the "Combined Companies"), the
    historical financial information of the Combined Companies and the
    historical financial information of the businesses that were acquired after
    the closing of the IPO in business combinations accounted for under the
    pooling-of-interests method (the "Pooled Companies") have been combined on a
    historical cost basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting
    principles ("GAAP") to present this financial data as if the Combined
    Companies and the Pooled Companies had always been members of the same
    operating group. The financial information of the businesses acquired in the
    business combinations accounted for under the purchase method (the
    "Purchased Companies") is included from the dates of their respective
    acquisitions. The pro forma data reflect acquisitions completed by the
    Company through January 7, 1997.
 
(2) Gives effect to: (i) the acquisitions completed by the Company since May 1,
    1995 as if such acquisitions had been made on May 1, 1995; (ii) the sales by
    the Company in August 1995 of 4,025,000 shares of Common Stock as if such
    sales had been made on May 1, 1995; (iii) the sales by the Company in
    February and March 1996 of 5,543,045 shares of Common Stock and 5 1/2%
    Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2001 in the principal amount of $143.75
    million as if such sales had been made on May 1, 1995; (iv) the sales by the
    Company in May and June 1996 of 5 1/2% Convertible Subordinated Notes due
    2003 in the principal amount of $230.0 million as if such sales had been
    made on May 1, 1995; and (v) the sale by the Company in September 1996 of
    1,250,000 shares of Common Stock as if such sale had been made on May 1,
    1995.
 
(3) Gives effect to: (i) the acquisitions completed by the Company since May 1,
    1995 as if such acquisitions had been made on May 1, 1995; (ii) the sales by
    the Company in August 1995 of 4,025,000 shares of Common Stock as if such
    sales had been made on May 1, 1995; (iii) the sales by the Company in
    February and March 1996 of 5,543,045 shares of Common Stock and 5 1/2%
    Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2001 in the principal amount of $143.75
    million as if such sales had been made on May 1, 1995; (iv) the sales by the
    Company in May and June 1996 of 5 1/2% Convertible Subordinated Notes due
    2003 in the principal amount of $230.0 million as if such sales had been
    made on May 1, 1995; (v) the sale by the Company in September 1996 of
    1,250,000 shares of Common Stock as if such sale had been made on May 1,
    1995; and (vi) the sale by the Company of 6,000,000 shares of Common Stock
    in the Offering as if such sale has been made on May 1, 1995.
 
(4) Extraordinary item represents the loss associated with the early termination
    of the Company's $50 million credit facility with First Bank National
    Association, net of the related income tax benefit.
 
(5) Net income and net income per share include nonrecurring acquisition costs
    incurred in conjunction with the business combinations with the Pooled
    Companies and the costs associated with the discontinuation of the printing
    division at a subsidiary. GAAP requires the Company to expense all costs
    related to acquisitions accounted for under the pooling-of-interests method.
 
(6) Includes a loss of $.01 per share related to the extraordinary item.
 
(7) Pro forma net income per share is pro forma income before extraordinary item
    per share.
 
(8) For calculation of the pro forma weighted average shares outstanding for the
    year ended April 30, 1996 and for each of the six months ended October 26,
    1996 and October 31, 1995, see Note 2(j) of Notes to Pro Forma Combined
    Financial Statements included herein.
 
(9) Gives effect to acquisitions completed between October 26, 1996 and January
    7, 1997 as if they had been made on October 26, 1996.
 
(10) Gives effect to (i) acquisitions completed between October 26, 1996 and
    January 7, 1997 as if they had been made on October 26, 1996; and (ii) the
    sale by the Company of 6,000,000 shares of Common Stock in the Offering.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
                      CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
    This following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements which involve
risks and uncertainties. When used herein, the words "anticipate," "believe,"
"estimate," and "expect" and similar expressions as they relate to the Company
or its management are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. The
Company's actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially
from the results expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements.
Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include those
discussed in "Risk Factors."
 
INTRODUCTION
 
    The Company's revenues have been derived primarily from the sale of a wide
variety of office supplies, office furniture and other office and educational
products to corporate, commercial, educational and industrial customers. The
cost of revenues represents the purchase price of office supplies, office
furniture and other office products. Cost of revenues includes occupancy and
delivery expenses and is reduced by rebates and discounts on inventory
purchases.
 
    The Company has an aggressive acquisition strategy that involves the
acquisition of additional companies in related lines of businesses. These
acquisitions may change the Company's mix of businesses and operating margins.
While the Company's decentralized management strategy, together with operating
efficiencies resulting from the elimination of duplicative functions and
economies of scale, may present opportunities to reduce costs, such strategies
initially may necessitate costs and expenditures to expand corporate management
and administration. These various costs and possible cost-savings may make
historical operating results not indicative of future performance. In addition,
the Company expects to focus significant attention and resources on future
international expansion. The Company's operations in foreign markets are subject
to a number of inherent risks, including currency exchange rates, new and
different legal and regulatory requirements, difficulties in staffing and
managing foreign operations, different business lines and other factors.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
    The following table sets forth various items as a percentage of revenues for
the three fiscal years ended April 30, 1996 and for the six months ended October
31, 1995 and October 26, 1996.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                         OCTOBER 31, 1995 AND
                                                      FISCAL YEAR ENDED APRIL 30,          OCTOBER 26, 1996
                                                    -------------------------------  ----------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>            <C>
                                                                                        FISCAL         FISCAL
                                                      1994       1995       1996         1996           1997
                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------  -------------
Revenues..........................................      100.0%     100.0%     100.0%       100.0%         100.0%
Cost of revenues..................................       71.7       73.9       73.8         74.5           71.9
                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------        -----          -----
      Gross profit................................       28.3       26.1       26.2         25.5           28.1
Selling, general and administrative expenses......       25.4       22.4       22.3         22.0           22.8
Nonrecurring acquisition costs....................                              0.7          1.0            0.6
Discontinuation of printing division at
  subsidiary......................................                              0.1
                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------        -----          -----
      Operating income............................        2.9        3.7        3.1          2.5            4.7
Other (income) expense:
  Interest expense................................        0.8        0.9        1.1          0.9            1.9
  Interest Income.................................       (0.1)      (0.1)      (0.3)        (0.1)          (0.5)
  Foreign currency gain...........................                                                         (0.3)
  Other...........................................       (0.1)      (0.1)      (0.1)        (0.1)          (0.1)
                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------        -----          -----
Income before income taxes and extraordinary
  item............................................        2.3        3.0        2.4          1.8            3.7
Provision for income taxes........................        0.4        0.4        0.6          0.1            1.4
                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------        -----          -----
Income before extraordinary item..................        1.9        2.6        1.8          1.7            2.3
Extraordinary item--loss on early termination of
  credit facility, net of income tax benefit                                                                0.1
                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------        -----          -----
Net income........................................        1.9%       2.6%       1.8%         1.7%           2.2%
                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------        -----          -----
                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------        -----          -----
</TABLE>
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
    SIX MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 26, 1996 COMPARED TO SIX MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
     1995
 
    The Company's revenues increased 105.2%, from $485.5 million for the six
months ended October 31, 1995 to $996.4 million for the six months ended October
26, 1996. This increase was primarily due to the 26 acquisitions completed
during fiscal 1996 that were accounted for under the purchase method of
accounting and the 45 acquisitions completed during fiscal 1997 that were
accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and were included in the
revenues for the six months ended October 26, 1996 (collectively, the "71
Purchased Companies").
 
    Gross profit increased 125.4%, from $124.0 million, or 25.5% of revenues,
for the six months ended October 31, 1995, to $279.6 million, or 28.1% of
revenues, for the six months ended October 26, 1996. The increase in gross
profit as a percentage of revenues was due primarily to a shift in revenue mix
resulting in a higher proportion of revenues in traditionally higher margin
products, such as office coffee services, school supplies and school furniture,
and products sold in Australia and New Zealand.
 
    Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 112.7%, from $106.9
million, or 22.0% of revenues, for the six months ended October 31, 1995 to
$227.2 million, or 22.8% of revenues for the six months ended October 26, 1996.
The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was due primarily
to the inclusion of the 71 Purchased Companies in the six months ended October
26, 1996. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses as a
percentage of revenues was due primarily to the inclusion of the 71 Purchased
Companies, which had higher selling, general and administrative expenses as a
percentage of revenues.
 
    The Company incurred nonrecurring acquisition costs of approximately $5.7
million and $5.2 million during the six months ended October 26, 1996 and
October 31, 1995, respectively, in conjunction with business combinations that
were accounted for under the pooling-of-interests method. The nonrecurring
acquisition costs for the six months ended October 26, 1996 represented costs
associated with 21 business combinations accounted for under the
pooling-of-interests method compared to four such business combinations during
the six month period ended October 31, 1995. The nonrecurring acquisition costs
for the six months ended October 31, 1995 included a charge of approximately
$4.7 million related to one business combination which included the payment of
significant transaction related compensation obligations.
 
    Interest expense, net of interest income, increased 233.5% from $4.0 million
for the six months ended October 31, 1995 to $13.3 million for the six months
ended October 26, 1996. This increase was due primarily to the increase in the
Company's borrowings through the issuance of an aggregate of $373.75 million of
convertible subordinated notes during the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996 and the
first quarter of fiscal 1997 and an increase in the outstanding balance on the
Company's Credit Facility. The proceeds from the issuance of the notes and the
additional borrowings from the Credit Facility were used to fund the cash
portion of the consideration in business combinations and the refinancing of
indebtedness assumed in such business combinations.
 
    Foreign currency gain of $3.4 million represents the effect of the change in
the exchange rate between the New Zealand and U.S. dollars during the three
months ended October 26, 1996 on short-term loans between the Company and Blue
Star Group Limited ("Blue Star"), its wholly owned subsidiary in New Zealand. At
October 26, 1996, the Company had advanced Blue Star approximately $255.9
million.
 
    Provision for income taxes increased from $494,000 for the six months ended
October 31, 1995 to $13.9 million for the six months ended October 26, 1996,
reflecting effective tax rates of 5.7% and 37.5% for the six month periods ended
October 31, 1995 and October 26, 1996, respectively. The low effective rate for
the six months ended October 31, 1995, compared to the federal statutory rate of
34.0% plus state, local and foreign taxes, was primarily due to the fact that
several of the companies that were included in the results of such six month
period and were acquired by the Company in business combinations
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
accounted for under the pooling-of-interests method, were subchapter S
corporations that were not subject to corporate federal income taxes prior to
being acquired by the Company.
 
    The Company incurred an extraordinary item of $612,000 which represents the
aggregate expenses, net of the expected tax benefit, associated with the early
termination of the Company's $50 million credit facility with First Bank
National Association due to the Company entering into the Credit Facility. The
expenses consisted of the write-off of certain capitalized debt issue costs,
which were being amortized over the life of the credit facility, and the direct
costs of terminating the facility.
 
    YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 1996 COMPARED TO THE YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 1995
 
    Revenues increased by 58.8%, from $723.8 million in fiscal 1995 to $1,149.7
million in fiscal 1996. This increase was due primarily to the 26 acquisitions
completed during fiscal 1996 that were accounted for under the purchase method
of accounting and the five acquisitions completed during fiscal 1995 that were
accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and were included for the
entire 1996 fiscal year (collectively, the "31 Purchased Companies").
 
    Gross profit increased by 59.4%, from $189.2 million in fiscal 1995 to
$301.7 million in fiscal 1996. Gross profit as a percentage of revenues
increased from 26.1% in fiscal 1995 to 26.2% in fiscal 1996. This increase in
gross profit was due primarily to the inclusion of the 31 Purchased Companies.
 
    Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by 58.0%, from $162.4
million in fiscal 1995 to $256.7 million in fiscal 1996. Selling, general, and
administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased from 22.4% in
fiscal 1995 to 22.3% in fiscal 1996. The increase in selling, general and
administrative expenses was due primarily to the inclusion of the 31 Purchased
Companies.
 
    During fiscal 1996, the Company incurred $8.7 million in one-time charges,
which represented 0.8% of revenues. These charges consisted of $8.1 million in
nonrecurring acquisition costs incurred in conjunction with the 14 business
combinations completed during fiscal 1996 that were accounted for under the
pooling-of-interests method of accounting (the "Pooled Companies") and $682,000
associated with the discontinuation of the printing division at a subsidiary,
which consisted primarily of the write-down of printing division assets to their
estimated market value. GAAP requires the Company to expense all acquisition
expenses related to the combinations accounted for under the
pooling-of-interests method of accounting.
 
    Interest expense increased by 112.1%, from $6.2 million in fiscal 1995 to
$13.1 million in fiscal 1996. The increase was due primarily to the increase in
the Company's borrowings. The increase in interest expense was partially offset
by an increase in interest income of $3.1 million for fiscal 1996 compared to
fiscal 1995. The increase in interest income was primarily the result of the
investment by the Company of a portion of the proceeds from the sales of
5,543,045 shares of Common Stock at $23.25 per share, including the
underwriters' over-allotment option of 610,000 shares, and the issuance of
$143.75 million principal amount of the February Notes, including the
underwriters' over-allotment option of $18.75 million, at a time when it did not
need to borrow under its line of credit.
 
    Other income increased by $1.3 million from $425,000 in fiscal 1995 to $1.7
million in fiscal 1996.
 
    Provision for income taxes increased by 119.7%, from $3.0 million in fiscal
1995 to $6.6 million in fiscal 1996, reflecting effective income tax rates of
13.8% and 23.6% in fiscal 1995 and 1996, respectively. The increase in income
taxes was primarily due to increased pretax income resulting from the inclusion
of the Purchased Companies. The increase in the effective income tax rate is due
primarily to the fact that the pretax income of the Pooled Companies that had
elected to be treated as subchapter S corporations prior to their acquisition by
the Company constituted a higher proportion of the total pretax income during
fiscal 1995 and to the addition of non-deductible expenses, primarily
non-deductible goodwill relating to the Purchased Companies.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
    YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 1995 COMPARED TO THE YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 1994
 
    Revenues increased by 35.8%, from $533.0 million in fiscal 1994 to $723.8
million in fiscal 1995. This increase was due primarily to the inclusion of the
five Purchased Companies acquired during fiscal 1995 (the "1995 Purchased
Companies").
 
    Gross profit increased by 25.5% from $150.8 million in fiscal 1994 to $189.2
million in fiscal 1995. Gross profit as a percentage of revenues decreased from
28.3% in fiscal 1994 to 26.1% in fiscal 1995. The decrease as a percentage of
revenues was primarily due to the inclusion of the 1995 Purchased Companies,
which had a higher proportion of sales of traditionally lower margin product
lines, such as business machines and office furniture.
 
    Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by 19.8%, from $135.5
million in fiscal 1994 to $162.4 million in fiscal 1995. Selling, general and
administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased from 25.4% in
fiscal 1994 to 22.4% in fiscal 1995. This decrease, as a percentage of revenues,
was primarily due to the inclusion of the 1995 Purchased Companies, which had
lower selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues.
 
    Interest expense increased by 49.4%, from $4.1 million in fiscal 1994 to
$6.2 million in fiscal 1995. The increase in interest expense was primarily due
to incremental interest expense incurred by the 1995 Purchased Companies and to
higher interest rates. The interest expense was partially offset by an increase
in interest income of $277,000.
 
    Other income decreased by 18.9% from $524,000 in fiscal 1994, to $425,000 in
fiscal 1995.
 
    The provision for income taxes increased by 54.5%, from $1.9 million in
fiscal 1994 to $3.0 million in fiscal 1995, reflecting effective income tax
rates of 16.0% and 13.8% in fiscal 1994 and 1995, respectively. This increase in
income taxes was due primarily to increased pretax income. The low effective
income tax rates for fiscal 1994 and fiscal 1995, compared to the federal
statutory rate of 34.0% plus state and local taxes, were the result of the
election by certain companies included in the results to be treated as
subchapter S corporations prior to their acquisitions by the Company in
transactions accounted for under the pooling-of-interests method of accounting.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
    At October 26, 1996, the Company had cash of $51.4 million and working
capital of $120.8 million. The Company's capitalization, defined as the sum of
long-term debt and stockholders' equity, at October 26, 1996 was $909.6 million.
 
    In October 1996, the Company refinanced $180 million in high interest rate
debt outstanding in New Zealand and Australia with the $180 million that was
available under the Credit Facility solely for purposes of such refinancing. The
average annual interest rate on such debt prior to such refinancing was
approximately 11.0%. At October 26, 1996, the Company had $215 million
outstanding on the Credit Facility at an annual interest rate of approximately
7.2%.
 
    In September 1996, the Company sold 1,250,000 shares of common stock in a
direct equity investment to Quantum Partners LDC. The Company received proceeds
of approximately $38.1 million as a result of the sale. The proceeds were used
to repay a portion of the then outstanding balance on the Credit Facility.
 
    In August 1996, the Company entered into an agreement under which a
syndicate of financial institutions, held by Bankers Trust Company, as Agent
(the "Bank"), is providing the Company with the $500 million Credit Facility
bearing interest, at the Company's option, at the Bank's base rate plus an
applicable margin of up to 1.25%, or a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin
of up to 2.5%. The availability under the Credit Facility is subject to certain
sublimits including $100 million for working capital loans and $400 million for
acquisition loans, with $180 million of the acquisition loan sublimit available
solely to refinance certain outstanding indebtedness of the Company in Australia
and New
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
Zealand. The credit Facility is secured by a majority of the assets of the
Company and its subsidiaries and contains customary covenants, including
financial covenants with respect to the Company's consolidated leverage and
interest coverage ratios, capital expenditures, payment of dividends and
purchases and sales of assets, and customary default provisions, including
provisions related to non-payment of principal and interest, default under other
debt agreements and bankruptcy. Assuming the repayment of outstanding
indebtedness with the proceeds from this Offering, the Company intends to seek
to amend the Credit Facility to eliminate the $180 million acquisition sublimit.
 
    In May and June 1996, the Company completed the sales, in an offshore
offering and in a concurrent private placement in the United States of 5 1/2%
Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2003 (the "May Notes") in the principal
amount of $230 million, including the manager's over-allotment option of $30
million principal amount of May Notes (the "May Notes Offering"). The net
proceeds from the May Notes Offering, after deducting the manager's discounts
and commissions and offering expenses, were approximately $223.1 million and
were used for working capital and acquisition purposes, including the repayment
of higher interest rate debt assumed in business combinations.
 
    In February and March 1996, the Company completed the February Offerings.
The net proceeds to the Company from the February Offerings, after deducting
underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses, were approximately
$259.7 million and have been used to repay indebtedness and for acquisition
purposes and are expected to be used for working capital and acquisition
purposes.
 
    In August 1995, the Company completed the sales of 4,025,000 shares of
Common Stock at $14.25 per share, including the underwriters' over-allotment
option of 525,000 shares. The net proceeds to the Company, after deducting
underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses, were approximately
$53.5 million and were used for working capital and acquisition purposes.
 
    In February 1995, the Company completed its initial public offering, in
which it sold 3,735,000 shares of Common Stock at $10.00 per share including the
underwriters' over-allotment option of 487,500 shares. The net proceeds to the
Company, after deducting underwriting discounts and commission and offering
expenses, were approximately $32.7 million and were used to repay indebtedness
and for working capital and acquisition purposes.
 
    During the six months ended October 26, 1996, net cash used in operating
activities was $42.4 million which resulted primarily from the increase in
accounts receivable in the Company's school supply and school furniture business
and a decrease in accounts payable due to the Company's aggressive policy of
taking recently negotiated cash discounts. Accounts receivable increased in the
Company's school supply and school furniture business due primarily to the
seasonality of such business. Net cash used in investing activities was $291.7
million, including $273.7 million used for acquisitions, $10.3 million used for
additions to property and equipment and deposits of $9.0 million. Net borrowings
increased $170.1 million during the six months ended October 26, 1996 primarily
to fund acquisitions, including the repayment of higher interest rate debt
assumed in business combinations. The Company also received $38.1 million in
cash as a result of the sale of common stock during the period.
 
    During the six months ended October 31, 1995, net cash provided by operating
activities was $1.1 million. Net cash used in investing activities was $49.9
million, including $43.4 million used for acquisitions, $3.5 million used for
additions to property and equipment and deposits of $3.2 million. Net borrowings
increased $2.6 million during the six months ended October 31, 1995. The Company
also received $53.5 million in cash as a result of the sale of common stock
during the period.
 
    During fiscal 1996, net cash provided by operating activities was $17.8
million. Net cash used in investing activities during fiscal 1996 was $116.5
million, consisting primarily of net cash paid in acquisitions of $95.6 million,
net cash paid for additions to property and equipment of $14.5 million and an
investment in affiliate of $5.6 million. Net cash provided by financing
activities during fiscal 1996 was $254.9 million, consisting primarily of $174.7
million from the two public offerings of Common Stock and
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
the public offering of debt of $138.4 million, net of offering expenses,
partially offset by a reduction in net borrowings of $45.4 million and dividends
paid by certain Pooled Companies prior to their acquisitions by the Company of
$13.8 million.
 
    During fiscal 1995, net cash provided by operating activities was $13.8
million. Net cash used in investing activities during fiscal 1995 was $24.7
million, consisting primarily of net cash paid in acquisitions of $18.1 million
and net cash paid for additions to property and equipment of $6.9 million. Net
cash provided by financing activities during fiscal 1995 was $18.5 million,
representing proceeds from the initial public offering of $33.5 million, net of
offering expenses, and an increase in net borrowings of $447,000, partially
offset by payments of $11.3 million to the stockholders of four companies
acquired in the initial public offering and dividends paid by certain Pooled
Companies prior to their acquisitions by the Company of $7.2 million.
 
    During fiscal 1994, net cash provided by operating activities was $12.2
million. Net cash used in investing activities during fiscal 1994 was $7.0
million, consisting primarily of net cash paid for additions to property and
equipment of $6.6 million. Net cash used in financing activities during fiscal
1994 was $4.6 million, consisting primarily of dividends paid by certain Pooled
Companies prior to their acquisitions by the Company of $4.2 million.
 
    Subsequent to October 26, 1996 through January 7, 1997, the Company has
completed 17 business combinations for an aggregate purchase price of $97.1
million, consisting of approximately $62.2 million of cash and 1,090,861 shares
of the Company's common stock with an aggregate market value on the dates of
acquisition of approximately $34.9 million. This includes the acquisition of a
49% equity interest in Dudley, the largest independent office products dealer in
the United Kingdom. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company agreed to
invest approximately $80 million for working capital into Dudley over two-year
period. In addition, Dudley plans to raise approximately an additional $80
million in debt financing. The Company has currently invested approximately
$41.3 million of the total $80 million in Dudley.
 
    The Company's strategy is to continue to consolidate and modernize its
distribution facilities and systems with the creation of additional regional
distribution centers and the consolidation of existing facilities into such
centers. The Company expects to incur capital expenditures of approximately $20
million to $30 million over the next fiscal year for this and other purposes.
 
    The Company anticipates that its current cash on hand, cash flow from
operations and additional financing available under the Credit Facility will be
sufficient to meet the Company's liquidity requirements for its operations
through the end of fiscal 1997. However, the Company is currently, and intends
to continue, pursuing additional acquisitions, which are expected to be funded
through a combination of cash and common stock. There can be no assurances that
additional sources of financing will not be required during the next twelve
months or thereafter.
 
FLUCTUATIONS IN QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
    The Company's business is subject to seasonal influences. The Company's
historical revenues and profitability in its core office products business have
been lower in the first two quarters of its fiscal year, primarily due to the
lower level of business activity in North America during the summer months. The
seasonality of the core office products business, however, is expected to be
impacted by the seasonality of its other operations, which have expanded through
acquisitions. For example, the revenues and profitability of the Company's
school supplies and school furniture business have been higher during the
Company's first and second quarters and significantly lower in its third and
fourth quarters, and the revenues and profitability of the Company's operations
in New Zealand and Australia have generally been higher in the Company's third
quarter. As the Company's mix of businesses evolves through future acquisitions,
these seasonal fluctuations may continue to change. In addition, quarterly
results also may be materially affected by the timing of acquisitions, the
timing and magnitude of costs related to such acquisitions, variations in the
prices paid by the Company for the products it sells, the mix of products sold
and general economic
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
conditions. Therefore, results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of
the results that the Company may achieve for any subsequent fiscal quarter or
for a full fiscal year.
 
