US OFFICE PRODUCTS CO
8-K, 1997-05-29
CATALOG & MAIL-ORDER HOUSES
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<PAGE>

                          SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                               WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549


                                       FORM 8-K


                  Current Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
                         The Securities Exchange Act of 1934



                                    April 26, 1997                          
     --------------------------------------------------------------------
                Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)


                            U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
     --------------------------------------------------------------------
               (Exact name of Registrant Specified in its Charter)


                                     Delaware  
     --------------------------------------------------------------------
                 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)


                                      0-25372   
     --------------------------------------------------------------------
                               (Commission File No.)


                                  52-1906050 
     --------------------------------------------------------------------
                       (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
                                           
                                           
   1025 Thomas Jefferson Street, N.W., Suite 600 East, Washington, D.C. 20007
     --------------------------------------------------------------------
                 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
                                           
                                           
                                   (202) 339-6700
     --------------------------------------------------------------------
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

<PAGE>

Item 5 -- Other Events

From its founding through May 16, 1997, U.S. Office Products Company (the 
"Company") completed 166 acquisitions.  Most recently, these acquisitions 
included two businesses in the computer network services market, one business 
in the office supplies market, one business in the forms management market, 
four businesses in the corporate travel market, and one business in the 
office furniture market, including Data Business Forms Limited, United 
Envelope, Inc. and Huxley Envelope Corporation which were acquired on April 
26, 1997.

In addition, on May 22, 1997, the Company signed a definitive agreement (the 
"Agreement") to acquire Mail Boxes Etc. ("MBE"). The Company will exchange 
one share of its common stock for each share of outstanding MBE common stock 
in the transaction, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. As of May 
21, 1997, MBE had approximately 11.3 million shares of common stock 
outstanding. The Company will also convert MBE employee stock options 
relating to approximately 1.3 million shares into options to purchase shares 
of the Company's common stock. The closing price of the Company's stock on 
May 21, 1997 was $24.50. The transaction, which will be accounted for under 
the pooling-of-interests method of accounting, is subject to the approval of 
the shareholders of MBE and other conditions described in the Agreement. 

MBE is the world's largest franchisor of business communication and postal 
service centers with  more than 3,300 centers operating worldwide. Currently, 
the franchisees sell over $1.3 billion in products and services to their 
customer base. These products and services include packing and shipping, 
photocopying, faxing, mail receiving services, office supplies and other 
related services. The franchisees also service large corporations requiring a 
national distribution system to dispense a variety of services to their 
customers and field-based employees and have an installed base of nearly 
400,000-plus postal box holders at their facilities worldwide.

Under the terms of the Agreement, the Company will exchange one share of its 
stock for each share of MBE stock in the transaction if the average Company 
share price remains between $23.00 and $29.00 during the 20 trading days 
ending two days prior to MBE's shareholder meeting, provided that the closing 
of the merger occurs within five business days of such meeting.  If the 
average Company share price during such 20-day trading period is above 
$29.00, MBE shareholders will receive a fraction of a share of Company stock 
with a value of $29.00.  There is no adjustment in the exchange rate if the 
average trading price of the Company's common stock during the 20-day trading 
period is less than $23.00.  In such event, MBE may, however, terminate the 
Agreement unless the Company, within three days after receipt of written 
notice from MBE of MBE's intention to so terminate, shall have elected to 
adjust its exchange rate to be equal to the quotient of $23.00 divided by the 
Company average trading price during the 20-day trading period ending two 
days prior to MBE's shareholder meeting, provided that the closing of the 
merger occurs within five business days of such meeting.

Simultaneously with the execution of the Agreement, certain of the major 
stockholders (and their affiliates) of MBE owning approximately 34% of MBE's 
outstanding shares delivered letters, dated May 22, 1997 (the "Letter 
Agreements"), to the Company pursuant to which such parties, among other 
things, (i) agreed to vote or cause to be voted the shares of MBE common 
stock owned or controlled by them in favor of the transaction, (ii) appointed 
the Company as proxy for and on behalf of them to vote their shares of MBE 
common stock for the transaction, and (iii) agreed not to sell, transfer, 
pledge or otherwise dispose of any of their shares of MBE common stock or any 
interest therein without the consent of the Company.  The Letter Agreements 
were executed by Michael Dooling, MBE's Chairman of the Board, Anthony W. 
DeSio, MBE's Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and 
United Parcel Service of America, Inc.

The information set forth above is qualified in its entirety by reference to 
the Agreement.

The following financial statements related to the Company and to certain of 
the transactions described above are included herein:

    (a)  Unaudited pro forma combined financial information of the Company as 
    of January 25, 1997 and for each of the years ended April 30, 1996, 
    1995, and 1994 and for the nine months ended January 25, 1997 and 
    January 31, 1996.

    (b)  Financial statements of Data Business Forms Limited as of December 
    31, 1996 and  March 31, 1997 (unaudited) and for the year ended December 
    31, 1996 and for the three months ended March 31, 1997 and 1996 (unaudited).

    (c)  Financial statements of United Envelope Co., Inc. and its affiliate, 
    Rex Envelope Co.,  Inc., as of December 31, 1996 and March 31, 1997 and 1996
    (unaudited) and for the year ended  December 31, 1996 and for the three 
    months ended March 31, 1997 and 1996 (unaudited).

    (d) Financial statements of Huxley Envelope Corporation as of December 
    31, 1996 and  March 31, 1997 (unaudited) and for the year ended December 
    31, 1996 and for the three months ended March 31, 1997 and 1996 
    (unaudited).

    In addition, the financial statements of Mail Boxes Etc. as of April 30, 
    1996 and 1995 and for the years ended April 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994 and as
    of January 31, 1997 and for the nine months ended January 31, 1997 
    (unaudited) are incorporated by reference herein from the report on Form 
    10-K of Mail Boxes Etc. for the fiscal year ended April 30, 1996 and the 
    report on Form 10-Q of Mail Boxes Etc. for the interim period ended January
    31, 1997 (File No. 0-14821).

<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 May 16, 1997 and the pending 
acquisition of Mail Boxes Etc. The unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet 
gives effect to the 27 businesses acquired by the Company after January 25, 
1997 (the "Fiscal 1997 Post 3rd Quarter Acquisitions") and the pending 
acquisition of Mail Boxes Etc. (the "Fiscal 1998 Pending Acquisition"), as if 
all such acquisitions had occurred as of the Company's most recent balance 
sheet date, January 25, 1997.
 
    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 77 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 10 acquisitions 
completed after January 25, 1997 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 3rd Quarter Pooled 
Companies", which together with the Fiscal 1997 Purchased Companies are 
referred to as the "Fiscal 1997 Completed Acquisitions"); (iv) the Fiscal 
1998 Pending Acquisition to be accounted for under the pooling-of-interests 
method of accounting, as if such acquisition had been made on May 1, 1995; 
(v) 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; (vii) the sale by the Company in 
September 1996 (the "September Stock Sale") of 1,250,000 shares of the Common 
Stock as if such sale had been made on May 1, 1995; and (viii) the sales by 
the Company in February and March 1997 of 8,682,331 shares of Common Stock as 
if such sales had been made on May 1, 1995.
 
    The historical financial statements of the Company for the nine month
periods ended January 25, 1997 and January 31, 1996 and the fiscal year ended
April 30, 1996 give retroactive effect to the results of the 30 companies
acquired by the Company during the nine months ended January 25, 1997 and the 14
companies acquired during fiscal 1996 which were business combinations accounted
for under the pooling-of-interests method of accounting. The historical
financial statements of the Company for the fiscal years ended April 30, 1995
and 1994 give retroactive effect to the results of 23 of the companies acquired
by the Company during the nine months ended January 25, 1997 and the 14
companies acquired during fiscal 1996 which were business combinations accounted
for under the pooling-of-interests method of accounting. (Seven of the companies
acquired by the Company during the nine months ended January 25, 1997, which
were business combinations accounted for under the pooling-of-interests method
of accounting, were not included in the historical financial statements of the
Company for the fiscal years ended April 30, 1995 and 1994 because they were
considered to be individually insignificant (the "Insignificant Companies")).
 
    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; (iv) the unaudited financial 
information of the Fiscal 1997 Post 3rd Quarter Pooled Companies for the most 
recently completed fiscal year; and (v) the audited financial statements of 
the Fiscal 1998 Pending Acquisition for the year ended April 30, 1996.
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
 
                    PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                            (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
 
    The pro forma combined statement of income for the nine months ended 
January 25, 1997 includes the unaudited financial information of the Company 
and gives effect to (i) the 77 acquisitions completed during fiscal 1997 
accounted for under the purchase method of accounting for the period May 1, 
1996 to the consummation date; (ii) the 10 acquisitions completed after 
January 25, 1997 which were combinations accounted for under the 
pooling-of-interests method of accounting as if all such acquisitions had 
been made on May 1, 1996; and (iii) the unaudited financial information of 
the Fiscal 1998 Pending Acquisition as if made on May 1, 1996.
 
    The pro forma combined statement of income for the nine months ended 
January 31, 1996 includes the unaudited financial information of the Company 
and gives effect to the Fiscal 1996 Purchased Companies, the Fiscal 1997 
Completed Acquisitions and the Fiscal 1998 Pending Acquisition, as if all such 
acquisitions had been made on May 1, 1995.
 
    The pro forma combined statement of income for the years ended April 30, 
1995 and 1994 includes the historical financial information of the Company 
and gives effect to the Insignificant Companies, the Fiscal 1997 Post 3rd 
Quarter Pooled Companies and the Fiscal 1998 Pending Aacquisition as if all 
such acquisitions had been made on May 1, 1993.
 
    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 report and in other
reports filed by the Company.
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
                                   U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY 
                                 PRO-FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET 
                                        January 25, 1997 
                                            (000's)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>            <C>         <C>            <C>
                                                               FISCAL YEAR  
                                    U.S. OFFICE      1997         1998                                 PRO FORMA
                                      PRODUCTS    COMPLETED      PENDING      PRO FORMA                 OFFERING       PRO FORMA
                                      COMPANY    ACQUISITIONS  ACQUISITION   ADJUSTMENTS    SUBTOTAL    ADJUSTMENTS     COMBINED
                                    -----------  ------------  -----------  -------------  ----------  -------------  ------------
      ASSETS

Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents.......... $ 56,462     $   4,451    $  4,659     $ (7,448)(a)  $    --     $ 275,522 (b)  $    -- 
                                                                              (58,124)(a)               (275,522)(b)
  Short term investments.............                             25,386      (25,386)(a)
  Restricted cash-franchisee deposits                              1,726                        1,726                      1,726
  Accounts receivable................  336,434        57,588       6,105          --          400,127                    400,127
  Lease receivable...................   30,442                                                 30,442                     30,442
  Inventory..........................  250,795        30,240         698          --          281,733                    281,733
  Prepaid and other current 
   assets..........................     52,831         2,538      13,231          --           68,600                     68,600
                                    -----------  ------------  -----------  -------------   ---------  -------------  -----------
    Total current assets...........    726,964        94,817      51,805      (90,958)        782,628       --           782,628
                                                                            
Property and equipment, net........    202,678        30,743       5,110         --           238,531                    238,531
Intangible assets, net.............    585,841         6,432         398       21,356 (a)     614,027                    614,027
Lease receivables..................     44,423                     6,449                       50,872                     50,872
Other assets, including equity                                              
  investments......................     68,401         9,547      19,455         --            97,403                     97,403
                                    -----------  ------------  -----------  -------------  ----------  -------------  -----------
    Total assets................... $1,628,307     $ 141,539   $  83,217     $(69,602)     $1,783,461  $    --        $1,783,461
                                    -----------  ------------  -----------  -------------   ---------  -------------  -----------
                                    -----------  ------------  -----------  -------------   ---------  -------------  -----------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' 
EQUITY                                        
                                                                            
Current liabilities                                                         
  Short-term debt...................$  367,225     $  21,476    $   --        (60,463)(a)  $  328,238  $(275,522)(b)      52,716
  Accounts payable..................   172,555        25,372       1,104         --           199,031                    199,031
  Accrued compensation..............    38,966         3,679        --           --            42,645                     42,645
  Other accrued liabilities.........    69,342        15,621      10,583         --            95,546                     95,546
                                    -----------  ------------  -----------  -------------  ----------  -------------  ------------
Total current liabilities.......       648,088        66,148      11,687      (60,463)        665,460     (275,522)      389,938
                                                                            
Long-term debt......................   389,453        23,047       4,023      (23,047)(a)     393,476                    393,476

Notes payable to related parties....                                                             --                         --
Deferred income taxes...............     7,633         5,221        --           --            12,854                     12,854
Other long -term liabilities........     6,106           563        --           --             6,669                      6,669
                                    -----------  ------------  -----------  -------------  ----------  -------------  ------------
    Total liabilities............... 1,051,280        94,979      15,710      (83,510)      1,078,459   (275,522)        802,937
                                                                            
Minority Interest...................     4,941         --           --           --             4,941                      4,941
                                                                            
Stockholders' equity                                                        
  Common stock......................        51        13,050      15,931      (28,960)(a)          72          9 (b)          81
  Additional paid-in capital........   496,189         2,457        --         48,468 (a)     547,114    275,513 (b)     822,627
                                                                             
  Cumulative Translation Adjustment.    (3,772)        --           --           --           (3,772)                     (3,772)
  Retained earnings.................    79,618        25,453      51,576         --           156,647                    156,647
Equity of Purchased Companies.......                   5,600        --         (5,600)(a)       --                         --
                                    -----------  ------------  -----------  -------------  ----------  -------------  ------------
  Total stockholders' equity........   572,086        46,560      67,507       13,908         700,061    275,522         975,583
                                    -----------  ------------  -----------  -------------  ----------  -------------  ------------
  Total liabilities and 
   stockholders' equity...........  $1,628,307     $ 141,539    $ 83,217     $(69,602)     $1,783,461  $    --        $1,783,461
                                    -----------  ------------  -----------  -------------  ----------  -------------  ------------
                                    -----------  ------------  -----------  -------------  ----------  -------------  ------------
</TABLE>

     See accompanying notes to the pro forma combined financial statements.

                                       F-3
<PAGE>
                       U.S. Office Products Company 
                 Pro-Forma Combined Statement of Income 
                For the nine months ended January 25, 1997 
                               (000's) 
                             (Unaudited)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                        <C>                 <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>
                                                     FISCAL YEAR
                                              ---------------------------
                             U.S. OFFICE         1997            1998                                  PRO FORMA 
                              PRODUCTS         COMPLETED        PENDING      PRO FORMA                   OFFERING     PRO FORMA
                              COMPANY         ACQUISITIONS    ACQUISITION    ADJUSTMENTS   SUBTOTAL     ADJUSTMENTS   COMBINED
                           ----------------   ------------    -----------     -----------  ------------  -----------  ----------
                                                                     
Revenues                    $ 1,807,652          $ 624,990      $ 50,665                   2,483,307                  2,483,307
Cost of revenues              1,295,249            442,956        26,818                   1,765,023                  1,765,023
                            ---------------      ----------   ------------    -----------  ----------      --------    ----------
  Gross profit                  512,403            182,034        23,847         --          718,284         --         718,284
                                                                     
Selling, general and                                                 
  administrative expenses       418,516            157,920        11,100      2,147   (c) $  581,887                    581,887
                                                                             (7,796)  (d)
Litigation settlement
  expenses incurred by
  Mail Boxes Etc.                                                  5,000                       5,000                      5,000
Nonrecurring acquisition                                             
  costs                          10,957             --              --      (10,957)  (e)      --                        --
Nonrecurring                                                               
  restructuring costs                               --              --                         --                        --
Discontinuation of                                                         
  printing division at                                                     
  subsidiary                                        --              --                         --                        --
                            ---------------      ----------    ---------   ---------     ----------    --------     ----------
     Operating income            82,930             24,114         7,747     16,606          131,397      --            131,397
                                                                     
                                                                     
                                                                     
                                                                     
Other (income) expense:                                                    
 Interest expense                32,083              6,761          --       (3,162)  (f)     35,682    (14,103)  (l)    21,579
 Interest income                 (6,437)              (475)        (709)      7,621   (f)      --                        --
 Foreign currency gain           (3,420)                                                      (3,420)                    (3,420)
 Other                             (193)            (1,327)         --                        (1,520)                    (1,520)
                                                                  
Equity in Net Income of                                              
  Affiliated Company               (265)                                     (1,009)  (h)     (1,274)                    (1,274)
                                                                     
                            ---------------      ----------     ---------   --------       ----------    --------     ----------
                                                                     
Income (loss)before                                                  
 provision for income                                                
 taxes and extraordinary item    61,162             19,155        8,456      13,156          101,929     14,103         116,032
Provision for income                                                 
  taxes                          24,159              5,837        3,299      10,050   (i)     43,345      5,641          48,986
                            ---------------      ----------     --------   ---------     ----------    --------     ----------
Income before                                                        
  extraordinary item             37,003             13,318        5,157       3,106           58,584      8,462          67,046
                            ---------------     -----------     --------    ---------     ----------    --------     ----------
                            ---------------     -----------     --------    ---------     ----------    --------     ----------
                                                                     
Weighted average shares                                              
  outstanding                    49,759                                                       73,862 (j)                 82,544  (m)
Net income per share                                                 
  before extraordinary                                               
  item                      $      0.74                                                    $   0.79                   $   0.81

</TABLE>

        See accompanying notes to the 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
                                 (000's)
                               (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  FISCAL YEAR
                                         -------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>         <C>        <C>           <C>        C>            <C>         <C>         <C>
                                U.S.                                      
                               OFFICE       1996         1997         1998                               PRO FORMA
                              PRODUCTS    PURCHASED    COMPLETED     PENDING    PRO FORMA                 OFFERING  PRO FORMA
                              COMPANY     COMPANIES   ACQUISITIONS ADJUSTMENTS ADJUSTMENTS  SUBTOTAL    ADJUSTMENTS  COMBINED
                             ----------   ----------  -----------  ----------- -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------
Revenues....................  1,386,212     307,954    1,401,112      59,107                3,154,385                3,154,385
Cost of revenues............  1,016,640     214,072      995,117      31,071                2,256,900                2,256,900
                              ---------     -------    ---------   ---------   -----------  ---------       ------   ---------
Gross profit................    369,572      93,882      405,995      28,036       --         897,485        --        897,485
Selling, general and                                                      
  administrative expenses...    314,314      84,070      340,802      14,361      9,045 (c)   743,536        --        743,536
 ............................                                                    (16,524)(d)
 ............................                                                     (2,532)(e)
Nonrecurring acquisition                                                  
  costs.....................      8,078      --           --          --         (8,078)(e)     --
Nonrecurring restructuring                                              
  costs.....................                  8,092       --          --                        8,092                    8,092
Discontinuation of printing                                               
  division at subsidiary....        682      --           --          --                          682                      682
                              ---------     -------    ---------   ---------    -------        ------        -------  --------
Operating income............     46,498       1,720       65,193      13,675     18,089       145,175          --      145,175
Other (income) expense:                                                   
Interest expense............     15,322       2,761       15,904                  5,265 (f)   39,252        (18,804)    20,448
Interest income.............     (4,034)     --             (782)       (674)     5,490 (f)   --                          --
Other.......................     (1,140)        (24)      (1,802)                  (671)(g)   (3,637)                  (3,637)
Equity in NI of Affiliated                                                
  Company...................                                          --         (1,155)(h)   (1,155)                  (1,155)
Income (loss) before                                                      
  provision for               ---------     -------    ---------   ----------   -------       ------        -------  ---------
  income taxes..............     36,350      (1,017)      51,873      14,349      9,160      110,715         18,804    129,519
Provision for income taxes..      7,123          45       13,183       5,620     21,140 (i)   47,111          7,522     54,633
                              ---------     -------    ---------   ---------    -------       ------        -------  ---------
Net income (loss)...........     29,227      (1,062)      38,690       8,729    (11,980)      63,604         11,282     74,886
                              ---------     -------    ---------   ---------    -------       ------        -------  ---------
                              ---------     -------    ---------   ---------    -------       ------        -------  ---------
Weighted average shares                                                   
  outstanding...............     36,781                                                       72,794 (j)                81,476 (m)
Net income per share........       0.79                                                          .87                      0.92
</TABLE>

                                                                    F-5

         See accompanying notes to the pro forma combined financial statements.

<PAGE>

                          U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY
                    PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                  FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 1996
                                (In thousands)
                                  (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            FISCAL YEAR
                                ---------------------------------------
                   U.S. OFFICE     1996         1997           1998                                 PRO FORMA
                    PRODUCTS    PURCHASED    COMPLETED        PENDING      PRO FORMA                    OFFERING     PRO FORMA
                     COMPANY    COMPANIES   ACQUISITIONS    ACQUISITION   ADJUSTMENTS    SUBTOTAL      ADJUSTMENTS    COMBINED
                   -----------  ----------  ------------    -----------  -------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
<S>                <C>          <C>         <C>             <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>
Revenues.........   $975,128     $293,615    $1,065,041       $44,065                    $2,377,849                 $2,377,849
Cost of revenues.    719,908      206,593       757,294        23,124                     1,706,919                  1,706,919
                    ---------     --------    ----------       -------    --------       ----------    --------     ----------
  Gross profit...    255,220       87,022       307,747        20,941        --             670,930                    670,930
Selling, general 
  and 
  administrative 
  expenses.......    213,123       78,348       256,468        10,828        6,837 (c)   $  558,879                    558,879
                                                                            (6,725)(d)
Nonrecurring 
  acquisition 
  costs..........      6,094         --           --             --         (6,094)(e)        --                           --
Nonrecurring 
  restructuring
  charges........                   8,092         --             --                           8,092                      8,092
Discontinuation 
 of Printing 
  Division 
  at Subsidiary..        682         --           --             --                             682                        682
                    ---------     --------    ----------       -------    --------        ---------    --------    ----------
  Operating 
    income......      35,321          582        51,279        10,113        5,982          103,277                    103,277
Other (income) 
  expense:
  Interest 
    expense.....       9,503        2,776        12,960          --         10,443 (f)       35,682     (14,103)(l)     21,579
  Interest 
    income......      (1,405)         (37)         (954)         (441)       2,837 (f)         --                         --
  Other.........      (1,402)      (1,622)       (1,424)         --                          (4,448)                    (4,448)
Equity in net 
  income of 
  affiliated 
  company........                                                             (866)(h)         (866)                      (866)
Income (loss) 
  before 
  provision for     ---------     --------      --------    ----------    --------       ----------    --------     ----------
  income taxes..      28,625         (535)       40,697        10,554       (6,432)          72,909      14,103         87,012
Provision for 
  income 
  taxes.........       5,226          244        10,148         4,132       11,228 (i)       30,978       5,641         36,619
                    ---------     --------    ----------    ----------    --------       ----------    --------     ----------
Net income 
   (loss).......    $ 23,399     $   (779)   $   30,549    $    6,422     $(17,660)       $  41,931    $  8,462     $   50,393
                    ---------     --------    ----------    ----------    --------       ----------    --------     ----------
                    ---------     --------    ----------    ----------    --------       ----------    --------     ----------
Weighted average 
  shares
  outstanding....     34,395                                                                72,627 (j)                  81,309(m)
Net income per 
  share..........   $   0.68                                                            $     0.58                  $     0.62 
                    ---------                                                            ----------                 ----------
                    ---------                                                            ----------                 ----------
</TABLE>
 
       See accompanying notes to the pro forma combined financial statements.
 
                                      F-6


<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       FISCAL
                                                                            POST 2ND      1998
                                                             U.S. OFFICE      QTR.       PENDING      PRO-FORMA
                                                              PRODUCTS      POOLINGS    ACQUISITION   ADJUSTMENTS       TOTAL
                                                             -----------  ------------  -----------   -----------    ------------
<S>                                                          <C>          <C>         <C>            <C>            <C>
Revenues...................................................   $ 798,709    $  252,943   $ 50,351      $  --         $  1,102,003
Cost of revenues...........................................     586,989       183,228     27,109                         797,326
                                                             -----------  ------------  --------     -----------    ------------
  Gross profit.............................................     211,720        69,715     23,242         --              304,677
Selling, general and administrative expenses...............     181,845        60,557     12,508                         254,910
                                                             -----------  ------------  --------     -----------    ------------
  Operating income.........................................      29,875         9,158     10,734         --               49,767
Other (income) expense:                                                                            
  Interest expense.........................................       7,108           692                                      7,800
  Interest income..........................................        (682)         (354)      (447)                         (1,483)
  Other....................................................      (1,122)       (2,174)                                    (3,296)
                                                             -----------  ------------   -------      -----------    ------------
Income before provision for income taxes...................      24,571        10,994     11,181         --               46,746
Provision for income taxes.................................       3,184         1,245      4,411         11,728 (k)       20,568
                                                             -----------  ------------   -------      -----------    ------------
Net income.................................................   $  21,387    $    9,749      6,770      $ (11,728)      $   26,178
                                                             -----------  ------------   -------      -----------    ------------
                                                             -----------  ------------               -----------    ------------
</TABLE>
 
       See accompanying notes to the 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, 1994 
                                   (In thousands) 
                                     (Unaudited)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    FISCAL
                                                                            --------------------------
                                                                                1997
                                                                              POST 2ND       1998
                                                               U.S. OFFICE      QTR.        PENDING     PRO-FORMA
                                                                PRODUCTS      POOLINGS    ACQUISITIONS  ADJUSTMENTS    TOTAL
                                                               -----------  ------------  ------------  -----------  ----------
<S>                                                            <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>
Revenues.....................................................   $ 597,511    $  195,327     $43,660      $  --       $  836,498
Cost of revenues.............................................     427,308       136,291      24,316                     587,915
                                                               -----------  ------------   ---------    -----------  ----------
  Gross profit...............................................     170,203        59,036      19,344         --          248,583

Selling, general and administrative expenses.................     151,979        55,056       9,818                     216,853 
                                                               -----------  ------------   ---------    -----------  ----------
  Operating income...........................................      18,224         3,980       9,526         --           37,730
Other (income) expense:
 Interest expense............................................       4,943           630                                   5,573
 Interest income.............................................        (405)         (121)       (642)                     (1,168)
 Other.......................................................      (1,154)       (2,786)                                 (3,940)
                                                                      --            --                                      --
                                                               -----------  ------------   ---------    -----------  ----------
Income before provision for income taxes.....................      14,840         6,257      10,168          --          31,265
Provision for income taxes...................................       2,095         1,110       4,136        6,416(k)      13,757
                                                               -----------  ------------   ---------    -----------  ----------
Net income...................................................   $  12,745    $    5,147       6,032      $(6,416)    $   17,508
                                                               -----------  ------------   ---------    -----------  ----------
                                                               -----------  ------------   ---------    -----------  ----------

</TABLE>

    See accompanying notes to the pro forma combined financial statements.
 
                                       F-8
<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 ($21,356) 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 is assessed on
            an ongoing basis by comparing anticipated undiscounted future cash
            flows from operations to net book value.
 
       (ii) Adjustment to reflect the reduction in short-term and long-term debt
            of certain acquired companies and existing short-term debt of the
            Company.
 
    (b)    Adjustment to reflect $275,522 of net proceeds from the sales of
           8,682 shares of Common Stock by the Company in February and March
           1997 (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 NINE
                                                                                                MONTHS ENDED
                                                                             YEAR ENDED   ------------------------
                                                                              APRIL 30,   JANUARY 25,  JANUARY 31,
                                                                                1996         1997         1996
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                          <C>          <C>          <C>
Fiscal 1996 Purchased Companies............................................   $   1,570    $    --        $   688
Fiscal 1997 Purchased Companies............................................       7,475        2,147        6,149
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                              $   9,045    $   2,147    $   6,837
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
</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 $8,078 for the
year ended April 30, 1996, $10,957 and $6,094 for the nine months ended January
25, 1997 and January 31, 1996, 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 excess cash from the Fiscal 1998 Pending 
Acquisition and 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 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.

                                    F-9

<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)

    (g) Adjustment to reflect the elimination of the minority interest
representing 49% of the net income of Blue Star Group Limited 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 42%. The
difference between the effective tax rate of 42% 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 72,794, 73,862, and 72,627 shares of Common 
Stock and Common Stock equivalents outstanding for the year ended April 30, 
1996 and the nine months ended January 25, 1997 and January 31, 1996, 
respectively. The amounts are comprised of 51,352 shares outstanding for each 
of the periods, 20,773 shares issued for acquisitions completed and the 
acquisition to be completed subsequent to January 25, 1997 and 669, 1,737, 
and 502 common stock equivalents considered to be outstanding related to 
stock options, for the year ended April 30, 1996, and the nine month periods 
ended January 25, 1997 and January 31, 1996, 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 of $275,522 from the sales in February and March
1997 by the Company of 8,682 shares of Common Stock to repay short term debt at
an effective rate of 6.825%.
 
    (m) Adjustment to include in weighted average shares outstanding the 8,682
shares that were sold by the Company in February and March 1997.
 
                                    F-10


<PAGE>

                                  AUDITORS' REPORT
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To the Directors of
Data Business Forms Limited

We have audited the balance sheet of Data Business Forms Limited ("DBF") as 
at December 31, 1996 and the statements of income and retained earnings and 
changes in financial position for the year then ended. These financial 
statements are the responsibility of DBF's management. Our responsibility is to 
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing 
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to 
obtain reasonable assurance 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.

In our opinion, these financial statements present fairly all material 
respects, the financial position of DBF as at December 31, 1996 and the 
results of its operations and the changes in its financial position for the 
year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted 
in Canada.

                                               /s/ Ernst & Young
                                               -----------------
                                               Chartered Accountants
Toronto, Canada
January 31, 1997, except
as to note 2 which is as
of April 26, 1997.

                                       F-11



<PAGE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DATA BUSINESS FORMS LIMITED
[caad 214]INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF ONTARIO
 
                                 BALANCE SHEET
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Canadian $ 000's)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          
                                                                                                DEC. 31   MAR. 31 
                                                                                                 1996      1997   
                                                                                     NOTES         $        $     
                                                                                   ---------   --------- -----------
                                                                                                         (UNAUDITED)

<S>                                                                                <C>         <C>       <C>
ASSETS
Current
Cash                                                                                                  51      616 
Accounts receivable                                                                               25,323   24,457 
Inventories                                                                               4       15,809   17,552 
Prepaid expenses and other assets                                                                    622      893 
                                                                                   ---------   --------- -----------
  Total current assets                                                                            41,805   43,518 

Property, plant and equipment                                                             5       23,249   24,376 
Deferred pension benefit                                                                  6        4,907    4,907 
Deferred financing fees                                                                              484      439 
                                                                                   ---------   --------- -----------
Total Assets                                                                                      70,445   73,240 
                                                                                   ---------   --------- -----------
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current
Bank overdraft                                                                                    2,223     2,990  
Current portion of long-term debt                                                          7      3,858     3,858  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities                                                          9,424    12,465  
Accrued compensation and related expenses                                                         3,688     2,986  
Income and other taxes payable                                                             8      5,097     1,378  
Deferred revenue                                                                                  3,220     3,214  
Accrued restructuring and integration costs                                                       2,523     2,454  
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ----------- 
Total current liabilities                                                                        30,033    29,345  

Long-term debt                                                                             7     17,854    19,623 
Deferred income taxes                                                                      8      5,100     5,100  
Share capital                                                                              9     10,652    10,652  
Retained earnings                                                                                 6,806     8,520  
                                                                                   ---------  ---------   ----------- 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity                                                       70,445    73,240  
                                                                                   ---------  ---------   ----------- 
</TABLE>

The accompanying summary of significant accounting policies and notes are an
integral part of these financial statements.


                                       F-12
<PAGE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DATA BUSINESS FORMS LIMITED
Incorporated under the laws of Ontario 


                   STATEMENT OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Canadian $ 000's)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   YEAR ENDED   3 MONTHS ENDED 3 MONTHS ENDED 
                                                    DEC. 31        MARCH 31        MAR. 31    
                                                      1996          1996             1997     
                                                       $             $                $       
                                           NOTES                 (UNAUDITED)     (UNAUDITED)  
                             -----------------------------------------------------------------


<S>                          <C>                        <C>           <C>       <C>         
REVENUE                                                  165,548         43,017      43,141 
OPERATING EXPENSES                                                                          
Paper, carbon and ink                                     70,977         18,965      18,505 
Manufacturing salaries and benefits                       29,774          7,458       7,898 
Occupancy costs and other                                 16,852          4,310       4,324 
                                           ---------   ---------      ---------  -----------
                                                         117,603         30,733      30,727 
                                                                                            
                                                                                            
GROSS MARGIN                                              47,945         12,284      12,414 
                                                                                            
EXPENSES                                                                                    
Selling commissions and expenses                          20,556          5,050       5,091 
General and administration expenses                        9,371          2,462       2,831 
                                           ---------   ---------      ---------  -----------
                                                                                            
EARNINGS BEFORE DEPRECIATION AND                                                            
AMORTIZATION                                              18,018          4,772       4,492 
Depreciation and amortization                      5       5,498          1,253       1,303 
                                           ---------   ---------      ---------  -----------
                                                                                            
EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST AND TAXES                        12,520          3,519       3,189 
Interest expense                                   7       3,962            924         508 
Provision for (recovery of) income taxes                                                    
 Current                                           8       4,603            938         967 
 Deferred                                          8     (1,306)            --           -- 
                                           ---------   ---------      ---------  -----------
                                                                                            
NET INCOME                                                 5,261          1,657       1,714 
                                           ---------   ---------      ---------  -----------
Retained earnings, beginning of the period                 1,564          1,564       6,806 
Dividends on preference shares                              (19)            (19)         -- 
Retained earnings, end of the period                       6,806          3,202       8,520 
                                           ---------   ---------      ---------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
The accompanying summary of significant accounting policies and notes are an 
integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                       F-13
<PAGE>
DATA BUSINESS FORMS LIMITED
Incorporated under the laws of Ontario

                   STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN FINANCIAL POSITION
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(CANADIAN $ 000'S)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       YEAR ENDED   3 MONTHS ENDED 3 MONTHS ENDED 
                                                                                         DEC. 31          MAR. 31     MAR. 31    
                                                                                          1996             1996        1997      
                                                                                 NOTES      $                $           $       
                                                                               -------- ----------    -------------  -----------  --
                                                                                                      (UNAUDITED)    (UNAUDITED)  
<S>                                                                            <C>      <C>          <C>            <C>          
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income                                                                                    5,261         1,657       1,714  
Depreciation of fixed assets                                                                  4,837         1,199       1,258  
Amortization of deferred financing fees                                                         661            54          45  
Deferred income taxes                                                                  8     (1,306)          --         --    
                                                                               ---------   ---------       -------- ----------- --
                                                                                              9,453          2,910      3,017  
                                                                                              5,176         (3,827)    (1,767) 
Net changes in working capital balances                                                        (490)           (10)       (69) 
Restructuring and integration expenditures                                                                                     
                                                                               ---------   ---------       --------- ---------- --
  Cash provided by operating activities                                                      14,139          6,727      1,181  
                                                                               ---------   ---------       ---------- --------- --
INVESTING ACTIVITIES                                                                                                           
Capital expenditures                                                                                                           
Proceeds from sales of land and buildings                                              5     (2,995)          (556)    (2,385) 
Acquisition--Printers' Choice                                                          1      5,554             --     --      
                                                                                               (415)            --     --      
                                                                               ---------   ---------       ----------- -------- --
  Cash provided by (used in) investing activitie                                             2,144           (556)     (2,385) 
                                                                               ---------   ---------       ----------- -------- --
FINANCING ACTIVITIES                                                                                                           
Issue (repayments) of long-term debt                                                   7    (17,439)        (6,825)      1,769
Repurchases of share capital                                                           8        (50)            --     --      
Dividends on preference shares                                                                  (19)           (19)    --      
Deferred financing fees                                                                         (62)            --     --      
                                                                               ---------   ---------       ----------- -------- --
  Cash used in financing activities                                                         (17,570)        (6,844)     1,769  
                                                                               ---------   ---------       ------------ ------- --
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH                                                                  (1,287)          (673)       565  
                                                                               ---------   ---------       ------------ ------- --
Cash, beginning of period                                                                     1,338          1,338         51  
Cash, end of period                                                                              51            665        616  
                                                                               ---------   ---------       ------------ ------- --

The accompanying summary of significant accounting policies and notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

</TABLE>

                                   F-14

<PAGE>

                          DATA BUSINESS FORMS LIMITED
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                                DECEMBER 31, 1996
                               (CANADIAN $000'S)
 
1. CORPORATE PROFILE
 
    Since its inception in 1959, Data Business Forms Limited ("the company ")
has evolved into a versatile document management and business communications
provider with 12 plants, 3 regional print centres, 16 sales offices and 1,100
employees to serve in excess of 15,000 customers from coast to coast in Canada.
The company offers a wide variety of value added print and electronic products
and related services which include traditional business forms, labels, direct 
mail products, security documents and facility and print management.
 
