Back to GetFilings.com



                                             SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                                                   Washington, D.C. 20549

                                                          FORM 10-K

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

                                         For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000

                                             Commission File Number 333-53276


                                                   U.S. Can Corporation
                                  (Exact Name Of Registrant As Specified In Its Charter)



                Delaware                                                                       06-1094196
(State or other jurisdiction of                                        (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)


700 East Butterfield Road, Suite 250, Lombard, Illinois                                               60148
(Address of principal executive offices)                                                           (Zip code)

                             Registrant's telephone number, including area code (630) 678-8000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

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

         Indicate by check mark whether the  registrant  (1) has  filed all reports  required to be filed by  Section 13 or
15(d) of the  Securities  Exchange Act of 1934  (the"Exchange  Act") during the  preceding  12 months  (or for such shorter
period that the  registrant was required to file such reports),  and (2) has been subject to such filing  requirements  for
the past 90 days.

                                                       Yes |X| No |_|

         Indicate  by check mark if  disclosure  of  delinquent  filers  pursuant  to  Item 405  of  Regulation S-K  is not
contained  herein,  and will not be contained,  to the best of registrant's  knowledge,  in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. Yes |X|  No |_|

         As of February 28, 2001, 53,333,333 shares of Common Stock were outstanding.






                                                     TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                                                                    Page
                                                                                                                    ----

                                                          PART I

Item 1.          Business....................................................................................         3
Item 2.          Properties..................................................................................         7
Item 3.          Legal Proceedings...........................................................................         8
Item 4.          Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holder..........................................         9

                                                          PART II
Item 5.          Market for Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters....................................         9
Item 6.          Selected Financial Data.....................................................................         10
Item 7.          Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
                   Condition and Results of Operations.......................................................         11
Item 7A.         Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk..................................         15
Item 8.          Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.................................................         17
Item 9.          Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting
                   and Financial Disclosure..................................................................         50

                                                         PART III
Item 10.         Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant..........................................         50
Item 11.         Executive Compensation......................................................................         53
Item 12.         Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management..............................         60
Item 13.         Certain Relationships and Related Transactions..............................................         61

                                                          PART IV
Item 14.         Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K............................         65









                                         INCLUSION OF FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

         Certain  statements  in this  report  constitute  "forward-looking  statements"  within the meaning of the federal
securities  laws. Such statements  involve known and unknown risks and  uncertainties  which may cause the Company's actual
results,  performance or  achievements  to be materially  different than any future  results,  performance or  achievements
expressed or implied in this report.  By way of example and not  limitation  and in no  particular  order,  known risks and
uncertainties  include  our  substantial  debt and ability to generate  positive  cash flows;  the timing and cost of plant
closures;  the level of cost reduction achieved through  restructuring;  the success of new technology;  the timing of, and
synergies  achieved  through,  integration  of  acquisitions;  changes  in market  conditions  or product  demand;  loss of
important  customers;  changes in raw  material  costs;  and currency  fluctuations.  In light of these and other risks and
uncertainties,  the inclusion of a  forward-looking  statement in this report should not be regarded as a representation by
the Company that any future results, performance or achievements will be attained.

                                                          PART I

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS

General

                U.S. Can  Corporation  (a Delaware  corporation),  through its wholly owned  subsidiary,  United States Can
Company, is a leading manufacturer,  by sales volume, of steel containers for personal care, household,  automotive, paint,
industrial  and specialty  products in the United States and Europe.  We also are a manufacturer  of plastic  containers in
the United States and food cans in Europe. We have long-standing  relationships with many well-known  consumer products and
paint manufacturers in the United States and Europe,  including Gillette,  Reckitt Benckiser and Sherwin Williams.  We also
produce  seasonal  holiday tins sold by mass  merchandisers.  References in this report include U.S. Can  Corporation  (the
"Corporation"  or "U.S.  Can"),  its wholly owned  subsidiary,  United States Can Company  ("United States Can"),  and U.S.
Can's subsidiaries (the "Subsidiaries").

                We hold the number one market position in steel aerosol cans,  based on sales volume,  in the United States
and the number two market  position in Europe.  In  addition,  we hold the number two market  position in paint cans in the
United States,  by unit volume.  We attribute our market  leadership to our ability to  consistently  provide  high-quality
products and service at competitive prices, while continually  improving our product-related  technologies.  The references
in this  Report  to market  positions  or  market  share  are based on  information  derived  from  annual  reports,  trade
publications and management estimates which the Company believes to be reliable.  For financial  information about business
segments and geographic areas, refer to Note (13) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Recapitalization

                On  October  4,  2000,  Pac  Packaging  Acquisition  Corporation  and  U.S.  Can  Corporation  merged  in a
recapitalization   transaction,   with  U.S.  Can  Corporation  being  the  surviving  corporation.  As  a  result  of  the
recapitalization,  U.S. Can Corporation,  which was previously a publicly traded company,  became a private company and its
common  stock  was  delisted  from  the New  York  Stock  Exchange.  See  further  discussion  on the  recapitalization  in
Management's  Discussion  and Analysis of Financial  Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital  Resources
and Note (3) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Business Segments

We have four major  business  segments:  Aerosol  Products;  International  Operations;  Paint,  Plastic and  General  Line
Products; and Custom and Specialty Products.

         Aerosol Products

                As the largest  producer of steel  aerosol  cans in the United  States by sales  volume,  we have a leading
position in all of the major aerosol  consumer  product lines,  including  personal care,  household,  automotive and spray
paint cans. We offer a wide range of aerosol  containers to meet our customer  requirements  including  stylized  necked-in
cans and barrier  pack cans used for products  that cannot be mixed with a  propellant,  such as shaving  gel.  Most of the
aerosol cans that we produce  employ a lithography  process that consists of printing our  customers'  designs and logos on
flat sheets of tinplate, prior to formation into cans.

                Steel aerosol cans represent our largest segment,  accounting for approximately  44.2%,  49.8% and 48.9% of
our total net sales in 2000,  1999 and 1998,  respectively.  In 2000,  we  manufactured  over 50% of the steel aerosol cans
produced in the United States.





         International Operations

                We  produce  steel  aerosol  cans and steel food cans in  Europe.  We also  supply  steel  aerosol  cans to
customers in Latin America  through  Formametal  S.A., our joint venture in Argentina.  On  December 30,  1999, we acquired
May  Verpackungen  GmbH & Co., KG ("May"),  a German  manufacturer  of steel food  packaging and aerosol cans. May also has
provided us with diversification across our product lines and customer base.

                International  Operations represents our second largest segment,  accounting for approximately 29.6%, 17.7%
and 16.4% of our total net sales in 2000,  1999 and 1998,  respectively.  In 2000, we were the second  largest  producer of
steel aerosol cans in Europe and manufactured  over 25% of the steel aerosol cans produced.  May is a leading European food
can producer with more than 20% of the German food can market, by sales volume.

         Paint, Plastic & General Line Products

                Our primary paint,  plastic and general line products  include steel paint and coating  containers,  oblong
steel cans for products such as turpentine and charcoal  lighter fluid,  plastic pails and other  containers for industrial
products,  such as spackle and dry wall  compounds,  and consumer  products,  such as swimming  pool  chemicals  and paint.
Management  estimates that U.S. Can is second in market share in the United States,  on a unit volume basis, in steel round
and general line containers.  Among our largest customers for these products are Sherwin Williams and ICI Industries.

                Paint,  plastic and general line products  accounted for approximately  19.8%, 22.9% and 23.5% of our total
net sales in 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.

         Custom & Specialty Products

                We also have a significant  presence in the custom and specialty products market,  offering a wide range of
decorative and specialty  products.  Our primary products include a wide array of functional and decorative  containers and
tins,  fitments and stampings,  and collectible items, such as decorative metal signs and canister sets. These products are
generally  custom designed and decorated and are typically  produced in smaller  quantities  than our other  products.  Our
customers in this segment include Wyeth Nutritionals, Keebler Company and Liz Claiborne Cosmetics.

                Custom and specialty  products  accounted for approximately  6.4%, 9.5% and 10.4% of our total net sales in
2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.

Customers and Sales Force

                As of December 31, 2000, in the United  States,  we had  approximately  7,000  customers,  with our largest
customer  accounting for 7.6% of our total net sales in 2000. To the extent possible,  we enter into one-year or multi-year
supply  agreements  with our major  customers.  Some of these  agreements  specify the number of containers a customer will
purchase (or the mechanism for determining  this number),  pricing,  volume  discounts (if any) and, in the case of many of
our domestic and some of our international  multi-year supply agreements,  a provision  permitting us to pass through price
increases in specified raw material and other costs.

                We  market  our  products   primarily  through  a  sales  force  comprised  of  inside  and  outside  sales
representatives  dedicated to each segment.  As of December 31, 2000, we had 87 sales  representatives in the United States
and 39 sales  representatives  in  Europe.  Each  sales  representative  is  responsible  for  growing  sales in a specific
geographic region and is compensated by a salary and a bonus based on sales volume targets.

                Over the past several years, we have focused on providing value added services to our customers.  Beginning
in 1999 and continuing  through 2000, we established a new marketing  organization,  and are in the process of implementing
a strategic  marketing plan. We have conducted  customer  interviews to determine our performance  against customer service
expectations.  A key element to our strategic  marketing plan is changing the selling process from being  product-driven to
being  solution-driven  with the ultimate objective of becoming an informed business partner with our customers rather than
merely a product  supplier.  A number of strategic  supplier  alliances  have been formed to support  customers with global
manufacturing needs such as Gillette and Reckitt Benckiser.

Raw Materials

                Our principal raw materials are tin-plated steel,  referred to as tin-plate,  and coatings and inks used to
print our customers'  designs and logos onto  tin-plate.  Tin-plate  represents our largest raw material cost. Our domestic
operations  purchase  tin-plate  principally  from domestic  steel  manufacturers,  with a smaller  portion  purchased from
foreign suppliers. Our European operations purchase tin-plate principally from European suppliers.

                We believe that adequate  quantities of tin-plate will continue to be available  from steel  manufacturers.
Our largest  domestic steel  suppliers are U.S. Steel,  Weirton Steel and LTV, while Corus,  Usinor and Aceralia supply the
largest volume in Europe.  We have not  historically  entered into written  supply  contracts with steel makers and believe
that other container manufacturers follow the same practice.

                Our domestic and European operations purchase  approximately 500,000 tons of tin-plate annually.  Tin-plate
prices  have  increased  slightly  over the last five  years.  Historically,  we have been able to  negotiate  lower  price
increases than those announced by our major suppliers.