    The following table sets forth certain unaudited consolidated quarterly
financial data for the fiscal year ended April 30, 1996 and the six months ended
October 26, 1996. The information has been derived from unaudited consolidated
financial statements that in the opinion of management reflect all adjustments,
consisting only of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair presentation
of such quarterly information.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                FISCAL 1996 QUARTERS                FISCAL 1997 QUARTERS
                                                   ----------------------------------------------  ----------------------
<S>                                                <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
                                                     FIRST       SECOND     THIRD(1)     FOURTH      FIRST       SECOND
                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                               (In thousands)
<S>                                                <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Revenues.........................................  $  214,481  $  271,065  $  316,621  $  347,524  $  408,527  $  587,887
Gross profit.....................................      54,980      69,032      81,848      95,828     112,033     167,532
Operating income(2)(3)...........................       2,078       9,890      15,887       8,413      18,487      28,106
Net income(2)(3).................................       1,637       6,578       9,224       3,917      10,221      12,447
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) The quarterly financial data for the fiscal year ended April 30, 1996
    includes the financial results of two companies subject to significant
    seasonal influences which had fiscal years ended December 31, 1995 and were
    acquired in business combinations accounted for under the
    pooling-of-interests method of accounting. GAAP requires that the results of
    these acquired companies for their third quarter ended September 30, 1995 be
    included in the Company's results for the third quarter ended January 31,
    1996. Because the acquired companies are significantly more profitable
    during the three months ended September 30 than the three months ended
    January 31, the Company's revenues and operating income for the quarter
    ended January 31, 1996, as reported in accordance with GAAP requirements,
    appear high. The Company's revenues and operating income for such quarter
    would have been $47.2 million lower and $14.2 million lower, respectively,
    if the Company's results for the quarter ended January 31, 1996 had included
    the acquired companies' results for the three months ended January 31, 1996.
 
(2) Includes costs of $682,000 incurred during the third quarter of 1996 in
    connection with the discontinuation of a printing division at a subsidiary.
 
(3) Includes one-time nonrecurring acquisition costs of $3,940,000 and
    $1,787,000 for each of the first two quarters of fiscal 1997, respectively,
    and $4,671,000, $521,000, $824,000 and $2,041,000 for each of the four
    quarters of fiscal 1996, respectively. These one-time nonrecurring
    acquisition costs are the result of business combinations consummated during
    the fiscal year and accounted for under the pooling-of-interests method of
    accounting. Under GAAP, acquisition costs incurred in conjunction with
    pooling-of-interests combinations must be recorded as expense.
 
INFLATION
 
    The Company does not believe that inflation has had a material impact on its
results of operations.
 
FACTORS AFFECTING THE COMPANY'S BUSINESS
 
    The future operating results of the Company may be affected by a number of
factors, including the matters discussed below:
 
    The Company has an aggressive acquisition strategy that has involved, and is
expected to continue to involve, the acquisition of a significant number of
additional companies in related lines of businesses. From its inception through
January 7, 1997, the Company completed 131 acquisitions. In addition, the
Company currently has, and from time to time expects to enter into, letters of
intent with respect to the acquisition of
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
additional office and educational products and equipment businesses, both in the
United States and internationally, consistent with its strategy of pursuing an
aggressive acquisition program.
 
    The Company depends on acquisitions and organic growth to increase its
earnings. There can be no assurance that the Company will complete acquisitions
in a manner that coincides with the end of its fiscal quarters. The failure to
complete acquisitions on a timely basis could have a material adverse effect on
the Company's quarterly results. Likewise, delays in implementing planned
integration strategies and activities also could adversely affect the Company's
quarterly earnings.
 
    In addition, there can be no assurance, however, that acquisitions will
occur at the same pace or be available to the Company on favorable terms, if at
all. For example, if the market price of the Common Stock were to decline
significantly over a sustained period, the owners of potential acquisition
targets may not be willing to receive shares of Common Stock in exchange for
their businesses, thereby adversely affecting the pace of the Company's
acquisition program. Such an effect on the pace of the Company's acquisition
program could further reduce the price of a share of Common Stock, to the
further detriment of the Company's acquisition strategy. In addition, the
consolidation of the contract stationer industry has reduced the number of
larger companies available for sale, which could lead to higher prices being
paid to acquire such companies. The failure to acquire additional businesses and
to acquire such businesses on favorable terms in accordance with the Company's
growth strategy could have a material adverse impact on future sales and
profitability.
 
    The Company's acquisition strategy has resulted in a significant increase in
sales, employees, facilities and distribution systems. While the Company's
decentralized management strategy, together with operating efficiencies
resulting from the elimination of duplicative functions and economies of scale,
may present opportunities to reduce costs, such strategies may initially
necessitate costs and expenditures to expand operational and financial systems
and corporate management and administration. These various costs and possible
cost-savings strategies may make historical operating results not indicative of
future performance. In addition, there can be no assurance that the pace of the
Company's acquisitions will not adversely affect the Company's efforts to
implement its cost-savings strategies and to manage its acquisitions
profitability.
 
    The Company operates in a highly competitive environment. Some of the
Company's current and potential competitors are larger than the Company and have
greater financial resources. No assurances can be given that competition will
not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business.
 
    The Company expects to continue to focus significant attention and resources
on future international expansion. In addition to the factors described above
that may impact the Company's domestic operations, the Company's operations in
foreign markets are subject to a number of inherent risks, including currency
exchange rates, new and different legal and regulatory requirements,
difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations, risks specific to
different business lines that the Company may enter and other factors.
 
    For a more complete discussion of the above factors, see "Risk Factors."
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
                                    BUSINESS
 
    The following Business section contains forward-looking statements which
involve risks and uncertainties. When used herein, the words "anticipate,"
"believe," "estimate," and "expect" and similar expressions as they relate to
the Company or its management are intended to identify such forward-looking
statements. The Company's actual results, performance or achievements could
differ materially from the results expressed in, or implied by, these
forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such
differences include those discussed in "Risk Factors."
 
COMPANY OVERVIEW
 
    U.S. Office Products is one of the world's largest and fastest growing
suppliers of a broad range of office products and business services to
corporate, commercial, industrial and educational customers. Since its founding
in October 1994, the Company has emerged as a leading consolidator of several
highly fragmented industries that serve the office needs of business and
educational customers. The Company has annualized revenues of $2.5 billion
(double the pro forma revenues for the six months ended October 26, 1996). U.S.
Office Products currently provides products and services from over 300
facilities in North America, and from over 350 facilities in New Zealand,
Australia, and the United Kingdom. The Company currently has over 13,000
employees.
 
    The Company's strategy is to serve as the sole source for the full range of
business products, services, and equipment used by middle market businesses
around the world. The Company believes that middle market businesses, which it
defines as those with between 20 and 500 employees, constitute the fastest
growing sector of the economy and have served as a greater source of new job
growth in recent years than have larger organizations. The Company sells to its
business and educational customers a full range of more than 34,000 products and
services, including office supplies, office furniture, office coffee services,
computer and telecommunications network services, and school supplies and school
furniture. The Company believes that, in many middle market businesses, most of
these products and services are purchased by a single decisionmaker. The
Company's goal is to emerge as the provider of choice for all of a customer's
office needs by offering superior customer service, convenience and a full range
of products and services to such decisionmakers.
 
    The Company has an aggressive acquisition program through which it has
acquired and seeks to acquire companies with established sales presences and
brand names in given geographic, product or service markets. Since its founding
through January 7, 1997, the Company has completed 131 acquisitions. The Company
believes that the fragmented nature of many of the markets it serves has both
allowed it to identify suitable acquisition candidates and enabled it, through
acquisitions, to establish a leadership position in these markets. For example,
the Company believes that, based on current sales volume, it is now one of the
largest contract stationers in the United States, one of the largest school
supply distributors in the United States, one of the largest providers of office
coffee services in the United States and one of the largest providers of
contract furniture in the United States. The Company is currently organized into
six divisions to serve its various product, service, and geographic markets, and
to identify and pursue complementary acquisitions within these markets.
 
    As a result of its aggressive acquisition program, the Company has been in
discussions with potential acquirees at most times since its founding. It
currently has, and from time to time expects to enter into, letters of intent
with respect to additional companies, both in the United States and
internationally. There can be no assurance, however, that definitive agreements
for additional acquisitions will be executed or that additional acquisitions
will be completed. See "Risk Factors --Rapid Expansion; Dependence on
Acquisitions for Future Growth."
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
    The Company operates with a decentralized sales and customer contact
strategy in an effort to provide superior customer service and retain the
historical customers of acquired businesses. The Company believes that many
customers purchase office products and business services based on established
long-term commercial relationships. The Company seeks to preserve these
relationships by retaining the management, sales organizations, and brand name
identity of acquired companies. By broadening the range of products and services
that it sells, the Company also believes that it can create additional sales
opportunities for its local sales organizations.
 
    At the same time, the Company seeks to achieve the operating efficiencies of
a large organization by (i) generating cost savings through volume purchasing of
office products and increasing the percentage of office supplies purchased
directly from manufacturers; (ii) combining certain general and administrative
functions at the corporate level and eliminating redundant facilities; and (iii)
implementing improved technology and operating systems. In its acquisition
program, the Company utilizes a "hub and spoke" strategy, which involves the
acquisition of (i) a larger established, high quality local company, or hub, and
(ii) additional smaller companies, or spokes, in secondary markets surrounding
the hubs. Where possible, the operations of the acquired spokes are integrated
into the operations of existing hubs, thereby eliminating a portion of the
operating expenses of the acquired spokes. The Company also has begun to develop
regional consolidation and integration plans to enable certain operational
activities, such as warehousing, to be shared among the hubs and spokes located
within a specific geographic area. The Company expects this regional approach
will permit the elimination of duplicative facilities and costs.
 
MARKET OVERVIEW
 
    The Company serves the following related markets in North America and
abroad:
 
NORTH AMERICAN OFFICE PRODUCTS
 
    CONTRACT STATIONERY DIVISION
 
    According to independent research reports, the traditional office supplies
market in the United States generates approximately $60 billion in annual sales.
The companies servicing this market include: (i) discount superstore retailers;
(ii) mail order marketers; (iii) traditional retail stores; and (iv) contract
stationers. Independent estimates indicate that the aggregate size of the retail
and mail order markets is approximately $30 billion in annual sales and that the
size of the contract stationer market is also approximately $30 billion in
annual sales. The Company believes that the total $60 billion market can be
classified by customer type into three segments: the large corporate segment,
the middle market corporate segment and the small office segment.
 
    The large corporate segment is comprised of companies with 500 or more
employees. These customers often negotiate contract pricing on many of the
office products they routinely purchase, and the Company believes that this
segment of the market is more price sensitive than the middle market corporate
segment. The large corporate segment has historically been served by contract
stationers, and the Company believes that this segment is currently the focus of
several of its largest competitors.
 
    The middle market corporate segment, which is the focus of the Company's
sales efforts, is composed of companies between 20 and 500 employees. The
Company believes that companies in this segment do not have large numbers of
employees to devote to the function of purchasing office products, and that,
while these products are important to the functioning of businesses, office
products are not necessarily a large portion of the costs of companies in this
segment. As a result, the Company believes that this segment is more driven by
the level of service provided than by price. This segment historically has been
served primarily by contract stationers, and, to a much lesser extent, by mail
order marketers and traditional retail dealers. Discount superstore chains and
mail order marketers have attempted to gain market share in this segment by
providing delivery services and allowing credit card purchases. However,
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
the Company believes that discount superstores and mail order marketers have
achieved only limited penetration because they do not provide the level of
service required by customers in this segment.
 
    The small office segment consists of home offices and small businesses with
20 or fewer employees. These customers historically have purchased office
supplies from retail dealers at or near manufacturers' list prices. Discount
superstores and mail order marketers have captured an increasing share of sales
to this segment primarily by offering lower prices and providing a better
product selection than retail dealers.
 
    The $30 billion U.S. corporate office supplies segment has historically been
serviced by numerous contract stationers, most of which operate in only one
metropolitan area and have annual sales of less than $15 million. However, as
the office products industry undergoes rapid consolidation, the Company believes
that many smaller office supply companies will be unable to compete because, in
part, of their inability to purchase products at favorable prices. As a result,
these companies will be acquired by larger companies or closed. The Company
believes that it has five competitors with revenues in excess of $500 million
supplying office products to the corporate segments, that none of these
competitors has a market share in excess of 10% and that their combined market
share is less than 35%. See "--Competition."
 
    OFFICE COFFEE SERVICES
 
    The Company believes that the office coffee services ("OCS") industry in the
United States generates approximately $3 billion in annual sales. The Company
believes that this industry is also highly fragmented, with most companies in
the industry having sales of under $15 million.
 
    OFFICE FURNITURE
 
    The Company believes that there are thousands of companies selling office
furniture to the corporate, commercial and industrial markets. The Company
believes that the office furniture market in North America had sales of
approximately $12 billion in 1995.
 
SCHOOL SUPPLIES AND SCHOOL FURNITURE
 
    According to the National Center of Education Statistics, there are
approximately 137,000 private and public schools that serve approximately 54.4
million kindergarten through 12th grade students in the United States. The
Company believes that these schools are serviced by a fragmented industry of
over 1,000 independent dealers, who generated sales totaling over $3 billion in
1995.
 
INTERNATIONAL OFFICE PRODUCTS
 
    The Company believes that the international office supplies industry, like
the office supplies industry in the United States, is highly fragmented and
therefore represents a consolidation opportunity for the Company. According to
independent research estimates, annual sales in the contract stationer market in
developed countries excluding the United States exceed $100 billion.
 
COMPUTER AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK SERVICES
 
    According to independent research reports, computer and telecommunications
network services constitute a combined market of over $50 billion. The Company
believes that this market is growing rapidly and that an opportunity exists for
the Company to provide these services to its middle market customers.
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
    The Company's objective is to become the premier provider of office products
and business services to middle market companies around the world. The Company
is pursuing several strategies to accomplish this objective, including:
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
    MAKING STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS TO CONSOLIDATE THE DOMESTIC OFFICE PRODUCTS
MARKET. The Company believes that various North American office products markets
remain highly fragmented and that it has the opportunity to continue to
consolidate these markets through selective acquisitions of leading companies.
The Company believes that its policy of retaining the brand name and empowering
the management of acquired companies helps to make it the acquirer of choice for
many companies. Moreover, this strategy enables the Company to draw on the
contacts and expertise of local management by empowering them to identify
acquisition candidates and to participate in the process of integrating newly
acquired companies into U.S. Office Products.
 
    EXPANDING THE COMPANY'S PRODUCT AND SERVICE OFFERINGS. The Company intends
to continue to broaden the complement of products and services it offers in
order to increase its sales to existing customers. The Company believes that
many of its subsidiaries can maximize their sales, warehousing and distribution
capabilities by offering a broader array of products and services to their
customers. The Company's strategy in making acquisitions in complementary
office-related markets is to maximize the cross-selling opportunities and
operating efficiencies available to these subsidiaries. For example, certain of
the Company's subsidiaries offer to the same customers office supplies, contract
furniture, and coffee, beverage and snack products and services, although the
Company believes that this is occurring at a relatively small number of
subsidiaries and that significant additional cross-selling opportunities exist
among its existing subsidiaries. Over time, the Company's strategy is to
complement these offerings with additional office-related products and services,
such as computer network services or forms management.
 
    ACHIEVING OPERATING EFFICIENCIES. The Company's strategy is to continue to
reduce costs as a percentage of sales by taking advantage of purchasing,
operating, and administrative efficiencies which it believes can be achieved
with the Company's increased size and scale. For example, office product
manufacturers historically have offered more favorable prices and rebates to
high volume purchasers. As it has grown, the Company has negotiated certain
additional discounts and rebates with its suppliers and vendors and believes
that it will be able to increase the discounts and rebates in the future. The
Company believes that it will be able to achieve operating efficiencies by
eliminating redundant facilities and reducing overhead and by combining certain
general and administrative functions, such as purchasing and implementation of
computer systems, purchasing or leasing of delivery vehicles, and the process of
securing accounting, insurance, financial management, marketing, human resources
and legal support. The Company has also begun to develop regional consolidation
and integration plans to enable certain operational activities, such as
warehousing, to be shared among the hubs and spokes that are located within a
specific geographic area. In addition, the Company publishes its annual
proprietary catalog of its office products including approximately 5,000 stock
keeping units ("SKUs"). The Company believes this catalog assists its
subsidiaries in reducing their reliance on wholesalers and in enabling them to
purchase more items directly from manufacturers at lower cost. Consistent with
the Company's decentralized operating approach, the Company-wide catalog is
customized for each subsidiary so that the cover bears the name of the
subsidiary and the initial pages can provide information specifically about that
subsidiary.
 
    IMPLEMENTING SYSTEM AND TECHNOLOGY IMPROVEMENTS. Certain subsidiaries have
developed operating and technology systems designed to improve and enhance their
operations, including computerized inventory management and order processing
systems, computerized quotation and job costing systems, and computerized
logistics and distribution systems. The Company plans to incorporate
industry-standard technology platforms, including frame relay networks, bar
coding, and radio frequency technologies at its existing and planned regional
warehouses, referred to by the Company as district fulfillment centers ("DFCs").
The Company believes that these platforms will allow it to process orders and
track inventory and order fulfillment on a real-time basis, forecast demand by
specific inventory item, or SKU, and generate customized usage and billing
reports for their customers. The Company believes that implementation of these
systems at additional facilities will significantly increase the speed and
accuracy of order processing and fulfillment at the subsidiaries, while reducing
inventory turns and providing measurement and analysis tools that facilitate
efficient operation. In addition, in December 1996, the Company acquired The
Systems
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
House, Inc. ("TSH"), a leading vendor of management information systems ("MIS")
to the office products industry. A substantial portion of the Company's North
American contract stationery subsidiaries currently use TSH software for their
computerized inventory management systems, order processing systems and
warehouse management and distribution systems. The Company believes that TSH's
leading historical position in supplying MIS to the industry will enable it to
speed the adoption of systems throughout the Company.
 
    SEEKING TO CONSOLIDATE THE INTERNATIONAL OFFICE PRODUCTS MARKET BY MAKING
ACQUISITIONS IN ATTRACTIVE MARKETS. The Company believes that the international
office products market represents an attractive consolidation opportunity. In
the past year, the Company acquired Blue Star, a leading office products company
in New Zealand, which has acquired numerous office products companies in that
country. In 1996, the Company acquired numerous office products companies in
Australia and a 49% ownership stake in Dudley, the largest independent office
products dealer in the United Kingdom. The Company currently operates from 267
facilities in New Zealand, 96 facilities in Australia, six facilities in the
United Kingdom, and two facilities in Canada. The Company's initial focus has
been to acquire companies in English speaking countries, although the Company
expects in the future to acquire companies in other countries.
 
PRINCIPAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
 
    The Company is currently organized into six divisions through which it
provides its products and services and seeks to identify and pursue
complementary acquisitions.
 
NORTH AMERICAN OFFICE PRODUCTS
 
    Sales of office products to business customers in North America accounted
for the largest portion of the Company's revenues for fiscal year 1996 and for
the first six months of fiscal year 1997. The Company's strategy is to continue
to increase its presence in this market by acquiring profitable companies which
have established a leading market position in a given geographic area. To
continue to implement successfully its strategy of acquiring and integrating
leading independent companies in geographic regions throughout the United
States, the Company has established an organizational structure in which
regional "quarterbacks" (similar to regional vice presidents) are responsible
for coordinating the Company's activities in 12 Company-defined geographic
regions of the country. The Company sells office products in the North American
market through three divisions: contract stationery, office coffee services and
office furniture.
 
    CONTRACT STATIONERY DIVISION
 
    The Company sells office and related supplies and equipment in the domestic
office contract stationer market. The Company's offerings include desktop
accessories, writing instruments, paper products, computer consumables and
business machines. As of January 7, 1997, the Company served this market from 37
hubs and 42 spokes. The Company believes it has over 200,000 corporate customers
for office supplies in the North American market. The Company believes its
decentralized management philosophy results in better customer service by
allowing local management the flexibility to implement policies and make
decisions based on the needs and desires of local customers. The Company
encourages its local managers to work collaboratively within geographic regions
and to share successful operating strategies.
 
    The Company generally provides next-day delivery of ordered items and, on
request, same-day delivery. This "just in time" service enables certain
customers to reduce overhead cost by reducing inventory and the associated
personnel and space requirements. The Company believes that many of its
customers purchase office products based on an established long-term business
relationship with one primary supplier. The Company obtains office products from
many sources, including manufacturers and wholesalers, and maintains warehouses
from which ordered items are delivered to customers. With respect to office
supplies, approximately one-third of ordered items are not kept in inventory but
are obtained by
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
the Company from wholesalers with which the Company has relationships. The
Company does not believe that its ability to deliver goods to its customers is
dependent on any particular wholesaler.
 
    Orders are received by the Company's sales personnel primarily by telephone
or facsimile. In addition, the Company uses an electronic data interchange
("EDI") system between the Company and certain of its customers. Using this
system, customers are able to place orders directly into the Company's computer
systems, manage their own inventory and generate customized usage reports and
invoices. Orders to be filled are routed electronically to either the Company's
warehouse or, if the ordered item is not stocked by the Company at its local
warehouse, to a wholesaler.
 
    After receiving a customer order, the Company fills the order (excluding
items to be supplied by wholesalers) by "picking" the goods from the Company's
warehouse. At certain facilities, the Company's computer systems automatically
generate "picking" orders arranged according to the location of ordered items
within the Company's warehouse, improving the efficiency of warehouse personnel
in filling orders. The Company also has installed conveyer systems at these
facilities to move orders through the Company's warehouses more efficiently.
When orders have been picked, they are combined with the wholesaler portion of
the order, if required. Finally, delivery-ready orders are staged and loaded
onto trucks on a first-in, last-out basis, based on delivery routes. At these
facilities, staging and loading of trucks and delivery routes are computer
generated to improve delivery and distribution efficiency. The Company intends
to implement additional computerized warehouse systems as it consolidates
additional warehouses and implements a system of regional distribution
fulfillment centers. The Company delivers ordered items using Company-owned
trucks, leased trucks and unaffiliated delivery companies.
 
    OFFICE COFFEE SERVICES
 
    Office coffee services ("OCS") businesses typically provide and install
coffee brewing equipment in a customer's office at no charge but require
customers to purchase, on an ongoing basis, a minimum volume of coffee and
related items from the OCS business. OCS businesses generally also offer a wide
assortment of both coffee and related products, including creamers, sugar,
stirrers, teas, sodas, juices and bottled waters, as well as snack items and all
other items that are likely to be found in an employee "breakroom" or lunch
room, including plastic flatware, napkins, paper cups, straws and similar items.
 
    In the last two years, the Company has acquired thirteen OCS companies
serving the following North American markets: Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Miami,
Baltimore, Milwaukee, Madison (WI), Wilkes Barre/Scranton, Philadelphia, New
Orleans, Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, El Paso and Dallas and Vancouver and
Ottawa, Canada.
 
    In September 1996, the Company signed an agreement through which it secured
an exclusive arrangement to distribute Starbucks-Registered Trademark- coffee in
the North American OCS market for five years. The Company is in the process of
developing promotional materials, preparing materials for its catalog, and
allowing certain of its employees to receive training at Starbucks' facilities
in connection with this strategic alliance with Starbucks. The Company believes
that this strategic alliance will strengthen its position in the OCS market and
will enhance its ability to cross-sell office coffee services to its existing
clients.
 
    OFFICE FURNITURE
 
    The Company sells catalog, contract and remanufactured furniture to the
office furniture market, both through its office supplies businesses and through
nine subsidiaries that principally serve the furniture market. The Company
believes that it has over 35,000 corporate customers for office furniture.
 
    The Company sells furniture to three different types of customers. The
smaller customer typically purchases furniture such as lower-priced chairs and
file cabinets from the Company's office supplies catalogs. The middle market
customer typically purchases furniture of higher quality and functionality, and
the large customer buys high-quality furniture of a more sophisticated design
and tends to make project-
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
oriented purchases. The Company also sells refurbished and remanufactured
furniture specially designed for contract and middle market customers. To a
lesser extent, the Company rents furniture to various customers on a short-term
basis.
 