    On February 8, 1995, management purchased the shares, debt and related
pension assets of the company from Maclean Hunter Limited, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Rogers Communications Inc.
 
    During 1996, the company was awarded a Bank of Montreal outsourcing 
project which will begin in February 1997 with estimated annual sales of 
$25,000. This project requires the integration of 2 dedicated print centers 
and 1997 commitments of up to $2,500 in capital and $2,250 of working capital.
 
    On November 30, 1996, the company's Distributor division acquired Printers'
Choice, a short-run print shop in Montreal with annual sales of $1,500. The
purchase price, including integration costs, was $415 and has been accounted for
using the purchase method.
 
2. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
 
    On April 26, 1997, the shareholders agreed to exchange all of the 
company's common shares for common shares of US Office Products Company. 
Immediately prior to this exchange, the preference shares were 
repurchased by the company and the DBF Employee Trust shares were 
distributed. In addition, the credit facilities described in note 7 were 
refinanced by an advance from U.S. Office Products Company.
 
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
    These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in Canada. The more significant accounting
policies followed in the preparation of the financial statements are set out
below:

INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

    Interim financial information for the periods of three months ending 
March 31, 1997 and 1996 are unaudited.  In the opinion of management, this 
information reflects all adustments, consisting only of adjustments of a 
normal recurring nature necessary for fair presentation of such financial 
statements.  Financial results for these interim periods are not necessarily 
indicative of results for a full year.

CASH AND BANK OVERDRAFT
 
    Cash balances are kept on hand to ensure the smooth funding of payroll and
suppliers. The bank overdraft represents outstanding cheques only. Funding for
the company is obtained from the revolving credit facility.
 
INVENTORIES
 
    Raw materials inventories, principally paper, carbon and ink, are valued at
the lower of cost and replacement cost. Printed finished goods and work in
progress, consisting mainly of business forms, computer paper and labels, are
recorded at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is determined using
the first-in, first-out method.
 
                                       F-15


<PAGE>

                          DATA BUSINESS FORMS LIMITED
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
                               (CANADIAN $000'S)

3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

CAPITAL ASSETS
 
    Property, plant and equipment are initially recorded at purchase cost.
Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is computed using
straight-line or diminishing balance method over the estimated useful lives of
the capital assets as outlined below:


ASSET                                    BASIS                 RATE
- ------------------------------     -------------------     -------------

Buildings                          Diminishing balance     5%
Leasehold improvements             Straight-line           lease term
Office furniture and equipment     Diminishing balance     20%
Presses and printing equipment     Straight-line           10 years
Computer hardware and software     Straight-line           2 to 5 years

DEFERRED FINANCING FEES
 
    The costs of obtaining bank and other debt financing are deferred and
amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the debt to which they
relate.
 
INCOME TAXES
 
    The deferral method is used in accounting for income taxes whereby timing
differences between income reported in the financial statements and taxable
income result in deferred income taxes.
 
4. INVENTORIES


                                                          1996
                                                           $
                                                        ---------
 
     Paper, carbon and ink............................     4,330
 
     Work-in-progress.................................     1,323
 
     Forms, computer paper and labels.................    10,156
                                                       ---------
 
                                                          15,809
                                                        ---------
                                                        ---------

5. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          1996 
                                                                            COST       ACCUMULATED       BOOK
                                                                                       DEPRECIATION      VALUE
                                                                           $            $               $
                                                                          -----------  -------------   ------------
<S>                                                                       <C>          <C>             <C>
 
Land....................................................................         441      --                441
 
Buildings and leaseholds................................................         975         216            759
 
Office furniture and equipment..........................................         756         210            546
 
Presses and printing equipment..........................................      24,527       6,231         18,296
 
Computer hardware and software..........................................       5,192       1,985          3,207
                                                                          -----------  -------------   ----------
 
                                                                              31,891       8,642         23,249
                                                                          -----------  -------------   ----------
                                                                          -----------  -------------   ----------
</TABLE>

Of the 7 plants owned by the company at the beginning of 1996, 5 were sold 
during the year.

                                      F-16


<PAGE>

                          DATA BUSINESS FORMS LIMITED

                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
                               (CANADIAN $000'S)

6. PENSION PLAN
 
    On November 18, 1996, the Pension Commission of Ontario approved the
transfer of assets and liabilities from the Maclean Hunter pension plan to the
Data Business Forms pension plan for the 550 company employees who were active
members on February 8, 1995. At December 31, 1996 approximately 625 employees
were members of plan. The initial acquisition of the company included a payment
of $4,000 for the pension surplus and the final payment of $907 will be made
when the transfer is completed. The liability for the $907 was recognized along
with an adjustment to the deferred pension benefit asset in 1996.
 
    At December 31, 1996, the estimated present value of accrued pension
benefits attributed to the transferees' services and the estimated market value
of the related pension fund assets are still to be determinied.
 
7. LONG-TERM DEBT
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                  1996
                                                                                                UTILIZED
                                                      DUE DATE       INTEREST RATE   FACILITY       $
                                                   ---------------  ---------------  --------- -----------
<S>                                                <C>              <C>              <C>       <C>
 
Revolving credit.................................  Nov. 6, 1998     Prime + 1.00%    $  27,000      6,045
 
Term loan........................................   see below       Prime + 1.50%    $  13,000      9,167
 
Subordinated loan................................   see below          13.35%        $   6,500      6,500
                                                                       ------        --------- -----------
                                                                        9.60%        $  46,500     21,712
 
Current portion of long-term debt................                                                   3,858
                                                                                               -----------
 
Long-term debt...................................                                                  17,854
                                                                                               -----------
                                                                                               -----------
</TABLE>
 
    Monthly principal repayments of the term loan are $155 with the final
payment of $5,762 due in November 1998. Additional principal payments were made
during 1996 utilizing the $1,820 proceeds from the sales of the Don Mills and
Winnipeg plants.
 
    Quarterly principal repayments of the subordinated loan are $500 with the
final payment due March 31, 2000. An additional principal payment of $6,500 was
made during 1996.
 
    All loan facilities are collateralized by a lien on all present and future
assets of the company. The loan agreements contain various restrictive financial
tests and covenants with which the company is in compliance.
 
    The company is committed to an interest rate swap agreement covering the
period from January 27, 1997 to January 26, 1998. This agreement will be used as
a hedge against $15,000 of variable rate loans and is set at a fixed rate of 
8%. The company does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative
purposes.
 
    The fair market values of the long-term debt and the interest rate swap
agreement approximate book values.
 
                                       F-17


<PAGE>

                          DATA BUSINESS FORMS LIMITED

                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                                 MARCH 31, 1997
                               (CANADIAN $000'S)

8. INCOME TAXES
 
A reconciliation between statutory and accounting income taxes follows:


                                                          1996
                                                            $
                                                        --------
 
Income before taxes.................................     8,558
                                                       --------
Income tax provision (statutory rate @44.6%)........     3,817
Adjustments to income taxes:
  Manufacturing and processing credit...............      (853)
  Other.............................................       333
                                                       --------

Income tax provision................................     3,297
                                                       --------
                                                       --------

    Current income taxes payable exceeds the net provision by $1,306 in 1996 due
mainly to the fact that depreciation for accounting purposes exceeded the
related deduction for income tax purposes.
 
9. SHARE CAPITAL
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                    1996
                                                                                          STATED
                                                                              ISSUED       VALUE
SHARE CAPITAL                                                   AUTHORIZED       #           $
- --------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  ---------  -----------
<S>                                                             <C>          <C>        <C>
 
Preference shares.............................................       4               4         336
Common shares :
     Class A shares...........................................  26,000          26,000       2,600
     Class B shares...........................................  unlimited       39,738       4,024
     Treasury shares--Class B.................................     500             500         (50)
     Class D shares...........................................  unlimited       33,762       3,742
                                                                                        -----------
                                                                                            10,652
                                                                                        -----------
                                                                                        -----------

</TABLE>
 
    The 5.5% cumulative, non-voting preference shares are redeemable at a 
value based upon a formula equal to a multiple of western divisional 
earnings. The expected redemption value of $615 is likely to be paid during 
1997. These shares rank ahead of all classes of common shares for capital 
distributions.
 
    Class A shares are entitled to one vote per share and are subject to a 
put after March 31, 2000 and a call following March 31, 2001 based upon a 
valuation formula equal to the greater of a multiple of earnings before 
interest and taxes less debt outstanding and appraised value. There is 
nominal paid-up capital associated with these shares.


                                    F-18


<PAGE>

                          DATA BUSINESS FORMS LIMITED

                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                                 MARCH 31, 1997
                               (CANADIAN $000'S)

9. SHARE CAPITAL (CONTINUED)

    Class B and D shares are entitled to one vote per share and are ranked 
equally with Class A shares except in the case of the dissolution, 
liquidation or winding-up of the company in which case the shares rank in 
descending order from A to D. The paid-up capital of the Class B and D shares 
was $3,644 at December 31, 1996.
 
    Of the Class D shares, 17,826 are held by the DBF Employee Trust. A 
portion of these shares will be allocated annually to a group of senior 
management based on a formula related to subordinated debt repayments.
 
    In accordance with the company's articles of incorporation, share 
transfers are prohibited without the approval of the Board of Directors.
 
10. COMMITMENTS
 
    The company leases printing equipment, real estate, trucks and office
equipment in connection with its sales and manufacturing activities. Future
lease commitments are as follows :

 
                                                                   $
                                                                -------
          1997...............................................    3,216
          1998...............................................    2,720 
          1999...............................................    1,725 
          2000...............................................    1,067 
          2001...............................................      925 
          Beyond.............................................    2,314
                                                                -------
                                                                -------

    Associated with the Bank of Montreal outsourcing project (see note 1), the
company has committed to capital expenditures of up to $2,500 in 1997.


                                       F-19

<PAGE>

                             DATA BUSINESS FORMS LIMITED

                            NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                  December 31, 1996
                                  (Canadian $000's)

11.  DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES GENERALLY ACCEPTED IN CANADA AND
UNITED STATES

The accounting policies in Note 3 conform with generally accepted accounting 
principles ("GAAP") in Canada and are consistent in all material respects 
with United States GAAP with the exceptions listed below.  As permitted by 
Regulation S-X the company has not attempted to quantify these differences.

Income taxes

SFAS No.109 requires the liability method under which temporary differences 
are tax effected at current rates.  Under Canadian GAAP, timing differences 
are tax effected at the rates in effect when they arise. When the business 
was purchased from Maclean Hunter Limited (see note 1), the book value of 
deferred taxes was carried forward. Under United States GAAP, a deferred asset
or liability would have been recognized for differences between the tax and book
basis of the assets in the purchase business combination.

Inventory

The company has not included overhead in inventory costing which is 
acceptable for Canadian GAAP, not for United States GAAP.

Restructuring and integration

Included in the restructuring and integration reserve are severance costs 
with benefit arrangements that had not been communicated to the respective 
employees.  This liability would not have been recognized for United States 
GAAP purposes at December 31, 1996.

Early prepayment penalty on debt

The company incurred an early prepayment penalty on debt which would be 
treated as an extraordinary item for United States GAAP purposes.

Share capital

Class A shares and preference shares (see note 9) would be presented separate 
from share capital on the balance sheet for United States GAAP purposes.


                                   F-20
<PAGE>
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

To the Shareholders of
United Envelope Co., Inc.
525 West 52nd Street
New York, New York 10019

We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheet of United Envelope 
Co., Inc. and its affiliate, Rex Envelope Co., Inc., as at December 31, 1996, 
and the related combined statements of income, changes in shareholders' 
equity and cash flows for the year then ended. 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 audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing 
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to 
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free 
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, 
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. 
An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and 
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall 
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a 
reasonable basis for our opinion.

As referred to in Note A on "Principles of Combination," the companies, whose 
financial statements are combined herein, are related through common 
ownership and control. In addition, each has pledged certain assets and 
guaranteed certain long-term indebtedness of the other as described in the 
notes to financial statements. In view of their close operating and financial 
relationship, the preparation of combined financial statements was considered 
appropriate. The combined statements, however, do not refer to a legal entity 
and neither of the companies guarantees trade obligations of the other.

In our opinion, the combined financial statements referred to above present 
fairly, in all material respects, the combined financial position of United 
Envelope Co., Inc. and its affiliate as at December 31, 1996, and the results 
of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended, in 
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

                                                 HERTZ, HERSON & COMPANY, LLP

NEW YORK, NEW YORK
February 28, 1997, except for Note Q, as to which
   the date is April 14, 1997

                                       F-21

<PAGE>
                    UNITED ENVELOPE CO., INC. AND AFFILIATE
                            COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
                                  (In 000's)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                        DECEMBER 31,   MARCH 31,
                                                                                            1996         1997
                                                                                                      (unaudited)
                                                                                        ------------  -----------
<S>                                                                                     <C>           <C>
    ASSETS
Current Assets
  Cash................................................................................   $      763    $     963
  Accounts receivable, pledged, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $202,758--
   Note B.............................................................................       12,087       13,899
  Inventories--Notes A and C..........................................................        2,921        3,627
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets...........................................          310          267
  Due from TLG Realty, LLC--Note D....................................................          116           74
  Due from related companies--Note E..................................................          118          113
                                                                                        ------------  -----------
    Total Current Assets..............................................................       16,315       18,943
Cash Surrender Value of Insurance on Officers' Lives, Net of Loans Payable of $522....          769          796
Property, Plant and Equipment, at Cost, Less Accumulated Depreciation of $4,874 and
  $4,930--Notes A and F...............................................................        1,175        1,136
Leased Property Under Capital Lease, Less Accumulated Depreciation of $3,833 and
  $3,917--Note K......................................................................        1,167        1,084
Due from TLG Realty, LLC--Note D......................................................        1,424        1,463
Other Assets--Note G..................................................................          903          641
                                                                                        ------------  -----------
      TOTAL ASSETS....................................................................   $   21,753    $  24,063
                                                                                        ------------  -----------
                                                                                        ------------  -----------
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
  Notes payable, banks, collateralized--Note H........................................   $    4,800    $   5,300
  Accounts payable--Note I                                                                    4,806        5,677
  Accrued expenses and other current liabilities......................................        1,297        1,467
  Liability for income taxes--Note J..................................................          248          246
  Distributions payable to shareholders--Note J.......................................          256          611
  Obligation under capital lease--current portion--Note K.............................          491          505
  Due to Huxley Envelope Corporation--Note L..........................................           93       --
  Due to Apple Industrial Condominium.................................................       --               84
                                                                                        ------------  -----------
    Total Current Liabilities.........................................................       11,991       13,890
Obligation Under Capital Lease--Note K................................................        1,474        1,342
                                                                                        ------------  -----------
    Total Liabilities.................................................................       13,465       15,232
                                                                                        ------------  -----------
Commitments--Notes K and M
Subsequent Events--Note Q
Shareholders' Equity
 Common stock.........................................................................        2,847        2,847
 Capital stock of affiliate...........................................................            5            5
 Retained earnings--Note O............................................................        5,436        5,979
                                                                                        ------------  -----------
    Total Shareholders' Equity........................................................        8,288        8,831
                                                                                        ------------  -----------
      TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY......................................   $   21,753    $  24,063
                                                                                        ------------  -----------
                                                                                        ------------  -----------
</TABLE>


                 See accompanying notes to financial statements.
                                    F-22

<PAGE>
                 UNITED ENVELOPE CO., INC. AND AFFILIATE
           COMBINED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                               (In 000's)

<TABLE>
                                                    COMMON STOCK
                                               ---------------------
                                                  UNITED      REX      RETAINED      TOTAL
                                                 ENVELOPE   ENVELOPE   EARNINGS-  SHAREHOLDERS'
                                                 CO., INC.  CO., INC.  COMBINED     EQUITY
                                                 --------   ---------  --------   ------------
<S>                                               <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
Balance at December 31, 1995....................  $ 2,847    $   5      $ 3,549     $ 6,401
Net income......................................                          3,746       3,746
Distributions to shareholders--Note J...........                         (1,859)     (1,859)
                                                  --------   -----      --------     ------
Balance at December 31, 1996....................    2,847        5        5,436       8,288
Net income (unaudited)..........................                          1,087       1,087
Distributions to shareholders (unaudited).......                           (544)       (544)
                                                  --------   -----      --------     ------
Balance at March 31, 1997 (Unaudited)...........  $ 2,847    $   5      $ 5,979     $ 8,831
                                                  --------   -----      --------     ------
                                                  --------   -----      --------     ------
</TABLE>

                        See accompanying notes to financial statements.

                                      F-23

<PAGE>
                     UNITED ENVELOPE CO., INC. AND AFFILIATE
                         COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                                  (In 000's)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                YEAR ENDED         MARCH 31,
                                                                               DECEMBER 31,  --------------------
                                                                                   1996         1996       1997
                                                                                                  (UNAUDITED)
                                                                               ------------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                            <C>           <C>        <C>
Net sales....................................................................   $   77,138   $  22,136  $  19,579
Cost of goods sold...........................................................       57,300      17,636     14,562
                                                                               ------------  ---------  ---------
Gross profit.................................................................       19,838       4,500      5,017
Selling, shipping, general and administrative expenses.......................       14,921       3,668      3,650
                                                                               ------------  ---------  ---------
Operating income.............................................................        4,917         832      1,367
Interest expense.............................................................          687         203        144
                                                                               ------------  ---------  ---------
Income before income taxes...................................................        4,230         629      1,223
Provision for income taxes--Note J...........................................          484          76        136
                                                                               ------------  ---------  ---------
Net income...................................................................   $    3,746   $     553  $   1,087
                                                                               ------------  ---------  ---------
                                                                               ------------  ---------  ---------
Pro Forma Income Data:
Income before income taxes...................................................   $    4,230   $     629  $   1,223
Proforma provision for income taxes (unaudited)..............................        1,861         277        538
                                                                               ------------  ---------  ---------
Proforma net income (unaudited)..............................................   $    2,369   $     352  $     685
                                                                               ------------  ---------  ---------
                                                                               ------------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>

                  See accompanying notes to financial statements.

                                      F-24
<PAGE>
                    UNITED ENVELOPE CO., INC. AND AFFILIATE
                       COMBINED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                                (In 000's)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                   YEAR ENDED         MARCH 31,
                                                                                  DECEMBER 31,  --------------------
                                                                                      1996         1996       1997
                                                                                 -------------    ------     -----
                                                                                                      (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                                <C>           <C>        <C>
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income......................................................................    $ 3,746      $   553    $1,087
                                                                                     ------      -------    -------
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
  activities:
  Depreciation and amortization, including assets under capital lease...........        639          152       139
  Provision for doubtful accounts receivable....................................        250          113       --
  Changes in noncash operating assets and liabilities:
    Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable..................................      1,424       (1,697)    (1,813)
    (Increase) decrease in inventories..........................................       (127)         531       (706)
    Decrease in prepaid income taxes............................................         26            1       --
    (Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets............        (95)          (3)        43
    Decrease in other assets--deferred income taxes.............................         16         --         --
    (Increase) in security deposits.............................................         (1)        --         --
    (Increase) in due from Fishlang Realty, LLC.................................       --             (8)      --
    Decrease in due from TLG Realty, LLC........................................       --           --           43
    (Increase) decrease in due from related companies...........................       (118)        --            5
    Decrease in loans receivable, included in other assets......................         18           73        262
    (Decrease) increase in accounts payable.....................................     (1,519)         586        871
    Increase in accrued expenses and other current liabilities..................        346          106        169
    (Decrease) in due to Huxley Envelope Corporation............................        (56)        --          (93)
    Increase (decrease) in liability for income taxes...........................        215          (33)        (2)
    Increase in due to Apple Industrial Condominium.............................       --           --           84
                                                                                     ------      -------    -------
      Total Adjustments.........................................................      1,018         (179)      (998)
                                                                                     ------      -------    -------
      Net cash provided by operating activities.................................      4,764          374         89
                                                                                     ------      -------    -------
</TABLE>

                    See accompanying notes to financial statements.

                                       F-25
<PAGE>
                  UNITED ENVELOPE CO., INC. AND AFFILIATE
                    COMBINED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                         (In 000's) (Continued)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                   YEAR ENDED         MARCH 31,
                                                                                  DECEMBER 31,  --------------------
                                                                                      1996         1996       1997
                                                                                 -------------    ------     -----
                                                                                                      (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                                <C>           <C>        <C>
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
  Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment.................................    $   (69)     $  (64)    $   (17)
  (Increase) decrease in cash surrender value, net of loans payable.............       (147)         30         (26)
  Decrease in employee loans, included in other assets..........................          5           6         --
  (Increase) in due from TLG Realty, LLC........................................     (1,255)        --          (40)
                                                                                     ------      -------    -------
    Net cash (used in) investing activities.....................................     (1,466)         (28)       (83)
                                                                                     ------      -------    -------
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
  Cash proceeds from short-term secured borrowings from bank....................      4,300          150        500
  Principal payments of short-term secured borrowings from bank.................     (5,142)        (150)    --
  Principal payments of long-term debt, including capital lease obligation......       (758)        (126)      (118)
  Dividends paid................................................................     (1,642)        (275)      (188)
                                                                                     ------      -------    -------
    Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities.........................     (3,242)        (401)       194
                                                                                     ------      -------    -------
Net increase (decrease) in cash.................................................         56          (55)       200
Cash at beginning of period.....................................................        707          707        763
                                                                                     ------      -------    -------
Cash at End of Period...........................................................    $   763      $   652    $   963
                                                                                     ------      -------    -------
                                                                                     ------      -------    -------
Supplementary Information:
  Income taxes paid during the period...........................................    $   226      $   109    $   138
                                                                                     ------      -------    -------
                                                                                     ------      -------    -------
  Interest paid during the period...............................................    $   562    $     182    $   138
                                                                                     ------      -------    -------
                                                                                     ------      -------    -------
</TABLE>

                   See accompanying notes to financial statements.

                                       F-26

<PAGE>

                    UNITED ENVELOPE CO., INC. AND AFFILIATE
                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                    (In 000's)


NATURE OF OPERATIONS
     The Company manufactures and prints envelopes for sale to commercial 
customers throughout the United States.

NOTE A--SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
    PRINCIPLES OF COMBINATION
 
    The combined financial statements include the accounts of United Envelope
Co., Inc. ("United") and Rex Envelope Co., Inc. ("Rex") (the "Company"). Two
shareholders who own 90.9% of the outstanding shares of United own 100% of the
outstanding shares of Rex. Significant intercompany accounts and transactions
are eliminated in combination.
 
    The affiliated companies, whose financial statements are combined herein,
are related through common ownership and control. In addition, each has pledged
certain assets and guaranteed certain long-term indebtedness of the other as
described in Note H. In view of their close operating and financial
relationship, the preparation of combined financial statements was considered
appropriate. The combined statements, however, do not refer to a legal entity
and neither of the companies guarantees trade obligations of the other.
 
    INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, generally by the first-in,
first-out method, or market.
 
    PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated
depreciation. Depreciation is computed by straight-line and accelerated methods
at rates based upon the estimated useful lives of the respective assets.
 
    PRO FORMA NET INCOME (UNAUDITED)
 
    The pro forma information presented in the combined statements of income
reflect the pro forma effects of income taxes at an effective rate of 44%, as if
the company had been a taxable entity in all tax jurisdictions.
 
    INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
    Interim financial information for the periods of three months ended March
31, 1997 and 1996 are unaudited. In the opinion of management, this information
reflects all adjustments, consisting only of adjustments of a normal recurring
nature, necessary for fair presentation of such financial statements. Financial
results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for a full
year.

                                   F-27


<PAGE>

                    UNITED ENVELOPE CO., INC. AND AFFILIATE
                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                    (In 000's)
                                   (CONTINUED)

NOTE A--SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

    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
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

NOTE B--ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, PLEDGED
 
    The Company has granted a continuing lien on all accounts receivable as
collateral to secure indebtedness to Fleet Bank ("Fleet") and Chase Manhattan
Bank ("Chase"). See Note H.
 
NOTE C--INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories, consisting of envelopes and paper, amount to $2,921 as at
December 31, 1996.
 
NOTE D--DUE FROM TLG REALTY, LLC
 
    In August 1996, Fishlang Realty, LLC, an entity owned by the majority
shareholders of United, changed its name to TLG Realty, LLC. ("TLG"). The
balance due as at December 31, 1996 consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  TOTAL      CURRENT   NONCURRENT
                                                                                ----------  ---------  -----------
<S>                                                                             <C>         <C>        <C>
Loan receivable(1)............................................................  $      235  $      61   $     174
Loan receivable(2)............................................................        1250                   1250
Accommodation advances........................................................          55         55
                                                                                ----------  ---------  -----------
     Total, Net...............................................................  $     1540  $     116   $    1424
                                                                                ----------  ---------  -----------
                                                                                ----------  ---------  -----------
</TABLE>

(1) The amount represents the balance of a $425 loan to TLG in 1994 for the
    purchase of facilities rented to United. The note is payable in 10 remaining
    quarterly installments of $15 and a final principal installment of $83 due
    September 17, 1999, with interest at 3/4% above the prime rate.
 
(2) The proceeds of the loan were used by TLG to provide funds for working
    capital to a related company in connection with TLG's acquisition of a 66.7%
    interest in the related company effective August 1, 1996. The obligation to
    TLG is evidenced by an interest bearing note. See Note E.
 
    See Notes K and M for additional information concerning TLG.
 
                                     F-28


<PAGE>

                    UNITED ENVELOPE CO., INC. AND AFFILIATE
                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                    (In 000's)
                                   (CONTINUED)

NOTE E--DUE FROM RELATED COMPANIES
 
    The amount due from related companies as at December 31, 1996 results from
the following:
     
     Balance due from sales....................................  $     111
     Accommodation advances....................................          7
                                                                 ---------
     Total.....................................................  $     118
                                                                 ---------
                                                                 ---------

    For the year ended December 31, 1996, sales by the Company to a related
company amounted to approximately $805. As at December 31, 1996, the related
company is obligated to TLG (see Note D) under an interest-bearing note which
will be repaid to TLG based upon the related Company's available cash flow. The
loan approximates the underlying net assets of the related company as at
December 31, 1996.

NOTE F--PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

    Property, plant and equipment as at December 31, 1996 are summarized as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          ACCUMULATED      BOOK
                                                                                 COST     DEPRECIATION    VALUE
                                                                              ----------  ------------  ----------
<S>                                                                           <C>         <C>           <C>
Machinery and fixtures......................................................  $    4,517   $    4,030   $      487
Transportation and delivery equipment.......................................          77           27           50
Leasehold improvements principally to property under capital lease..........       1,455          817          638
                                                                              ----------  ------------  ----------
     Total..................................................................  $    6,049   $    4,874   $    1,175
                                                                              ----------  ------------  ----------
                                                                              ----------  ------------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
    Depreciation and amortization, including assets under capital lease,
amounted to $639 in 1996.
 
NOTE G--OTHER ASSETS
 
    Other assets as at December 31, 1996 consist of the following:
     
     Loans receivable, officers [payable on demand with 
       interest at 5.63% (1996) per annum].........................  $     731
     Loans receivable from employees(1)............................         25
     Security deposits.............................................         54
     State of Israel bonds.........................................          9
     Goodwill......................................................          4
     Deferred income taxes(2)......................................         80
                                                                     ---------
          Total....................................................  $     903
                                                                     ---------
                                                                     ---------

(1) Loans receivable from employees are the result of advances made by the
    Company.

(2) United provides deferred income taxes in connection with a timing difference
    related to a capital lease. See Notes J and K.

                                     F-29


<PAGE>

                    UNITED ENVELOPE CO., INC. AND AFFILIATE
                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                    (In 000's)
                                   (CONTINUED)

NOTE H--NOTES PAYABLE, BANKS, COLLATERALIZED
 
    The Company is indebted to Fleet and Chase for notes payable, evidencing
secured loans, in the amount of $4,800 as at December 31, 1996. The notes
payable to Fleet, amounting $2,400, bear interest at 7.88% per annum and are due
June 2, 1997. The notes payable to Chase, aggregating to $2,400, consist of
notes payable of $1,300, with interest at 7.5% due February 2, 1997, and $1,100,
with interest at 7.53% due March 11, 1997, respectively. The liability is
collateralized by a lien on the accounts receivable of the Company.
 
NOTE I--ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
 
    Accounts payable, amounting to $4,806 as at December 31, 1996, consist of
amounts due to trade creditors on open account.

NOTE J--INCOME TAXES AND DISTRIBUTIONS PAYABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS
 
    The shareholders of the Company have elected, under Subchapter S of the
Internal Revenue Code and related state statutes, to assume the liability for
federal and certain state taxes on their income tax returns. Accordingly, no
federal and certain state income taxes have been provided on such "Subchapter S"
income. In consideration of the assumption by its shareholders of the Company's
income tax liability, the Company makes distributions to its shareholders for
the payment of income taxes applicable to Subchapter S income. For the year
ended December 31, 1996, the Company declared dividends of $1,859 from the
current year Subchapter S earnings. Distributions payable to shareholders at
December 31, 1996, amounting to $256, consist of the balance of the current year
dividends on Subchapter S income.
 
    The liability for income taxes as at December 31, 1996, amounting to $248,
consists of the current period provision, less prepayments. The combined income
tax provision for the year ended December 31, 1996 amounted to $484.
 
    United provides deferred New York State and New York City income taxes in
connection with a timing difference related to the capital lease obligation
referred to in Note K. As at December 31, 1996, the net accumulated deferred
charge for income taxes amounts to $80, and has been included among "Other
Assets." See Note G.
 
NOTE K--OBLIGATION UNDER CAPITAL LEASE AND RELATED GUARANTEE
 
    On June 1, 1985, United Envelope Co., Inc. entered into a lease agreement
with TLG Realty, LLC ("TLG") (formerly Fishlang Realty, LLC), a limited
liability company whose members are officer/ shareholders of United, under which
United leases from TLG the Company's main facility in New York City. The cost of
the acquisition and construction of the facility was financed by TLG from the
sale by the Industrial Development Agency of the City of New York of $5,000 of
Industrial Development Revenue Bonds ("Bonds") to the National Westminster Bank
USA ("NatWest") (subsequently Fleet, as successor to NatWest.) The lease, which
meets the criteria for capitalization, has been capitalized by United. Rental
payments under the lease are $58 a month as at December 31, 1996.

                                     F-30


<PAGE>

                    UNITED ENVELOPE CO., INC. AND AFFILIATE
                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                    (In 000's)
                                   (CONTINUED)

NOTE K--OBLIGATION UNDER CAPITAL LEASE AND RELATED GUARANTEE (CONTINUED)

    Leased property under the capital lease as at December 31, 1996 consists of
the following:
     
     Land and buildings...........................................  $    5000
     Less: Accumulated depreciation...............................       3833
                                                                    ---------
          Net Book Value..........................................  $    1167
                                                                    ---------
                                                                    ---------

    Under the terms of related agreements, United is obligated to make rental
payments in amounts sufficient to enable the Bond Trustee to make Bond principal
installment and interest payments as they become due.
 
    The Bonds are payable together with interest in quarterly principal
installments of $105 through April 1, 2000.
 
    On March 28, 1990, United entered into an interest rate swap agreement with
NatWest which effectively changes the interest rate exposure on the indebtedness
to a fixed 7.59% per annum over the remaining term of the loan.

    Future minimum payments under the above lease consisted of the following as
at December 31, 1996:

     YEARS ENDING DECEMBER 31,                                   AMOUNT
     --------------------------------------------------------  ----------
     
     1997....................................................   $     690
     1998....................................................         690
     1999....................................................         690
     2000....................................................         288
                                                                ----------
     Minimum lease payments..................................       2,358
     Amounts representing interest at 11.38%.................         393
                                                                ----------
     Present Value of Minimum Lease Payments.................   $   1,965
                                                                ----------
                                                                ----------
     Current portion..........................................  $     491
     Long-term portion........................................      1,474
                                                                ----------
          Total...............................................  $   1,965
                                                               ----------
                                                               ----------

    United has guaranteed the payment of the principal and interest on the
Bonds, and the Bonds are secured by the facility and an assignment of the lease
between TLG and United.

                                     F-31


<PAGE>

                    UNITED ENVELOPE CO., INC. AND AFFILIATE
                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                    (In 000's)
                                   (CONTINUED)

NOTE K--OBLIGATION UNDER CAPITAL LEASE AND RELATED GUARANTEE (CONTINUED)

    Until the obligation under capital lease is paid in full, the Company must
maintain at all times the following financial covenants (as defined in the
related agreement):

     Minimum ratio of combined current assets to combined 
       current liabilities........................................  1.3 to 1.0
     Minimum working capital......................................  $3,000
     Minimum tangible net worth...................................  $4,845
     Maximum ratio of total combined liabilities to tangible 
       net worth..................................................  2.54 to 1.0

    The Company must maintain as at the last day of each of its fiscal years a
ratio of (i) combined net income plus the expense for depreciation and
amortization less dividends and capital expenditures for such year to (ii) the
required payments of principal to be paid on the current portion of long-term
indebtedness during such year amounting to 1.5.
 
    Also, the agreement contains certain restrictions relating to the purchase
and sale of assets and the creation of additional indebtedness by United and
TLG.
 
    As at December 31, 1996, the Company was in compliance with the above
financial covenants.
 