                While there is some  long-term  variability,  tin-plate  prices are fairly  stable and price  increases are
announced several months before  implementation.  This stability enhances our ability to communicate and negotiate required
selling price increases with our customers and minimizes  fluctuations of our gross margins.  Many of our domestic and some
of our  international  multi-year  supply agreements with our customers permit us to pass through tin-plate price increases
and, in some cases,  other raw material costs.  However,  we have not always been able to immediately  offset  increases in
tin-plate prices with price increases on our products.

                Coatings and inks,  which are used to coat  tin-plate  and print  designs and logos,  represent  our second
largest raw material  expense.  We purchase  coatings  and inks from  regional  suppliers in the United  States and Europe.
These products  historically have been readily available,  and we expect to be able to meet our needs for coatings and inks
in the foreseeable future.

                Our plastic products are produced from two main types of resins,  which are petroleum- or natural gas-based
products.  High-density  polyethylene  resin  is  used  to  make  pails,  drums  and  agricultural  products.  We use  100%
post-industrial  and  post-consumer  use,  recycled  polypropylene  resin in the  production of the Plastite(R)line of paint
cans. The price of resin  fluctuates  significantly,  and we believe that it is standard  industry  practice,  as well as a
provision of  many of our customer contracts, to pass on increases and decreases in resin prices to our customers.

Seasonality

         The  Company's  business  as a whole has minor  seasonal  variations.  Quarterly  sales  and  earnings  tend to be
slightly stronger  starting in early spring (second quarter) through late summer (third quarter).  Aerosol sales have minor
increases in the spring and summer related to increased sales of containers for household  products and insect  repellents.
Paint container sales tend to be stronger in spring and early summer due to the favorable weather  conditions.  Portions of
the Custom and Specialty  products  line tend to vary  seasonally,  because of holiday  sales late in the year.  May's food
can sales generally peak in the third and fourth quarters.





Labor

                As of February  1, 2001,  we employed  approximately  2,700  salaried  and hourly  employees  in the United
States.  Of our total U.S.  workforce,  approximately  1,700  employees,  or 63%,  were  members of various  labor  unions,
including the United Steelworkers of America,  the International  Association of Machinists and the Graphic  Communications
International  Union.  Labor  agreements  covering 630 employees  were  successfully  negotiated in 2000. As of February 1,
2001, our European  subsidiaries  employed  approximately 1,400 people. In line with common European practices,  all plants
are unionized.

                We  have  followed  a  labor  strategy  designed  to  enhance  our  flexibility  and  productivity  through
constructive  relations with our employees and  collective  bargaining  units.  Our practice is to deal directly with local
labor  unions on  employment  contract  issues and other  employee  concerns.  We believe  that we and our  employees  have
benefited from this approach,  and we intend to continue this practice in the future.  This practice also has the effect of
staggering  renewal  negotiations  with the various  bargaining units. We believe that our relations with our employees and
their collective bargaining units are generally good.

Competition

                Quality,  service  and price are the  principal  methods  of  competition  in the rigid  metal and  plastic
container  industry.  To compete  effectively,  we must strategically  locate supply facilities to reduce the added cost of
shipping cans long distances.  In addition,  competition in our industry limits our ability to raise prices for many of our
top products.

                In the U.S. steel aerosol can market,  we compete  primarily with Crown Cork & Seal.  Because steel aerosol
cans are  pressurized  and are used for personal care,  household and other packaged  products,  they are more sensitive to
quality, can decoration and other consumer-oriented features than some of our other products.

                Our European  subsidiaries  compete with Crown Cork & Seal,  Impress  Metal  Packaging and a group of other
smaller regional producers. Crown Cork & Seal is larger and may have greater financial resources than we do.

                In metal paint and general line  products,  we compete  primarily  with BWAY  Corporation  and one smaller,
regional manufacturer. Our plastic products line competes with many regional companies.

                Our custom and specialty  products  compete with a large number of container  manufacturers,  but we do not
compete across the entire product spectrum with any single company.  Competition is based principally on quality,  service,
price,  geographical proximity to customers and production  capability,  with varying degrees of intensity according to the
specific product category.

                Our products also face competition from aluminum, glass and plastic containers.

Acquisitions

                On December 30,  1999, the Company  acquired all of the partnership  interests of May  Verpackungen  GmbH &
Co., KG ("May"),  a German  limited  liability  company,  in a transaction  accounted for using the purchase  method.  May,
headquartered in Erftstadt,  Germany, is a manufacturer of pet food and specialty food packaging,  as well as aerosol cans.
Historically, the Company has not had a significant presence in the food can market.

                On  February  20,  2001,  we  acquired  certain  assets  of  Olive  Can  Company,  a Custom  and  Specialty
manufacturer.  The  acquisition,  which  is not  material  to the  Company's  operations  or  financial  position,  will be
accounted for as a purchase.

                The Company  believes that strategic  acquisition  opportunities  are important to its growth.  The Company
will continue to evaluate and selectively  pursue  acquisitions which adhere to U.S. Can's stated strategy of seeking rigid
packaging  companies  that will  complement and grow the Company's  existing  product base. If  acquisitions  are made, the
Company would expect to finance them through cash and debt financing as  appropriate  under the conditions in effect at the
time of the acquisition.

                Refer to the caption  "Acquisitions"  in  Management's  Discussion and Analysis of Financial  Condition and
Results of Operations and Note (5) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of these matters.

ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES

                We have 16 plants located in the United States,  many of which are strategically  positioned near principal
customers and suppliers.  Through our European  subsidiaries,  we also have  production  locations in the largest  regional
markets in Europe,  including  Denmark,  France,  Germany,  Italy,  Spain and the United Kingdom.  The following table sets
forth certain information with respect to our principal plants as of December 31, 2000.

Location                                     Size (in sq.          Status                          Segment
- --------                                     -------------         ------                          -------
                                                      ft.)
                                                      ----

United States
Elgin, IL................................          481,346          Owned                          Aerosol
Tallapoosa, GA...........................          249,480          Owned                          Aerosol
Commerce, CA.............................          215,860         Leased  Paint, Plastic and General Line
Burns Harbor, IN.........................          190,000         Leased                          Aerosol
Hubbard, OH..............................          174,970          Owned  Paint, Plastic and General Line
Elkridge, MD.............................          150,000         Leased             Custom and Specialty
Baltimore, MD............................          137,000          Owned             Custom and Specialty
Horsham, PA..............................          132,000          Owned                          Aerosol
Morrow, GA...............................          110,160         Leased  Paint, Plastic and General Line
Weirton, WV..............................          108,000         Leased                          Aerosol
Danville, IL.............................          100,000          Owned                          Aerosol
Newnan, GA...............................           95,000         Leased  Paint, Plastic and General Line
Dallas, TX...............................           87,000          Owned  Paint, Plastic and General Line
Baltimore, MD............................           55,000         Leased             Custom and Specialty
Alliance, OH.............................           52,000         Leased  Paint, Plastic and General Line
New Castle, PA...........................           22,750          Owned             Custom and Specialty
Europe
Erftstadt, Germany.......................          369,000         Leased                    International
Merthyr Tydfil, United Kingdom (2).......          320,000         Leased                    International
Southall, United Kingdom.................          253,000          Owned                    International
Laon, France (1).........................          220,000          Owned                    International
Reus, Spain..............................          182,250          Owned                    International
Dageling, Germany........................          172,224          Owned                    International
Itzehoe, Germany.........................           80,730          Owned                    International
Esbjerg, Denmark.........................           66,209          Owned                    International
Voghera, Italy...........................           45,200         Leased                    International
Schwedt, Germany.........................           35,500         Leased                    International

(1)      Subject to a mortgage in favor of Societe Generale.

(2)      The  property  at  Merthyr  Tydfil is subject to a  999-year  lease  with a  pre-paid  option to buy that  becomes
         exercisable in January 2007.  Up to that time, the landowner may require us to purchase the property for a payment
         of one Pound Sterling.  Currently,  the leasehold interest in, and personal property located at, Merthyr Tydfil is
         subject  to a pledge  to secure  amounts  outstanding  under a credit  agreement  with  General  Electric  Capital
         Corporation.

                We believe our  facilities are adequate for our present needs and that our properties are generally in good
condition,  well-maintained  and suitable for their intended use. We  continuously  evaluate the composition of our various
manufacturing  facilities in light of current and expected market  conditions and demand,  and may further  consolidate our
plant operations in the future.

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Environmental Matters

                Our  operations  are  subject to  environmental  laws in the  United  States and  abroad,  including  those
described  below. Our capital and operating  budgets include costs and expenses  associated with complying with these laws,
including  the  acquisition,  maintenance  and repair of  pollution  control  equipment,  and routine  measures to prevent,
contain and clean up spills of materials  that occur in the ordinary  course of our business.  In addition,  our production
facilities require environmental  permits that are subject to revocation,  modification and renewal. We believe that we are
in substantial  compliance  with  environmental  laws and our  environmental  permit  requirements,  and that the costs and
expenses  associated  with this  compliance  are not material to our  business.  However,  additional  operating  costs and
capital  expenditures could be incurred if, among other developments,  additional or more stringent  requirements  relevant
to our operations are promulgated.

                From time to time,  contaminants  from current or historical  operations  have been detected at some of our
present and former sites,  principally in connection  with the removal or closure of underground  storage tanks. We are not
currently  aware  that  any of our  facility  locations  have  material  outstanding  claims  or  obligations  relating  to
contamination issues.

                We have been  designated  as a  potentially  responsible  party at  various  superfund  sites in the United
States,  including a former site located in San Leandro,  California.  As a potentially responsible party, we are or may be
legally responsible,  jointly and severally with other members of the potentially  responsible party group, for the cost of
environmental  remediation at these sites.  Based on currently  available data, we believe our  contribution to these sites
was, in most cases, minimal.

                Through corporate due diligence and the Company's compliance management system, we recently identified
potential noncompliance with the environmental laws at our New Castle, Pennsylvania facility related to the possible use
of a coating or coatings inconsistent with the conditions in the facility's Clean Air Act Title V permit.  Upon
identification, the Company immediately began a full review of the plant's Title V and related records.  On February 5,
2001, the Company also voluntarily self-reported the potential noncompliance to the Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection (PDEP) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in accordance with PDEP's and EPA's
policies.  Both PDEP and EPA have indicated that they will address the Company's self-disclosure through the annual
compliance certification process under the Title V program.  Because the Company's review is in its initial phase, the
Company is unable, at this time, to determine the nature, extent and/or effect of any possible noncompliance.

Litigation

                We are involved in litigation  from time to time in the ordinary  course of our  business.  In our opinion,
the litigation is not material to our financial condition or results of operations.