SCHOOL SUPPLIES AND SCHOOL FURNITURE
 
    The Company sells school and office supplies and school furniture to the
kindergarten through 12th grade ("K-12") educational market primarily through
its School Specialty, Inc. subsidiary, which recently has acquired six companies
serving this market, as well as through its Re-Print Corporation subsidiary.
 
    The Company's school supplies and school furniture business focuses on the
approximately 137,000 private and public schools that serve approximately 54.4
million K-12 students in the United States. Categories of sales in the
educational market include classroom, art, office and instructional materials
(excluding textbooks), and desks, chairs, tables and other furniture for
classroom, cafeteria, library, locker and laboratory use.
 
    The Company employs a three-tiered approach to the industry. It utilizes a
direct sales force group to market products to individual school systems
throughout the United States. A National Bid Desk group responds to Requests for
Proposals ("RFP's") and larger regional or statewide contracts. The Company's
Re-Print Corporation subsidiary uses a direct mail program to reach over 1.6
million teachers with what the Company believes is the largest and most
comprehensive catalog in the U.S. school supply market-place.
 
    The Company believes that the school supplies and school furniture market
has been growing as school enrollments have increased. The Company believes that
it is one of the leading distributors of supplies and furniture to this market,
and is therefore well-positioned to further consolidate the market.
 
COMPUTER AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK SERVICES
 
    The Company believes that there is a significant and growing market for
computer and telecommunications network services in the middle market office
environment, due to the increasing acceptance of Local Area Networks, Wide Area
Networks, and Internent/Intranet Services and systems by this customer base. The
Company believes it is well-positioned to offer such services due to its current
status as a supplier of computer furniture, computer supplies, and computer and
printer consumable items to this market segment.
 
    In October 1996, the Company acquired Bay State Computer Group, a leading
New England-based network computer systems provider with approximately $80
million in revenues for the 12 months ended October 1996, and Fortran
Corporation, a Virginia-based telecommunications, technology and services firm.
The Company believes that many of its current customers would like to purchase
computer and telecommunications network services from suppliers from whom they
already purchase office and computer-related supplies.
 
INTERNATIONAL OFFICE PRODUCTS
 
    The Company intends to focus significant attention and resources on
international expansion. The Company's initial acquisition efforts outside of
the United States have focused on companies in English-speaking countries. The
Company currently sells office and educational products and equipment and
certain other products and services in New Zealand and Australia through Blue
Star and its subsidiaries, including Whitcoulls, and in the United Kingdom
through its 49% interest in Dudley. See "Recent Developments."
 
    The Company's operations in New Zealand and Australia currently include, in
addition to the office products business, the sale and leasing of
telecommunications and office automation equipment and products, as well as the
provision of related maintenance and system design and implementation services,
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
retail stationery and book stores, manufacturing of commercial, scholastic and
household stationery products and printing operations. Blue Star has completed
39 acquisitions during the last three years to become one of the largest office
products companies in New Zealand. The Company believes that its acquisitions of
Blue Star and Whitcoulls have made it one of the largest office products
suppliers in the Pacific Rim.
 
    The Company believes that Dudley is the largest independent office products
dealer in the United Kingdom. Under the Company's joint venture agreement with
Dudley, the Company has made and will make further investments of working
capital in Dudley to enable Dudley to seek to consolidate the United Kingdom
office products market.
 
    The Company's strategy is to continue to make international acquisitions to
increase its presence in the international office products market. The Company
expects to focus its international acquisition program in Western Europe and
Scandinavia.
 
SALES AND MARKETING
 
    The Company believes that its ability to maintain and grow its customer and
revenue base will depend, in part, on its ability to maintain a high level of
customer satisfaction, as well as competitive prices. The Company believes that
its customers typically purchase office products based on an established
long-term business relationship with one primary supplier. The Company
establishes and maintains its relationships with customers by assigning a sales
representative to most customers. The Company currently employs approximately
3,000 North American sales representatives and 2,000 sales representatives in
New Zealand and Australia.
 
    Sales representatives, who are compensated almost exclusively on a
commission and/or incentive basis, have frequent contact with their customers
and share responsibility for increasing account penetration and providing
customer service. Sales representatives also are responsible for marketing
efforts directed to prospective customers and for responding to all bid and/or
contract requests for their existing and prospective customers. The Company
emphasizes a team approach, and generally integrates management, sales, customer
service, purchasing and other personnel into the relationship with each
customer. The Company believes that its decentralized management strategy offers
it a competitive advantage because, by not adhering to a standardized national
model, it has greater flexibility to respond to the needs of each local customer
while achieving the buying power and operating efficiencies of a large company.
 
    The Company focuses its marketing efforts on the middle market business
segment of the office products industry. The Company believes that a significant
opportunity exists in the middle market business segment and that the larger
office products companies with which the Company competes have focused more on
the large corporate segment. The Company sells primarily through direct contact
with customers and potential customers and does not conduct significant mass
market advertising.
 
    The Company continues to leverage its expertise in operations that are not
typical of traditional contract stationers, such as office coffee service
operations, by training its sales personnel in these different areas and
emphasizing a full service approach to its sales. The Company believes that, by
integrating its office products operations with these other related operations,
it can leverage its sales, warehousing and distribution capabilities, while
offering its corporate, commercial, industrial and educational customers a
single source vendor for more of their office requirements.
 
COMPETITION
 
    The Company operates in a highly competitive environment. The Company's
competitors in the markets that it serves are generally smaller, independent
companies, many of which are well-established in their markets. In addition, in
the contract stationer market, the Company competes with five large office
products companies, each of which is believed to have annual revenues in excess
of $500 million: Boise
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
Cascade Office Products Corporation; Corporate Express, Inc.; Office Depot,
Inc.; BT Office Products International, Inc.; and Staples, Inc. Two of these
five competitors are divisions of discount superstore chains and two others are
owned in substantial portion by large manufacturers of office products. In
addition, Office Depot, Inc. and Staples, Inc. recently announced a proposed
merger between the two companies.
 
    In the contract stationer market, as well as the other markets that it
serves or proposes to serve, the Company believes that customers not only are
concerned with the overall reduction of their office products costs but also
place an emphasis on dependability, superior levels of service and flexible
delivery capabilities. The Company believes that it competes favorably with the
five large companies in the contract stationer market on the basis of service
and price. However, some of these companies have greater financial resources
than the Company.
 
    The Company faces significant competition to acquire additional businesses
as the office products industry undergoes continuing consolidation. Significant
competition exists, or is expected to develop, in the other markets that the
Company serves or is planning to enter, as consolidation occurs (or accelerates)
in those markets. A number of the Company's major competitors are actively
pursuing acquisitions outside of the United States. These companies, or other
large companies, may compete with the Company for acquisitions in markets other
than the market for office products. Such competition could lead to higher
prices being paid for acquired companies. The Company believes that its
decentralized management strategy and other operating strategies make it an
attractive acquirer of other companies. However, no assurance can be given that
the Company's acquisition program will be successful in the future.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
    As of October 26, 1996, the Company had over 13,000 full-time employees, a
small number of which are members of labor unions. The Company considers its
relations with its employees to be satisfactory.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
    The following table sets forth certain information concerning each of the
executive officers, directors and key employees of the Company.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                NAME                      AGE                                    POSITION
- ------------------------------------      ---      ---------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>          <C>
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
 
Jonathan J. Ledecky.................          38   Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board
 
Timothy J. Flynn....................          41   President and Chief Operating Officer
 
Donald H. Platt.....................          50   Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
 
Mark D. Director....................          38   Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
 
Martin S. Pinson....................          50   Executive Vice President
 
John K. Burgess.....................          40   President--Burgess, Anderson & Tate, Inc. ("BAT"); Director
 
Jack L. Becker, Jr. ................          45   President--Dameron-Pierson Company, Limited ("Dameron-Pierson");
                                                   Director
 
David C. Gezon......................          43   President--C.W. Mills Acquisition Corp. ("C.W. Mills"); Director
 
David C. Copenhaver.................          32   Senior Vice President--The Smith-Wilson Co. ("Smith-Wilson");
                                                   Director
 
Clifton B. Phillips.................          36   Director
 
Milton H. Kuyers....................          58   Director
 
Allon H. Lefever....................          48   Director
 
Edward J. Mathias...................          53   Director
 
John A. Quelch......................          43   Director
 
KEY EMPLOYEES
 
Roger L. Choquette..................          47   President--Furniture Division
 
H. Steve Swink......................          54   President--Coffee and Beverage Division
 
Daniel P. Spalding..................          41   President--School Supply Division; President--School Specialty Inc.
 
James T. Claypoole..................          63   President--Computer and Telecommunications Network Services Division;
                                                   President--Bay State Computer Group, Inc.
 
Eric J. Watson......................          37   President--International Division; President--Blue Star
 
Kevin J. Thimjon....................          30   Vice President, Corporate Controller and Assistant Treasurer
</TABLE>
 
    JONATHAN J. LEDECKY founded the Company in October 1994 and has served since
then as its Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Prior to founding
the Company, Mr. Ledecky served from 1989 to 1991 as the President of The Legacy
Fund, Inc. and from 1991 until September 1994 as President and Chief Executive
Officer of Legacy Dealer Capital Fund, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of
Steelcase Inc., the nation's largest manufacturer of office furniture products.
While at Legacy Dealer Capital Fund, Mr. Ledecky was responsible for providing
corporate advisory services for Steelcase's network of office products
distributors. In addition, Mr. Ledecky has served as a director of, or corporate
advisor and/or
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
consultant to, several office products companies. Prior to his tenure at The
Legacy Fund, Inc., Mr. Ledecky was a partner at Adler and Company and a Senior
Vice President at Allied Capital Corporation, a publicly traded investment
management company. Mr. Ledecky serves as a director of publicly traded MLC
Holdings, Inc. Mr. Ledecky is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Business
School.
 
    TIMOTHY J. FLYNN is a Director and the President and Chief Operating Officer
of the Company. Mr. Flynn held a variety of positions at Andrews Office Supply
and Equipment Company ("Andrews"), including President, Executive Vice President
and Chief Operating Officer between 1987 and 1996. Mr. Flynn joined Andrews in
1986 after being employed for 10 years in the commercial sales division of M.S.
Ginn and Company, an office products supplier in Washington, D.C. Mr. Flynn is a
former member of the board of directors of the National Purchasing Association
("NPA"), an association of office products companies, and the former Vice
Chairman of the Commercial Dealer Division of the Business Products
International Association (formerly known as the National Office Products
Association ("NOPA")). Mr. Flynn received his undergraduate degree and a Masters
in Administration from the University of Maryland.
 
    DONALD H. PLATT has served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of the Company since August 1995 and as Treasurer since August 1996.
From April 1995 until August 1995, Mr. Platt served as the Company's Senior Vice
President--Corporate Development. From 1990 through 1993, Mr. Platt served as
Dealer Business Consultant and, from January 1994 through April 1995, as Vice
President of Dealer Financing for Steelcase Financial Services, Inc., a finance
subsidiary of Steelcase. Mr. Platt was responsible for 22 acquisitions and
divestures of independent Steelcase dealerships in the U.S. and Canada from
January 1994 through April 1995. Mr. Platt has served as a director of 10
different office furniture dealerships, several of which were also prominent
office products dealers. Mr. Platt is a graduate of Stanford University and the
Stanford Graduate School of Business.
 
    MARK D. DIRECTOR joined the Company as its Executive Vice President, General
Counsel and Assistant Secretary in February 1996. In August, 1996, he was
appointed Secretary of the Company. From 1990 through February 1995, Mr.
Director was a principal of the law firm of Fields & Director, P.C., located in
Washington, D.C., which he founded after his association from 1984 to 1990 with
the law firm of Debevoise & Plimpton. From February 1995 to September 1995, he
served as Vice President, General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of Radio Movil
Digital Americas, Inc. ("RMD"), a company that owns and operates specialized
mobile radio networks throughout South America. From September 1995 to February
1996, Mr. Director served as Executive Vice President of RMD. Mr. Director
received his undergraduate degree from Harvard College and his law degree from
Harvard Law School.
 
    MARTIN S. PINSON has served as Executive Vice President of the Company since
the Company's organization. He previously served as Secretary of the Company
from October 1994 through August 1996 and as Chief Financial Officer from
October 1994 to August 1995. From 1991 to 1994, Mr. Pinson was the President and
Chief Executive Officer of Pinson and Associates, a Washington, D.C. firm
providing consulting and corporate finance services to private and publicly held
corporations. Prior to forming Pinson and Associates, Mr. Pinson was Senior Vice
President at Greater Washington Investors, Inc., a publicly traded venture
capital investment company located in Washington, D.C. Mr. Pinson has served on
the board of directors of more than 15 private and publicly held companies. He
received his undergraduate degree from Union College and his law degree from
Georgetown University.
 
    JOHN K. BURGESS is a Director of the Company and the President of BAT. Mr.
Burgess has served since April 1993 as the Chief Operating Officer of BAT. From
April 1990 through March 1993, Mr. Burgess served as Vice President--Sales and
Marketing for BAT. Prior to April 1990, Mr. Burgess held a variety of positions
at BAT. Mr. Burgess received a bachelor's degree in business management from
Florida Southern College.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
    JACK L. BECKER, JR. is a Director of the Company and the President of
Dameron-Pierson. Mr. Becker has served as the President of Dameron-Pierson since
May 1992. From 1989 through April 1992, Mr. Becker served as Executive Vice
President of Dameron-Pierson, with responsibility for sales and office furniture
operations. Mr. Becker is a former member of the board of directors of NPA and a
member of the dealer councils of Office Furniture USA and Krueger International,
each of which is an office products trade organization. Mr. Becker received a
bachelor's degree in management from the University of New Orleans.
 
    DAVID C. GEZON is a Director of the Company and the President of C.W. Mills.
Mr. Gezon has worked for C.W. Mills since 1970 and has served as its President
since 1988. Mr. Gezon received an undergraduate degree from Calvin College and a
Masters in Business Administration ("M.B.A.") from Western Michigan University.
 
    DAVID C. COPENHAVER is a Director of the Company. Mr. Copenhaver has served
as Senior Vice President--Smith-Wilson since Copenhaver Holdings, Incorporated
purchased Smith-Wilson in 1989. Mr. Copenhaver received both his undergraduate
degree and an M.B.A. from the University of Virginia.
 
    CLIFTON B. PHILLIPS is a Director of the Company. Mr. Phillips served as
President of Mills Morris Inc. ("Mills Morris Arrow") from 1993 to May 1996. For
more than four years prior to becoming President of Mills Morris Arrow, he held
a variety of positions at Mills Morris Arrow including President of Mills Morris
Business Interiors and General Manager of Arrow Business Products. Mr. Phillips
received his undergraduate degree from Columbia University and an M.B.A. from
The University of Pennsylvania.
 
    MILTON H. KUYERS is a Director of the Company. Mr. Kuyers is a part owner
and executive officer of a number of privately held companies, including Zero
Zone Refrigeration Manufacturing Co., a manufacturer of commercial refrigeration
units; Desert Air Corp., a manufacturer of commercial dehumidification
equipment; Northwest Coatings, Inc., a manufacturer of coating products;
Grayline, Inc., a manufacturer of tubing used in the appliance and electrical
industries; Barch Communications, Inc., a distributor of business telephone
systems and cellular telephones; and Faustel, Inc., a manufacturer of custom
coating equipment. Prior to 1993, Mr. Kuyers served as the President of Star
Sprinkler Corp., a manufacturer of sprinkler heads for fire protection systems.
He serves on the board of directors of Medical Advances, Inc., a manufacturer of
parts for medical diagnostic applications. Prior to its acquisition by the
Company, Mr. Kuyers also served as a director of H.H. West. He holds an
undergraduate degree in Business Administration and a M.B.A. from the University
of Michigan.
 
    ALLON H. LEFEVER is a Director of the Company. Mr. Lefever has served as
Vice President of the Affiliated Companies for High Industries, Inc. since April
1988. From 1988 until its acquisition by the Company, Mr. Lefever served as the
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of The Office Works, Inc. He
currently serves on the boards of directors of several private companies. Mr.
Lefever also is a director of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and serves on
the Business Advisory Board of Millersville State University. Mr. Lefever
received his undergraduate degree from Millersville State University and a
Masters in Economics from Pennsylvania State University.
 
    EDWARD J. MATHIAS is a Director of the Company. Mr. Mathias is currently a
Managing Director of The Carlyle Group, a Washington, D.C. based merchant bank.
From 1971 through 1993, Mr. Mathias was with T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., a
major investment management organization, most recently as a Managing Director.
He also served on the board of directors of T. Rowe Price and was a member of
its management committee. While at T. Rowe Price, Mr. Mathias served as Chairman
of various equity mutual funds, including the New Horizons Fund from 1982
through 1993. Mr. Mathias is the Chairman of the Board of Visitors at American
University's Kogod School of Business Administration and serves on the board of
overseers at The University of Pennsylvania's School of Arts and Sciences. Mr.
Mathias presently serves on the board of directors of Sirrom Capital
Corporation, a publicly traded small business investment
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
company, and on the boards of directors of several private companies. Mr.
Mathias holds an undergraduate degree from The University of Pennsylvania and an
M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School.
 
    JOHN A. QUELCH is a Director of the Company. Dr. Quelch is the Sebastian S.
Kresge Professor of Marketing at the Harvard Business School. Dr. Quelch is the
author of 12 books on marketing and is widely published in leading American
business publications. Dr. Quelch serves on the boards of directors of Reebok
International Ltd., a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of athletic
footwear and apparel, and WPP Group plc, a marketing services company that
includes Ogilvy & Mather, J. Walter Thompson and Hill & Knowlton. Dr. Quelch
received an undergraduate degree from Oxford University in England, an M.B.A.
from The University of Pennsylvania, and M.S. and Doctor of Business
Administration degrees from Harvard University.
 
    ROGER L. CHOQUETTE is the President of the Furniture Division of the
Company. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Choquette spent 17 years in the
contract office furniture industry, serving in a variety of management and
officer level assignments with Steelcase, the world's largest office furniture
manufacturer. In his capacity as Vice President--Dealer Alliances, from 1992 to
1993, Mr. Choquette was responsible for managing Steelcase's extensive network
of approximately 450 independently owned contract office furniture dealers,
several of which were also prominent office products dealers. In 1994, Mr.
Choquette was promoted to Executive Vice President--Sales and Marketing, where
he had direct responsibility for managing approximately $2 billion in contract
office furniture and office product sales by Steelcase. Mr. Choquette received
his B.A. from American International College.
 
    H. STEVE SWINK has served as President of the Coffee and Beverage Division
of the Company since August 1995. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Swink served
for 18 years as the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and then
President of Coffee Butler Services, Inc. ("Coffee Butler") during which time he
guided the operations and growth of Coffee Butler into 10 branches located
throughout the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Under his leadership and
direction, Coffee Butler became one of the top three independently owned
companies in the coffee service industry. Mr. Swink received his Bachelor of
Science and Master of Education degrees from Mississippi State University and
received a Doctorate of Philosophy from Georgia State University.
 
    DANIEL P. SPALDING has served as the President of the School Supply Division
of the Company since May 1996 and has served as the President and Chief
Executive Officer of School Specialty since 1988. From 1984 to 1988, Mr.
Spalding was the Division President (and one of the co-founders) of JanSport, a
manufacturer of sports apparel and backpacking equipment and a division of Blue
Bell. Mr. Spalding is currently the President and a director of the National
School Supply and Equipment Association ("NSSEA").
 
    JAMES T. CLAYPOOLE is President of Bay State Computer Group and has served
as the President of the Computer and Telecommunications Network Services
Division of the Company since October 1996. He has been in the computer sales
business for 25 years, and formed Bay State Computer Group 12 years ago. He has
also served as a board member for 12 years and as President for the last two
years of the Digital Dealers Association. He received his undergraduate degree
in Business Finance from the University of Colorado.
 
    ERIC J. WATSON has served as President of the International Division of the
Company since May 1996. Mr. Watson has served as the President of Blue Star
since 1991. Mr. Watson has substantial experience in company restructuring,
acquisition and management, particularly within the office products and
automation industry. Previously, he held general and divisional management
positions at Xerox Corporation, where he was responsible for operations in
Australia and New Zealand, and Whitcoulls Group. Mr. Watson is a graduate of the
General Management Programme of the University of Auckland.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
    KEVIN J. THIMJON has served as Vice President and Corporate Controller since
joining the Company in August 1995 and as Assistant Treasurer since August 1996.
From January 1993 to July 1995, Mr. Thimjon was an Audit Manager at Price
Waterhouse LLP. From September 1991 to December 1992, he was the assistant
controller for Centran Resource Group, Inc., a natural gas marketing company.
Prior to September 1991, Mr. Thimjon was employed by Price Waterhouse LLP. Mr.
Thimjon is a certified public accountant and a graduate of Concordia College in
Moorhead, Minnesota.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
                       PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
 
    The following table sets forth, as of January 3, 1997, except as otherwise
provided, information with respect to beneficial ownership of the Company's
Common Stock by (i) each director, (ii) each executive officer, (iii) the
executive officers and directors as a group, (iv) each key employee, (v) each
person known to the Company who beneficially owns 5% or more of the outstanding
shares of the Common Stock, and (vi) each Selling Stockholder. Unless otherwise
indicated, each of the stockholders has sole voting and investment power with
respect to the shares beneficially owned.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            SHARES BENEFICIALLY      NUMBER         SHARES TO BE
                                                              OWNED PRIOR TO       OF SHARES     BENEFICIALLY OWNED
                                                                 OFFERING           OFFERED        AFTER OFFERING
                                                          -----------------------  ----------  -----------------------
 
<S>                                                       <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>
NAME                                                        NUMBER      PERCENT                  NUMBER      PERCENT
- --------------------------------------------------------  ----------  -----------              ----------  -----------
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Jonathan J. Ledecky(1)..................................   1,793,750         3.8%           0   1,793,750         3.4%
Clifton B. Phillips(2)(3)...............................   1,245,857         2.7%           0   1,245,857         2.4%
Timothy J. Flynn(3)(4)..................................     536,181         1.1%           0     536,181         1.0%
Edward J. Mathias(5)....................................     196,250       *                0     196,250       *
David C. Copenhaver(3)(6)...............................     117,335       *                0     117,335       *
David C. Gezon(3)(7)....................................     116,083       *                0     116,083       *
Martin S. Pinson(8).....................................     138,301       *                0     138,301       *
Milton H. Kuyers(3)(9)..................................     109,721       *                0     109,721       *
Jack L. Becker, Jr.(3)(10)..............................      36,648       *                0      36,648       *
John K. Burgess(11).....................................      39,745       *            2,500      37,245       *
Donald H. Platt (12)....................................      61,952       *                0      61,952       *
Allon H. Lefever(3)(13).................................      32,900       *            1,700      31,200       *
John A. Quelch(14)......................................      15,000       *                0      15,000       *
Mark D. Director(15)....................................      25,081       *                0      25,081       *
                                                          ----------
All executive officers and directors as a group.........   4,464,804         9.5%               4,460,604         8.4%
 
KEY EMPLOYEES
Eric J. Watson(16)......................................   2,200,145         4.7%   1,000,000   1,200,145         2.3%
James T. Claypoole......................................     513,727         1.1%
Daniel P. Spalding......................................     169,719       *
H. Steve Swink..........................................      92,409       *
Roger L. Choquette(17)..................................      28,750       *
Kevin J. Thimjon(18)....................................      15,456       *                0      15,456       *
 
5% STOCKHOLDERS
Pilgrim Baxter & Associates(19).........................   3,851,600         8.2%                                 7.3%
  1255 Drummers Lane, Suite 300
  Wayne, PA 19087-1950
 
ADDITIONAL SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
</TABLE>
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
- ------------------------
 
*   Less than 1%.
 
(1) Includes 175,000 shares which may be acquired upon exercise of options which
    currently are exercisable or are exercisable within 60 days. Mr. Ledecky is
    the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the
    Company.
 
(2) Mr. Phillips is a Director of the Company.
 
(3) These persons were stockholders, executive officers, directors or employees
    of entities acquired by, or combined into, the Company.
 
(4) Includes 90,000 shares which may be acquired upon exercise of options which
    currently are exercisable or are exercisable within 60 days. Mr. Flynn is
    the President and Chief Operating Officer and a Director of the Company.
 
(5) Includes 15,000 shares which may be acquired upon exercise of options which
    currently are exercisable or are exercisable within 60 days, 50,000 Shares
    owned by Mr. Mathias' wife and 181,250 shares that are subject to
    contractual restrictions on the resale thereof. Mr. Mathias is a Director of
    the Company.
 