NOTE L--DUE TO HUXLEY ENVELOPE CORPORATION
 
    The net balance due to Huxley Envelope Corporation ("Huxley"), an affiliated
company, amounted to $93 as at December 31, 1996.
 
    Sales by the Company to Huxley amounted to approximately $467 in 1996. Sales
by Huxley to the Company amounted to approximately $6,986 in 1996.

NOTE M--COMMITMENTS
 
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 
    Effective January 1, 1994, the Company entered into an employment agreement
with Isaac Moinester. The agreement obligates the Company to pay Mr. Moinester
for the period from January 1, 1995 through March 31, 1997 annual compensation
of $250 plus additional annual compensation equal to 12% of the combined net
income of the Company (as defined), with minimum additional annual compensation
of $100. In the event of his employment termination or death prior to March 31,
1997, the annual compensation and additional compensation cease. The agreement
also provides for payments of $100 annually to Mr. Moinester, or his survivors,
for ten years beginning April 1, 1997 or one month after his employment
termination or death.


                                     F-32


<PAGE>

                    UNITED ENVELOPE CO., INC. AND AFFILIATE
                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                    (In 000's)
                                   (CONTINUED)

NOTE M--COMMITMENTS (CONTINUED)

OPERATING LEASES
 
    United Envelope Co., Inc. is additionally obligated to TLG, under a
five-year operating lease for factory, warehouse and office space located at 525
West 52nd Street for annual rentals of $128 per annum which began October 1,
1994. See Notes D and K.
 
    The Company is obligated under an operating lease for factory, warehouse and
office space located at 111 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York, occupied by Rex,
for a term of approximately ten years with annual rentals ranging from $434 to
$536. Fleet Bank has issued, on behalf of the Company, a letter of credit in the
amount of $178 as security to the landlord pursuant to this lease.
 
    Rex Envelope Co., Inc. is obligated under an operating lease expiring April
30, 2002 for factory, warehouse and office space located at 74 Charlton Street,
New York, New York, for annual rentals of $275 with rental increases of 5% per
annum from May 1, 1988. In January 1995, Rex subleased the aforementioned
facility through April 29, 2002. Annual subrentals under the lease increase from
$170 for the first year to $208 for the final year.
 
    Minimum rental payments under the above leases consist of the following:

     YEARS ENDING DECEMBER 31,                                    AMOUNT
     ---------------------------------------------------------  ----------

     1997.....................................................   $     924
     1998.....................................................         985
     1999.....................................................         980
     2000.....................................................         904
     2001.....................................................         926
     Thereafter...............................................       2,104
                                                                ----------
          Total...............................................   $   6,823
                                                                ----------
                                                                ----------

    Aggregate minimum future rentals under the aforementioned sublease
approximate $1,032.
 
    Total rent expense charged to operations for the year ended December 31,
1996 was $1,020.

LETTER OF CREDIT
 
    Fleet has issued a letter of credit in the amount of $10 on behalf of the
Company.

                                     F-33


<PAGE>

                    UNITED ENVELOPE CO., INC. AND AFFILIATE
                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                    (In 000's)
                                   (CONTINUED)

NOTE N--RETIREMENT PLANS
 
    United and Rex have qualified defined contribution profit sharing plans
covering certain nonunion salaried employees. Subject to certain limitations,
the annual contributions by the Companies are at the discretion of the Boards of
Directors. Participants in the plans may make voluntary contributions.
Contributions to the plans are made by the Companies based upon fixed
percentages of the salaries and of the voluntary contributions of eligible
employees. The plans provide generally for normal retirement at age 65. The cost
of the plans charged to operations was $138 for the year ended December 31,
1996. The Companies' policy is to fund accrued retirement costs.
 
    Rex also sponsored a qualified defined benefit pension plan which has been
terminated. Accrued pension cost, amounting to $10 as at December 31, 1996, has
been provided for the actuarially determined estimated unfunded liability on
termination of the pension plan.
 
    United also contributes to the Printing Specialists and Paper Products Union
(Local #447) and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (Local #807) plans,
covering its union employees, pursuant to the terms of collective bargaining
agreements. Pension costs included in employee welfare, amounting to $76 for the
year ended December 31, 1996, were based upon the rates in the union contracts.
Under the Multiemployer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980, withdrawing
employers become liable for their allocable share of the plan's unfunded vested
liability. The amount of such contingent liabilities, if any, has not been
determined as at December 31, 1996.
 
NOTE O--RETAINED EARNINGS
 
    Combined retained earnings of the Company, amounting to $5,436 as at
December 31, 1996, consist of "Subchapter C" retained earnings from which
dividends, if paid, will be taxable to shareholders and previously taxed
"Subchapter S" retained earnings, as follows:
 
                                               TOTAL       UNITED       REX
                                             ----------  ----------  ---------

"Subchapter C" retained earnings...........  $    1,247  $      995  $     252
"Subchapter S" retained earnings...........       4,189       3,691        498
                                             ----------  ----------  ---------
     Total.................................  $    5,436  $    4,686  $     750
                                             ----------  ----------  ---------
                                             ----------  ----------  ---------

NOTE P--INTEREST EXPENSE
 
    Interest expense aggregated $687 for the year ended December 31, 1996.
 
NOTE Q--SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
    The Company's shareholders have signed a letter of understanding to 
proceed with negotiation of a definitive agreement to exchange their common 
stock interest in the Company for shares of common stock of an acquiring 
company. The exchange of stock is subject to full legal and financial due 
diligence review by the acquiring company. The letter may be terminated by 
either party in the event the proposed acquisition has not been completed by 
April 25, 1997.
 
    During April 1997, the Company commenced negotiations to purchase the assets
of a company engaged in business activities similar to those of the Company for
cash of approximately $450.
 
                                     F-34


<PAGE>
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT




To the Shareholders of 
Huxley Envelope Corporation 
Industrial Park Blvd. 
Mt. Pocono Industrial Park 
Mt. Pocono, Pennsylvania 18344

    We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Huxley Envelope 
Corporation as at December 31, 1996, and the related statements of income, 
changes in shareholder equity and cash flows for the year then ended. 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 audit.

    We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing 
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to 
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free 
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, 
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. 
An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and 
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall 
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides 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 Huxley Envelope 
Corporation as at December 31, 1996, and the results of its operations and 
its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with generally accepted 
accounting principles.
 
    As referred to in Note A to the financial statements, the Company changed 
its method of computing depreciation for machinery and equipment in 1996.
 
                                               HERTZ, HERSON & COMPANY, LLP
 


New York, New York 
March 7, 1997, except for Note L, 
as to which the date is April 14, 1997


                                       F-35

<PAGE>

                            HUXLEY ENVELOPE CORPORATION 
                                  BALANCE SHEETS 
                                    (In 000's)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    MARCH 31,
                                                                    DECEMBER 31,      1997
                                                                        1996       (UNAUDITED)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -----------
<S>                                                                 <C>            <C>
         ASSETS--PLEDGED--NOTE B

Current Assets
  Cash............................................................    $     246     $      45
  Accounts receivable, net........................................         2463          2931
  Inventories--Notes A and C......................................         3044          3543
  Due from related companies--Note D..............................           93        --
  Prepaid and refundable income taxes--Note E.....................            6        --
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets.......................           38           209
                                                                         ------    -----------
    Total Current Assets..........................................         5890          6728

Due from Pocono Envelope Company..................................       --               575
Property and Equipment, Net--Notes A and F........................         2752          3208
Other Assets, Partially Pledged--Note G...........................          549            62
                                                                         ------    -----------
    TOTAL ASSETS..................................................    $    9191     $   10573
                                                                         ------    -----------
                                                                         ------    -----------

         LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current Liabilities
  Loan payable, The CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc.,
   collateralized--Note H.........................................    $    2763     $    3093
  Term loans payable, The CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc.,
   collateralized -current portion--Note I........................          988           628
  Term loan payable, PNC Bank--current portion--Note I............          120           250
  Equipment note payable, collateralized--current portion-- Note I            7             8
  Dividends payable--Note E.......................................           45           189
  Accounts payable................................................         1527          1367
  Liability for income taxes--Note E..............................          --             32
  Deferred income, noncompete agreement--current portion--Note J..           25            25
  Accrued expenses and other current liabilities..................          258           199
                                                                         ------    -----------
    Total Current Liabilities.....................................         5733          5791
                                                                         ------    -----------
Long-term Debt 
  Term loans payable, The CIT Group/ Business Credit,
    Inc., collateralized--Note I..................................          949          1874
  Term loan payable, PNC Bank--Note I.............................          620           833
  Equipment note payable, collateralized--Note I..................            2        --
                                                                         ------    -----------
    Total Long-term Debt..........................................         1571          2707
                                                                         ------    -----------
Deferred Income--Noncompete Agreement--Note J.....................           40            33
                                                                         ------    -----------
    Total Liabilities.............................................         7344          8531
                                                                         ------    -----------
Commitments--Note K
Subsequent Events--Note L

Shareholders' Equity
 Common Stock, No Par Value:
   Authorized 2,000 shares; issued and outstanding 1,350 shares...         1250          1250
Retained earnings.................................................          597           792
                                                                         ------    -----------
    Total Shareholders' Equity....................................         1847          2042
                                                                         ------    -----------
      TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY..................    $    9191     $   10573
                                                                         ------    -----------
                                                                         ------    -----------
</TABLE>
 
    See accompanying notes to financial statements.


 
                            HUXLEY ENVELOPE CORPORATION 
                    STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                             (In 000's, except shares)

 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         COMMON STOCK
                                                                   ------------------------     RETAINED
                                                                     NUMBER                     EARNINGS          TOTAL
                                                                       OF                     (ACCUMULATED    SHAREHOLDERS'
                                                                     SHARES       AMOUNT        DEFICIT)         EQUITY
                                                                   -----------  -----------  ---------------  -------------
<S>                                                                <C>          <C>          <C>              <C>
Balance at December 31, 1995.....................................        1350    $    1250      $     (15)      $    1235
Net income.......................................................                                    1306            1306
Distributions to shareholders--Note E............................                                    (694)           (694)
                                                                        -----   -----------           ---          ------
Balance at December 31, 1996.....................................        1350         1250            597            1847
Net income (unaudited)...........................................                                     390             390
Distributions to shareholders (unaudited)........................                                    (195)           (195)
                                                                        -----   -----------           ---          ------
Balance at March 31, 1997 (Unaudited)............................        1350    $    1250      $     792       $    2042
                                                                        -----   -----------           ---          ------
                                                                        -----   -----------           ---          ------
</TABLE>
 
    See accompanying notes to financial statements.
 
                                      F-36
<PAGE>
                            HUXLEY ENVELOPE CORPORATION 
                               STATEMENTS OF INCOME 
                                   (In 000's)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                   THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                    YEAR ENDED         MARCH 31,
                                                                                   DECEMBER 31,   --------------------
                                                                                       1996         1996       1997
                                                                                   -------------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                <C>            <C>        <C>
                                                                                                      (UNAUDITED)
Net sales........................................................................    $   21844    $    5407  $    5841
Cost of goods sold...............................................................        17589         4280       4640
                                                                                   -------------  ---------  ---------
  Gross profit...................................................................         4255         1127       1201
                                                                                   -------------  ---------  ---------
Operating Expenses
  Selling........................................................................         1008          249        293
  General and administrative.....................................................         1412          380        358
                                                                                   -------------  ---------  ---------
    Total Operating Expenses.....................................................         2420          629        651
                                                                                   -------------  ---------  ---------
Operating income.................................................................         1835          498        550
Other (expense) income...........................................................         (171)          (7)         6
                                                                                   -------------  ---------  ---------
Income before taxes and interest.................................................         1664          491        556
Interest expense.................................................................          461          105        134
                                                                                   -------------  ---------  ---------
Income before income taxes.......................................................         1203          386        422
Provision for income taxes--Note E...............................................           15           31         32
                                                                                   -------------  ---------  ---------
Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle..............         1188          355        390
Cumulative effect on prior year of changing to a different depreciation
  method--Note A.................................................................          118          118     --
                                                                                   -------------  ---------  ---------
Net income.......................................................................    $    1306    $     473  $     390
                                                                                   -------------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                   -------------  ---------  ---------
Pro forma net income assuming the new depreciation method is applied
  retroactively--Note A..........................................................         1188    $     355
                                                                                   -------------  ---------
                                                                                   -------------  ---------
Pro Forma Income Data, Assuming Pro Forma Provision for Income Taxes:
  Income before income taxes.....................................................    $    1203    $     386  $     422
  Pro forma provision for income taxes (unaudited)...............................          493          158        173
                                                                                   -------------  ---------  ---------
Pro Forma Net Income Excluding Cumulative Effect Adjustment (Unaudited)..........          710    $     228  $     249
                                                                                   -------------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                   -------------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    See accompanying notes to financial statements.
 
                                      F-37
<PAGE>
                          HUXLEY ENVELOPE CORPORATION 
                            STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 
                                  (In 000's)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                     YEAR ENDED         MARCH 31,
                                                                                    DECEMBER 31,   --------------------
                                                                                        1996         1996       1997
                                                                                    -------------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                 <C>            <C>        <C>
                                                                                                       (UNAUDITED)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
  Net income......................................................................    $    1306    $     473  $     390
                                                                                         ------    ---------  ---------
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in)
   operating activities:
    Cumulative effect of accounting change........................................         (118)        (118)    --
    Depreciation and amortization.................................................          332           76        128
    (Decrease) in deferred income on sale of assets...............................          (25)          (7)        (7)
    Changes in noncash operating assets and liabilities:
      (Increase) in accounts receivable...........................................         (533)        (747)      (468)
      (Increase) in inventories...................................................         (423)        (294)      (499)
      Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets............           28         (177)      (171)
      Decrease in due from related companies......................................           56          150         93
      (Increase) in due from Pocono Envelope Company..............................          (92)         (44)      (575)
      Decrease in other assets....................................................           16           75        488
      Decrease in due from shareholders...........................................           49           49     --
      Decrease in prepaid and refundable taxes....................................           50           55          6
      Increase (decrease) in accounts payable.....................................          654           10       (160)
      (Decrease) in accrued expenses and other current liabilities................         (126)        (127)       (27)
                                                                                         ------    ---------  ---------
        Total Adjustments.........................................................         (132)       (1099)     (1192)
                                                                                         ------    ---------  ---------
        Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities.......................         1174         (626)      (802)
                                                                                         ------    ---------  ---------
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
  Acquisitions of equipment.......................................................       (1,154)      --           (584)
  Deposit on purchase of equipment................................................         (246)      --         --
                                                                                         ------    ---------  ---------
        Net cash (used in) investing activities...................................        (1400)      --           (584)
                                                                                         ------    ---------  ---------
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
  Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt........................................          771       --           1135
  Increase in short-term borrowings...............................................         1047          767        102
  Principal payments of long-term debt............................................         (717)        (142)    --
  Dividends paid..................................................................         (649)      --            (52)
                                                                                         ------    ---------  ---------
        Net cash provided by financing activities.................................          452          625       1185
                                                                                         ------    ---------  ---------
Net increase (decrease) in cash...................................................          226           (1)      (201)
Cash at beginning of period.......................................................           20           20        246
                                                                                         ------    ---------  ---------
Cash at End of Period.............................................................    $     246    $      19  $      45
                                                                                         ------    ---------  ---------
                                                                                         ------    ---------  ---------
Supplemental Information:
  Cash payments for interest......................................................    $     458    $     105  $     134
                                                                                         ------    ---------  ---------
                                                                                         ------    ---------  ---------
  Cash (recoveries of) payments for income taxes..................................    $     (34)   $       1  $       2
                                                                                         ------    ---------  ---------
                                                                                         ------    ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                     See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 
 
                                     F-38
<PAGE>
                          HUXLEY ENVELOPE CORPORATION
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (IN 000'S)
NATURE OF OPERATIONS

The Company manufactures and prints envelopes for sale to commercial 
customers throughout the United States.

NOTE A--SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

   INVENTORIES

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, (first-in, first-out method), or 
market.

   PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. 
Depreciation is computed by straight-line and accelerated methods at rates 
based upon the estimated useful lives of the respective assets.

Depreciation of machinery and equipment has been computed by the 
straight-line method in 1996. Depreciation of machinery and equipment in 
prior years was computed by accelerated methods. The Company believes the new 
method more appropriately reflects the timing of the economic benefits to be 
received from these assets over their estimated useful lives and has applied 
the new method retroactively to machinery and equipment acquired in 1995. The 
effect of the change in 1996 was to increase net income by approximately 
$289. The adjustment of $118 to apply retroactively the new method is 
included in income of 1996. The pro forma amounts shown on the statement of 
income have been adjusted for the effect of retroactive application on 
depreciation had the new method been in effect.

   PRO FORMA NET INCOME (UNAUDITED)

The pro forma information presented in the statements of income reflect the 
pro forma effects of income taxes at an effective rate of 41%, as if the 
company had been a taxable entity in all tax jurisdictions.

   INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Interim financial information for the periods of three months ended March 31, 
1997 and 1996 are unaudited. In the opinion of management, this information 
reflects all adjustments, consisting only of adjustments of a normal 
recurring nature, necessary for fair presentation of such financial 
statements. Financial results for interim periods are not necessarily 
indicative of results for a full year.

   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 disclosure of 
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and 
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. 
Actual results could differ from those estimates.

NOTE B--PLEDGE OF ASSETS

The Company has pledged substantially all its assets as collateral for 
indebtedness owing to The CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc. ("CITBC"). See 
Notes H and I.

                                       F-39
<PAGE>
                          HUXLEY ENVELOPE CORPORATION
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                 (IN 000'S)

NOTE C--INVENTORIES, PLEDGED

Inventories as at December 31, 1996 are as follows:

                Raw materials....................  $1616
                Work in process..................     72
                Finished product.................   1356
                                                   -----
                    Total........................  $3044
                                                   -----
                                                   -----

NOTE D--DUE FROM RELATED COMPANIES, PLEDGED

The Company sells finished product to Rex Envelope Co., Inc. ("Rex") and 
purchases contract labor and services from United Envelope Co., Inc. 
("United"), companies affiliated through certain common stock ownership. The 
balance due from the related companies amounts to $93 as at December 31, 
1996. Sales to the Company amounted to approximately $467 in 1996. Sales by 
the Company to the affiliates amounted to approximately $6,986 for the year 
ended December 31, 1996.

NOTE E--INCOME TAXES, DUE FROM SHAREHOLDERS AND DIVIDENDS

The shareholders of the Company elected, under Subchapter S of the Internal 
Revenue Code and applicable state statutes, to assume the liability for 
federal and certain state taxes on the Company's income. Accordingly, no 
federal income taxes have been provided on such "Subchapter S" income which 
amounted to $1,188 for the year ended December 31, 1996.

Prepaid and refundable income taxes, amounting to $6 as at December 31, 1996, 
represent prepayments less the current provision for state and local income 
taxes.

In accordance with the Company's policy of distributing Subchapter S income 
to its shareholders, dividends were declared amounting to $694 in 1996.

NOTE F--PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, PLEDGED

Property and equipment as at December 31, 1996 are summarized as follows:

            Machinery and equipment......................  $3026
            Transportation and delivery equipment........     21
            Deposit on machinery (represents
              approximately 50% of total cost)...........    246
                                                           -----
                                                            3293
            Less: Accumulated depreciation...............    541
                                                           -----
            Net Book Value...............................  $2752
                                                           -----
                                                           -----

Depreciation amounted to $331 for the year ended December 31, 1996.

                                       F-40
<PAGE>
                          HUXLEY ENVELOPE CORPORATION
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                    (IN 000'S)

NOTE G--OTHER ASSETS, PARTIALLY PLEDGED

Other assets as at December 31, 1996 consist of the following:

Due from Pocono Envelope Company (1).................................  $383
Deferred financing costs, net of amortization........................    55
Deferred organization costs, net of amortization.....................     9
Security deposits....................................................     7
Loans to employees related to relocation--noncurrent
  portion (2)........................................................    95
                                                                       ----
      Total..........................................................  $549
                                                                       ----
                                                                       ----

(1) The amount due from Pocono Envelope Company, a company affiliated through 
    common stock ownership, represents security deposits totalling $250 and 
    advance rents on premises which the Company occupied in 1995. See related 
    Note K.

(2) The current portion of such loans amounts to $27 and is included among 
    Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets.

Note H--Loan Payable, The CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc., Collateralized

The balance payable of $2,763 as at December 31, 1996, represents amounts due 
under a line of credit provided to the Company by CITBC. The line of credit 
is collateralized by assignments of substantially all the assets of the 
Company. The balance payable bears interest at prime plus 1/2% per annum.

Under the terms of the related financing agreement, CITBC is committed to 
make revolving loans to the Company up to the lesser of (i) $4,000 plus the 
principal repaid to CITBC by the Company on the term loans referred to in 
Note I, or (ii) amounts based upon certain designated percentages of the 
Company's eligible accounts receivable and inventory, as defined. The related 
financing agreement subjects the Company to certain covenants that are 
described in Note I.

NOTE I--LONG-TERM DEBT, COLLATERALIZED

LONG-TERM DEBT CONSISTS OF:

                              INTEREST RATE    TOTAL     CURRENT   LONG-TERM
                              -------------   -------   ---------  ---------
CITBC Loans (1):
  Term loan A                  Prime +1/4%     $  1080    $   820     $   260
  Term loan B                  8.9641%             738        134         604
  Term loan C                  8.9641%             119         34          85
                                               -------    -------     -------
  Term CITBC Loans                                1937        988         949
Term Loan--PNC Bank (2)                            740        120         620
Equipment loans (3)                                  9          7           2
                                               -------    -------     -------
      Total                                    $  2686    $  1115     $  1571
                                               -------    -------     -------
                                               -------    -------     -------

                                       F-41
<PAGE>
                          HUXLEY ENVELOPE CORPORATION
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                   (IN 000'S)

NOTE I--LONG-TERM DEBT, COLLATERALIZED (CONTINUED)

(1) The Company is indebted to CITBC for term loans totaling $1,937 as at 
    December 31, 1996. Term loan A is payable in 16 quarterly principal 
    installments which commenced September 1, 1995. The remaining quarterly 
    payments, as amended, consist of five payments of $205 each and a final 
    payment of $55. Term loan B, which commenced July 28, 1995, is payable 
    in eighty-four monthly principal payments of $11 each. Term loan C, 
    which commenced July 28, 1995, is payable in fifty-four monthly 
    principal payments of $3 each. The loans are collateralized by 
    substantially all of the assets of the Company. See Note B.

    Until the loans are paid in full, the Company must meet the following 
    financial requirements set forth in the related financing agreement for the
    periods designated in the table below.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       MINIMUM
                              MINIMUM      MINIMUM     INTEREST      MINIMUM      MAXIMUM
                              WORKING        NET       COVERAGE      CURRENT     LEVERAGE
                              CAPITAL       WORTH      RATIO (A)      RATIO      RATIO (B)
                             ---------    ---------    ---------    --------     ---------
<C>                         <C>          <C>          <S>          <C>          <C>
For the Periods:
  02/28/95--03/31/96          $  900       $ 1000     1.7 to 1.0   1.1 to 1.0   6.0 to 1.0
  04/01/96--12/30/96            1100         1300     1.9 to 1.0   1.1 to 1.0   6.0 to 1.0
  12/31/96--12/30/97            1300         1400     1.9 to 1.0   1.1 to 1.0   6.0 to 1.0
  12/31/97 and thereafter       1500         1600     1.9 to 1.0   1.1 to 1.0   6.0 to 1.0
</TABLE>

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

    (a) Ratio of earnings before all interest and taxes to interest.

    (b) Ratio of total liabilities to net worth

    The financing agreement also contains certain restrictions on the Company 
    relating to, among other things, the purchase and sale of assets, 
    creation of additional indebtedness, maximum compensation to executive 
    officers and minimum life insurance on officers. The Company is in 
    compliance with the loan covenants and restrictions or has obtained the 
    appropriate waivers.

(2) The Company is indebted to PNC Bank on a term loan payable in sixty 
    monthly installments of $16, including interest at 8.69% per annum, with 
    the final installments due in October 2001. Under the terms of the 
    related loan agreement and other loan agreements between Pocono Envelope 
    Company and PNC (see Note K), the loan is collateralized by specific 
    equipment of the Company and the Company is subject to the above 
    described covenants. The Company is in compliance with such covenants or 
    has obtained the appropriate waivers from PNC.

(3) The equipment loans are payable in monthly installments, including 
    interest through May 1998.

                                    F-42

<PAGE>

                          HUXLEY ENVELOPE CORPORATION
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                   (IN 000'S)

NOTE I--LONG-TERM DEBT, COLLATERALIZED (CONTINUED)

Maturities of the long-term portion are as follows:

                  YEARS ENDING DECEMBER 31,
                  ---------------------------
                            1998                      $  572
                            1999                         324
                            2000                         321
                            2001                         287
                            2002                          67
                                                      ------
                            Total                     $ 1571
                                                      ------
                                                      ------

NOTE J--NONCOMPETE AGREEMENT

In connection with the sale of certain equipment in a prior year, the Company 
also entered into a noncompete agreement with the buyer. Under the agreement, 
the Company agreed not to compete with the buyer's business for a period of 5 
years in exchange for $125. Such amount is being amortized to income over the 
term of the agreement. Amortization for the year ended December 31, 1996 
amounted to $25.

NOTE K--COMMITMENTS

Lease with and Guarantee of Indebtedness of Pocono Envelope Company ("Pocono")

The Company has guaranteed indebtedness of Pocono to PNC Bank and the 
Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority aggregating approximately 
$3,266 as at December 31, 1996. Such indebtedness arose in connection with 
Pocono's original acquisition and construction of manufacturing premises 
which Huxley occupied in June 1995 and additional construction in 1996. The 
related loan agreement requires rental payments from Huxley to Pocono in 
amounts equal to Pocono's monthly aggregate principal and interest payments 
which commenced in 1996. Total aggregate payments in 1996 on the indebtedness 
of Pocono was approximately $325. As at December 31, 1996, definitive 
financing and leasing arrangements with respect to the premises are subject 
to future negotiations.

Total rent expense for the year ended December 31, 1996 was $388. The expense 
includes $325 of rent payments to Pocono.

NOTE L--SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Company's shareholders have signed a letter of understanding to proceed 
with negotiation of a definitive agreement to exchange their common stock 
interest in the Company for shares of common stock of an acquiring company. 
The exchange of stock is subject to full legal and financial due diligence 
review by the acquiring company. The letter may be terminated by either party 
in the event the proposed acquisition has not been completed by April 25, 
1997.

                                    F-43

<PAGE>

Item 7 -- Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits

(c) Exhibits

      2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger Dated May 22, 1997 Among U.S. Office
          Products Company, Santa Fe Acquisition Corp. and Mail Boxes Etc.

     23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young

     23.2 Consent of Hertz, Herson & Company LLP

     23.3 Consent of Hertz, Herson & Company LLP

     23.4 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP

     99.1 Financial statements of Mail Boxes Etc. as of April 30, 1996 and 1995
          and for the years ended April 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994 and as of
          January 31, 1997 and for the nine months ended January 31, 1997 
          (unaudited).

<PAGE>

                                 SIGNATURES

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

                                  U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY

Dated:  May 20, 1997                   By: /s/ Mark D. Director
                                           --------------------------
                                           Mark D. Director
                                           Executive Vice President, 
                                           General Counsel and Secretary 


<PAGE>

                             EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit       Description

 2.1          Agreement and Plan of Merger Dated May 22, 1997 Among U.S. Office
              Products Company, Santa Fe Acquisition Corp. and Mail Boxes Etc.

23.1          Consent of Ernst & Young

23.2          Consent of Hertz, Herson & Company LLP

23.3          Consent of Hertz, Herson & Company LLP

23.4          Consent of Ernst & Young LLP


<PAGE>

                                                                   EXHIBIT 2.1

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





                             AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER



                               Dated as of May 22, 1997



                                        Among


                            U. S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY,



                              SANTA FE ACQUISITION CORP.



                                         And



                                   MAIL BOXES ETC.




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

                                         
<PAGE>

                                  TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                          Page
                                                                          ----

                                      ARTICLE I

THE MERGER....................................................................2
     SECTION 1.1   The Merger.................................................2
     SECTION 1.2   Closing....................................................2
     SECTION 1.3   Effective Time.............................................2
     SECTION 1.4   Effects of the Merger......................................2
     SECTION 1.5   Articles of Incorporation and By-laws......................2
     SECTION 1.6   Directors and Officers.....................................2
     SECTION 1.7   Additional Actions.........................................3

                                      ARTICLE II

EFFECT OF THE MERGER ON THE CAPITAL STOCK OF THE
CONSTITUENT CORPORATIONS; EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES............................3
     SECTION 2.1   Effect on Capital Stock....................................3
     SECTION 2.2   Exchange of Certificates...................................4
     SECTION 2.3   Dissenters' Rights.........................................6

                                     ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES................................................6
     SECTION 3.1   Representations and Warranties of the Company..............6
     SECTION 3.2   Representations and Warranties of Parent..................24
 
                                      ARTICLE IV

COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF BUSINESS....................................27
     SECTION 4.1   Conduct of Business.......................................27
     SECTION 4.2   No Inconsistent Activities................................29

                                      ARTICLE V

ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS........................................................30
     SECTION 5.1   Preparation of Form S-4 and the Proxy Statement; 
                   Stockholders' Meeting.....................................30
     SECTION 5.2   Access to Information; Confidentiality....................31
     SECTION 5.3   Reasonable Efforts; Notification..........................31
     SECTION 5.4   Stock Option Plans........................................32
     SECTION 5.5   Conveyance Taxes..........................................33
     SECTION 5.6   Indemnification, Exculpation and Insurance................33
     SECTION 5.7   Fees and Expenses.........................................33
     SECTION 5.8   Public Announcements......................................34
     SECTION 5.9   Affiliates; Accounting and Tax Treatment..................34

                                           
<PAGE>

                                      ARTICLE VI

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT.........................................................34
     SECTION 6.1   Conditions to Each Party's Obligations 
                   to Effect the Merger......................................34
     SECTION 6.2   Additional Conditions to Obligations of Parent and Sub....35
     SECTION 6.3   Additional Conditions to Obligations of the Company.......36

                                     ARTICLE VII

TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER............................................37
     SECTION 7.1   Termination...............................................37
     SECTION 7.2   Effect of Termination.....................................39
     SECTION 7.3   Amendment.................................................39
     SECTION 7.4   Extension; Waiver.........................................39
     SECTION 7.5   Termination Fee...........................................39

                                     ARTICLE VIII

GENERAL PROVISIONS...........................................................40
     SECTION 8.1   Nonsurvival of Representations and Warranties.............40
     SECTION 8.2   Notices...................................................40
     SECTION 8.3   Definitions...............................................41
     SECTION 8.4   Interpretation............................................42
     SECTION 8.5   Counterparts..............................................42
     SECTION 8.6   Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries............42
     SECTION 8.7   Governing Law.............................................42
     SECTION 8.8   Assignment................................................42
     SECTION 8.9   Enforcement...............................................42



                                       EXHIBITS

     EXHIBIT A           - Agreement of Merger
     EXHIBIT B           - Form of Voting Agreement
     EXHIBIT 5.9         - Form of the Company Affiliate Letter
     EXHIBIT 6.2         - Form of Opinion of O'Melveny & Myers LLP
     EXHIBIT 6.3         - Form of Opinion of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP


                                        ii
<PAGE>

                             AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER


         AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER, dated as of May 22, 1997, among U. S.
Office Products Company, a Delaware corporation ("Parent"), Santa Fe Acquisition
Corp., a California corporation and a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent
("Sub"), and Mail Boxes Etc., a California corporation (the "Company").


                                      BACKGROUND

         A.   The respective Boards of Directors of Parent, Sub and the Company
have approved the merger of Sub with and into the Company (the "Merger"), upon
the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement and in
accordance with the General Corporation Law of the State of California (the
"CGCL"), whereby each issued and outstanding share of common stock of the
Company, no par value per share (the "Company Common Stock"), other than shares
to be cancelled in accordance with Section 2.1(b), will be converted into the
right to receive a certain number of shares of common stock, $.001 par value per
share, of Parent ("Parent Common Stock"), such number to be determined as
provided herein.

         B.   The Merger requires the approval of the holders of a majority of
the outstanding shares of the Company Common Stock (the "Company Stockholder
Approval").

         C.   Parent, Sub and the Company desire to make certain
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in connection with the
Merger and also to prescribe various conditions to the Merger.

         D.   For federal income tax purposes, it is intended that the Merger
will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Sections 368(a)(1)(A) and
(a)(2)(E) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").

         E.   For accounting purposes, it is intended that the Merger will be
accounted for as a "pooling-of-interests."

         F.   Concurrently with the execution of this Agreement and as an
inducement to Parent to enter into this Agreement, Michael Dooling, Anthony
DeSio, and United Parcel Service, stockholders of the Company (the "Significant
Stockholders"), have entered into a voting agreement with Parent (the
"Significant Stockholder Agreement") in the form of Exhibit B hereto pursuant to
which the Significant Stockholders have, among other things, agreed to vote
their shares of the Company Common Stock in favor of the Merger.  In addition,
concurrent with the execution of this Agreement, the Company has obtained from
each other affiliate of the Company a written agreement in substantially the
form of Exhibit 5.9 hereto and a copy of such agreement has been delivered to
Parent.


                                      AGREEMENT

         In consideration of the representations, warranties, covenants and
agreements contained in this Agreement, the parties agree as follows:


<PAGE>

                                      ARTICLE I

                                      THE MERGER

         SECTION 1.1    The Merger.  Upon the terms and subject to the
                        ----------
conditions set forth in this Agreement, and in accordance with the CGCL, Sub
shall be merged with and into the Company at the Effective Time (as defined in
Section 1.3).  Following the Merger, the separate corporate existence of Sub
shall cease and the Company shall continue as the surviving corporation (the
"Surviving Corporation") and shall succeed to and assume all the rights and
obligations of the Company and of Sub in accordance with the CGCL.

         SECTION 1.2    Closing.  The closing of the Merger will take place at
                        -------
10:00 a.m. on a date to be specified by the parties, which shall be no later
than the second business day after satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set
forth in Article VI (the "Closing Date"), at the offices of O'Melveny & Myers
LLP, Suite 1700, 610 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, California 92660,
unless another time, date or place is agreed to in writing by the parties
hereto.

         SECTION 1.3    Effective Time.  Subject to the provisions of this
                        --------------
Agreement, on the Closing Date the parties shall file with the California
Secretary of State (i) a copy of the Agreement of Merger attached hereto as
Exhibit A, (ii) an officers' certificate for each of Sub and the Company, and
(iii) a certificate of satisfaction of the California Franchise Tax Board for
each of Sub and the Company, all as required by Section 1103 of the CGCL (such
documents, the "Merger Documents"), and shall make all other filings or
recordings required under the CGCL.  The Merger shall become effective at such
time as the Merger Documents are duly filed with the California Secretary of
State, or at such other time as Sub and the Company shall agree should be
specified in the documents to be filed with the Secretary of State (the date and
time of such filing, or such later date or time as may be set forth therein,
being the "Effective Time").