                In May 1998,  the National Labor Relations Board issued a decision  ordering us to pay $1.5 million in back
pay, plus interest,  for a violation of certain  sections of the National  Labor  Relations Act. The violation was a result
of our  closure of several  facilities  in 1991 and our  failure to offer  inter-plant  job  opportunities  to 25  affected
employees.  We have  appealed this decision on the grounds,  among  others,  that we are entitled to a credit  against this
award  for  certain  supplemental  unemployment  benefits  and  pension  payments.  We  presented  oral  arguments  in late
September 2000, and are awaiting the decision of the court. We believe this appeal will be successful.

                On  September 20,  2000, a class action  lawsuit was filed  against U.S.  Can  Corporation,  Pac  Packaging
Acquisition  Corporation,  the directors of U.S. Can Corporation  prior to the  recapitalization  and Carl  Ferenbach.  The
complaint  challenges  the  recapitalization  and alleges  inadequate  disclosure  with respect to U.S.  Can  Corporation's
filings with the  Securities and Exchange  Commission  and  violations of Delaware law. The complaint  seeks to rescind the
recapitalization  and requests that the defendants pay unspecified  monetary  damages,  costs and attorney's fees. U.S. Can
has held discussions and based on those  discussions  believes it is likely that this matter will be settled,  by requiring
us to pay $0.20 per share to the former  stockholders  of U.S. Can  Corporation as of October 4, 2000,  less a fee award to
the  plaintiffs'  counsel.  The  settlement  agreement  remains  subject to final  approval  by the parties  involved,  the
preparation of definitive  settlement documents,  delivery of notice to the relevant U.S. Can Corporation  stockholders and
approval by the Delaware Court of Chancery  following a hearing.  We cannot assure you that the  settlement  agreement will
be approved by the required parties.

                For further discussion on legal and environmental matters refer to Note (10) to the Consolidated  Financial
Statements.

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
                Not applicable
                                                           PART II

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

                U.S. Can has approximately 20 common stockholders.  It has not paid, and has no present intention to pay,
cash dividends.  As U.S. Can Corporation has no operations, its only source of cash for dividends or distributions is
United States Can Company.  There are stringent limitations in the Senior Secured Credit Facility ("the Facility") on
United States Can's ability to fund or pay cash dividends to U.S. Can Corporation.

                On October 4, 2000, U.S. Can Corporation sold (i) $106.7 million of preferred stock to Berkshire Partners,
its co-investors and certain other then existing stockholders and (ii) $53.3 million of common stock to Berkshire
Partners, its co-investors, several other then existing stockholders and management.  No general  form of advertising or
solicitation was used in connection with such sales and all the purchasers were accredited investors within the meaning
of Section 501(a) of Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").  Such sales were
exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(2) thereof.  No underwriters were
used, and no discounts or commissions were paid, in respect of such sales.  See Item 13 - Certain Relationships and
Related Transactions - Stockholders' Agreement and - Preferred Stock.

                On October 4, 2000, United States Can Company issued $175.0 million aggregate principal amount  of its 12
3/8% senior subordinated notes due 2010 to a number of "qualified institutional investors" who purchased pursuant to Rule
144A under the Securities Act and to a number of non-U.S. persons pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act.
Salomon Smith Barney Inc. and Banc of America Securities LLC acted as initial purchasers in connection with the initial
resale of such securities and received gross commissions and discounts equal to $4.6 million.

                The net proceeds from the sale of these securities were used to fund the payments required to effect the
recapitalization discussed above, to tender for all of our 10 1/8% Senior Subordinated Notes (including paying accrued
interest and the bond tender premium) and refinance a majority of our existing senior debt; and to pay related fees and
expenses.  See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and
Capital Resources."






ITEM 6.   SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

                                            U.S. CAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                                       (000's omitted)

                                                                         For the Year Ended December 31,
                                                                         -------------------------------
                                                        2000           1999          1998          1997          1996
                                                        ----           ----          ----          ----          ----
Operating Data:
Net sales........................................    $   809,497   $   732,897    $  730,951    $  777,140    $  678,359
Special charges (a)..............................          3,413            --        35,869        62,980            --
Recapitalization charge (b)......................         18,886            --            --            --            --
Operating income (loss)..........................         48,153        66,975        21,748        (8,093)       58,727
Income (loss) from continuing operations
   before discontinued operations
   and extraordinary item........................          3,341        22,452        (7,525)      (29,906)       16,555
Discontinued operations, net of income taxes ( a )
   Net income (loss) from discontinued operations             --            --            --         1,078           446
   Net loss on sale of business..................             --            --        (8,528)       (3,204)           --
Extraordinary item - loss from early
   extinguishment of debt, net of income taxes (c)                 (14,863)       (1,296)       --            --
(5,250)
   Net income (loss) before preferred stock dividends    (11,522)       21,156       (16,053)      (32,032)       11,751
   Preferred stock dividend requirements (d).....         (2,601)           --            --            --            --
   Net income (loss) available for
   common shareholders...........................    $   (14,123)  $    21,156    $  (16,053)   $  (32,032)   $   11,751

BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Total assets.....................................    $   637,864   $   663,570    $  555,571    $  633,704    $  643,616
Total working capital............................         74,244        37,734        76,112        80,771       105,630
Total debt.......................................        495,045       359,317       316,673       376,141       375,810
Total redeemable preferred stock.................        109,268            --            --            --            --
Total stockholders' equity (e)...................       (174,323)       68,556        50,177        62,313        96,785

(a)      See Note 4 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements."

(b)      See Note 3 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements."

(c)      See Note 6 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements."

(d)      See Note 12 of the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements."

(e)      Negative  stockholders'  equity  in  2000  was  caused  by the  recapitalization.  See  Note 3 of  the  "Notes  to
          Consolidated Financial Statements."







ITEM 7.          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

                The following discussion summarizes the significant factors affecting the consolidated operating results
and financial condition of the Company and subsidiaries for the three years ended December 31, 2000. This discussion
should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial
statements.

Year Ended December 31, 2000 Compared To Year Ended December 31, 1999

                Consolidated net sales for the year ended December 31, 2000 were $809.5 million as compared to $732.9
million in 1999, an increase of 10.5%. The increase was principally due to the acquisition of May Verpackungen in
December 1999. Along business segment lines, Aerosol net sales in 2000 decreased to $357.7 million from $365.3 million in
1999, a 2.1% decline, due principally to decreased unit volume. International net sales increased to $239.6 million in
2000 from $129.6 million in 1999, an increase of $110.0 million or 84.9%, due to the May acquisition.  Net sales for 2000
for May were $118.2 million. There was a $9.4 million negative impact in 2000 due to U.S. dollar translation on sales
made in foreign currencies. The Paint, Plastic and General Line segment had a 4.2% decrease in net sales, from $167.6
million in 1999 to $160.5 million in 2000.  This decrease is due to the loss of a Plastite customer in 1999 coupled with
an overall decrease in product demand. In the Custom & Specialty segment, sales were down 25.9% from $69.8 million in
1999 to $51.7 million in 2000, primarily due to the sale of the Wheeling metal closure and Warren lithography businesses
(see Note (4) to the Consolidated Financial Statements).  Excluding Wheeling and Warren, net sales were down 7.3% from
$52.1 million in 1999 to $48.3 million in 2000.

                Consolidated cost of goods sold of $693.2 million for 2000 was up $62.8 million, a 10.0% increase from
1999. The principal reason for the increase was the May acquisition ($105.0 million in 2000) offset by the sale of the
Wheeling metal closure and the Warren lithography businesses ($11.4 million), $8.0 million negative impact in 2000 due to
U.S. dollar translation on sales made in foreign currencies, and decreased volume combined with operating efficiencies of
$22.8 million. Gross profit margin of 14.4% in 2000 increased 0.4% from 1999.  Throughout the Company, there is a
continuing focus on cost savings and expense reduction opportunities.

                Selling, general and administrative costs increased from $35.5 million to $45.9 million between 1999 and
2000. The increase is primarily due to the acquisition of May Verpackungen in December 1999 which accounted for $7.8
million of the increase. The remainder of the increase is due to higher marketing expenses being invested to improve
customer service. As a percent of sales, selling, general and administrative costs increased from 4.9% in 1999 to 5.7% in
2000.

                On July 7, 2000, a reduction in force program was announced , under which 81 salaried and 39 hourly
positions have been eliminated. A one-time pre-tax charge of $3.4 million for severance and other termination related
costs was recorded in the third quarter of 2000. Annual savings of $5.0 million are expected to be realized from this
program.  There also was an $18.9 million charge in the fourth quarter of 2000 related to the recapitalization. See Notes
(3) and (4) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion on the recapitalization and the special
charge, respectively.

                Interest expense in 2000 increased 35.3%, or $10.6 million, versus 1999. Increased interest expense can be
attributed to borrowings made in connection to the May acquisition (which occurred on December 30, 1999) and with the
recapitalization transaction.  See caption "Liquidity and Capital Resources" and Notes (3), (5) and (6) to the
Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion on the recapitalization transaction, the May acquisition and the
Company's debt position.

                In connection with the recapitalization, substantially all of the Company's 10 1/8% subordinated notes
were redeemed and an extraordinary charge for the redemption premium and the write-off of related deferred financing
costs of $14.9 million (net of related income taxes) was recorded.  In addition, a payment in kind dividend of $2.6
million on the redeemable preferred stock issued in connection with the recapitalization was recorded in 2000.  See Note
(12) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Year Ended December 31, 1999 Compared To Year Ended December 31, 1998

                Consolidated  net sales for the year ended  December  31,  1999 were  $732.9  million,  an increase of 0.3%
versus  $731.0 million in 1998. Along business segment lines,  Aerosol net sales increased 2.1% from $357.8 million in 1998
to $365.3 million in 1999, primarily due to increased U.S. demand.  International  operations  experienced an 8.1% increase
in net sales,  from the $119.9 million  reported in 1998 to $129.6 million in 1999.  Increased  efficiencies and production
at the Wales facility is the primary contributor to the growth  internationally.  Consistent with expectations,  the Paint,
Plastic and General Line segment had a 2.3%  decrease in net sales from $171.6  million in 1998 to $167.6  million in 1999,
due to reduced  customer  requirements  during the year. In the Custom and Specialty  segment,  sales  decreased  8.4% from
$76.2 million in 1998 to $69.8 million in 1999, due  principally to significant  liquidation of excess holiday  products in
early 1998 and softer markets in 1999. Key management  changes were made in mid-1999 to address Custom and Specialty  sales
and operational issues.