(6) Mr. Copenhaver is a Director of the company and Senior Vice President of
    Smith Wilson, a subsidiary of the Company.
 
(7) Includes 74,688 shares that are subject to contractual restrictions on the
    resale thereof. Mr. Gezon is a Director of the Company and President of C.W.
    Mills, a subsidiary of the Company.
 
(8) Includes 100,000 shares owned by the Pinson and Associate Profit Sharing
    Plan of which Mr. Pinson is the trustee and beneficiary and 37,500 shares
    which may be acquired upon exercise of options which currently are
    exercisable or are exercisable within 60 days. Martin S. Pinson is an
    Executive Vice President of the Company.
 
(9) Includes 109,549 shares that are subject to contractual restrictions on the
    resale thereof. Mr. Kuyers is a Director of the Company.
 
(10) Includes 31,250 shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of options
    which currently are exercisable or are exercisable within 60 days. Mr.
    Becker is a Director of the Company and President of Dameron-Pierson, a
    subsidiary of the Company.
 
(11) Includes 36,250 shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of options
    which currently are exercisable or are exercisable within 60 days and 3,100
    shares that are subject to contractual restrictions. Mr. Burgess is a
    Director of the Company and President of BAT, a subsidiary of the Company.
 
(12) Includes 60,850 shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of options
    which currently are exercisable or are exercisable within 60 days. Mr. Platt
    is Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the
    Company.
 
(13) Includes 15,000 shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of options
    which currently are exercisable or are exercisable within 60 days and 17,900
    shares that are subject to contractual restrictions. Mr. Lefever is a
    Director of the Company and was Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the
    Board of The Office Works, Inc. prior to its acquisition by the Company.
 
(14) Includes 15,000 shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of options
    which currently are exercisable or are exercisable within 60 days. Mr.
    Quelch is a Director of the Company.
 
(15) Includes 25,000 shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of options
    which currently are exercisable or are exercisable within 60 days. Mr.
    Director is Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the
    Company.
 
(16) Mr. Watson is the President of the Company's International Division and
    Chief Executive Officer of Blue Star Group Limited, a subsidiary of the
    Company.
 
(17) Includes 28,750 shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of options
    which currently are exercisable or are exercisable within 60 days. Mr.
    Choquette is President of the Furniture Division of the Company.
 
(18) Includes 15,000 shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of options
    which currently are exercisable or are exercisable within 60 days. Mr.
    Thimjon is Vice President, Corporate Controller and Assistant Treasurer of
    the Company.
 
(19) Based upon a Schedule 13F filed on September 30, 1996.
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
    The Underwriters named below, acting through their representatives,
Robertson, Stephens & Company LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Smith
Barney Inc. (the "Representatives"), have severally agreed, subject to the terms
and conditions of the Underwriting Agreement, to purchase from the Company and
the Selling Stockholders the number of shares of Common Stock set forth opposite
their respective names below. The Underwriters are committed to purchase and pay
for all such shares if any shares are purchased.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   NUMBER OF
UNDERWRITER                                                                          SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------
<S>                                                                               <C>
Robertson, Stephens & Company LLC...............................................
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated...............................................
Smith Barney Inc................................................................
                                                                                  ------------
      Total.....................................................................    10,000,000
                                                                                  ------------
                                                                                  ------------
</TABLE>
 
    The Company has been advised by the Representatives that the Underwriters
propose to offer the shares of Common Stock to the public at the offering price
set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus and to certain dealers at such
price less a concession of not more than $         per share, of which
$         may be reallowed to other dealers. After the consummation of the
Offering, the public offering price, concession and reallowance to dealers may
be reduced by the Representatives. No such reduction shall change the amount of
proceeds to be received by the Company and Selling Stockholders set forth on the
cover page of this Prospectus.
 
    The Company and certain of the Selling Stockholders have granted to the
Underwriters an option, exercisable during the 30-day period after the date of
this Prospectus, to purchase up to 900,000 and 600,000 additional shares of
Common Stock, respectively, to cover over-allotments, if any, at the same price
per share as the Company and the Selling Stockholders will receive for the
shares that the Underwriters have agreed to purchase. The first     of any
shares purchased by the Underwriters pursuant to this option will be sold by the
Company and the subsequent     of any shares purchased by the Underwriters
pursuant to this option will be sold by certain of the Selling Stockholders. To
the extent that the Underwriters exercise such option for shares of Common
Stock, each of the Underwriters will have made a firm commitment to purchase
approximately the same percentage of such additional shares as the number of
shares of Common Stock to be purchased by it shown in the above table represents
as a percentage of the     shares offered hereby. If purchased, such additional
shares will be sold by the Underwriters on the same terms as those on which the
    shares are being sold.
 
    The Underwriting Agreement contains covenants of indemnity among the
Underwriters, the Company and the Selling Stockholders against certain civil
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
 
    The Company's executive officers and directors and certain stockholders of
the Company have agreed not to offer or sell     shares of Common Stock (except
that, of such shares,     shares of Common Stock will be sold if the
Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full) and the Company has
agreed not to offer or sell any shares of Common Stock until the expiration of a
period of 90 days from the date of this Prospectus (the "Lockup Period") without
the prior written consent of Robertson, Stephens & Company, except that the
Company may issue shares of Common Stock in connection with acquisitions, upon
the exercise of options granted under the Company's Long-Term Incentive
Compensation Plan or pursuant to the 1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. In
addition, the Company has agreed that during the Lockup Period, without the
prior written consent of Robertson, Stephens & Company, the Company will not
waive the contractual restrictions on the sale of Common Stock issued or to be
issued in connection with acquisitions.
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
    The Underwriters do not intend do not intend to confirm sales to accounts
over which they exercise discretionary authority.
 
    The rules of the Commission generally prohibit the Underwriters and other
members of the selling group from making a market in the Company's Common Stock
during a two-business day "cooling-off" period immediately preceding the
commencement of sales in the Offering. The Commission has, however, adopted an
exemption from these rules that permits passive market making under certain
conditions. These rules permit an Underwriter or other member of the selling
group to continue to make a market in the Company's Common Stock subject to the
conditions, among others, that its bid not exceed the highest bid by a market
maker not connected with the Offering and that its net purchases on any one
trading day not exceed prescribed limits. Pursuant to these exemptions, certain
Underwriters and other members of the selling group intend to engage in passive
market making in the Company's Common Stock during the cooling-off period.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
    The validity of the issuance of the Common Stock offered by this Prospectus
has been passed upon for the Company by Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, 1800 M
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036. Certain legal matters will be passed upon
for the Underwriters by Winston & Strawn, 35 West Wacker Drive, Chicago,
Illinois 60601.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
    The consolidated financial statements of the Company as of April 30, 1996
and 1995, and for each year in the three year period ended April 30, 1996,
except as they relate to School Specialty, Inc., Re-Print Corporation, Fortran
Corporation and Baystate Computer Group, Inc. wholly owned subsidiaries of the
Company, have been audited by Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants, and
insofar as they relate to School Speciality, Inc., Re-Print Corporation, Fortran
Corporation and Bay State Computer Group, Inc. by Ernst & Young LLP, BDO
Seidman, LLP, Parent McLaughlin & Nangle and Rubin, Roehmstedt & Nadler, PLC
whose reports thereon appear herein. Such financial statements have been
included in this Prospectus in reliance upon the reports of such independent
accountants given on the authority of such firms as experts in auditing and
accounting.
 
    The financial statements of Emmons-Napp Office Products, Inc. as of December
31, 1995 and 1994 and for the years then ended; the financial statements of
Raleigh Office Supply Company as of August 31, 1995 and for the year then ended;
the financial statements of McWhorter Stationery Co. as of March 31, 1996 and
for the year then ended; the financial statements of Mark's Office Furniture as
of March 31, 1996 and for the year then ended; the financial statements of
David's Office Supply and Furniture Company, Inc. as of May 31, 1996 and for the
year then ended; the financial statements of Mile High Office Supply, Inc. as of
December 31, 1995 and 1994 and for the years then ended; the financial
statements of WBT Holdings, Inc. (d.b.a. Office Furniture Distributors) as of
December 31, 1995 and for the year then ended; the financial statements of
Carolina Office Equipment Company as of March 31, 1996 and for the year then
ended; and the financial statements of The Office Furniture Store, Inc. as of
December 31, 1995 and for the year then ended, have been incorporated herein by
reference in reliance on the reports of Price Waterhouse LLP, independent
accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and
accounting.
 
    The financial statements of Blue Star as of March 31, 1995 and for the year
then ended have been incorporated herein by reference in reliance on the report
of Price Waterhouse (Auckland, New Zealand), independent accountants, given on
the authority of such firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
 
    The financial statements of the MISSCO Commercial Division as of March 31,
1995 and 1994, and for the year ended March 31, 1995, the nine-month period
ended March 31, 1994 and the year ended June 30, 1993 have been incorporated
herein by reference in reliance on the reports of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP,
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
independent certified public accountants, also incorporated herein by reference,
and upon the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
 
    The financial statements of New Office Plus, Inc as of December 31, 1995 and
for the year then ended, have been incorporated herein by reference in reliance
on the report of Shinners, Hucovski & Co., independent accountants, given on the
authority of such firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
 
    The financial statements of American Loose Leaf/Business Products, Inc. as
of September 30, 1995 and for the year then ended, have been incorporated herein
by reference in reliance on the report of Swink, Fiehler and Hoffman, PC,
independent accountants, given on the authority of such firm as experts in
auditing and accounting.
 
    The financial statements of Re-Print Corporation as of December 31, 1995 and
1994 and for the years then ended, have been incorporated herein by reference in
reliance on the report of BDO Seidman, LLP, independent accountants, given on
the authority of such firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
 
    The financial statements of Pear Commercial Interiors as of December 31,
1995 and for the year then ended, have been incorporated herein by reference in
reliance on the report of Ehrhardt Keefe Steiner & Hottman P.C., independent
accountants, given on the authority of such firm as experts in auditing and
accounting.
 
    The financial statements of Arbuckle Foods Inc. as of August 31, 1995 and
for the year then ended, have been incorporated herein by reference in reliance
on the report of Thorne Little, independent accountants, given on the authority
of such firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
 
    The financial statements of Prudential of Florida, Inc. as of December 31,
1995 and for the year then ended, have been incorporated herein by reference in
reliance on the report of Joel S. Baum P.A., independent accountant, given on
the authority of such firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
 
    The financial statements of Wang of New Zealand as of June 30, 1995 and for
the year then ended, have been incorporated herein by reference in reliance on
the report of Ernst & Young (Auckland, New Zealand), independent accountants,
given on the authority of such firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
 
    The financial statements of Whitcoulls Group Limited as of June 30, 1995,
1994, and 1993 and for the years then ended incorporated in this prospectus by
reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 23, 1996 have
been audited by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (Auckland, New Zealand), independent
auditors, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated herein by
reference, and have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such
firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
    The financial statements of International Interiors, Inc. as of September
30, 1995 and 1994 and for the years then ended have been incorporated herein by
reference in reliance on the report of Petherbridge, Davis & Company, PA,
independent accountants, given on the authority of such firm as experts in
auditing and accounting.
 
    The financial statements of Ausdoc Office Pty Ltd as of June 30, 1996 and
1995 and for the years then ended; the financial statements of Canberra
Wholesale Stationers Pty Ltd as of June 30, 1996 and 1995 and for the years then
ended; the financial statements of H & P Stationery Pty Ltd as of June 30, 1996
and 1995 and for the years then ended; and the financial statements Perth
Stationery Supplies Pty Ltd as of June 30, 1996 and 1995 and for the years then
ended, have been incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon the report of
Day Neilson, independent accountants, given on the authority of such firm as
experts in auditing and accounting.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
    The financial statements of Fortran Corp. as of March 31, 1996 and for the
year then ended have been incorporated herein by reference in reliance on the
report of Rubin, Koehmstedt & Nadler, PLC, independent accountants, given on the
authority of such firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
 
    The financial statements of PC Direct Limited as of March 31, 1996 and for
the year then ended have been incorporated herein by reference in reliance on
the report of KPMG (Auckland, New Zealand), independent accountants, given on
the authority of such firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
 
    The financial statements of Bay State Computer Group, Inc. as of March 31,
1996 and for the year then ended have been incorporated herein by reference in
reliance on the report of Parent, McLaughin & Nangle, independent accountants,
given on the authority of such firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               PAGE
                                                                                                             ---------
<S>                                                                                                          <C>
U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
Introduction to Pro Forma Financial Information............................................................        F-2
Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet as of October 26, 1996 (unaudited)........................................        F-4
Pro Forma Combined Statement of Income for the year ended April 30, 1996 (unaudited).......................        F-5
Pro Forma Combined Statement of Income for the six months ended October 26, 1996 (unaudited)...............        F-6
Pro Forma Combined Statement of Income for the six months ended October 31, 1995 (unaudited)...............        F-7
Pro Forma Combined Statement of Income for the year ended April 30, 1995 (unaudited).......................        F-8
Pro Forma Combined Statement of Income for the year ended April 30, 1994 (unaudited).......................        F-9
Notes to Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements...........................................................       F-10
Report of Price Waterhouse LLP, Independent Accountants....................................................       F-12
Report of Ernst & Young, LLP, Independent Auditors.........................................................       F-13
Report of BDO Seidman, LLP, Independent Auditors...........................................................       F-14
Report of Parent, McLaughlin & Nangle, Independent Auditors................................................       F-15
Report of Rubin, Roehmstedt & Nadler, PLC, Independent Auditors............................................       F-16
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of April 30, 1995 and 1996 and October 26, 1996 (unaudited)..................       F-17
Consolidated Statement of Income for the years ended April 30, 1994, 1995, and 1996 and for the six months
  ended October 31, 1995 (unaudited) and October 26, 1996 (unaudited)......................................       F-18
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity for the fiscal years ended April 30, 1994, 1995, and 1996
  and the six months ended October 26, 1996 (unaudited)....................................................       F-19
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended April 30, 1994, 1995, and 1996 and for the six
  months ended October 31, 1995 (unaudited) and October 26, 1995 (unaudited)...............................       F-21
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................................................................       F-23
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
                    PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
    The unaudited pro forma financial statements give effect to, where
applicable, acquisitions completed through January 7, 1997. The unaudited pro
forma combined balance sheet gives effect to the 17 businesses acquired by the
Company after October 26, 1996 (the "Fiscal 1997 Post 2nd Quarter
Acquisitions"), as if all such acquisitions had occurred as of the Company's
most recent balance sheet date, October 26, 1996.
 
    The pro forma combined statement of income for the year ended April 30, 1996
gives effect to (i) the 26 acquisitions completed during fiscal 1996 which were
business combinations accounted for under the purchase method of accounting (the
"Fiscal 1996 Purchased Companies") as if all such acquisitions had been made on
May 1, 1995; (ii) the 58 acquisitions completed during fiscal 1997 which were
business combinations accounted for under the purchase method of accounting (the
"Fiscal 1997 Purchased Companies") as if all such acquisitions had been made on
May 1, 1995; (iii) the 4 acquisitions completed after October 26, 1996 which
were combinations accounted for under the pooling-of-interests method of
accounting as if all such acquisitions had been made on May 1, 1995 (the "Fiscal
1997 Post 2nd Quarter Pooled Companies", which together with the Fiscal 1997
Purchased Companies are referred to as the "Fiscal 1997 Completed
Acquisitions"); (iv) the sales by the Company in February and March 1996 (the
"February Offerings") of 5,543,045 shares of Common Stock and 5 1/2% Convertible
Subordinated Notes due 2001 (the "February Notes") in the principal amount of
$143.75 million as if such sales had been made on May 1, 1995; (vi) the sales by
the Company of 5 1/2% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2003 in May and June
1996 (the "May Notes") in the principal amount of $230 million as if such sales
had been made on May 1, 1995; and (vii) the sales by the Company in September
1996 (the "September Stock Sale") of 1,250,000 shares of the Company's Common
Stock (the "Common Stock") as if such sale had been made on May 1, 1995.
 
    The historical financial statements of the Company give retroactive effect
to the results of the 21 companies acquired by the Company during the six months
ended October 26, 1996 and the 14 companies acquired during fiscal 1996 which
were business combinations accounted for under the pooling-of-interests method
of accounting.
 
    The pro forma combined statement of income for the year ended April 30, 1996
includes (i) the audited financial statements of the Company for the year ended
April 30, 1996; (ii) the unaudited financial information of the Fiscal 1996
Purchased Companies for the period from May 1, 1995 to the consummation date;
(iii) the unaudited financial information for the Fiscal 1997 Purchased
Companies for the most recently completed fiscal year, except that unaudited
financial information for the year ended April 30, 1996 is included for each
such acquisition where the entity's fiscal year end is not within 93 days of the
Company's year end; and (iv) the unaudited financial information of the Fiscal
1997 Post 2nd Quarter Pooled Companies for the most recently completed fiscal
year.
 
    The pro forma combined statement of income for the six months ended October
26, 1996 includes the unaudited financial information of the Company and gives
effect to (i) the 58 acquisitions completed during the first and second quarters
of Fiscal 1997 accounted for under the purchase method of accounting for the
period May 1, 1996 to the consummation date and (ii) the 17 acquisitions
completed after October 26, 1996 as if all such acquisitions had been made on
May 1, 1996.
 
    The pro forma combined statement of income for the six months ended October
31, 1995 includes the unaudited financial information of the Company and gives
effect to the Fiscal 1996 Purchased Companies and the Fiscal 1997 Completed
Acquisitions as if all such acquisitions had been made on May 1, 1995.
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
              PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
    The pro forma combined statement of income for the years ended April 30,
1995 and 1994 includes the audited financial information of the Company and
gives effect to the Fiscal 1997 Post 2nd Quarter Pooled Companies.
 
    The pro forma adjustments are based upon preliminary estimates, available
information and certain assumptions that management deems appropriate. The
unaudited pro forma combined financial data presented herein does not purport to
represent the results that the Company would have obtained had the transactions
which are the subject of pro forma adjustments occurred at the beginning of the
period, as assumed, or the future results of the Company. The pro forma combined
financial statements should be read in conjunction with the other financial
statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Prospectus and in other
reports filed by the Company.
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
                        PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
 
                                OCTOBER 26, 1996
 
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                U.S. OFFICE   FISCAL 1997
                                                                  PRODUCTS     COMPLETED     PRO FORMA
                                                                  COMPANY     ACQUISITIONS  ADJUSTMENTS     SUBTOTAL
                                                                ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
<S>                                                             <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents...................................  $     51,442   $      531    $  (19,521)(a) $
                                                                                                (41,270)(a)
                                                                                                  8,818(a)
  Accounts receivable.........................................       294,175       18,355                      312,530
  Lease receivable............................................        29,865                                    29,865
  Inventory...................................................       225,616       15,080                      240,696
  Prepaid and other current assets............................        38,730        1,107                       39,837
                                                                ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
      Total current assets....................................       639,828       35,073       (51,973)       622,928
Property and equipment, net...................................       182,222        4,297                      186,519
Intangible assets, net........................................       541,422        4,323        13,734(a)      559,479
Investment in affiliate.......................................                                   41,270(a)       41,270
Lease receivables.............................................        46,379                                    46,379
Other assets..................................................        34,380          961                       35,341
                                                                ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
      Total assets............................................  $  1,444,231   $   44,654    $    3,031   $  1,491,916
                                                                ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Short-term debt.............................................  $    227,571   $    4,581    $   17,977(a) $    250,129
  Accounts payable............................................       159,632       15,161                      174,793
  Accrued compensation........................................        33,302          903                       34,205
  Other accrued liabilities...................................        98,517        2,697                      101,214
                                                                ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
      Total current liabilities...............................       519,022       23,342        17,977        560,341
Long-term debt................................................       383,367        9,159        (9,159)(a)      383,367
Deferred income taxes.........................................         7,824            8                        7,832
Other long -term liabilities..................................         3,123          535                        3,658
                                                                ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
      Total liabilities.......................................       913,336       33,044         8,818        955,198
Minority interest.............................................         4,672                                     4,672
Stockholders' equity:
  Common stock................................................            46          123          (122)(a)           47
  Additional paid-in capital..................................       467,687                      3,775(a)      471,462
  Cumulative translation adjustment...........................         4,988                                     4,988
  Retained earnings...........................................        53,502        2,047                       55,549
  Equity of purchased companies...............................                      9,440        (9,440)(a)
                                                                ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
      Total stockholders' equity..............................       526,223       11,610        (5,787)       532,046
                                                                ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
      Total liabilities and stockholders' equity..............  $  1,444,231   $   44,654    $    3,031   $  1,491,916
                                                                ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                  PRO FORMA
                                                                  OFFERING      PRO FORMA
                                                                 ADJUSTMENTS     COMBINED
                                                                -------------  ------------
<S>                                                             <C>            <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents...................................  $     200,600(b) $
                                                                     (200,600 (b)
 
  Accounts receivable.........................................                      312,530
  Lease receivable............................................                       29,865
  Inventory...................................................                      240,696
  Prepaid and other current assets............................                       39,837
                                                                -------------  ------------
      Total current assets....................................                      622,928
Property and equipment, net...................................                      186,519
Intangible assets, net........................................                      559,479
Investment in affiliate.......................................                       41,270
Lease receivables.............................................                       46,379
Other assets..................................................                       35,341
                                                                -------------  ------------
      Total assets............................................  $              $  1,491,916
                                                                -------------  ------------
                                                                -------------  ------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Short-term debt.............................................  $    (200,600 (b) $     49,529
  Accounts payable............................................                      174,793
  Accrued compensation........................................                       34,205
  Other accrued liabilities...................................                      101,214
                                                                -------------  ------------
      Total current liabilities...............................       (200,600)      359,741
Long-term debt................................................                      383,367
Deferred income taxes.........................................                        7,832
Other long -term liabilities..................................                        3,658
                                                                -------------  ------------
      Total liabilities.......................................       (200,600)      754,598
Minority interest.............................................                        4,672
Stockholders' equity:
  Common stock................................................              6(b)           53
  Additional paid-in capital..................................        200,594(b)      672,056
  Cumulative translation adjustment...........................                        4,988
  Retained earnings...........................................                       55,549
  Equity of purchased companies...............................
                                                                -------------  ------------
      Total stockholders' equity..............................        200,600       732,646
                                                                -------------  ------------
      Total liabilities and stockholders' equity..............  $              $  1,491,916
                                                                -------------  ------------
                                                                -------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
       See accompanying notes to pro forma combined financial statements.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
                     PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
 
                       FOR THE YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 1996
 
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          FISCAL YEAR
                                    ------------------------
<S>                    <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>
                       U.S. OFFICE     1996         1997                               PRO FORMA
                        PRODUCTS     PURCHASED    COMPLETED    PRO FORMA               OFFERING     PRO FORMA
                         COMPANY     COMPANIES   ACQUISITIONS ADJUSTMENTS  SUBTOTAL   ADJUSTMENTS   COMBINED
                       -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------
Revenues.............   $1,149,691   $ 307,954    $ 966,582                $2,424,227               $2,424,227
Cost of revenues.....     848,003      214,072      666,017                1,728,092                1,728,092
                       -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------
  Gross profit.......     301,688       93,882      300,565                  696,135                  696,135
 
Selling, general and
  administrative
  expenses...........     256,681       84,070      250,030    $   7,691(c)   584,367                 584,367
                                                                 (11,573)(d)
                                                                  (2,532)(e)
Nonrecurring
  acquisition
  costs..............       8,057                                 (8,057)(e)
Nonrecurring
  restructuring
  costs..............                    8,092                                 8,092                    8,092
Discontinuation of
  printing division
  at subsidiary......         682                                                682                      682
                       -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------
  Operating income...      36,268        1,720       50,535       14,471     102,994                  102,994
 
Other (income)
  expense:
  Interest expense...      13,115        2,761        9,487       12,861(f)    38,224  $ (13,691)(l)     24,533
  Interest income....      (3,750)                     (389)       4,139(f)
  Other..............      (1,063)         (24)        (547)        (671)(g)    (2,305)                (2,305)
Equity in net income
  of affiliated
  company............                                              1,155(h)     1,155                   1,155
                       -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------
 
