AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, PURSUANT TO EDGAR, ON
JUNE 15, 1995
REGISTRATION NO 33-


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933


BEMIS COMPANY, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

          MISSOURI                                               43-0178130
(State or other jurisdiction of                              (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                               Identification No.)

                       222 SOUTH NINTH STREET, SUITE 2300
                        MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55402-4099
                                 (612) 376-3000

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of Registrant's principal executive offices)

SCOTT W. JOHNSON
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT,
SECRETARY AND GENERAL COUNSEL
BEMIS COMPANY, INC.
222 SOUTH NINTH STREET, SUITE 2300
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55402-4099
(612) 376-3000
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of agent for service)

Copies to:

       James E. Nicholson                                 Gary L. Tygesson
        Faegre & Benson                               Dorsey & Whitney P.L.L.P.
Professional Limited Liability Partnership             220 South Sixth Street
     2200 Norwest Center                            Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
   Minneapolis, Minnesota  55402

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

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to public: From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement, as determined by the Registrant.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box: / /
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box: /X/ If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box: / /




                                       CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF             AMOUNT TO BE             PROPOSED               PROPOSED                AMOUNT OF
SECURITIES TO BE                    REGISTERED              MAXIMUM                MAXIMUM               REGISTRATION
REGISTERED                                              OFFERING PRICE          AGGREGATE OFFERING           FEE
                                                         PER UNIT (1)              PRICE (1)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debt Securities.........           $200,000,000(2)(3)        100%                $200,000,000(3)           $68,966
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)  Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee.
(2)  Includes such principal amount of Debt Securities (or, if any Debt
     Securities are issued at original issue discount, such greater amount of
     Debt Securities) as shall result in net proceeds of $200,000,000 to the
     Registrant.
(3)  In U.S. dollars or equivalent thereof in foreign denominated currencies,
     European Currency Units or other composite currencies.


THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.



INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.


SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JUNE 15, 1995

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT TO PROSPECTUS DATED JUNE , 1995

$100,000,000

BEMIS COMPANY, INC.

% NOTES DUE 2005


Interest on the Notes is payable on and of each year, commencing , 19 . The Notes will mature , 2005. The Notes are not redeemable prior to maturity. The Notes will be represented by one or more global Notes registered in the name of the nominee of The Depository Trust Company. Beneficial interests in the global Notes will be shown on, and transfers thereof will be effected only through, records maintained by The Depository Trust Company and its participants. The Notes will trade in The Depository Trust Company's Same Day Funds Settlement System until maturity, and secondary market trading activity for the Notes will therefore settle in immediately available funds. All payments of principal and interest will be made by the Company in immediately available funds.


THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR THE PROSPECTUS TO WHICH IT RELATES. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE

CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.


                                               INITIAL PUBLIC          UNDERWRITING            PROCEEDS TO
                                              OFFERING PRICE(1)         DISCOUNT(2)           COMPANY(1)(3)
                                            ---------------------  ---------------------  ---------------------
Per Note..................................            %                      %                      %
Total.....................................            $                      $                      $
- --------------
(1)  Plus accrued interest,  if any, from                , 1995 to  the date  of
     delivery.

(2)  The  Company  has  agreed  to indemnify  the  Underwriters  against certain
     liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.

(3)  Before deducting estimated expenses of $225,000 payable by the Company.


The Notes offered hereby are offered severally by the Underwriters, as specified herein, subject to receipt and acceptance by them and subject to their right to reject any order in whole or in part. It is expected that the Notes will be ready for delivery in book-entry form only through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company in New York, New York, on or about , 1995, against payment therefor in immediately available funds.

GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO. J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC.

The date of this Prospectus Supplement is , 1995.


IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE NOTES OFFERED HEREBY AT A LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN MARKET. SUCH STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.


THE COMPANY

The Company is a principal manufacturer of flexible packaging products and specialty coated and graphics products selling to customers throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. In 1994, approximately 70% of the Company's sales were derived from flexible packaging products and approximately 30% were derived from specialty coated and graphics products. The primary market for its products is the food industry; other markets include companies in chemical, agribusiness, pharmaceutical, medical and printing and graphic industries.

CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company at March 31, 1995, and as adjusted to give effect to the sale by the Company of the Notes offered hereby and the application of the net proceeds therefrom (as if such sale and application of proceeds occurred on such date). See "Use of Proceeds".

                                                                                           AS OF MARCH 31, 1995
                                                                                               (UNAUDITED)
                                                                                        --------------------------
                                                                                           ACTUAL     AS ADJUSTED
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
                                                                                          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Current portion of long-term debt and short-term borrowings...........................  $      2,447   $    2,447
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
Long-term debt:
  Notes offered hereby................................................................       --           100,000
  Commercial paper (1)................................................................       166,439
  Industrial revenue bonds payable through 2011 at interest rates of 5 1/2% to
   7 1/4%.............................................................................        23,250       23,250
  Debt of foreign subsidiaries payable though 1998 at an interest rate of 8 3/8%......         2,319        2,319
  Obligations under capital leases....................................................            11           11
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
    Total long-term debt..............................................................  $    192,019   $
Shareholders' equity:
  Common stock ($.10 par value; one vote per share; 123,800,000 shares authorized;
   56,003,366 shares issued and outstanding)..........................................         5,600        5,600
  Capital in excess of par value......................................................       104,711      104,711
  Retained earnings...................................................................       447,215      447,215
  Cumulative translation adjustment...................................................         9,283        9,283
  Common stock held in treasury (4,512,405 shares)....................................      (133,493)    (133,493)
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
    Total shareholders' equity........................................................       433,316      433,316
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
      Total capitalization............................................................  $    626,111   $
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
- --------------
(1)  The commercial paper has  been classified as  long-term debt in  accordance
     with the Company's intention and ability to refinance such obligations on a
     long-term  basis. The average interest rate of commercial paper outstanding
     at March 31, 1995, was 6.10%.

S-2

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following selected consolidated financial information of the Company for, and as of the end of, each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 1994, has been derived from consolidated financial statements which have been audited by Price Waterhouse LLP, independent auditors. Selected financial information presented for the quarters ended March 31, 1995 and 1994, is unaudited. The selected consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto incorporated by reference in the accompanying Prospectus.

                                               QUARTER ENDED
                                                 MARCH 31,                     FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                            --------------------  ----------------------------------------------------------
                                              1995       1994        1994        1993        1992        1991        1990
                                            ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                (UNAUDITED)            (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net Sales.................................  $ 368,551  $ 323,277  $1,390,459  $1,203,494  $1,181,336  $1,141,638  $1,128,173
Costs and expenses:
  Cost of products sold...................    290,692    250,978   1,077,130     926,135     908,394     877,789     863,845
  Selling, general and administrative
   expenses...............................     45,333     44,494     171,139     161,598     157,383     155,045     154,329
  Research and development................      3,257      3,798      13,124      14,084      15,939      13,223      15,394
  Interest expense........................      3,029      1,616       8,395       7,201       7,546      12,101      11,712
  Other (income) (1)                             (538)      (199)       (802)     17,739      (1,661)     (4,178)     (1,891)
  Minority interest in net income.........        988        602       3,379       2,360       3,449       2,740       3,087
                                            ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Income before income taxes................     25,790     21,988     118,094      74,377      90,286      84,918      81,697
Provision for income taxes................      9,700      8,400      45,300      28,300      33,000      31,900      30,800
                                            ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Income before effect of changes in
 accounting principles....................     16,090     13,588      72,794      46,077      57,286      53,018      50,897
Cumulative effect on prior years of
 adoption of FAS 112 in 1993 and FAS 106
 and FAS 109 in 1992......................     --         --          --          (1,746)       (274)     --          --
                                            ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Net Income................................  $  16,090  $  13,588  $   72,794  $   44,331  $   57,012  $   53,018  $   50,897
                                            ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                            ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Earnings per share of common stock before
 effect of changes in accounting
 principles (2)...........................  $    0.31  $    0.26  $     1.40  $     0.89  $     1.11  $     1.03  $     0.99
Cumulative effect of adoption of FAS 112
 in 1993 and FAS 106 and FAS 109 in 1992
 (2)......................................     --         --          --            (.03)       (.01)     --          --
                                            ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Earnings per share of common stock (2)....  $    0.31  $    0.26  $     1.40  $     0.86  $     1.10  $     1.03  $     0.99
                                            ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                            ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Average common shares and common stock
 equivalents outstanding (2)..............     51,877     51,890      51,953      51,767      51,840      51,530      51,403
FINANCIAL POSITION DATA:
Cash......................................  $  15,432  $  11,811  $   12,726  $    8,911  $      101  $    1,392  $    9,172
Accounts receivable, net..................    195,662    177,067     197,164     161,695     166,081     156,835     168,922
Inventories...............................    181,444    145,106     168,153     127,123     128,854     131,317     144,627
Total current assets......................    434,612    376,343     418,872     337,009     314,599     307,770     344,076
Property and equipment, net...............    471,906    444,288     461,316     414,888     390,730     369,856     370,388
Excess of cost of investments in
 subsidiaries over net assets acquired....     29,557     29,801      29,743      24,814      25,759      26,361      28,066
Total assets..............................    949,480    863,770     923,339     789,767     742,670     714,937     756,476
Total current liabilities.................    197,407    212,417     210,818     184,189     160,569     167,136     193,911
Long-term debt, less current portion......    192,019    164,104     171,728     123,215     131,077     128,850     171,095
Deferred taxes............................     42,218     36,241      40,013      35,813      33,341      47,001      47,572
Other liabilities and deferred credits....     59,029     50,745      58,823      54,602      33,439      21,066      29,101
Minority interest.........................     25,491     22,208      23,930      21,409      23,294      21,658      19,155
Total stockholders' equity................    433,316    378,055     418,027     370,539     360,950     329,226     295,642
OTHER DATA:
Cash dividends paid per share of common
 stock....................................  $    0.16  $   0.135  $     0.54  $     0.50  $     0.46  $     0.42  $     0.36
Capital expenditures......................     24,199     27,110      93,064      60,729      70,688      56,947      73,061
Depreciation and amortization.............     14,948     13,348      51,828      46,982      48,304      47,086      42,334
- ------------------
(1)  In  1993 a restructuring plan was announced,  the objective of which was to
     increase profitability  through improved  operating efficiency.  This  plan
     resulted  in a $21 million pretax charge to Other Costs and was expected to
     produce annual pretax savings of $8 million when fully implemented.
(2)  Adjusted for  the two-for-one  stock split  of the  Company's Common  Stock
     effected on March 31, 1992

S-3

USE OF PROCEEDS

The net proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the Notes offered hereby, estimated at $ (before deducting expenses payable by the Company), will be used to repay outstanding commercial paper. At May 31, 1995, the Company had approximately $144 million of commercial paper outstanding, which matures no later than July 10, 1995, and bears interest at rates ranging from 6.00% to 6.06% per annum. Pending such application, all or a portion of the net proceeds will be invested in short-term money market instruments.

DESCRIPTION OF NOTES

The following description of the terms of the Notes offered hereby (referred to in the Prospectus as the "Debt Securities") supplements, and to the extent inconsistent therewith replaces, insofar as such description relates to the Notes, the description of the Debt Securities set forth in the Prospectus, to which description reference is hereby made.

The Notes will be limited to $100,000,000 principal amount, will be issued in fully registered form only in denominations of $1,000 and multiples thereof, and will mature on , 2005. Principal will initially be payable, and Notes will initially be transferable and exchangeable, at the office of First Trust National Association, as Trustee (the "Trustee"), at 180 East Fifth Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101.

Interest on the Notes at the annual rate set forth on the cover of this Prospectus Supplement will be payable semiannually on each and , commencing on , 19 , to the persons in whose names the Notes are registered at the close of business on or , as the case may be, preceding such interest payment date. Interest on the Notes will accrue from , 1995 or from the most recent interest payment date to which interest has been paid or provided for.

As specified on the cover page, the Notes will be represented by one or more global Notes (each a "Global Note") registered in the name of the nominee of The Depository Trust Company, as Depositary (the "DTC"). Ownership of beneficial interests in a Global Note will be limited to institutions that have accounts with the DTC or its nominee ("participants") or persons that may hold interests through participants. The Company has been advised by the DTC that upon the issuance of a Global Note and the deposit of such Global Note with the DTC, the DTC will immediately credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the respective principal amounts of the Notes represented by such Global Note to the accounts of participants. The accounts to be credited shall be designated by the Underwriters.

The Company has been advised by the DTC that upon receipt of any payment of principal of or any interest in respect of a Global Note, the DTC will immediately credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, accounts of participants with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of such Global Note as shown on the records of the DTC. Payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in a Global Note held through such participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers registered in "street name," and will be the sole responsibility of such participants.

The DTC has advised the Company as follows: the DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The DTC was created to hold securities of its participants and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, among its participants in such securities through electronic computerized book-entry changes in accounts of the participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. The DTC's participants include securities brokers and dealers

S-4

(including the Underwriters), banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations, some of whom (and/or their representatives) own the DTC. Access to the DTC's book-entry system is also available to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly.

The Notes may not be redeemed prior to maturity.

The provisions described in the Prospectus under "Description of Debt Securities -- Defeasance Provisions" will be applicable to the Notes.

UNDERWRITING

Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Underwriting Agreement and the Pricing Agreement, the Company has agreed to sell to each of the Underwriters named below, and each of the Underwriters has severally agreed to purchase, the principal amount of the Notes set forth opposite its name below:

                                                                                       PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
UNDERWRITER                                                                                OF NOTES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------------
Goldman, Sachs & Co..................................................................   $    50,000,000
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc...........................................................        50,000,000
                                                                                       -----------------
    Total............................................................................   $   100,000,000
                                                                                       -----------------
                                                                                       -----------------

Under the terms and conditions of the Underwriting Agreement and the Pricing Agreement, the Underwriters are committed to take and pay for all of the Notes, if any are taken.

The Underwriters propose to offer the Notes in part directly to the public at the initial public offering price set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus Supplement and in part to certain securities dealers at such price less a concession of % of the principal amount of the Notes. The Underwriters may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a concession not to exceed % of the principal amount of the Notes to certain brokers and dealers. After the Notes are released for sale to the public, the offering price and other selling terms may from time to time be varied by the Underwriters.

The Notes are a new issue of securities with no established trading market. The Company does not intend to apply for listing of the Notes on a national securities exchange, but has been advised by the several Underwriters that they presently intend to make a market in the Notes but are not obligated to do so and may discontinue market making at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market for the Notes.

Settlement for the Notes will be made in immediately available funds and all secondary trading in the Notes will settle in immediately available funds.

The Company has agreed to indemnify the several Underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

In the ordinary course of their respective businesses, affiliates of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. have engaged, and may in the future engage, in commercial banking and investment banking transactions with the Company and affiliates of the Company.

VALIDITY OF NOTES

The validity of the Notes will be passed upon for the Company by Scott W. Johnson, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company. Certain matters with respect to the Notes will be passed upon for the Company by Faegre & Benson Professional Limited Liability Partnership, 90 South Seventh Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402, and for the Underwriters by Dorsey & Whitney P.L.L.P., 220 South Sixth Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402. At May 31, 1995, Mr. Johnson was the beneficial owner of 76,281 shares of Common Stock of the Company.

S-5

INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.


SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JUNE 15, 1995

$200,000,000

BEMIS COMPANY, INC.

DEBT SECURITIES


Bemis Company, Inc. (the "Company") may offer from time to time its debt securities (the "Debt Securities") in one or more series at an aggregate initial offering price not to exceed $200,000,000, or its equivalent in such foreign currency or composite currencies as may be designated by the Company at the time of the offering, on terms to be determined at the time of sale. The specific designation, aggregate principal amount, purchase price, maturity, denominations (which may be in United States dollars, in any other currency or in a composite currency), any interest rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) and time of payment of any interest, any redemption or extension terms, any terms for sinking fund payments and other specific terms of the Debt Securities will be set forth in one or more supplements to this Prospectus (each a "Prospectus Supplement"). As used herein, the term "Debt Securities" shall include securities denominated in United States dollars or, if so specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, in any other currency or composite currency.

The Debt Securities may be sold to or through underwriters, dealers or agents for public offering or directly to other purchasers pursuant to the terms of the offering fixed at the time of sale. See "Plan of Distribution". Any underwriters, dealers or agents participating in an offering of Securities will be named in the accompanying Prospectus Supplement or Prospectus Supplements. Such underwriters, dealers or agents may be deemed "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933.


THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE

CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.


The date of this Prospectus is June , 1995.


AVAILABLE INFORMATION

The Company is subject to the information requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Such reports, proxy statements and other information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 2400, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the Commission's regional offices located at Seven World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048 and Northwestern Atrium Center, 14th Floor, 500 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such materials can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. The Company's Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Reports, proxy statements and other information concerning the Company can also be inspected at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

The Company has filed with the Commission a registration statement on Form S-3 (herein, together with all amendments and exhibits, referred to as the "Registration Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. This Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the Registration Statement, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission. For further information, reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement, and exhibits thereto, which may be inspected without charge at the office of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and copies thereof may be obtained from the Commission at prescribed rates.


INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

The following documents of the Company which have been filed with the Commission are hereby incorporated by reference in this Prospectus:

(a) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994, as amended; and

(b) Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1995.

All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering of the Debt Securities shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the respective dates of filing of such documents. Any statement contained herein or in a document all or any portion of which is incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.

The Company will provide without charge to any person to whom this Prospectus is delivered, upon the written or oral request of such person, a copy of any or all of the foregoing documents incorporated herein by reference (other than certain exhibits to such documents). Requests for such copies should be directed to the Secretary, Bemis Company, Inc., 222 South Ninth Street, Suite 2300, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402-4099, telephone number (612) 376-3000.