                Consolidated  cost of goods sold of  $630.4 million  for 1999  decreased  $8.5 million,  an 1.3%  decrease,
versus  $638.9 million  in 1998 due to  consolidation  of operations and an increased  focus on cost saving  opportunities.
Gross  margin of 14.0%  compares  favorably  to the 12.6%  reported  in 1998 due to  benefits  derived  from  restructuring
programs,  productivity  improvements as a result of line speed-ups and cost reduction  programs  instituted in the plants,
as well as the ramp-up of the Wales facility.

                Selling,  general and administrative  costs increased 2.9% from $34.5 million to $35.5 million between 1998
and 1999. As a percent of sales, selling, general and administrative costs remained flat at 4.8%.

                In the third quarter of 1998, a pre-tax special charge of $35.9 million was established.  The provision was
for the closure of several  facilities  and  write-downs  of non-core  businesses.  Costs related to closing and realigning
selected  lithography  facilities  servicing  the core  business was also included in the provision as part of our national
lithography strategy. The 1998 special charge included charges for non-cash items of $27.7 million.

                Interest expense in 1999 was $29.9 million,  a decrease of 14.4%, or $5.0 million,  versus $34.9 million in
1998.  Prior to the May acquisition in late December,  long-term debt had been reduced by  $48.0 million as excess cash was
used to redeem  some of the 10 1/8%  notes due 2006.  Including  the May  acquisition,  long-term  debt  increased  3.4% or
$10.6 million  in 1999 as compared to 1998. In 1999, there were 10 months in which no borrowings were made under the credit
agreement.

                In 1999, a $1.3 million  extraordinary  charge (net of related income taxes of  $0.8 million)  was recorded
for the early redemption  premium on  $27.7 million  of the 10 1/8% notes and the write-off of related  deferred  financing
costs.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

                During 2000,  liquidity  needs were met through  internally  generated  cash flow, the sale of the Wheeling
metal closures and Warren lithography  businesses,  borrowings made under lines of credit and a sale/leaseback  transaction
of certain  manufacturing  assets.  Principal  liquidity needs included  working capital  (primarily  inventory and accrued
expenses),  the  recapitalization,  debt and interest payments and capital  expenditures.  Cash flow provided by operations
was  $28.7 million  for the year ended  December 31, 2000,  compared to cash provided of  $62.5 million  for the year ended
December 31, 1999.  The decrease was primarily due to the aforementioned working capital needs.

                Net cash used in investing  activities was $8.6 million in 2000, as compared to $91.5 million in 1999. Cash
was provided in 2000 by the sale of the Wheeling metal closure and Warren  lithography  businesses  for $12.1 million,  and
the  sale/leaseback  transaction  of certain  manufacturing  assets.  Cash used for investing  activities for 1999 included
$63.8 million paid to acquire May. Total capital  expenditures  in 2000 were  $24.5 million  versus  $31.0 million  in 1999
(which included the installation of two new  state-of-the-art  lithography  presses).  Capital expenditures are expected to
be  approximately  $150.0  to  $200.0 million  during  the  five  years  commencing  2001,  in  roughly  equal  amounts  of
$30.0 million  to  $40.0 million a year. They are expected to be funded from operations and borrowings  under the revolving
credit facility.  Capital  investments have historically  yielded reduced operating costs and improved profit margins,  and
management  believes that the strategic  deployment of capital will enable overall  profitability  to improve by leveraging
the economies of scale inherent in the manufacturing of containers

                Concurrent with the  recapitalization,  $175.0 million Senior  Subordinated Notes ("the Notes") were issued
and the Senior Secured  Credit  Facility  ("the  Facility")  was placed.  The Notes will mature on October 4, 2010 and will
bear  interest at a rate of 12 3/8% per annum until  maturity.  The Company will pay interest  semiannually  on April 1 and
October 1 of each year,  beginning  April 1,  2001.  The Facility  provides for two tranches of term loans in the aggregate
principal amount of  $260.0 million.  In addition,  the Facility provides for a revolving credit facility that will provide
revolving  loans in an  aggregate  amount up to  $140.0 million.  Upon  closing of the  recapitalization,  the full  amount
available  under the term loan  facilities  was  borrowed  and  approximately  $20.5 million  under  the  revolving  credit
facility.  The borrowings under the revolving credit facility are available to fund working capital  requirements,  capital
expenditures and other general corporate purposes.  The tranche A term loan facility of $80.0 million  matures in quarterly
installments  from December 31,  2000 through October 4, 2006. The tranche B term loan facility of  $180.0 million  matures
in quarterly  installments from December 31,  2000 through October 4, 2008.  Principal  repayments  required under the term
loan  facilities  are  $6.0 million  in  2001increasing  to $65  million in 2008.  Additionally,  the  Facility  requires a
prepayment in the event that excess cash flow (as defined)  exists and following  certain  other  events,  including  asset
sales and issuances of debt and equity.  The Facility has a number of financial  covenants and restrictive  covenants.  See
Note (6) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

                During the first quarter of 2001,  we  experienced  a decline in order  volumes  consistent  with the steel
aerosol can market  generally.  Management  believes these lower volumes are mainly created by inventory  reductions in the
consumer  products  market in both the U.S. and Europe.  In addition,  May  Verpackungen  experienced  difficulties  with a
major  customer in the second half of 2000  resulting in reduced  production  for a portion of 2000.  As a result,  May was
required to re-qualify its production  process with this customer before returning to prior production  levels,  which will
negatively  impact  the first  half of 2001.  Because we have a fixed  cost  base,  our  earnings  levels and cash flow are
sensitive to unit volumes levels.

                Under our senior  secured  credit  facilities,  there are  several  financial  covenants  tied to  specific
earnings and debt  levels,  as well as interest and fixed charge  coverage  ratios.  As a result of the volume  shortfalls,
there is  uncertainty  as to whether we will be in compliance  under our covenants at the end of the first quarter of 2001.
We are not required to report the results of our first quarter  operations to the lenders until May 1, 2001,  and we do not
expect to know our  definitive  results of  operations  for this period  until April 26,  2001.  In the event we are not in
compliance  with our  covenants,  we expect to  negotiate  with the  lenders  and  obtain a waiver.  We cannot be  assured,
however,  that the lenders  will agree to grant us a waiver.  As of March 23, 2001 the total amount  outstanding  under our
senior credit  facility was $306 million.  A default under our credit  facility which is not waived could allow the lenders
to accelerate the outstanding  indebtedness.  Accelerated  indebtedness  that is unpaid for a period of ten days would also
trigger a default of our $175,000,000 principal amount 12-3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2010.

                In addition,  we issued  $106.7 million  in preferred  stock and  $53.3 million  in common stock was issued
concurrent  with the  recapitalization.  The preferred stock has a liquidation  preference  equal to the purchase price per
share,  plus all accrued and unpaid  dividends.  The  preferred  stock ranks senior to all classes of U.S. Can  Corporation
common stock and is not convertible  into common stock.  Dividends  accrue on the preferred stock at an annual rate of 10%,
are cumulative from the date of issuance and compounded quarterly,  on March 31,  June 30,  September 30 and December 31 of
each year and are payable in cash when and as declared by the Board of Directors,  so long as sufficient  cash is available
to make the dividend  payment and has been obtained in a manner  permitted under the terms of the new senior secured credit
facility and the indenture.

                Funds generated from the recapitalization  were used to retire all of the borrowings  outstanding under the
Company's former credit  agreement,  to repay the principal,  accrued interest and tender premium  applicable to U.S. Can's
10 1/8% Notes due 2006,  to pay fees and  expenses  associated  with the  transaction  and to make  payments to U.S.  Can's
existing stockholders and optionholders as previously described.

                The following table sets forth the sources and uses of funds in connection with the  recapitalization as of
October 4, 2000:

                                                                                            Amount
                                                                                     (Dollars in Millions)
                                                                                     ---------------------

Sources of Funds:
   New Senior Secured Credit Facility:
      Revolving Credit Facility..................................        $20.5
      Term Loans.................................................        260.0
   12 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due October 1, 2010.........        175.0
   Preferred Stock...............................................        106.7
   Common Stock..................................................         53.3
                                                                  -------------
Total Sources....................................................       $615.5

Uses of Funds:
   Purchase Capital Stock........................................       $277.5
   Refinance Existing Debt.......................................        309.0
   Payment of Fees and Expenses (a)..............................         29.0
                                                                  -------------
Total Uses.......................................................       $615.5

                (a) We paid $4.6 million in  additional  expenses  related to the  recapitalization  after October 4, 2000.
See Note (3) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion on the recapitalization transaction.

                Primary  sources of liquidity are cash flow from operations and borrowings  under the new revolving  credit
facility.  Management expects that ongoing requirements for debt service,  working capital and capital expenditures will be
funded from these  sources.  Based upon the current  level of  operations  and  anticipated  growth,  cash  generated  from
operations  together  with  amounts  available  under the  revolving  credit  facility  are expected to be adequate to meet
anticipated debt service  requirements,  capital  expenditures and working capital needs for the next several years. Future
operating  performance  and the ability to service or  refinance  the notes,  to service,  extend or  refinance  the senior
secured credit facility and to redeem or refinance our preferred  stock will be subject to future  economic  conditions and
to financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond management's control.

INFLATION

                Tin-plated   steel  represents  the  primary   component  of  the  Company's  raw  materials   requirement.
Historically,  the  Company  has not always  been able to  immediately  offset  increases  in  tinplate  prices  with price
increases on the  Company's  products.  However,  in most years,  a  combination  of factors has  permitted  the Company to
maintain its  profitability  notwithstanding  these  conditions.  The Company's capital spending programs and manufacturing
process  upgrades have  increased  operating  efficiencies  and thereby  mitigated the impact of inflation on the Company's
cost structure.

ACQUISITIONS

                The  Company  believes  that  strategic   acquisition   opportunities  are  important  to  its  growth.  In
December 1999,  U.S. Can acquired all of the partnership  interests of May for an aggregate  amount of  $64.6 million.  The
acquisition  was financed  using  borrowings  made by U.S. Can under the Credit  Agreement.  On February 20, 2001,  certain
assets of Olive Can Company, a Custom and Specialty manufacturer were acquired.