         SECTION 1.4    Effects of the Merger.  The Merger shall have the
                        ---------------------
effects set forth in Section 1107 of the CGCL and all other effects specified in
the applicable provisions of the CGCL.

         SECTION 1.5    Articles of Incorporation and By-laws.
                        -------------------------------------

         (a)  From and after the Effective Time, the articles of incorporation
of the Company shall be the articles of incorporation of the Surviving
Corporation until thereafter changed or amended as provided therein or by
applicable law.  

         (b)  From and after the Effective Time, the bylaws of Sub shall be the
Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation until thereafter changed or amended as
provided therein or by applicable law.

         SECTION 1.6    Directors and Officers.  The initial directors of the
                        ----------------------
Surviving Corporation shall be the directors of Sub immediately prior to the
Effective Time, each to serve until their successors have been duly elected or
appointed and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal in
accordance with the Surviving Corporation's articles of incorporation and
bylaws.  The initial officers of the Surviving Corporation shall be the officers
of the Company immediately prior to the Effective Time, with the addition of 
Mark D. Director as Assistant Secretary of the Surviving Corporation, each to
serve until their successors have been duly elected or appointed and qualified
or 

                                      2
<PAGE>

until their earlier death, resignation or removal in accordance with the
Surviving Corporation's articles of incorporation and bylaws.

         SECTION 1.7    Additional Actions.  If, at any time after the
                        ------------------
Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation shall consider or be advised that any
deeds, bills of sale, assignments, assurances or any other actions or things are
necessary or desirable to vest, perfect or confirm of record or otherwise in the
Surviving Corporation its right, title or interest in, to or under any of the
rights, properties or assets of Sub or the Company or otherwise to carry out
this Agreement, the officers and directors of the Surviving Corporation shall be
authorized to execute and deliver, in the name and on behalf of Sub or the
Company, all such deeds, bills of sale, assignments and assurances and to take
and do, in the name and on behalf of Sub or the Company, all such other actions
and things as may be necessary or desirable to vest, perfect or confirm any and
all right, title and interest in, to and under such rights, properties or assets
in the Surviving Corporation or otherwise to carry out this Agreement.


                                      ARTICLE II

                   EFFECT OF THE MERGER ON THE CAPITAL STOCK OF THE
                  CONSTITUENT CORPORATIONS; EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES

         SECTION 2.1    Effect on Capital Stock.  At the Effective Time, by
                        -----------------------
virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of Parent, Sub, the
Company, or the holders of any shares of the Company Common Stock or any shares
of capital stock of Sub:

         (a)  Capital Stock of Sub.  Each share of the capital stock of Sub
              --------------------
issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be
converted into and exchanged for one fully paid and nonassessable share of
common stock of the Surviving Corporation.

         (b)  Cancellation of Parent Owned Stock.  Each share of the Company
              ----------------------------------
Common Stock that is owned by Parent, Sub or any other subsidiary of Parent
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall automatically be cancelled and
retired without any conversion thereof and no consideration shall be delivered
with respect thereto.

         (c)  Conversion of Common Stock.  Each share of Company Common Stock
              --------------------------
issued and outstanding as of the Effective Time, other than shares to be
cancelled in accordance with Section 2.1(b) or that are held by stockholders
("Dissenting Stockholders") duly exercising dissenters' rights pursuant to
Chapter 13 of the CGCL and Section 2.3 hereof, shall be converted, subject to
Section 2.2(d), into the right to receive one share of Parent Common Stock (the
"Exchange Ratio"), subject to adjustment as provided for in this Section 2.1(c).
The Exchange Ratio shall not be adjusted if the Share Value (as defined below)
is equal to or greater than $23.00, but no greater than $29.00.  If the Share
Value is greater than $29.00, then the Exchange Ratio shall automatically be
adjusted to equal the quotient of (i) $29.00 divided by (ii) the Share Value. 
If the Share Value is less than $23.00, then, if the Company has notified Parent
of its election to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(i) hereof,
Parent shall have the option in its sole and absolute discretion, but not the
obligation, to adjust the Exchange Ratio to be equal to the quotient of (iii)
$23.00, divided by (iv) the Share Value, and the Company shall be obligated to
accept such adjustment.  If the Share Value is less than $23.00, and if the
Company does not elect to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(i),
the Exchange Ratio shall be unchanged.

                                      3
<PAGE>

For purposes hereof, the "Share Value" shall be an amount equal to the average
closing price for the Parent Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq National
Market System for the twenty (20) consecutive trading days prior to the date two
(2) business days prior to the Company Stockholders' Meeting (as defined in
Section 5.1(d), so long as the Closing Date occurs within five business days of
the Company Stockholders' Meeting or, if the Closing Date is more than five
business days after the Company Stockholders' Meeting, the Closing Date.

As of the Effective Time, all such shares of the Company Common Stock shall no
longer be outstanding and shall automatically be cancelled and retired and shall
cease to exist, and each certificate previously representing any such shares
shall thereafter represent only the right to receive a certificate representing
the shares of Parent Common Stock into which such the Company Common Stock was
converted in the Merger.  The holders of such certificates previously evidencing
such shares of the Company Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time shall cease to have any rights with respect to such shares of the
Company Common Stock as of the Effective Time except as otherwise provided
herein or by law.  Such certificates previously representing shares of the
Company Common Stock shall be exchanged for certificates representing whole
shares of Parent Common Stock issued in consideration therefor upon the
surrender of such certificates in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.2,
without interest.  No fractional shares of Parent Common Stock shall be issued,
and, in lieu thereof, a cash payment shall be made pursuant to Section 2.2(d).

         SECTION 2.2    Exchange of Certificates.
                        -------------------------

         (a)  Exchange Procedure.  As soon as reasonably practicable after the
              ------------------
Effective Time, Parent shall cause to be mailed to each holder of record of a
certificate or certificates which immediately prior to the Effective Time
represented outstanding shares of the Company Common Stock (the "Certificates"),
(i) a letter of transmittal (which shall be in customary form and shall specify
that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the Certificates
shall pass, only upon proper delivery of the Certificates to Parent's transfer
agent (the "Transfer Agent")), and (ii) instructions for use in effecting the
surrender of the Certificates in exchange for certificates representing shares
of Parent Common Stock.  Upon surrender of a Certificate for cancellation to the
Transfer Agent, together with such letter of transmittal, duly executed, and
such other documents as may reasonably be required by the Transfer Agent, the
holder of such Certificate shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor a
certificate evidencing that number of whole shares of Parent Common Stock which
such holder has the right to receive in respect of the shares of the Company
Common Stock formerly evidenced by such Certificate (after taking into account
all shares of the Company Common Stock then held of record by such holder), cash
in lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock to which such holder is
entitled pursuant to Section 2.2(d) and any dividends or other distributions to
which such holder is entitled pursuant to Section 2.2(b), and the Certificate so
surrendered shall forthwith be cancelled.  In the event of a transfer of
ownership of the Company Common Stock which is not registered in the transfer
records of the Company, a certificate representing the proper number of shares
of Parent Common Stock may be issued to a person other than the person in whose
name the Certificate so surrendered is registered, if such Certificate,
accompanied by all documents required to evidence and effect such transfer,
shall be properly endorsed with signature guarantee or otherwise be in proper
form for transfer and the person requesting such payment shall pay any transfer
or other taxes required by reason of the issuance of shares of Parent Common
Stock to a person other than the registered holder of such Certificate or
establish to the satisfaction of Parent that such tax has been paid or is not
applicable.  Until surrendered as contemplated by this Section 2.2, each
Certificate shall be deemed at any time after the Effective Time to represent
only the right to receive upon such surrender the certificate evidencing whole
shares of Parent Common Stock, cash in lieu of any fractional shares of Parent
Common Stock to which such holder is 

                                       4
<PAGE>

entitled pursuant to Section 2.2(d) and any dividends or other distributions 
to which such holder is entitled pursuant to Section 2.2(b).  No interest 
will be paid or will accrue on any cash payable pursuant to Section 2.2(b) or 
2.2(d).

         (b)  Distributions with Respect to Unexchanged Shares.  No dividends
              ------------------------------------------------
or other distributions declared or made after the Effective Time with respect to
Parent Common Stock with a record date after the Effective Time shall be paid to
the holder of any unsurrendered Certificate with respect to the shares of Parent
Common Stock represented thereby, and no cash payment in lieu of fractional
shares shall be paid to any such holder pursuant to Section 2.2(d), in each case
until the surrender of such Certificate in accordance with this Article II. 
Subject to the effect of applicable escheat laws, following surrender of such
Certificate, there shall be paid to the holder of the certificate representing
whole shares of Parent Common Stock issued in exchange therefor, without
interest, (i) at the time of such surrender, the amount of any such cash payable
in lieu of a fractional share of Parent Common Stock to which such holder is
entitled pursuant to Section 2.2(d) and the amount of dividends or other
distributions with a record date after the Effective Time theretofore paid with
respect to such whole shares of Parent Common Stock, and (ii) at the appropriate
payment date, the amount of dividends or other distributions with a record date
after the Effective Time but prior to such surrender and with a payment date
subsequent to such surrender payable with respect to such whole shares of Parent
Common Stock.

         (c)  No Further Ownership Rights in the Company Common Stock.  All
              -------------------------------------------------------
shares of Parent Common Stock issued upon the surrender for exchange of
Certificates in accordance with the terms of this Article II (including any cash
paid pursuant to Section 2.2(b) or 2.2(d)) shall be deemed to have been issued
(and paid) in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to the shares of the
Company Common Stock theretofore represented by such Certificates, subject,
                                                                   --------
however, to the Surviving Corporation's obligation to pay any dividends or make
- -------
any other distributions with a record date prior to the Effective Time which may
have been declared or made by the Company on such shares of the Company Common
Stock in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or prior to the date of
this Agreement and which remain unpaid at the Effective Time and have not been
paid prior to surrender.  At the Effective Time, the stock transfer books of the
Company shall be closed, and there shall be no further registrations of
transfers of shares of the Company Common Stock thereafter on the records of the
Company.  If, after the Effective Time, Certificates are presented to the
Surviving Corporation, Parent or the Transfer Agent for any reason, they shall
be cancelled and exchanged as provided in this Article II.

         (d)  No Fractional Shares.
              ---------------------

         (i)  No Certificates or scrip representing fractional shares of Parent
    Common Stock shall be issued upon the surrender for exchange of
    Certificates, and such fractional share interests will not entitle the
    owner thereof to vote or to any rights of a stockholder of Parent.

         (ii) Each holder of shares of Company Common Stock issued and
    outstanding at the Effective Time who would otherwise be entitled to
    receive a fractional share of Parent Common Stock upon surrender of stock
    certificates for exchange pursuant to this Article II (after taking into
    account all shares of Company Common Stock then held by such holder) shall
    receive, in lieu thereof, cash in an amount equal to the value of such
    fractional shares, which shall be equal to the fraction of a share of
    Parent Common Stock that would otherwise be issued multiplied by the Share
    Value.

                                      5
<PAGE>

         (iii)     As soon as practicable after the determination of the amount
    of cash, if any, to be paid to holders of Certificates with respect to any
    fractional share interests, Parent shall promptly pay such amounts to such
    holders of Certificates subject to and in accordance with the terms of
    Section 2.2(b).

         (e)  No Liability.  None of Parent, Sub, the Company or the Transfer
              ------------
Agent shall be liable to any holder of shares of the Company Common Stock for
any shares of Parent Common Stock (or dividends or distributions with respect
thereto) or cash otherwise deliverable or payable to any holder of shares of the
Company Common Stock to a public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned
property, escheat or similar law.

         SECTION 2.3    Dissenters' Rights.  If any Dissenting Stockholder
                        ------------------
shall be entitled to require the Company to purchase such stockholder's shares
for their fair market value, as provided in Chapter 13 of the CGCL, the Company
shall give Parent notice thereof and Parent shall have the right to participate
in all negotiations and proceedings with respect to any such demands.  Neither
the Company nor the Surviving Corporation shall, except with the prior written
consent of Parent, voluntarily make any payment with respect to, or settle or
offer to settle, any such demand for payment.  If any Dissenting Stockholder
shall fail to perfect or shall have effectively withdrawn or lost the right to
dissent, the shares held by such stockholder shall thereupon be entitled to be
surrendered in exchange for shares of Parent Common Stock as provided by
Sections 2.1 and 2.2 hereof.


                                     ARTICLE III

                            REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         SECTION 3.1    Representations and Warranties of the Company.  Except
                        ----------------------------------------------
as set forth on the disclosure schedule (provided that an item on such
disclosure schedule shall be deemed to qualify only the particular subsection or
subsections of this Section 3.1 specified for such item) delivered by the
Company to Parent prior to the execution of this Agreement (the "Company
Disclosure Schedule"), the Company represents and warrants to Parent and Sub as
follows:

         (a)  Organization, Standing and Corporate Power.  The Company and each
              ------------------------------------------
of its subsidiaries is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in
good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is organized and
has the requisite corporate power and authority to carry on its business as now
being conducted.  The Company and each of its subsidiaries is duly qualified or
licensed to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which
the nature of its business or the ownership or leasing of its properties makes
such qualification or licensing necessary, other than in such jurisdictions
where the failure to be so qualified or licensed would not, individually or in
the aggregate, have a "material adverse effect" (as defined in Section 8.3) on
the Company.

         (b)  Subsidiaries.  The Company Disclosure Schedule lists each
              ------------
subsidiary of the Company and its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization.
All of the outstanding shares of capital stock of each such subsidiary have been
validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable and are owned by the
Company, by another subsidiary of the Company or by the Company and another such
subsidiary, free and clear of all pledges, claims, liens, charges, encumbrances
and security interests of any kind or nature whatsoever (collectively, "Liens").
Except for the capital stock of its subsidiaries, and as disclosed in the
Company Disclosure Schedule, the Company does not own, directly or indirectly,
any capital stock or other ownership interest in any corporation, partnership,
joint venture or other entity.

                                      6
<PAGE>

         (c)  Capital Structure.  The authorized capital stock of the Company
              -----------------
consists of 40,000,000 shares of the Company Common Stock, no par value per
share, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, no par value per share (the
"Company Preferred Stock").  At the close of business on April 30, 1997,
(i) 11,300,273 shares of the Company Common Stock and no shares of the Company
Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding, (ii) 1,281,882 shares of the
Company Common Stock were reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding
Stock Options (as defined in Section 5.4), and (iii) an aggregate of  2,779,127
shares of the Company Common Stock were reserved for issuance under the
Company's Stock Option/Purchase Plans (as defined in Section 5.4).  Except as
set forth above, at the close of business on April 30, 1997 and since April 30,
1997, no shares of capital stock or other voting securities of the Company were
issued, reserved for issuance or outstanding and since April 30, 1997 no shares
of capital stock or other voting securities of the Company have been issued by
the Company except upon exercise of Stock Options outstanding on April 30, 1997.
There are no outstanding stock appreciation rights of the Company and no
outstanding limited stock appreciation rights or other rights to redeem for cash
options or warrants of the Company.  All outstanding shares of capital stock of
the Company are, and all shares which may be issued upon the exercise of Stock
Options will be, when issued, duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable and not subject to preemptive rights.   All of the issued and
outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Company were offered, issued,
sold and delivered by the Company in compliance with all applicable state and
federal laws concerning the issuance of securities.  There are no bonds,
debentures, notes or other indebtedness of the Company having the right to vote
(or convertible into, or exchangeable for, securities having the right to vote)
on any matters on which stockholders of the Company may vote.  Except as set
forth above, as of the date of this Agreement, there are no outstanding
securities, options, warrants, calls, rights, commitments, agreements,
arrangements or undertakings of any kind to which the Company or any of its
subsidiaries is a party or by which any of them is bound obligating the Company
or any of its subsidiaries to issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be issued,
delivered or sold, additional shares of capital stock or other voting securities
of the Company or of any of its subsidiaries or obligating the Company or any of
its subsidiaries to issue, grant, extend or enter into any such security,
option, warrant, call, right, commitment, agreement, arrangement or undertaking.
There are no outstanding contractual obligations of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of capital
stock (or options to acquire any such shares) of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries.  There are no agreements, arrangements or commitments of any
character (contingent or otherwise) pursuant to which the Company or any of its
subsidiaries is required to file a registration statement under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or which otherwise relate to the
registration of any securities of the Company.

         (d)  Authority; Noncontravention.
              ---------------------------

         (i)  The Company has the requisite corporate power and authority to
    enter into this Agreement and, subject to the Company Stockholder Approval,
    to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.  The
    execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and the
    consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated by this
    Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on
    the part of the Company, subject to the Company Stockholder Approval of
    this Agreement.  This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the
    Company and constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Company,
    enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except to the
    extent such enforcement may be limited by applicable bankruptcy,
    reorganization, moratorium or other such law.  The execution and delivery
    of this Agreement does not, and the consummation of the transactions
    contemplated by this Agreement and compliance with the provisions of this
    Agreement will not, conflict with, or result in any violation of or default
    (with 

                                       7
<PAGE>

    or without notice or lapse of time, or both) under, or give rise to a
    right of termination, cancellation or acceleration of any obligation or to
    loss of any benefit under, or result in the creation of any Lien upon any
    of the properties or assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries
    under, (i) the articles of incorporation or bylaws of the Company or the
    comparable charter or organizational documents of any of its subsidiaries,
    (ii) any loan or credit agreement, note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease
    or other agreement, instrument, permit, concession, franchise or license
    applicable to or, in the case of franchises or licenses, granted by, the
    Company or any of its subsidiaries or otherwise applicable to their
    respective properties or assets or (iii) subject to the governmental
    filings and other matters referred to in the following sentence, any
    judgment, order, decree, injunction, statute, law, ordinance, rule or
    regulation applicable to the Company or any of its subsidiaries or their
    respective properties or assets, other than, in the case of clause (ii),
    any such conflicts, violations, defaults, rights or Liens that would not,
    individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the
    Company.

         (ii) No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration,
    declaration or filing with, any federal, state or local government or any
    court, administrative or regulatory agency or commission or other
    governmental authority or agency, domestic or foreign (a "Governmental
    Entity"), is required by the Company or any of its subsidiaries in
    connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company
    or the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated by this
    Agreement, except for (A) the filing with the Federal Trade Commission and
    the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice (the "Specified
    Agencies") of a premerger notification and report form by the Company under
    the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (the "HSR Act"),
    (B) the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") of
    (1) the Proxy Statement (as defined in Section 5.1) and (2) such reports
    under Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
    "Exchange Act"), as may be required in connection with this Agreement and
    the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (C) the filing of the
    Merger Documents with the California Secretary of State and appropriate
    documents with the relevant authorities of other states in which the
    Company is qualified to do business.

         (iii)     The Company hereby represents that its Board of Directors,
    at a meeting duly called and held, has unanimously (A) determined that this
    Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger,
    are fair to and in the best interest of the Company's stockholders, (B)
    approved this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including
    the Merger, which approval satisfies in full the requirements of the CGCL
    with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby, and (C) resolved to
    recommend approval and adoption of this Agreement and the Merger by its
    stockholders.

         (e)  SEC Documents; Financial Statements.
              -----------------------------------

         (i)  The Company has filed with the SEC all reports and forms and
    other documents required to be filed by it pursuant to relevant United
    States securities statutes, regulations, policies and rules (the "SEC
    Documents"), all of which have complied in all material respects with all
    applicable requirements of such statutes, regulations, policies and rules. 
    As of their respective dates, none of the SEC Documents, except as revised
    or superseded by a later filed SEC Document, without regard to any
    amendments or filings after the date hereof, contained any untrue statement
    of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be
    stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in
    light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.  In
    addition, nothing has come to the attention of the Company 

                                     8
<PAGE>

    since the date any SEC Document was filed that would have made, as of the
    filing date, any statement in any SEC Document untrue in a material respect,
    or that, if omitted to be stated as of the filing date, would have made the 
    statements in such SEC Document, in light of the circumstances under which 
    they were made, misleading.  Except to the extent that information contained
    in any SEC Document has been revised or superseded by a later-filed SEC 
    Document filed and publicly available prior to the date of this Agreement,
    none of the SEC Documents contains any untrue statement of a material fact
    or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or
    necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the 
    circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.  The financial 
    statements of the Company included in the SEC Documents have been prepared
    in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (except, in the
    case of unaudited statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q of the SEC) applied
    on a consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be
    indicated in the notes thereto) and fairly present the consolidated 
    financial position of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries as of 
    the dates thereof and the consolidated results of their operations and cash
    flows for the periods then ended (subject, in the case of unaudited
    statements, to the omission of footnote information and normal year-end
    audit adjustments consisting of normal, recurring accruals that are not
    material).

         (ii) The books, records and accounts of the Company and its
    subsidiaries (A) have been maintained in accordance with good business
    practices on a basis consistent with prior years, (B) are stated in
    reasonable detail and accurately and fairly reflect in all material
    respects the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company and
    its subsidiaries and (C) accurately and fairly reflect in all material
    respects the basis for the Company's financial statements.  The Company has
    devised and maintains a system of internal accounting controls sufficient
    to provide reasonable assurances that (D) transactions are executed in
    accordance with management's general or specific authorization; and (E)
    transactions are recorded as necessary (1) to permit preparation of
    financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting
    principles or any other criteria applicable to such statements and (2) to
    maintain accountability for assets.

         (iii)     Except as set forth in the SEC Documents filed prior to the
    date of this Agreement, and except for liabilities and obligations incurred
    in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice since
    April 30, 1996, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has any
    material liabilities or obligations of any nature (whether accrued,
    absolute, contingent or otherwise).

         (f)  Information Supplied.  None of the information supplied or to be
              --------------------
supplied by the Company specifically for inclusion or incorporation by reference
in (i) the Form S-4 (as defined in Section 5.1) will, at the time the Form S-4
is filed with the SEC, at any time it is amended or supplemented or at the time
it becomes effective under the Securities Act, contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under
which they are made, not misleading or (ii) the Proxy Statement will, at the
date it is first mailed to the Company's stockholders or at the time of the
Company Stockholders' Meeting, contain any untrue statement of a material fact
or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in
order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which
they are made, not misleading.  The Proxy Statement will comply as to form in
all material respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules
and regulations thereunder, except that no representation or warranty is made by
the Company with respect to statements 

                                      9
<PAGE>

made or incorporated by reference therein based on information supplied by 
Parent or Sub specifically for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the 
Proxy Statement.

         (g)  No Defaults.  Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is,
              ------------
or has received notice that it would be with the passage of time, in default or
violation of any term, condition or provision of (i) the articles of
incorporation or bylaws of the Company or the comparable charter or
organizational documents of any of its subsidiaries, (ii) any loan or credit
agreement, note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease or other agreement,
instrument, permit, concession, franchise or license applicable to or, in the
case of franchises or licenses, granted by, the Company or any of its
subsidiaries or otherwise applicable to their respective properties or assets or
(iii) any judgment, order, decree, injunction, statute, law, ordinance, rule or
regulation applicable to the Company or any of its subsidiaries or their
respective properties or assets, other than, in the case of clause (ii) and,
with respect to statutes, laws, ordinances, rules or regulations, clause (iii),
any such defaults or violations that would not, individually or in the
aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Company.

         (h)  Absence of Certain Changes or Events.  Except as disclosed in the
              ------------------------------------
SEC Documents filed prior to the date of this Agreement, since April 30, 1996
the Company and its subsidiaries have conducted their businesses only in the
ordinary course consistent with prior practice, and there has not been (i) any
material adverse change in the Company's business, operations, affairs,
prospects, properties, assets, profits or condition (financial or otherwise),
(ii) any declaration, setting aside or payment of any dividend or other
distribution (whether in cash, stock or property) with respect to any of the
Company's capital stock, (iii) any split, combination or reclassification of any
of its capital stock or any issuance or the authorization of any issuance of any
other securities in respect of, in lieu of or in substitution for shares of its
capital stock, (iv) any amendment of any material term of any outstanding
security of the Company or any subsidiary, (v) any sale, encumbrance, assignment
or transfer of any assets or properties, except in the ordinary of course of
business and on terms consistent with past practices, (vi) any material
acquisition of any corporation, partnership or other business organization or
division or any acquisition, lease or other purchase of material assets, (vii)
any incurrence, assumption or guarantee by the Company or any subsidiary of any
indebtedness for borrowed money, other than in the ordinary course of business
and in amounts and on terms consistent with past practices, or any change in the
material terms of any such indebtedness or guarantee of the Company or any
subsidiary (including indebtedness of a third party subject to any such
guarantee), (viii) any granting by the Company or any of its subsidiaries to any
officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries of any increase in
compensation, except in the ordinary course of business consistent with prior
practice or as was required under employment agreements in effect as of the date
of the most recent audited financial statements included in the SEC Documents
filed prior to the date of this Agreement (a list of all such employment
agreements being set forth in Schedule 3.1(h) to Section 3.1(h) of the Company
Disclosure Schedule), (ix) any granting by the Company or any of its
subsidiaries to any such officer or employee of any increase in severance or
termination pay, except as was required under employment, severance or
termination agreements in effect as of the date of the most recent audited
financial statements included in the SEC Documents filed prior to the date of
this Agreement, (x) any entry into, or renewal or modification of, by the
Company or any of its subsidiaries of any employment, consulting, severance or
termination agreement with any such officer or employee, (xi) any damage,
destruction or loss, whether or not covered by insurance, that, individually or
in the aggregate, has or could have a material adverse effect or (xii) any
change in accounting methods, principles or practices by the Company materially
affecting its assets, liabilities or business, except insofar as may have been
required by a change in generally accepted accounting principles.

                                   10
<PAGE>

         (i)  Litigation.  Except as disclosed in the SEC Documents filed prior
              ----------
to the date of this Agreement, there is no claim, suit, action, investigation,
audit or proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened
against the Company or any of its subsidiaries that, individually or in the
aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the
Company; nor is there any judgment, order, decree or injunction applicable to
the Company or any of its subsidiaries that, individually or in the aggregate,
could reasonably be expected to have any such effect.

         (j)  Absence of Changes in Benefit Plans.
              -----------------------------------

         (i)  Except as disclosed in the SEC Documents filed prior to the date
    of this Agreement or as required by applicable law, since April 30, 1996,
    there has not been any adoption or amendment in any material respect by the
    Company or any of its subsidiaries of any collective bargaining agreement
    or any bonus, pension, profit sharing, deferred compensation, incentive
    compensation, stock ownership, stock purchase, stock option, phantom stock,
    retirement, vacation, severance, disability, death benefit,
    hospitalization, medical or other plan, arrangement or understanding
    (whether or not legally binding) providing benefits to any current or
    former employee, officer or director of the Company or any of its
    subsidiaries.  Except as disclosed in the SEC Documents filed prior to the
    date of this Agreement, there exist no employment, consulting, severance,
    termination or indemnification agreements, arrangements or understandings
    between the Company or any of its subsidiaries and any current or former
    officer or director of the Company or any of its subsidiaries.  Except as
    disclosed in the SEC Documents filed prior to the date of this Agreement,
    since April 30, 1996, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has
    taken any action to accelerate any rights or benefits under any collective
    bargaining, bonus, profit sharing, thrift, compensation, stock option,
    restricted stock, pension, retirement, deferred compensation, employment,
    termination, severance or other plan, agreement, trust, fund, policy or
    arrangement for the benefit of any director or officer or for the benefit
    of employees generally.

         (ii) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the
    consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will (A) result in any
    payment (including severance, unemployment compensation, parachute payment,
    bonus or otherwise) becoming due to any director, employee or independent
    contractor of the Company or any of its subsidiaries under any Company
    Benefit Arrangement or Company Benefit Plan (each as defined in Section
    3.1(k)) or otherwise, (B) materially increase any benefits otherwise
    payable under any Company Benefit Arrangement or Company Benefit Plan or
    otherwise or (C) result in the acceleration of the time of payment or
    vesting of any such benefits.

         (k)  Employee Benefit Plans.
              ----------------------

         (i)  Definitions.

              (A)  "Benefit Arrangement" means any benefit arrangement,
         obligation, custom, or practice, whether or not legally enforceable,
         to provide benefits, other than salary, as compensation for services
         rendered, to present or former directors, employees, agents, or
         independent contractors, other than any obligation, arrangement,
         custom or practice that is an Employee Benefit Plan, including without
         limitation employment agreements, severance agreements, executive
         compensation arrangements, incentive programs or arrangements, sick
         leave, vacation pay, severance pay policies, plant closing benefits,
         salary continuation for disability, consulting, or other compensation

                                         11
<PAGE>

         arrangements, workers' compensation, retirement, deferred
         compensation, bonus, stock option or purchase, hospitalization,
         medical insurance, life insurance, tuition reimbursement or
         scholarship programs, any plans subject to Section 125 of the Code,
         and any plans providing benefits or payments in the event of a change
         of control, change in ownership, or sale of a substantial portion
         (including all or substantially all) of the assets of any business or
         portion thereof, in each case with respect to any present or former
         employees, directors, or agents.

              (B)  "Company Benefit Arrangement" means any Benefit Arrangement
         sponsored or maintained by the Company or any of its subsidiaries or
         with respect to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries has or
         may have any liability (whether actual or contingent), in each case
         with respect to any present or former directors, employees, or agents
         of the Company and its subsidiaries.

              (C)  "Company Plan" means any Employee Benefit Plan for which the
         Company or any of its subsidiaries is the "plan sponsor" (as defined
         in Section 3(16)(B) of ERISA) or any Employee Benefit Plan maintained
         by the Company or any of its subsidiaries or to which the Company or
         any of its subsidiaries is obligated to make payments, in each case
         with respect to any present or former employees of the Company or any
         of its subsidiaries.

              (D)  "Employee Benefit Plan" has the meaning given in Section
         3(3) of ERISA.

              (E)  "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
         1974, as amended, and all regulations and rules issued thereunder, or
         any successor law.

              (F)  "ERISA Affiliate" means any person that, together with the
         Company, would be or was at any time treated as a single employer
         under Section 414 of the Code or Section 4001 of ERISA and any general
         partnership of which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is or has
         been a general partner.

              (G)  "Multiemployer Plan" means any Employee Benefit Plan
         described in Section 3(37) of ERISA.

              (H)  "Qualified Plan" means any Employee Benefit Plan that meets,
         purports to meet, or is intended to meet the requirements of Section
         401(a) of the Code.

              (I)  "Welfare Plan" means any Employee Benefit Plan described in
         Section 3(1) of ERISA.

         (ii) The Company Disclosure Schedule contains a complete and accurate
    list of all Company Plans and Company Benefit Arrangements,  and
    specifically identifies all Company Plans (if any) that are Qualified
    Plans.

         (iii)     With respect, as applicable, to Employee Benefit Plans and
    Benefit Arrangements and except to the extent that failure of any
    representation or warranty in this Section 3.1(k) would not result in a
    liability to the Company in excess of $250,000:

                                     12
<PAGE>

              (A)  true, correct, and complete copies of all the following
         documents with respect to each Company Plan and Company Benefit
         Arrangement, to the extent applicable, have been made available to
         Parent: (1) all documents constituting the Company Plans and Company
         Benefit Arrangements, including but not limited to, trust agreements,
         insurance policies, service agreements, and formal and informal
         amendments thereto; (2) the most recent Forms 5500 or 5500C/R and any
         financial statements attached thereto and those for the prior three
         (3) years; (3) the last Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") determination
         letter, the last IRS determination letter that covered the
         qualification of the entire plan (if different), and the materials
         submitted by the Company and its subsidiaries to obtain those letters;
         (4) the most recent summary plan description; (5) the most recent
         written descriptions of all non-written agreements relating to any
         such plan or arrangement;  (6) all reports submitted within the four
         (4) years preceding the date of this Agreement (and still in the
         possession of or available to the Company) by third-party
         administrators, actuaries, investment managers, consultants or other
         independent contractors; (7) all notices that were given within the
         three (3) years preceding the date of this Agreement by the IRS,
         Department of Labor, or any other governmental agency or entity with
         respect to any plan or arrangement; and (8) the most recent employee
         manuals or handbooks containing personnel or employee relations
         policies;

              (B)  the Mail Boxes Etc. Stock Purchase and Salaried Savings Plan
         and Trust (the  "Company 401(k) Plan") is the only Qualified Plan. 
         Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has ever maintained or
         contributed to another Qualified Plan.  The Company 401(k) Plan
         qualifies under Section 401(a) of the Code, and any trusts maintained
         pursuant thereto are exempt from federal income taxation under Section
         501 of the Code, and nothing has occurred with respect to the design
         or operation of any Qualified Plans that could cause the loss of such
         qualification or exemption or the imposition of any liability, lien,
         penalty, or tax under ERISA or the Code;

              (C)  neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has ever
         sponsored or maintained, had any obligation to sponsor or maintain, or
         had any liability (whether actual or contingent) with respect to any
         Employee Benefit Plan subject to Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412
         of the Code or Title IV of ERISA (including any Multiemployer Plan);

              (D)  each Company Plan and each Company Benefit Arrangement has
         been maintained in accordance with its constituent documents and with
         all applicable provisions of the Code, ERISA and other laws, including
         federal and state securities laws;

              (E)  there are no pending claims or lawsuits by, against, or
         relating to any Employee Benefit Plans or Benefit Arrangements that
         are not Company Plans or Company Benefit Arrangements that would, if
         successful, result in liability of the Company or any of its
         subsidiaries, and no claims or lawsuits have been, to the knowledge of
         the Company, asserted, instituted or threatened by, against, or
         relating to any Company Plan or Company Benefit Arrangement, against
         the assets of any trust or other funding arrangement under any such
         Company Plan, by or against the Company with respect to any Company
         Plan or Company Benefit Arrangement, or by or against the plan
         administrator or any fiduciary of any Company Plan or Company Benefit

                                        13
<PAGE>

         Arrangement; and the Company does not have knowledge of any fact that
         would reasonably be expected to form the basis for any such claim or
         lawsuit that, if successful, would reasonably be expected to result in
         liability of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. The Company Plans
         and Company Benefit Arrangements are not presently under audit or
         examination (nor has notice been received of a potential audit or
         examination) by the IRS, the Department of Labor, or any other
         governmental agency or entity, and no matters are pending with respect
         to the Company 401(k) Plan under the IRS's Voluntary Compliance
         Resolution program, its Closing Agreement Program, or other similar
         programs;

              (F)  no Company Plan or Company Benefit Arrangement contains any
         provision or is subject to any law that would prohibit the
         transactions contemplated by this Agreement or that would give rise to
         any vesting of benefits, severance, termination, or other payments or
         liabilities as a result of the transactions contemplated by this
         Agreement;

              (G)  with respect to each Company Plan, there has occurred no
         non-exempt  "prohibited transaction" (within the meaning of Section
         4975 of the Code) or transaction prohibited by Section 406 of ERISA or
         breach of any fiduciary duty described in Section 404 of ERISA that
         would, if successful, result in any liability for the Company, any of
         its subsidiaries, or any of its or their officers, directors, or
         employees;

              (H)  all reporting, disclosure, and notice requirements of ERISA
         and the Code have been fully and completely satisfied with respect to
         each Company Plan and each Company Benefit Arrangement;

              (I)  all amendments and actions required to bring the Company
         Benefit Plans into conformity with the applicable provisions of ERISA,
         the Code, and other applicable laws have been made or taken except to
         the extent such amendments or actions (1) are not required by law to
         be made or taken until after the Effective Time and (2) are disclosed
         on the Company Disclosure Schedule;

              (J)  payment has been made of all amounts that the Company and
         its subsidiaries are required to pay as contributions to the Company
         Benefit Plans as of the last day of the most recent fiscal year of
         each of the plans ended before the date of this Agreement; all
         benefits accrued under any unfunded Company Plan or Company Benefit
         Arrangement will have been paid, accrued, or otherwise adequately
         reserved in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
         as of April 30, 1996; and all monies withheld from employee paychecks
         with respect to Company Plans have been transferred to the appropriate
         plan within 30 days of such withholding;

              (K)  neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has prepaid
         or prefunded any Welfare Plan through a trust, reserve, premium
         stabilization, or similar account, nor does the Company or any of its
         subsidiaries provide benefits through a voluntary employee beneficiary
         association as defined in Section 501(c)(9);

              (L)  no statement, either written or oral, has been made by the 
         Company or 

                                          14
<PAGE>

         any of its subsidiaries to any person with regard to any Company Plan
         or Company Benefit Arrangement that was not in accordance with the
         Company Plan or Company Benefit Arrangement and that could have a
         material adverse effect on the Company;

              (M)  neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has any
         liability (whether actual or contingent) with respect to any Employee
         Benefit Plan or Benefit Arrangement that is not a Company Benefit
         Arrangement or with respect to any Employee Benefit Plan sponsored or
         maintained (or which has been or should have been sponsored or
         maintained) by any ERISA Affiliate;

              (N)  all group health plans of the Company and its affiliates
         have been operated in material compliance with the requirements of
         Sections 4980B (and its predecessor) and 5000 of the Code, and the
         Company and its subsidiaries have provided to individuals entitled
         thereto all required notices and coverage pursuant to Section 4980B
         with respect to any "qualifying event" (as defined therein);

              (O)  no employee or former employee of the Company or any of its
         subsidiaries or beneficiary of any such employee or former employee
         is, by reason of such employee's or former employee's employment,
         entitled to receive any benefits, including, without limitation, death
         or medical benefits (whether or not insured) beyond retirement or
         other termination of employment as described in Statement of Financial
         Accounting Standards No. 106, other than (1) death or retirement
         benefits under a Qualified Plan or (2) continuation coverage mandated
         under Section 4980B of the Code or other applicable law.