Unless otherwise indicated, currency amounts in this Prospectus and any Prospectus Supplement are stated in United States dollars ("$" or "dollars").

2

THE COMPANY

The Company is a principal manufacturer of flexible packaging products and specialty coated and graphics products selling to customers throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. In 1994, approximately 70% of the Company's sales were derived from flexible packaging products and approximately 30% were derived from specialty coated and graphics products. The primary market for its products is the food industry; other markets include companies in chemical, agribusiness, pharmaceutical, medical and printing and graphic industries.

Through its flexible packaging products line of business, the Company manufactures a broad range of industrial and consumer packaging consisting of coated and laminated films, polyethylene packaging, packaging machinery and industrial and consumer paper bag packaging. Coated and laminated film products include polymer film structures and barrier laminates for food, medical and personal care products utilizing controlled and modified atmosphere packaging and complementary packaging machinery systems, with value added through printing. Primary markets are processed meat, cheese, coffee, condiments and candy. Additional products include a full line of blown and cast stretchfilm products, carton sealing tapes and applicating equipment for industrial use, and custom thermoformed plastic packaging.

Polyethylene packaging consists of mono-layer and tri-extruded films, converted packaging and roll stock, flexographic line and process printed packaging for bakery products, seed, retail, lawn and garden, ice, fresh and frozen produce and candy, printed shrink overwrap for the food and beverage industry, extruded products including wide width sheeting, bags on a roll, balers, pass-through stretch palletizing and shrink pallet covers.

Packaging machinery products include consumer packaging machinery and systems for flexible packaging, including vertical and horizontal form-fill-seal pouch packaging, equipment which weighs pieces, powders and liquids for food, chemical and industrial products, stand-up pouch packaging systems, and paper packaging machinery systems for a broad range of sanitary paper products. The Company also makes industrial packaging machinery, including automated weighing, open mouth and valve bag filling equipment for multiwall and poly bags, Bulk Pak (poly bag-in-box) systems and large vertical form-fill-seal systems, as well as flexible packaging handling, automatic palletizing and stretch-wrap systems.

Industrial and consumer paper bag packaging is made up of multiwall and small paper bags, balers, printed paper roll stock and bag closing materials for industrial and consumer packaging products. Primary markets include pet food, seed, chemicals, dairy products, fertilizers, feed, minerals, flour, rice, sugar and coffee beans.

Through its specialty coated and graphics products line of business, the Company manufactures pressure-sensitive materials such as sheet printing products, roll label products, and technical products.

Sheet printing products include pressure-sensitive backed paper, film and foil sheet printing products and laser printing products for the sheet-fed printing industry. In addition, the Company provides laser printer sheet stocks, pre-die cut printing labels, copier labels, data processing labels and non- impact printer products, which are designed to run on business equipment such as laser printers and xerographic copiers.

Roll label products include narrow web rolls of pressure-sensitive film, paper and foil printing stocks used in high-speed printing and die-cutting of primary package labeling, secondary or promotional decoration and for high-speed, high-volume data processing (EDP) stocks, bar code inventory control labels and numerous laser printing applications. Conversion of labels for custom applications such as battery labels is also performed by the Company.

Technical products are pressure-sensitive materials that are technically engineered for performance in varied industrial or graphic applications. They include microthin film adhesives used in delicate

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electronic parts assembly, pressure-sensitives utilizing foam and tape based stocks to perform fastening and mounting functions, optically clear films with built-in UV inhibitors for photo murals, decorative marking films and unique pressure-sensitive opening and reclosure systems for packaging applications.

While the Company's sales are made through a variety of distribution methods, more than 70% of each business line's sales are made by the Company's direct sales force. Sales offices and plants are located throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Mexico, servicing more than 30,000 customers. The Company's technically trained sales force is supported by product development engineers, design technicians and a customer service organization. No single customer accounts for 10% or more of the Company's total sales of either of its two business lines.

The Company's major competitors in the flexible packaging products business line include American National Can Company, Printpack, Inc., James River Corporation, Cryovac, a division of W.R. Grace & Co., Huntsman Chemical Corporation, AEP Industries, Inc., Stone Container Corporation, and Union Camp Corporation. In the specialty coated and graphics products business line, its major competitors include Avery Dennison Corporation, Flexcon Co., Inc., Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, Jackstaedt GmbH (Germany) and Haarla (Finland).

The Company's strategy is to continue aggressively to expand its core flexible packaging and speciality coated and graphics product lines. This activity has been carried out through a strong internal program of capital expenditures, which amounted to $93 million in 1994, and also has been enhanced by selective acquisitions over the last several years which complement the Company's core businesses. The Company strives to achieve a strong or leading position in the markets it serves and seeks out those segments where it believes above-average profit potential exists and where the Company's technical expertise, state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and other capabilities give it a competitive advantage.

The Company was incorporated under the laws of Missouri in 1885, continuing a business formed in 1858. The Company maintains its principal executive offices at 222 South Ninth Street, Suite 2300, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402. Unless the context otherwise requires, the term the "Company" refers to Bemis Company, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the net proceeds from the sale of the Debt Securities will be used for general corporate purposes, including working capital, repayment or repurchase of outstanding indebtedness and other securities of the Company, possible acquisitions and capital expenditures. Specific allocations of the proceeds to such purposes may not have been made at the date of the applicable Prospectus Supplement, although management of the Company will have determined that funds should be borrowed at that time in anticipation of future funding requirements. The precise amount and timing of the application of such proceeds will depend upon the funding requirements of the Company and the availability and cost of other funds. Pending such application, such net proceeds may be temporarily invested in short-term interest-bearing securities.

RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

                                                            THREE MONTHS                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                ENDED        -----------------------------------------------------
                                                           MARCH 31, 1995      1994       1993       1992       1991       1990
                                                          -----------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges......................           7.70          10.84       7.88       8.47       6.24       5.95

For the purpose of determining the unaudited ratios of earnings to fixed charges, earnings represent income (before cumulative effect of accounting changes) before income taxes, minority interest in net income, fixed charges (less capitalized interest) and amortization of capitalized interest. Fixed charges

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consist of interest on all indebtedness (including capital lease obligations), capitalized interest, amortization of debt issue costs and the portion of rent charge considered to be representative of the interest factor.

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

The Debt Securities will be issued under an Indenture (the "Indenture") between the Company and First Trust National Association, as Trustee (the "Trustee"). A copy of the form of Indenture has been filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part. The following brief summary of certain provisions of the Indenture does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the Indenture, and is further qualified by any description contained in the applicable Prospectus Supplement or Prospectus Supplements. Certain terms capitalized and not otherwise defined herein are defined in the Indenture. Wherever particular sections or defined terms of the Indenture are referred to, such sections or defined terms are incorporated herein by reference.

The Debt Securities may be issued from time to time in one or more series. The terms of each series of Debt Securities will be established by or pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company and set forth or determined in the manner provided in an Officers' Certificate or by a supplemental indenture. The particular terms of the Debt Securities offered pursuant to any Prospectus Supplement or Prospectus Supplements will be described in such Prospectus Supplement or Prospectus Supplements. As used under this caption, the term "Company" means Bemis Company, Inc.

GENERAL

The Indenture will not limit the aggregate principal amount of Debt Securities which may be issued thereunder nor the amount of other debt which may be issued by the Company. The Debt Securities will be unsecured obligations of the Company and will rank on a parity with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company.

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement or Prospectus Supplements, the Debt Securities of any series will be issued only in fully registered form in denominations of $1,000 or any amount in excess thereof which is an integral multiple of $1,000. (Section 302) Debt Securities may be issuable in the form of one or more Global Securities, as described below under "-- Global Securities". The Debt Securities (other than those issued in the form of a Global Security) are exchangeable or transferable without charge therefor, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith and require the holders to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents. (Section 305)

Debt Securities may be issued as Original Issue Discount Debt Securities to be sold at a substantial discount below their principal amount. Special federal income tax and other considerations applicable thereto and special federal tax and other considerations applicable to any Debt Securities which are denominated in a currency or currency unit other than United States dollars will be described in the Prospectus Supplement or Prospectus Supplements relating thereto.

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement or Prospectus Supplements, principal of and any premium and interest on the Debt Securities will be payable, and the transfer of the Debt Securities will be registrable, at the principal corporate trust office of the Trustee. In addition, unless otherwise provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement or Prospectus Supplements and in the case of Global Securities, payment of interest may be made at the option of the Company by check mailed to the address of the person entitled thereto as it appears on the Security Register. (Sections 301, 305, 1001 and 1002)

The applicable Prospectus Supplement or Prospectus Supplements will describe the terms of the Debt Securities offered thereby, including the following: (1) the title of the offered Debt Securities; (2) any limit on the aggregate principal amount of the offered Debt Securities; (3) the Person to whom any interest on the offered Debt Securities will be payable, if other than the Person in whose name it is

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registered on the regular record date for such interest; (4) the date or dates on which the offered Debt Securities will mature and any rights of extension;
(5) the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) at which the offered Debt Securities will bear interest, if any, or the formula pursuant to which such rate or rates shall be determined, the date from which any such interest will accrue and the dates on which any such interest on the offered Debt Securities will be payable and the regular record dates therefor; (6) the place or places where the principal of and any premium and interest on the offered Debt Securities will be payable; (7) the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which the offered Debt Securities may be redeemed, if applicable, at the option of the Company; (8) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem or purchase Debt Securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option of a Holder thereof and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which Debt Securities of the series shall be redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation; (9) the denominations in which any offered Debt Securities will be issuable, if other than denominations of $1,000 or any amount in excess thereof which is an integral multiple of $1,000; (10) the currency, currencies or currency units for the payment of principal of and any premium and interest payable on the offered Debt Securities, if other than United States dollars;
(11) any other event or events of default applicable with respect to the offered Debt Securities in addition to or in lieu of those described below under "-- Events of Default"; (12) if less than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal payable upon acceleration of such Debt Securities following an Event of Default; (13) whether such Debt Securities are to be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities and, if so, the identity of the Depositary for such Global Security or Debt Securities and any additional circumstances under which any such Global Security may be exchanged for Debt Securities registered in the name of, and any transfer of such Global Security may be registered to, a Person other than such Depositary or its nominee; (14) if principal of or interest on the offered Debt Securities is denominated or payable in a currency or currencies other than United States dollars, whether and under what terms and conditions the Company may defease the offered Debt Securities; and (15) any other terms of the offered Debt Securities not inconsistent with the provisions of the Indenture. (Section 301)

GLOBAL SECURITIES

The Debt Securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a Depositary identified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement or Prospectus Supplements. A Global Security will be issued in a denomination equal to the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Debt Securities of the series represented by such Global Security. The specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to a series of Debt Securities will be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement or Prospectus Supplements.

So long as the Depositary, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a Global Security, the Depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or Holder of the Debt Securities represented by such Global Security for all purposes under the Indenture. Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in a Global Security will not be entitled to have the Debt Securities represented by such Global Securities registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the Debt Securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or Holders thereof under the Indenture. If (i) the Depositary is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary with respect to Global Securities or the Depositary ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act,
(ii) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee a Company Order to the effect that the Global Securities shall be transferable and exchangeable, (iii) there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default or an event which after notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default with respect to the Debt Securities, or (iv) any other circumstances set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement or Prospectus Supplements, the Global Securities will be transferable or exchangeable for Debt Securities in definitive form of like tenor in an equal aggregate principal amount. Such definitive Debt Securities shall be registered in such name or names as the Depositary shall instruct the Trustee. (Section 305)

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RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS

LIMITATIONS ON SECURED DEBT. The Indenture provides that the Company will not itself, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary (defined below) to, incur, issue, assume or guarantee any notes, bonds, debentures or other similar evidences of indebtedness for money borrowed (herein called "debt"), secured by pledge of, or mortgage or other lien on, any Principal Property (defined below), now owned or hereafter owned by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, or any shares of stock or debt of any Restricted Subsidiary (herein called "liens"), without effectively providing that the Debt Securities of each series then Outstanding (together with, if the Company shall so determine, any other debt of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary then existing or thereafter created which is not subordinate to the Debt Securities of each series then Outstanding) shall be secured equally and ratably with such secured debt. The foregoing restrictions do not apply, however, to (a) liens on any Principal Property acquired, constructed or improved by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary after the date of the Indenture which are created or assumed contemporaneously with, or within 180 days of, such acquisition, construction or improvement, to secure or provide for the payment of all or any part of the cost of such acquisition, construction or improvement; (b) liens on property, shares of capital stock or debt existing at the time of acquisition thereof, whether by merger, consolidation, purchase, lease or otherwise (including liens on property, shares of capital stock or debt of a corporation existing at the time such corporation becomes a Restricted Subsidiary); (c) liens in favor of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary; (d) liens in favor of the United States of America or any State thereof, or any department, agency or instrumentality or political subdivision thereof, or political entity affiliated therewith, or in favor of any other country, or any political subdivision thereof, to secure partial, progress, advance or other payments; (e) certain liens imposed by law, such as mechanics', workmen's, repairmen's, materialmen's, carriers', warehousemen's, vendors' or other similar liens arising in the ordinary course of business; (f) certain pledges or deposits under workmens compensation or similar legislation or in certain other circumstances; (g) certain liens in connection with legal proceedings, including certain liens arising out of judgments or awards; (h) liens for certain taxes or assessments; (i) certain liens consisting of restrictions on the use of real property which do not interfere materially with the property's use; or (j) any extension, renewal or replacement, as a whole or in part, of any lien existing on the date of the Indenture or otherwise referred to in the foregoing clauses (a) to (i), inclusive. (Section 1007)

Notwithstanding the restrictions described above, the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary may incur, issue, assume or guarantee debt secured by liens without equally and ratably securing the Debt Securities of each series then Outstanding, provided, that at the time of such incurrence, issuance, assumption or guarantee, after giving effect thereto and to the retirement of any debt which is concurrently being retired, the aggregate amount of all outstanding debt secured by liens so incurred (other than liens permitted as described in clauses (a) through (j) above) does not at such time exceed 10% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets (defined below) of the Company. (Section 1007)

LIMITATIONS ON SALE AND LEASEBACK TRANSACTIONS. Sale and leaseback transactions by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary involving a Principal Property are prohibited unless either (a) the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary would be entitled, without equally and ratably securing the Debt Securities of each series then Outstanding, to incur debt secured by a lien on such property, pursuant to the provisions described in clauses (a) through (j) above under "Limitations on Secured Debt"; or (b) the Company, within 180 days, applies to the retirement of its Funded Debt (defined below) (subject to credits for certain voluntary retirements of Funded Debt) an amount not less than the greater of (i) the net proceeds of the sale of the Principal Property leased pursuant to such arrangement or (ii) the fair market value of the Principal Property so leased. This restriction will not apply to a sale and leaseback transaction between the Company and a Restricted Subsidiary or between Restricted Subsidiaries or involving the taking back of a lease for a period of less than three years.

Notwithstanding the restrictions described above, the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary may enter into a Sale and Leaseback Transaction, provided, that at the time of such transaction, after giving effect thereto, the aggregate amount of all Attributable Debt (defined below) in respect of sale and

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leaseback transactions existing at such time (other than sale and leaseback transactions permitted as described above) does not at such time exceed 10% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets of the Company. (Section 1008)

CERTAIN DEFINITIONS. The term "Attributable Debt" means the total net amount of rent (discounted at the rate of interest implicit in the terms of the lease) required to be paid during the remaining term of any lease. (Section 101)

The term "Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" means the aggregate amount of assets (less applicable reserves and other properly deductible items) after deducting therefrom (a) all current liabilities (excluding any indebtedness for money borrowed having a maturity of less than 12 months from the date of the most recent consolidated balance sheet of the Company but which by its terms is renewable or extendable beyond 12 months from such date at the option of the borrower) and (b) all goodwill, trade names, patents, unamortized debt discount and expense and any other like intangibles, all as set forth on the most recent consolidated balance sheet of the Company and computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. (Section 101)

The term "Funded Debt" means debt which by its terms matures at or is extendible or renewable at the option of the obligor to a date more than 12 months after the date of the creation of such debt. (Section 101)

The term "Principal Property" means any manufacturing plant located within the United States of America (other than its territories or possessions) and owned by the Company or any Subsidiary, the gross book value (without deduction of any depreciation reserves) of which on the date as of which the determination is being made exceeds 2% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets of the Company, except any such plant (i) which is financed by obligations issued by a State or local governmental unit pursuant to Section 142(a)(5), 142(a)(6), 142(a)(8) or 144(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any successor provision thereof, or (ii) which is not of material importance to the business conducted by the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole. (Section 101)

The term "Restricted Subsidiary" means any subsidiary of the Company which owns or leases a Principal Property. (Section 101)

Other than as described above and except as may be otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Indenture does not contain covenants specifically designed to protect Holders in the event of a highly leveraged transaction involving the Company.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

The following events are defined in the Indenture as "Events of Default" with respect to the Debt Securities of any series issued pursuant to such Indenture, unless otherwise provided with respect to such series: (1) failure to pay any interest on any Debt Security of that series when due and payable, continued for 30 days; (2) failure to pay principal of or any premium on any Debt Security of that series when due and payable; (3) failure to deposit any sinking fund payment, when and as due, in respect of any Debt Security of that series; (4) failure to perform any other covenant of the Company in the Indenture (other than a covenant included in the Indenture solely for the benefit of a series of Debt Securities other than that series), continued for 60 days after written notice as provided in the Indenture; (5) the occurrence of an event of default under any indenture or instrument under which the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary shall have outstanding at least $10,000,000 aggregate principal amount of indebtedness for money borrowed whose maturity has been accelerated and such acceleration has not been annulled within 10 days after written notice as provided in the Indenture; (6) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization involving the Company; and (7) any other Event of Default provided with respect to Debt Securities of that series. (Section 501)