                The Company will  continue to evaluate  and  selectively  pursue  acquisitions  which adhere to U.S.  Can's
stated strategy of seeking rigid  packaging  companies that will  complement and grow the Company's  existing  product base
and create value for  shareholders.  If  acquisitions  are made,  the Company would expect to finance them through cash and
debt financing as appropriate under the conditions in effect at the time of the acquisition.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

                In June 1998, the Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board (FASB) issued  Statement of Financial  Accounting
Standards  (SFAS) No.  133,  "Accounting  for  Derivative  Instruments  and  Hedging  Activities",  which  establishes  new
accounting and reporting  standards for  derivative  instruments.  In June 1999, the FASB issued SFAS No. 137,  "Accounting
for Certain  Derivatives and Certain Hedging  Activities - A Deferral of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 133", and
in June 2000, the FASB issued SFAS No. 138,  "Accounting for Certain Derivative  Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities
- - An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133."

                These rules require that all derivative  instruments be reported in the consolidated  financial  statements
at fair  value.  Changes in the fair value of  derivatives  are to be recorded  each  period as a component  of earnings or
other  comprehensive  income,  depending  on whether the  derivative  is  designated  and is  effective as part of a hedged
transaction,  and on the  type of  hedge  transaction.  Gains  or  losses  on  derivative  instruments  reported  in  other
comprehensive  income must be  reclassified  as earnings in the period in which  earnings  are  affected by the  underlying
hedged item, and the  ineffective  portion of all hedges must be recognized in earnings in the current  portion.  These new
standards may result in additional  volatility in reported  earnings,  other  comprehensive  income and  accumulated  other
comprehensive  income.  These  rules  become  effective  for us on  January  1,  2001.  We will  record  the  effect of the
transition  to these new  accounting  requirements  in the first  quarter of 2001.  The effect of this change will decrease
stockholders' equity (other comprehensive loss) by approximately $2.5 million.

                The  Emerging  Issues Task Force  released  Issue No.  00-10 (EITF  00-10),  "Accounting  for  Shipping and
Handling  Revenues and Costs" in July of 2000. EITF 00-10 requires that amounts  billed,  if any, for shipping and handling
be included in revenue and costs  incurred  for  shipping  and  handling are required to be recorded in cost of goods sold.
The impact of  implementing  EITF 00-10 was to  increase  each of net sales and cost of goods sold by  approximately  $22.9
million,  $18.8  million  and $20.7  million  in 2000,  1999 and 1998  respectively.  There was no net impact on results of
operations nor financial position caused by the implementation of EITF 00-10.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

Foreign Currency and Interest Rate Risk

Foreign Currency Risk

                The Company has engaged in transactions  that carry some degree of foreign currency risk. As such, a series
of forward hedge contracts have been entered into to mitigate the foreign  currency risks  associated with the financing of
one production facility in the United Kingdom as follows:

                                    2001        2002            2003            2004           2005            Thereafter
                                    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Forward Exchange Contracts                                            (in millions)
(Receive $US / Pay GBP)
   Contract amount ................ $3.00       $2.90          $2.80           $15.60             -                 -
Average Contractual
   Exchange Rate ..................  1.54        1.52           1.50             1.49             -                 -

 ................Foreign  exchange risk is also borne  because much of the financing is currently  obtained in United States
dollars,  but a  portion  of  the  Company's  revenues  and  expenses  occur  in the  various  currencies  of  our  foreign
subsidiaries'  operations.  The new  revolving  credit  facility  allows  certain  foreign  subsidiaries  to  borrow  up to
$75 million in British Pounds  Sterling,  German  Deutsche Marks and Euros.  The Company has not made  borrowings in any of
these currencies.

Interest Rate Risk

 ................Interest rate risk exposure is primarily the result of floating rate borrowings.  A portion of the interest
rate risks have been hedged by entering into a swap and collar  agreements.  Since the counterparties to the agreements are
also lenders under the senior  secured  credit  facility,  obligations  under these  agreements are subject to the security
interest under the terms of the senior secured credit facility. See "Other Indebtedness."

 ................The table below  provides  information  about the  Company's  derivative  financial  instruments  and other
financial  instruments  that  are  sensitive  to  changes  in  interest  rates,  including  interest  rate  swaps  and debt
obligations.  For debt  obligations,  the table presents  principal cash flows and related  weighted average interest rates
by expected  maturity  dates.  For  interest  rate swaps and  collars,  the table  presents  notional  amounts and weighted
average  interest rates by expected  (contractual)  maturity dates.  Notional amounts are used to calculate the contractual
payments to be exchanged under the contract.

                                   2001           2002           2003           2004            2005           Thereafter
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debt Obligations                                                      (in millions)
- ----------------
Fixed rate.....................  $6.0             $7.0           $19.2          $0.7            $0.5           $176.7
Average interest rate..........    6.93%          6.99%          8.39%          6.33%           6.13%          12.34%
Variable rate..................  $9.7             $9.0           $10.0          $14.0           $21.0          $221.3
Average interest rate..........  10.04%           11.78%         11.78%         11.77%          11.76%         11.8%
Interest Rate Swaps
- -------------------
Variable to Fixed..............  $83.3            $83.3          $83.3          $ --            $ --           $ --
Pay / receive rate.............    6.625%         6.625%         6.625%            --              --             --
Interest Rate Collars
- ---------------------
Contract Amount................    $41.7          $41.7          $41.7             --              --             --
Cap Rate.......................    7.25%          7.25%          7.25%             --              --             --
Floor Rate.....................    6.10%          6.10%          6.10%             --              --             --

                The Company does not utilize derivative financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes.

                Based upon  borrowing  rates  currently  available to the Company for  borrowings  with  similar  terms and
maturities,  the fair value of the  Company's  total debt was  approximately  $495.3  million as of December 31,  2000.  No
quoted market value is available  (except on the 12 3/8% Senior  Subordinated  Notes).  These amounts,  because they do not
include  certain  costs  such as  prepayment  penalties,  do not  represent  the amount  the  Company  would have to pay to
reacquire and retire all of its outstanding debt in a current transaction.







ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

                                                                                                                   Page
                                                                                                                   ----

Report of Independent Public Accountants...................................................................       18

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998.................       19

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2000 and 1999...............................................       20

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998.......       21

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1999.................       23

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................................................................       24





                                          REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


     TO U.S. CAN CORPORATION:

     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of U.S. CAN CORPORATION (a Delaware corporation) AND
     SUBSIDIARIES as of December 31, 2000 and 1999, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders'
     equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000. 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 auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. 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 U.S. Can Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2000 and 1999, and the results of its
     operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000, in conformity with
     accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.



ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP



Chicago, Illinois
March 6, 2001






                                           U.S. CAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                                      (000's omitted)


                                                                               For the Year Ended
                                                             -------------------------------------------------------
                                                               December 31,       December 31,       December 31,
                                                                   2000               1999               1998
                                                             -----------------  -----------------  -----------------

Net Sales.................................................          $809,497           $732,897           $730,951
Cost of Sales.............................................           693,158            630,411            638,861
                                                             -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
     Gross income.........................................           116,339            102,486             92,090
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses..............            45,887             35,511             34,473
Special Charges...........................................             3,413                  -             35,869
Recapitalization Charges..................................            18,886                  -                  -
                                                             -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
     Operating income.....................................            48,153             66,975             21,748
Interest Expense..........................................            40,468             29,901             34,935
                                                             -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
     Income (loss) before income taxes....................             7,685             37,074            (13,187)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes......................             4,344             14,622             (5,662)
                                                             -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
     Income (loss) from operations before discontinued                 3,341             22,452             (7,525)
       operations and extraordinary item..................
Net loss on sale of discontinued businesses, net of
  income taxes............................................                 -                  -             (8,528)
Extraordinary Item, net of income taxes
Net loss from early extinguishment of debt................           (14,863)            (1,296)                 -
                                                             -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Net Income (Loss) Before Preferred Stock Dividends........           (11,522)            21,156            (16,053)
Preferred Stock Dividend Requirement......................            (2,601)                 -                  -
                                                             -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
Net Income (Loss) Available for Common Stockholders.......          $(14,123)           $21,156           $(16,053)
                                                             =================  =================  =================



















                              The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are
                                           an integral part of these statements.





                                           U.S. CAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                                CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                          (000's omitted, except per share data)


                                                                                December 31,           December 31,
                                  ASSETS                                            2000                   1999
                                                                            ---------------------  ---------------------
CURRENT ASSETS:
     Cash and cash equivalents............................................              $10,784                $15,697
     Accounts receivables, net of allowances..............................               90,763                 91,864
     Inventories, net.....................................................              113,902                115,979
     Deferred income taxes................................................               12,538                 16,114
     Other current assets.................................................               23,300                 19,677
                                                                            ---------------------  ---------------------
          Total current assets............................................              251,287                259,331

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, less accumulated
  depreciation and amortization...........................................              272,220                332,504

GOODWILL, less amortization...............................................               70,712                 50,478

OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS..................................................               43,645                 21,257

                                                                            ---------------------  ---------------------
          Total assets....................................................             $637,864               $663,570
                                                                            =====================  =====================

                   LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
     Current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations...              $14,671                $38,824
     Accounts payable.....................................................              102,274                104,189
     Accrued expenses.....................................................               46,479                 50,711
     Restructuring reserves...............................................               11,915                 25,016
     Income taxes payable.................................................                1,704                  2,857
                                                                            ---------------------  ---------------------
          Total current liabilities.......................................              177,043                221,597

LONG TERM DEBT............................................................              480,374                320,493

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES PAYABLE.............................................                3,083                 10,670

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES...............................................               42,419                 42,254
                                                                            ---------------------  ---------------------

          Total liabilities...............................................              702,919                595,014

PREFERRED STOCK...........................................................              109,268                      -

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
     Common stock, $0.01 par value........................................                  533                    135
     Additional Paid -in-capital..........................................               52,800                112,840
     Unearned restricted stock............................................                    -                   (629)
     Treasury common stock at cost........................................                    -                 (1,380)
     Currency translation adjustment......................................              (19,674)                (7,771)
     Accumulated deficit..................................................             (207,982)               (34,639)
                                                                            ---------------------  ---------------------
          Total stockholders' equity......................................             (174,323)                68,556
                                                                            ---------------------  ---------------------
               Total liabilities and stockholders' equity.................             $637,864               $663,570
                                                                            =====================  =====================

                                The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
                                         are an integral part of these statements.