Income (loss) before
  provision for
  income taxes.......      27,966       (1,017)      41,984         (703)     68,230      13,691       81,921
Provision for income
  taxes..............       6,610           45       12,566       10,322(i)    29,543      5,476       35,019
                       -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------
Net income (loss)....   $  21,356    $  (1,062)   $  29,418    $ (11,025)  $  38,687   $   8,215    $  46,902
                       -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------
                       -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------
Weighted average
  shares
  outstanding........      31,789                                             47,267(j)                53,267(m)
Net income per
  share..............   $    0.67                                          $    0.82                $    0.88
                       -----------                                         ---------               -----------
                       -----------                                         ---------               -----------
</TABLE>
 
       See accompanying notes to pro forma combined financial statements.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
                     PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                   FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 26, 1996
 
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     U.S. OFFICE  FISCAL 1997                              PRO FORMA
                                      PRODUCTS     COMPLETED     PRO FORMA                 OFFERING      PRO FORMA
                                       COMPANY    ACQUISITIONS  ADJUSTMENTS   SUBTOTAL    ADJUSTMENTS    COMBINED
                                     -----------  -----------  -------------  ---------  -------------  -----------
<S>                                  <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>        <C>            <C>
Revenues...........................   $ 996,414    $ 253,476                  $1,249,890                 $1,249,890
Cost of revenues...................     716,849      172,959                    889,808                    889,808
                                     -----------  -----------       ------    ---------  -------------  -----------
    Gross profit...................     279,565       80,517                    360,082                    360,082
 
Selling, general and administrative
  expenses.........................     227,245       71,619     $   1,186(c)   297,004                    297,004
                                                                    (3,046)(d)
Nonrecurring acquisition costs.....       5,727                     (5,727)(e)
                                     -----------  -----------       ------    ---------  -------------  -----------
    Operating income...............      46,593        8,898         7,587       63,078                     63,078
 
Other (income) expense:
  Interest expense.................      18,643        2,487          (518)(f)    20,612   $  (6,845)(l)     13,767
  Interest income..................      (5,382)         (94)        5,476(f)
  Foreign currency gain............      (3,420)                                 (3,420)                    (3,420)
  Other............................        (476)        (274)                      (750)                      (750)
 
Equity in net income of affiliated
  company..........................                                    782(h)       782                        782
                                     -----------  -----------       ------    ---------  -------------  -----------
 
Income before provision for income
  taxes and extraordinary item.....      37,228        6,779         3,411       47,418        6,845        54,263
Provision for income taxes.........      13,948        2,497         4,075(i)    20,520        2,738        23,258
                                     -----------  -----------       ------    ---------  -------------  -----------
Income before extraordinary item...   $  23,280    $   4,282     $    (664)   $  26,898    $   4,107     $  31,005
                                     -----------  -----------       ------    ---------  -------------  -----------
                                     -----------  -----------       ------    ---------  -------------  -----------
Weighted average shares
  outstanding......................      43,622                                  47,898(j)                  53,898(m)
Net income per share before
  extraordinary item...............   $    0.53                               $    0.56                  $    0.58
                                     -----------                              ---------                 -----------
                                     -----------                              ---------                 -----------
</TABLE>
 
       See accompanying notes to pro forma combined financial statements.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
                     PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
 
                   FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1995
 
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          FISCAL YEAR
                                    ------------------------
                       U.S. OFFICE     1996         1997                                  PRO FORMA
                        PRODUCTS     PURCHASED    COMPLETED     PRO FORMA                 OFFERING      PRO FORMA
                         COMPANY     COMPANIES   ACQUISITIONS  ADJUSTMENTS   SUBTOTAL    ADJUSTMENTS    COMBINED
                       -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------  ---------  -------------  -----------
<S>                    <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>        <C>            <C>
Revenues.............   $ 485,546    $ 223,016    $ 469,527                  $1,178,089                 $1,178,089
Cost of revenues.....     361,534      158,215      329,917                    849,666                    849,666
                       -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------  ---------  -------------  -----------
    Gross profit.....     124,012       64,801      139,610                    328,423                    328,423
Selling, general and
  administrative
  expenses...........     106,852       55,209      123,388     $   5,201(c)   286,276                    286,276
                                                                   (4,374)(d)
Nonrecurring
  acquisition
  costs..............       5,192                                  (5,192)(e)
                       -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------  ---------  -------------  -----------
    Operating
      income.........      11,968        9,592       16,222         4,365       42,147                     42,147
Other (income)
  expense:
  Interest expense...       4,639        2,001        5,675         8,297(f)    20,612    $  (6,845)(l)     13,767
  Interest income....        (662)         (40)        (419)        1,121(f)
  Other..............        (718)       2,022         (382)                       922                        922
 
Equity in net income
  of affiliated
  company............                                                 629(h)       629                        629
                       -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------  ---------  -------------  -----------
Income (loss) before
  provision for
  income taxes.......       8,709        5,609       11,348        (4,424)      21,242        6,845        28,087
Provision for income
  taxes..............         494        1,726        3,669         3,181(i)     9,070        2,738        11,808
                       -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------  ---------  -------------  -----------
Net income (loss)....   $   8,215    $   3,883    $   7,679     $  (7,605)   $  12,172    $   4,107     $  16,279
                       -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------  ---------  -------------  -----------
                       -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------  ---------  -------------  -----------
Weighted average
  shares
  outstanding........      28,166                                               46,991(j)                  52,991(m)
Net income per
  share..............   $    0.29                                            $    0.26                  $    0.31
                       -----------                                           ---------                 -----------
                       -----------                                           ---------                 -----------
</TABLE>
 
       See accompanying notes to pro forma combined financial statements.
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
                     PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                       FOR THE YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 1995
 
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        FISCAL
                                                                         1997
                                                                       POST 2ND
                                                        U.S. OFFICE      QTR.       PRO-FORMA
                                                         PRODUCTS      POOLINGS    ADJUSTMENTS    TOTAL
                                                        -----------  ------------  -----------  ----------
<S>                                                     <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>         <C>
Revenues..............................................   $ 723,794    $   34,024    $           $  757,818
Cost of revenues......................................     534,562        21,630                   556,192
                                                        -----------  ------------  -----------  ----------
    Gross profit......................................     189,232        12,394                   201,626
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses..........     162,423        12,137                   174,560
                                                        -----------  ------------  -----------  ----------
    Operating income..................................      26,809           257                    27,066
 
Other (income) expense:
  Interest expense....................................       6,182           121                     6,303
  Interest income.....................................        (682)           65                      (617)
  Other...............................................        (549)            5                      (544)
                                                        -----------  ------------  -----------  ----------
Income before provision for income taxes..............      21,858            66                    21,924
Provision for income taxes............................       3,009            (1)       6,639(k)      9,647
                                                        -----------  ------------  -----------  ----------
Net income............................................   $  18,849    $       67    $  (6,639)  $   12,277
                                                        -----------  ------------  -----------  ----------
                                                        -----------  ------------  -----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
       See accompanying notes to pro forma combined financial statements.
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
                     PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
 
                       FOR THE YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 1994
 
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        FISCAL
                                                                         1997
                                                                       POST 2ND
                                                        U.S. OFFICE      QTR.       PRO-FORMA
                                                         PRODUCTS      POOLINGS    ADJUSTMENTS    TOTAL
                                                        -----------  ------------  -----------  ----------
<S>                                                     <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>         <C>
Revenues..............................................   $ 533,018    $   31,692                $  564,710
Cost of revenues......................................     382,197        20,056                   402,253
                                                        -----------  ------------  -----------  ----------
    Gross profit......................................     150,821        11,636                   162,457
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses..........     135,526        11,425                   146,951
                                                        -----------  ------------  -----------  ----------
    Operating income..................................      15,295           211                    15,506
 
Other (income) expense:
  Interest expense....................................       4,139           106                     4,245
  Interest income.....................................        (405)           30                      (375)
  Other...............................................        (633)           14                      (619)
                                                        -----------  ------------  -----------  ----------
Income before provision for income taxes..............      12,194            61                    12,255
Provision for income taxes............................       1,947             4        3,441(k)      5,392
                                                        -----------  ------------  -----------  ----------
Net income............................................   $  10,247    $       57    $  (3,441)  $    6,863
                                                        -----------  ------------  -----------  ----------
                                                        -----------  ------------  -----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
       See accompanying notes to pro forma combined financial statements.
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
                NOTES TO PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
                    (Dollars and Share Numbers in Thousands)
 
1. UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET ADJUSTMENTS
 
    (a)(i)  Adjustment to reflect purchase price adjustments and repayment of
            certain long-term debt associated with the Fiscal 1997 Purchased
            Companies noted below. The portion of the consideration assigned to
            goodwill ($13,734) in transactions accounted for as purchases
            represents the excess of the cost over the fair value of the net
            assets acquired. The Company amortizes goodwill over a period of 40
            years. The recoverability of the unamortized goodwill will be
            assessed on an ongoing basis by comparing anticipated undiscounted
            future cash flows from operations to net book value.
 
       (ii) Adjustment to reflect the investment of $41,270 representing a 49%
            equity interest in Dudley.
 
      (iii) Borrowings on the Company's Credit Facility to cover a portion of
            the purchase price of certain acquired companies and the refinancing
            of debt of certain acquired companies.
 
    (b)    Adjustment to reflect $200,600 of net proceeds from the sale of 6,000
           shares of Common Stock as part of the Offering (net of expenses and
           underwriting discount) and the utilization of the proceeds to repay
           short-term debt.
 
2. UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME ADJUSTMENTS
 
    (c) Adjustment to reflect the increase in amortization expense relating to
goodwill recorded in purchase accounting related to the Fiscal 1996 Purchased
Companies and the Fiscal 1997 Purchased Companies. The goodwill is being
amortized over an estimated life of 40 years.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                             YEAR ENDED   ------------------------
                                                                              APRIL 30,   OCTOBER 26,  OCTOBER 31,
                                                                                1996         1996         1996
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                          <C>          <C>          <C>
Fiscal 1996 Purchased Companies............................................   $   1,570    $  --        $     688
Fiscal 1997 Purchased Companies............................................       6,121        1,186        4,513
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                              $   7,691    $   1,186    $   5,201
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    (d) Adjustment to reflect reductions in executive compensation as a result
of the elimination of certain executive positions and the renegotiations of
executive compensation agreements resulting from certain acquisitions.
 
    (e) Adjustment to reflect the reduction of (i) nonrecurring acquisition
costs related to pooling-of-interests business combinations of $8,057 for the
year ended April 30, 1996, $5,727 and $5,192 for the six months ended October
26, 1996 and October 31, 1995, respectively, and (ii) certain other
restructuring charges from certain acquisitions of $2,532 for the year ended
April 30, 1996.
 
    (f) Adjustment to reflect an increase (decrease) in interest expense
resulting from the utilization of the proceeds from the sales of the February
Notes and the May Notes to effect acquisitions as if such debt had been
outstanding for the entire period. In addition, the adjustment reflects an
increase in interest expense resulting from the amortization of debt issue costs
over the terms of the February Notes and the May Notes. Adjustment also reflects
a decrease in interest income resulting from the utilization of the
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
          NOTES TO PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
                    (Dollars and Share Numbers in Thousands)
 
2. UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME ADJUSTMENTS (CONTINUED)
proceeds from the issuance of the Common Stock and the February Notes in the
February Offerings and the May Notes to effect certain transactions and
refinance existing debt.
 
    (g) Adjustment to reflect the elimination of the minority interest
representing 49% of the net income of Blue Star for the year ended April 30,
1996.
 
    (h) Adjustment to reflect the 49% equity interest in the net income of
Dudley Stationery Limited.
 
    (i) Adjustment to calculate the provision for income taxes on the combined
pro forma results at an effective income tax rate of approximately 43%. The
difference between the effective tax rate of 43% and the statutory tax rate of
35% relates primarily to state income taxes and non-deductible goodwill.
 
    (j) The weighted average shares outstanding used to calculate pro forma
earnings per share is based on 47,267, 47,898, and 46,991 shares of Common Stock
and Common Stock equivalents outstanding for the year ended April 30, 1996 and
the six months ended October 26, 1996 and October 31, 1995, respectively. The
amounts are comprised of 45,698 shares outstanding for each of the periods,
1,091 shares issued for acquisitions completed subsequent to October 26, 1996
and 478, 1,109, and 202 common stock equivalents considered to be outstanding
related to stock options, for the year ended April 30, 1996, and the six month
periods ended October 26, 1996 and October 31, 1995, respectively.
 
    (k) Adjustment to reflect the income taxes for certain acquisitions
accounted for under the poolings-of-interest method which were taxed as
subchapter S corporations as if these companies had been subject to taxation as
C corporations. As a result of being subchapter S corporations, any tax
liabilities prior to acquisition were the responsibility of the individual
company stockholder.
 
    (l) Adjustment to reflect a decrease in interest expense as a result of the
utilization of the net proceeds from the Offering of $200,600 to repay short
term debt at an effective rate of 6.825%.
 
    (m) Adjustment to include in weighted average shares outstanding the 6,000
shares to be sold by the Company as part of the Offering.
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
  U.S. Office Products Company
 
    In our opinion, based upon our audits and the reports of other auditors, the
accompanying consolidated balance sheet and the related consolidated statements
of income, of stockholders' equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of U.S. Office Products Company and
its subsidiaries at April 30, 1996 and 1995 and the results of their operations
and their cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended
April 30, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management;
our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based
on our audits. We did not audit the financial statements of School Specialty,
Inc. and Re-Print Corporation (wholly owned subsidiaries) which statements
reflect total assets of approximately $44.3 million at December 31, 1994 and
total revenues of $150.5 million, $119.5 million and $21.4 million for the years
ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. We also did not audit the
financial statements of Baystate Computer Group, Inc. and Fortran Corp. (wholly
owned subsidiaries) which statements reflect total assets of approximately $20.5
million at March 31, 1995 and total revenues of $83.9 million, $64.0 million and
$37.5 million for the years ended March 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
Those statements were audited by other auditors whose reports thereon have been
furnished to us, and our opinion expressed herein, insofar as it relates to the
amounts included for School Specialty, Inc., Re-Print Corporation, Baystate
Computer Group, Inc. and Fortran Corp. is based solely on the reports of the
other auditors. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards which 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,
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We
believe that our audits and the reports of other auditors provide a reasonable
basis for the opinion expressed above.
 
Price Waterhouse LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
May 31, 1996, except as to the third paragraph
  of Note 3 which is as of October 26, 1996 and
  Note 14, which is as of July 10, 1996
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>
                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
Board of Directors
School Specialty, Inc.
 
    We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of School Specialty, Inc.
(formerly known as EDA Corporation) (the Company) as of December 31, 1995 and
1994, and the related statements of operations, changes in shareholders' deficit
and cash flows for the years then ended (not presented separately herein). These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
 
    We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
    In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31,
1995 and 1994, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the
years then ended, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
February 2, 1996
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
Board of Directors
The Re-Print Corporation
Birmingham, Alabama
 
    We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of The Re-Print Corporation
as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the related statements of income,
stockholders' equity, and cash flows for three years ended December 31, 1995,
1994, and 1993 (not presented separately herein). These financial statements are
the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
    We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
    In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of The Re-Print Corporation at
December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the results of its operations and its cash flows
for three years ended December 31, 1995, 1994, and 1993 in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
 
Atlanta, Georgia
February 8, 1996
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
Bay State Computer Group, Inc.
Boston, Massachusetts
 
    We have audited the balance sheets of Bay State Computer Group, Inc. as of
March 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related statements of earnings and retained
earnings, and cash flows for three years ended March 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994
(none of which are presented herein separately). These financial statements are
the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
    We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
    In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Bay State Computer Group,
Inc. at March 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of its operations and its cash
flows for three years ended March 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
 
May 23, 1996, except for Note N
as to which the date is October 14, 1996
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
To the Stockholders
  and Board of Directors
Fortran Corp.
Newington, Virginia
 
    We have audited the balance sheet of Fortran Corp. as of March 31, 1996 and
1995, and the related statements of earnings, changes in stockholders' equity,
and cash flows for three years ended March 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 (not
presented separately herein). These financial statements are the responsibility
of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
these financial statements based on our audits.
 
    We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
    In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Fortran Corp. at March 31,
1996 and 1995, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for three
years ended March 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
 
    As described in Note 9 to the financial statements, on August 21, 1996, the
Company entered into a letter of intent to exchange all of its issued and
outstanding shares of common stock for shares of U.S. Office Products Company
common stock.
 
June 7, 1996, except for Note 9,
as to which the date is October 24, 1996
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
 
               (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   APRIL 30,
                                                                             ----------------------  OCTOBER 26,
                                                                                1995        1996         1996
                                                                             ----------  ----------  ------------
<S>                                                                          <C>         <C>         <C>
                                                                                                     (UNAUDITED)
                                                     ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents................................................  $   19,408  $  175,386  $     51,442
  Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $696, $3,386
    and $5,872, respectively...............................................     107,701     170,111       294,175
  Lease receivables........................................................                  24,808        29,865
  Inventories..............................................................      58,672     113,503       225,616
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets................................       6,172      25,445        38,730
                                                                             ----------  ----------  ------------
      Total current assets.................................................     191,953     509,253       639,828
Property and equipment, net................................................      35,738      75,011       182,222
Intangible assets, net.....................................................      26,111     142,240       541,422
Lease receivables..........................................................                  47,005        46,379
Other assets...............................................................       4,971      18,720        34,380
                                                                             ----------  ----------  ------------
      Total assets.........................................................  $  258,773  $  792,229  $  1,444,231
                                                                             ----------  ----------  ------------
                                                                             ----------  ----------  ------------
 
                                      LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Short-term debt..........................................................  $   52,720  $  120,488  $    227,571
  Accounts payable.........................................................      53,735      98,010       159,632
  Accrued compensation.....................................................      10,310      16,126        33,302
  Other accrued liabilities................................................      15,514      26,711        98,517
                                                                             ----------  ----------  ------------
      Total current liabilities............................................     132,279     261,335       519,022
Long-term debt.............................................................      29,939     181,593       383,367
Deferred income taxes......................................................       4,357       7,056         7,824
Other long-term liabilities................................................       1,395       1,703         3,123
                                                                             ----------  ----------  ------------
      Total liabilities....................................................     167,970     451,687       913,336
                                                                             ----------  ----------  ------------
Commitments and contingencies
Minority interest..........................................................                   6,024         4,672
Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, $.001 par value, 500,000 shares authorized, none
    outstanding............................................................
  Preferred stock of a pooled company......................................       1,000
  Common stock, $.001 par value 500,000,000 shares authorized, 24,149,288,
    39,393,480 and 45,698,248 shares issued and outstanding,
    respectively...........................................................          24          39            46
  Additional paid-in capital...............................................      50,720     298,120       467,687
  Cumulative translation adjustment........................................        (193)        358         4,988
  Retained earnings........................................................      39,252      36,001        53,502
                                                                             ----------  ----------  ------------
      Total stockholders' equity...........................................      90,803     334,518       526,223
                                                                             ----------  ----------  ------------
      Total liabilities and stockholders' equity...........................  $  258,773  $  792,229  $  1,444,231
                                                                             ----------  ----------  ------------
                                                                             ----------  ----------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
 
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               FOR THE SIX
                                                                                               MONTHS ENDED
                                                   FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED APRIL 30,   ------------------------
                                                   ------------------------------------  OCTOBER 31,  OCTOBER 26,
                                                      1994        1995         1996         1995         1996
                                                   ----------  ----------  ------------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                <C>         <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>
                                                                                               (UNAUDITED)
Revenues.........................................  $  533,018  $  723,794  $  1,149,691   $ 485,546    $ 996,414
Cost of revenues.................................     382,197     534,562       848,003     361,534      716,849
                                                   ----------  ----------  ------------  -----------  -----------
      Gross profit...............................     150,821     189,232       301,688     124,012      279,565
Selling, general and administrative expenses.....     135,526     162,423       256,681     106,852      227,245
Nonrecurring acquisition costs...................                                 8,057       5,192        5,727
Discontinuation of printing division at
  subsidiary.....................................                                   682
                                                   ----------  ----------  ------------  -----------  -----------
      Operating income...........................      15,295      26,809        36,268      11,968       46,593
Other (income) expense:
  Interest expense...............................       4,139       6,182        13,115       4,639       18,643
  Interest income................................        (405)       (682)       (3,750)       (662)      (5,382)
  Foreign currency gain..........................                                                         (3,420)
  Other..........................................        (633)       (549)       (1,063)       (718)        (476)
                                                   ----------  ----------  ------------  -----------  -----------
Income before provision for income taxes and
  extraordinary item.............................      12,194      21,858        27,966       8,709       37,228
Provision for income taxes.......................       1,947       3,009         6,610         494       13,948
                                                   ----------  ----------  ------------  -----------  -----------
Income before extraordinary item.................      10,247      18,849        21,356       8,215       23,280
Extraordinary item--loss on early termination of
  credit facility, net of income tax benefit.....                                                            612
                                                   ----------  ----------  ------------  -----------  -----------
Net income.......................................  $   10,247  $   18,849  $     21,356   $   8,215    $  22,668
                                                   ----------  ----------  ------------  -----------  -----------
                                                   ----------  ----------  ------------  -----------  -----------
Weighted average common shares outstanding.......                                31,789      28,166       43,622
                                                                           ------------  -----------  -----------
                                                                           ------------  -----------  -----------
Net income per share:
  Income before extraordinary item...............                          $        .67   $     .29    $     .53
  Extraordinary item.............................                                                           (.01)
                                                                           ------------  -----------  -----------
Net income per share.............................                          $        .67   $     .29    $     .52
                                                                           ------------  -----------  -----------
                                                                           ------------  -----------  -----------
Unaudited pro forma net income (see Note 8)......  $    7,463  $   13,397  $     14,743   $   4,767    $  20,251
                                                   ----------  ----------  ------------  -----------  -----------
                                                   ----------  ----------  ------------  -----------  -----------
Unaudited pro forma net income per share:
  Pro forma income before extraordinary item.....                          $        .46   $     .17    $     .47
  Extraordinary item.............................                                                           (.01)
                                                                           ------------  -----------  -----------
Pro forma net income per share...................                          $        .46   $     .17    $     .46
                                                                           ------------  -----------  -----------
                                                                           ------------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
            FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED APRIL 30, 1994, 1995 AND 1996
                   AND THE SIX MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1996
 
                      (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  PREFERRED STOCK              COMMON STOCK         ADDITIONAL
                                                             --------------------------  -------------------------    PAID-IN
                                                                SHARES        AMOUNT        SHARES       AMOUNT       CAPITAL
                                                             -------------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                          <C>            <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>
Balance at April 30, 1993..................................            1     $   1,000     15,645,225   $      15    $  18,368
  Transactions of Combined Companies:
    Dividends..............................................
    Purchase of treasury stock.............................
  Adjustment to conform fiscal year-ends of certain
    Combined Companies.....................................
  Other....................................................                                                                512
  Dividends of certain Pooled Companies....................
  Net income...............................................
                                                                       -
                                                                            -----------  ------------         ---   -----------
Balance at April 30, 1994..................................            1         1,000     15,645,225          15       18,880
  Transactions of Combined Companies:
    Issuance of common stock...............................                                                                251
    Capital contributed by principal stockholder...........                                                              1,814
    Dividends..............................................
  Issuance of common stock in conjunction with the
    formation of U.S. Office Products......................                                   800,000           1
  Issuance of common stock in the initial public offering,
    net of offering expenses of $4,686.....................                                 3,737,500           4       32,686
  Issuance of common stock to the stockholders of the
    Combined Companies.....................................                                 3,078,000           3           (3)
  Distributions to the stockholders of the Combined
    Companies..............................................
  Issuance of common stock in acquisition..................                                   875,000           1        8,749
  Adjustment to conform the year-ends of certain Pooled
    Companies..............................................
  Adjustment to stockholders' equity accounts to reflect
    the Mergers............................................                                                            (12,597)
  Cumulative translation adjustment........................
  Conversion of warrants to equity of certain Pooled
    Companies..............................................                                    13,563                      201
  Issuance of stock by certain Pooled Companies............                                                                739
  Dividends of certain Pooled Companies....................
  Net income...............................................
                                                                       -
                                                                            -----------  ------------         ---   -----------
Balance at April 30, 1995..................................            1         1,000     24,149,288          24       50,720
 