If an Event of Default with respect to any series of Debt Securities Outstanding under the Indenture occurs and is continuing, then either the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of that series by notice as provided in the Indenture may

8

declare the principal amount (or, if any of the Debt Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount Debt Securities, such lesser portion of the principal amount of such Debt Securities as may be specified in the terms thereof) of all of the Debt Securities of that series to be due and payable immediately. At any time after a declaration of acceleration with respect to Debt Securities of any series has been made, but before a judgment or decree for payment of money has been obtained by the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of that series may, under certain circumstances, rescind and annul such acceleration. (Section 502)

The Indenture provides that, subject to the duty of the Trustee during default to act with the required standard of care, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity. (Sections 601, 603) Subject to such provisions for the indemnification of the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee, with respect to the Debt Securities of that series.
(Section 512)

The Company is required to furnish to each Trustee annually a statement as to the performance by the Company of certain of its obligations under the Indenture and as to any default in such performance. (Section 704)

MODIFICATION AND WAIVER

Modifications and amendments of the Indenture may be made by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of each series affected by such modification or amendment; provided, however, that no such modification or amendment may, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Debt Security affected thereby: (a) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any installment of principal of or interest on, any Debt Security, reduce the principal amount of, or premium or interest on, any Debt Security, reduce the amount of principal of an Original Issue Discount Debt Security due and payable upon acceleration of the Maturity thereof, change the place of payment where or coin or currency in which the principal of, or any premium or interest on, any Debt Security is payable, impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any Debt Security; or (b) reduce the percentage in principal amount of Outstanding Debt Securities of any series, the consent of the Holders of which is required for modification or amendment of the Indenture or for waiver of compliance with certain provisions of the Indenture or for waiver of certain defaults or modify any of the above provisions. (Section 902)

The Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of each series may, on behalf of the Holders of all Debt Securities of that series, waive, insofar as that series is concerned, compliance by the Company with certain restrictive provisions of the Indenture. (Section 1010) The Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of each series may, on behalf of the Holders of all Debt Securities of that series, waive any past default under the Indenture with respect to Debt Securities of that series, except a default (1) in the payment of principal of, or any premium or interest on, any Debt Security of such series, or (2) in respect of a covenant or provision of the Indenture which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Debt Security of such series affected. (Section 513)

The Indenture provides that, in determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver thereunder or whether a quorum is present at a meeting of Holders of Debt Securities, (1) the principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Debt Security that will be deemed to be Outstanding will be the amount of the principal thereof that would be due and payable as of the date of such determination upon acceleration of the Maturity thereof to such date, and (2) the principal amount of a Debt Security denominated in a foreign currency or currency unit that will be deemed to be Outstanding

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will be the United States dollar equivalent, determined as of the date of original issuance of such Debt Security, of the principal amount of such Debt Security (or, in the case of an Original Issue Discount Debt Security, the United States dollar equivalent, determined as of the date of original issuance of such Debt Security, of the amount determined as provided in (1) above).
(Section 101)

CONSOLIDATION, MERGER AND SALE OF ASSETS

The Company, without the consent of the Holders of any of the Outstanding Debt Securities under the Indenture, may consolidate or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to, any Person which is a corporation, partnership or trust organized and validly existing under the laws of any domestic jurisdiction, provided that (1) any successor Person assumes by supplemental indenture the Company's obligations on the Debt Securities and under the Indenture and (2) after giving effect to the transaction no Event of Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time, would become an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing under the Indenture. (Section 801)

DEFEASANCE PROVISIONS

DEFEASANCE AND DISCHARGE. The Indenture provides that, if principal of and any interest on the Debt Securities are denominated and payable in United States dollars, the Company will be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the Debt Securities (except for certain obligations to register the transfer or exchange of Debt Securities, to replace stolen, lost or mutilated Debt Securities, to maintain paying agencies and to hold moneys for payment in trust) upon the deposit with the Trustee, in trust, of money, U.S. Government Obligations (defined below) or a combination thereof, which through the payment of interest and principal thereof in accordance with their terms will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay any installment of principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of the Debt Securities on the Stated Maturity of such payments in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and such Debt Securities. Such discharge may only occur if there has been a change in applicable Federal law or the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the United States Internal Revenue Service a ruling to the effect that such a discharge will not be deemed, or result in, a taxable event with respect to holders of the Debt Securities; and such discharge will not be applicable to any Debt Securities then listed on the New York Stock Exchange if the provision would cause said Debt Securities to be de-listed as a result thereof. (Section 403) The term "U.S. Government Obligations" is defined to mean direct obligations of the United States of America, backed by its full faith and credit. (Section 101)

DEFEASANCE OF CERTAIN COVENANTS. The Company may omit to comply with certain restrictive covenants described in Sections 1005 (Maintenance of Properties), 1006 (Payment of Taxes and Other Claims), 1007 (Restriction on Secured Debt) and 1008 (Restriction on Sale and Leaseback Transactions) of the Indenture. To exercise such option, the Company must deposit with the Trustee money, U.S. Government Obligations or a combination thereof, which through the payment of interest and principal thereof in accordance with their terms will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay any installment of principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of the Debt Securities on the Stated Maturity of such payments in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and such Debt Securities. The Company will also be required to deliver to the Trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the deposit and related covenant defeasance will not cause the holders of the Debt Securities to recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes. (Section 1009)

DEFEASANCE AND EVENTS OF DEFAULT. In the event the Company exercises its option to omit compliance with certain covenants of the Indenture and the Debt Securities are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of any Event of Default, the amount of money and U.S. Government Obligations on deposit with the Trustee will be sufficient to pay amounts due on the Debt Securities at the time of their Stated Maturity but may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on the Debt Securities at the time of the acceleration resulting from such Event of Default. However, the Company shall remain liable for such payments.

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REGARDING THE TRUSTEE

First Trust National Association is the Trustee under the Indenture. The Trustee also acts as trustee for the Company's 401(k) savings plan and is the investment manager for equity funds for that plan. In the ordinary course of their respective businesses, affiliates of the Trustee have engaged, and may in the future engage, in commercial banking transactions with the Company.

GOVERNING LAW

The Indenture and the Debt Securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

The Company may sell the Debt Securities being offered hereby in any of four ways: (i) directly to purchasers, (ii) through agents, (iii) through underwriters and (iv) through dealers. The applicable Prospectus Supplement or Prospectus Supplements will set forth the terms of the offering of the Debt Securities, including the name or names of any agents, underwriters or dealers, the purchase price of the Debt Securities and the proceeds to be received by the Company from such sale, any underwriting discounts and other items constituting underwriters' compensation and any discounts and commissions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers or agents. Any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers or agents may be changed from time to time.

In connection with the sale of Debt Securities, underwriters or agents may be deemed to have received compensation from the Company in the form of underwriting discounts or commissions. Underwriters may sell Debt Securities to or through dealers, and such dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters. Underwriters, dealers and agents participating in the distribution of Debt Securities may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts and commissions received by them and any profit realized by them on resale of the Debt Securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Such underwriters, dealers and agents may be entitled under agreements which may be entered into by the Company to indemnification by the Company against and contribution toward certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

The Debt Securities may be distributed in one or more transactions from time to time at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, or from time to time at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. The Company also may offer and sell the Debt Securities in exchange for one or more of its outstanding issues of debt or convertible debt securities.

The Debt Securities will be a new issue of securities with no established trading market. Any underwriters or agents to or through whom Debt Securities are sold by the Company for public offering and sale may make a market in such Debt Securities, but such underwriters and agents will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market-making at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market for any Debt Securities.

Certain of the underwriters, dealers and/or agents and their associates may be customers of, engage in transactions with and perform services for the Company, including its subsidiaries, in the ordinary course of business.

EXPERTS

The financial statements incorporated in this prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994, have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

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NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR THE PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED. THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE PROSPECTUS DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY SUCH SECURITIES IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS UNLAWFUL. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR THE PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER OR THEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN OR THEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE OF SUCH INFORMATION.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

                                                        PAGE
                                                        -----
The Company........................................         S-2
Capitalization.....................................         S-2
Selected Consolidated Financial Information........         S-3
Use of Proceeds....................................         S-4
Description of Notes...............................         S-4
Underwriting.......................................         S-5
Validity of Notes..................................         S-5

                           PROSPECTUS
Available Information..............................           2
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference....           2
The Company........................................           3
Use of Proceeds....................................           4
Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges................           4
Description of Debt Securities.....................           5
Plan of Distribution...............................          11
Experts............................................          11

$100,000,000

BEMIS COMPANY, INC.

% NOTES
DUE 2005


[LOGO]


GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.

J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC.






PART II. INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.

Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee. .     $ 68,966
Legal fees and expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       50,000
Blue sky fees and expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       10,000
Accounting fees and expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . .       25,000
Trustee fees and expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       20,000
Rating agency fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      150,000
Printing and engraving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       50,000
Miscellaneous. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       11,034
                                                           --------
     Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $385,000
                                                           --------
                                                           --------

All of the above items except the registration fee are estimated.

ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

Under Missouri law, a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to an action (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of that person's service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or that person's service, at the corporation's request, as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees) that are actually and reasonably incurred by that person ("Expenses"), and judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement that are actually and reasonably incurred, in connection with the defense or settlement of such action, provided that the person to be indemnified acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the corporation's best interests, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that the conduct was unlawful. Although Missouri law permits a corporation to indemnify any person referred to above against Expenses in connection with the defense or settlement of an action by or in the right of the corporation, provided that the person to be indemnified acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the corporation's best interests, if such person has been judged liable to the corporation, indemnification is only permitted to the extent that the court in which the action was brought determines that, despite the adjudication of liability, such person is entitled to indemnity for such Expenses as the court deems proper. The General and Business Corporation Law of the State of Missouri also provides for mandatory indemnification of any director, officer, employee or agent against Expenses to the extent such person has been successful on the merits in any proceeding covered by the statute. Missouri law allows for the advancement of expenses pursuant to authorization by the board of directors in certain cases. Missouri law also allows a corporation to give further indemnity in its articles of incorporation, bylaws or by agreement of the Shareholders, provided such further indemnity does not indemnify a person for conduct finally adjudged to have been knowingly fraudulent, deliberately dishonest or a product of willful misconduct. In addition, the General Business and Corporation Law of the State of Missouri provides that indemnification provided by the statute shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification may be entitled under the articles of incorporation, the bylaws, any agreement or vote of shareholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise.

Article V of the Bylaws of the Registrant requires indemnification of the directors and officers of the Registrant or its subsidiaries provided the person to be indemnified acted in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the Company, and, in addition, in any criminal action, had no reason to believe the conduct was unlawful. Article V of the Bylaws prohibits indemnification to which the director or officer is otherwise entitled, however, for: (1) amounts payable to the Registrant for the director or officer having gained personal profit or

II-1


advantage to which he or she was not legally entitled; (2) amounts payable to the Registrant for an accounting of profits made from the purchase or sale of the Company's securities within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; or (3) matters as to which indemnification would violate applicable state or federal law, whether as a matter of public policy or statutory provision. The Registrant maintains insurance coverage relating to certain liabilities of its directors and officers.

ITEM 16. EXHIBITS.

1 -- Form of Underwriting Agreement.
4(a) -- Form of Indenture dated as of June 15, 1995 between the Registrant and First Trust National Association, as Trustee.
4(b) -- Forms of Securities (filed as part of Exhibit 4(a)).
5 -- Opinion Scott W. Johnson.
12 -- Calculation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
23(a)-- Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP.
23(b)-- Consent of Scott W. Johnson (included in Exhibit 5).
24 -- Powers of Attorney.
25 -- Form T-1, Statement of Eligibility and Qualification of First Trust National Association, as Trustee.

ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.

The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

(1) to file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:

(i) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

(ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the Registration Statement;

(iii) to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information in the Registration Statement;

PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that paragraphs (1)(i) and (1)(ii) do not apply if the Registration Statement is on Form S-3 or Form S-8 and the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement;

(2) that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof;

(3) to remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering;

II-2


(4) that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof;

(5) for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the Registrant under Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective; and

(6) for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

Insofar as indemnification by the Registrant for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing bylaw provision, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted against the Registrant by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

II-3


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Minneapolis, State of Minnesota, on June 15, 1995.

BEMIS COMPANY, INC.

  /s/ Scott W. Johnson
--------------------------------------------
  Scott W. Johnson
  Senior Vice President, Secretary and
     General Counsel

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on June 15, 1995.

  /s/ John H. Roe                 , President and Chief Executive Officer
----------------------------------        (Principal Executive Officer)
  John H. Roe


  /s/ Benjamin R. Field III       , Senior Vice President, Chief Financial
----------------------------------        Officer and Treasurer
  Benjamin R. Field III                   (Principal Financial Officer)


  /s/ LeRoy F. Bazany             , Vice President and Controller
----------------------------------        (Principal Accounting Officer)
  LeRoy F. Bazany

Winslow H. Buxton(*), Director
Howard J. Curler(*), Director
Jeffrey H. Curler(*), Director
Robert A. Greenkorn(*), Director
Loring W. Knoblauch(*), Director
Edwin S. McBride(*), Director
Nancy P. McDonald(*), Director
Robert F. Mlnarik(*), Director
Edward N. Perry(*), Director
Winston R. Wallin(*), Director
C. Angus Wurtele(*), Director

(*) Scott W. Johnson, by signing his name hereto, does hereby sign this document on behalf of each of the above named officers and directors of the Registrant pursuant to powers of attorney duly executed by such persons.

  /s/ Scott W. Johnson
--------------------------------------------
  Scott W. Johnson
  Attorney-in-Fact

II-4


EXHIBIT INDEX

EXHIBIT NO.                                                      FORM OF FILING
- -----------                                                      --------------

1         Form of Underwriting Agreement.                        Electronic
                                                                 Transmission

4(a) Form of Indenture dated as of June 15, 1995 between Electronic the Registrant and First Trust National Association, Transmission as Trustee.

4(b)      Forms of Securities (filed as part of Exhibit 4(a)).

5         Opinion Scott W. Johnson.                              Electronic
                                                                 Transmission

12        Calculation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.     Electronic
                                                                 Transmission

23(a)     Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP.                       Electronic
                                                                 Transmission

23(b)     Consent of Scott W. Johnson (included in Exhibit 5).

24        Powers of Attorney.                                    Electronic
                                                                 Transmission

25 Form T-1, Statement of Eligibility and Qualification Electronic of First Trust National Association, as Trustee. Transmission


EXHIBIT 1

BEMIS COMPANY, INC.

Debt Securities

UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT

June [ ], 1995

Goldman, Sachs & Co.,
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.,
c/o Goldman, Sachs & Co.
85 Broad Street
New York, New York 10004

Ladies and Gentlemen:

From time to time Bemis Company, Inc., a Missouri corporation (the "Company"), proposes to enter into one or more Pricing Agreements (each a "Pricing Agreement") in the form of Annex I hereto, with such additions and deletions as the parties thereto may determine, and, subject to the terms and conditions stated herein and therein, to issue and sell to the firms named in Schedule I to the applicable Pricing Agreement (such firms constituting the "Underwriters" with respect to such Pricing Agreement and the securities specified therein) certain of its debt securities (the "Securities") specified in Schedule II to such Pricing Agreement (with respect to such Pricing Agreement, the "Designated Securities").

The terms and rights of any particular issuance of Designated Securities shall be as specified in the Pricing Agreement relating thereto and in or pursuant to the indenture (the "Indenture") identified in such Pricing Agreement.

1. Particular sales of Designated Securities may be made from time to time to the Underwriters of such Securities, for whom the firms designated as representatives of the Underwriters of such Securities in the Pricing Agreement relating thereto will act as representatives (the "Representatives"). The term "Representatives" also refers to a single firm acting as sole representative of the Underwriters and to an Underwriter or Underwriters who act without any firm being designated as its or their representatives. This Underwriting Agreement shall not be construed as an obligation of the Company to sell any of the Securities or as an obligation of any of the Underwriters to purchase the Securities. The obligation of the Company to issue and sell any of the Securities and the obligation of any of the Underwriters to purchase any of the Securities shall be evidenced by the Pricing Agreement with respect to the Designated Securities specified therein. Each Pricing Agreement shall specify the aggregate principal amount of such Designated Securities, the initial public offering price of such Designated Securities, the purchase price to the Underwriters of such Designated Securities, the names of the Underwriters


of such Designated Securities, the names of the Representatives of such Underwriters and the principal amount of such Designated Securities to be purchased by each Underwriter and shall set forth the date, time and manner of delivery of such Designated Securities and payment therefor. The Pricing Agreement shall also specify (to the extent not set forth in the Indenture and the registration statement and prospectus with respect thereto) the terms of such Designated Securities. A Pricing Agreement shall be in the form of an executed writing (which may be in counterparts), and may be evidenced by an exchange of telegraphic communications or any other rapid transmission device designed to produce a written record of communications transmitted. The obligations of the Underwriters under this Agreement and each Pricing Agreement shall be several and not joint.