                                           U.S. CAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                                      (000's omitted)
                                                                                Accumulated Other
                                                                               Comprehensive Loss
                                                                            --------------------------
                             Common     Paid-in-CapitUnearned    Treasury    Cumulative    Minimum    Accumulated   Comprehensive
                                                                                           Pension
                                                    Restricted    Common    Translation   Liability
                               Stock                  Stock        Stock     Adjustment   Adjustment    Deficit     Income (Loss)
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT                    $    131   $108,003    $  (2,558)   $  (714)    $  (2,193)   $    (614)   $(39,742)
   DECEMBER 31, 1997.......
Net loss...................          -          -            -          -             -            -     (16,053)     $   (16,053)
Issuance of stock under
   employee benefit plans..          -          -            -        716             -            -           -                -
Purchase of treasury stock.          -          -            -     (1,730)            -            -           -                -
Exercise of stock options..          2      1,656            -          -             -            -           -                -
Issuance of restricted stock         -        180         (180)         -             -            -           -                -
Amortization of unearned
  restricted stock.........          -          -        1,909          -             -            -           -                -
Equity adjustment to
reflect
   minimum pension liability         -          -            -          -             -          614           -              614
Cumulative translation
   adjustment..............          -          -            -          -           750            -           -              750
                                                                                                                   ----------------
Comprehensive loss.........                                                                                           $   (14,689)
                             --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------================
BALANCE AT                         133    109,839         (829)    (1,728)       (1,443)           -     (55,795)
   DECEMBER 31, 1998.......
Net income.................          -          -            -          -             -            -      21,156      $    21,156
Issuance of stock under
   employee benefit plans..          -          -            -        850             -            -           -                -
Purchase of treasury stock.          -          -            -       (502)            -            -           -                -
Exercise of stock options..          2      2,818            -          -             -            -           -                -
Issuance of restricted stock         -        183         (183)         -             -            -           -                -
Amortization of unearned
   restricted stock........          -          -          383          -             -            -           -                -
Cumulative translation
   adjustment..............          -          -            -          -        (6,328)           -           -           (6,328)
                                                                                                                   ----------------
Comprehensive income.......                                                                                           $    14,828
                                                                                                                   ================
                             --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT                    $    135   $112,840    $    (629)   $(1,380)    $  (7,771)   $       -    $(34,639)
   DECEMBER 31, 1999.......
                             ======================================================================================












                                The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
                                         are an integral part of these statements





                                           U.S. CAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                               CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY-- (Continued)
                                                      (000's omitted)

                                                                                Accumulated Other
                                                                               Comprehensive Loss
                                                                            --------------------------
                             Common     Paid-in-CapitUnearned    Treasury    Cumulative    Minimum    Accumulated   Comprehensive
                                                                                           Pension
                                                    Restricted    Common    Translation   Liability
                               Stock                  Stock        Stock     Adjustment   Adjustment    Deficit     Income (Loss)
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT                    $    135   $112,840    $    (629)   $(1,380)    $  (7,771)   $       -    $(34,639)
   DECEMBER 31, 1999.......
Net loss before preferred
   stock dividends.........          -          -            -          -             -            -     (11,522)     $   (11,522)
Redemption of common stock
   and exercise of stock
   options in connection
with
   the recpaitalization....       (134)  (110,973)         305          -             -            -    (159,220)               -
Purchase of treasury stock.          -          -            -       (488)            -            -           -                -
Retirement of treasury stock        (1)    (1,867)           -      1,868             -            -           -                -
Issuance of common stock in
   recapitalized company...        533     52,800            -          -             -            -           -                -
Preferred stock dividends..          -          -            -          -             -            -      (2,601)               -
Amortization of unearned
   restricted stock........          -          -          324          -             -            -           -                -
Cumulative translation
   adjustment..............          -          -            -          -       (11,903)           -           -          (11,903)
                                                                                                                   ----------------
Comprehensive loss.........                                                                                           $   (23,425)
                                                                                         -------------             ================
                             --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT                    $    533   $ 52,800    $       -    $     -     $ (19,674)   $       -    $(207,982)
   DECEMBER 31, 2000.......
                             ======================================================================================





















                                The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
                                         are an integral part of these statements





                                           U.S. CAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                                      (000's omitted)

                                                                                    For the Year Ended December 31,
                                                                            ------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                                            2000            1999             1998
                                                                            --------------- ---------------  ---------------
  Net income (loss) before preferred stock dividends requirements.......         $(11,522)        $21,156         $(16,053)
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by...........
     operating activities -
     Depreciation and amortization......................................           33,670          31,863           35,439
     Special Charge.....................................................            3,413               -           35,869
     Recapitalization Charge............................................           18,886               -                -
     Loss on Sale of Business...........................................                -               -            8,528
     Extraordinary loss on extinguishment of debt.......................           14,863           1,296                -
     Deferred income taxes..............................................           (4,344)         11,124           (6,916)
     Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of
       acquired and disposed of businesses:
      Accounts receivable................................................         (11,869)        (14,464)          10,275
      Inventories........................................................          (3,587)          4,211           15,324
      Accounts payable...................................................          10,733          14,805             (667)
      Accrued expenses...................................................          (7,363)         (8,563)          (8,228)
      Other, net.........................................................         (14,148)          1,024           (8,608)
                                                                                                             ---------------
                                                                            --------------- ---------------  ---------------
         Net cash provided by operating activities.......................          28,732          62,452           64,963
                                                                            --------------- ---------------  ---------------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Capital expenditures..................................................          (24,504)        (30,982)         (22,828)
  Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired.......................                -         (63,847)               -
  Proceeds from sale of business........................................           12,088           4,500           28,296
  Proceeds from sale of property........................................            8,755             448            6,601
  Investment in Formametal S.A..........................................           (4,914)         (1,600)          (3,000)
                                                                            --------------- ---------------  ---------------
         Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities............           (8,575)        (91,481)           9,069
                                                                            --------------- ---------------  ---------------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Issuance of common stock .............................................           53,333               -                -
  Issuance of preferred stock ..........................................          106,667               -                -
  Retirement of common stock and exercise of stock options..............         (270,022)          2,820            1,658
  Purchase of treasury stock............................................             (488)           (502)          (1,730)
  Issuance of 12 3/8% notes.............................................          175,000               -                -
  Repurchase of 10 1/8% notes...........................................         (254,658)        (27,696)         (10,675)
  Net borrowings (payments) under the old revolving line of credit and
changes
     in cash overdrafts.................................................          (56,100)         23,553          (36,770)
  Borrowing of Tranche A loan...........................................           80,000               -                -
  Borrowing of Tranche B loan...........................................          180,000               -                -
  Borrowing of  other long-term debt, including capital lease obligations          19,286          38,598                -
  Payments of long-term debt, including capital lease obligations.......          (22,528)         (9,449)         (15,618)
  Payment of debt financing costs.......................................          (16,137)              -                -
  Payment of recapitalization costs.....................................          (18,886)              -                -
                                                                            --------------- ---------------  ---------------
                                                                            --------------- ---------------  ---------------
         Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities............          (24,533)         27,324          (63,135)
                                                                            --------------- ---------------  ---------------
                                                                            --------------- ---------------  ---------------
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH.................................             (537)           (670)             402
                                                                            --------------- ---------------  ---------------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS........................           (4,913)         (2,375)          11,299
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of year............................           15,697          18,072            6,773
                                                                                                             ---------------
                                                                            --------------- ---------------  ---------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of year..................................          $10,784         $15,697          $18,072
                                                                            =============== ===============  ===============

                                The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
                                         are an integral part of these statements.





                                            U.S. CAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                         NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                              DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998

(1)  Basis of Presentation and Operations

                The consolidated  financial  statements  include the accounts of U.S. Can Corporation (the "Corporation" or
"U.S.  Can"), its wholly owned  subsidiary,  United States Can Company  ("United States Can"), and U.S. Can's  subsidiaries
(the "Subsidiaries").  All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.  The consolidated group
is  referred  to herein as the  Company.  Certain  prior year  amounts  have been  reclassified  to  conform  with the 2000
presentation.

                The Company is a supplier of steel and plastic containers for personal care, household,  food,  automotive,
paint and industrial  supplies,  and other  specialty  products.  The Company owns or leases 16 plants in the United States
and 10 plants located in Europe.

(2)  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

                (a) Cash and Cash Equivalents - The Company  considers all liquid  interest-bearing  instruments  purchased
with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

                (b)  Accounts  Receivable  Allowances  - Activity in the  accounts  receivable  allowances  accounts was as
follows (000's omitted):

                                                                                  2000             1999             1998
                                                                                  ----             ----             ----

   Balance at beginning of year...........................................    $      13,367   $    17,063    $    15,134
      Provision for doubtful accounts.....................................              516           997            881
      Change in discounts, allowances and rebates,
         net of recoveries................................................           (2,449)       (3,914)         2,525
      Net write-offs of doubtful accounts.................................             (463)         (779)        (1,477)
                                                                              -------------   -----------    -----------
   Balance at end of year.................................................    $      10,971   $    13,367    $    17,063
                                                                              =============   ===========    ===========

                (c)  Inventories--Inventories  are stated at the lower of cost or market and  include  material,  labor and
factory  overhead.  Costs for United States  inventory have been determined using the last-in,  first-out  ("LIFO") method.
Had the  inventories  been valued  using the  first-in,  first-out  ("FIFO")  method,  the amount  would not have  differed
materially from the amounts as determined using the LIFO method.  Costs for Subsidiaries'  inventory of approximately $44.2
million at December 31, 2000 and $49.6 million as of December 31, 1999 have been determined by the FIFO method.

                Inventories reported in the accompanying balance sheets were classified as follows (000's omitted):

                                                                                               2000              1999
                                                                                               ----              ----

    Raw materials.......................................................................   $       28,540    $    30,821
    Work in progress....................................................................           49,728         49,884
    Finished goods......................................................................           35,634         35,274
    Total Inventory.....................................................................   $      113,902    $   115,979
                                                                                           ==============    ===========

                (d) Property,  Plant and  Equipment--Property,  plant and equipment is recorded at cost. Major renewals and
betterments  which  extend the useful life of an asset are  capitalized;  routine  maintenance  and repairs are expensed as
incurred.   Maintenance  and  repairs  charged  against  earnings  were  approximately  $27.5 million,   $29.4 million  and
$29.9 million  in 2000, 1999 and 1998,  respectively.  Upon sale or retirement of these assets,  the asset cost and related
accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any related gain or loss is reflected in income.

                Depreciation for financial reporting purposes is principally  provided using the straight-line  method over
the estimated  useful lives of the assets,  as follows:  buildings-25 to 40 years;  machinery and equipment--5 to 20 years.
Equipment  under capital leases are amortized  over the life of the lease.  Depreciation  expense was $28.7 million,  $28.8
million and $30.5 million for 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.