<CAPTION>
                                                              CUMULATIVE
                                                              TRANSLATION    RETAINED   TREASURY     TOTAL
                                                              ADJUSTMENT     EARNINGS     STOCK      EQUITY
                                                             -------------  ----------  ---------  ----------
<S>                                                          <C>            <C>         <C>        <C>
Balance at April 30, 1993..................................    $    (400)   $   27,090  $  (5,048) $   41,025
  Transactions of Combined Companies:
    Dividends..............................................                       (115)                  (115)
    Purchase of treasury stock.............................                                (2,514)     (2,514)
  Adjustment to conform fiscal year-ends of certain
    Combined Companies.....................................                        273                    273
  Other....................................................                       (950)                  (438)
  Dividends of certain Pooled Companies....................                     (4,399)                (4,399)
  Net income...............................................                     10,247                 10,247
 
                                                                   -----    ----------  ---------  ----------
Balance at April 30, 1994..................................         (400)       32,146     (7,562)     44,079
  Transactions of Combined Companies:
    Issuance of common stock...............................                                               251
    Capital contributed by principal stockholder...........                                             1,814
    Dividends..............................................                       (222)                  (222)
  Issuance of common stock in conjunction with the
    formation of U.S. Office Products......................                                                 1
  Issuance of common stock in the initial public offering,
    net of offering expenses of $4,686.....................                                            32,690
  Issuance of common stock to the stockholders of the
    Combined Companies.....................................
  Distributions to the stockholders of the Combined
    Companies..............................................                    (11,300)               (11,300)
  Issuance of common stock in acquisition..................                                             8,750
  Adjustment to conform the year-ends of certain Pooled
    Companies..............................................                      2,235                  2,235
  Adjustment to stockholders' equity accounts to reflect
    the Mergers............................................                      5,035      7,562
  Cumulative translation adjustment........................          207                                  207
  Conversion of warrants to equity of certain Pooled
    Companies..............................................                                               201
  Issuance of stock by certain Pooled Companies............                                               739
  Dividends of certain Pooled Companies....................                     (7,491)                (7,491)
  Net income...............................................                     18,849                 18,849
 
                                                                   -----    ----------  ---------  ----------
Balance at April 30, 1995..................................         (193)       39,252                 90,803
</TABLE>
 
                                  (Continued)
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (CONTINUED)
 
            FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED APRIL 30, 1994, 1995 AND 1996
                   AND THE SIX MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1996
 
                      (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         PREFERRED STOCK            COMMON STOCK         ADDITIONAL  CUMULATIVE
                                                      ----------------------  -------------------------   PAID-IN    TRANSLATION
                                                        SHARES      AMOUNT       SHARES       AMOUNT      CAPITAL    ADJUSTMENT
                                                      -----------  ---------  ------------  -----------  ----------  -----------
<S>                                                   <C>          <C>        <C>           <C>          <C>         <C>
Balance at April 30, 1995...........................           1   $   1,000    24,149,288   $      24   $   50,720   $    (193)
Issuance of warrants by Pooled Companies............                               473,750                      672
Exercise of warrants by Pooled Companies............                               178,865                      784
Options issued by Pooled Companies..................                                                            296
Issuance of common stock in the second public
  offering, net of offering expenses of $3,902......                             4,025,000           4       53,450
Issuance of common stock in the third public
  offering, net of offering expenses of $7,594......                             5,543,045           6      121,277
Issuance of common stock in acquisitions............                             3,885,349           4       60,363
Issuance of common stock for stock options
  exercised, including tax benefits.................                                63,350                    1,023
Issuance of common stock to repay indebtedness......                               419,408                    3,855
Adjustment to conform fiscal year-ends of certain
  Pooled Companies..................................
Capital contribution by former shareholders of
  pooled company....................................                                                          1,154
Conversion of Pooled Company preferred stock upon
  acquisition.......................................          (1)     (1,000)                                 1,000
Issuance of stock by certain Pooled Companies.......                                91,000                    2,164
Dividends of certain Pooled Companies...............                               564,425           1        1,362
Cumulative translation adjustment...................                                                                        551
Net income..........................................
                                                             ---   ---------  ------------         ---   ----------  -----------
Balance at April 30, 1996...........................                            39,393,480          39      298,120         358
Issuance of common stock in acquisitions............                             4,327,781           4      120,202
Issuance of common stock............................                             1,250,000           1       38,112
Exercise of stock options...........................                               152,327                      780
Exercise of stock warrants..........................                               166,750           1        1,200
Retirement of treasury stock........................                                68,205                       34
Capital contribution by former shareholders of
  Pooled Companies..................................                               168,854           1        5,878
Issuance of common stock for stock options
  exercised, including tax benefit..................                                77,541                    1,633
Issuance of common stock for employee stock purchase
  plan, net of expenses of $25......................                                93,310                    1,728
Adjustment to conform fiscal year-ends of certain
  Pooled Companies..................................
Dividends of certain Pooled Companies...............
Cumulative translation adjustment...................                                                                      4,630
Net income..........................................
                                                             ---   ---------  ------------         ---   ----------  -----------
Balance at October 26, 1996 (unaudited).............               $            45,698,248   $      46   $  467,687   $   4,988
                                                             ---   ---------  ------------         ---   ----------  -----------
                                                             ---   ---------  ------------         ---   ----------  -----------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                       RETAINED    TREASURY      TOTAL
                                                       EARNINGS      STOCK       EQUITY
                                                      ----------  -----------  ----------
<S>                                                   <C>         <C>          <C>
Balance at April 30, 1995...........................  $   39,252               $   90,803
Issuance of warrants by Pooled Companies............                                  672
Exercise of warrants by Pooled Companies............                                  784
Options issued by Pooled Companies..................                                  296
Issuance of common stock in the second public
  offering, net of offering expenses of $3,902......                               53,454
Issuance of common stock in the third public
  offering, net of offering expenses of $7,594......                              121,283
Issuance of common stock in acquisitions............                               60,367
Issuance of common stock for stock options
  exercised, including tax benefits.................                                1,023
Issuance of common stock to repay indebtedness......                                3,855
Adjustment to conform fiscal year-ends of certain
  Pooled Companies..................................      (4,410)                  (4,410)
Capital contribution by former shareholders of
  pooled company....................................                                1,154
Conversion of Pooled Company preferred stock upon
  acquisition.......................................
Issuance of stock by certain Pooled Companies.......                                2,164
Dividends of certain Pooled Companies...............     (20,197)                 (18,834)
Cumulative translation adjustment...................                                  551
Net income..........................................      21,356                   21,356
                                                      ----------  -----------  ----------
Balance at April 30, 1996...........................      36,001                  334,518
Issuance of common stock in acquisitions............                              120,206
Issuance of common stock............................                               38,113
Exercise of stock options...........................                                  780
Exercise of stock warrants..........................                                1,201
Retirement of treasury stock........................         (34)
Capital contribution by former shareholders of
  Pooled Companies..................................                                5,879
Issuance of common stock for stock options
  exercised, including tax benefit..................                                1,633
Issuance of common stock for employee stock purchase
  plan, net of expenses of $25......................                                1,728
Adjustment to conform fiscal year-ends of certain
  Pooled Companies..................................         183                      183
Dividends of certain Pooled Companies...............      (5,316)                  (5,316)
Cumulative translation adjustment...................                                4,630
Net income..........................................      22,668                   22,668
                                                      ----------  -----------  ----------
Balance at October 26, 1996 (unaudited).............  $   53,502   $           $  526,223
                                                      ----------  -----------  ----------
                                                      ----------  -----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                             FOR THE SIX
                                                                     FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED APRIL         MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                   30,                 ------------------------
                                                                    ---------------------------------  OCTOBER 31,  OCTOBER 26,
                                                                      1994       1995        1996         1995         1996
                                                                    ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                 <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>
                                                                                                             (UNAUDITED)
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income......................................................  $  10,247  $  18,849  $    21,356   $   8,215   $    22,668
  Adjustment to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used
    in) operating activities:
      Depreciation and amortization expense.......................      7,510      9,283       13,372       5,184        13,974
      Deferred income taxes.......................................       (165)       (51)        (264)        156         3,553
      Write-off of deferred compensation..........................                                                       (1,501)
      Foreign currency gain.......................................                                                       (3,420)
      Changes in assets and liabilities (net of assets acquired
        and liabilities assumed in business combinations):
        Accounts receivable.......................................     (6,091)   (23,948)       1,893     (12,510)      (56,018)
        Lease receivables.........................................                            (17,705)                   (1,394)
        Inventory.................................................     (2,149)      (502)       2,140      (4,675)       (2,876)
        Prepaid expenses and other current assets.................     (2,392)    (1,145)      (9,412)     (4,999)        1,647
        Accounts payable..........................................      3,505      5,674        1,969      10,295       (10,582)
        Accrued liabilities.......................................      1,689      5,633        4,462        (584)       (8,490)
                                                                    ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------
          Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities.....     12,154     13,793       17,811       1,082       (42,439)
                                                                    ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Additions to property and equipment.............................     (6,629)    (6,873)     (14,521)     (3,503)      (10,277)
  Cash used in acquisitions.......................................               (18,099)     (95,574)    (43,406)     (273,704)
  Investment in affiliate.........................................                             (5,603)
  Deposits........................................................        (74)       (77)        (256)     (3,239)       (9,007)
  Other...........................................................       (265)       344         (543)        216         1,309
                                                                    ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------
          Net cash used in investing activities...................     (6,968)   (24,705)    (116,497)    (49,932)     (291,679)
                                                                    ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt........................      3,750      4,220      148,499       2,158       225,098
  Payments of long-term debt......................................     (5,929)    (7,632)     (17,423)     (6,546)     (145,306)
  Increases in short-term debt....................................      1,504      3,859      (38,105)      6,952        90,285
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock..........................                33,454      176,287      53,454        38,113
  Proceeds from exercise of stock options and
    warrants......................................................                                597                     2,937
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock in employee stock
    purchase plan.................................................                                                        1,728
  Contributions of capital by stockholders of Pooled Companies....                 2,557                    1,848         1,802
  Payments to stockholders of combined companies..................        (27)   (11,330)         (42)
  Adjustments to conform fiscal year-ends of certain Pooled
    Companies.....................................................        230        601       (1,119)        (72)          184
  Payments of dividends...........................................     (4,172)    (7,232)     (13,844)     (8,286)       (5,316)
                                                                    ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------
          Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities.....     (4,644)    18,497      254,850      49,508       209,525
                                                                    ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents.............        237       (180)        (186)        (11)          649
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents..............        779      7,405      155,978         647      (123,944)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period..................     11,224     12,003       19,408      19,408       175,386
                                                                    ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period........................  $  12,003  $  19,408  $   175,386   $  20,055   $    51,442
                                                                    ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                    ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
 
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                             FOR THE SIX
                                                                     FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED APRIL         MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                   30,                 ------------------------
                                                                    ---------------------------------  OCTOBER 31,  OCTOBER 26,
                                                                      1994       1995        1996         1995         1996
                                                                    ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                 <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>
                                                                                                             (UNAUDITED)
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
  Interest paid...................................................  $   7,427  $  10,426  $    11,519   $   3,091   $    11,895
  Income taxes paid...............................................  $   3,108  $   3,253  $     8,330   $   1,857   $     9,924
</TABLE>
 
    The Company issued common stock, notes payable and cash in connection with
certain business combinations in fiscal years ended April 30, 1994, 1995 and
1996. The fair values of the assets and liabilities of the acquired companies at
the dates of the acquisitions are presented as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                             FOR THE SIX
                                                                                                             MONTHS ENDED
                                                                  FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED APRIL 30,  ------------------------
                                                                  -----------------------------------  OCTOBER 31,  OCTOBER 26,
                                                                     1994        1995        1996         1995         1996
                                                                  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                               <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>
                                                                                                             (UNAUDITED)
Accounts receivable.............................................  $   --      $   23,462  $    72,231   $  23,576   $    66,509
Inventories.....................................................                  20,074       51,425      17,309       107,086
Prepaid expenses and other current assets.......................                   1,779        8,914       3,845        12,111
Property and equipment..........................................                   5,459       34,978      17,105       102,244
Intangible assets...............................................                  21,079      118,422      45,451       398,932
Lease receivables...............................................                               55,095                       870
Other assets....................................................                     339        1,257         872         3,732
Short-term debt.................................................                 (15,038)    (105,814)    (16,425)       (8,783)
Accounts payable................................................                 (15,627)     (38,357)    (14,384)      (73,042)
Accrued liabilities.............................................                  (4,958)     (16,244)     (3,485)      (99,158)
Long-term debt..................................................                  (6,283)     (17,949)     (7,708)     (114,649)
Deferred income taxes...........................................                               (1,635)
Other long-term liabilities.....................................                    (437)        (247)       (825)       (1,942)
Minority interest...............................................                               (5,349)
                                                                  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
        Net assets acquired.....................................  $   --      $   29,849  $   156,727   $  65,331   $   393,910
                                                                  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
The acquisitions were funded as follows:
Common stock....................................................  $   --      $    8,750  $    60,367   $  21,925   $   120,206
Notes payable...................................................                   3,000          786
Cash............................................................                  18,099       95,574      43,406       273,704
                                                                  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                  $   --      $   29,849  $   156,727   $  65,331   $   393,910
                                                                  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
Noncash transactions:
 
    - During fiscal 1996, one Pooled Company converted $1,385 of notes payable
      to common stock.
 
    - During fiscal 1996, the Company issued 194,447 shares of common stock to
      repay $2,470 of indebtedness.
 
    - During fiscal 1996, the Company recorded additional paid-in capital of
      approximately $483 related to the tax benefit on stock options exercised.
 
    - During fiscal 1994, one Combined Company issued $1,800 of debt in exchange
      for nonvoting shares of common stock.
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
NOTE 1--BUSINESS ORGANIZATION
 
    U.S. Office Products Company ("U.S. Office Products" and the "Company") was
founded in October 1994 with the goal of creating a world-wide office products
supplier, primarily to corporate, commercial and industrial customers.
 
    Concurrent with the closing of its initial public offering (the "IPO") in
February 1995, the Company acquired four companies for a combination of its
common stock and cash which are referred to herein as the "Combined Companies"
and acquired two companies in business combinations accounted for under the
purchase method. The six companies are referred to as the "Founding Companies."
 
    Simultaneously with the closing of the IPO, U.S. Office Products acquired by
merger each of the Combined Companies (the "Mergers"). The accompanying
consolidated financial statements and related notes to consolidated financial
statements are representative of what the financial position, results of
operations and cash flows would have been if U.S. Office Products and the
Combined Companies had been combined on May 1, 1993. The assets and liabilities
of the Combined Companies are reflected at their historical amounts. Capital
stock of the Combined Companies is included in additional paid-in capital. The
Combined Companies previously reported on fiscal years ending other than April
30. Commencing on May 1, 1994, the fiscal year-ends were changed to April 30
which resulted in an adjustment to retained earnings during fiscal 1994 of $273
which resulted from revenues of $8,983 and expenses of $8,710.
 
NOTE 2--SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
    The accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes to
consolidated financial statements include the accounts of U.S. Office Products,
the Combined Companies and the companies acquired in business combinations
accounted for under the purchase method (the "Purchased Companies") from their
respective acquisition dates and give retroactive effect to the results of the
companies acquired in business combinations accounted for under the
pooling-of-interests method (the "Pooled Companies") for all periods presented.
 
USE OF ESTIMATES
 
    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting
period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
DEFINITION OF FISCAL YEAR
 
    As used in these consolidated financial statements and related notes to
consolidated financial statements, "fiscal 1994," "fiscal 1995" and "fiscal
1996" refer to the Company's fiscal years ended April 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996,
respectively.
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
NOTE 2--SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
 
    The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and its majority owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions
and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
    The Company considers temporary cash investments with original maturities of
three months or less from the date of purchase to be cash equivalents.
 
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
 
    Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to
concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and
trade accounts receivable. The Company invests a portion of its cash in highly
rated corporate commercial paper with original maturities of 30 days or less and
in overnight investments collateralized by U.S. government securities.
Receivables arising from sales to customers are not collateralized and, as a
result, management continually monitors the financial condition of its customers
to reduce the risk of loss.
 
INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost determined
on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis and consist primarily of product held for
sale.
 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Property and equipment are stated at cost. Additions and improvements are
capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation of
property and equipment is calculated using the straight-line method over the
estimated useful lives of the respective assets. The estimated useful lives
range from 25 to 40 years for buildings and its components and 5 to 15 years for
furniture, fixtures and equipment. Property and equipment leased under capital
leases are being amortized over the lesser of their useful lives or their lease
terms.
 
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
    Intangible assets consist primarily of goodwill, which represents the excess
of cost over the fair value of assets acquired in business combinations
accounted for under the purchase method. Goodwill is amortized on a straight
line basis over an estimated useful life of 40 years. Management periodically
evaluates the recoverability of goodwill, which would be adjusted for a
permanent decline in value, if any, by comparing anticipated undiscounted future
cash flows from operations to net book value.
 
TRANSLATION OF FOREIGN CURRENCIES
 
    Balance sheet accounts of foreign subsidiaries are translated using the
year-end exchange rate, and statement of income accounts are translated using
the average exchange rate for the year. Translation adjustments are recorded as
a separate component of stockholders' equity.
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
NOTE 2--SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
    The Company's majority owned foreign subsidiary has entered into forward
foreign currency exchange contracts (the "Exchange Contracts") with
counterparties to hedge the exposure to foreign currency fluctuations to the
extent permissible by hedge accounting requirements. At April 30, 1996, the
Exchange Contracts, in the notional amount of $4,616, hedge approximately $5,292
of foreign currency denominated assets. Discounts or premiums on the Exchange
Contracts are amortized over the life of the contracts.
 
    The Company's majority owned foreign subsidiary has also entered into
interest rate swap agreements (the "Swap Agreements") with counterparties to
convert the interest rates associated with certain outstanding debt from
variable rates to fixed rates. The notional amount of the Swap Agreements was
$43,000 at April 30, 1996. The market risks associated with these Swap
Agreements result from short-term fluctuations in interest rates. The credit
risks related to non-performance of the Swap Agreements by the counterparties
are not deemed to be significant; however, non-performance would result in the
Company terminating the Swap Agreements and recognizing a gain or loss,
depending on the fair market value of the Swap Agreements.
 
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
    Pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 107,
"Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments," the Company has
estimated the fair value of its financial instruments using the following
methods and assumptions:
 
    - The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and
      accounts payable approximates fair value;
 
    - The fair value of the 5 1/2% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2001 is
      based on quoted market prices;
 
    - The carrying amounts of the Company's debt, other than the 5 1/2%
      Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2001, approximates fair value,
      estimated by discounted cash flow analyses based on the Company's current
      incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.
 
INCOME TAXES
 
    The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109,
"Accounting for Income Taxes". One Combined Company and certain Pooled Companies
were organized as subchapter S corporations prior to being acquired by the
Company and, as a result, the federal tax on their income was the responsibility
of their individual stockholders. The asset and liability approach used in SFAS
109 requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the tax
consequences of temporary differences by applying enacted statutory tax rates
applicable to future years to differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts and the tax basis of existing assets and liabilities.
 
TAXES ON UNDISTRIBUTED EARNINGS
 
    No provision is made for U.S. income taxes on earnings of foreign subsidiary
companies which the Company controls but does not include in the consolidated
federal income tax return since it is management's practice and intent to
permanently reinvest the earnings.
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
NOTE 2--SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
REVENUE RECOGNITION
 
    Revenue is recognized upon the delivery of office products to customers. The
Company also leases equipment to customers under both short-term and long-term
lease agreements. Revenue related to the short-term leases is recognized on a
monthly basis over the life of the lease. Certain long-term leases qualify as
sales-type leases and accordingly the present value of the future lease payments
are recognized as income upon delivery of the equipment to the customer.
 
COST OF REVENUES
 
    Vendor rebates are recognized on an accrual basis in the period earned and
are recorded as a reduction to cost of revenues. Delivery and occupancy costs
are included as an increase to cost of revenues.
 
NONRECURRING ACQUISITION COSTS
 
    Nonrecurring acquisition costs represent acquisition costs incurred by the
Company in business combinations accounted for under the pooling-of-interests
method. These costs include legal and accounting fees, investment banking fees,
recognition of transaction related obligations and various other acquisition
related costs.
 
DISCONTINUATION OF PRINTING DIVISION AT SUBSIDIARY
 
    During fiscal 1996, the Company discontinued the printing division at one of
its subsidiaries and incurred a one time charge of $682, which consisted
primarily of the writedown of printing division assets to their estimated market
value.
 
NET INCOME PER SHARE
 
    Net income per share for fiscal 1996 is calculated by dividing net income by
the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year
including common stock equivalents, if dilutive.
 
    Net income per share for fiscal 1995 and fiscal 1994 has not been presented
as it is not considered meaningful due to the Mergers and the IPO in conjunction
with the formation of the Company during fiscal 1995.
 
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
    In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS 123,
"Accounting for Stock Based Compensation." SFAS 123 establishes a fair value
based method of accounting for employee stock based compensation plans and
encourages companies to adopt that method. However, it also allows companies to
continue to apply the intrinsic value based method currently prescribed under
APB Opinion No. 25, provided certain pro forma disclosures are made. SFAS 123 is
not required to be adopted by the Company until fiscal 1997. The Company
currently intends to continue to apply the accounting method prescribed by APB
Opinion 25 and, accordingly, the adoption of SFAS 123 will not have a material
impact on the Company's operating results. In March, 1995, the Financial
Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment
of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of." This
statement requires that long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles
to be held
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
NOTE 2--SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
and used by an entity be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be
recoverable. SFAS 121 is not required to be adopted by the Company until fiscal
1997. The Company does not anticipate that SFAS 121 will have a material effect
on the Company's operating results.
 
UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
    In the opinion of management, the Company has made all adjustments,
consisting only of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair presentation
of the financial condition of the Company as of October 26, 1996 and the results
of operations and of cash flows for the six months ended October 31, 1995 and
October 26, 1996, as presented in the accompanying unaudited consolidated
financial statements.
 
NOTE 3--BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
 
POOLING-OF-INTERESTS METHOD
 
    In fiscal 1996, the Company issued 8,440,852 shares of common stock to
acquire 14 companies in acquisitions accounted for under the
pooling-of-interests method. The Company's consolidated financial statements
give retroactive effect to the acquisitions of the Pooled Companies for all
periods presented. Certain of the Pooled Companies previously reported on fiscal
years ending other than April 30. The results of these Pooled Companies were
previously reported on June 30, September 30 and December 31 year-ends.
 
    The accounts of these Pooled Companies for the years ended December 31, 1993
and 1994, for the years ended June 30, 1994 and 1995 and for the years ended
September 30, 1994 and 1995 have been combined with the accounts of U.S. Office
Products for the years ended April 30, 1994 and 1995, respectively. Commencing
on May 1, 1995, the year-ends of these companies were changed to April 30,
resulting in an increase to retained earnings of $2,235 during fiscal 1995.
 
    Subsequent to April 30, 1996, the Company issued 8,525,976 shares of common
stock to acquire 21 companies in acquisitions accounted for under the
pooling-of-interests method. The Company's consolidated financial statements
give retroactive effect to the acquisitions of the Pooled Companies for all
periods presented. Certain of the Pooled Companies previously reported on fiscal
years ending other than April 30. The results of these Pooled Companies were
previously reported on January 31, March 31, May 31, June 30, August 31 and
December 31 year-ends.
 