2. The Company represents and warrants to, and agrees with, each of the Underwriters that:

(a) A Form S-3 (File No. 33-[ ]) in respect of the Securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"); such registration statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, each in the form heretofore delivered or to be delivered to the Representatives and, excluding exhibits to such registration statement, but including all documents incorporated by reference in the prospectus contained therein, to the Representatives for each of the other Underwriters, have been declared effective by the Commission in such form; no other document with respect to such registration statement or document incorporated by reference therein has heretofore been filed or transmitted for filing with the Commission (other than prospectuses filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the rules and regulations of the Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), each in the form heretofore delivered to the Representatives); and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of such registration statement has been issued and no proceeding for that purpose has been initiated or threatened by the Commission (any preliminary prospectus included in such registration statement or filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(a) under the Act, is hereinafter called a "Preliminary Prospectus"; the various parts of such registration statement, including all exhibits thereto and including
(i) if applicable, the information contained in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act in accordance with Section 5(a) hereof and deemed by virtue of Rule 430A under the Act to be part of the registration statement at the time it was declared effective and (ii) the documents incorporated by reference in the prospectus contained in the registration statement at the time such part of the registration statement became effective but excluding Form T-1, each as amended at the time such part of the registration statement became effective, are hereinafter collectively called the "Registration Statement"; the prospectus relating to the Securities, in the form in which it has most recently been filed, or transmitted for filing, with the Commission on or prior to the date of this Agreement, being hereinafter called the "Prospectus"; any reference herein to any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include the documents incorporated

2

by reference therein pursuant to the applicable form under the Act, as of the date of such Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus, as the case may be; any reference to any amendment or supplement to any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include any documents filed after the date of such Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus, as the case may be, under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and incorporated by reference in such Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus, as the case may be; any reference to any amendment to the Registration Statement shall be deemed to refer to and include any annual report of the Company filed pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the effective date of the Registration Statement that is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement; and any reference to the Prospectus as amended or supplemented shall be deemed to refer to the Prospectus as amended or supplemented in relation to the applicable Designated Securities in the form in which it is filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act in accordance with
Section 5(a) hereof, including any documents incorporated by reference therein as of the date of such filing);

(b) The documents incorporated by reference in the Prospectus, when they became effective or were filed with the Commission, as the case may be, or, in the case of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994, as amended, as of the date hereof, conformed in all material respects to the requirements of the Act or the Exchange Act, as applicable, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, and none of such documents contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; and any further documents so filed and incorporated by reference in the Prospectus or any further amendment or supplement thereto, when such documents become effective or are filed with the Commission, as the case may be, will conform in all material respects to the requirements of the Act or the Exchange Act, as applicable, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by an Underwriter of Designated Securities through the Representatives expressly for use in the Prospectus as amended or supplemented relating to such Securities;

(c) The Registration Statement and the Prospectus conform, and any further amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus will conform, in all material respects to the requirements of the Act and the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "Trust Indenture Act") and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder and do not and will not, as of the applicable effective date as to the Registration Statement and any amendment thereto and as of the applicable filing date as to the Prospectus and

3

any amendment or supplement thereto, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by an Underwriter of Designated Securities through the Representatives expressly for use in the Prospectus as amended or supplemented relating to such Securities;

(d) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has sustained since the date of the latest audited financial statements included or incorporated by reference in the Prospectus any material loss or interference with its business from fire, explosion, flood or other calamity, whether or not covered by insurance, or from any labor dispute or court or governmental action, order or decree, otherwise than as set forth or contemplated in the Prospectus; and, since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, there has not been any material change in the capital stock or long-term debt of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any material adverse change, or any development involving a prospective material adverse change, in or affecting the general affairs, management, financial position, shareholders' equity or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, otherwise than as set forth or contemplated in the Prospectus;

(e) The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, with power and authority (corporate and other) to own its properties and conduct its business as described in the Prospectus;

(f) The Company has an authorized capitalization as set forth in the Prospectus, and all of the issued shares of capital stock of the Company have been duly and validly authorized and issued and are fully paid and non-assessable;

(g) The Securities have been duly authorized, and, when Designated Securities are issued and delivered pursuant to this Agreement and the Pricing Agreement with respect to such Designated Securities, such Designated Securities will have been duly executed, authenticated, issued and delivered and will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company entitled to the benefits provided by the Indenture, which will be substantially in the form filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement; the Indenture has been duly authorized and duly qualified under the Trust Indenture Act and, at the Time of Delivery for such Designated Securities (as defined in Section 4 hereof), the Indenture will constitute a valid and legally binding instrument, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject, as to enforcement, to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization and other laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles; and the Indenture conforms, and the Designated Securities will conform, to the descriptions thereof

4

contained in the Prospectus as amended or supplemented with respect to such Designated Securities;

(h) The issue and sale of the Securities and the compliance by the Company with all of the provisions of the Securities, the Indenture, this Agreement and any Pricing Agreement, and the consummation of the transactions herein and therein contemplated will not conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which the Company is bound or to which any of the property or assets of the Company is subject, except to the extent that any such breach, violation or default will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, shareholders' equity or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, nor will such action result in any violation of the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws of the Company or any statute or any order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its properties; and no consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or qualification of or with any such court or governmental agency or body is required for the issue and sale of the Securities or the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any Pricing Agreement or the Indenture, except such as have been, or will have been prior to the Time of Delivery, obtained under the Act and the Trust Indenture Act and such consents, approvals, authorizations, registrations or qualifications as may be required under state securities or Blue Sky laws in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Securities by the Underwriters;

(i) The statements set forth in the Prospectus under the captions "Description of Debt Securities" and "Description of Notes", insofar as they purport to constitute a summary of the terms of the Securities, and under the captions "Plan of Distribution" and "Underwriting", insofar as they purport to describe the provisions of the laws and documents referred to therein, are accurate, complete and fair in all material respects; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon or in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by an Underwriter of Designated Securities through the Representatives expressly for use in the Prospectus as amended or supplemented relating to such Securities;

(j) The Company is not in violation of its Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws and no subsidiary of the Company is in material violation of its Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws, and neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is in default in the performance or observance of any obligation, agreement, covenant or condition contained in any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement, lease or other agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties may be bound, except to the extent

5

that any such default will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, shareholders' equity or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries;

(k) Other than as set forth in the Prospectus, there are no legal or governmental proceedings pending to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or of which any property of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is the subject which would reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on the current or future consolidated financial position, shareholders' equity or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries; and, to the best of the Company's knowledge, no such proceedings are threatened or contemplated by governmental authorities or threatened by others;

(l) The Company is not and, after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Securities, will not be an "investment company" or an entity "controlled" by an "investment company", as such terms are defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act");

(m) Neither the Company nor any of its affiliates does business with the government of Cuba or with any person or affiliate located in Cuba within the meaning of Section 517.075, Florida Statutes;

(n) Price Waterhouse LLP, who have certified certain financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, are independent public accountants as required by the Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder;

(o) The Company and its subsidiaries own, or possess adequate rights to, all material patents, trademarks, service marks and proprietary rights or information necessary for the conduct of their businesses as described in the Prospectus, and the Company has not received any notice of infringement of or conflict with the asserted rights of others in that respect, and does not know of any basis therefor, which, if determined adversely to the Company or any of its subsidiaries would individually or in the aggregate have a material effect on the consolidated financial position, shareholders' equity or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries;

(p) There has been no storage, disposal, generation, manufacture, refinement, transportation, handling or treatment of toxic wastes, hazardous wastes or hazardous substances by the Company or any of its subsidiaries (or, to the knowledge of the Company, any of their predecessors in interest) at, upon or from any of the property now or previously owned or leased by the Company or its subsidiaries in violation of any applicable law, ordinance, rule, regulation, order, judgment, decree or permit or which would require remedial action under any applicable law, ordinance, rule, regulation, order, judgment, decree or permit, except for any violation or remedial action which would not have, or

6

would not be reasonably likely to have, singularly or in the aggregate with all such violations and remedial actions, a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, shareholders' equity or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries; there has been no material spill, discharge, leak, emission, injection, escape, dumping or release of any kind onto such property or into the environment surrounding such property of any toxic wastes, hazardous wastes or hazardous substances due to or caused by the Company or any of its subsidiaries or with respect to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries have knowledge, except for any such spill, discharge, leak, emission, injection, escape, dumping or release which would not have, or would not be reasonably likely to have, singularly or in the aggregate with all such spills, discharges, leaks, emissions, injections, escapes, dumpings and releases, a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, shareholders' equity or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries;

(q) The only subsidiaries of the Company that are "significant subsidiaries" as defined in Rule 1-02(v) of Regulation S-X under the Act are Morgan Adhesives Company and Curwood, Inc.; and

(r) Each of Morgan Adhesives Company and Curwood, Inc. has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, with corporate power and authority to own its properties and conduct its business as described in the Prospectus; and, except as set forth in the Prospectus, all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Morgan Adhesives Company and Curwood, Inc. are owned directly by the Company free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities and claims.

3. Upon the execution of the Pricing Agreement applicable to any Designated Securities and authorization by the Representatives of the release of such Designated Securities, the several Underwriters propose to offer such Designated Securities for sale upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Prospectus as amended or supplemented.

4. Designated Securities to be purchased by each Underwriter pursuant to the Pricing Agreement relating thereto, in the form specified in such Pricing Agreement, and in such authorized denominations and registered in such names as the Representatives may request upon at least forty-eight hours' prior notice to the Company, shall be delivered by or on behalf of the Company to the Representatives for the account of such Underwriter, against payment by such Underwriter or on its behalf of the purchase price therefor by certified or official bank check or checks, payable to the order of the Company in the funds specified in such Pricing Agreement, all in the manner and at the place and time and date specified in such Pricing Agreement or at such other place and time and date as the Representatives and the Company may agree upon in writing, such time and date being herein called the "Time of Delivery" for such Securities.

7

5. The Company agrees with each of the Underwriters of any Designated Securities:

(a) To prepare the Prospectus as amended or supplemented in relation to the applicable Designated Securities in a form approved by the Representatives and to file such Prospectus pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act not later than the Commission's close of business on the second business day following the execution and delivery of the Pricing Agreement relating to the applicable Designated Securities or, if applicable, such earlier time as may be required by Rule 424(b); to make no further amendment or any supplement to the Registration Statement or Prospectus as amended or supplemented after the date of the Pricing Agreement relating to such Securities and prior to the Time of Delivery for such Securities which shall be disapproved by the Representatives for such Securities promptly after reasonable notice thereof; to advise the Representatives promptly of any such amendment or supplement after such Time of Delivery and furnish the Representatives with copies thereof; to file promptly all reports and any definitive proxy or information statements required to be filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act for so long as the delivery of a prospectus is required in connection with the offering or sale of such Securities, and during such same period to advise the Representatives, promptly after it receives notice thereof, of the time when any amendment to the Registration Statement has been filed or becomes effective or any supplement to the Prospectus or any amended Prospectus has been filed with the Commission, of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order or of any order preventing or suspending the use of any prospectus relating to the Securities, of the suspension of the qualification of such Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, of the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for any such purpose, or of any request by the Commission for the amending or supplementing of the Registration Statement or Prospectus or for additional information; and, in the event of the issuance of any such stop order or of any such order preventing or suspending the use of any prospectus relating to the Securities or suspending any such qualification, to promptly use its best efforts to obtain the withdrawal of such order;

(b) Promptly from time to time to take such action as the Representatives may reasonably request to qualify such Securities for offering and sale under the securities laws of such jurisdictions as the Representatives may request and to comply with such laws so as to permit the continuance of sales and dealings therein in such jurisdictions for as long as may be necessary to complete the distribution of such Securities, provided that in connection therewith the Company shall not be required to qualify as a foreign corporation or to file a general consent to service of process in any jurisdiction;

(c) Prior to 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the New York Business Day next succeeding the date of the Pricing Agreement and from time to time, to

8

furnish the Underwriters with copies of the Prospectus as amended or supplemented in New York City in such quantities as the Representatives may reasonably request, and, if the delivery of a prospectus is required at any time in connection with the offering or sale of the Securities and if at such time any event shall have occurred as a result of which the Prospectus as then amended or supplemented would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made when such Prospectus is delivered, not misleading, or, if for any other reason it shall be necessary during such same period to amend or supplement the Prospectus or to file under the Exchange Act any document incorporated by reference in the Prospectus in order to comply with the Act, the Exchange Act or the Trust Indenture Act, to notify the Representatives and upon their request to file such document and to prepare and furnish without charge to each Underwriter and to any dealer in securities as many copies as the Representatives may from time to time reasonably request of an amended Prospectus or a supplement to the Prospectus which will correct such statement or omission or effect such compliance; for the purposes of this Section 5, "New York Business Day" shall mean each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not a day on which banking institutions in New York are generally authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close;

(d) To make generally available to its securityholders as soon as practicable, but in any event not later than eighteen months after the effective date of the Registration Statement (as defined in Rule 158(c) under the Act), an earnings statement of the Company and its subsidiaries (which need not be audited) complying with Section 11(a) of the Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder (including, at the option of the Company, Rule 158); and

(e) During the period beginning from the date of the Pricing Agreement for such Designated Securities and continuing to and including the later of (i) the termination of trading restrictions for such Designated Securities, as notified to the Company by the Representatives and (ii) the Time of Delivery for such Designated Securities, not to offer, sell, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of any debt securities of the Company which mature more than one year after such Time of Delivery and which are substantially similar to such Designated Securities, without the prior written consent of the Representatives.

6. The Company covenants and agrees with the several Underwriters that the Company will pay or cause to be paid the following: (i) the fees, disbursements and expenses of the Company's counsel and accountants in connection with the registration of the Securities under the Act and all other expenses in connection with the preparation, printing and filing of the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus and amendments and supplements thereto and the mailing and delivering of copies thereof to the Underwriters and dealers; (ii) the cost of printing or producing any Agreement among Underwriters, this Agreement, any Pricing

9

Agreement, any Indenture, any Blue Sky and Legal Investment Memoranda, closing documents (including any compilations thereof) and any other documents in connection with the offering, purchase, sale and delivery of the Securities;
(iii) all expenses in connection with the qualification of the Securities for offering and sale under state securities laws as provided in Section 5(b) hereof, including the fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters in connection with such qualification and in connection with the Blue Sky and Legal Investment Surveys; (iv) any fees charged by securities rating services for rating the Securities; (v) any filing fees incident to, and the fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters in connection with, any required review by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. of the terms of the sale of the Securities; (vi) the cost of preparing the Securities; (vii) the fees and expenses of any Trustee and any agent of any Trustee and the fees and disbursements of counsel for any Trustee in connection with any Indenture and the Securities; and (viii) all other costs and expenses incident to the performance of its obligations hereunder which are not otherwise specifically provided for in this Section. It is understood, however, that, except as provided in this Section, and Sections 8 and 11 hereof, the Underwriters will pay all of their own costs and expenses, including the fees of their counsel, transfer taxes on resale of any of the Securities by them, and any advertising expenses connected with any offers they may make.

7. The obligations of the Underwriters of any Designated Securities under the Pricing Agreement relating to such Designated Securities shall be subject, in the discretion of the Representatives, to the condition that all representations and warranties and other statements of the Company in or incorporated by reference in the Pricing Agreement relating to such Designated Securities are, at and as of the Time of Delivery for such Designated Securities, true and correct, the condition that the Company shall have performed all of its obligations hereunder theretofore to be performed, and the following additional conditions:

(a) The Prospectus as amended or supplemented in relation to the applicable Designated Securities shall have been filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) within the applicable time period prescribed for such filing by the rules and regulations under the Act and in accordance with Section 5(a) hereof; no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any part thereof shall have been issued and no proceeding for that purpose shall have been initiated or threatened by the Commission; and all requests for additional information on the part of the Commission shall have been complied with to the Representatives' reasonable satisfaction;

(b) Counsel for the Underwriters shall have furnished to the Representatives such opinion or opinions (a draft of each such opinion is attached as Annex II(a) hereto), dated the Time of Delivery for such Designated Securities, with respect to this Agreement, the Pricing Agreement, the Indenture, the Designated Securities, the Registration Statement and the Prospectus as amended and supplemented, as well as such other related matters as the Representatives may reasonably request, and such counsel shall have

10

received such papers and information as they may reasonably request to enable them to pass upon such matters (such counsel being entitled to rely in respect of matters concerning Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin law upon opinions of local counsel reasonably acceptable to the Representatives and attached to the opinion of counsel to the Company furnished pursuant to
Section 7(d) below);

(c)(i) The General Counsel of the Company shall have furnished to the Representatives his written opinion (a draft of such opinion is attached as Annex II(b) hereto), dated the Time of Delivery for such Designated Securities, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representatives, to the effect that:

(A) The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, with corporate power and authority to own its properties and conduct its business as described in the Prospectus as amended or supplemented;

(B) The Company has an authorized capitalization as set forth in the Prospectus as amended or supplemented and all of the issued shares of capital stock of the Company have been duly and validly authorized and issued and are fully paid and non-assessable;

(C) Each of Morgan Adhesives Company and Curwood, Inc. has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, with corporate power and authority to own its properties and conduct its business as described in the Prospectus; and, except as set forth in the Prospectus, all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Morgan Adhesives Company and Curwood, Inc. are owned directly by the Company free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities and claims;

(D) To the best of such counsel's knowledge and other than as set forth in the Prospectus, there are no legal or governmental proceedings pending to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or of which any property of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is the subject which would reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on the current or future consolidated financial position, shareholders' equity or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries; and, to the best of such counsel's knowledge, no such proceedings are threatened or contemplated by governmental authorities or threatened by others;

(E) The issue and sale of the Designated Securities and the compliance by the Company with all of the provisions of the Designated

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Securities, the Indenture, this Agreement and the Pricing Agreement with respect to the Designated Securities and the consummation of the transactions herein and therein contemplated will not conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument known to such counsel to which the Company is a party or by which the Company is bound or to which any of the property or assets of the Company is subject, except to the extent that any such breach, violation or default will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, shareholders' equity or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, nor will such actions result in any violation of the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws of the Company or any statute or any order, rule or regulation known to such counsel of any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its properties;