         (l)  Taxes.
              ------

         (i)  Each of the Company and its subsidiaries has timely filed all Tax
    Returns due on or before the Effective Time, and all such Tax Returns are
    true, correct, and complete in all material respects.

         (ii) Each of the Company and its subsidiaries has paid in full on a
    timely basis all Taxes owed by it, whether or not shown on any Tax Return,
    except for any portions of Taxes owed as would be immaterial in amount and
    significance.

         (iii)     The amount of the Company's consolidated liability for
    unpaid Taxes as shown on the Company's balance sheet dated January 31, 1997
    did not exceed the amount of the then current liability accruals for Taxes
    (excluding reserves for deferred Taxes) shown on the Company's balance
    sheet as of such date included in the SEC Documents.

         (iv) The amount of the Company's consolidated liability for unpaid
    Taxes for all periods or portions thereof ending on or before the Effective
    Time as such liability may ultimately be determined does and will not
    exceed the amount of the current liability accruals for Taxes (excluding
    reserves for deferred Taxes) as such accruals are reflected on the books
    and records of the Company on the Effective Time.

         (v)  There are no ongoing examinations or claims against the Company
    or any of its subsidiaries for Taxes, and no notice of any audit,
    examination, or claim for Taxes, whether pending or threatened, has been
    received. 

                                      15
<PAGE>

         (vi) The Company has a taxable year ended on April 30 in each year

         (vii)     The Company currently utilizes the accrual method of
    accounting for income Tax purposes and such method of accounting has not
    changed since its incorporation.  The Company has not agreed to, and is not
    and will not be required to, make any adjustments under Code Section 481(a)
    as a result of a change in accounting methods.

         (viii)    Each of the Company and its subsidiaries has withheld and
    paid over to the proper governmental authorities all Taxes required to have
    been withheld and paid over (except for any amounts that are immaterial in
    amount and significance), and complied with all information reporting and
    backup withholding requirements, including maintenance of required records
    with respect thereto, in connection with amounts paid to any employee,
    independent contractor, creditor, or other third party.

         (ix) Copies of (A) any Tax examinations, (B) extensions of statutory
    limitations for the collection or assessment of Taxes and (C) the Tax
    Returns of each of the Company and its subsidiaries for the last fiscal
    year have been made available to Parent.

         (x)  There are (and as of immediately following the Effective there
    will be) no Liens on the assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries
    relating to or attributable to Taxes.

         (xi) To the Company's knowledge, there is no basis for the assertion
    of any claim relating or attributable to Taxes which, if adversely
    determined, would result in any Lien on the assets of the Company or any of
    its subsidiaries or otherwise have a material adverse effect on the
    Company.

         (xii)     None of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries are
    treated as "tax exempt use property" within the meaning of Section 168(h)
    of the Code.

         (xiii)    There are no contracts, agreements, plans or arrangements,
    including without limitation the provisions of this Agreement, covering any
    employee or former employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries that,
    individually or collectively, could give rise to the payment of any amount
    (or portion thereof) that would not be deductible pursuant to Sections
    280G, 404 or 162 of the Code.

         (xiv)     The Company has not filed any consent agreement under
    Section 341(f) of the Code or agreed to have Section 341(f)(2) of the Code
    apply to any disposition of a subsection (f) asset (as defined in Section
    341(f)(4) of the Code) owned by the Company.

         (xv) None of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is, or has been at
    any time, a party to a tax sharing, tax indemnity or tax allocation
    agreement, and neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has assumed
    the tax liability of any other person under contract.

         (xvi)     The Company is not, and has not been at any time, a "United
    States real property holding corporation" within the meaning of Section
    897(c)(2) of the Code.

         (xvii)    The Company's tax basis in its consolidated assets for
    purposes of determining its future amortization, depreciation and other
    federal income tax deductions is accurately 

                                     16
<PAGE>

    reflected on the Company's tax books and records, except for any variations
    that are immaterial in amount and significance.

         (xviii)   The Company has not been a member of an affiliated group
    filing a consolidated federal income Tax Return and does not have any
    liability for the Taxes of another person under Treas. Reg. Section
    1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign law), as a
    transferee or successor, by contract or otherwise.

         (xix)     The Company does not have a net recognized built-in gain
    within the meaning of Section 1374 of the Code.

For purposes of this Agreement, (A) the term "Tax" shall include any tax or
similar governmental charge, impost or levy (including without limitation income
taxes, franchise taxes, transfer taxes or fees, sales taxes, use taxes, gross
receipts taxes, value added taxes, employment taxes, excise taxes, ad valorem
taxes, property taxes, withholding taxes, payroll taxes, minimum taxes or
windfall profit taxes) together with any related penalties, fines, additions to
tax or interest imposed by the United States or any state, county, local or
foreign government or subdivision or agency thereof; and (B) the term "Tax
Return" shall mean any return (including any information return), report,
statement, schedule, notice, form, estimate, or declaration of estimated tax
relating to or required to be filed with any governmental authority in
connection with the determination, assessment, collection or payment of any Tax.

         (m)  Compliance with Applicable Laws.  The Company and its
              -------------------------------
subsidiaries have conducted their businesses in accordance with all applicable
federal, state, local and foreign laws, regulations and rules, except where the
failure to do so would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material
adverse effect on the Company.

         (n)  Environmental Matters.

         (i)  No underground storage tanks and no amount of any substance that
    has been designated by any Governmental Entity or by applicable federal,
    state, local or other applicable law to be radioactive, toxic, hazardous or
    otherwise a danger to health or the environment, including, without
    limitation, PCBs, asbestos, petroleum, urea-formaldehyde and all substances
    listed as hazardous substances pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental
    Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, or defined
    as a hazardous waste pursuant to the United States Resource Conservation
    and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended, and the regulations promulgated
    pursuant to said laws, but excluding office and janitorial supplies
    properly and safely maintained (a "Hazardous Material"), are present in, on
    or under any property, including the land and the improvements, ground
    water and surface water thereof, that the Company or its subsidiaries has
    at any time owned, operated, occupied or leased.  The Company Disclosure
    Schedule identifies all underground and aboveground storage tanks, and the
    capacity, age, and contents of such tanks, located on real property owned
    or leased by the Company and its subsidiaries.

         (ii) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has transported,
    stored, used, manufactured, disposed of or released, or exposed its
    employees or others to, Hazardous Materials in violation of any law in
    effect on or before the Effective Time, nor has the Company or any of its
    subsidiaries disposed of, transported, sold, or manufactured any product
    containing a Hazardous Material (collectively, the "Company Hazardous
    Materials Activities") in violation of any formal rule, regulation, treaty
    or statute promulgated by any Governmental Entity in 

                                     17
<PAGE>

    effect prior to or as of the date hereof to prohibit, regulate or control 
    Hazardous Materials or any Company Hazardous Material Activity, except to 
    the extent such Hazardous Materials Activities do not, individually or in 
    the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Company.

         (iii)     Each of the Company and its subsidiaries currently holds all
    environmental approvals, permits, licenses, clearances and consents (the
    "Environmental Permits") necessary for the conduct of the Company Hazardous
    Material Activities of the Company and its subsidiaries as such activities
    and business are currently being conducted.  All Environmental Permits are
    in full force and effect.  The Company and each of its subsidiaries (A) is
    in compliance in all material respects with all terms and conditions of the
    Environmental Permits and (B) is in compliance in all material respects
    with all other limitations, restrictions, conditions, standards,
    prohibitions, requirements, obligations, schedules and timetables contained
    in the laws of all Governmental Entities relating to pollution or
    protection of the environment or contained in any regulation or decree or
    judgment issued, entered, promulgated or approved thereunder.  To the
    Company's knowledge, there are no circumstances that may prevent or
    interfere with such compliance in the future.  The Company Disclosure
    Schedule includes a listing and description of all Environmental Permits
    currently held by the Company and its subsidiaries.

         (iv) No action, proceeding, revocation proceeding, amendment
    procedure, writ, injunction or claim is pending, or to the knowledge of the
    Company, threatened concerning any Environmental Permit, Hazardous Material
    or any Company Hazardous Materials Activity. To the Company's knowledge,
    there are no past or present actions, activities, circumstances,
    conditions, events, or incidents that are reasonably expected to involve
    the Company or any of its subsidiaries (or any person or entity whose
    liability the Company or any of its subsidiaries has retained or assumed,
    either by contract or operation of law) in any environmental litigation, or
    impose upon the Company or any of its subsidiaries (or any person or entity
    whose liability the Company or any of its subsidiaries has retained or
    assumed, either by contract or operation of law) any environmental
    liability including without limitation common law tort liability, except
    for actions, activities, circumstances, conditions or incidents which,
    individually or in the aggregate, would not have a material adverse effect
    on the Company.

         (o)  Intellectual Property.
              ----------------------

         (i)  The Company and its subsidiaries own or possess adequate and
    enforceable licenses or other rights to use (including foreign rights), all
    copyrights, patents, trade names, trade secrets, registered and
    unregistered trademarks, trade dress franchises, domain names and similar
    rights now used or employed in the business of the Company and its
    subsidiaries (the "Intellectual Property") and such rights will not cease
    to be valid rights of the Company and its subsidiaries by reason of the
    execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement or the consummation
    of the transactions contemplated hereby.

         (ii) The Company has delivered to Parent a list of all of the
    Intellectual Property of the Company and its subsidiaries.  The Company
    Disclosure Schedule also sets forth: (i) for each patent, the number,
    normal expiration date and subject matter for each country in which such
    patent has been issued, or, if applicable, the application number, date of
    filing and subject matter for each country; (ii) for each trademark, the
    application serial number or registration number, the class of goods
    covered and the expiration date for each country in which a trademark has
    been registered; and (iii) for each copyright, the number and date of
    filing for each country in 

                                       18
<PAGE>

    which a copyright has been filed.  The Company Disclosure Schedule includes
    all unregistered and common law rights to Intellectual Property that 
    are material to the Company. The Intellectual Property listed in 
    the Company Disclosure Schedule is all such property used by the 
    Company or any of its subsidiaries in connection with their
    businesses.  True, correct and complete copies of all patents (including
    all pending applications) owned, controlled, created or used by or on
    behalf of the Company and its subsidiaries have been provided to Parent. 
    All pending patent applications have been duly filed.

         (iii)     Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has any
    obligation to compensate any person for the use of any Intellectual
    Property, and neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has granted
    to any person any license, option or other rights to use in any manner any
    of its Intellectual Property, whether requiring the payment of royalties or
    not, other than licenses to the Company of franchisees or licenses in the
    ordinary course of business.

         (iv) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has received any
    notice of invalidity or infringement of any rights of others with respect
    to the Intellectual Property.  No person has notified the Company or any of
    its subsidiaries that it is claiming any ownership of or right to use such
    Intellectual Property.  No person, to the best knowledge of the Company, is
    infringing upon any such Intellectual Property in any way, except where
    such use would not have a material adverse effect on the Company.  The use
    of the Intellectual Property by the Company and its subsidiaries does not
    and will not conflict with, infringe upon or otherwise violate the valid
    rights of any third party in or to such Intellectual Property, and no
    action has been instituted against or notices received by the Company or
    any subsidiary that are presently outstanding alleging that the use of the
    Intellectual Property infringes upon or otherwise violates any rights of a
    third party in or to such Intellectual Property.

         (p)  Financial Advisors.  No financial advisor, investment banker,
              ------------------
broker or other person, other than ABN AMRO Chicago Corporation, the fees and
expenses of which will be paid by the Company, is entitled to any financial
advisor's, finder's or other similar fee or commission in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or
on behalf of the Company.  A true, correct and complete copy of the Company's
definitive engagement letter with ABN AMRO Chicago Corporation is included in
the Company Disclosure Schedule.

         (q)  Accounting Matters.  Neither the Company nor any of its
              ------------------
affiliates has taken or agreed to take any action or is aware of any condition
that would prevent Parent from accounting for the business combination to be
effected by the Merger as a pooling-of-interests.

         (r)  Voting Requirements.  The Company Stockholder Approval is the
              -------------------
only vote of the holders of any class or series of the Company's securities
necessary to approve this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.

         (s)  Disclosure.  No representation or warranty made by the Company in
              ----------
this Agreement or in the Company Disclosure Schedule, nor any document, written
information, statement, financial statement, certificate or Exhibit prepared and
furnished or to be prepared and furnished by the Company or its representatives
pursuant hereto or in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, when
taken together, contains or contained (as of the date made) any untrue statement
of a material fact when made, or omits or omitted (as the case may be) to state
a material fact necessary to make the statements or facts contained herein or
therein not misleading in light of the circumstances under which they were made.

                                      19


<PAGE>

         (t)  Fairness and Pooling Opinions.  The Company's Board of Directors
              -----------------------------
has received written opinions (a) from ABN AMRO Chicago Corporation that the
Exchange Ratio is fair to the Company from a financial point of view (the
"Company Fairness Opinion") and (b) from Ernst & Young LLP that, in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles and applicable rules and
regulations of the SEC, the Company is a poolable entity and the Merger should
be treated as a "pooling of interests" for accounting purposes (the "Company
Pooling Opinion").

         (u)  Restrictions on Business Activities.  There is no material
              -----------------------------------
agreement, judgment, injunction, order or decree binding upon the Company or 
any of its subsidiaries that has or could reasonably be expected to have the 
effect of prohibiting or materially impairing any business practice of the 
Company or any of its subsidiaries, any acquisition of property by the Company 
or any of its subsidiaries or the conduct of any existing business by the 
Company or any of its subsidiaries or that would be applicable to any parent or
affiliate of the Company or its subsidiaries.

         (v)  Franchising Matters. 
              -------------------

         (i)  Disclosure Documents.  The Company's past and present franchise
              --------------------
    disclosure documents and/or franchise offering circulars (collectively
    "FOCs") for any area franchises, individual franchises, any other type of
    franchise the Company offers, and/or, if applicable, any licenses: (A)
    materially comply with all applicable Federal Trade Commission ("FTC")
    franchise disclosure regulations, any other applicable foreign or federal
    laws and regulations, state franchise and business opportunity sales laws
    and regulations, and local laws and regulations; (B) include and accurately
    state all material information (including but not limited to the discussion
    of litigation matters) set forth in them; (C) do not omit any required
    material information;  (D) accurately state the Company's position that it
    does not provide to prospective area or individual franchisees "earnings
    claims" information (as that term is defined in the FTC's franchise
    disclosure regulations and the North American Securities Administrators
    Association's current Uniform Franchise Offering Circular Guidelines);  
    (E) have been timely revised to reflect any material changes or 
    developments in the Company's franchise system, agreements, operations, 
    financial condition, litigation matters, or other matters requiring 
    disclosure under any applicable foreign, federal, state, and/or local law; 
    and (F) include all material documents (including but not limited to 
    audited financial statements for the Company) required by any applicable 
    foreign, federal, state, and/or local law to be provided to prospective 
    area franchisees, individual franchisees and/or, if applicable, any 
    licensees.

         (ii)  Franchise and License Agreements.  The Company's past and
               --------------------------------
    present agreements with its area franchisees, individual franchisees, and
    licenses: (A) materially comply with applicable foreign, federal, state,
    and/or local laws and regulations; (B) do not include provisions that would
    prevent or otherwise impair the Company's ability to undergo a change in
    ownership or control or require the Company to notify any area franchisees,
    individual franchisees, and/or licensees of such a change in ownership or
    control; (C) do not obligate the Company to buy back or otherwise acquire
    the stock, assets, or contractual rights of area franchisees, individual
    franchisees, and/or licensees; (D) do not impose on the Company an
    obligation to guarantee the lease obligations, third party financing
    obligations, or other material obligations to third parties of the area
    franchisees, individual franchisees, and/or licensees; (E) impose on area
    franchisees, individual franchisees, and licensees an obligation to comply
    with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations; and 
    (F) impose on area franchisees, individual franchisees, and licensees an
    obligation to maintain commercially reasonable insurance that names the
    Company as an additional insured, requires the insurer to notify the
    Company before it terminates any such

                                       -20-


<PAGE>

    insurance policy for nonpayment, and permits the Company to make such 
    payments to maintain such insurance coverage on behalf of any non-paying 
    area franchisee, individual franchisee, or licensee.  

         (iii)  Registration and Disclosure Compliance.  All of the area
                --------------------------------------
    franchises, individual franchises, and licenses of the Company have been
    sold in material compliance with applicable foreign, federal, state, and/or
    local franchise disclosure and registration requirements.  As a result, 

         (A)  each prospective area franchisee, individual franchisee, and, if
              applicable, licensee was provided with any required FOC at the
              earlier of (1) the first personal face-to-face meeting between
              the Company and the then prospect for the purposes of discussing
              the acquisition of an area franchise, individual franchise, or,
              if applicable, license, (2) at least ten business days before the
              execution of any agreement with the Company or the payment of any
              funds to the Company by the prospective area franchisee,
              individual franchisee, or, if applicable, licensee, or (3) within
              any other minimum time period imposed by law;

         (B)  at least five business days before execution of any agreements
              with the Company, each prospective area franchisee, individual
              franchisee, and, if applicable, licensee was provided with a
              completed execution copy of the Company's area franchise
              agreement, individual franchise agreement, or, if applicable,
              license agreement, respectively, together with any related
              documents (e.g., spousal consent form, phone transfer agreement,
              software license, security agreement, equipment lease, national
              account agreement) with all pertinent specific information for
              such prospective area franchisee, individual franchisee, or, if
              applicable, licensee set forth in those agreements and documents; 

         (C)  each FOC provided to a prospective area franchisee, individual
              franchisee, or, if applicable, licensee complied in all material
              respects at the time of the delivery of such FOC with applicable
              foreign, federal, state, and/or local laws regarding such
              franchise offering circulars;

         (D)  each of the Company's required FOCs were either properly
              registered with appropriate franchise regulatory authorities,
              covered by a proper notice filing with appropriate franchise
              regulatory authorities, or qualified for an exemption from such
              registration or notice filing requirements; 

         (E)  each of the Company's offerings were, where applicable, either
              properly registered with appropriate business opportunity sales
              authorities or qualified for an exemption from such registration
              requirements;

         (F)  the Company obtained signed acknowledgments of receipt for the
              delivery of each FOC to prospective area franchisees, individual
              franchisees, and, if applicable, licensees;  

         (G)  to the extent that the Company may have experienced lapses in one
              or more jurisdictions for its registrations for area franchise
              offerings, individual franchise

                                       -21-

<PAGE>

               offerings, and/or, if applicable, license offerings, the Company 
               did not offer or sell during the period of any such lapses any 
               such area franchises, individual franchises, or, if applicable, 
               licenses for franchises (1) in those jurisdictions, (2) to be 
               operated outside those jurisdictions by residents of those 
               jurisdictions, or (3) the sale of which might otherwise have 
               triggered the application of the franchise registration laws of 
               those jurisdictions during the periods of any such lapse;

         (H)  to the extent required by foreign, federal, state, and/or local
              law, the Company has complied with all applicable franchise
              advertising filing requirements; 

         (I)  to the best of its knowledge, the Company is not aware of any
              instances in which any of its employees, sales agents, or sales
              brokers for area franchises, individual franchises, or, if
              applicable, licenses provided information to prospective area
              franchisees, individual franchisees, or, if applicable,
              individual licensees, that materially differed from the
              information contained in the FOCs provided to such prospects
              (including but not limited to "earnings claim" information);

         (J)  where required, the Company properly filed with appropriate
              franchise regulatory authorities amendments to its FOCs to
              reflect any material changes or developments in the Company's
              franchise system, agreements, operations, financial condition,
              litigation or other matters requiring disclosure; 

         (K)  where required, the Company complied with foreign, federal,
              state, and/or local laws (including in particular those of
              California and North Dakota) requiring registration, disclosure,
              and/or other compliance activities associated with any "material
              modifications" made to the Company's then current area
              franchises, individual franchises, or, if applicable, licenses;
              and

         (L)  the Company properly and timely converted the format of its FOCs
              from the prior format prescribed by the Uniform Franchise
              Offering Circular guidelines to the so-called "plain English"
              guidelines currently in effect for FOCs prepared in accordance
              with Uniform Franchise Offering Circular guidelines.

         (iv)  Franchise and Related Litigation.  The Company's April 1997 FOCs
               --------------------------------
    for its universal area franchise agreement and universal individual
    franchise agreement set forth accurate summary information about 

         (A)  any governmental regulatory, criminal, and/or material civil
              actions pending against the Company alleging a violation of a
              foreign and/or United States franchise, antitrust or securities
              law, fraud, unfair or deceptive practices, or comparable
              allegations as well as actions other than ordinary routine
              litigation incidental to the Company's business which are
              significant in the context of the number of the Company's
              franchisees and the size, nature or financial condition of the
              franchise system or its business operations; 

         (B)  any convictions of a felony, nolo contendre pleas to a felony
              charge, and adverse final judgments in a civil action in foreign
              countries and/or the United States since April 1987 as well as
              all material actions since April 1987 involving 

                                       -22-

<PAGE>

              violation of a franchise, antitrust or securities law, fraud, 
              unfair or deceptive practices, or comparable allegations; and

         (C)  all currently effective injunctive or restrictive orders or
              decrees relating to the franchise area under a foreign, federal,
              state, or local franchise, securities, antitrust, trade
              regulation, or trade practices law resulting from a concluded or
              pending action or proceeding brought by a public agency.

In addition, the Company has not received notice of any threatened
administrative, criminal and/or material civil action against it and/or any
persons disclosed in Item II of the Company's April 1997 FOCs for its Universal
Area Franchise Agreement and Universal Individual Franchise Agreement where such
threatened administrative, criminal and/or material civil action alleges a
violation of a foreign and/or United States franchise, antitrust law, or
securities law, fraud, unfair or deceptive practices, or comparable allegations
as well as actions other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to the
Company's business which are significant in the context of the number of the
Company's franchisees and the size, nature, or financial condition of the
franchise system or its business operations.

         (v)  Franchisee Relations and Operations.  All expenditures from the
              -----------------------------------
    National Media Fund, which is administered by the Advertising Advisory
    Council (comprised of ten elected domestic franchisee or area franchisee
    representatives and a representative of the Company), are approved by that
    Council and all expenditures from the National Media Fund are authorized
    verbally and in writing by such Council.  The Company is not aware of any
    material allegations that any of the expenditures from the National Media
    Fund have been unauthorized by the Advertising Advisory Council, paid to
    the Company for anything other than expressly permitted by the contractual
    provisions associated with the National Media Fund, or was otherwise
    improper.  In the Company's communications with its area franchisees,
    individual franchisees, licensees, and representative groups of those area
    franchisees, individual franchisees, and/or licensees, the Company is not
    aware of any material misstatements regarding its operations, franchise
    system, agreements, financial condition, litigation matters, or plans that
    could be used as a basis for a successful fraud, misrepresentation, or
    franchise law violation claim against the Company.  The Company has taken
    and continues to take commercially reasonable efforts to protect the
    confidentiality of its current Operations Manual.
    
         (vi) Franchise Terminations.  The Company's termination of or effort
              ----------------------
    to terminate or refusal to renew any area franchisee, individual
    franchisee, or, if applicable, licensee, has complied with applicable
    federal, state, and/or local franchise termination laws and regulations
    including, in particular, but not limited to, having provided any such area
    franchisee, individual franchisee, or, if applicable, licensee involved in
    such a nonrenewal or termination any statutorily required notice and
    opportunity to cure.  The Company has complied with all other applicable
    foreign, federal, state, and/or local laws and/or regulations relating to
    ongoing franchise relationships, the termination of such relationships,
    and/or the non-renewal of such relationships.

         (w)  Contracts. 
              ---------

         (i)  The Company Disclosure Schedule lists each written or oral
    contract, agreement, arrangement, lease, instrument, mortgage or commitment
    to which the Company or its Subsidiaries is a party or may be bound
    ("Contract") (A) which involves payments by or to the Company or its
    Subsidiaries of more than $200,000 per annum, excluding those Contracts
    that 

                                       -23-

<PAGE>


    (x) involve payments by franchisees or licensees to the Company, or
    (y) are between the Company (on its own behalf or on behalf of its
    franchisees) and vendors entered into in the ordinary course of business,
    provided, however, that this exclusion shall not apply to any Contract
    governing material outside vendor relationships entered into after April
    30, 1996 and not previously filed as an exhibit to the SEC Documents; (B)
    material amendments to any compensation agreement or arrangement (including
    severance agreement or arrangement) with any officer, director or 5%
    stockholder or any former officer or director, if such amendment has not
    previously been filed with the Company's SEC Documents; (C) material
    amendments to franchise agreements, master agreements, area agreements or
    franchise offering circulars; (D) international franchise agreements; (E)
    which is an arrangement limiting or restraining the Company or any
    subsidiary or any successor thereto from engaging or competing in any
    manner or in any business; (F) under which the Company or any subsidiary
    guarantees the payment or performance by others or in any way is or will be
    liable with respect to obligations of any other person; or (G) which is a
    material arrangement not made in the ordinary course of business.  

         (ii) There have been filed as exhibits to, or incorporated by
    reference in, the Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended April 30,
    1996 all Contracts which, as of the date hereof, are material as described
    in Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K.  

         (iii)     All Contracts are valid and binding and in full force and
    effect on the date of this Agreement except to the extent they have
    previously expired in accordance with their terms.  None of the Company,
    the subsidiaries nor, to the Company's knowledge, any other parties, have
    violated any provision of, or committed or failed to perform any act which
    with notice, lapse of time or both would constitute a default under the
    provisions of, any Contract, the termination or violation of which, or the
    default under which, could reasonably be expected to have a material
    adverse effect on the Company.  True and complete copies of all Contracts
    listed on the Company Disclosure Schedule or listed in the Form 10-K of the
    Company for the year ended April 30, 1996, together with all amendments
    thereto, have been delivered to Parent.

         SECTION 3.2    Representations and Warranties of Parent.  Except as
                        ----------------------------------------
set forth on the disclosure schedule (provided that an item on such disclosure
schedule shall be deemed to qualify only the particular subsection or
subsections of this Section 3.2 specified for such item) delivered by Parent to
the Company prior to the execution of this Agreement (the "Parent Disclosure
Schedule"), Parent represents and warrants to the Company as follows:

         (a)  Organization, Standing and Corporate Power.  Parent is a
              ------------------------------------------
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws
of the State of Delaware and has the requisite corporate power and authority to
carry on its business as now being conducted.  Parent is duly qualified or
licensed to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which
the nature of its business or the ownership or leasing of its properties makes
such qualification or licensing necessary, other than in such jurisdictions
where the failure to be so qualified or licensed would not, individually or in
the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on Parent.

         (b)  Capital Structure.  The authorized capital stock of Parent
              -----------------
consists of 500,000,000 shares of Parent Common Stock, and 500,000 shares of
preferred stock, $.001 par value per share ("Parent Preferred Stock").  No
shares of Parent Preferred Stock are outstanding on the date of this Agreement. 
At the close of business on April 26, 1997, (i) 69,652,669 shares of Parent
Common Stock were issued and outstanding, (ii) no shares of Parent Common Stock
were held by Parent in its treasury, (iii) 7,588,774 shares of Parent Common
Stock were reserved for issuance upon exercise of 

                                       -24-

<PAGE>

outstanding options to purchase shares of Parent Common Stock granted to 
employees of or consultants to Parent or its subsidiaries or affiliates under
the terms of Parent's 1994 Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive 
Compensation Plan (the "Parent Stock Option Plan"),  (iv) 9,896,181 shares of
Parent Common Stock were reserved for issuance upon exercise of Parent's 
outstanding convertible subordinated notes, as described in Parent SEC 
Documents (as defined below), (v) 500,000 shares of Parent Common Stock were 
reserved or available for issuance under the terms of the Parent's Employee 
Stock Purchase Plan, as described in the Parent SEC Documents, (vi) 750,000 
shares of Parent Common Stock were reserved or available for issuance under the
terms of the Parent's 1996 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan, as described in 
the Parent SEC Documents, and (vii) the number of shares of Parent Common Stock
available for issuance upon exercise of options issued under the terms of the 
Parent Stock Option Plan automatically increases to 20% of the total number of 
issued and outstanding shares of Parent Common Stock, as described in the Parent
SEC Documents.  Except as set forth above, at the close of business on 
April 26, 1997, no shares of capital stock or other voting securities of the 
Parent were issued, reserved for issuance or outstanding, and since April 26, 
1997 until the date hereof no shares of capital stock or other voting securities
have been issued by Parent except (y) upon the exercise of options or other 
rights outstanding at April 26, 1997 under the plans listed in the third 
sentence of this subsection (b), and (z) the issuance of not more than 56,769 
shares of Parent Common Stock in connection with acquisitions.  All outstanding
shares of capital stock of Parent are, and all shares which may be issued 
pursuant to this Agreement will be, when issued, duly authorized, validly 
issued, fully paid and nonassessable and not subject to preemptive rights. 
Except for the Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2001 and the Convertible
Subordinated Notes due 2003 as described in the Parent SEC Documents, there are
no bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness of Parent having the right to
vote (or convertible into, or exchangeable for, securities having the right to
vote) on any matters on which stockholders of Parent may vote.  Except as set
forth above, as of the date of this Agreement, there are no outstanding
securities, options, warrants, calls, rights, commitments, agreements,
arrangements or undertakings of any kind to which Parent is a party or by which
it is bound obligating Parent to issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be issued,
delivered or sold, additional shares of capital stock or other voting securities
of Parent or obligating Parent to issue, grant, extend or enter into any such
security, option, warrant, call, right, commitment, agreement, arrangement or
undertaking, except for options and other equity compensation granted by Parent
with respect to no more than 4,000,000 shares of Parent Common Stock since April
26, 1997.  There are no outstanding contractual obligations of Parent to
repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of capital stock of Parent. 
As of the date of this Agreement, the authorized capital stock of Sub consists
of 1,000 shares of common stock, no par value per share, of which 100 shares
have been validly issued, all of which are fully paid and nonassessable and are
owned by Parent free and clear of any Liens.

         (c)  Authority; Noncontravention.
              ---------------------------

         (i)  Parent and Sub have the requisite corporate power and authority
    to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions
    contemplated by this Agreement.  The execution and delivery of this
    Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
    Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on
    the part of Parent and Sub.  This Agreement has been duly executed and
    delivered by Parent and Sub and constitutes a valid and binding obligation
    of each such party, enforceable against each such party in accordance with
    its terms, except to the extent such enforcement may be limited by
    applicable bankruptcy, reorganization, moratorium, or other law.  The
    execution and delivery of this Agreement does not, and the consummation of
    the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and compliance with the
    provisions of this Agreement will not, conflict with, or result in any
    violation of, or default (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both)
    under, or give rise to a 

                                       -25-

<PAGE>

    right of termination, cancellation or acceleration of any obligation or to 
    loss of any benefit under, or result in the creation of any Lien upon any 
    of the properties or assets of Parent or any of its subsidiaries under, 
    (i) the articles incorporation or bylaws of Parent or Sub or the comparable
    charter or organizational documents of any other subsidiary of Parent, 
    (ii) any loan or credit agreement, note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease 
    or other agreement, instrument, permit, concession, franchise or license 
    applicable to Parent or any of its subsidiaries or their respective 
    properties or assets or (iii) subject to the governmental filings and other
    matters referred to in the following sentence, any judgment, order, decree, 
    injunction, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to Parent
    or any of its subsidiaries or their respective properties or assets, other 
    than, in the case of clause (ii), any such conflicts, violations or defaults
    that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse 
    effect on Parent.