    The accounts of these Pooled Companies for the years ended December 31, 1994
and 1995, for the years ended January 31, 1995 and 1996, for the year ended
March 31, 1995 and 1996, for the years ended May 31, 1995 and 1996, for the
years ended June 30, 1995 and 1996, and the years ended August 31, 1995 and 1996
have been combined with the accounts of U.S. Office Products for the years ended
April 30, 1995 and 1996, respectively. Commencing on May 1, 1996, the year-ends
of these Companies were changed to April 30, resulting in a reduction to
retained earnings of $4,410 during fiscal 1996 and an increase of $183 for the
six months ended October 26, 1996.
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
NOTE 3--BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (CONTINUED)
    Following is a summary of the results related to the adjustments to retained
earnings for these Pooled Companies:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          FOR THE FISCAL YEAR   FOR THE SIX MONTHS
                                                                            ENDED APRIL 30,           ENDED
                                                                          --------------------     OCTOBER 26,
                                                                            1995       1996            1996
                                                                          ---------  ---------  ------------------
<S>                                                                       <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                                                                   (UNAUDITED)
Revenues................................................................  $  55,126  $  84,626      $   (4,740)
Costs and expenses......................................................     52,891     89,036          (4,923)
                                                                          ---------  ---------         -------
    Net income (loss)...................................................  $   2,235  $  (4,410)     $      183
                                                                          ---------  ---------         -------
                                                                          ---------  ---------         -------
</TABLE>
 
    The separate results of operations of U.S. Office Products Company and the
Pooled Companies for periods prior to the mergers are presented below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              U.S. OFFICE    POOLED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED APRIL 30,                                   PRODUCTS     COMPANIES   COMBINED
                                                              -----------  -----------  ---------
<S>                                                           <C>          <C>          <C>
1996
  Revenue...................................................   $ 488,670    $ 661,021   $1,149,691
  Net income................................................   $   7,828    $  13,528   $  21,356
1995
  Revenue...................................................   $ 120,479    $ 603,315   $ 723,794
  Net income................................................   $   1,514    $  17,335   $  18,849
1994
  Revenue...................................................   $  76,541    $ 456,477   $ 533,018
  Net income................................................   $   1,114    $   9,133   $  10,247
 
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 26, 1996 (UNAUDITED):
  Revenue...................................................   $ 858,093    $ 138,321   $ 996,414
  Net income................................................   $  15,500    $   7,168   $  22,668
 
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1995 (UNAUDITED):
  Revenue...................................................   $ 146,491    $ 339,055   $ 485,546
  Net income................................................   $   3,734    $   4,481   $   8,215
</TABLE>
 
PURCHASE METHOD
 
    In fiscal 1996, the Company made 27 acquisitions accounted for under the
purchase method for an aggregate purchase price of $156,727 consisting of
$95,574 of cash, $786 of notes payable and 3,885,349 shares of common stock with
a market value of $60,367. The total assets related to these 27 acquisitions
were $342,322, including goodwill of $118,422. The results of these acquisitions
have been included in the Company's results from their respective dates of
acquisition.
 
    In fiscal 1995, in addition to the Mergers, the Company made six
acquisitions accounted for under the purchase method for an aggregate purchase
price of $29,849, consisting of $18,099 of cash, $3,000 of notes payable and
875,000 shares of common stock with a market value of $8,750. The total assets
related to
 
                                      F-28
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
NOTE 3--BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (CONTINUED)
these six acquisitions were $72,192, including goodwill of $21,079. The results
of these acquisitions have been included in the Company's results from their
respective dates of acquisition.
 
    The following presents the unaudited pro forma results of operations of the
Company for the fiscal years ended April 30, 1995 and 1996 as if the purchase
acquisitions described above had been consummated as of the beginning of fiscal
1995. The results presented below include certain pro forma adjustments to
reflect the amortization of intangible assets, adjustments in executive
compensation and the inclusion of a federal income tax provision:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
                                                                         ENDED APRIL 30,
                                                                    --------------------------
<S>                                                                 <C>           <C>
                                                                        1995          1996
                                                                    ------------  ------------
Revenues..........................................................  $  1,224,371  $  1,457,645
Net income........................................................        19,531        24,407
Net income per share..............................................          0.49          0.63
</TABLE>
 
    The unaudited pro forma results of operations are prepared for comparative
purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the results that would have
occurred had the acquisitions occurred at the beginning of fiscal 1995 or the
results which may occur in the future.
 
NOTE 4--PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Property and equipment consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
                                                                           ENDED APRIL 30,
                                                                        ----------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>         <C>
                                                                           1995        1996
                                                                        ----------  ----------
Land..................................................................  $    2,515  $    4,339
Buildings.............................................................      13,809      25,617
Furniture and fixtures................................................      19,720      39,612
Warehouse equipment...................................................      22,986      31,462
Equipment under capital leases........................................       4,175       7,264
Leasehold improvements................................................       7,238       7,978
                                                                        ----------  ----------
                                                                            70,443     116,272
Less: Accumulated depreciation........................................     (34,705)    (41,261)
                                                                        ----------  ----------
Net property and equipment............................................  $   35,738  $   75,011
                                                                        ----------  ----------
                                                                        ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
    Depreciation expense for the fiscal years ended April 30, 1994, 1995 and
1996 was $5,987, $7,763 and $9,876, respectively.
 
                                      F-29
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
NOTE 5--INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
    Intangible assets and accumulated amortization consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 APRIL 30,
                                                           ---------------------  OCTOBER 26,
                                                             1995        1996         1996
                                                           ---------  ----------  ------------
<S>                                                        <C>        <C>         <C>
                                                                                  (UNAUDITED)
Goodwill.................................................  $  22,634  $  141,382   $  544,486
Other....................................................      8,309       8,184        7,677
                                                           ---------  ----------  ------------
                                                              30,943     149,566      552,163
Less: Accumulated amortization...........................     (4,832)     (7,326)     (10,741)
                                                           ---------  ----------  ------------
                                                           $  26,111  $  142,240   $  541,422
                                                           ---------  ----------  ------------
                                                           ---------  ----------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
    Other intangible assets consist primarily of non-compete arrangements which
are amortized over the term of the agreements. Amortization expense for the
fiscal years ended April 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996 was $1,523, $1,520 and $3,496,
respectively.
 
NOTE 6--LEASE RECEIVABLES
 
    Lease receivables represent the present value of future lease payments
related to equipment sold to customers as sales type leases. The future minimum
lease payments to be received are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                 <C>
1997..............................................................  $  34,146
1998..............................................................     29,885
1999..............................................................     17,181
2000..............................................................      5,800
2001 and thereafter...............................................      1,647
                                                                    ---------
Total lease receivable............................................     88,659
Less: Amounts representing interest...............................    (16,846)
                                                                    ---------
Present value of net lease receivable.............................  $  71,813
                                                                    ---------
                                                                    ---------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-30
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
NOTE 7--CREDIT FACILITIES
 
SHORT-TERM DEBT
 
    Short-term debt consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               APRIL 30,
                                                                         ---------------------
<S>                                                                      <C>        <C>
                                                                           1995        1996
                                                                         ---------  ----------
Bank lines of credit, secured by accounts receivable and
  inventory,interest rates ranging from prime to prime plus 2.25% (9.0%
  to 10.0% at April 30, 1996)..........................................  $  43,666  $   14,428
Annual renewal loans provided by banks and other financial institutions
  of foreign subsidiary secured by lease receivables of foreign
  subsidiary. Interest rates ranging from 7.8% to 10.2% at April 30,
  1996.................................................................                 80,949
Bank lines of credit of foreign subsidiary operations secured by assets
  of those operations. Interest rates ranging from 9.2% to 9.8% at
  April 30, 1996.......................................................                 12,731
Other..................................................................      1,813       2,249
Current maturities of long-term debt...................................      7,241      10,131
                                                                         ---------  ----------
    Total short-term debt..............................................  $  52,720  $  120,488
                                                                         ---------  ----------
                                                                         ---------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
LONG-TERM DEBT
 
    Long-term debt consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               APRIL 30,
                                                                         ---------------------
<S>                                                                      <C>        <C>
                                                                           1995        1996
                                                                         ---------  ----------
Notes payable, secured by certain assets of the Company, interest rates
  ranging from 8.0% to 10.0%, maturities from October 1996 through
  2003.................................................................  $  13,378  $    2,768
Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2001, interest at 5 1/2%,
  convertible into shares of common stock at any time prior to maturity
  at a conversion price of $28.50 per share, subject to adjustment in
  certain events.......................................................                143,750
Debt facility payable over five years secured by lease receivables of
  the Company's foreign subsidiaries. Interest rates ranging from 11.0%
  to 12.0% at April 30, 1996...........................................                  8,943
Other..................................................................     22,421      31,134
Capital lease obligations..............................................      1,381       5,129
                                                                         ---------  ----------
                                                                            37,180     191,724
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt.............................     (7,241)    (10,131)
                                                                         ---------  ----------
    Total long-term debt...............................................  $  29,939  $  181,593
                                                                         ---------  ----------
                                                                         ---------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-31
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
NOTE 7--CREDIT FACILITIES (CONTINUED)
    The 5 1/2% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2001 (the "Notes") are
redeemable, in whole or in part, at the Company's option at specified redemption
prices on or after February 3, 1998, but may not be redeemed prior to February
2, 1999 unless the closing price of the common stock is at least 150% of the
conversion price for a period of time prior to the notice of redemption. Costs
incurred in connection with the issuance of the Notes are included in other
assets and are being amortized over the five year period of maturity. The fair
value of the Notes at April 30, 1996, based upon quoted market prices, totaled
$211,313.
 
MATURITIES OF LONG-TERM DEBT
 
    Maturities on long-term debt, including capital lease obligations, are as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                 <C>
1997..............................................................  $  10,131
1998..............................................................     13,881
1999..............................................................     12,661
2000..............................................................      1,786
2001..............................................................    144,504
Thereafter........................................................      8,761
                                                                    ---------
                                                                    $ 191,724
                                                                    ---------
                                                                    ---------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 8--INCOME TAXES
 
    U.S. Office Products will file a consolidated federal income tax return for
periods subsequent to the Mergers described in Note 3. Each of the Combined
Companies and Pooled Companies will file "short-period" federal tax returns
through the dates of the Mergers and business combinations.
 
    The provision for income taxes consists of:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
                                                                           ENDED APRIL 30,
                                                                   -------------------------------
<S>                                                                <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                                     1994       1995       1996
                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
Income taxes currently payable:
  Federal........................................................  $   1,805  $   1,722  $   5,679
  State..........................................................        307        529        359
Foreign taxes currently payable..................................                   809        836
                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                       2,112      3,060      6,874
                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)............................       (165)       (51)      (264)
                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
    Total provision for income taxes.............................  $   1,947  $   3,009  $   6,610
                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-32
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
NOTE 8--INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
    Deferred taxes are comprised of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                APRIL 30,
                                                                           --------------------
<S>                                                                        <C>        <C>
                                                                             1995       1996
                                                                           ---------  ---------
Current deferred tax assets:
  Inventory..............................................................  $     178  $     291
  Allowance for doubtful accounts........................................         95        826
  Accrued liabilities....................................................        445          4
                                                                           ---------  ---------
    Total current deferred tax assets....................................        718      1,121
                                                                           ---------  ---------
Long-term deferred tax liabilities:
  Property and equipment.................................................     (1,028)    (2,701)
  Internal Revenue Service tax assessment................................     (3,383)    (3,383)
  Other..................................................................         54       (972)
                                                                           ---------  ---------
    Total long-term deferred tax liabilities.............................     (4,357)    (7,056)
                                                                           ---------  ---------
    Net deferred tax asset (liability)...................................  $  (3,639) $  (5,935)
                                                                           ---------  ---------
                                                                           ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") tax assessment relates to the deferral
of a gain on the sale of land and building by a subsidiary of the Company. The
IRS has determined that a portion of the gain recorded by the subsidiary does
not qualify for deferral and has required that the Company pay additional taxes.
The subsidiary has recorded a deferred tax liability as a result of the
assessment and the related interest. The Company has filed an appeal with the
IRS relating to the above assessment; however, the IRS has not yet responded to
the appeal.
 
    The Company's effective income tax rate varied from the U.S. federal
statutory tax rate as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED APRIL
                                                                                      30,
                                                                        -------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                                          1994       1995       1996
                                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------
U.S. federal statutory rate...........................................       34.0%      34.0%      35.0%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit.................        4.0        4.1        5.4
Subchapter S corporation income not subject to corporate level
  taxation............................................................      (25.0)     (26.9)     (24.0)
Foreign earnings not subject to U.S. taxes............................                              (.6)
Minority interest in foreign taxes....................................                              2.5
Nondeductible goodwill................................................                   1.4        2.6
Other.................................................................        3.0        1.2        2.7
                                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------
Effective tax rate....................................................       16.0%      13.8%      23.6%
                                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    One Combined Company and certain Pooled Companies were organized as
subchapter S corporations prior to the closing of their acquisitions by the
Company and, as a result, the federal tax on their income was the responsibility
of their individual stockholders. Accordingly, the Combined Company and the
specific Pooled Companies provided no federal income tax expense prior to these
acquisitions by the Company.
 
                                      F-33
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
NOTE 8--INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
    The following unaudited pro forma income tax information is presented in
accordance with SFAS 109 as if the Combined Company and the specific Pooled
Companies had been subject to federal income taxes for the entire periods
presented.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               FOR THE FISCAL YEAR            SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                 ENDED APRIL 30,          ------------------------
                                                         -------------------------------  OCTOBER 31,  OCTOBER 26,
                                                           1994       1995       1996        1995         1996
                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
Net income per consolidated statement of income........  $  10,247  $  18,849  $  21,356   $   8,215    $  22,668
Pro forma income tax provision adjustment..............      2,784      5,452      6,613       3,448        2,417
                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
Pro forma net income...................................  $   7,463  $  13,397  $  14,743   $   4,767    $  20,251
                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 9--LEASE COMMITMENTS
 
    The Company leases various types of retail, warehouse and office space and
equipment, furniture and fixtures under noncancellable lease agreements which
expire at various dates. Future minimum lease payments under noncancellable
capital and operating leases are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           CAPITAL    OPERATING
                                                                           LEASES      LEASES
                                                                          ---------  -----------
<S>                                                                       <C>        <C>
1997....................................................................  $   1,922   $  14,102
1998....................................................................      1,390      11,410
1999....................................................................        743      10,179
2000....................................................................        446       9,248
2001....................................................................        320       7,920
Thereafter..............................................................      2,541      27,438
                                                                          ---------  -----------
Total minimum lease payments............................................      7,362   $  80,297
                                                                                     -----------
                                                                                     -----------
Less: Amounts representing interest.....................................     (2,233)
                                                                          ---------
Present value of net minimum lease payments.............................  $   5,129
                                                                          ---------
                                                                          ---------
</TABLE>
 
    Rent expense for all operating leases for the fiscal years ended April 30,
1994, 1995 and 1996 was $10,409, $11,731 and $17,379, respectively.
 
NOTE 10--COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
LITIGATION
 
    The Company is, from time to time, a party to litigation arising in the
normal course of its business. Management believes that none of this litigation
will have a material adverse effect on the financial position or results of
operations or cash flows of the Company.
 
                                      F-34
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
NOTE 10--COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
 
    The Company has entered into employment agreements with several employees
that would result in payments to these employees upon change of control or
certain other events. No amounts have been accrued at April 30, 1995 or 1996
related to these agreements.
 
NOTE 11--EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
    Certain subsidiaries of the Company have qualified defined contribution
benefit plans, which allow for voluntary pre-tax contributions by the employees.
The subsidiaries pay all general and administrative expenses of the plans and in
some cases make matching contributions on behalf of the employees. For the
fiscal years ended April 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996, the subsidiaries incurred
expenses totaling $220, $451 and $683, respectively, related to these plans.
 
    One Combined Company entered into agreements with three officers which
provided for future compensation to those officers subsequent to termination of
employment with the Combined Company for a period of five years. The future
compensation would not be received, however, in the event that an officer
received payment under that Company's Restricted Stock Purchase Plan (the
"Purchase Plan") in excess of the purchase price of the stock paid by the
officer. No compensation expense was recorded with respect to the agreement
related to two of the officers, as it was probable that they would receive
payment under the Restricted Stock Purchase Plan. Future compensation expense of
approximately $1,030 was being recognized as expense for the third officer over
the estimated term of the officer's service to the Company of approximately
eleven years. The compensation expense equaled $95 in fiscal 1994 and $71 in
fiscal year 1995. The agreements were terminated upon closing of the Merger.
 
    The Purchase Plan was considered to be compensatory, for the benefit of
certain officers. Two of these officers each purchased 1,000 shares of stock for
$1 under the Purchase Plan. The stock was restricted and could only be purchased
by the Combined Company at specified prices that varied upon the occurrence of
certain events. As a result, the Combined Company's future compensation expense
of $1,398, under this Purchase Plan, was being recognized as expense over the
expected periods of the officers' future service to the Combined Company of 20
and 28 years. Compensation expense of approximately $60 and $45 was recognized
in fiscal 1994 and fiscal 1995, respectively. The Plan was terminated upon
closing of the Merger.
 
NOTE 12--STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
LONG-TERM COMPENSATION PLAN
 
    In October 1994, the Board of Directors and the Company's stockholders
approved the Company's 1994 Long-Term Compensation Plan (the "Plan"). The
purpose of the Plan is to provide directors, officers, key employees and
consultants with additional incentives by increasing their ownership interests
in the Company. The maximum number of options to purchase Common Stock granted
in any calendar or fiscal year under the Plan is equal to the greater of 855,000
shares or 15% of the aggregate number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding
at the time an award is granted, less, in each case, the number of shares
subject to previously outstanding awards under the Plan.
 
                                      F-35
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
NOTE 12--STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (CONTINUED)
    Under the provisions of the Plan, non-qualified stock options and other
stock awards are granted at prices not less than fair market value at the date
of grant. A summary of option transactions follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     OPTION PRICE
                                                                          NUMBER       RANGE PER     EXPIRATION
                                                                        OF SHARES        SHARE          DATE
                                                                        ----------  ---------------  -----------
<S>                                                                     <C>         <C>              <C>
Outstanding at April 30, 1994.........................................      --            --             --
  Granted.............................................................     629,500   $8.00-$10.00       2004
  Canceled............................................................      (7,000)     $10.00          2004
                                                                        ----------  ---------------  -----------
Outstanding at April 30, 1995.........................................     622,500   $8.00-$10.00       2004
  Granted.............................................................   2,764,591   $11.31-$31.75    2004-2006
  Exercised...........................................................     (63,350)  $8.00-$10.00       2004
  Canceled............................................................     (16,200)  $10.00-$17.13    2004-2005
                                                                        ----------  ---------------  -----------
Outstanding at April 30, 1996.........................................   3,307,541   $8.00-$31.75     2004-2006
                                                                        ----------  ---------------  -----------
                                                                        ----------  ---------------  -----------
Exercisable at April 30, 1996.........................................     132,867   $8.00-$10.00       2004
                                                                        ----------  ---------------  -----------
                                                                        ----------  ---------------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    Non-qualified options are generally exercisable beginning one year from the
date of grant in cumulative yearly amounts of 25% of the shares under option and
generally expire ten years from the date of grant.
 
    Subsequent to year-end, the Company granted options to purchase 1,132,050
shares of common stock at exercise prices ranging from $36.00 to $44.875 per
share.
 
COMMON STOCK
 
    In November 1994, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a one
thousand-for-one split of the Company's common stock and changed the par value
of common stock from $1 per share to $.001 per share. The consolidated financial
statements have been adjusted to reflect the stock split. In February 1996, the
stockholders approved the amendment to the Company's Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of
common stock from 25,000,000 to 100,000,000 shares.
 
                                      F-36
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
NOTE 13--QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         FISCAL 1996 QUARTERS
                                                     ------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
                                                       FIRST       SECOND      THIRD       FOURTH       TOTAL
                                                     ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------
Revenues...........................................  $  214,481  $  271,065  $  316,621  $  347,524  $  1,149,691
Gross profit.......................................      54,980      69,032      81,848      95,828       301,688
Operating income...................................       2,078       9,890      15,887       8,413        36,268
Net income.........................................       1,637       6,578       9,224       3,917        21,356
Pro forma net income (loss) (see Note 8)...........      (1,734)      4,446       8,306       3,725        14,743
Net income per share...............................         .07         .21         .29         .10           .67
Pro forma net income (loss) per share..............        (.07)        .14         .26         .10           .46
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          FISCAL 1995 QUARTERS
                                                       ----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
                                                         FIRST       SECOND      THIRD       FOURTH      TOTAL
                                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Revenues.............................................  $  137,546  $  161,044  $  216,548  $  208,656  $  723,794
Gross profit.........................................      37,174      43,094      58,637      50,326     189,232
Operating income.....................................       3,472       6,074      14,584       2,678      26,809
Net income...........................................       2,113       4,218      11,794         724      18,849
Pro forma net income (loss) (see Note 8).............       1,194       3,239       9,153        (189)     13,397
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 14--SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS SUBSEQUENT TO YEAR-END
 
    Between April 30, 1996 and July 10, 1996, the Company acquired 14 companies
and the remaining 49% of Blue Star in business combinations accounted for under
the purchase method for $65,333, consisting of 1,663,692 shares of common stock
with a market value of $44,149 and cash of $21,184. In addition, the Company
considers the consummation to be probable of a total of 46 additional businesses
(the "Pending Acquisitions"). The Pending Acquisitions provide for consideration
of $286,740, consisting of 7,206,323 shares of common stock with a market value
of $254,659 and cash of $32,081.
 
    The following presents the unaudited pro forma results of operations of the
Company for fiscal 1996 as if the acquisitions described above had been
consummated as of the beginning of fiscal 1996. The results presented below
include certain pro forma adjustments to reflect the amortization of intangible
assets, reductions in executive compensation, the inclusion of a federal income
tax provision and the removal of certain restructuring costs:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                FISCAL YEAR
                                                                                   ENDED
                                                                               APRIL 30, 1996
                                                                              ----------------
<S>                                                                           <C>
Revenues....................................................................    $  1,869,254
Net income..................................................................          34,112
Net income per share........................................................             .80
</TABLE>
 
    The unaudited pro forma results of operations are prepared for comparative
purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the results that would have
occurred had the acquisitions occurred at the beginning of fiscal 1996, or the
results which may occur in the future.
 
                                      F-37
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
NOTE 14--SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (CONTINUED)
ISSUANCE OF CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED NOTES
 
    In May 1996, the Company completed an offshore offering and a concurrent
private placement of $230,000, principal amount of 5 1/2% Convertible
Subordinated Notes due 2003, including the underwriters' over-allotment option
of $30,000. The underwriters exercised their over-allotment option in June 1996.
The net proceeds to the Company, after deducting underwriting discounts and
commissions and offering expenses, were approximately $223,000.
 
NOTE 15--SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
    During the first six months of fiscal 1997, the Company completed a total of
66 business combinations, 21 accounted for under the pooling-of-interests method
and 45 accounted for under the purchase method. In the second quarter of fiscal
1997, the Company completed a total of 38 business combinations, 11 accounted
for under the pooling-of-interests method and 27 accounted for under the
purchase method.
 
    In August 1996, the Company entered into an agreement with Bankers Trust
Company (the "Bank"), whereby the Bank, or a syndicate of financial institutions
including the Bank, will provide a $500,000 revolving credit facility (the
"Credit Facility") bearing interest, at the Company's option, at the Bank's base
rate plus an applicable margin of up to 1.25%, or a eurodollar rate plus an
applicable margin of up to 2.5%. The availability under the Credit Facility is
subject to certain sublimits including $100,000 for working capital loans and
$400,000 for acquisition loans, with $180,000 of the acquisition loan submit
available and expected to be used to refinance certain outstanding indebtedness
of the Company in Australia and New Zealand. The Credit Facility is secured by a
majority of the assets of the Company and contains customary covenants,
including financial covenants with respect to the Company's leverage and
interest coverage ratios, capital expenditures, payment of dividends and
purchases and sales of assets, and customary default provisions, including
provisions related to non-payment of principal and interest, default under other
debt agreements and bankruptcy.
 
    In August 1996, at the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the
stockholders approved, among other things, a proposal by the Board of Directors
of the Company to adopt an amendment to Article Four of the Company's Restated
Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of shares of the Company's
Common Stock, par value $.001 per share, authorized for issuance from
100,000,000 shares to 500,000,000 shares.
 
    On August 20, 1996, the Company's Board of Directors approved a change in
the Company's fiscal year-end, effective for the 1997 fiscal year, from April 30
to the last Saturday of April.
 
    Subsequent to October 26, 1996, the Company has completed 17 business
combinations for an aggregate purchase price of $97,100, consisting of
approximately $62,200 of cash and 1,090,861 shares of the Company's common stock
with an aggregate market value on the dates of acquisition of approximately
$34,900. This includes the acquisition of a 49% equity interest in Dudley
Stationery Limited ("Dudley"), an independent office products dealer in the
United Kingdom. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company agreed to invest
approximately $80,000 of working capital into Dudley over a two-year period. In
addition, Dudley plans to raise approximately an additional $80,000 in debt
financing. The Company has currently invested approximately $41,300 of the total
$80,000 in Dudley.
 