(F) The Company is not in violation of its Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws and no subsidiary of the Company is in material violation of its Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws, and neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is in default in the performance or observance of any obligation, agreement, covenant or condition contained in any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement, lease or other agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties may be bound, except to the extent that any such default will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, shareholders' equity or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries;

(G) Such counsel has no reason to believe that the documents incorporated by reference in the Prospectus as amended or supplemented (other than the financial statements and other financial data and related schedules therein, as to which such counsel need express no opinion), when they became effective or were filed with the Commission, as the case may be, or, in the case of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994, as amended, as of the date hereof, contained, in the case of a registration statement which became effective under the Act, an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or, in the case of other documents which were filed under the Act or the Exchange Act with the Commission, an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made when such documents were so filed, not misleading; and

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(H) Although such counsel does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the statements contained in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, he has no reason to believe that, as of its effective date, the Registration Statement or any further amendment thereto made by the Company prior to the Time of Delivery (other than the financial statements and other financial data and related schedules therein, as to which such counsel need express no opinion) contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading or that, as of its date, the Prospectus as amended or supplemented or any further amendment or supplement thereto made by the Company prior to the Time of Delivery (other than the financial statements and other financial data and related schedules therein, as to which such counsel need express no opinion) contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading or that, as of the Time of Delivery, either the Registration Statement or the Prospectus as amended or supplemented or any further amendment or supplement thereto made by the Company prior to the Time of Delivery (other than the financial statements and other financial data and related schedules therein, as to which such counsel need express no opinion) contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading and he does not know of any amendment to the Registration Statement required to be filed or any contracts or other documents of a character required to be filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or required to be incorporated by reference into the Prospectus as amended or supplemented or required to be described in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus as amended or supplemented which are not filed or incorporated by reference or described as required;

(such counsel being entitled to rely in respect of matters concerning Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin law upon opinions of local counsel reasonably acceptable to the Representatives and attached to such counsel's opinion);

(c)(ii) Counsel for the Company satisfactory to the Representatives shall have furnished to the Representatives their written opinion (a draft of such opinion is attached as Annex II(c) hereto), dated the Time of Delivery for such Designated Securities, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representatives, to the effect that:

(A) This Agreement and the Pricing Agreement with respect to the Designated Securities have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company;

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(B) The Designated Securities have been duly authorized, executed, authenticated, issued and delivered and constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company entitled to the benefits provided by the Indenture; and the Designated Securities and the Indenture conform to the descriptions thereof in the Prospectus as amended or supplemented;

(C) The Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the parties thereto and constitutes a valid and legally binding instrument, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject, as to enforcement, to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization and other laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles; and the Indenture has been duly qualified under the Trust Indenture Act;

(D) No consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or qualification of or with any such court or governmental agency or body is required for the issue and sale of the Designated Securities or the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or such Pricing Agreement or the Indenture, except such as have been obtained under the Act and the Trust Indenture Act and such consents, approvals, authorizations, orders, registrations or qualifications as may be required under state securities or Blue Sky laws in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Designated Securities by the Underwriters;

(E) The statements set forth in the Prospectus under the captions "Description of Debt Securities", and "Description of Notes" insofar as they purport to constitute a summary of the terms of the Securities, and under the captions "Plan of Distribution" and "Underwriting", insofar as they purport to describe the provisions of the laws and documents referred to therein, are accurate, complete and fair in all material respects; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that this opinion shall not apply to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon or in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by an Underwriter of Designated Securities through the Representatives expressly for use in the Prospectus as amended or supplemented relating to such Securities;

(F) The Company is not an "investment company" or an entity "controlled" by an "investment company", as such terms are defined in the Investment Company Act;

(G) The documents incorporated by reference in the Prospectus as amended or supplemented (other than the financial statements and other financial data and related schedules therein, as to which such counsel need express no opinion), when they became effective or were

14

filed with the Commission, as the case may be, or, in the case of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994, as amended, as of the date hereof, complied as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the Act or the Exchange Act, as applicable, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder; and they have no reason to believe that any of such documents (other than the financial statements and other financial data and related schedules therein, as to which such counsel need express no opinion), when they became effective or were so filed, as the case may be, or, in the case of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994, as amended, as of the date hereof, contained, in the case of a registration statement which became effective under the Act, an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or, in the case of other documents which were filed under the Act or the Exchange Act with the Commission, an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made when such documents were so filed, not misleading; and

(H) The Registration Statement and the Prospectus as amended or supplemented and any further amendments and supplements thereto made by the Company prior to the Time of Delivery for the Designated Securities (other than the financial statements and other financial data and related schedules therein, as to which such counsel need express no opinion) comply as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the Act and the Trust Indenture Act and the rules and regulations thereunder; although they do not assume any responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the statements contained in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, except for those referred to in the opinion in paragraph (E) of this
Section 7(c)(ii), they have no reason to believe that, as of its effective date, the Registration Statement or any further amendment thereto made by the Company prior to the Time of Delivery (other than the financial statements and other financial data and related schedules therein, as to which such counsel need express no opinion) contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading or that, as of its date, the Prospectus as amended or supplemented or any further amendment or supplement thereto made by the Company prior to the Time of Delivery (other than the financial statements and other financial data and related schedules therein, as to which such counsel need express no opinion) contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading or that, as of the Time of Delivery,

15

either the Registration Statement or the Prospectus as amended or supplemented or any further amendment or supplement thereto made by the Company prior to the Time of Delivery (other than the financial statements and other financial data and related schedules therein, as to which such counsel need express no opinion) contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and they do not know of any amendment to the Registration Statement required to be filed or any contracts or other documents of a character required to be filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or required to be incorporated by reference into the Prospectus as amended or supplemented or required to be described in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus as amended or supplemented which are not filed or incorporated by reference or described as required;

(such counsel being entitled to rely in respect of matters concerning Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin law upon opinions of local counsel reasonably acceptable to the Representatives and attached to such counsel's opinion);

(d) On the date of the Pricing Agreement for such Designated Securities at a time prior to the execution of the Pricing Agreement with respect to such Designated Securities and at the Time of Delivery for such Designated Securities, the independent accountants of the Company who have certified the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall have furnished to the Representatives a letter, dated the effective date of the Registration Statement or the date of the most recent report filed with the Commission containing financial statements and incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, if the date of such report is later than such effective date, and a letter dated such Time of Delivery, respectively, to the effect set forth in Annex II hereto, and with respect to such letter dated such Time of Delivery, as to such other matters as the Representatives may reasonably request and in form and substance satisfactory to the Representatives (the executed copy of the letter delivered prior to the execution of the Pricing Agreement shall be attached as Annex I(a) thereto and a draft of the form of letter to be delivered on the effective date of any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement and as of each Time of Delivery shall be attached as Annex I(b) thereto);

(e) (i) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries shall have sustained since the date of the latest audited financial statements included or incorporated by reference in the Prospectus as amended prior to the date of the Pricing Agreement relating to the Designated Securities any loss or interference with its business from fire, explosion, flood or other calamity, whether or not covered by insurance, or from any labor dispute or court or governmental action, order or decree, otherwise than as set forth or contemplated in the Prospectus as amended prior to the date of the Pricing Agreement relating to

16

the Designated Securities, and (ii) since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Prospectus as amended prior to the date of the Pricing Agreement relating to the Designated Securities there shall not have been any change in the capital stock or long-term debt of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any change, or any development involving a prospective change, in or affecting the general affairs, management, financial position, shareholders' equity or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, otherwise than as set forth or contemplated in the Prospectus as amended prior to the date of the Pricing Agreement relating to the Designated Securities, the effect of which, in any such case described in Clause (i) or (ii), is in the judgment of the Representatives so material and adverse as to make it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the public offering or the delivery of the Designated Securities on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Prospectus as first amended or supplemented relating to the Designated Securities;

(f) On or after the date of the Pricing Agreement relating to the Designated Securities (i) no downgrading shall have occurred in the rating accorded the Company's debt securities or preferred stock by any "nationally recognized statistical rating organization", as that term is defined by the Commission for purposes of Rule 436(g)(2) under the Act, and
(ii) no such organization shall have publicly announced that it has under surveillance or review, with possible negative implications, its rating of any of the Company's debt securities or preferred stock;

(g) On or after the date of the Pricing Agreement relating to the Designated Securities there shall not have occurred any of the following:
(i) a suspension or material limitation in trading in securities generally on the New York Stock Exchange; (ii) a suspension or material limitation in trading in the Company's securities on the New York Stock Exchange; (iii) a general moratorium on commercial banking activities declared by either Federal or New York or Minnesota State authorities; or (iv) the outbreak or escalation of hostilities involving the United States or the declaration by the United States of a national emergency or war, if the effect of any such event specified in this Clause (iv) in the judgment of the Representatives makes it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the public offering or the delivery of the Designated Securities on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Prospectus as first amended or supplemented relating to the Designated Securities;

(h) The Company shall have furnished or caused to be furnished to the Representatives at the Time of Delivery for the Designated Securities a certificate or certificates of officers of the Company satisfactory to the Representatives as to the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Company herein at and as of such Time of Delivery, as to the performance by the Company of all of its obligations hereunder to be performed at or prior to such Time of Delivery, as to the matters set forth in subsections (a) and (e) of

17

this Section and as to such other matters as the Representatives may reasonably request; and

(i) The Company shall have complied with the provisions of Section 5(c) hereof with respect to the furnishing of prospectuses on the New York Business Day next succeeding the date of the Pricing Agreement.

8. (a) The Company will indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which such Underwriter may become subject, under the Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Preliminary Prospectus, any preliminary prospectus supplement, the Registration Statement, the Prospectus as amended or supplemented and any other prospectus relating to the Securities, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and will reimburse each Underwriter for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such Underwriter in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim as such expenses are incurred; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Company shall not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in any Preliminary Prospectus, any preliminary prospectus supplement, the Registration Statement, the Prospectus as amended or supplemented and any other prospectus relating to the Securities, or any such amendment or supplement in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by any Underwriter of Designated Securities through the Representatives expressly for use in the Prospectus as amended or supplemented relating to such Securities.

(b) Each Underwriter will indemnify and hold harmless the Company against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities to which the Company may become subject, under the Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Preliminary Prospectus, any preliminary prospectus supplement, the Registration Statement, the Prospectus as amended or supplemented and any other prospectus relating to the Securities, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, in each case to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in any Preliminary Prospectus, any preliminary prospectus supplement, the Registration Statement, the Prospectus as amended or supplemented and any other prospectus relating to the Securities, or any such amendment or supplement in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use therein; and will reimburse the Company for any

18

legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by the Company in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim as such expenses are incurred.

(c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under subsection (a) or
(b) above of notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party under such subsection, notify the indemnifying party in writing of the commencement thereof; but the omission so to notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have to any indemnified party otherwise than under such subsection. In case any such action shall be brought against any indemnified party and it shall notify the indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate therein and, to the extent that it shall wish, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to such indemnified party (who shall not, except with the consent of the indemnified party, be counsel to the indemnifying party), and, after notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of its election so to assume the defense thereof, the indemnifying party shall not be liable to such indemnified party under such subsection for any legal expenses of other counsel or any other expenses, in each case subsequently incurred by such indemnified party, in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation. No indemnifying party shall, without the written consent of the indemnified party, effect the settlement or compromise of, or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to, any pending or threatened action or claim in respect of which indemnification or contribution may be sought hereunder (whether or not the indemnified party is an actual or potential party to such action or claim) unless such settlement, compromise or judgment
(i) includes an unconditional release of the indemnified party from all liability arising out of such action or claim and (ii) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act, by or on behalf of any indemnified party.

(d) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 8 is unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under subsection (a) or
(b) above in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) referred to therein, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters of the Designated Securities on the other from the offering of the Designated Securities to which such loss, claim, damage or liability (or action in respect thereof) relates. If, however, the allocation provided by the immediately preceding sentence is not permitted by applicable law or if the indemnified party failed to give the notice required under subsection (c) above, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to such amount paid or payable by such indemnified party in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such relative benefits but also the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters of the Designated Securities on the other in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof), as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company on

19

the one hand and such Underwriters on the other shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the total net proceeds from such offering (before deducting expenses) received by the Company bear to the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by such Underwriters. The relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company on the one hand or such Underwriters on the other and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The Company and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this subsection (d) were determined by PRO RATA allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to above in this subsection (d). The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) referred to above in this subsection (d) shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection (d), no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the applicable Designated Securities underwritten by it and distributed to the public were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages which such Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The obligations of the Underwriters of Designated Securities in this subsection (d) to contribute are several in proportion to their respective underwriting obligations with respect to such Securities and not joint.

(e) The obligations of the Company under this Section 8 shall be in addition to any liability which the Company may otherwise have and shall extend, upon the same terms and conditions, to each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of the Act; and the obligations of the Underwriters under this Section 8 shall be in addition to any liability which the respective Underwriters may otherwise have and shall extend, upon the same terms and conditions, to each officer and director of the Company and to each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of the Act.

9. (a) If any Underwriter shall default in its obligation to purchase the Designated Securities which it has agreed to purchase under the Pricing Agreement relating to such Designated Securities, the Representatives may in their discretion arrange for themselves or another party or other parties to purchase such Designated Securities on the terms contained herein. If within thirty-six hours after such default by any Underwriter the Representatives do not arrange for the purchase of such Designated Securities, then the Company shall be entitled to a further period of thirty-six hours within which to procure another party or other parties satisfactory to the Representatives to purchase such Designated Securities on such terms. In the event

20

that, within the respective prescribed period, the Representatives notify the Company that they have so arranged for the purchase of such Designated Securities, or the Company notifies the Representatives that it has so arranged for the purchase of such Designated Securities, the Representatives or the Company shall have the right to postpone the Time of Delivery for such Designated Securities for a period of not more than seven days, in order to effect whatever changes may thereby be made necessary in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus as amended or supplemented, or in any other documents or arrangements, and the Company agrees to file promptly any amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus which in the opinion of the Representatives may thereby be made necessary. The term "Underwriter" as used in this Agreement shall include any person substituted under this Section with like effect as if such person had originally been a party to the Pricing Agreement with respect to such Designated Securities.

(b) If, after giving effect to any arrangements for the purchase of the Designated Securities of a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters by the Representatives and the Company as provided in subsection (a) above, the aggregate principal amount of such Designated Securities which remains unpurchased does not exceed one-eleventh of the aggregate principal amount of the Designated Securities, then the Company shall have the right to require each non-defaulting Underwriter to purchase the principal amount of Designated Securities which such Underwriter agreed to purchase under the Pricing Agreement relating to such Designated Securities and, in addition, to require each non-defaulting Underwriter to purchase its pro rata share (based on the principal amount of Designated Securities which such Underwriter agreed to purchase under such Pricing Agreement) of the Designated Securities of such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters for which such arrangements have not been made; but nothing herein shall relieve a defaulting Underwriter from liability for its default.

(c) If, after giving effect to any arrangements for the purchase of the Designated Securities of a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters by the Representatives and the Company as provided in subsection (a) above, the aggregate principal amount of Designated Securities which remains unpurchased exceeds one-eleventh of the aggregate principal amount of the Designated Securities, as referred to in subsection (b) above, or if the Company shall not exercise the right described in subsection (b) above to require non-defaulting Underwriters to purchase Designated Securities of a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters, then the Pricing Agreement relating to such Designated Securities shall thereupon terminate, without liability on the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter or the Company, except for the expenses to be borne by the Company and the Underwriters as provided in Section 6 hereof and the indemnity and contribution agreements in Section 8 hereof; but nothing herein shall relieve a defaulting Underwriter from liability for its default.

10. The respective indemnities, agreements, representations, warranties and other statements of the Company and the several Underwriters, as set forth in this Agreement or made by or on behalf of them, respectively, pursuant to this Agreement, shall remain in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation (or any statement

21

as to the results thereof) made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or any controlling person of any Underwriter, or the Company, or any officer or director or controlling person of the Company, and shall survive delivery of and payment for the Securities.

11. If any Pricing Agreement shall be terminated pursuant to Section 9 hereof, the Company shall not then be under any liability to any Underwriter with respect to the Designated Securities covered by such Pricing Agreement except as provided in Sections 6 and 8 hereof; but, if for any other reason Designated Securities are not delivered by or on behalf of the Company as provided herein, the Company will reimburse the Underwriters through the Representatives for all out-of-pocket expenses approved in writing by the Representatives, including fees and disbursements of counsel, reasonably incurred by the Underwriters in making preparations for the purchase, sale and delivery of such Designated Securities, but the Company shall then be under no further liability to any Underwriter with respect to such Designated Securities except as provided in Sections 6 and 8 hereof.

12. In all dealings hereunder, the Representatives of the Underwriters of Designated Securities shall act on behalf of each of such Underwriters, and the parties hereto shall be entitled to act and rely upon any statement, request, notice or agreement on behalf of any Underwriter made or given by such Representatives jointly or by such of the Representatives, if any, as may be designated for such purpose in the Pricing Agreement.

All statements, requests, notices and agreements hereunder shall be in writing, and if to the Underwriters shall be delivered or sent by mail, telex or facsimile transmission to the address of the Representatives as set forth in the Pricing Agreement; and if to the Company shall be delivered or sent by mail, telex or facsimile transmission to the address of the Company set forth in the Registration Statement: Attention: Secretary; provided, however, that any notice to an Underwriter pursuant to Section 8(c) hereof shall be delivered or sent by mail, telex or facsimile transmission to such Underwriter at its address set forth in its Underwriters' Questionnaire, or telex constituting such Questionnaire, which address will be supplied to the Company by the Representatives upon request. Any such statements, requests, notices or agreements shall take effect upon receipt thereof.