         (ii) No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration,
    declaration or filing with any Governmental Entity is required by Parent or
    any of its subsidiaries in connection with the execution and delivery of
    this Agreement or the consummation by Parent or Sub, as the case may be, of
    any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except for (A) the
    filing with the Specified Agencies of a premerger notification and report
    form under the HSR Act, (ii) the filing with the SEC of (1) the Form S-4
    and (2) such reports under Sections 13(a), 13(d) and 16(a) of the Exchange
    Act as may be required in connection with this Agreement and the
    transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (C) the filing of the Merger
    Documents with the California Secretary of State and appropriate documents
    with the relevant authorities of other states, as required under applicable
    law, and (D) such other consents, approvals, orders, authorizations,
    registrations, declarations and filings, including under (1) the laws of
    any foreign country in which the Company or any of its subsidiaries
    conducts any business or owns any property or assets or as otherwise
    required under applicable foreign law or (2) the "takeover" or "blue sky"
    laws of various states, the failure of which to be obtained or made would
    not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on
    Parent or prevent or materially delay the consummation of any of the
    transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

         (d)  SEC Documents; Financial Statements.  Parent has filed with the
              -----------------------------------
SEC all required reports and forms and other documents required to be filed by
it pursuant to relevant United States securities statutes, regulations, 
policies and rules (the "Parent SEC Documents"), all of which have complied in
all material respects with all applicable requirements of such statutes, 
regulations, policies and rules.  As of their respective dates, none of the
Parent SEC Documents, except as revised or superseded by a later filed Parent
SEC Document, without regard to any amendments or filings after the date hereof,
contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements
therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading.  In addition, nothing has come to the attention of Parent since the
date any Parent SEC Document was filed that would have made, as of the filing
date, any statement in any Parent SEC Document untrue in a material respect, or
that, if omitted to be stated as of the filing date, would have made the
statements in such Parent SEC Document, in light of the circumstances under
which they were made, misleading.  Except to the extent that information
contained in any Parent SEC Document has been revised or superseded by a
later-filed Parent SEC Document filed and publicly available prior to the date
of this Agreement, none of the Parent SEC Documents contains any untrue
statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of
the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.  The financial
statements of Parent included in the Parent SEC Documents have been prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (except, in the case of
unaudited statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q of the SEC) applied on a
consistent basis during the 

                                       -26-


<PAGE>

periods involved (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto) and fairly
present the consolidated financial position of Parent and its consolidated 
subsidiaries as of the dates thereof and the consolidated results of their 
operations and cash flows for the periods then ended (subject, in the case of 
unaudited statements, to the omission of footnote information and normal 
year-end adjustments).

         (e)  Information Supplied.  None of the information supplied or to be
              --------------------
supplied by Parent or Sub for inclusion or incorporation by reference in (i) the
Form S-4 will, at the time the Form S-4 is filed with the SEC, at any time it is
amended or supplemented or at the time it becomes effective under the Securities
Act, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading
or (ii) the Proxy Statement will, at the date the Proxy Statement is first
mailed to the Company's Stockholders or at the time of the Company Stockholders'
Meeting, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not
misleading.  The Form S-4 will comply as to form in all material respects with
the requirements of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder, except that no representation or warranty is made by Parent or Sub
with respect to statements made or incorporated by reference in either the Form
S-4 or the Proxy Statement based on information supplied by the Company
specifically for inclusion or incorporation by reference therein.

         (f)  Financial Advisors.  No financial advisor, investment banker,
              ------------------
broker or other person is entitled to any financial advisor's, finder's or other
similar fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of Parent.

         (g)  Accounting Matters.  Neither Parent nor any of its affiliates has
              ------------------
taken or agreed to take any action or is aware of any condition that would
prevent Parent from accounting for the business combination to be effected by
the Merger as a pooling-of-interests.

         (h)  Pooling Opinion.  Parent's Board of Directors has received a
              ---------------
written opinion from Price Waterhouse LLP that, in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles and applicable rules and regulations of the SEC,
Parent is a poolable entity and the Merger should be treated as a "pooling of
interests" for accounting purposes (the "Parent Pooling Opinion").

                                      ARTICLE IV

                      COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF BUSINESS


         SECTION 4.1    Conduct of Business.

         (a)  Conduct of Business by the Company.  During the period from the
              ----------------------------------
date of this Agreement to the Effective Time, the Company shall, and shall cause
its subsidiaries to, carry on their respective businesses in the ordinary
course.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, between the date of
this Agreement and the Effective Time, except (1) as contemplated by this
Agreement, (2) as set forth in Section 4.1(a) of the Company Disclosure
Schedule, or (3) with the prior written consent of Parent, the Company shall
not, and shall not permit any of its subsidiaries to:

                                       -27-

<PAGE>

         (i)  (A)  declare, set aside or pay (whether in cash, stock, property
    or otherwise) any dividends on, or make any other distributions in respect
    of, any of its capital stock, other than dividends and distributions by any
    direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company to its parent,
    (B) split, combine or reclassify any of its capital stock or issue or
    authorize the issuance of any other securities in respect of, in lieu of or
    in substitution for shares of its capital stock or (C) purchase, redeem or
    otherwise acquire any shares of capital stock of the Company or any of its
    subsidiaries or any other securities thereof or any rights, warrants or
    options to acquire any such shares or other securities;

         (ii) other than the issuance of the Company Common Stock upon the
    exercise of Stock Options outstanding on the date of this Agreement in
    accordance with their present terms or in accordance with the present terms
    of any employment agreements existing on the date of this Agreement and
    described in Section 4.1(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, (A) issue,
    deliver, sell, award, pledge, dispose of or otherwise encumber or authorize
    or propose the issuance, delivery, grant, sale, award, pledge or other
    encumbrance (including limitations in voting rights) or authorization of,
    any shares of its capital stock (including, without limitation, pursuant to
    the Company's Employee Stock Bonus Plan), any voting securities or any
    securities convertible into, or any rights, warrants or options to acquire,
    any such shares, voting securities or convertible securities or (B) amend
    or otherwise modify the terms of any such rights, warrants or options
    (except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement);

         (iii)     amend its articles of incorporation, bylaws or other
    comparable charter or organizational documents, except as may be necessary
    in connection with a change in the number of directors on the Company's
    Board of Directors;

         (iv) mortgage or otherwise encumber or subject to any Lien, or sell,
    lease, exchange or otherwise dispose of any of, its properties or assets,
    except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

         (v)  acquire (by merger, consolidation or acquisition of stock or
    assets) any material corporation, partnership or other business
    organization or division thereof or acquire, lease or otherwise purchase
    assets other than in the ordinary course of business, or sell, lease or
    otherwise dispose of a material subsidiary or a material amount of assets
    or securities;

         (vi) (A) increase the rate or terms of compensation payable or to
    become payable generally to any of the Company's or any of its
    subsidiaries' directors, executive officers, or employees other than usual
    and customary salary increases to employees; (B) pay or agree to pay any
    pension, retirement allowance or other employee benefit not provided for by
    any existing Pension Plan, Benefit Plan or employment agreement described
    in the Company SEC Documents filed prior to the date of this Agreement;
    (C) except as set forth in Section 4.1(a)(v) of the Company Disclosure
    Schedule, commit itself to any additional pension, profit sharing, bonus,
    incentive, deferred compensation, stock purchase, stock option, stock
    appreciation right, group insurance, severance pay, continuation pay,
    termination pay, retirement or other employee benefit plan, agreement or
    arrangement, or increase the rate or terms of any employee plan or benefit
    arrangement or (D) increase the rate of compensation under or otherwise
    change the terms of any existing employment agreement; provided, however,
    that nothing in this clause (D) shall preclude payments under the terms of
    the existing incentive compensation plans of the Company in accordance with
    past practice or under the terms of any employment agreements in existence
    as of the date hereof; 

                                       -28-

<PAGE>

         (vii)     change its fiscal year;

         (viii)    waive any material right or claim of the Company or settle
    any litigation or material dispute;

         (ix) incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or guarantee any such
    indebtedness of another person except in the ordinary course of business; 

         (x)  amend any form of franchise agreement (including master and area
    agreements) or other Contract in a material respect or amend any individual
    franchise agreement other than in the ordinary course of business or in a
    manner that would conflict with the provisions of this Agreement or create
    any liability as a result of the consummation of the transactions
    contemplated by this Agreement; or

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

         (b)  Other Actions.  The Company and Parent shall not, and shall not
              -------------
permit any of their respect subsidiaries to, take any action that would result
in (i) any of the representations and warranties of such party set forth in this
Agreement that are qualified as to materiality becoming untrue or (ii) any of
such representations and warranties that are not so qualified becoming untrue in
any material respect.

         SECTION 4.2    No Inconsistent Activities.  In light of the
                        --------------------------
consideration given by the Board of Directors of the Company prior to the
execution of this Agreement to, among other things, the transactions
contemplated hereby, and in light of advice received from the Company's
financial advisors, the Company agrees that it shall (a) terminate any existing
discussions and/or negotiations with other parties concerning the potential
acquisition of the Company or any other transaction that would be inconsistent
with the transactions contemplated hereby, and (b) not, nor shall it permit any
of its subsidiaries to, nor shall it authorize or permit any officer, director
or employee of, or any investment banker, attorney or other advisor or
representative of, the Company or any of its subsidiaries to, directly or
indirectly, solicit or initiate, or encourage the submission of, any Takeover
Proposal (as defined below), or participate in any discussions or negotiations
regarding, or furnish to any person any information with respect to, or take any
other action to facilitate any inquiries or the making of any proposal that
constitutes, or may reasonably be expected to lead to, any Takeover Proposal;
provided, however, that the foregoing clauses (a) and (b) shall not prohibit the
Company's Board of Directors from furnishing information to or entering into
discussions or negotiations with any person or entity that makes an unsolicited
bona fide proposal to acquire the Company pursuant to a merger, consolidation,
share exchange, purchase of a substantial portion of the assets, business
combination or other similar transaction, if, and only to the extent that,
(i) the Company's Board of Directors determines in good faith, after considering
applicable law and receiving the written advice of outside counsel, that such
action is required by its fiduciary duties to the Company's Stockholders  under
applicable law, (ii) the Company's Board of Directors determines in good faith,
after receiving the written advice of its financial advisors, that such
unsolicited proposal is financially superior to the transaction contemplated
hereby and the party making the proposal has demonstrated that the funds
necessary for its proposal are reasonably likely to be available (a "Superior
Proposal"), and (iii) prior to furnishing such information to, or entering into
discussions or negotiations with, such person or entity, the Company provides
written notice to Parent to the effect that it is furnishing information to, or
entering into discussions or negotiations with, such person or entity and
receives from such person or entity an executed confidentiality agreement in
reasonably customary form.  The Company shall notify Parent orally and in
writing of any inquiries, 

                                       -29-

<PAGE>

offers or proposals with respect to a Takeover Proposal (including without 
limitation the terms and conditions of any such proposal, the identity of the 
person making it and all other information reasonably requested by Parent), 
within 24 hours of the receipt thereof, shall keep Parent informed of the 
status and details of any such inquiry, offer or proposal and answer Parent's
questions with respect thereto, and shall give Parent five business days' 
advance notice of any agreement to be entered into with, or any information to
be supplied to, any person making such inquiry, offer or proposal.  For purposes
of this Agreement, "Takeover Proposal" means any written proposal for a merger, 
consolidation, purchase of assets, tender offer or other business combination 
involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any proposal or offer to 
acquire in any manner, directly or indirectly, an equity interest in, any voting
securities of, or a substantial portion of the assets of, the Company or any of
its subsidiaries, other than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.  
Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries shall, directly or indirectly, 
release any third party from any confidentiality agreement.  Nothing contained 
herein shall prohibit the Company or its Board of Directors from disclosing to 
its stockholders a position as contemplated by Rule 14d-9 and Rule 14e-2(a) 
under the Exchange Act with respect to a Takeover Proposal by means of a tender
offer.


                                      ARTICLE V

                                ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

         SECTION 5.1    Preparation of Form S-4 and the Proxy Statement; 
                        ------------------------------------------------
Stockholders' Meeting.
- ---------------------

         (a)  As promptly as reasonably practicable after the execution of this
Agreement, (i) the Company shall prepare and file with the SEC a proxy statement
relating to the meeting of the Company's stockholders to be held to obtain the
Company Stockholder Approval (together with any amendments thereof or
supplements thereto, the "Proxy Statement") and (ii) Parent shall prepare and
file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 (together with all
amendments thereto, the "Form S-4") in which the Proxy Statement shall be
included as a prospectus, in connection with the registration under the
Securities Act of the shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued to the
stockholders of the Company pursuant to the Merger.  Each of Parent and the
Company shall use all reasonable efforts to cause the Form S-4 to become
effective as promptly as practicable, and shall take all or any action required
under any applicable federal or state securities laws in connection with the
issuance of shares of Parent Common Stock pursuant to the Merger.  Each of
Parent and the Company shall furnish all information concerning itself to the
other as the other may reasonably request in connection with such actions and
the preparation of the Form S-4 and Proxy Statement.  The Company authorizes
Parent to utilize in the Form S-4 and in all such state filed materials, the
information concerning the Company and its subsidiaries provided to Parent in
connection with, or contained in, the Proxy Statement.  Parent promptly will
advise the Company when the Form S-4 has become effective and of any supplements
or amendments thereto, and the Company shall not distribute any written material
that would constitute, as advised by counsel to the Company, a "prospectus"
relating to the Merger or the Parent Common Stock within the meaning of the
Securities Act or any applicable state securities law without the prior written
consent of Parent.  As promptly as practicable after the Form S-4 shall have
become effective, the Company and Parent shall mail the Proxy Statement to the
Company's stockholders.

         (b)  Parent agrees promptly to advise the Company if at any time prior
to the meeting of stockholders of the Company to approve the Merger any
information provided by it in the Proxy Statement is or becomes incorrect or
incomplete in any material respect and to provide the Company 

                                       -30-

<PAGE>

with the information needed to correct such inaccuracy or omission.  Parent will
furnish the Company with such supplemental information as may be necessary in 
order to cause the Proxy Statement, insofar as it relates to Parent and its 
subsidiaries, to comply with applicable law after the mailing thereof to the 
stockholders of the Company.

         (c)  The Company agrees promptly to advise Parent if at any time prior
to the meeting of its stockholders any information provided by it in the Proxy
Statement is or becomes incorrect or incomplete in any material respect and to
provide Parent with the information needed to correct such inaccuracy or
omission.  The Company will furnish Parent with such supplemental information as
may be necessary in order to cause the Proxy Statement, insofar as it relates to
the Company and its subsidiaries, to comply with applicable law after the
mailing thereof to stockholders of the Company.

         (d)  As soon as reasonably practicable following the date of this
Agreement, the Company shall call and hold a meeting of its stockholders (the
"Company Stockholders' Meeting") for the purpose of obtaining the Company
Stockholder Approval.  The Company shall use its best efforts to solicit from
its stockholders proxies, and shall take all other action necessary or advisable
to secure the vote or consent of stockholders required by applicable law or
otherwise to obtain the Company Stockholder Approval and through its Board of
Directors shall (subject to their fiduciary duties) recommend to its
stockholders the giving of the Company Stockholder Approval.

         SECTION 5.2    Access to Information; Confidentiality.  Each of the
                        --------------------------------------
Company and Parent shall, and shall cause each of its respective subsidiaries
to, afford to the other party, and to the officers, employees, accountants,
counsel, financial advisors and other representatives of such other party,
reasonable access during normal business hours during the period prior to the
Effective Time to all their respective properties, books, contracts,
commitments, personnel and records and, during such period, each of the Company
and Parent shall, and shall cause each of its respective subsidiaries to,
furnish promptly to the other party, (a) a copy of each report, schedule,
registration statement and other document filed by it during such period
pursuant to the requirements of federal or state securities laws and (b) all
other information concerning its business, properties and personnel as such
other party may reasonably request.  Except to the extent otherwise required by
law, each of the Company and Parent will hold, and will cause its respective
officers, employees, accountants, counsel, financial advisers and other
representatives and affiliates to hold, any confidential information in
accordance with the Confidentiality Agreement dated February 28, 1997, between
Parent and the Company (the "Confidentiality Agreement").

         SECTION 5.3    Reasonable Efforts; Notification.
                        --------------------------------

         (a)  Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this
Agreement, each of the parties agrees to use reasonable efforts to take, or
cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, and to assist
and cooperate with the other parties in doing, all things necessary, proper or
advisable to consummate and make effective, in the most expeditious manner
practicable, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, including (i) the making of all necessary registrations and filings
(including filings with Governmental Entities, if any), (ii) the obtaining of
all necessary consents, approvals or waivers from third parties and (iii) the
execution and delivery of any additional instruments necessary to consummate the
transactions contemplated by, and to fully carry out the purposes of, this
Agreement.

                                       -31-

<PAGE>

         (b)  the Company shall give prompt written notice to Parent, and
Parent shall give prompt written notice to the Company, of (i) any
representation or warranty made by it contained in this Agreement that is
qualified as to materiality becoming untrue or any such representation or
warranty that is not so qualified becoming untrue in any material respect or
(ii) the failure by it to comply with or satisfy any covenant, condition or
agreement to be complied with or satisfied by it under this Agreement; provided,
however, that no such notification shall affect the representations, warranties,
covenants or agreements of the parties or the conditions to the obligations of
the parties under this Agreement.

         SECTION 5.4    Stock Option Plans.
                        ------------------

         (a)  As soon as practicable following the date of this Agreement, the
Board of Directors of the Company (or, if appropriate, any committee
administering the Stock Option/Purchase Plans (as defined below)) shall adopt
such resolutions or take such other actions as are required, if any,  to adjust
the terms of all outstanding stock options to purchase shares of the Company
Common Stock ("Stock Options") heretofore granted under any stock option, stock
purchase, restricted stock unit or stock appreciation rights plan, program or
arrangement of the Company, including, without limitation, the Restated 1985
Stock Option Plan, the Santa Fe 1995 Employee Stock Option Plan, and the Santa
Fe 1995 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (collectively, the "Stock
Option/Purchase Plans") as is necessary to provide that each Stock Option
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, whether or not then
exercisable, shall be immediately converted as of the Effective Time into the
right to purchase from Parent the Option Conversion Number (as defined below) of
shares of Parent Common Stock (each, an "Adjusted Option").  Each Adjusted
Option will have substantially the same terms as the Stock Option to which it is
related, including the same vesting schedule (other than to the extent
accelerated pursuant to the terms of such Stock Option, Stock Option/Purchase
Plans or in accordance with the present terms of any employment agreements
existing on the date hereof, which Stock Option shall remain exercisable
following the Effective Time in accordance with the provisions of the Stock
Option Plan under which granted), except for its exercise price and the number
and kind of shares subject thereto.  The exercise price of any Adjusted Option
(the "Adjusted Exercise Price") shall be an amount equal to the exercise price
of the Stock Option related to such Adjusted Option as of the date of this
Agreement divided by the Exchange Ratio.  The "Option Conversion Number" for any
Adjusted Option shall be equal to the number of shares purchasable pursuant to
the Stock Option related to such Adjusted Option as of the date of this
Agreement multiplied by the Exchange Ratio.  No certificates or scrip
representing fractional shares of Parent Common Stock shall be issued upon the
exercise of any Adjusted Option, and no fractional share interest will entitle
the owner thereof to vote or to any rights of a stockholder of Parent.  Each
holder of any Adjusted Option who exercises such Adjusted Option in accordance
with its terms and this Agreement who would otherwise have been entitled to
receive a fraction of a share of Parent Common Stock (after taking into account
all Adjusted Options delivered by such holder on the date such Adjusted Options
are exercised) shall receive, in lieu thereof, cash (without interest) in an
amount equal to such fractional part of a share of Parent Common Stock
multiplied by the closing price of Parent Common Stock on the Nasdaq National
Market System (as reported by The Wall Street Journal or, if not reported
thereby, any other authoritative source) on the trading date immediately
preceding the date such Adjusted Options are exercised.

         (b)  Parent agrees to take such actions as are necessary for the
conversion of such Stock Options of the Company pursuant to Section 5.4(a) into
Adjusted Options, including the reservation, issuance and listing of Parent
Common Stock.  

         (c)  A holder of an Adjusted Option may exercise such Adjusted Option
in whole or in part in accordance with its terms by delivering a properly
executed notice of exercise to Parent, 

                                       -32-

<PAGE>

together with the consideration therefor and the federal withholding tax 
information, if any, required in accordance with the related Stock Option Plan.

         SECTION 5.5    Conveyance Taxes.  Parent and the Company shall
                        ----------------
cooperate in the preparation, execution and filing of all returns,
questionnaires, applications or other documents regarding any real property
transfer or gains, sales, use, transfer, value added, stock transfer and stamp
taxes, any transfer, recording, registration and other fees, and any similar
taxes which become payable by Parent or the Company in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby that are required or permitted to be filed on
or before the Effective Time.  All of such taxes and expenses shall be borne by
Parent.

         SECTION 5.6    Indemnification, Exculpation and Insurance.
                        ------------------------------------------

         (a)  The articles of incorporation and the bylaws of the Surviving
Corporation shall contain the provisions with respect to indemnification and
exculpation from liability set forth in the Company's articles of incorporation
and bylaws on the date of this Agreement, which provisions shall not be amended,
repealed or otherwise modified for a period of six years from the Effective Time
in any manner that would adversely affect the rights thereunder of individuals
who on or prior to the Effective Time were directors, officers, employees or
agents of the Company, unless such modification is required by law.  Parent
hereby unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees for the benefit of the
Company's directors and officers the obligations of the Company and the
Surviving Corporation under the foregoing indemnification arrangements,
including any such existing indemnification agreements to which the Company is a
party; provided, however, that in no event shall the amount of such guarantee
exceed an amount permitted for such a guarantee under the terms of Parent's
credit agreement.

         (b)  If Parent, the Surviving Corporation or any of their successors
or assigns (i) consolidates with or merges into any other person and shall not
be the continuing or surviving corporation or entity of such consolidation or
merger or (ii) transfers all or substantially all of its properties and assets
to any person, then and in each such case, proper provisions shall be made so
that the successors and assigns of Parent or the Surviving Corporation, as the
case may be, shall assume the obligations set forth in this Section 5.6.

         (c)   Parent shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law,
indemnify and defend (and bear all costs and expenses, including without
limitation reasonable attorneys' fees and costs, associated therewith) each
officer and director of the Company serving as such immediately before the
Effective Time for and against any and all claims, damages and losses relating
to or arising out of (i) their performance of their respective Company duties
prior to the Effective Time, or (ii) the consummation of any of the transactions
contemplated in this Agreement  Parent shall cause the Surviving Corporation to
provide officers' and directors' liability insurance in respect of acts or
omissions occurring prior to the Effective Time covering each such person
currently covered by the Company's officers' and directors' liability insurance
policy on terms with respect to coverage and amount no less favorable than those
of such policy in effect on the date hereof (or, if such insurance policy cannot
be obtained, such insurance policy on terms with respect to coverage and amount
as favorable as can be obtained, subject to the proviso at the conclusion of
this sentence), provided, however, that the aggregate cost of such insurance
over such four-year period shall not exceed the product of four multiplied by
the premium cost for such policy during the year ended April 30, 1997.

         SECTION 5.7    Fees and Expenses.  Except as provided in Section 7.5,
                        -----------------
whether or not the Merger is consummated, all costs and expenses incurred in
connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be
paid by the party incurring such expenses, except that those 

                                       -33-

<PAGE>

expenses incurred in connection with printing and mailing the Proxy Statement
and Form S-4, will be shared equally by Parent and the Company.  

         SECTION 5.8    Public Announcements.  Parent and Sub, on the one hand,
                        --------------------
and the Company, on the other hand, will consult with each other before issuing,
and provide each other the opportunity to review and comment upon, any press
release or other public statements with respect to the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement, including the Merger, and shall not issue any such press
release or make any such public statement prior to such consultation, except as
may be required by applicable law, court process or by obligations pursuant to
any listing agreement with any national securities exchange.

         SECTION 5.9    Affiliates; Accounting and Tax Treatment.
                        ----------------------------------------

         (a)  The Company shall (i) promptly deliver to Parent a letter
identifying all persons who may be deemed affiliates of the Company under
Rule 145 of the Securities Act or otherwise under applicable SEC accounting
releases with respect to pooling-of-interests accounting treatment and (ii) at
least 30 days prior to the Effective Time obtain (if not previously obtained)
from each such affiliate a written agreement substantially in the form of
Exhibit 5.9 hereto.  The Company shall obtain such a written agreement as soon
as practicable from any person who may be deemed to have become an affiliate of
the Company after the Company's delivery of the letters referred to in clause
(i) above and prior to the Effective Time.

         (b)  Promptly after the date hereof, Parent shall provide the Company
with information regarding Parent's compliance procedures for ensuring that
those persons deemed to be affiliates of Parent under Rule 145 of the Securities
Act or otherwise under applicable SEC accounting releases with respect to
pooling-of-interests accounting treatment are required to abide by those
restrictions on transactions involving their shares of Parent Common Stock (or
securities convertible into, or exercisable for, shares of Parent Common Stock)
that are necessary to preserve the Merger's qualification for
pooling-of-interests accounting treatment.  If the Company, after consultation
with its outside legal and financial advisors reasonably concludes that
supplemental assurances are necessary to permit the satisfaction of any of the
other covenants or any of the conditions precedent set forth in the Agreement,
then Parent shall cooperate with the Company to implement mutually acceptable
supplemental arrangements, including without limitation, obtaining written
affiliate agreements from Parent's affiliates substantially in the form of
Exhibit 5.9 attached hereto.

         (c)  Each party hereto shall use its best efforts to (i) cause the
Merger to qualify, and shall not take any actions which could prevent the Merger
from qualifying, for pooling-of-interests accounting treatment and as a
reorganization under the provisions of Section 368(a) of the Code, and (ii)
obtain the opinions of counsel referred to in Section 6.3(c).


                                      ARTICLE VI

                                 CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

         SECTION 6.1    Conditions to Each Party's Obligations to Effect the
                        ----------------------------------------------------
Merger.  The respective obligation of each party to effect the Merger is subject
- ------
to the satisfaction or waiver on or prior to the Closing Date of the following
conditions:

                                       -34-

<PAGE>

         (a)  Stockholder Approvals.  The Company Stockholder Approval shall
              ---------------------
have been obtained.

         (b)  Nasdaq Listing.  The shares of Parent Common Stock issuable to
              --------------
the Company's stockholders pursuant to this Agreement and under the Stock Option
Plans shall have been authorized for quotation on the Nasdaq National Market
System, subject to official notice of issuance.

         (c)  No Injunctions or Restraints.  No litigation brought by a
              ----------------------------
Governmental Entity shall be pending, and no litigation shall be threatened by
any Governmental Entity, which seeks to enjoin or prohibit the consummation of
the Merger, and no temporary restraining order, preliminary or permanent
injunction or other order issued by any court of competent jurisdiction or other
legal restraint or prohibition preventing the consummation of the Merger shall
be in effect.  For the purposes of this Agreement, litigation shall be deemed to
be "threatened" by the Federal Trade Commission or Department of Justice only if
the Federal Trade Commission or the Department of Justice, as the case may be,
shall have publicly announced or shall have advised Parent, Sub or the Company
that it has authorized its staff to commence proceedings in federal court
seeking injunctive relief against, or to commence administrative proceedings
challenging, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

         (d)  Form S-4.  The Form S-4 shall have been declared effective by the
              --------
SEC under the Securities Act.  No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
Form S-4 shall have been issued by the SEC, and no proceedings for that purpose
shall have been initiated or, to the knowledge of Parent or the Company,
threatened by the SEC.

         (e)  HSR Act.  The applicable waiting period (and any extension
              -------
thereof) under the HSR Act shall have expired or been terminated.

         (f)  Approvals.  Other than the filing of the Merger Documents in
              ---------
accordance with the CGCL, all authorizations, consents, waivers, orders or
approvals required to be obtained, and all filings, notices or declarations
required to be made, by Parent, Sub and the Company prior to the consummation of
the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereunder shall have been obtained
from, and made with, all required Governmental Entities, except for such
authorizations, consents, waivers, orders, approvals, filings, notices or
declarations the failure to obtain or make which would not, individually or in
the aggregate, have a material adverse effect, at or after the Effective Time,
on the Company, the Surviving Corporation or Parent.

         (g)  Tax Opinion.  The Company shall have received the opinion of
              -----------
O'Melveny & Myers LLP, counsel to the Company, dated the date of the Proxy
Statement, to the effect that the Merger will be treated for federal income tax
purposes as a reorganization qualifying under the provisions of Section 368(a)
of the Code, which opinion shall not have been withdrawn or modified in any
material respect.  The issuance of such opinion shall be conditioned on the
receipt of customary representation letters.

         SECTION 6.2    Additional Conditions to Obligations of Parent and Sub. 
                        ------------------------------------------------------
The obligations of Parent and Sub to effect the Merger are also subject to the
following conditions:

         (a)  Representations and Warranties.  Each of the representations and
              ------------------------------
warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement to the extent qualified as
to materiality shall be true and correct in all respects, and to the extent not
so qualified shall be true and correct in all material respects, in each case as
of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date, provided that
those 

                                       -35-

<PAGE>

representations and warranties which address matters only as of a particular 
date shall remain true and correct in all respects (or in all material respects,
as the case may be) as of such date.  Parent shall have received a certificate 
of the President or any Vice President of the Company and the Chief Financial 
Officer of the Company to such effect.

         (b)  Agreements and Covenants.  The Company shall have performed or
              ------------------------
complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants required by
this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to the Closing
Date.  Parent shall have received a certificate of the President or any Vice
President of the Company and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company to such
effect.

         (c)  Consents Under Agreements.  The Company shall have obtained the
              -------------------------
consent or approval of each person whose consent or approval shall be required
in connection with the Merger under all loan or credit agreements, franchise
agreements, notes, mortgages, indentures, leases, or other agreements or
instruments to which it or any of its subsidiaries is a party, except those for
which failure to obtain such consents and approvals would not, individually and
in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Surviving Corporation or
Parent after the Effective Time.

         (d)  Pooling Opinions.  The Parent Pooling Opinion shall have been
              ----------------
confirmed by Price Waterhouse LLP in writing to Parent's Board of Directors on
the Effective Time.  The Company Pooling Opinion shall have been confirmed by
Ernst & Young LLP in writing to the Company's Board of Directors on the
Effective Time.  In addition, no event shall have occurred which would establish
with reasonable certainty that the Merger would not be treated as a "pooling of
interests" for accounting purposes.

         (e)  Affiliate Agreements.  Parent shall have received from each
              --------------------
person who may be deemed to be an affiliate of the Company (under Rule 145 of
the Securities Act or otherwise under applicable SEC accounting releases with
respect to pooling-of-interests accounting treatment) on or prior to the Closing
Date a signed agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit 5.9 hereto.

         (f)  Dissenting Stockholders.  The shares of Company Common Stock
              -----------------------
voted against the Merger shall not exceed 5% of the total number of issued and
outstanding shares of Company Common Stock entitled to vote thereon.

         (g)  Opinion of the Company Counsel.  Parent shall have received the
              ------------------------------
opinions of O'Melveny & Myers LLP, counsel to the Company, and the Company's
General Counsel, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Parent,
covering the matters set forth in Exhibit 6.2 attached hereto.

         (h)  No Material Adverse Change.  From and including the date hereof,
              --------------------------
there shall not have occurred any material adverse change with respect to the
Company.

         SECTION 6.3    Additional Conditions to Obligations of the Company. 
                        ---------------------------------------------------
The obligations of the Company to effect the Merger are also subject to the
following conditions:

         (a)  Representations and Warranties.  Each of the representations and
warranties of Parent contained in this Agreement to the extent qualified as to
materiality shall be true and correct in all respects, and to the extent not so
qualified shall be true and correct in all material respects, in each case as of
the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date, provided that
those representations and warranties which address matters only as of a
particular date shall remain true and 

                                       -36-

<PAGE>

correct in all respects (or in all material respects, as the case may be) as of 
such date.  The Company shall have received a certificate of the President or 
any Vice President of Parent and the Chief Financial Officer of Parent to such 
effect.

         (b)  Agreements and Covenants.  Parent shall have performed or
              ------------------------
complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants required by
this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to the Closing
Date.  The Company shall have received a certificate of the President or any
Vice President of the Company and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company to
such effect.

         (c)  Fairness Opinion.  The Company Fairness Opinion shall have been
              ----------------
confirmed by ABN AMRO Chicago Corporation in writing to the Company's Board of
Directors as of the date the Proxy Statement was first mailed to the Company's
stockholders and shall not have subsequently been withdrawn.

         (d)  Opinion of Parent Counsel.  The Company shall have received an
              -------------------------
opinion of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, counsel to Parent, in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to the Company, covering the matters set forth in
Exhibit 6.3 attached hereto.


                                     ARTICLE VII

                          TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER

         SECTION 7.1    Termination.  This Agreement may be terminated at any
                        -----------
time prior to the Effective Time, whether before or after approval by the
stockholders of the Company or of Parent:

         (a)  by mutual written consent of Parent and the Company;

         (b)  by Parent (provided that Parent is not then in material breach of
any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained herein),
upon a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part
of the Company set forth in this Agreement, or if any representation or warranty
of the Company shall have become untrue, in either case such that the conditions
set forth in Section 6.2(a) or Section 6.2(b), as the case may be, would be
incapable of being satisfied by October 31, 1997; provided that, in any case, a
willful breach shall be deemed to cause such conditions to be incapable of being
satisfied for purposes of this Section 7.1(b);

         (c)  by the Company (provided that the Company is not then in material
breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained
herein), upon a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on
the part of Parent set forth in this Agreement, or if any representation or
warranty of Parent shall have become untrue, in either case such that the
conditions set forth in Section 6.3(a) or Section 6.3(b), as the case may be,
would be incapable of being satisfied by October 31, 1997; provided that, in any
case a willful breach shall be deemed to cause such conditions to be incapable
of being satisfied for purposes of this Section 7.1(c);

         (d)  by either Parent or the Company, if any Governmental Entity shall
have issued an order, decree, injunction or ruling or taken any other action
permanently enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting the consummation of
the Merger and such order, decree, injunction or ruling or other action shall
have become final and nonappealable; 

                                       -37-

<PAGE>

         (e)  by either Parent or the Company, if the Merger shall not have
occurred by October 31, 1997, unless the failure to consummate the Merger is the
result of a breach of a covenant set forth in this Agreement or a willful and
material breach of any representation or warranty set forth in this Agreement by
the party seeking to terminate this Agreement;

         (f)  by either Parent or the Company (provided that if the terminating
party is the Company, the Company shall not be in material breach of any of its
obligations hereunder), if the approval of the stockholders of the Company
required for the consummation of the Merger shall not have been obtained by
reason of the failure to obtain the required vote at a duly held meeting of the
Company's stockholders or at any adjournment or postponement thereof;

         (g)  by the Company, prior to the approval of the Merger by its
stockholders, upon five business days' prior notice to Parent, if, as a result
of a Superior Proposal by a party other than Parent or any of its affiliates,
the Company's Board of Directors determines in good faith that their fiduciary
obligations under applicable law require that such Superior Proposal be
accepted; provided, however, that (i) the Company's Board of Directors shall
have concluded in good faith, after considering provisions of applicable law and
after giving effect to all concessions which may be offered by Parent pursuant
to clause (ii) below, after receiving the written advice of outside counsel,
that such action is required by its fiduciary duties to the Company's
Stockholders under applicable law and (ii) prior to any such termination and
prior to accepting, or entering into any agreement regarding, the Superior
Proposal the Company shall provide Parent (for at least the five business days
following the receipt of the notice) an opportunity to amend this Agreement to
provide for terms substantially similar to those included in the Superior
Proposal, and in addition the Company shall, and shall cause its respective
financial and legal advisors to, negotiate in good faith with Parent to make
such adjustments in the terms and conditions of this Agreement as would enable
the Company to proceed with the transactions contemplated hereby.  In the event
that Parent, in its sole discretion, determines to amend this Agreement as
provided above, then the Company shall enter into such amendment and shall not
enter into any agreement regarding the specific Superior Proposal under
consideration;

         (h)  by Parent, if the Board of Directors of the Company (or any
committee thereof) (i) withdraws or modifies adversely its approval and
recommendation of the Merger or this Agreement, (ii) within ten days after
Parent's request, shall fail to reaffirm such approval or recommendation,
(iii) shall approve or recommend any Takeover Proposal, other than with Parent
or an affiliate thereof, or a Tender Offer or Exchange Offer for 15% or more is
commenced and the Company's Board of Directors fails to recommend against
acceptance of such Tender Offer or Exchange Offer, (iv) shall resolve to take
any of the actions specified in this Section 7.1(h); or (v) fails to call and
hold the Company Stockholder's Meeting  within forty (40) days after the SEC
declares the Form S-4 effective; provided, however, that the disclosure by the
Company of only the existence and terms of a Takeover Proposal, which disclosure
includes a reaffirmation of the approval and recommendation of the Company's
Board of Directors with respect to the Merger and this Agreement as described in
Section 3.1(d)(iii) hereof, shall not constitute a withdrawal or adverse
modification within the meaning of clause (i) of this subsection (h); or

         (i)   by the Company, if the Share Value would be less than $23.00 per
share unless Parent, within three days after receipt of written notice by the
Company of its intention to so terminate, shall have elected to adjust the
Exchange Ratio pursuant to the fourth sentence of Section 2.1(c) hereof.