                Property reported in the accompanying balance sheets were classified as follows (000's omitted):

                                                                                               2000              1999
                                                                                               ----              ----

    Land ...............................................................................   $        6,543    $    14,541
    Buildings...........................................................................           65,158         83,106
    Machinery and equipment.............................................................          402,822        407,043
    Capital leases......................................................................           13,137         23,484
    Construction in process.............................................................           22,266         32,873
                                                                                                  509,926        561,047
    Accumulated depreciation and amortization...........................................        (237,706)       (228,543)
    Total Property......................................................................   $      272,220    $    332,504
                                                                                           ==============    ============

                The Company  acquired  May  Verpackungen  on December  30, 1999 (see Note (5)).  During  2000,  the Company
finalized  the amounts  assigned to the net assets  acquired.  The final amount  assigned to property,  plant and equipment
was  approximately  $28.0 million less than the amount  reflected in the December 31, 1999 balance sheet,  and goodwill was
increased accordingly.

                (e)  Goodwill - The excess  purchase  price  over the fair value of the net assets of  businesses  acquired
("goodwill"),  is amortized on a  straight-line  basis over the periods of expected  benefit,  ranging from 20 to 40 years.
The related  amortization  expense was $2.9 million,  $1.7 million and $1.8 million for the years ended December 31,  2000,
1999 and 1998,  respectively.  The Company  continually  reviews whether  subsequent events and circumstances have occurred
that  indicate the remaining  estimated  useful life of goodwill may warrant  revision or its  recoverable  value  requires
adjustment. In assessing and measuring  recoverability,  the Company uses projections to determine whether future operating
income (net of tax) exceeds the goodwill  amortization.  In addition to the amount  discussed  in (d)  Property,  Plant and
Equipment,  there were further  goodwill  adjustments  of $3.9 million  relating to  finalization  of the fair value of the
assets acquired in the May acquisition.

                (f)  Deferred  Financing  Costs -  Costs  related  to the  issuance  of new  debt  are  included  in  other
non-current  assets  and are  deferred  and  amortized  over the terms of the  related  debt  agreements.  Financing  costs
expensed in 2000,  1999,  and 1998 were $1.7  million,  $1.2  million and $1.8  million,  respectively  and are included in
interest expense.

                (g) Revenue - Revenue is  recognized  when goods are shipped to the customer.  Estimated  sales returns and
allowances are recognized as an offset against revenue in the period in which the related revenue is recognized.

                (h)  Foreign  Currency   Translation  -  The  functional  currency  for  substantially  all  the  Company's
Subsidiaries is the applicable local currency.  The translation from the applicable  foreign  currencies to U.S. dollars is
performed for balance sheet accounts  using current  exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and
expense  accounts using an average  exchange rate  prevailing  during the period.  The gains or losses  resulting from such
translation  are included in  stockholders'  equity.  Gains or losses  resulting  from foreign  currency  transactions  are
included in operating income and were not material in 2000, 1999 or 1998.

                (i) New Accounting  Pronouncements - In June 1998, the Financial  Accounting  Standards Board (FASB) issued
Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  (SFAS)  No.  133,  "Accounting  for  Derivative  Instruments  and  Hedging
Activities",  which establishes new accounting and reporting standards for derivative  instruments.  In June 1999, the FASB
issued SFAS No. 137,  "Accounting  for Certain  Derivatives  and Certain  Hedging  Activities - A Deferral of the Effective
Date of FASB  Statement  No.  133",  and in June 2000,  the FASB issued SFAS No. 138,  "Accounting  for Certain  Derivative
Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities - An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133."

                These rules require that all derivative  instruments be reported in the consolidated  financial  statements
at fair  value.  Changes in the fair value of  derivatives  are to be recorded  each  period as a component  of earnings or
other  comprehensive  income,  depending  on whether the  derivative  is  designated  and is  effective as part of a hedged
transaction,  and on the  type of  hedge  transaction.  Gains  or  losses  on  derivative  instruments  reported  in  other
comprehensive  income must be  reclassified  as earnings in the period in which  earnings  are  affected by the  underlying
hedged item, and the  ineffective  portion of all hedges must be recognized in earnings in the current  portion.  These new
standards may result in additional  volatility in reported  earnings,  other  comprehensive  income and  accumulated  other
comprehensive  income.  These  rules  become  effective  for us on  January  1,  2001.  We will  record  the  effect of the
transition  to these new  accounting  requirements  in the first  quarter of 2001.  The effect of this change will decrease
stockholders' equity (other comprehensive loss) by approximately $2.5 million.

                The  Emerging  Issues Task Force  released  Issue No.  00-10 (EITF  00-10),  "Accounting  for  Shipping and
Handling  Revenues and Costs" in July of 2000. EITF 00-10 requires that amounts  billed,  if any, for shipping and handling
be included in revenue and costs  incurred  for  shipping  and  handling are required to be recorded in cost of goods sold.
The impact of  implementing  EITF 00-10 was to  increase  each of net sales and cost of goods sold by  approximately  $22.9
million,  $18.8  million  and $20.7  million  in 2000,  1999 and 1998  respectively.  There was no net impact on results of
operations nor financial position caused by the implementation of EITF 00-10.

                (j) Use of estimates - The preparation of financial  statements  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.

(3)             Recapitalization

                On October 4, 2000,  U.S. Can Corporation and Berkshire  Partners LLC completed a  recapitalization  of the
Company through a merger. As a result of the  recapitalization,  all of U.S. Can's common stock,  other than certain shares
held by designated continuing shareholders (the rollover  shareholders),  was converted into the right to receive $20.00 in
cash per share and  options to purchase  approximately  1.6  million  shares of U.S.  Can's  common  stock were  retired in
exchange for a cash payment of $20.00 per underlying share,  less the applicable  option price.  Certain shares held by the
rollover  shareholders  were  converted  into the right to receive  $20.00 in cash per share and certain shares held by the
rollover  shareholders  were converted  into the right to receive  shares of capital stock of the surviving  corporation in
the merger.

                The recapitalization was financed by:

         -       a $106.7 million  preferred stock  investment by Berkshire  Partners,  its co-investors and certain of the
                 rollover stockholders;

         -       a $53.3 million common stock investment by Berkshire Partners,  its co-investors,  certain of the rollover
                 stockholders and management;

         -       $260.0 million in term loans under a new senior bank credit facility;

         -       $20.5 million in borrowings under a new revolving credit facility; and

         -       $175.0 million from the sale of 12 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2010.

                Funds generated from the recapitalization  were used to retire all of the borrowings  outstanding under the
Company's former credit agreement,  to repay the majority of the principal,  accrued interest and tender premium applicable
to U.S.  Can's 10 1/8% Notes due 2006, to pay fees and expenses  associated  with the  transaction  and to make payments to
U.S.  Can's  existing  stockholders  and  optionholders  as previously  described.  The Company  recorded a charge of $18.9
million  related  to the  recapitalization  in the  fourth  quarter  of 2000.  In  addition,  see Note  (6)  regarding  the
extraordinary charge relating to the early redemption of the Company's 10 1/8% Notes due in 2006.

(4)  Special Charges and Discontinued Operations

2000

                On July 7, 2000, the Company announced a reduction in force program,  under which 81 salaried and 39 hourly
positions have been  eliminated.  A one-time  pre-tax charge of $3.4 million  for severance and other  termination  related
costs was recorded in the third quarter of 2000. The Company  expects to realize annual savings of  $5.0 million  from this
program.

1998

                In the third  quarter of 1998,  the Company  established a pre-tax  special  charge of  $35.9 million.  The
provision was for the closure of several  facilities and write-downs of non-core  businesses.  Costs related to closing and
realigning selected  lithography  facilities servicing our core business were also included in the provision as part of our
national lithography strategy. The 1998 special charge included charges for non-cash items of $27.7 million.

                On November 9,  1998, the Company sold its commercial metal services  business  ("Metal  Services") for net
cash proceeds of approximately $28 million.  Metal Services included one plant in each of Chicago,  Illinois;  Trenton, New
Jersey; and Brookfield,  Ohio, and the closed Midwest Litho plant in Alsip,  Illinois.  Based on the proceeds received, the
Company recorded an incremental $8.5 million after-tax charge for the loss on the sale of Metal Services in 1998.

                Revenues to third parties from these  operations were  $94.3 million in the period ended  November 8,  1998
(excluding  intra-company  sales  continued  by the buyer and  ongoing  third-party  sales  from the closed  Midwest  Litho
facility, which were transferred to other Metal Services facilities).

                As of December 31,  2000, the remaining balances in the 2000 and 1998  restructuring  reserves include $7.3
million for severance and related  termination  benefits paid over a period of time for  approximately  22 salaried and 133
hourly  employees;  $4.4 million for non-cash  write-off of assets related to facilities being closed or consolidated;  and
$3.7 million for other costs associated with the restructuring  actions  (primarily  on-going carrying costs for facilities
already closed).

                Cash expended for restructuring  activities in 2000 was $5.1 million and the Company  anticipates  spending
another  $11.0 million of such costs in 2001 and beyond. The remainder of the restructuring  reserves primarily consists of
non-cash items associated with the write-off of assets.  The details of the changes in accrued  restructuring  reserves are
as follows (000's omitted):
                                                                                     2000                       1999
                                                                                     ----                       ----
Balance at beginning of the year...............................................   $   28,514              $     43,387
   Special charge..............................................................        3,413                        --
   Payments against reserve....................................................       (5,142)                   (6,856)
   Non-cash charges against reserve............................................      (11,394)                   (8,017)
                                                                                  -----------             ------------
Balance at end of the year.....................................................   $   15,391(a)           $     28,514(a)
                                                                                  ==========              ============

(a)      Includes  $3.5 million  and  $3.5 million  classified as other long-term  liabilities as of December 31,  2000 and
1999, respectively.

(5)  Acquisitions

                On December 30, 1999, the Company  acquired all of the  partnership  interests of May  Verpackungen  GmbH &
Co., KG ("May"),  a German  limited  liability  company.  The  acquisition  was  accounted  for as a purchase for financial
reporting  purposes;  therefore 1999 results do not include operations  related to the acquired  business.  The acquisition
was financed  using the  borrowings  made by U.S. Can under the former credit  agreement  for an aggregate  amount of $64.6
million. During 2000, the Company finalized its allocation of the purchase price to the net assets acquired.