13. This Agreement and each Pricing Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure solely to the benefit of, the Underwriters, the Company and, to the extent provided in Sections 8 and 10 hereof, the officers and directors of the Company and each person who controls the Company or any Underwriter, and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, and no other person shall acquire or have any right under or by virtue of this Agreement or any such Pricing Agreement. No purchaser of any of the Securities from any Underwriter shall be deemed a successor or assign by reason merely of such purchase.

14. Time shall be of the essence of each Pricing Agreement. As used herein, "business day" shall mean any day when the Commission's office in Washington, D.C. is open for business.

22

15. This Agreement and each Pricing Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

16. This Agreement and each Pricing Agreement may be executed by any one or more of the parties hereto and thereto in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all such respective counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.

If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding, please sign and return to us five counterparts hereof.

Very truly yours,

Bemis Company, Inc.

By:

Name:


Title:

Accepted as of the date hereof:

Goldman, Sachs & Co.

By:

(Goldman, Sachs & Co.)

J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.

By:
Name:
Title:

23

ANNEX I

PRICING AGREEMENT

Goldman, Sachs & Co.,
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.,
As Representatives of the several
Underwriters named in Schedule I hereto, c/o Goldman, Sachs & Co.
85 Broad Street
New York, New York 10004

[ ], 1995

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Bemis Company, Inc., a Missouri corporation (the "Company"), proposes, subject to the terms and conditions stated herein and in the Underwriting Agreement, dated June [ ], 1995 (the "Underwriting Agreement"), between the Company on the one hand and Goldman, Sachs & Co. and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. on the other hand, to issue and sell to the Underwriters named in Schedule I hereto (the "Underwriters") the Securities specified in Schedule II hereto (the "Designated Securities"). Each of the provisions of the Underwriting Agreement is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and shall be deemed to be a part of this Agreement to the same extent as if such provisions had been set forth in full herein; and each of the representations and warranties set forth therein shall be deemed to have been made at and as of the date of this Pricing Agreement, except that each representation and warranty which refers to the Prospectus in Section 2 of the Underwriting Agreement shall be deemed to be a representation or warranty as of the date of the Underwriting Agreement in relation to the Prospectus (as therein defined), and also a representation and warranty as of the date of this Pricing Agreement in relation to the Prospectus as amended or supplemented relating to the Designated Securities which are the subject of this Pricing Agreement. Each reference to the Representatives herein and in the provisions of the Underwriting Agreement so incorporated by reference shall be deemed to refer to you. Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Underwriting Agreement are used herein as therein defined. The Representatives designated to act on behalf of the Representatives and on behalf of each of the Underwriters of the Designated Securities pursuant to Section 12 of the Underwriting Agreement and the address of the Representatives referred to in such Section 12 are set forth at the end of Schedule II hereto.

An amendment to the Registration Statement, or a supplement to the Prospectus, as the case may be, relating to the Designated Securities, in the form heretofore delivered to you is now proposed to be filed with the Commission.


Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and in the Underwriting Agreement incorporated herein by reference, the Company agrees to issue and sell to each of the Underwriters, and each of the Underwriters agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Company, at the time and place and at the purchase price to the Underwriters set forth in Schedule II hereto, the principal amount of Designated Securities set forth opposite the name of such Underwriter in Schedule I hereto.

If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding, please sign and return to us five counterparts hereof, and upon acceptance hereof by you, on behalf of each of the Underwriters, this letter and such acceptance hereof, including the provisions of the Underwriting Agreement incorporated herein by reference, shall constitute a binding agreement between each of the Underwriters and the Company. It is understood that your acceptance of this letter on behalf of each of the Underwriters is or will be pursuant to the authority set forth in a form of Agreement among Underwriters, the form of which shall be submitted to the Company for examination upon request, but without warranty on the part of the Representatives as to the authority of the signers thereof.

Very truly yours,

Bemis Company, Inc.

By:

Name:


Title:

Accepted as of the date hereof:

Goldman, Sachs & Co.

By:

(Goldman, Sachs & Co.)

J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.

By:
Name:
Title:

2

SCHEDULE I

                                  Principal
                                  Amount of
                                 Designated
                                 Securities
                                    to be
Underwriter                       Purchased
-----------                       ---------

Goldman, Sachs & Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . .
[Names of other Underwriters]. . . . . . . . . . .


Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

3

SCHEDULE II

TITLE OF DESIGNATED SECURITIES:

[ %] [Floating Rate] [Zero Coupon] [Notes]
[Debentures] due ,

AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT:

[$]

PRICE TO PUBLIC:

_____% of the principal amount of the Designated Securities, plus accrued interest[, if any,] from to [and accrued amortization
[, if any,] from to ]

PURCHASE PRICE BY UNDERWRITERS:

_____% of the principal amount of the Designated Securities, plus accrued interest [,if any] from to [and accrued amortization
[, if any,] from to ]

FORM OF DESIGNATED SECURITIES:

[Definitive form to be made available for checking and packaging at least twenty-four hours prior to the Time of Delivery at the office of [The Depository Trust Company or its designated custodian] [the Representatives]]

[Book-entry only form represented by one or more global securities deposited with The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") or its designated custodian, to be made available for checking by the Representatives at least twenty-four hours prior to the Time of Delivery at the office of DTC.]

SPECIFIED FUNDS FOR PAYMENT OF PURCHASE PRICE:

[[New York] Clearing House (next day) funds] [Federal (same day) funds]

TIME OF DELIVERY:

_____ a.m. (New York City time), , 19

INDENTURE:

Indenture dated as of June 15, 1995, between the Company and First Trust National Association, as Trustee

4

MATURITY:

INTEREST RATE:

[ %] [Zero Coupon] [See Floating Rate Provisions]

INTEREST PAYMENT DATES:

[months and dates, commencing , 19 ]

REDEMPTION PROVISIONS:

[No provisions for redemption]

[The Designated Securities may be redeemed, otherwise than through the sinking fund, in whole or in part at the option of the Company, in the

amount of [$          ] or an integral multiple thereof,

[on or after           , at the following redemption prices (expressed in
percentages of principal amount).  If [redeemed on or before           ,
%, and if] redeemed during the 12-month period beginning           ,

                                             REDEMPTION
                    YEAR                        PRICE
                    ----                     -----------

and thereafter at 100% of their principal amount, together in each case with accrued interest to the redemption date.]

[on any interest payment date falling on or after , at the election of the Company, at a redemption price equal to the principal amount thereof, plus accrued interest to the date of redemption.]

[Other possible redemption provisions, such as mandatory redemption upon occurrence of certain events or redemption for changes in tax law]

[Restriction on refunding]

SINKING FUND PROVISIONS:

[No sinking fund provisions]

[The Designated Securities are entitled to the benefit of a sinking fund to retire [$ ] principal amount of Designated Securities on in each of the years through at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued

5

interest[, together with [cumulative] [noncumulative] redemptions at the option of the Company to retire an additional [$ ] principal amount of Designated Securities in the years through at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued interest.]

[IF DESIGNATED SECURITIES ARE EXTENDABLE DEBT SECURITIES, INSERT--

EXTENDABLE PROVISIONS:

Designated Securities are repayable on , , [insert date and years], at the option of the holder, at their principal amount with accrued interest. The initial annual interest rate will be %, and thereafter the annual interest rate will be adjusted on , and to a rate not less than % of the effective annual interest rate on U.S. Treasury obligations with -year maturities as of the [insert date 15 days prior to maturity date] prior to such [insert maturity date].]

[IF DESIGNATED SECURITIES ARE FLOATING RATE DEBT SECURITIES, INSERT--

FLOATING RATE PROVISIONS:

Initial annual interest rate will be % through [and thereafter will be adjusted [monthly] [on each , , and ] [to an annual rate of % above the average rate for -year [month][securities][certificates of deposit] issued by and [insert names of banks].] [and the annual interest rate [thereafter] [from through ] will be the interest yield equivalent of the weekly average per annum market discount rate for -month Treasury bills plus % of Interest Differential (the excess, if any, of (i) the then current weekly average per annum secondary market yield for -month certificates of deposit over (ii) the then current interest yield equivalent of the weekly average per annum market discount rate for -month Treasury bills); [from and thereafter the rate will be the then current interest yield equivalent plus % of Interest Differential].]

DEFEASANCE PROVISIONS:

CLOSING LOCATION FOR DELIVERY OF DESIGNATED SECURITIES:

ADDITIONAL CLOSING CONDITIONS:

6

NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF REPRESENTATIVES:

Designated Representatives:

Address for Notices, etc.:

[OTHER TERMS:]

7

ANNEX II

Pursuant to Section 7(d) of the Underwriting Agreement, the accountants shall furnish letters to the Underwriters to the effect that:

(i) They are independent certified public accountants with respect to the Company and its subsidiaries within the meaning of the Act and the applicable published rules and regulations thereunder;

(ii) In their opinion, the financial statements and any supplementary financial information and schedules audited (and, if applicable, financial forecasts and/or pro forma financial information) examined by them and included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the Act or the Exchange Act, as applicable, and the related published rules and regulations thereunder; and, if applicable, they have made a review in accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants of the consolidated interim financial statements, selected financial data, pro forma financial information, financial forecasts and/or condensed financial statements derived from audited financial statements of the Company for the periods specified in such letter, as indicated in their reports thereon, copies of which have been furnished to the representative or representatives of the Underwriters (the "Representatives") such term to include an Underwriter or Underwriters who act without any firm being designated as its or their representatives and are attached hereto;

(iii) They have made a review in accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants of the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income, consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of cash flows included in the Prospectus and/or included in the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q incorporated by reference into the Prospectus as indicated in their reports thereon copies of which have been separately furnished to the Representatives and are attached hereto; and on the basis of specified procedures including inquiries of officials of the Company who have responsibility for financial and accounting matters regarding whether the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements referred to in paragraph (vi)(A)(i) below comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the Act and the Exchange Act and the related published rules and regulations, nothing came to their attention that caused them to believe that the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements do not comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the Act and the Exchange Act and the related published rules and regulations;

(iv) The unaudited selected financial information with respect to the consolidated results of operations and financial position of the Company for the


five most recent fiscal years included in the Prospectus and included or incorporated by reference in Item 6 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year agrees with the corresponding amounts (after restatement where applicable) in the audited consolidated financial statements for five such fiscal years which were included or incorporated by reference in the Company's Annual Reports on Form 10-K for such fiscal years;

(v) They have compared the information in the Prospectus under selected captions with the disclosure requirements of Regulation S-K and on the basis of limited procedures specified in such letter nothing came to their attention as a result of the foregoing procedures that caused them to believe that this information does not conform in all material respects with the disclosure requirements of Items 301, 302, 402 and 503(d), respectively, of Regulation S-K;

(vi) On the basis of limited procedures, not constituting an examination in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, consisting of a reading of the unaudited financial statements and other information referred to below, a reading of the latest available interim financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, inspection of the minute books of the Company and its subsidiaries since the date of the latest audited financial statements included or incorporated by reference in the Prospectus, inquiries of officials of the Company and its subsidiaries responsible for financial and accounting matters and such other inquiries and procedures as may be specified in such letter, nothing came to their attention that caused them to believe that:

(A) (i) the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income, consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of cash flows included in the Prospectus and/or included or incorporated by reference in the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q incorporated by reference in the Prospectus do not comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the Exchange Act and the related published rules and regulations, or (ii) any material modifications should be made to the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income, consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of cash flows included in the Prospectus or included in the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q incorporated by reference in the Prospectus for them to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles;

(B) any other unaudited income statement data and balance sheet items included in the Prospectus do not agree with the corresponding items in the unaudited consolidated financial statements from which such data and items were derived, and any such unaudited data and items were not determined on a basis substantially consistent with the basis for the corresponding amounts in the audited consolidated

2

financial statements included or incorporated by reference in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year;

(C) the unaudited financial statements which were not included in the Prospectus but from which were derived the unaudited condensed financial statements referred to in clause (A) and any unaudited income statement data and balance sheet items included in the Prospectus and referred to in Clause (B) were not determined on a basis substantially consistent with the basis for the audited financial statements included or incorporated by reference in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year;

(D) any unaudited pro forma consolidated condensed financial statements included or incorporated by reference in the Prospectus do not comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the Act and the published rules and regulations thereunder or the pro forma adjustments have not been properly applied to the historical amounts in the compilation of those statements;

(E) as of a specified date not more than five days prior to the date of such letter, there have been any changes in the consolidated capital stock (other than issuances of capital stock upon exercise of options and stock appreciation rights, upon earn-outs of performance shares and upon conversions of convertible securities, in each case which were outstanding on the date of the latest balance sheet included or incorporated by reference in the Prospectus) or any increase in the consolidated long-term debt of the Company and its subsidiaries, or any decreases in consolidated net current assets or stockholders' equity or other items specified by the Representatives, or any increases in any items specified by the Representatives, in each case as compared with amounts shown in the latest balance sheet included or incorporated by reference in the Prospectus, except in each case for changes, increases or decreases which the Prospectus discloses have occurred or may occur or which are described in such letter; and

(F) for the period from the date of the latest financial statements included or incorporated by reference in the Prospectus to the specified date referred to in Clause (E) there were any decreases in consolidated net revenues or operating profit or the total or per share amounts of consolidated net income or other items specified by the Representatives, or any increases in any items specified by the Representatives, in each case as compared with the comparable period of the preceding year and with any other period of corresponding length specified by the Representatives, except in each case for increases or decreases which the Prospectus discloses have occurred or may occur or which are described in such letter; and

3

(vii) In addition to the audit referred to in their report(s) included or incorporated by reference in the Prospectus and the limited procedures, inspection of minute books, inquiries and other procedures referred to in paragraphs (iii) and (vi) above, they have carried out certain specified procedures, not constituting an audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, with respect to certain amounts, percentages and financial information specified by the Representatives which are derived from the general accounting records of the Company and its subsidiaries, which appear in the Prospectus (excluding documents incorporated by reference), or in Part II of, or in exhibits and schedules to, the Registration Statement specified by the Representatives or in documents incorporated by reference in the Prospectus specified by the Representatives, and have compared certain of such amounts, percentages and financial information with the accounting records of the Company and its subsidiaries and have found them to be in agreement.

All references in this Annex II to the Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to the Prospectus (including the documents incorporated by reference therein) as defined in the Underwriting Agreement as of the date of the letter delivered on the date of the Pricing Agreement for purposes of such letter and to the Prospectus as amended or supplemented (including the documents incorporated by reference therein) in relation to the applicable Designated Securities for purposes of the letter delivered at the Time of Delivery for such Designated Securities.

4

EXHIBIT 4(a)

BEMIS COMPANY, INC.

TO

FIRST TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

Trustee


INDENTURE

Dated as of June 15, 1995


BEMIS COMPANY, INC.

Reconciliation and tie between Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and Indenture, dated as of August 1, 1994

Trust Indenture
Act Section                                                 Indenture Section
- -----------                                                 -----------------

Section 310(a)(1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 609
(a)(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 609
(a) (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Not Applicable
(a) (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Not Applicable
(a)(5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 609
(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 608, 610
Section 311. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 613
Section 312(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 701, 702(a)
(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 702(b)
(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 702(c)
Section 313. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703
Section 314(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704
(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Not Applicable
(c)(1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
(c)(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
(c)(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Not Applicable
(d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Not Applicable
(e) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Section 315(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 601
(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 602
(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 601
(d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 601
(e) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 514
Section 316(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
(a)(1)(A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 502, 512
(a)(1)(B) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 513
(a) (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Not Applicable
(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 508
Section 317(a)(1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 503
(a)(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 504
(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1003
Section 318(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Note: This reconciliation and tie shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be part of the Indenture.