                                       -38-

<PAGE>

         SECTION 7.2    Effect of Termination.  In the event of termination of
                        ---------------------
this Agreement by either the Company or Parent as provided in Section 7.1, this
Agreement shall forthwith become void and have no effect, without any liability
or obligation on the part of Parent, Sub or the Company or their respective
officers or directors, except as set forth in Section 3.1(p), Section 5.7 and
Section 7.5, which Sections shall survive termination, and except to the extent
that such termination results from the willful and material breach by a party of
any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in
this Agreement.

         SECTION 7.3    Amendment.  This Agreement may be amended by the
                        ---------
parties at any time before or after approval hereof by the stockholders of the
Company; provided, however, that after such stockholder approval there shall not
be made any amendment that by law requires further approval by the stockholders
of the Company without the further approval of such stockholders as required by
law.  This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing
signed on behalf of all of the parties.

         SECTION 7.4    Extension; Waiver.  At any time prior to the Effective
                        -----------------
Time, the parties may (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the
obligations or other acts of the other parties, (b) waive any inaccuracies in
the representations and warranties contained in this Agreement or in any
document delivered pursuant to this Agreement or (c) subject to the proviso of
Section 7.3, waive compliance with any of the agreements or conditions contained
in this Agreement.  Any agreement on the part of a party to any such extension
or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing, signed
on behalf of such party.  The failure of any party to this Agreement to assert
any of its rights under this Agreement or otherwise shall not constitute a
waiver of those rights.

         SECTION 7.5    Termination Fee.
                        ---------------

         (a)  In the event that (i) the Company terminates this Agreement
pursuant to Section 7.1(g), Parent terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section
7.1(h) or Parent terminates this Agreement as a result of the Company's material
breach of Section 4.2, or (ii) Parent or the Company terminates this Agreement
pursuant to Section 7.1(e) and within six months after such termination the
Company shall have entered into a definitive agreement with any person (other
than Parent or any of its affiliates) regarding a Takeover Proposal, or (iii)
Company Stockholder Approval is not received and at the time of such termination
or prior to the Company Stockholders' Meeting there shall have been a Takeover
Proposal (whether or not such Takeover Proposal shall have been rejected or
shall have been withdrawn prior to the time of such termination or of the
Company Stockholders' Meeting), and the Company shall have entered into a
definitive agreement with any person (other than Parent or any of its
affiliates) with any person within one year of termination then the Company
shall pay to Parent (by wire transfer of immediately available funds, and as a
condition to termination in the case of a termination pursuant to Section
7.1(g)) a cash termination fee in an aggregate amount equal to (A) 3% of the
product of the number of outstanding shares of Company Common Stock on a fully
diluted basis (as though all options or other securities convertible into or
exercisable or exchangeable for shares of Company Common Stock had been so
converted, exercised or exchanged) on the date hereof, multiplied by $24.50, or,
(B) if greater and if the Company enters into a definitive agreement with
respect to a Takeover Proposal within six months following termination of this
Agreement under Section 7.1(e), Section 7.1(f), Section 7.1(g), or Section
7.1(h), then 3% of the product of the number of outstanding shares of Company
Common Stock on a fully diluted basis (as though all options or other securities
convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of Company Common
Stock had been so converted, exercised or exchanged) on the date such definitive
agreement is executed, multiplied by the value per share of Company Common Stock
of the consideration to be paid in such Takeover Proposal.  If the Company is
obligated to pay 

                                       -39-

<PAGE>

such termination fee pursuant to clause (i) of the preceding sentence, then the 
Company shall pay on account of such fee on the date of termination of this 
Agreement the fee calculated under clause (A) of the immediately preceding 
sentence, and, if the Company subsequently enters into a definitive agreement 
with respect to a Takeover Proposal within six months following termination of 
this Agreement, the Company shall immediately pay to Parent the amount, if any, 
by which the termination fee calculated under clause (B) of the immediately 
preceding sentence exceeds the termination fee calculated under clause (A) of 
the immediately preceding sentence.

         (b)  Upon the termination of this Agreement for one of the reasons set
forth in Section 7.5(a), the Company shall pay to Parent (by wire transfer of
immediately available funds), and as a condition to termination in the case of a
termination pursuant to Section 7.1(g) hereof, a cash amount equal to 1% of the
product of the number of outstanding shares of Company Common Stock on a fully
diluted basis (as though all options or other securities convertible into or
exercisable or exchangeable for shares of Company Common Stock had been so
converted, exercised or exchanged) on the date hereof multiplied by $24.50 at
the time of termination, to cover Parent's and Sub's legal, accounting,
printing, investment banking and other costs, expenses and fees incurred in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

         (c)  Upon the termination of this Agreement because Company
Stockholder Approval is not received and at the time of such termination or
prior to the Company Stockholders' Meeting there shall have been a Takeover
Proposal, the Company shall pay to Parent (by wire transfer of immediately
available funds) the amount set forth in Section 7.5(b) hereof, plus an amount
equal to one-half of 1% of the product of the number of outstanding shares of
Company Common Stock on a fully diluted basis (as though all options or other
securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of Company
Common Stock had been so converted, exercised or exchanged) on the date hereof
multiplied by $24.50 at the time of termination.  If the fee required to be paid
by this subsection (c) has been paid and thereafter the Company is required to
pay amounts under subsection (a) and (b) by reason of clause (iii) of subsection
(a), then the fee paid under this subsection (c) shall offset such amounts
required to be paid by reason of such clause (iii) of subsection (a).

         (d)  The Company agrees that the agreements contained in
Section 7.5(a) and 7.5(b) are an integral part of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement.  If the Company fails to promptly pay Parent any fee due
under Section 7.5(a) or 7.5(b), the Company shall pay the costs and expenses
(including legal fees and expenses) in connection with any action, including the
filing of any lawsuit or other legal action, taken to collect payment, together
with interest on the amount of any unpaid fee at the publicly announced prime
rate of Bankers Trust Company from the date such fee was first due.  

                                     ARTICLE VIII

                                  GENERAL PROVISIONS

         SECTION 8.1    Nonsurvival of Representations and Warranties.  None of
                        ---------------------------------------------
the representations and warranties in this Agreement or in any instrument
delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall survive the Effective Time.  This
Section 8.1 shall not limit any covenant or agreement of the parties which by
its terms contemplates performance after the Effective Time of the Merger.

         SECTION 8.2    Notices.  All notices, requests, claims, demands and
                        -------
other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be
deemed given if delivered personally or sent by telefax (with confirmation of
transmission) or by overnight courier (with proof of 

                                       -40-

<PAGE>

delivery) to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address 
for a party as shall be specified by like notice):

         (a)  if to Parent or Sub or, after the Effective Time the Company, to

              U.S. Office Products Company
              1025 Thomas Jefferson Street, NW  
              Washington, DC  20007
              Facsimile:  (202) 339-6733
              Attention:  Mark D. Director, Esquire

              with a required copy to:

              Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
              1800 M Street, NW
              Washington, DC  20036
              Facsimile:  (202) 467-7176 
              Attention:  Linda L. Griggs, Esq.


         (b)  if, prior to the Effective Time, to the Company, to

              Mail Boxes Etc.
              6060 Cornerstone Court West
              San Diego, CA  92121
              Facsimile: (619) 625-3196
              Attention:  Bruce M. Rosenberg, Esq.

              with a required copy to:

              O'Melveny & Myers LLP
              Suite 1700
              610 Newport Center Drive
              Newport Beach, CA 92660
              Facsimile:  (714) 669-6994
              Attention:  J. Jay Herron, Esq.


         SECTION 8.3    Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement:
                        -----------

         (a)  an "affiliate" of any person means another person that, directly
or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by,
or is under common control with, such first person;

         (b)  "material adverse change" or "material adverse effect" means,
when used in connection with the Company, the Surviving Corporation or Parent, a
material adverse effect on the business, operations, financial condition or
results of operations of such party and its subsidiaries taken as a whole;

                                       -41-

<PAGE>

         (c)  "person" means an individual, corporation, partnership, joint
venture, association, trust, unincorporated organization or other entity; and

         (d)  a "subsidiary" of any person means another person, an amount of
the voting securities, other voting ownership or voting partnership interests of
which is sufficient to elect at least a majority of its directors or other
governing body (or, if there are no such voting interests, more than 50% of the
equity interest of which) is owned directly or indirectly by such first person.

         SECTION 8.4    Interpretation.  When a reference is made in this
                        --------------
Agreement to a Section, Exhibit or Schedule, such reference shall be to a
Section of, or an Exhibit or Schedule to, this Agreement unless otherwise
indicated.  The table of contents and headings contained in this Agreement are
for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement.  Whenever the words "include," "includes" and
"including" are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by
the words "without limitation."

         SECTION 8.5    Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in one or
                        ------------
more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement
and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by
each of the parties and delivered to the other parties.

         SECTION 8.6    Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries.  This
                        ----------------------------------------------
Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreement constitute the entire agreement, and
supersede all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among
the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and except for
the provisions of Article II and Sections 5.4 and 5.6, are not intended to
confer upon any person other than the parties hereto any rights or remedies
hereunder.

         SECTION 8.7    Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by,
                        -------------
and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of
California, regardless of the laws that might otherwise govern under applicable
principles of conflict of laws thereof.

         SECTION 8.8    Assignment.  Neither this Agreement nor any of the
                        ----------
rights, interests or obligations under this Agreement shall be assigned, in
whole or in part, by operation of law or otherwise by any of the parties without
the prior written consent of the other parties.  Subject to the preceding
sentence, this Agreement will be binding upon, inure to the benefit of, and be
enforceable by, the parties and their respective successors and assigns.

         SECTION 8.9    Enforcement.  The parties agree that irreparable damage
                        -----------
would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not
performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. 
It is accordingly agreed that the parties shall be entitled to an injunction or
injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically
the terms and provisions of this Agreement in any court of the United States
located in the State of California or in California State court, this being in
addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity.  In
addition, each of the parties hereto (a) consents to submit itself to the
personal jurisdiction of any federal court located in the State of California or
any California State court in the event any dispute arises out of this Agreement
or any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (b) agrees that it
will not attempt to deny or defeat such personal jurisdiction by motion or other
request for leave from any such court and (c) agrees that it will not bring any
action relating to this Agreement in any court other than a federal or State
court sitting in the State of California.
 
                                       -42-

<PAGE>

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent, Sub and the Company have caused this
Agreement to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized,
all as of the date first written above.

Attest:                                "Parent"

                                       U. S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY,
                                       a Delaware corporation



By:      /s/ Mark D. Director          By:  /s/ Jonathan J. Ledecky  
         ---------------------------        -----------------------------------
        Mark D. Director                    Jonathan J. Ledecky
        Executive Vice President and        Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
        General Counsel                


Attest:                                     "SUB"

                                            SANTA FE ACQUISITION CORP.,
                                            a California corporation


By:     /s/ Kathleen M. Delaney        By:  /s/ Mark D. Director     
        ----------------------------        -----------------------------------
        Kathleen M. Delaney                 Mark D. Director
        Assistant Secretary                 President


Attest:                                     "Company"
                                                 
                                            MAIL BOXES ETC.

By:     /s/ Bruce M. Rosenberg         By:  /s/ Anthony W. DeSio     
        ---------------------------         ----------------------------------
        Bruce M. Rosenberg                  Anthony W. DeSio
        Vice President, General Counsel     Chief Executive Officer 
        and Secretary 



                                       -43-


<PAGE>
                                                                      Exhibit A


                             AGREEMENT OF MERGER

     AGREEMENT OF MERGER entered into on [Closing Date] by and among Santa Fe 
Acquisition Corp.  ("Sub"), its parent corporation, U.S. Office Products 
Company ("Parent"), and Mail Boxes Etc. ("MBE"):

     1.     Sub, which is a corporation incorporated under the General 
Corporation Law of the State of California, and which is sometimes 
hereinafter referred to as the "disappearing corporation," shall be merged 
with and into MBE, which is a corporation incorporated under the General 
Corporation Law of the State of California, and which is sometimes hereinafter 
referred to as the "surviving corporation."

     2.     The separate existence of the disappearing corporation shall 
cease upon the effective date of the merger.

     3.     The surviving corporation shall continue its existence under its 
present name.

     4.     Each issued and outstanding share of the capital stock of the 
disappearing corporation shall, upon the effective date of the merger, be 
converted into one share of the capital stock of the surviving corporation.  
Each of the issued and outstanding shares of the capital stock of the 
surviving corporation (except for such shares owned by Parent, which shall be 
cancelled without consideration) shall, upon the effective date of the 
merger, be converted into [     ] shares of Parent Common Stock.
     
     5.     Each holder of shares of capital stock of MBE who would otherwise 
be entitled to receive a fractional share of Parent Common Stock upon 
surrender of stock certificates for exchange, shall receive, in lieu thereof, 
cash in an amount equal to the fair value of such fractional share, which 
shall be equal to the fraction of a share of Parent Common Stock that would 
otherwise be issued multiplied by $                            .
                                   ---------------------------

     6.     The merger shall have the effects set forth in Section 1107 of 
the General Corporation Law.

     7.     The disappearing corporation and the surviving corporation hereby 
agree that they will cause to be executed and filed and/or recorded any 
document or documents prescribed by the laws of the State of California, and 
that they will cause to be performed all necessary acts therein and elsewhere 
to effectuate the merger.

                                       44

<PAGE>

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


                                       U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY


                                       By:
                                          ------------------------------

                                       By:
                                          ------------------------------
                                          [Assistant] Secretary

                                       SANTA FE ACQUISITION CORP.


                                       By:
                                          ------------------------------

                                       By:
                                          ------------------------------
                                          [Assistant] Secretary


                                       MAIL BOXES ETC.

                                        
                                       By:
                                          ------------------------------
                                          James H. Amos, Jr.
                                          President and Chief Operating Officer


                                       By:
                                          ------------------------------
                                          Bruce M. Rosenberg
                                          Vice President, General Counsel
                                          and Secretary

                                       45

<PAGE>
                                                                      Exhibit B


                                FORM OF VOTING AGREEMENT

                                                                 May   , 1997


U.S. Office Products Company
1025 Thomas Jefferson Street, N.W.
Suite 600 East
Washington, D.C. 20007

          Re  Agreement of Principal Shareholders Concerning
              Transfer and Voting of Shares of Mail Boxes Etc.
              ------------------------------------------------

          We understand that you and Mail Boxes Etc. (the "Company"), of 
which the undersigned are principal stockholders, are prepared to enter into 
an agreement for the merger of a wholly-owned subsidiary ("Sub") of U.S. 
Office Products Company into the Company, but that you have conditioned your 
willingness to proceed with such agreement (the "Agreement") upon your 
receipt from us of assurances satisfactory to you of our support of and 
commitment to the merger.  We are familiar with the Agreement and the terms 
and conditions of the merger.  Terms used but not otherwise defined herein 
shall have the same meanings as are given them in the Agreement.  In order to 
evidence such commitment and to induce you to enter into the Agreement, we 
hereby represent and warrant to you and agree with you as follows:

          1.  Voting.   We will vote or cause to be voted all shares of 
capital stock of the Company owned of record or beneficially owned or held in 
any capacity by any of us or under any of our control in favor of the merger 
and other transactions provided for in or contemplated by the Agreement and 
against any inconsistent proposals or tansactions.  Each of us hereby 
irrevocably appoints you, during the term of this letter agreement, as proxy 
for and on behalf of us to vote (including, without limitation, the taking  
of action by written consent) such shares, for and in our name, place and 
stead for the matters and in the manner contemplated by this Section 1.

          2.  Ownership.  As of the date hereof, our only ownership of, or 
interest in, equity securities or convertible debt securities of the Company 
consists solely of the interests described in Schedule 1 hereto 
(collectively, the "Shares").

          3.  Restriction on Transfer.  Other than as may be permitted 
pursuant to the Affiliate Agreement of even date herewith among us, you and 
the Company, we will not sell, transfer, pledge or otherwise dispose of any 
of the Shares or any interest therein or agree to sell, transfer, pledge or 
otherwise dispose of any of the Shares or any interest therein, without your 
express witten consent.  Any transferee of the Shares must,

                                      46

<PAGE>
as a condition to receipt of such shares, agree to be bound by the terms 
hereof.

     4. No Dissenters Right.  Each of us agree not to exercise any rights 
(including, without limitation, under Chapter 13 of the CGCL) to dissent or 
demand appraisal of any Shares owned by us with respect to the Merger.

     5. No Solicitation.  From the date hereof until the termination hereof, 
we will not, directly or indirectly, (i) take any action to solicit, initiate 
or encourage any Takeover Proposal or (ii) engage in negotiations or 
discussions with, or disclose any nonpublic information relating to the 
Company or any subsidiary of the Company to, or otherwise assist, facilitate 
or encourage, any person (other than Parent or Sub) that may be considering 
making, or has made, a Takeover Proposal. Such Stockholder will promptly 
notify Sub after receipt of any Takeover Proposal or any indication that any 
such third party is considering making a Takeover Proposal or any request for 
nonpublic information relating to the Company or any subsidiary of the 
Company or for access to the properties, books or records of the Company or 
any such subsidiary by any such third party that may be considering making, or 
has made, a Takeover Proposal and will keep Parent fully informed of the 
status and details of any such Takeover Proposal, indication or request. The 
foregoing provisions of this Section 5 shall not be construed to limit 
actions taken, or to require actions to be taken, by any Stockholder who is, 
or one or more of whose directors, partners, officers or employees is, a 
director or officer of the Company that are required or restricted by such 
director's fiduciary duties or such officer's employment duties, or permitted 
by the Agreement, and that, in each case, are undertaken solely in such 
person's capacity as a director or officer of the Company and, in the case of 
an officer of the Company, as directed by the Board of Directors after the 
Board of Directors has delivered the notice contemplated by clause (iii) of 
Section 4.2 of the Agreement.

     6. Termination.  This letter agreement and our obligations hereunder 
will terminate on the earlier of (i) the Effective Time (as defined in the 
Agreement) or (ii) the termination of the Agreement in accordance with its 
terms.

     7. Effective Date; Succession; Remedies.  Upon your acceptance and 
execution of the Agreement, this letter agreement shall mutually bind and 
benefit you and us, any of our heirs, successors and assigns and any of your 
successors. You will not

                    [This space intentionally left blank]


                                      47


<PAGE>

assign the benefit of this letter agreement other than to a wholly owned 
subsidiary.  We agree that in light of the inadequacy of damages as a 
remedy, specific performance shall be available to you, in addition to any 
other remedies you may have for the violation of this letter agreement.

        8.   Nature of Holdings Shares.
             --------------------------
All references herein to our holdings of the Shares shall be deemed to 
include shares held or controlled by any of us, individually, jointly (as 
community property or otherwise), or in any other capacity, and shall extend 
to any securities issued to any of us in respect of the shares.

                                       Very truly yours,

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






ACCEPTED:


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

By:
  ------------------------


                                      48


<PAGE>

                                  Schedule 1


Class           No. of Shares          Record Owner           Beneficial Owner
- -----           -------------          ------------           ----------------
























                                      49

<PAGE>

                                 Exhibit 5.9

                                   FORM OF 
                             AFFILIATE AGREEMENT

     THIS AFFILIATE AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as 
of May   ,1997 by and among U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY, a Delaware 
corporation ("USOP"), MAIL BOXES ETC., a California corporation ("Company"), 
and the undersigned affiliate of the Company ("Affiliate").


                                    RECITALS

     A.  The Company, USOP and Santa Fe Acquisition Corp., a wholly-owned 
subsidiary of USOP ("Newco"), have entered into an Agreement and Plan of 
Merger (the "Merger Agreement") and the Company and Newco have entered or 
will enter into an Agreement of Merger, which agreements (collectively, the 
"Merger Agreements") provide for the merger (the "Merger") of Newco with and 
into the Company, with the Company as the surviving corporation (the 
"Surviving Corporation").  Pursuant to the Merger, all outstanding capital 
stock of the Company will be converted into common stock, $0.001 par value, 
of USOP (the "USOP Stock").

     B.  Affiliate may, as a result of the Merger, receive shares of USOP 
Stock (the "Shares") in exchange for shares owned by Affiliate of the common 
stock, no par value, of the Company (the "Company Stock").


     C.  Affiliate understands that, because the Merger will be accounted for 
using the "pooling of interests" method and Affiliate may be deemed, as of 
the date hereof, to be an "affiliate" of the Company, as such term is defined 
for purposes of paragraph (c) and (d) of Rule 145 of the rules and 
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") 
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), the 
Shares beneficially owned by Affiliate may only be disposed of in conformity 
with the limitations described herein

     NOW THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

     1.  Agreement to Retain Shares.  Affiliate agrees not to transfer, sell, 
or otherwise dispose of or direct or cause the sale, transfer or other 
disposition of, or reduce Affiliate's risk relative to, any shares of the 
Company Stock (except for the conversion of the Company Stock into USOP Stock 
in the Merger) or Shares held by Affiliate or on Affiliate's behalf, whether 
owned on the date hereof or after acquired, within the 30 days prior to the 
Effective Time (as defined in the Merger Agreement).

                                      50

<PAGE>

     Affiliate further agrees not to transfer, sell or otherwise dispose of, 
or direct or cause the sale, transfer or other disposition of, or reduce 
Affiliate's risk relative to, any Shares held by Affiliate or on Affiliate's 
behalf or received by Affiliate or on Affiliates's behalf in or as a result 
of the Merger or otherwise, until after the date (the "Expiration Date") USOP 
shall have publicly released a report in the form of a quarterly earnings 
report, registration statement filed with the Commission, a report filed with 
the Commission on Form 10-K, 10-Q or 8-K or any other public filing, 
statement or public announcement which includes the combined financial 
results (including combined sales and net income) of USOP and the Company for 
a period of at least 30 days of combined operations of USOP and the Company 
following the Effective Time.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Affiliate 
understands that Affiliate will not be prohibited from selling up to 10% of 
the Shares Affiliate holds at the Effective Time (a "de minimis sale") during 
the period beginning on the Effective Time and ending on the Expiration Date 
(the "Restricted Period") if (i) the requirements of Rule 145 are complied 
with; (ii) any such de minimis sale by Affiliate together with all other de 
minimis sales by affiliates of the Company and USOP during the Restricted 
Period do not exceed 1% of the shares of USOP Stock delivered in the Merger; 
and (iii) Affiliate has received the De Minimis Sale Acknowledgment (as 
defined in Section 7(g) below) from USOP.

     2.  Representations, Warranties and Covenants of Affiliate--Affiliate 
represents, warrants and covenants as follows:


         (a)  Affiliate has full power and authority to execute this 
Agreement, to make the representations, warranties and covenants herein 
contained and to perform Affiliate's obligations hereunder.

         (b)  Affiliate does not have any present commitment, plan or 
intention to sell (or engage in a risk-reducing or other arrangement which 
would be treated as a sale for federal income tax purposes), transfer or 
otherwise dispose of any Company Stock prior to and in contemplation of the 
Merger or any of the USOP Stock to be received in the Merger.

         (c)  Affiliate will not sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of, or 
make any offer or agreement relating to any of the foregoing with respect to, 
any Shares, except: (i) in a transaction described in Rule 145(d) under the 
Securities Act; (ii) in a transaction that is otherwise exempt from the 
registration requirements of the Securities Act, or (iii) pursuant to an 
effective registration statement under the Securities Act.

     3.  Rules 144 and 145.  From and after the Effective Time of the Merger 
and for so long as is necessary in order to permit Affiliate to sell the 
Shares pursuant to Rule 145 and, to the extent applicable, Rule 144 under the 
Securities Act, USOP will

                                      51

<PAGE>

use reasonable efforts to file on a timely basis all reports required to be 
filed by it pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and 
the rules and regulations thereunder, as the same shall be in effect at the 
time, referred to in paragraph (c) of Rule 144 under the Securities Act, in 
order to permit Affiliate to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of the Shares 
held by it pursuant to the terms and conditions of Rule 145 and the 
applicable provisions of Rule 144.

    4. Limited Resales.  USOP acknowledges that the provisions of Section 
2(b) of this Agreement will be satisfied as to any sale by the undersigned of 
the Shares pursuant to Rule 145(d) under the Securities Act, upon receipt of 
a broker's letter and a letter from the undersigned with respect to that sale 
stating that the applicable requirements of Rule 145(d)(1) have been met or 
a letter from the undersigned stating that the requirements of Rule 145(d)(1) 
are inapplicable by virtue of Rule 145(d)(2) or Rule 145(d)(3); 
provided, however, that USOP has no reasonable basis to believe that such 
sales were not made in compliance with such provisions of Rule 145(d) and 
subject to any changes in Rule 145 after the date of this Agreement.

    5. Legends.  Affiliate also understands and agrees that stop transfer 
instructions will be given to USOP's transfer agent with respect to 
certificates evidencing the Shares and that there will be placed on the 
certificate evidencing the Shares legends stating in substance:

    THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE MAY NOT BE SOLD, TRANSFERRED 
    OR ASSIGNED, AND THE ISSUER SHALL NOT BE REQUIRED TO GIVE EFFECT TO ANY 
    ATTEMPTED SALE, TRANSFER OR ASSIGNMENT, PRIOR TO THE PUBLICATION AND 
    DISSEMINATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS BY THE ISSUER WHICH INCLUDE THE 
    RESULTS OF AT LEAST THIRTY (30) DAYS OF COMBINED OPERATIONS OF THE ISSUER 
    AND THE SURVIVING CORPORATION OF THE MERGER BETWEEN SANTA FE ACQUISITION 
    CORP. AND MAIL BOXES ETC. UPON THE WRITTEN REQUEST OF THE HOLDER OF THIS 
    CERTIFICATE, THE ISSUER AGREES TO REMOVE THIS RESTRICTIVE LEGEND (AND ANY 
    STOP ORDER PLACED WITH THE TRANSFER AGENTS WHEN THIS REQUIREMENT HAS BEEN 
    MET.

and

    THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE WERE ISSUED IN A 
    TRANSACTION TO WHICH RULE 145 PROMULGATED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 
    1933, AS AMENDED, APPLIES.  THESE SHARES MAY ONLY BE TRANSFERRED IN 
    ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF SUCH RULE.

After the Expiration Date, USOP agrees to deliver instructions to its 
transfer agent to remove the above legends, and replace such legends with the 
following legend:

                                      52

<PAGE>

     THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE WERE ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION 
     TO WHICH RULE 145 PROMULGATED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS 
     AMENDED, APPLIES. THESE SHARES MAY ONLY BE TRANSFERRED IN ACCORDANCE 
     WITH THE TERMS OF SUCH RULE.

USOP agrees to remove promptly such stop transfer instructions and legend by 
delivery of instructions to its transfer agent to remove such legend upon (i) 
the transfer of the Shares represented by such certificate pursuant to a 
registration statement under the Securities Act or in accordance with the 
applicable provisions of Rule 145 under the Securities Act (including, 
without limitation, paragraph (d) thereof), (ii) the expiration of the 
restrictive period set forth in Rule 145(d), or (iii) the delivery by 
Affiliate to USOP of a copy of a letter from the staff of the Commission, or 
an opinion of counsel in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to USOP, 
to the effect that such legend is not required for purposes of the Securities 
Act.

    6.  Termination. This Agreement shall be terminated and shall be of no 
further force and effect upon the termination of the Merger Agreement 
pursuant to Section 7.1 of the Merger Agreement.

    7.  Miscellaneous.

        (a)  Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more 
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which 
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

        (b)  Binding Agreement. This Agreement will inure to the benefit of 
and be binding upon and enforceable against the parties and their successors 
and assigns, including administrators, executors, representatives, heirs, 
legatees and devisees of Affiliate and pledgees holding USOP Stock as 
collateral.

        (c)  Waiver. No waiver by any party hereto of any condition or of any 
breach of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless in 
writing and signed by each party hereto.

        (d)  Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and 
construed, interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State 
of Delaware.

        (e)  Effect of Headings. The Section headings herein are for 
convenience only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of 
this Agreement.

        (f)  Third Park Reliance. Counsel to and independent auditors for the 
parties shall be entitled to rely upon this Agreement.

                                      53

<PAGE>

     (g) De Minimis Sales. Prior to effecting any de minimis sale, Affiliate 
shall provide USOP written notice of Affiliate's intent to do so (the "de 
minimis sale notice"). If to the knowledge of USOP, and such proposed de 
minimis sale by Affiliate together with all other de minimis sales by 
affiliates of the Company and USOP during the Restricted Period would not 
exceed 1% of the total outstanding shares of USOP, then, within three 
business days of receipt of the de minimis sale notice, USOP shall provide 
Affiliate with its written acknowledgement to such effect (the "De Minimis 
Sale Acknowledgement").

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly 
executed on the day and year first above written.

U.S. OFFICE PRODUCTS COMPANY                     AFFILIATE

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

MAIL BOXES ETC.

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

                                      54


<PAGE>


                                                                Exhibit 23.1
                CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements 
on Form S-8 (333-01574), (333-12789) and (333-24581), Form S-3 (333-10383) 
and (333-14025), and Form S-4 (333-12133) of U.S. Office Products Company of
our report, with respect to the financial statements of Data Business Forms 
Limited for the year ended December 31, 1996, dated January 31, 1997, except 
as to note 2 which is as of April 26, 1997, included in this Current Report 
on Form 8-K. 


                                            ERNST & YOUNG
                                            Chartered Accountants

Toronto, Canada
May 20, 1997

                                      

<PAGE>

                                                            Exhibit 23.2



                          CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration 
Statements on Form S-8 (333-01574), (333-12789) and (333-24581); Form S-3 
(333-10383) and (333-14025); and on Form S-4 (333-13133) of U.S. Office 
Products Company of our report as of February 28, 1997, except as to Note Q 
which is as of April 14, 1997, and relating to the combined financial 
statements of United Envelope Co., Inc. and its affiliate, Rex Envelope Co., 
Inc., which appear in the Current Report on Form 8-K of U.S. Office Products 
Company.

HERTZ, HERSON & COMPANY, LLP
New York, New York
May 21, 1997 


<PAGE>
                                                               Exhibit 23.3

                                           
                          CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
                                           


We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration 
Statements on Form S-8 (333-01574), (333-12789) and (333-24581); Form S-3 
(333-10383) and (333-14025); and on Form S-4 (333-13133) of U.S. Office 
Products Company of our report as of March 7, 1997, except as to Note L which 
is as of April 14, 1997, and relating to the financial statements of Huxley 
Envelope Corporation, which appear in the Current Report on Form 8-K of U.S. 
Office Products Company.

HERTZ, HERSON & COMPANY, LLP
New York, New York
May 21, 1997 

<PAGE>

                                 Exhibit 23.4

           CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the use of our report dated June 4, 1996 with respect to the 
consolidated financial statements of Mail Boxes Etc. included in this Current 
Report on Form 8-K of U.S. Office Products Company, and to the incorporation 
by reference of the above referenced report into U.S. Office Products 
Company's previously filed Registration Statements on Form S-3, No. 333-10383 
and No. 333-14025, and Registration Statement on Form S-4, No. 333-13133, 
and Registration Statements on Form S-8, No. 333-01574,
No. 333-12789 and No. 333-24581.