                The following is a summary of the final allocation of the aggregate purchase price for May (000's omitted):

         Current Assets...........................................................................       $       50,685
         Property, Plant and Equipment............................................................               46,604
         Goodwill.................................................................................               32,206
         Other Assets.............................................................................                5,896
         Current Portion of Long Term Debt........................................................              (16,118)
         Current Liabilities......................................................................              (35,405)
         Long-Term Debt...........................................................................               (6,552)
         Other Liabilities........................................................................              (12,728)
                                                                                                         --------------
         Total Purchase Price.....................................................................       $       64,588
                                                                                                         ==============

                The following  represents  the Company's  unaudited pro forma results of operations  for 1999 as if the May
acquisition had occurred on January 1, 1999 (000's omitted):

                                                                                                               1999
                                                                                                               ----

Net Sales...........................................................................................    $      860,837
Income Before Discontinued Operations and Extraordinary Item........................................            23,337
Net Income..........................................................................................            22,041

                May's  pre-acquisition  results have been adjusted to reflect  amortization of goodwill,  the  depreciation
expense  impact of the  increased  fair market value of property,  plant and  equipment,  interest  expense on  acquisition
borrowings,  changes in contractual  agreements and the effect of income taxes on the pro forma adjustments.  The pro forma
information  given above does not purport to be indicative  of the results that would have been obtained if the  operations
were combined during the periods presented and is not intended to be a projection of future results or trends.

                On  February  20,  2001,  certain  assets  were  acquired  of Olive Can  Company,  a Custom  and  Specialty
manufacturer.  The acquisition, which is not material to the Company's operations, will be accounted for as a purchase.

                In March 1998,  a European Subsidiary  acquired a 36.5% equity interest in Formametal S.A.  ("Formametal"),
an aerosol can manufacturer  located in Argentina,  for $4.6 million.  In connection with this investment,  the Company has
provided  a  guaranty  in an amount  not to exceed  $5.8 million,  to secure the  repayments  of  certain  indebtedness  of
Formametal.  In 1999, the Company loaned Formametal  $1.0 million for capital  expenditures with all principal and interest
payable in  January 2004.  In  addition,  the Company  received a three-year  option to convert  this loan into  additional
shares of Formametal,  which, if exercised,  would take the Company's  interest in Formametal up to 39.8%.  This investment
has been accounted for using the equity method.






(6)  Debt Obligations

                Long-term debt  obligations of the Company at December 31,  2000 and 1999 consisted of the following (000's
omitted):

                                                                                                  2000           1999
                                                                                                  ----           ----
Senior debt -
      New revolving line of credit at adjustable interest rate, based on market rates,
        due October 4, 2006............................................................    $      18,500   $          --
      Revolving credit facility at adjustable interest rate, based on market rates,
        (repaid in connection with the recapitalization)...............................               --          56,100
      Tranche A term loan at adjustable interest rate, based on market rates,
        due October 4, 2006............................................................           80,000              --
      Tranche B term loan at adjustable interest rate, based on market rates,
        due October 4, 2008............................................................          180,000              --
      Secured term loan at 8.5% interest rate, due serially to October 2003............           19,911          21,156
      Industrial revenue bonds at adjustable interest rate, based on market rates,
        due February 1, 2015...........................................................            4,000           7,500
      Capital lease obligations........................................................            6,609          10,869
      Other............................................................................           10,171          27,063
Senior Subordinated Series B Notes at 12 3/8% interest rate, due October 1, 2010.......          175,000              --
Senior Subordinated Series B Notes at 10 1/8% interest rate, due October 15, 2006......              854         236,629
                                                                                           -------------   -------------
      Total Debt                                                                                 495,045         359,317
      Less--Current maturities.........................................................          (14,671)        (38,824)
                                                                                           --------------  -------------
         Total long-term debt..........................................................    $     480,374   $     320,493
                                                                                           =============   =============

                In connection  with the  recapitalization,  United States Can Company,  as Borrower,  entered into a Credit
Agreement  among United States Can, U.S. Can  Corporation  and Domestic  Subsidiaries  of U.S. Can  Corporation as Domestic
Guarantors,  and certain  lenders  including Bank of America,  N.A.,  Citicorp  North America,  Inc., and Bank One NA as of
October 4, 2000 (the "Senior  Secured  Credit  Facility").  The Senior  Secured  Credit  Facility  provides  for  aggregate
borrowings of $400.0 million  consisting  of: (i) $80.0 million  tranche A loan;  (ii) $180.0  million  tranche B loan; and
(iii) $140.0 million under a revolving  credit  facility.  All of the term debt and  approximately  $20.5 million under the
revolving credit facility were used to finance the recapitalization.

                Amounts  outstanding  under the Senior Secured  Credit  Facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to
either:  (1) the base rate (as  defined in the Senior  Secured  Credit  Facility)  or (2) the LIBOR rate (as defined in the
Senior Secured Credit  Facility),  in each case, plus an applicable  margin.  The applicable  margins are subject to future
reductions  based on the  achievement  of certain  leverage  ratio targets and on the credit  rating of the Senior  Secured
Credit Facility. The applicable margins are not subject to reduction until after March 2001.

                Borrowings  under  the  tranche  A term  loan are due and  payable  in  quarterly  installments,  which are
initially  $1.0  million  and  increase  over time to $8.0  million,  until the final  balance  is due on  October 4, 2006.
Borrowings under the tranche B term loan are due and payable in quarterly  installments (the quarterly  payments due before
December 31, 2006 being in nominal  amounts),  with the final balance due on October 4, 2008. The revolving credit facility
is available  until October 4, 2006. In addition,  the Company is required to prepay a portion of the facilities  under the
Senior Secured Credit Facility upon the occurrence of certain specified events.

                The Senior Secured Credit  Facility is secured by a first  priority  security  interest in all existing and
after-acquired  assets of the  Company and its direct and  indirect  domestic  subsidiaries'  existing  and  after-acquired
assets,  including,  without  limitation,  real  property  and all of the capital  stock  owned of our direct and  indirect
domestic  subsidiaries  (including certain capital stock of their direct foreign  subsidiaries only to the extent permitted
by  applicable  law).  In  addition,  if loans are made to foreign  subsidiaries,  they will be secured by the existing and
after-acquired assets of certain of our foreign subsidiaries.

                United States Can also issued $175.0  million  aggregate  principal  amount of 12 3/8% Senior  Subordinated
Notes due October 1, 2010 (" Notes").  The Notes are unsecured  obligations  of United States Can and are  subordinated  in
right of payment to all of United  States  Can's  senior  indebtedness.  The Notes are  guaranteed  by U.S.  Can and all of
United States Can's domestic restricted subsidiaries.

                Both the Senior  Secured  Credit  Facility  and the Notes  contain a number of  financial  and  restrictive
covenants.  Under our senior secured credit facility,  the Company is required to meet certain  financial tests,  including
achievement of a minimum  EBITDA level,  a minimum  interest  coverage  ratio, a minimum fixed charge  coverage ratio and a
maximum  leverage  ratio.  The  restrictive  covenants  limit the  Company's  ability to incur debt,  pay dividends or make
distributions,  sell assets or consolidate  or merge with other  companies.  The Company was in compliance  with all of the
required financial ratios and other covenants at December 31, 2000.

                During the first quarter of 2001, the Company  experienced a decline in order volumes generally  consistent
with the steel aerosol can market.  In addition,  May Verpackungen  experienced  difficulties  with a major customer in the
second half of 2000  resulting in (i) reduced  production for a portion of 2000,  and (ii)  requiring May  Verpackungen  to
re-qualify its production  process with the customer  before  returning to prior  production  levels.  This will negatively
impact May  Verpackungen's  first half 2001 revenues.  As the Company has a significant  fixed cost base,  earnings  levels
and cash flow are sensitive to unit  volumes.  As a result of the volume  shortfalls,  there is  uncertainty  as to whether
the Company will be in compliance  with the  covenants at the end of the first quarter 2001. In the event of  noncompliance
with our covenants,  the lenders would have the ability to terminate their  commitments to advance us additional  funds and
to accelerate  any  outstanding  indebtedness.  If the lenders  accelerate  the  outstanding  indebtedness  and the Company
remains in default under the senior  secured  credit  facility for a period of ten days,  then the Company would also be in
default under the indenture  governing the Notes.  In the event the Company is not in compliance  with the  covenants,  the
Company  expects to  negotiate  with the lenders to obtain a waiver.  The  Company  cannot be  assured,  however,  that the
lenders will agree to grant the Company a waiver.

                In connection with the recapitalization,  the Corporation completed a tender offer and consent solicitation
for all of its outstanding 10 1/8% notes due 2006, plus accrued  interest and a bond tender premium.  $235.7 million of the
$236.6  million  principal  amount  of bonds  outstanding  were  purchased  by the  Corporation  in the  tender  offer.  An
extraordinary  charge of $14.9 million  ($24.2  million  pre-tax) was taken in the fourth  quarter of 2000,  related to the
tender premium and the write-off of related deferred financing charges.

                Under existing  agreements,  contractual  maturities of long-term debt as of  December 31,  2000 (including
capital lease obligations), are as follows (000's omitted):

      2001............................................................................................    $      14,671
      2002............................................................................................           15,988
      2003............................................................................................           29,416
      2004............................................................................................           14,999
      2005............................................................................................           21,503
      Thereafter......................................................................................          398,468
                                                                                                          -------------
                                                                                                          $     495,045
                                                                                                          =============

                See Note (10)  for further  information  on obligations  under capital  leases.  Other debt,  consisting of
various  governmental  loans,  real estate mortgages and secured equipment notes bearing interest at rates between 4.2% and
8.5%, matures at various times through 2015, and was used to finance the expansion of several manufacturing facilities.

                In an effort to limit  foreign  exchange  risks,  the  Company  has  entered  into  several  forward  hedge
contracts.  The Merthyr Tydfil facility was financed by a series of British  Pound/Dollar  forward hedge  contracts,  which
will not exceed $24.4 million in notional amount or a term of not more than five years.

                Based upon  borrowing  rates  currently  available to the Company for  borrowings  with  similar  terms and
maturities,  the  fair  value  of the  Company's  total  debt  was  approximately  $495.3 million  and  $366 million  as of
December 31,  2000 and 1999,  respectively.  No quoted  market  value is  available  (except on the 12 3/8% and the 10 1/8%
Notes).  These  amounts,  because they do not include  certain  costs such as  prepayment  penalties,  do not represent the
amount the Company would have to pay to reacquire and retire all of its outstanding debt in a current transaction.

                The Company paid interest on borrowings of  $27.5 million,  $26.5 million  and $ 33.2 million in 2000, 1999
and 1998,  respectively.  Accrued  interest  payable of $13.4  million and $5.1  million as of  December  31, 2000 and 1999
respectively, is included in accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheet.

(7)  Income Taxes

                The provision  (benefit) for  income taxes before discontinued  operations and extraordinary item consisted
of the following (000's omitted):
                                                                          2000                    1999            1998
                                                                          ----                    ----            ----

   Current.........................................................    $         --        $     1,304     $          --
   Deferred........................................................           2,301             11,124            (6,916)
   Foreign.........................................................           2,043              2,194