                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                          Page
ARTICLE ONE             DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF
                        GENERAL APPLICATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

     SECTION 101.    Definitions.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
     SECTION 102.    Compliance Certificates and Opinions. . . . . . . . . . 8
     SECTION 103.    Form of Documents Delivered to
                     Trustee.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
     SECTION 104.    Acts of Holders.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
     SECTION 105.    Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company.. . . . . . . . . 11
     SECTION 106.    Notice to Holders; Waiver.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
     SECTION 107.    Compliance with Trust Indenture Act.. . . . . . . . . . 12
     SECTION 108.    Effect of Headings and Table of
                     Contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
     SECTION 109.    Successors and Assigns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
     SECTION 110.    Separability Clause.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
     SECTION 111.    Benefits of Indenture.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
     SECTION 112.    Governing Law.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
     SECTION 113.    Legal Holidays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13


ARTICLE TWO          SECURITY FORMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

     SECTION 201.    Forms Generally.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
     SECTION 202.    Form of Face of Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
     SECTION 203.    Form of Reverse of Security.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
     SECTION 204.    Form of Trustee's Certificate of
                     Authentication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
     SECTION 205.    Form of Legend for Global Securities. . . . . . . . . . 21


ARTICLE THREE        THE SECURITIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

     SECTION 301.    Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series. . . . . . . . . . 21
     SECTION 302.    Denominations.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
     SECTION 303.    Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating. . . . . 24
     SECTION 304.    Temporary Securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
     SECTION 305.    Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange.. . 27
     SECTION 306.    Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities. . . . 29
     SECTION 307.    Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved. . . . . 29
     SECTION 308.    Persons Deemed Owners.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
     SECTION 309.    Cancellation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
     SECTION 310.    Computation of Interest.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

                                        i

     SECTION 311.    Payment to be in Proper Currency. . . . . . . . . . . . 32


ARTICLE FOUR         SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

     SECTION 401.    Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.. . . . . . . . 32
     SECTION 402.    Application of Trust Money. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
     SECTION 403.    Defeasance and Discharge of Indenture.. . . . . . . . . 34


ARTICLE FIVE         REMEDIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

     SECTION 501.    Events of Default.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
     SECTION 502.    Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment. . . 37
     SECTION 503.    Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement
                     by Trustee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
     SECTION 504.    Trustee May File Proofs of Claim. . . . . . . . . . . . 39
     SECTION 505.    Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession
                     of Securities.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
     SECTION 506.    Application of Money Collected. . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
     SECTION 507.    Limitation on Suits.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
     SECTION 508.    Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal,
                     Premium and Interest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
     SECTION 509.    Restoration of Rights and Remedies. . . . . . . . . . . 42
     SECTION 510.    Rights and Remedies Cumulative. . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
     SECTION 511.    Delay or Omission Not Waiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
     SECTION 512.    Control by Holders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
     SECTION 513.    Waiver of Past Defaults.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
     SECTION 514.    Undertaking for Costs.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
     SECTION 515.    Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws. . . . . . . . . . . . 44


ARTICLE SIX          THE TRUSTEE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

     SECTION 601.    Certain Duties and Responsibilities.. . . . . . . . . . 44
     SECTION 602.    Notice of Defaults. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
     SECTION 603.    Certain Rights of Trustee.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
     SECTION 604.    Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities. 46
     SECTION 605.    May Hold Securities.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
     SECTION 606.    Money Held in Trust.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
     SECTION 607.    Compensation and Reimbursement. . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
     SECTION 608.    Disqualification; Conflicting Interests.. . . . . . . . 47
     SECTION 609.    Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.. . . . . . . . 47

                                       ii

     SECTION 610.    Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor.. . . 48
     SECTION 611.    Acceptance of Appointment by Successor. . . . . . . . . 49
     SECTION 612.    Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession
                     to Business.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
     SECTION 613.    Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company.. . . 51
     SECTION 614.    Appointment of Authenticating Agent.. . . . . . . . . . 51


ARTICLE SEVEN        HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY
                     TRUSTEE AND COMPANY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

     SECTION 701.    Company to Furnish Trustee Names and
                     Addresses of Holders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
     SECTION 702.    Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders. 53
     SECTION 703.    Reports by Trustee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
     SECTION 704.    Reports by Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54


ARTICLE EIGHT        CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE,
                     TRANSFER OR LEASE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

     SECTION 801.    Company May Consolidate Etc., Only on Certain Terms.. . 55
     SECTION 802.    Successor Substituted.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56


ARTICLE NINE         SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

     SECTION 901.    Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders. . . 56
     SECTION 902.    Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders.. . . . 57
     SECTION 903.    Execution of Supplemental Indentures. . . . . . . . . . 59
     SECTION 904.    Effect of Supplemental Indentures.. . . . . . . . . . . 59
     SECTION 905.    Conformity with Trust Indenture Act.. . . . . . . . . . 59
     SECTION 906.    Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures. . . 59
     SECTION 907.    Notice of Supplemental Indentures.. . . . . . . . . . . 59


ARTICLE TEN          COVENANTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

     SECTION 1001.   Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest. . . . . . . 60
     SECTION 1002.   Maintenance of Office or Agency.. . . . . . . . . . . . 60
     SECTION 1003.   Money for Securities Payments to Be Held in Trust.. . . 60
     SECTION 1004.   Existence.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
     SECTION 1005.   Maintenance of Properties.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

                                       iii

     SECTION 1006.   Payment of Taxes and Other Claims.. . . . . . . . . . . 62
     SECTION 1007.   Restriction on Secured Debt.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
     SECTION 1008.   Restriction on Sale and Leaseback Transactions. . . . . 65
     SECTION 1009.   Defeasance of Certain Obligations.. . . . . . . . . . . 66
     SECTION 1010.   Waiver of Certain Covenants.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67


ARTICLE ELEVEN       REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

     SECTION 1101.   Applicability of Article. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
     SECTION 1102.   Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee.. . . . . . . . . 68
     SECTION 1103.   Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed.. . . 68
     SECTION 1104.   Notice of Redemption. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
     SECTION 1105.   Deposit of Redemption Price.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
     SECTION 1106.   Securities Payable on Redemption Date.. . . . . . . . . 70
     SECTION 1107.   Securities Redeemed in Part.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70


ARTICLE TWELVE       SINKING FUNDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

     SECTION 1201.   Applicability of Article. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
     SECTION 1202.   Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities.. 71
     SECTION 1203.   Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund.. . . . . . . 71

iv

INDENTURE, dated as of June 15, 1995 between Bemis Company, Inc., a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Missouri (herein called the "Company"), having its principal office at 222 South 9th Street, Suite 2300, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402, and First Trust National Association, as Trustee (herein called the "Trustee").

RECITALS OF THE COMPANY

The Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance from time to time of its unsecured debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness (herein called the "Securities"), to be issued in one or more series as in this Indenture provided.

All things necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done.

NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH:

For and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the Securities by the Holders thereof, it is mutually covenanted and agreed, for the equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders of the Securities or of series thereof, as follows:

ARTICLE ONE
DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION

SECTION 101. Definitions.

For all purposes of this Indenture, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:

(1) the terms defined in this Article have the meanings assigned to them in this Article and include the plural as well as the singular;

(2) all other terms used herein which are defined in the Trust Indenture Act or by Commission rule or regulation under the Trust Indenture Act, either directly or by reference therein, have the meanings assigned to them therein;

(3) any gender used in this Indenture shall be deemed and construed to include correlative words of the masculine, feminine or neuter gender;


(4) all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and, except as otherwise herein expressly provided, the term "generally accepted accounting principles" with respect to any computation required or permitted hereunder shall mean such accounting principles as are generally accepted in the United States at the date of such computation; and

(5) the words "herein", "hereof" and "hereunder" and other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision.

Certain terms, used principally in Article Six, are defined in that Article.

"Act", when used with respect to any Holder, has the meaning specified in
Section 104.

"Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, "control", when used with respect to any specified Person, means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms "controlling" and "controlled" have meanings correlative to the foregoing.

"Attributable Debt" in respect of any Sale and Leaseback Transaction means, at the date of determination, the present value (discounted at the rate of interest implicit in the terms of the lease) of the obligation of the lessee for net rental payments during the remaining term of the lease (including any period for which such lease has been extended or may, at the option of the lessor, be extended). "Net rental payments" under any lease for any period means the sum of the rental and other payments required to be paid in such period by the lessee thereunder, excluding any amounts required to be paid by such lessee (whether or not designated as rental or additional rental) on account of maintenance and repairs, insurance, taxes, assessments, water rates or similar charges required to be paid by such lessee thereunder or any amounts required to be paid by such lessee thereunder contingent upon the amount of sales, maintenance and repairs, insurance, taxes, assessments, water rates or similar charges.

"Authenticating Agent" means any Person authorized by the Trustee pursuant to Section 614 to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of one or more series.

"Board of Directors" means either the board of directors of the Company or any duly authorized committee appointed by that board.

"Board Resolution" means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification. Where any provision of this

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Indenture refers to action to be taken pursuant to a Board Resolution (including establishment of any series of the Securities and the forms and terms thereof), such action may be taken by any committee, officer or employee of the Company authorized to take such action by a Board Resolution.

"Business Day", when used with respect to any Place of Payment, means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not a day on which banking institutions generally in that Place of Payment are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close, unless otherwise specified in a form of Security.

"Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time to time constituted, created under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or, if at any time after the execution of this instrument such Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act, then the body performing such duties at such time.

"Company" means the Person named as the "Company" in the first paragraph of this instrument until a successor corporation shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter "Company" shall mean such successor corporation.

"Company Request" or "Company Order" means a written request or order signed in the name of the Company by its Chairman of the Board, its President or a Vice President, and by its Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, its Secretary or an Assistant Secretary and delivered to the Trustee.

"Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" means the aggregate amount of assets (less applicable reserves and other properly deductible items) after deducting therefrom (a) all current liabilities (excluding any indebtedness for money borrowed having a maturity of less than 12 months from the date of the most recent consolidated balance sheet of the Company but which by its terms is renewable or extendable beyond 12 months from such date at the option of the borrower) and (b) all goodwill, trade names, patents, unamortized debt discount and expense and any other like intangibles, all as set forth on the most recent consolidated balance sheet of the Company and computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

"Corporate Trust Office" means the office of the Trustee in The City of New York, New York at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be principally administered.

"Corporation" includes corporations, associations, companies, joint stock companies and business trusts.

"Debt" has the meaning specified in Section 1007.

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"Defaulted Interest" has the meaning specified in Section 307.

"Depositary" means, with respect to the Securities of any series issuable or issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities, the clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, specified for that purpose as contemplated by Section 301 or any successor clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act as contemplated by Section 305, and if at any time there is more than one such Person, "Depositary" as used with respect to the Securities of any series shall mean the Depositary with respect to the Securities of such series.

"Event of Default" has the meaning specified in Section 501.

"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

"Funded Debt" means Debt which by its terms matures at or is extendible or renewable at the option of the obligor to a date more than 12 months after the date of the creation of such Debt.

"Global Security" means a Security bearing the legend specified in Section 205 evidencing all or part of a series of Securities, issued to the Depositary for such series or its nominee, and registered in the name of such Depositary or nominee.

"Holder" means a Person in whose name a Security is registered in the Security Register.

"Indenture" means this instrument as originally executed or as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof and shall include the terms of particular series of Securities established as contemplated by Section 301; provided, however, that, if at any time more than one Person is acting as Trustee under this instrument due to the appointment of one or more separate Trustees for any one or more separate series of Securities pursuant to
Section 610(e), "Indenture" shall mean, with respect to such series of Securities for which any such Person is Trustee, this instrument as originally executed or as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof and shall include the terms of particular series of Securities for which such Person is Trustee established as contemplated by Section 301, exclusive, however, of any provisions or terms which relate solely to other series of Securities for which such Person is not Trustee, regardless of when such terms or provisions were adopted, and exclusive of any provisions or terms adopted by means of one or more indentures supplemental hereto executed and delivered after such Person had become such Trustee but to which such Person, as such Trustee, was not a party.

"Interest", when used with respect to an Original Issue Discount Security which by its terms bears interest only after Maturity, means interest payable after Maturity.

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"Interest Payment Date", when used with respect to any Security, means the Stated Maturity of an installment of interest on such Security.

"Lien" or "Liens" has the meaning specified in Section 1007.

"Maturity", when used with respect to any Security, means the date on which the principal of such Security or an installment of principal becomes due and payable as therein or herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise.

"Officers' Certificate" means a certificate signed by the Chairman of the Board, the President, a Vice President or an Assistant Vice President of the Company, and by the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company, and delivered to the Trustee.

"Opinion of Counsel" means a written opinion of counsel, who may be counsel for the Company.

"Original Issue Discount Security" means any Security which provides for an amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502.

"Outstanding", when used with respect to Securities, means, as of the date of determination, all Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, except:

(i) Securities theretofore canceled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;

(ii) Securities for whose payment or redemption money in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent (other than the Company) in trust or set aside and segregated in trust by the Company (if the Company shall act as its own Paying Agent) for the Holders of such Securities; provided that, if such Securities are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has been made; and

(iii) Securities which have been paid pursuant to Section 306 or in exchange for or in lieu of which other Securities have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture, other than any such Securities in respect of which there shall have been presented to the Trustee proof satisfactory to it that such Securities are held by a bona fide purchaser in whose hands such Securities are valid obligations of the Company;

5

provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of the Outstanding Securities have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder or whether a quorum is present at a meeting of Holders of Securities, (i) the principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Security that shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the amount of the principal thereof that would be due and payable as of the date of such determination upon acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502, (ii) the principal amount of a Security denominated in one or more foreign currencies or currency units that shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the U.S. dollar equivalent, determined in the manner provided as contemplated by Section 301 as of the date of original issuance of such Security, of the principal amount (or, in the case of an Original Issue Discount Security, the U.S. dollar equivalent, determined as of the date of original issuance of such Security, of the amount determined as provided in (i) above) of such Security as determined by the Company pursuant to
Section 301, and (iii) Securities owned by the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, only Securities which the Trustee knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Securities so owned which have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee's right so to act with respect to such Securities and that the pledgee is not the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor.

"Paying Agent" means any Person authorized by the Company to pay the principal of (and premium, if any) and/or interest on any Securities on behalf of the Company.

"Periodic Offering" means an offering of Securities of a series from time to time the specific terms of which Securities, including without limitation the rate or rates of interest (or formula for determining the rate or rates of interest), if any, thereon, the Stated Maturity or Maturities thereof and the redemption provisions, if any, with respect thereto, are to be determined by the Company or its agents upon the issuance of such Securities.

"Person" means any individual, Corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

"Place of Payment", when used with respect to the Securities of any series, means the place or places where the principal of (and premium, if any) and/or interest on the Securities of that series are payable, where Securities of that series may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of that series and this Indenture may be served.

"Predecessor Security" of any particular Security means every previous Security evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such particular Security, and,

6

for the purposes of this definition, any Security authenticated and delivered under Section 306 in exchange for or in lieu of a mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security.

"Principal Property" means any manufacturing plant located within the United States of America (other than its territories or possessions) and owned by the Company or any Subsidiary, the gross book value (without deduction of any depreciation reserves) of which on the date as of which the determination is being made exceeds 2% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets of the Company, except any such plant (i) which is financed by obligations issued by a State or local governmental unit pursuant to Section 142(a)(5), 142(a)(6), 142(a)(8) or 144(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any successor provision thereof, or
(ii) which is not of material importance to the business conducted by the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole (as determined by any two of the following: the Chairman or a Vice Chairman of the Board of the Company, its President, its Chief Financial Officer, its Vice President of Finance, its Treasurer or its Controller).

"Redemption Date", when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, means the date fixed for such redemption pursuant to this Indenture.

"Redemption Price", when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, means the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to this Indenture.

"Regular Record Date" for the interest payable on any Interest Payment Date on the Securities of any series means the date specified for that purpose as contemplated by Section 301.

"Required Currency" has the meaning specified in Section 311.

"Responsible Officer", when used with respect to the Trustee, means any officer of the Trustee assigned by it to administer its corporate trust matters.

"Restricted Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary which owns or leases a Principal Property.

"Sale and Leaseback Transaction" has the meaning specified in Section 1008.

"Securities" has the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture and more particularly means any Securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture; provided, however, that if at any time there is more than one Person acting as Trustee under this Indenture, "Securities" with respect to the Indenture as to which such Person is Trustee shall have the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture and shall more particularly mean Securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, exclusive, however, of Securities of any series as to which such Person is not Trustee.

7

"Security Register" and "Security Registrar" have the respective meanings specified in Section 305.

"Special Record Date" for the payment of any Defaulted Interest means a date fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 307.

"Stated Maturity", when used with respect to any Security or any installment of principal thereof or interest thereon, means the date specified in such Security as the fixed date on which the principal of such Security or such installment of principal or interest is due and payable.

"Subsidiary" means any Corporation of which securities (excluding securities entitled to vote for directors only by reason of the happening of a contingency) entitled to elect at least a majority of the Corporation's directors shall at the time be owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, or one or more Subsidiaries, or by the Company and one or more Subsidiaries.

"Trustee" means the Person named as the "Trustee" in the first paragraph of this instrument until a successor Trustee shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter "Trustee" shall mean or include each Person who is then a Trustee hereunder, and if at any time there is more than one such Person, "Trustee" as used with respect to the Securities of any series shall mean the Trustee with respect to Securities of that series.

"Trust Indenture Act" or "TIA" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as in force at the date as of which this instrument was executed, except as provided in Section 905.

"U.S. Government Obligations" means direct obligations of the United States of America, backed by its full faith and credit.

"Vice President", when used with respect to the Company, means any vice president, whether or not designated by a number or a word or words added before or after the title "vice president".

"Voting Stock", when used with respect to a Corporation, means stock of the class or classes having general voting power under ordinary circumstances to elect at least a majority of the board of directors, managers or trustees of such Corporation (irrespective of whether at the time stock or securities of any other class or classes shall have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency).

SECTION 102. Compliance Certificates and Opinions.

Upon any application or request by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under any provision of this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee, if so requested by the Trustee, an Officers' Certificate stating that all conditions precedent, if any,

8

provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with and an Opinion of Counsel stating that in the opinion of such counsel all such conditions precedent, if any, have been complied with, except that in the case of any such application or request as to which the furnishing of such documents is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture relating to such particular application or request, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.

Every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture shall include:

(1) a statement that each individual signing such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition and the definitions herein relating thereto;

(2) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;

(3) a statement that, in the opinion of each such individual, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion whether such covenant or condition has been complied with; and

(4) a statement whether, in the opinion of each such individual, such condition or covenant has been complied with.

SECTION 103. Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee.

In any case where several matters are required to be certified by, or covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such Person, or that they be so certified or covered by only one document, but one such Person may certify or give an opinion with respect to some matters and one or more other such Persons as to other matters, and any such Person may certify or give an opinion as to such matters in one or several documents.

Any certificate or opinion of any officer of the Company may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to the matters upon which such officer's certificate or opinion is based are erroneous. Any such certificate or Opinion of Counsel may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an officer or officers of the Company stating that the information with respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the Company, unless such counsel knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to such matters are erroneous.

9

Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other instruments under this Indenture, they may, but need not, be consolidated and form one instrument.

SECTION 104. Acts of Holders.