                                 ERNST & YOUNG LLP

San Diego, California
May 22, 1997


<PAGE>

                                                        Exhibit 99.1

REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

Shareholders and Board of Directors
 Mail Boxes Etc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Mail Boxes 
Etc. as of April 30, 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated statements 
of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in 
the period ended April 30, 1996.  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 audit to 
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free 
of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, 
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  
An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and 
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall 
financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a 
reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in 
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Mail Boxes Etc. 
at April 30, 1996 and 1995, and the consolidated results of its operations 
and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 30, 
1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

                                            Ernst & Young LLP
San Diego, California
June 4, 1996

                                     1


<PAGE>
                               Mail Boxes Etc.
                        Consolidated Balance Sheets
                    (In thousands, except share amounts)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    April 30,
                                                                                               --------------------
Assets                                                                                           1996       1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                            <C>        <C>
Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents                                                      $   1,416  $     391
      Restricted cash--franchisee deposits                                                         2,073      1,614
      Short-term investments                                                                      21,825     10,037
      Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,507 and $1,212, at
        April 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively                                                      6,799      6,723
      Receivable from National Media Fund                                                            770      1,600
      Inventories                                                                                    544        983
      Current portion of notes receivable                                                          6,756      6,065
      Current portion of net investment in sales-type and direct financing leases                  2,414      2,489
      Deferred income taxes                                                                        1,846      1,454
      Re-acquired area and center rights held for resale                                             638      1,016
      Other                                                                                        1,063      1,005
                                                                                               ---------  ---------
          Total current assets                                                                    46,144     33,377
Notes receivable, net                                                                             10,831     11,429
Net investment in sales-type and direct financing leases                                           7,518      8,840
Property and equipment:
      Land                                                                                         1,200      1,200
      Building and improvements                                                                    4,201      4,178
      Office furniture and equipment                                                               4,018      3,486
      Vehicles                                                                                       209        195
                                                                                               ---------  ---------
       Total property and equipment                                                                9,628      9,059
       Less accumulated depreciation and amortization                                              4,247      3,444
                                                                                               ---------  ---------
       Net property and equipment                                                                  5,381      5,615
Excess of cost over assets acquired, net of accumulated amortization of $549 and $492 at
  April 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively                                                              441        498
Re-acquired area rights, net of accumulated amortization of $240 and $79 at April 30, 1996
  and 1995, respectively                                                                           3,240      3,031
Deferred income taxes                                                                              1,307        651
Other assets                                                                                         904        853
                                                                                               ---------  ---------
      Total assets                                                                             $  75,766  $  64,294
                                                                                               ---------  ---------
                                                                                               ---------  ---------
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current Liabilities:
      Accounts payable                                                                         $   2,096  $   1,151
      Franchisee deposits                                                                          2,619      2,153
      Royalties, referrals and commissions payable                                                 2,515      2,449
      Accrued employee expenses and related taxes                                                  1,963      1,463
      Other accrued expenses                                                                       2,012      1,174
      Income taxes payable                                                                           838        717
      Current maturities of long-term debt                                                           958      1,705
                                                                                               ---------  ---------
          Total current liabilities                                                               13,001     10,812
Long-term debt, net of current maturities                                                          1,402      1,337
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
      Preferred stock, no par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, with none issued and
        outstanding                                                                                   --         --
      Common stock, no par value, 40,000,000 shares authorized, with 11,139,698 and
        11,058,387 shares issued outstanding at April 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively             14,944     14,455
      Retained earnings                                                                           46,419     37,690
                                                                                               ---------  ---------
          Total shareholders' equity                                                              61,363     52,145
                                                                                               ---------  ---------
          Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                                           $  75,766  $  64,294
                                                                                               ---------  ---------
                                                                                               ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                                            See accompanying notes
 
                                     2

<PAGE>
                                Mail Boxes Etc.
                     Consolidated Statements of Income 
                   (In thousands, except per share data)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    FISCAL YEARS ENDED APRIL 30,
                                                                                   -------------------------------
<S>                                                                                <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                                                     1996       1995       1994
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
Revenue:
        Royalty and marketing fees                                                 $  30,947  $  24,673  $  19,972
        Franchise fees                                                                 8,557      8,670      7,837
        Sales of supplies and equipment                                               10,839     10,020     10,820
        Interest income on leases and other                                            6,975      5,424      3,972
        Company centers                                                                1,789      1,564      1,059
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
          Total revenue                                                               59,107     50,351     43,660
Cost and Expenses:
        Franchise operations                                                          14,881     12,506     10,480
        Franchise development                                                          5,883      5,090      3,896
        Cost of supplies and equipment sold                                            8,465      7,915      8,914
        Marketing                                                                      4,068      4,630      3,713
        General and administrative                                                    10,293      7,878      6,105
        Company centers                                                                1,842      1,598      1,026
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
          Total cost and expenses                                                     45,432     39,617     34,134
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
Operating income                                                                      13,675     10,734      9,526
Interest on investments and other                                                        674        447        642
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
Income before provision for income taxes                                              14,349     11,181     10,168
Provision for income taxes                                                             5,620      4,411      4,136
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
        Net income                                                                 $   8,729  $   6,770  $   6,032
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
Net income per common share                                                        $    0.77  $    0.60  $    0.49
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding                      11,403     11,357     12,433
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 

                                  See accompanying notes
 
                                     3
<PAGE>-
                                Mail Boxes Etc. 
                Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity  
                                (In thousands)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             Common stock
                                                                         --------------------  Retained
                                                                          Shares     Amount    Earnings     Total
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Balance, April 30, 1993                                                     12,267  $  24,620  $  24,888  $  49,508
Exercise of employee stock options                                              72        429                   429
Common stock repurchased                                                      (770)    (6,317)               (6,317)
Income tax benefit from stock option activity                                             463                   463
Net income                                                                                         6,032      6,032
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Balance, April 30, 1994                                                     11,569     19,195     30,920     50,115
Exercise of employee stock options and other                                   146        928                   928
Common stock repurchased                                                      (657)    (5,681)               (5,681)
Income tax benefit from stock option activity                                              13                    13
Net income                                                                                         6,770      6,770
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Balance, April 30, 1995                                                     11,058     14,455     37,690     52,145
Exercise of employee 
  stock options and other                                                      221      2,135                 2,135
Common stock repurchased                                                      (140)    (1,922)               (1,922)
Income tax benefit from stock option activity                                             276                   276
Net income                                                                                         8,729      8,729
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Balance, April 30, 1996                                                     11,139  $  14,944  $  46,419  $  61,363
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------

</TABLE>
 

                                  See accompanying notes
 
                                     4
<PAGE>
                                Mail Boxes Etc.
                      Consolidated Statements of Cash flows 
                                 (In thousands)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            Fiscal Years Ended ApriL 30,
                                                                                           -------------------------------
<S>                                                                                        <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                                                             1996       1995       1994
                                                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------
Operating Activities:
        Net income                                                                         $   8,729  $   6,770  $   6,032
        Adjustments to reconcile net 
         income to net cash provided 
         from (used in) operating
          activities:
          Depreciation and amortization                                                        1,030      1,024      1,054
          Gain on sale of equipment under sales type lease agreements                           (558)      (681)      (965)
          Increase in allowance for bad debts                                                    880      1,236        658
          Loss on retirement of fixed assets                                                       4        122         22
          Deferred income taxes                                                               (1,054)    (1,023)      (843)
        Changes in assets and liabilities:
          Restricted cash                                                                       (459)      (252)       624
          Accounts and notes receivable                                                       (1,049)    (7,386)    (4,772)
          Receivable from National Media Fund                                                    830     (1,600)        --
          Assets leased to franchisees and inventories                                        (1,235)    (1,999)    (3,689)
          Re-acquired area and center rights held for resale                                     378        261       (427)
          Other current assets                                                                   (58)       421       (724)
          Other assets                                                                           152        173       (206)
          Accounts payable                                                                       945        419       (295)
          Franchisee deposits                                                                    466        747       (630)
          Royalties, referrals and commissions payable                                            66        610        160
          Accrued employee expenses and related taxes                                            500        697       (173)
          Other accrued expenses                                                                 838        821         17
          Income taxes payable                                                                   397        730       (189)
                                                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------
        Net cash flows provided 
         from (used in)
         operating activities                                                                 10,802      1,090     (4,346)
Investing Activities:
        Net change in short-term investments                                                 (11,773)       389      5,685
        Additions to property and equipment                                                     (472)      (477)      (438)
        Principal payments received on sales-type leases                                       3,628      3,223      3,893
        Re-acquired area rights                                                                 (185)      (887)        --
                                                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------
                Net cash flows provided 
                 from (used in) investing activities                                          (8,802)     2,248      9,140

         Financing Activities: 
        Borrowing under line of credit                                                         3,720      3,800         --
        Repayments under line of credit                                                       (4,550)    (2,200)        --
        Repayments on notes payable                                                             (146)       (54)        --
        Repurchase of common shares                                                           (1,922)    (5,681)    (6,317)
        Proceeds from the issuance of common stock                                             1,923        937        429
                                                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------
        Net cash flows used in financing activities                                             (975)    (3,198)    (5,888)
                                                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                                               1,025        140     (1,094)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
  of year                                                                                        391        251      1,345
                                                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                                                   $   1,416  $     391  $     251
                                                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------
Supplemental Disclosures of
    Cash Flow Information:
        Cash paid during the year for income taxes                                         $   6,348  $   5,479  $   5,965
    Interest expense                                                                             155         98         32
Supplemental Schedule of Non-Cash and Financing Activities 
 Equipment sold under sales-type leases                                                    $   2,232  $   2,724  $   4,596
        Cost of equipment sold under sales-type leases                                         1,674      2,043      3,631
        Notes payable issued in connection with re-acquired area rights                          185      1,495         --
        Accounts and notes forgiven in connection with re-acquired area rights                    --           468      --
        Exchange of area rights                                                                   --            260     --
</TABLE>
 
                           See accompanying notes

                                     5

<PAGE>
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Organization
 
    Mail Boxes Etc. ("MBE" or "the Company") was incorporated in November, 
1983, as a California corporation. It operates domestically through one 
wholly-owned subsidiary, Mail Boxes Etc. USA, Inc. This subsidiary grants 
territorial franchise rights for the operation or sale of service centers 
specializing in postal, packaging, business and communication services. The 
purchase price paid by the Company to acquire this subsidiary exceeded the 
subsidiary's net assets by $858 thousand; the excess is being amortized on 
the straight-line method over 20 years.
 
    The Company acquired a majority interest in the master license for the 
United Kingdom during FY96. Subsequent to the end of the year MBE acquired 
the remaining interest in the United Kingdom. All accounts of this foreign 
subsidiary have been measured using U.S. dollars as the functional currency. 
The gains and losses arising from the measurement of the foreign subsidiary's 
account have not been significant.
 
    The Company provides franchisees with a system of business training, advice
regarding site location, marketing, advertising programs and management support
designed to assist the franchisee in opening and operating MBE Centers.
 
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
 
    The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances
have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
REVENUE RECOGNITION
 
    The Company enters into area and individual franchise agreements in the
United States and master license agreements in other countries. Area franchise
agreements grant the area franchisee the exclusive right to market individual
franchise centers for the Company in the area franchisee's territory. The area
franchisee generally receives a commission on individual franchises sold as well
as a share of future royalties earned by the Company from centers in the area
franchisee's territory. Individual franchise agreements grant the individual
franchisee the exclusive right to open and operate a franchise center in the
individual franchisee's territory.
 
    Franchise fee revenue is recognized upon completion of all significant
initial services provided to the franchisee, area franchisee or master licensee
and upon satisfaction of all material conditions of the franchise agreement,
area franchise agreement or master license.
 
    For individual franchise sales, the significant initial obligations that
must be completed before any revenue is recognized are: the site is located, a
store lease is in place, the franchise agreement has been signed, the store
design and layout is complete, all manuals and systems have been provided, and
training at MBE is completed.
 
    For area franchise sales, the significant initial obligations that must be
completed before any revenue is recognized are: all operating manuals are
provided, training is completed and a pilot center is opened. For master license
agreements, the significant initial obligations that must be completed before
any revenue is recognized are: all operating manuals are provided and training
is completed.
 
    Revenue is recognized using the installment method when the revenue is
collectable over an extended period and no reasonable basis exists for
estimating collectibility.
 
                                     6
<PAGE>
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
    On a monthly basis, all individual franchisees are required to pay royalty
and marketing fees to the Company based upon a percentage of each franchisee's
sales (as defined). Such fees are recognized as revenue based upon reported or
estimated sales activity by the franchisees. Revenue from sales of supplies and
equipment is recognized when orders are shipped, or the lease is completed,
whichever is later.
 
    In FY95, the National Media Fund was created to administer national
advertising programs. The National Media Fund is managed by a committee of area
franchisees, individual franchisees and MBE. Certain advertising fees, based on
franchisees' sales (as defined), are collected by the Company for the National
Media Fund. Such advertising fees are not included in the accompanying financial
statements. As of April 30, 1996, the Company had advanced $770 thousand to the
National Media Fund to fund certain national advertising programs. These
advances, including interest, are to be repaid to the Company during FY97 based
on the collection of the advertising fees and availability of funds.
 
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
 
    The Company considers cash equivalents to be those instruments which have
original maturities of three months or less.
 
    In May 1993, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standard No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in
Debt and Equity Securities," effective for fiscal years beginning after December
15, 1993. The Company adopted the new standard beginning May 1, 1994. The
cumulative effect of the adoption of Statement No. 115 was immaterial.
Management determines the appropriate classification of debt securities at the
time of purchase and reevaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date.
Debt securities for which the Company does not have the intent or the ability to
hold to maturity are classified as available for sale along with the Company's
investments in equity securities.
 
    Securities classified as available for sale are carried at fair value, with
unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported in a separate component of
stockholders' equity. At April 30, 1996, the Company had no investments that
were classified as trading or held to maturity as defined by Statement No. 115.
 
    Realized gains and losses are included in interest income. The cost of
securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Interest on
securities classified as available for sale is included in interest income.
 
    The following is a summary of cash and the estimated fair value of available
for sale securities by balance sheet classification at April 30, 1996:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                  <C>
Cash and cash equivalents (In thousands):
Cash                                                                 $   1,339
Money market fund                                                           77
Short-term investments (In thousands):
U.S. Government guaranteed securities                                    4,000
Mutual fund preferred equity securities                                 17,825
                                                                     ---------
Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments              $  23,241
                                                                     ---------
                                                                     ---------
</TABLE>
 
    The estimated fair value of each investment approximates the amortized cost,
and therefore, there are no unrealized gains or losses as of April 30, 1996.
 
    "Restricted cash-franchisee deposits" is the amount that prospective
franchisees have deposited into a separate account managed by MBE. When all of
the requirements for recognizing revenue for an individual, area or master
license sale are completed (see the "Revenue Recognition" section of Note 1),
 
                                     7
<PAGE>
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
then the deposit amount is transferred from this separate account into MBE's
regular account and the revenue from the sale is recognized. If MBE's
obligations are not completed then these deposits are usually refundable. The
account, "Franchisee deposits", in the liability section of the balance sheet
includes the restricted cash deposit amount plus any other monies deposited with
MBE by its franchisees. These amounts are either not refundable or they are not
related to a sale.
 
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
 
    The Company invests its excess cash in debt and equity instruments of
financial institutions and corporations with strong credit ratings. The Company
has established guidelines relative to diversification and maturities that
attempt to maintain safety and liquidity. These guidelines are periodically
reviewed and modified to take advantage of trends in yields and interest rates.
The Company has not experienced any significant losses on its cash equivalents
or short-term investments.
 
    Receivables from franchisees include trade receivables, lease receivables
and notes receivable. Credit is extended based on an evaluation of the
franchisee's financial condition. Sales-type and direct financing leases are
collateralized by the leased equipment and fixtures.
 
    Trade receivables are not collateralized. However, the center ownership
transfer process requires that amounts owed be paid when a center is
transferred.
 
    Notes receivable from area franchisees and master licensees are
collateralized by the area rights or master license rights, respectively. Credit
losses are provided for in the financial statements.
 
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
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of resources and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories consist of supplies and equipment held for resale to franchisees
and equipment held for lease. Inventories are recorded at the lower of cost
(first-in, first-out method) or market.
 
RE-ACQUIRED INDIVIDUAL AND AREA FRANCHISE RIGHTS
 
    The Company repurchases franchise rights for two primary reasons. The
Company may repurchase area rights with the intention of developing a better
support system and then reselling the areas within a short period of time. The
Company may acquire individual center rights to upgrade the center and then
resell it within a short period of time. The Company had an investment of
approximately $638 thousand and $1.0 million in such individual and area rights
at April 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The Company may also repurchase the
area rights with the primary intention of retaining the royalties normally
shared with the former area franchisees and maintaining such rights as long-term
investments. The area repurchases have been accounted for as purchases as
opposed to pooling transactions. The Company records these area repurchases at
cost less accumulated amortization. Periodically the Company assesses the fair
value of these areas based on estimated cash flows to determine if an impairment
in the value has occurred and an adjustment is necessary. As of April 30, 1996
no adjustment is necessary. The Company had an investment of $3.2 million in
such area rights at April 30, 1996. Area franchise rights held as long-term
investments are amortized over a period of 20 years.
 
                                     8
<PAGE>
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization is
computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful
lives:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                            <C>
Building                                                       31.5 years
                                                               12.5-31.5
Building improvements                                          years
Office furniture and equipment                                 3-5 years
Vehicles                                                       3 years
</TABLE>
 
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
    During 1995, Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 123
"Accounting for Stock Based Compensation." The statement allows companies to
measure compensation cost in connection with employee stock compensation plans
using a fair value based method or to continue to use an intrinsic value based
method, which generally does not result in compensation expense. The Company
plans to continue using the intrinsic value based method.
 
    During FY96, the Company adopted SFAS No. 121, Accounting for the Impairment
of Long--Lived Assets. The effect of the adoption of SFAS 121 was not material.
 
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
 
    Earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of common shares
and common share equivalents (stock options) outstanding during the period.
 
INCOME TAXES
 
    The Company accounts for income taxes pursuant to Statement of Financial
Accounting Standard No. 109 "Accounting for Income Taxes."
 
2. NOTES RECEIVABLE
 
    Notes receivable consist of the following at April 30:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            1996       1995
                                                                          ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                       <C>        <C>
                                                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
Notes with interest rates ranging from 8%-14%, from individual
  franchisees, due at varying dates through 2004.                         $  11,170  $  10,220
Notes with interest rates ranging from 8%-14%, from area franchisees,
  due at varying dates through 2004.                                          6,611      6,220
Notes with interest rates ranging from 8.5%--11.75%, from master
  licensees, due at varying dates through 2001.                               1,806      2,469
                                                                          ---------  ---------
                                                                             19,587     18,909
Less portion due within one year                                             (6,756)    (6,065)
Less allowance for uncollectible notes                                       (2,000)    (1,415)
                                                                          ---------  ---------
                                                                          $  10,831  $  11,429
                                                                          ---------  ---------
                                                                          ---------  ---------
Interest earned for the fiscal year ended April 30:                       $   2,041  $   1,537
                                                                          ---------  ---------
                                                                          ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    Scheduled principal maturities for notes receivable as of April 30, 1996,
are as follows (in thousands): 1997--$6,756; 1998--$3,838; 1999--$3,188;
2000--$2,321; 2001--$1,566 and thereafter -$1,918.
 
                                     9
<PAGE>
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
    At April 30, 1996, the Company is obligated to fund approximately $350
thousand under certain financing programs offered to franchisees.
 
3.NET INVESTMENT SALES -TYPE AND DIRECT FINANCING LEASES
 
    The Company leases various types of office and computer equipment to
franchisees under three to eight-year lease agreements. The following summarizes
the components of the net investment in sales-type and direct financing leases
at April, 30:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            1996       1995
                                                                          ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                       <C>        <C>
                                                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
Total minimum lease payments to be received                               $  13,241  $  15,429
Less unearned income                                                         (3,309)    (4,100)
                                                                          ---------  ---------
Net investment in sales-type and direct financing leases                      9,932     11,329
Less portion due within one year                                             (2,414)    (2,489)
                                                                          ---------  ---------
                                                                          $   7,518  $   8,840
                                                                          ---------  ---------
                                                                          ---------  ---------
Interest earned for the fiscal year ended April 30:                       $   1,420  $   1,525
                                                                          ---------  ---------
                                                                          ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    Annual minimum lease payments subsequent to April 30, 1996, are as follows
(in thousands): 1997-- $3,608; 1998--$3,176; 1999 -$2,506; 2000--$1,759;
2001--$1,122; and thereafter--$1,070.
 
4. DEBT
 
    The Company has a line of credit with a bank which allows maximum borrowings
of $7 million. As of April 30, 1996, $0.8 million has been borrowed and $6.2
million is available for borrowing under the line of credit.
 
    The line of credit is unsecured and bears interest at a rate based on LIBOR
plus certain basis points (6.61% at April 30, 1996). The agreement expires on
September 1, 1998, at which time all outstanding borrowing can be converted to a
three-year term loan, which would be payable in equal monthly installments. The
line of credit agreement contains various covenants, including limitations on
additional indebtedness and maintaining certain financial ratios.
 
5. NOTES PAYABLE
 
    Long-term debt consists of notes payable to former area franchisees in 
connection with the repurchase of area franchise rights. Payments are made in 
monthly installments of $23 thousand including interest at 8% to 8.5% per 
annum. Included in notes payable is $816 thousand payable to a former area 
franchisee. Aggregate principal maturities on notes payable at April 30, 1996 
are as follows (in thousands): 1997--$162; 1998--$176; 1999--$174; 
2000--$154; 2001-- $167; and thereafter--$670.
 
                                     10
<PAGE>
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
6. INCOME TAXES
 
    The provision for income taxes consists of the following for each of the
years ended April 30:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          (IN THOUSANDS)
                                 -------------------------------
                                     1996       1995       1994
                                  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                               <C>        <C>        <C>
Current:
            Federal               $   5,324  $   4,352  $   3,841
            State                     1,344      1,088      1,138
                                  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                      6,668      5,440      4,979
Deferred:
            Federal                    (913)      (890)      (732)
            State                      (135)      (139)      (111)
                                  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                     (1,048)    (1,029)      (843)
                                  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                  $   5,620  $   4,411  $   4,136
                                  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                  ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    The Company has derived tax deductions measured by the excess of the market
value over the option price at the date employee stock options were exercised.
The cumulative related tax benefit of approximately $752 thousand has been
credited to common stock.
 
    Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets for federal and
state income taxes as of April 30 are:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS: 
                                      1996       1995       1994
<S>                                <C>        <C>        <C>
                                            (IN THOUSANDS)
                                   -------------------------------
Valuation reserves                 $   2,646  $   1,679  $     628
State taxes                              339        295        352
Deferred compensation                    168        131         96
                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
Total deferred tax assets          $   3,153  $   2,105  $   1,076
                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    A reconciliation between the amount of tax computed by multiplying income
before taxes by the applicable statutory rates and the amount of reported taxes
is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  1996       1995       1994
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                             <C>        <C>        <C>
Statutory rate                                  35.0%      34.0%      34.0%
State tax, net of federal tax benefit            5.5%       5.6%       6.5%
Other                                           (1.3%)     (0.1%)      0.2%
                                                -----      -----      -----
                                                39.2%      39.5%      40.7%
                                                -----      -----      -----
                                                -----      -----      -----
</TABLE>
 
7. STOCK OPTIONS
 
    The Company has granted options to directors, officers and key employees
under stock option plans to purchase shares of the Company's common stock.
 
    Options are generally granted at prices equal to the fair market value of
the shares at the date of grant and are generally exercisable in equal
increments over three to five years, commencing one year after the date of
grant. At April 30, 1996, 394 thousand options were exercisable and the Company
had nearly 3.0
 
                                     11
<PAGE>
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
million shares available for future grant under the stock option plan for
employees and 160 thousand shares available for future grant under the stock
option plans for outside directors. Transactions under the stock option plans
during FY96, FY95 and FY94 are summarized as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        PRICE PER
                                                                                  NUMBER OF SHARES        SHARE
                                                                                 -------------------  --------------
<S>                                                                              <C>                  <C>
                                                                                           (IN THOUSANDS)
Outstanding at April 30, 1993                                                               768        $ 2.91-20.50
Granted                                                                                     227         10.50-12.75
Exercised                                                                                   (72)         2.91- 9.43
Cancelled                                                                                   (76)         7.03-13.75
                                                                                          -----       --------------
Outstanding at April 30, 1994                                                               847          4.13-20.50
Granted                                                                                     258          6.81- 9.88
Exercised                                                                                  (146)         4.13- 7.74
Cancelled                                                                                   (45)         6.81-13.75
                                                                                          -----       --------------
Outstanding at April 30, 1995                                                               914          4.13-20.50
Granted                                                                                     441          8.25-18.88
Exercised                                                                                  (221)         4.13-13.75
Cancelled                                                                                   (21)         9.44-13.75
                                                                                          -----       --------------
Outstanding at April 30, 1996                                                             1,113        $ 4.13-20.50
                                                                                          -----       --------------
                                                                                          -----       --------------
</TABLE>
 
8. FRANCHISE FEES
 
    Franchise fees consist of the following for each of the years ended April
30:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         1996       1995       1994
                                                                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                    <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
Individual franchises                                                                  $   6,397  $   6,774  $   6,310
Area franchises                                                                              292         58        218
Master licenses & international fees                                                         957      1,170      1,142
Transfer and renewal fees                                                                    911        668        167
                                                                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                       $   8,557  $   8,670  $   7,837
                                                                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
9. ROYALTY EXPENSES
 
    Royalties shared with area franchisees are included in franchise operations
in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and are as follows (in
thousands): 1996--$11,686; 1995--$9,689; and 1994--$8,126.
 
10. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
    In November 1988, the Company adopted an amended and restated Stock Purchase
and Salary Savings Plan (Plan) covering substantially all employees that have
been employed for at least six months and meet other age and eligibility
requirements. Employees may contribute up to ten percent of compensation per
year (subject to a maximum limit by federal tax law) into various funds.
 
                                    12


<PAGE>
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
    Profit sharing contributions by the Company to the Plan are made at the
discretion of the Board of Directors and were $450 thousand, $420 thousand and
$120 thousand for the years ended April 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
At the discretion of the Board of Directors, the Company may also make annual
matching contributions to the Plan. Matching contributions for 1996, 1995 and
1994 were equal to 50% of the employee's contributions.
 
    The Company has entered into an employment agreement with its chief 
executive officer, under which the Company agreed to obtain a split dollar 
life insurance policy for his benefit. The Company contributed $100 thousand 
in both FY96 and FY95, towards the funding of this policy. The Company has 
retained an equity interest in this policy equal to the extent of its 
contributions. Consequently, there is no effect on the Company's earnings as 
a result of these contributions. Contributions after FY96 will be determined 
annually by the Board of Directors.
 
11. LITIGATION
 
    The Company has become subject to various lawsuits and claims from its
franchisees and former employees in the course of conducting its business. While
the Company intends to vigorously defend these actions, management is unable to
make a meaningful estimate of the amount or range of loss that could result from
an unfavorable outcome of all pending litigation. It is possible that the
Company's results of operations in a particular quarter or annual period could
be materially adversely affected by an ultimate unfavorable outcome of certain
pending litigation. Management believes, however, that the ultimate outcome of
all pending litigation should not have a material adverse effect on the
Company's financial position or liquidity.
 
12. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
    A significant portion of the franchisees' revenues is generated by UPS
services. The Company receives royalty revenue based on revenues earned by the
franchisees. The Company recognized royalty and marketing fee revenues generated
from UPS services of $9.3 million, $7.4 million and $5.9 million for the years
ended April 30, 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively.
 
13. QUARTERLY INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
 
    The following quarterly information includes all adjustments which
management considers necessary for a fair statement of such information. For
interim quarterly financial statements, the provision for
 
                                     13

<PAGE>

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
income taxes is estimated using the best available information for projected
results for the entire year (in thousands, except for per share data).
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FY96                                                                      FIRST     SECOND      THIRD     FOURTH
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                     <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Total revenues                                                          $  12,937  $  15,240  $  16,329  $  15,275
Total cost and expenses                                                    10,279     11,804     11,870     11,479
Provision for income taxes                                                  1,036      1,345      1,751      1,488
Net income                                                                  1,622      2,091      2,708      2,308
Earnings per share                                                            .14        .18        .24        .20
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FY95                                                                       FIRST     SECOND      THIRD     FOURTH
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Total revenues                                                           $   9,845  $  12,900  $  14,837  $  13,216
Total cost and expenses                                                      7,963     10,225     11,087     10,342
Provision for income taxes                                                     768      1,088      1,434      1,121
Net income                                                                   1,114      1,587      2,316      1,753
Earnings per share                                                             .10        .14        .20        .16
</TABLE>
 
                                     14


<PAGE>

                                MAIL BOXES ETC.
 
                     CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                      (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        JANUARY 31,    APRIL
                                                                           1997          30
                                                                        (UNAUDITED)     1996
                                                                        ---------  -----------
<S>                                                                     <C>        <C>
                                           ASSETS
Current Assets:
 Cash and cash equivalents                                              $   4,659   $   1,416
 Restricted cash--franchisee deposits                                       1,726       2,073
 Short-term investments                                                    25,386      21,825
 Accounts receivable, net                                                   6,105       6,799
 Receivable from National Media Fund                                       --             770
 Inventories                                                                  698         544
 Current portion of notes receivable                                        7,109       6,756
 Current portion of net investment in sales-type and direct financing
   leases                                                                   2,349       2,414
 Deferred income taxes                                                      1,846       1,846
 Re-acquired area and center rights held for resale                           784         638
 Other current assets                                                       1,143       1,063
                                                                        ---------  -----------
  Total current assets                                                     51,805      46,144
                                                                        
                                                                        
 Notes receivable, net                                                     10,601      10,831
 Net investment in sales-type and direct financing leases                   6,449       7,518
 Property and equipment, net                                                5,110       5,381
 Excess of cost over assets acquired, net                                     398         441
 Re-acquired area rights                                                    6,530       3,240
 Deferred income taxes                                                      1,307       1,307
 Other assets                                                               1,017         904
                                                                        ---------  -----------
  Total assets                                                          $  83,217   $  75,766
                                                                        ---------  -----------
                                                                        ---------  -----------
                             LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
 Accounts payable                                                       $   1,104   $   2,096
 Franchisee deposits                                                        2,308       2,619
 Royalties, referrals and commissions payable                               3,647       2,515
 Accrued employee expenses and related taxes                                1,620       1,963
 Other accrued expenses                                                     1,731       2,012
 Income taxes payable                                                         847         838
 Current maturities of debt and notes payable                                 430         958
                                                                        ---------  -----------
  Total current liabilities                                                11,687      13,001
                                                                        
                                                                        
Long-term debt, net of current maturities                                   4,023       1,402
Shareholders' equity:
 Preferred stock, no par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized,
   with none issued and outstanding                                        --          --
 Common stock, no par value, 40,000,000 shares authorized, with
   11,264,878 and 11,139,698 shares issued outstanding at January 31,
   1997 and April 30, 1996, respectively                                   15,931      14,944
Retained earnings                                                          51,576      46,419
                                                                        ---------  -----------
Total shareholders' equity                                                 67,507      61,363
                                                                        ---------  -----------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                              $  83,217   $  75,766
                                                                        ---------  -----------
                                                                        ---------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    See accompanying notes.

                                     15


<PAGE>
                                MAIL BOXES ETC.
 
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
                                    (Unaudited)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         THREE MONTHS ENDED    NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                        --------------------  --------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                                        01/31/97   01/31/96   01/31/97   01/31/96
                                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Revenue:
        Royalty and marketing fees                                      $  11,063  $  10,088  $  26,648  $  23,390
        Franchise fees                                                      2,211      1,871      6,742      6,293
        Sales of supplies and equipment                                     3,049      2,163      9,978      8,048
        Interest income on leases and other                                 2,190      1,584      6,341      4,947
        Company centers                                                       325        458        956      1,387
                                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
        Total revenues                                                     18,838     16,164     50,665     44,065
Cost and Expenses:
        Franchise operations                                                5,521      4,871     14,010     11,370
        Franchise development                                               1,392      1,150      4,345      3,902
        Cost of supplies and equipment sold                                 2,273      1,619      7,462      6,426
        Marketing                                                           1,452        907      4,513      3,081
        General and administrative                                          2,246      2,843      6,587      7,747
        Company centers                                                       320        480      1,001      1,426
        Litigation settlement expenses                                     --         --          5,000     --
                                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
            Total cost and expenses                                        13,204     11,870     42,918     33,952
Operating Income                                                            5,634      4,294      7,747     10,113
Interest on investments and other                                             233        165        709        441
                                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Income before provision for income taxes                                    5,867      4,459      8,456     10,554
Provision for income taxes                                                  2,310      1,751      3,299      4,132
                                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
        Net income                                                      $   3,557  $   2,708  $   5,157  $   6,422
                                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
        Net income per common share:                                    $     .30  $     .24  $     .44  $     .56
                                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding           11,798     11,495     11,782     11,410
                                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    See accompanying notes.
 
                                     16


<PAGE>
                                MAIL BOXES ETC.
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                                   (In thousands)
                                  (Unaudited)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                                JANUARY 31,
                                                                                               --------------------
                                                                                              1997          1996
                                                                                            ---------     ---------
<S>                                                                                            <C>        <C>
Operating Activities:
  Net income                                                                                   $5,157     $   6,422
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from (used in) operating
      activities:
      Depreciation and amortization                                                               805        769
      Gain on sale of equipment under sales-type lease agreements                                (361)      (437)
    Changes in assets and liabilities:
      Restricted cash                                                                             347        234
      Accounts and notes receivable                                                               466     (1,026)
      Receivable from National Media Fund                                                         770     (1,220)
      Assets leased to franchisees and inventories                                             (1,362)    (1,082)
      Re-acquired area and center rights                                                          (46)       526
      Other current assets                                                                        (80)        72
      Other assets                                                                                (316)      (145)
      Accounts payable                                                                            (992)       796
      Franchisee deposits                                                                         (311)      (123)
      Royalties, referrals and commissions payable                                               1,132      1,178
      Accrued employee expenses and related taxes                                                 (343)       166
      Other accrued expenses and litigation                                                       (188)       829
      Income taxes payable                                                                           9       (227)
                                                                                               ---------  ---------
          Net cash flows provided from operating activities                                      4,687      6,732
Investing Activities:
      Net change in short-term investments                                                      (3,561)    (5,074)
      Additions to property and equipment                                                         (307)      (246)
      Principal payments received on sales-type leases                                           2,703      2,815
      Re-acquired area rights                                                                     (439)      (135)
                                                                                               ---------  ---------
          Net cash flows used in investment activities                                          (1,604)    (2,640)
Financing Activities:
      Borrowings under revolving loan                                                             930       3,520
      Repayments under revolving loan                                                          (1,700)     (2,300)
      Repayments on notes payable                                                                (260)       (103)
      Repurchase of common shares                                                                (283)     (1,129)
      Proceeds from the issuance of common shares                                               1,473         997
                                                                                               ---------  ---------
          Net cash flows provided from financing activities                                       160         985
Increase in cash and cash equivalents                                                            3,243      5,077
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                                                 1,416        391
                                                                                               ---------  ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                                                       $4,659   $ 5,468
                                                                                               ---------  ---------
                                                                                               ---------  ---------
Supplemental Disclosure for Cash Flow Information:
      Cash paid during the period for income taxes                                               $3,351     $ 4,737
      Interest                                                                                      171         118
Supplemental Schedule with Non-Cash Investment and Financing

Activities:
      Equipment sold under sales-type agreements                                                 $1,568     $ 1,821
      Additions to debt for acquisition of equipment                                              --            109
      Additions to debt for acquisition of Area rights                                            1,343         --
</TABLE>
 
    See accompanying notes.
 
                                     17

<PAGE>


                                MAIL BOXES ETC.
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
ITEM 1.BASIS OF PRESENTATION:
 
    Note 1.Presentation
 
    The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of January 31, 1997, the
condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three-month periods and
nine-month periods ended January 31, 1997 and 1996, and the condensed
consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine-month periods then ended have
been prepared by Mail Boxes Etc. (the "Company") without audit. In the opinion 
of management, all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments)
necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, and 
cash flows have been made.
 
    Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in 
financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted 
accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. In addition, certain 
Risk Factors may also impact future financial reports. It is suggested that 
these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with 
the financial statements and notes thereto included in the 1996 Annual Report 
on Form 10-K, as well as the Risk Factors discussed in the Form 10-K report. 
The results of operations for the quarter and the nine months ended January 
31, 1997 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full 
year.
 
    Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period balances to conform
to current period presentations.
 
    Note 2.Litigation
 
    On November 6, 1996, the Company entered into a comprehensive settlement of
various lawsuits and claims made by certain franchisees in several lawsuits
being pursued in San Diego County Superior Court.
 
    Under the settlement agreement, the Company agreed to pay $4 million in cash
and deliver an aggregate amount of 39,080 shares of its common stock over a
period of two years. This settlement expense is reflected in the Company's
financial results for the second quarter ended October 31, 1996, by establishing
a $5 million reserve.
 
    The Company is still involved in various other lawsuits and potential claims
from its franchisees and employees which arise in the ordinary course of the
Company's business. While the Company cannot predict the outcome of all other
matters, management does not believe that the disposition of these other matters
will have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or
financial position.
 
                                      18



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