                                      F-38
<PAGE>

Artwork--inside back cover

[A globe of the world showing the western hemisphere 
with the names of the 131 companies acquired by the 
Company since its inception superimposed thereon. 
The Company's logo appears on the base of the globe.]






<PAGE>
                                     [LOGO]
<PAGE>
                                    PART II
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
 
    The following table sets forth the expenses (other than underwriting
compensation expected to be incurred) in connection with the offering described
in this Registration Statement. All of such amounts (except the SEC Registration
Fee, the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") Filing Fee
and the Nasdaq National Market Listing Fee) are estimated.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                               <C>
SEC Registration Fee............................................  $ 118,376
NASD Filing Fee.................................................     30,500
Blue Sky Fees and Expenses*.....................................     15,000
Nasdaq National Market Listing Fee..............................     17,500
Printing and Engraving Costs*...................................    100,000
Legal Fees and Expenses*........................................    300,000
Accounting Fees and Expenses*...................................    300,000
Transfer Agent and Registrar Fees and Expenses..................      5,000
Miscellaneous*..................................................    113,624
                                                                  ---------
    Total*......................................................  $1,000,000
                                                                  ---------
                                                                  ---------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
*   estimated
 
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
    The Company's By-laws provide that the Company shall, to the fullest extent
permitted by Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware, as amended from time to time, indemnify all persons whom it may
indemnify pursuant thereto.
 
    Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware permits
a corporation, under specified circumstances, to indemnify its directors,
officers, employees or agents against expenses (including attorney's fees),
judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlements actually and reasonably
incurred by them in connection with any action, suit or proceeding brought by
third parties by reason of the fact that they were or are directors, officers,
employees or agents of the corporation, if such directors, officers, employees
or agents acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in
or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any
criminal action or proceeding, had no reason to believe their conduct was
unlawful. In a derivative action, i.e., one by or in the right of the
corporation, indemnification may be made only for expenses actually and
reasonably incurred by directors, officers, employees or agents in connection
with the defense or settlement of an action or suit, and only with respect to a
matter as to which they shall have acted in good faith and in a manner they
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation, except that no indemnification shall be made if such person shall
have been adjudged liable to the corporation, unless and only to the extent that
the court in which the action or suit was brought shall determine upon
application that the defendant directors, officers, employees or agents are
fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses despite such
adjudication of liability. The General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
permits the purchase of insurance on behalf of directors and officers against
any liability asserted against directors and officers incurred by such persons
in such capacity, whether or not the corporation would have the power to
indemnify officers and directors against such liability. The Company has
obtained liability insurance coverge, which includes coverage to reimburse the
Company for amounts required or permitted by law to be paid to indemnify
executive officers and directors.
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>
    Article Eight of the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation
provides that the Company's directors will not be personally liable to the
Company or its stockholders for monetary damages resulting from breaches of
their fiduciary duty as directors except (a) for any breach of the duty of
loyalty to the Company or its stockholders, (b) for acts or omissions not in
good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of
law, (c) under Section 174 of the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware, which makes directors liable for unlawful dividends or unlawful stock
repurchases or redemptions or (d) for transactions from which directors derive
improper personal benefit.
 
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
    (a) Exhibits
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
 NUMBER    DESCRIPTION
- ---------  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>        <C>
 1.1*      Form of Underwriting Agreement among the Company, certain stockholders of the Company and Robertson
           Stephens & Company LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Smith Barney Inc., as representatives of
           the several Underwriters.
 5.1       Opinion of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP as to the legality of the securities being registered.
23.1(a   ) Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP
23.1(b   ) Consent of Price Waterhouse
23.2       Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
23.3(a   ) Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick
23.3(b   ) Consent of KPMG
23.4       Consent of Swink, Fiehler & Hoffman, P.C.
23.5       Consent of Shinners, Hucovski & Company
23.6       Consent of BDO Seidman LLP
23.7       Consent of Thorne Little
23.8       Consent of Ehrhardt Keefe Steiner & Hottman PC
23.9       Consent of Ernst & Young
23.10      Consent of Joel S. Baum P.A.
23.11      Consent of Hamilton & Associates
23.12      Consent of Petheridge, Davis & Company, P.A.
23.13      Consent of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
23.14      Consent of Day Neilson
23.15      Consent of Day Neilson
23.16      Consent of Day Neilson
23.17      Consent of Day Neilson
23.18      Consent of Rubin, Koehmstedt & Nadler, PLC
23.19      Consent of KPMG
23.20      Consent of Parent, McLaughlin & Nangle
23.21      Consent of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.1)
24.1       Power of Attorney (included on signature page)
27         Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
*   To be filed by amendment.
 
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS
 
    The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
 
        (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act
    of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part
    of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a
    form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>
    (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this
    registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
        (2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
    Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of
    prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to
    the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that
    time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
        (3) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
    Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and
    controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the provisions described
    in Item 14, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the
    opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is
    against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore,
    unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such
    liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred
    or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in
    the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by
    such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the
    securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of
    its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to
    a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
    indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and
    will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
        (4) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
    Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to
    Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that
    is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed
    to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
    therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to
    be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES
 
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement on Form S-3 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Washington, District of Columbia, on January 7,
1997.
 
                                U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
                                By:  /s/ JONATHAN J. LEDECKY
                                     -----------------------------------------
                                     Name: Jonathan J. Ledecky
                                     Title: Chief Executive Officer
 
    Each person whose signature appears below hereby appoints Jonathan J.
Ledecky and Mark D. Director, and both of them, either of whom may act without
the joinder of the other, as his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents,
with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement and any
registration statements for the same offering filed pursuant to Rule 462(b)
under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with all exhibits
thereto and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Commission,
granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to
perform each and every act and thing appropriate or necessary to be done, as
fully and for all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby
ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their
substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      SIGNATURE                               CAPACITY IN WHICH SIGNED               DATE
- ------------------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------  -----------------
<C>                                                     <S>                                    <C>
 
               /s/ JONATHAN J. LEDECKY                  Chairman of the Board and Chief
     -------------------------------------------          Executive Officer (Principal           January 7, 1997
                 Jonathan J. Ledecky                      Executive Officer)
 
                 /s/ DONALD H. PLATT                    Chief Financial Officer (Principal
     -------------------------------------------          Financial Officer and Principal        January 7, 1997
                   Donald H. Platt                        Accounting Officer)
 
                 /s/ TIMOTHY J. FLYNN
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                 January 7, 1997
                   Timothy J. Flynn
 
                 /s/ JOHN K. BURGESS
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                 January 7, 1997
                   John K. Burgess
 
               /s/ JACK L. BECKER, JR.
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                 January 7, 1997
                 Jack L. Becker, Jr.
 
                 /s/ MILTON H. KUYERS
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                 January 7, 1997
                   Milton H. Kuyers
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      SIGNATURE                               CAPACITY IN WHICH SIGNED               DATE
- ------------------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------  -----------------
<C>                                                     <S>                                    <C>
                 /s/ ALLON H. LEFEVER
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                 January 7, 1997
                   Allon H. Lefever
 
                /s/ EDWARD J. MATHIAS
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                 January 7, 1997
                  Edward J. Mathias
 
                  /s/ JOHN A. QUELCH
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                 January 7, 1997
                    John A. Quelch
 
                  /s/ DAVID C. GEZON
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                 January 7, 1997
                    David C. Gezon
 
               /s/ DAVID C. COPENHAVER
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                 January 7, 1997
                 David C. Copenhaver
 
               /s/ CLIFTON B. PHILLIPS
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                 January 7, 1997
                 Clifton B. Phillips
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
 NUMBER    DESCRIPTION
- ---------  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>        <S>
   1.1*    Form of Underwriting Agreement, dated as of       , 1997, among the Company, certain stockholders of
           the Company and Robertson Stephens & Company LLC and Morgan Stanley Incorporated, as representatives of
           the several Underwriters.
   5.1     Opinion of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
  23.1(a)  Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP
  23.1(b)  Consent of Price Waterhouse
  23.2     Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
  23.3(a)  Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
  23.3(b)  Consent of KPMG
  23.4     Consent of Swink, Fiehler & Hoffman, P.C.
  23.5     Consent of Shinners, Hucovski & Company
  23.6     Consent of BDO Seidman LLP
  23.7     Consent of Thorne Little
  23.8     Consent of Ehrhardt Keefe Steiner & Hottman PC
  23.9     Consent of Ernst & Young
  23.10    Consent of Joel S. Baum P.A.
  23.11    Consent of Hamilton & Associates
  23.12    Consent of Petheridge, Davis & Company, P.A.
  23.13    Consent of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
  23.14    Consent of Day Neilson
  23.15    Consent of Day Neilson
  23.16    Consent of Day Neilson
  23.17    Consent of Day Neilson
  23.18    Consent of Rubin, Koehmstedt & Nadler, PLC
  23.19    Consent of KPMG
  23.20    Consent of Parent, McLaughlin & Nangle
  23.21    Consent of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.1) c
  24.1     Power of Attorney (included on signature page)
  27       Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
*   To be filed by amendment.

<PAGE>




January 8, 1997


U.S. Office Products Company
1440 New York Avenue, NW
Suite 310
Washington, D.C. 20005

Re: Issuance of Shares Pursuant to Registration Statement on Form S-3
    ------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel to U.S. Office Products Company, a Delaware 
corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the preparation and filing 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, 
as amended (the "Act"), of a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the 
"Registration Statement") relating to the offering by the Company and certain 
selling stockholders (the "Selling Stockholders") of an aggregate of 
10,000,000 shares (the "Shares") of the Company's Common Stock, $.001 par 
value per share. Any Shares sold by the Selling Stockholders will be sold 
pursuant to an underwriting agreement entered into by and among the Company, 
the Selling Stockholders and the Underwriters. Except as otherwise defined 
herein, capitalized terms are used herein as defined in the Registration 
Statement.

In so acting, we have examined originals, or copies certified or otherwise 
identified to our satisfaction, of such documents, records, certificates and 
other instruments of the Company as in our judgment are necessary or 
appropriate for purposes of this opinion. For purposes of this opinion, we 
have assumed that (i) the issuance of the Shares will have been duly 
authorized, (ii) the Shares will have been reserved for issuance and 
certificates evidencing the same will have been duly executed and delivered 
against receipt of the consideration, approved by the Board of Directors of 
the Company or an authorized committee thereof, which will be not less than 
the par value thereof and (iii) the Shares will be issued in compliance with 
applicable federal and state securities laws.

<PAGE>


U.S. office Products Company
January 8, 1997
Page 2


Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Shares, when and to 
the extent issued and sold by the Company and the Selling Stockholders and 
purchased by the Underwriters in the manner contemplated in the Registration 
Statement, will be (or in the case of the Selling Stockholders, are) legally 
issued, fully paid and non-assessable. This opinion is limited to the laws of 
the District of Columbia, the Delaware General Corporation Law and the 
federal securities laws, and no opinion is expressed herein as to any matters 
governed by the laws of any other jurisdictions.

We hereby consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the 
Registration Statement and to the use of our name under the caption "Legal 
Matters" in the Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not 
hereby admit that we are acting within the category of persons whose consent 
is required under Section 7 of the Act and the rules and regulations of the 
Commission thereunder.

Very truly yours,

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP


<PAGE>

                 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the use in the Prospectus constituting part of this 
Registration Statement on Form S-3 of U.S. Office Products Company of our 
report dated May 31, 1996, except as to the third paragraph of Note 3, which 
is as of October 26, 1996 and Note 14, which is as of July 10, 1996 relating 
to the consolidated financial statements of U.S. Office Products Company 
which appears in such Prospectus.

We also hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Prospectus 
constituting part of this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of U.S. Office 
Products Company of our reports as of the dates and relating to the financial 
statements of the companies listed below which appear in the Current Reports 
on Form 8-K dated July 16, 1996 and September 23, 1996 and in the 
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (333-13133) dated October 9, 1996 of U.S. 
Office Products Company.


         Company                                           Date
         -------                                           -----
Raleigh Office Supply Company, Inc.                        March 8, 1996
Emmons-Napp Office Products, Inc. Commercial Division      May 15, 1996
The Office Furniture Store, Inc.                           August 16, 1996
David's Office Supply and Furniture Company, Inc.          July 10, 1996
Carolina Office and Equipment Company                      July 10, 1996
Mark's Office Furniture                                    June 25, 1996
McWhorter Stationery Company, Inc.                         July 12, 1996
WBT Holdings, Inc. dba Office Furniture Distributors       July 1, 1996
Mile High Office Supply Company, Inc.                      June 27, 1996

We also consent to the reference to us under the headings "Selected Financial 
Data" and "Experts" in such Prospectus. However it should be noted that Price 
Waterhouse LLP has not prepared or certified such "Selected Financial Data".

PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
January 7, 1997

<PAGE>




                          CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
                                           
                                           
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration 
Statement on Form S-3 of U.S. Office Products Company of our report dated 
August 4, 1995, except as to Note 12, which is as of December 11, 1995 
relating to the financial statements of Blue Star Group Limited which appears 
in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (333-13133) dated October 9, 1996 
of U.S. Office Products Company.  We also consent to the reference to us 
under the heading "Experts" in such Registration Statement.

PRICE WATERHOUSE
Auckland, New Zealand
January 7, 1997


<PAGE>



              CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the 
Registration Statement on Form S-3 of U.S. Office Products Company and to the 
use of our report therein dated February 2, 1996, with respect to the 
financial statements of School Specialty, Inc. for the years ended
December 31, 1995 and 1994 (not presented separately in the Registration 
Statement).


                                          /s/Ernst & Young LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin                       ERNST & YOUNG LLP
January 7, 1997



<PAGE>

                          Consent of Independent Accountants                   



The Board of Directors
MISSCO Corporation:

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Form S-3 registration 
statement of U.S. Office Products Company of our report dated June 30, 1995 
with respect to the balance sheets of MISSCO Corporation - Commercial 
Division as of March 31, 1994 and 1995 and the related statements of 
operations, divisional equity (deficit) and cash flows for the year ended 
June 30, 1993, the nine-month period ended March 31, 1994 and the year ended 
March 31, 1995, which report appears in Amendment No. 1 to the registration 
statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-13133) of U.S. Office Products Company 
dated October 9, 1996, and to the reference to our firm under the heading 
"Experts" in the prospectus.


                                             KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


Jackson, Mississippi
January 8, 1997


<PAGE>


Consent of Independent Accountants

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this registration 
statement on Form S-3 of US Office Products Company of our report dated 
August 9, 1995, relating to the financial statements of U-Bix Business 
Machines Limited, which appear in the Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 
7, 1996 of US Office Products Company. We also consent to the reference to us 
under the caption "Experts" in the Registration Statement.


                                                     KPMG

January 7, 1997
Auckland, New Zealand










<PAGE>


                     CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration 
Statement on Form S-3 of U.S. Office Products Company of our report dated 
June 26, 1996, relating to the financial statements of American Loose 
Leaf/Business Products, Inc., which appear in the Current Reports on Form 8-K, 
dated July 16, 1996 and September 23, 1996 of U.S. Office Products Company. 
We also consent to the reference to us under the caption "Experts" in the 
Registration Statement.

                                                   Swink Fiehler & Hoffman

St. Louis, Missouri
January 8, 1997


<PAGE>

                              [Letterhead]


                     CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

     We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration 
Statement on Form S-3 of U.S. Office Products Company of our report dated 
July 3, 1996, relating to the financial statements of New Office Plus, Inc., 
which appear in the Current Report on Form 8-K, dated July 16, 1996, of U.S. 
Office Products Company. We also consent to the reference to us under the 
caption "Experts" in the Registration Statement.

                                            Shinners, Hucovski & Company, S.C.

Green Bay, Wisconsin

January 7, 1997

<PAGE>




Consent of Independent Certified Public Accountants

     We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration 
Statement on Form S-3 of U.S. Office Products Company of our report dated 
February 8, 1996 relating to the financial statements of The Re-Print 
Corporation, which report is included in the current report on Form 8-K 
dated July 16, 1996, of U.S. Office Products Company. We also consent to the 
reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such Prospecuts.

     We also consent to the inclusion in this Registration Statement of our 
report dated February 8, 1996 relating to the financial statements of The 
Re-Print Corporation.

                                         BDO SEIDMAN, LLP

January 8, 1997




<PAGE>




                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration 
Statement on Form S-3 of U.S. Office Products Company of our report dated 
July 5, 1996, relating to the financial statements of Arbuckle Foods Inc., 
which appear in the Current Reports on Form 8-K, 
dated July 16, 1996, of U.S. Office Products Company. 
We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in the 
Registration Statement.


THORNE LITTLE, Chartered Accountants
Abbotsford, B.C., Canada
January 7, 1997




<PAGE>




                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration 
Statement on Form S-3 of U.S. Office Products Company of our report dated 
July 3, 1996, relating to the financial statements of Pear Commercial 
Interiors, Inc. and Subsidiary, which appear in the Current Reports on Form 
8-K, dated July 16, 1996 and September 23, 1996 of U.S. Office Products 
Company. We also consent to the reference to us under the caption "Experts" 
in the Registration Statement.

                                            Ehrhardt Keefe Steiner & Hottman PC

January 7, 1997
Denver, Colorado




<PAGE>

[Letterhead]


Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the 
Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of U.S. Office 
Products Company for the registration of 10,000,000 Shares of Common Stock 
and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated July 28, 
1995 with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Wang New 
Zealand Limited as of June 30, 1995 and for the year then ended, included in 
U.S. Office Product's (Form 8-K) dated July 16, 1996 filled with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission.

Ernst & Young

Auckland, New Zealand
7 January 1997


<PAGE>
                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


     We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration 
Statement on Form S-3 of U.S. Office Products Company of our report dated 
April 17, 1996, relating to the financial statements of Prudential of 
Florida, Inc. which appear in the Current Report on Form 8-K, dated July 16, 
1996 of U.S. Office Products Company. We also consent to the reference to us 
under the caption "Experts" in the Registration Statement.


Joel S. Baum


January 8, 1997

<PAGE>


[LETTERHEAD]



                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


     We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration 
Statement on Form S-8 of U.S. Office Products Company of our report dated 
July 12, 1996, relating to the balance sheet of Thompson Book and Supply 
Company, which appear in the Current Report on Form 8-K, dated July 16, 1996 
of U.S. Office Products Company. We also consent to the reference to us under 
the caption "Experts" in the Registration Statement.



/s/ Hamilton & Associates, Inc.

Hamilton & Associates, Inc.
January 8, 1997






<PAGE>


To:  Morgan, Lewis & Bockius



We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration 
Statement on Form S-3 Registration Statement of U.S. Office Products Company 
of our report dated November 10, 1995, except for Notes 10 and 11 which the 
date is July 11, 1996, relating to the financial statements of International 
Interiors, Inc., which appear in the Current Report on Form 8-K, dated July 
16, 1996 and September 23, 1996 of U.S. Office Products Company. We also 
consent to the reference to us under the caption "Experts" in the 
Registration Statement.



                                          /s/ Petherbridge, Davis & Company

                                          Petherbridge, Davis & Company, P.A.
                                          January 8, 1997


<PAGE>

[Letterhead]




                   INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration 
Statement on Form S-3 of U.S. Office Products Company of our reports dated 7 
September 1995 and 16 September 1994, relating to the financial statement of 
Whitcoulls Group Limited, which appear in the Current Report on Form 8-K, 
dated July 26, 1996 of U.S. Office Products Company. We also consent to the 
reference to us under the caption "Experts" in the Registration Statement.



/s/ Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu


DELOITTE TOUCHE TOHMATSU
January 8, 1997
Auckland, New Zealand




<PAGE>




                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration 
Statement on Form S-3 of U.S. Office Products Company of our report dated 23 
September 1996, relating to the financial statements of Perth Stationery 
Supplies Pty Ltd, which appear in this Current Report on Form 8-K dated 
September 23, 1996 of U.S. Office Products Company. We also consent to the 
reference to us under the caption "Experts" in the Registration Statement.

Yours sincerely,

/s/ Graeme Ross

Partner
Day Nielson
Chartered Accountants
Geelong, Australia

8 January 1997

<PAGE>




                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration 
Statement on Form S-3 of U.S. Office Products Company of our report dated 23 
September 1996, relating to the financial statements of Ausdoc Stationery 
Pty Ltd, which appear in this Current Report on Form 8-K dated 
September 23, 1996 of U.S. Office Products Company. We also consent to the 
reference to us under the caption "Experts" in the Registration Statement.

Yours sincerely,

/s/ Graeme Ross

Partner
Day Nielson
Chartered Accountants
Geelong, Australia

8 January 1997

<PAGE>




                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration 
Statement on Form S-3 of U.S. Office Products Company of our report dated 23 
September 1996, relating to the financial statements of Canberra Wholesale 
Stationery Pty Ltd, which appear in this Current Report on Form 8-K dated 
September 23, 1996 of U.S. Office Products Company. We also consent to the 
reference to us under the caption "Experts" in the Registration Statement.

Yours sincerely,

/s/ Graeme Ross

Partner
Day Nielson
Chartered Accountants
Geelong, Australia

8 January 1997

<PAGE>




                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration 
Statement on Form S-3 of U.S. Office Products Company of our report dated 23 
September 1996, relating to the financial statements of H&P Stationery Pty 
Ltd., which appear in this Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 23, 1996 
of U.S. Office Products Company. We also consent to the reference to us under 
the caption "Experts" in the Registration Statement.

Yours sincerely,

/s/ Graeme Ross

Partner
Day Nielson
Chartered Accountants
Geelong, Australia

8 January 1997

<PAGE>


                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration 
Statement on Form S-3 of U.S. Office Products Company of our report dated 
June 7, 1996 and October 24, 1996 relating to the financial statements of 
Fortran Corp. which appears in the Current Report on Form 8-K of U.S. Office 
Products Company. In addition, we consent to the reference to us under the 
caption "Experts" in the Registration Statement. We also consent to the 
inclusion in this Registration Statement of our report dated June 7, 1996 and 
October 24, 1996 relating to the financial statements of Fortran Corp.



Gary A. Koehmstedt, CPA
RUBIN KOEHMSTEDT & NADLER, PLC
January 8, 1997


<PAGE>


[LOGO]


               CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this registration 
statement on Form S-3 of US Office Products Company of our report dated 
August 21, 1996, relating to the financial statements of PC Direct Limited, 
which appear in the Current Report on Form 8-K, as amended, dated October 25, 
1996 of US Office Products Company. We also consent to the reference to us 
under the caption "Experts" in the Registration Statement.


                                                        /s/ KPMG
                                                        KPMG


January 7, 1997
Auckland, New Zealand



<PAGE>


[LETTERHEAD]


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration 
Statements on Form S-3, of U.S. Office Products Company of our report dated 
May 23, 1996, except for Note N as to which the date is October 14, 1996, 
relating to the financial statements of Bay State Computer Group, Inc. which 
appears in the current Report on Form 8-K, dated October 25, 1996, as 
amended, of U.S. Office Products Company.


We also consent to the reference to us under the caption "experts" in the 
above referenced registration statement.


In addition, we consent to the inclusion in the above referenced 
Registration Statement of our report dated May 23, 1996, relating to the 
financial statements of Bay State Computer Group, Inc.




                                      /s/ Parent, McLaughlin & Nangle

                                      Parent, McLaughlin & Nangle
                                      Boston, Massachusetts


January 7, 1997


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM
THE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE COMPANY FOR THE YEAR
ENDED APRIL 30, 1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE
TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<CIK>0000934852
<NAME>TO COME
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          APR-30-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             MAY-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               APR-30-1996
<CASH>                                         175,386
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  173,497
<ALLOWANCES>                                   (3,386)
<INVENTORY>                                    113,503
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               509,253
<PP&E>                                         116,272
<DEPRECIATION>                                (41,261)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 792,229
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          261,335
<BONDS>                                        181,593
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                            39
<OTHER-SE>                                     334,479
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   792,229
<SALES>                                      1,149,691
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             1,149,691
<CGS>                                          848,003
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  265,420<F1>
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               (4,813)
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              13,115
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 27,966
<INCOME-TAX>                                     6,610
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             21,356
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    21,356
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .67
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0
<FN>
<F1>Includes $8,057 of nonrecurring acquisition costs
and $682 of costs related to the discontinuation of
the printing division at a subsidiary.
</FN>
        

</TABLE>


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