(a) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or taken by Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by an agent duly appointed in writing, and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Company. Such instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the "Act" of the Holders signing such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and (subject to Section 601) conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Company, if made in the manner provided in this Section.

(b) The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such execution or by a certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing such instrument or writing acknowledged to him the execution thereof. Where such execution is by a signer acting in a capacity other than such signer's individual capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof of such signer's authority. The fact and date of the execution of any such instrument or writing, or the authority of the Person executing the same, may also be proved in any other manner which the Trustee deems sufficient.

(c) The ownership of Securities shall be proved by the Security Register. The Company may fix any day as the record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of Securities of any series entitled to give or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, or to vote on any action, authorized or permitted to be given or taken by Holders of Securities of such series. If not set by the Company prior to the first solicitation of a Holder of Securities of such series made by any Person in respect of any such action, or, in the case of any such vote, prior to such vote, the record date for any such action or vote shall be the 30th day (or, if later, the date of the most recent list of Holders required to be provided pursuant to Section 701) prior to such first solicitation or vote, as the case may be. With regard to any record date for action to be taken by the Holders of one or more series of Securities, only the Holders of Securities of such series on such date (or their duly designated proxies) shall be entitled to give or take, or vote on, the relevant action.

(d) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act of the Holder of any Security shall bind every future Holder of the same Security and the

10

Holder of every Security issued upon the registration of transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof in respect of anything done, omitted or suffered to be done by the Trustee or the Company in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Security.

SECTION 105. Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company.

Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or Act of Holders or other document provided or permitted by this Indenture to be made upon, given or furnished to, or filed with,

(1) the Trustee by any Holder or by the Company shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if made, given, furnished or filed in writing to or with a Responsible Officer of the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office, Attention: Corporate Trust Department, or

(2) the Company by the Trustee or by any Holder shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to the Company addressed to it at the address of its principal office specified in the first paragraph of this instrument (Attention: Treasurer) or at any other address previously furnished in writing to the Trustee by the Company.

SECTION 106. Notice to Holders; Waiver.

Where this Indenture provides for notice to Holders of any event, such notice shall be sufficiently given (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder affected by such event, at such Holder's address as it appears in the Security Register, not later than the latest date, and not earlier than the earliest date, prescribed for the giving of such notice. In any case where notice to Holders is given by mail, neither the failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any notice so mailed, to any particular Holder shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders. Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.

In case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service or by reason of any other cause it shall be impracticable to give such notice by mail, then such notification as shall be made by or with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient notification for every purpose hereunder.

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SECTION 107. Compliance with Trust Indenture Act.

This Indenture is subject to, and shall be governed by, the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are required to be part of this Indenture. If any provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with a provision of the Trust Indenture Act that is required under such Act to be a part of and govern this Indenture, the provision of the Trust Indenture Act shall control. If any provision of this Indenture modifies or excludes any provision of the Trust Indenture Act that may be so modified or excluded, the latter provision shall be deemed to apply to this Indenture as so modified or to be excluded, as the case may be.

SECTION 108. Effect of Headings and Table of Contents.

The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

SECTION 109. Successors and Assigns.

All covenants and agreements in this Indenture by the Company or the Trustee shall bind its successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.

SECTION 110. Separability Clause.

In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Securities shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

SECTION 111. Benefits of Indenture.

Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto, any Authenticating Agent, any Paying Agent, any Securities Registrar, and their successors hereunder and the Holders, any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.

SECTION 112. Governing Law.

This Indenture and the Securities shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

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SECTION 113. Legal Holidays.

Except as may be otherwise specified with respect to any particular Securities, in any case where any Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity of any Security shall not be a Business Day at any Place of Payment, then (notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or of the Securities) payment of interest or principal (and premium, if any) need not be made at such Place of Payment on such date, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day at such Place of Payment with the same force and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date or Redemption Date, or at the Stated Maturity, provided that no interest shall accrue for the period from and after such Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity, as the case may be.

ARTICLE TWO
SECURITY FORMS

SECTION 201. Forms Generally.

The Securities of each series shall be in substantially the form set forth in this Article, or in such other form as shall be established by or pursuant to a Board Resolution and set forth in an Officers' Certificate or established by one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in each case with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture, and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as may be required to comply with the rules of any securities exchange or as may, consistently herewith, be determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution of the Securities. If the form of Securities of any series is established by action taken pursuant to a Board Resolution, a copy of an appropriate record of such action shall be certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Company Order contemplated by Section 303 for the authentication and delivery of such Securities.

The Trustee's certificates of authentication shall be in substantially the form set forth in this Article with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture.

The definitive Securities may be printed, lithographed or engraved on steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other manner, all as determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities.

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SECTION 202. Form of Face of Security.

[INSERT ANY LEGEND REQUIRED BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE AND THE REGULATIONS THEREUNDER.]

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BEMIS COMPANY, INC.


No. ________ [$]_________

Bemis Company, Inc., a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of Missouri (herein called the "Company", which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to ________________________________, or registered assigns, the principal sum of ____________ [Dollars] on _____________ [IF THE SECURITY IS TO BEAR INTEREST PRIOR TO MATURITY, INSERT - , and to pay interest thereon from _________ or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, [semi-annually in arrears on __________ and _______________ in each year] [annually in arrears on _____________], commencing _____________, at the rate of ____% per annum, until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment [IF APPLICABLE INSERT - , and (to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable) at the rate of ____% per annum on any overdue principal and premium and on any overdue installment of interest]. The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in such Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, which shall be the _______________________ or _______________ (whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be, next preceding such Interest Payment Date. Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to holders of Securities of this series not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities of this series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture]. [IF THE SECURITY IS NOT TO BEAR INTEREST PRIOR TO MATURITY, INSERT - The principal of this Security shall not bear interest except in the case of a default in payment of principal upon acceleration, upon redemption or at Stated Maturity and in such case the overdue principal of this Security shall bear interest at the rate of ___% per annum (to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), which shall accrue from the date of such default in payment to the date payment of such principal has been made or duly provided for. Interest on any overdue principal shall be payable on demand. Any such interest on any overdue principal that is not so paid on demand shall bear interest at the rate of ____% per annum (to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), which shall accrue from the date of such demand

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for payment to the date payment of such interest has been made or duly provided for, and such interest shall also be payable on demand.]

Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and [IF APPLICABLE, INSERT - any such] interest on this Security will be made at the office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose in __________, in such coin or currency [of the United States of America] as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts [IF APPLICABLE, INSERT - ; provided, however, that at the option of the Company payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register].

[IF APPLICABLE, INSERT - The Securities of this series are subject to redemption prior to the Stated Maturity as described on the reverse hereof.]

Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Security set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by or on behalf of the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof by manual signature, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed under its corporate seal.

Dated:

BEMIS COMPANY, INC.

By_______________________________

Attest:


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SECTION 203. Form of Reverse of Security.

This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Company (herein called the "Securities"), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture, dated as of June ___, 1995 (herein called the "Indenture"), between the Company and First Trust National Association, as Trustee (herein called the "Trustee", which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), to which Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be authenticated and delivered. This Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof [, limited in aggregate principal amount to [$] ___________]. By the terms of the Indenture, additional Securities [IF APPLICABLE, INSERT - of this series and] of other separate series, which may vary as to date, amount, Stated Maturity, interest rate or method of calculating the interest rate and in other respects as therein provided, may be issued in an unlimited principal amount.

[IF APPLICABLE, INSERT - The Securities of this series are subject to redemption prior to the Stated Maturity hereof upon not less than 30 days' notice by mail to the Persons in whose names the Securities to be redeemed are registered at the address specified in the Security Register, [IF APPLICABLE, INSERT - (1) on ______ in any year commencing with the year ______ and ending with the year ______ through operation of the sinking fund for this series at a Redemption Price equal to 100% of the principal amount, and (2)] at any time [on or after __________], as a whole or in part, at the election of the Company, at the following Redemption Prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount): If redeemed [on or before ________, ____%, and if redeemed] during the 12-month period beginning ______ of the years indicated,

            Redemption                         Redemption
Year           Price            Year              Price
----         --------           ----            --------

and thereafter at a Redemption Price equal to ____% of the principal amount [IF APPLICABLE, INSERT -, together in the case of any such redemption [IF APPLICABLE, INSERT - (whether through operation of the sinking fund or otherwise)] with accrued interest to the Redemption Date, provided, however, that installments of interest whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to such Redemption Date will be payable to the Holders of such Securities (or one or more Predecessor Securities) of record at the close of business on the relevant Record Dates referred to on the face hereof, all as provided in the Indenture].
[IF THERE IS NO SINKING FUND, INSERT - The Securities of this series are not Subject to any sinking fund.]

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[IF APPLICABLE, INSERT - The Securities of this series are subject to redemption prior to the Stated Maturity hereof upon not less than 30 days' notice by mail to the Persons in whose names the Securities to be redeemed are registered at the address specified in the Security Register, (1) on _______ in any year commencing with the year ___ and ending with the year _________ through operation of the sinking fund for this series at the Redemption Prices for redemption through operation of the sinking fund (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) set forth in the table below, and (2) at any time [on or after __________], as a whole or in part, at the election of the Company, at the Redemption Prices for redemption otherwise than through operation of the sinking fund (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) set forth in the table below: If redeemed during the 12-month period beginning _______ of the years indicated,

            Redemption Price
             for Redemption          Redemption Price for
            Through Operation        Redemption Otherwise
                 of the             Than Through Operation
Year          Sinking Fund            of the Sinking Fund
----        ----------------         ---------------------

and thereafter at a Redemption Price equal to ___% of the principal amount [IF APPLICABLE, INSERT - , together in the case of any such redemption (whether through operation of the sinking fund or otherwise) with accrued interest to the Redemption Date, provided, however, that installments of interest whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to such Redemption Date will be payable to the Holders of such Securities (or one or more Predecessor Securities) of record at the close of business on the relevant Record Dates referred to on the face hereof, all as provided in the Indenture].]

[Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may not, prior to ___, redeem any Securities of this series as contemplated by [Clause (2) of] the preceding paragraph as a part of, or in anticipation of, any refunding operation by the application, directly or indirectly, of moneys borrowed having an interest cost to the Company (calculated in accordance with generally accepted financial practice) of less than __% per annum.]

[The sinking fund for this series provides for the redemption on _________ in each year beginning with the year ____ and ending with the year ____ of [not less than] [$]__________ [("mandatory sinking fund") and not more than
[$]_______] aggregate principal amount of Securities of this series.
[Securities of this series acquired or redeemed by the Company otherwise than through [mandatory] sinking fund payments may be credited against subsequent
[mandatory] sinking fund payments otherwise required to be made in the inverse order in which they become due.]]

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[In the event of redemption of this Security in part only, a new Security or Securities of this series and of like tenor of an authorized denomination for the unredeemed portion hereof will be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof, and, in the event of transfer or exchange, a new Security or Securities of this series and of like tenor and for a like aggregate principal amount will be issued to the Holder, in the case of exchange, or the designated transferee or transferees, in the case of transfer.]

[IF THE SECURITY IS NOT AN ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT SECURITY, - If an Event

of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series may (subject to the conditions set forth in the Indenture) be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.]

[IF THE SECURITY IS AN ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT SECURITY, - If an Event of

Default with respect to Securities of this series shall occur and be continuing, a lesser amount than the principal amount due at the Stated Maturity of the Securities of this series may (subject to the conditions set forth in the Indenture) be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture. The amount due and payable on this Security in the event that this Security is declared due and payable prior to the Stated Maturity hereof shall be - INSERT FORMULA FOR DETERMINING THE AMOUNT - or in the event that this Security is redeemed shall be the specified percentage - INSERT FORMULA FOR DETERMINING THE AMOUNT. Upon payment (i) of the amount of principal so declared due and payable and (ii) of interest on any overdue principal and overdue interest (in each case to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), all of the Company's obligations in respect of the payment of the principal of and interest, if any, on the Securities of this series shall terminate.]

[IF APPLICABLE, INSERT - The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of the Company's obligations in respect of (i) the entire indebtedness of this Security or (ii) certain restrictive covenants with respect to this Security, in each case upon compliance with certain conditions set forth therein.]

The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each series to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected and, for certain purposes, without the consent of the Holders of any Securities at the time Outstanding. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series, to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange hereof or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security.

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[IF THE SECURITY IS AN ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT SECURITY, - In determining

whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of the Outstanding Securities have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver under the Indenture or whether a quorum is present at a meeting of Holders of Securities, the principal amount of any Original Issue Discount Security that shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the amount of the principal thereof that would be due and payable as of the date of such determination upon the acceleration of the Maturity thereof.]

No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on this Security at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed.

As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Security is registrable in the Security Register, upon surrender of this Security for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Company in any place where the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on this Security are payable, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or such Holder's attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Securities of this series and of like tenor of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.

The Securities of this series are issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of [$1,000] and any amount in excess thereof which is an integral multiple of [$1,000]. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, Securities of this series are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Securities of this series and of like tenor of a different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.

No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

Prior to due presentment of this Security for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is registered in the Security Register as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

The Securities shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

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All terms used in this Security which are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

SECTION 204. Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication.

The Trustee's certificate of authentication shall be in substantially the following form:

This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein and issued pursuant to the within-mentioned Indenture.

FIRST TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee

By_______________________________
Authorized Officer

SECTION 205. Form of Legend for Global Securities.

Any Global Security authenticated and delivered hereunder shall, in addition to the provisions contained in Sections 202 and 203, bear a legend in substantially the following form or such similar form as may be required by the Depositary:

"Unless this certificate is presented by an authorized representative of The Depository Trust Company (55 Water Street, New York, New York) to the issuer or to its agent for registration of transfer, exchange or payment, and any certificate issued is registered in the name of Cede & Co. or such other name as requested by an authorized representative of The Depository Trust Company and any payment is made to Cede & Co., ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL since the registered owner hereof, Cede & Co., has an interest herein."

ARTICLE THREE
THE SECURITIES

SECTION 301. Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series.

The aggregate principal amount of Securities which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.

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The Securities may be issued in one or more series. There shall be established by or pursuant to a Board Resolution and, subject to Section 303, set forth or determined in the manner provided in an Officers' Certificate or established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the initial issuance of Securities of any series,

(1) the title of the Securities of the series (which shall distinguish the Securities of the series from Securities of any other series);

(2) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of the series which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except for Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in lieu of, other Securities of the series pursuant to Section 304, 305, 306, 906, 1107 and except for any Securities which, pursuant to Section 303, are deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder);

(3) the Person to whom any interest on a Security of the series shall be payable, if other than the Person in whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest;

(4) the date or dates on which the principal or installments of principal and premium, if any, of the Securities of the series is or are payable and any rights to extend such date or dates;

(5) the rate or rates at which the Securities of the series shall bear interest, if any, or the formula pursuant to which such rate or rates shall be determined, the date or dates from which such interest shall accrue, the Interest Payment Dates on which such interest shall be payable, the Regular Record Date for the interest payable on any Interest Payment Date and the circumstances, if any in which the Company may defer interest payments;

(6) the place or places where the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on Securities of the series shall be payable, any Securities of the series may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and notices and demands to or upon the Company with respect to the Securities of the series and this Indenture may be served;

(7) if applicable, the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which Securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company;

(8) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem or purchase Securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option of a Holder thereof and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and

22

the terms and conditions upon which Securities of the series shall be redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;

(9) if other than denominations of $1,000 or any amount in excess thereof which is an integral multiple of $1,000, the denominations in which Securities of the series shall be issuable;

(10) the currency, currencies or currency units in which payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on any Securities of the series shall be payable if other than the currency of the United States of America, the manner of determining the U.S. dollar equivalent of the principal amount thereof for purposes of the definition of "Outstanding" in Section 101, and, if the principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities of the series is to be payable, at the election of the Company or a Holder thereof, in one or more currencies or currency units other than that or those in which the Securities are stated to be payable, the currency, currencies or currency units in which payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on Securities of such series as to which such election is made shall be payable, and the periods within which and the terms and conditions upon which such election is to be made;

(11) any other event or events of default applicable with respect to Securities of the series in addition to or in lieu of those provided in
Section 501(1)-(7);

(12) if less than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of Securities of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502;

(13) whether the Securities of the series shall be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities and, if so, (a) the Depositary with respect to such Global Security or Securities and (b) the circumstances under which any such Global Security may be exchanged for Securities registered in the name of, and any transfer of such Global Security may be registered to, a Person other than such Depositary or its nominee, if other than as set forth in Section 305;

(14) if principal of or any premium or interest on the Securities of a series is denominated or payable in a currency or currencies other than the currency of the United States of America, whether and under what terms and conditions the Company may be discharged from obligations pursuant to Sections 403 and 1009 with respect to Securities of such series; and

(15) any other terms of the series (which terms shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, except as permitted by
Section 901(5)).

All Securities of any one series (other than Securities offered in a Periodic Offering) shall be substantially identical except as to denomination and except as may otherwise be

23

provided by or pursuant to the Board Resolution referred to above and, subject to Section 303, set forth, or determined in the manner provided, in the Officers' Certificate referred to above or in any such indenture supplemental hereto.

If any of the terms of the series are established by action taken pursuant to a Board Resolution, a copy of an appropriate record of such action shall be certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Officers' Certificate setting forth the terms of the series.

With respect to Securities of a series offered in a Periodic Offering, such Board Resolution and Officers' Certificate or supplemental indenture may provide general terms or parameters for Securities of such series and provide either that the specific terms of particular Securities of such series shall be specified in a Company Order or that such terms shall be determined by the Company or its agents in accordance with other procedures specified in a Company Order as contemplated by the third paragraph of Section 303.

SECTION 302. Denominations.

Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Officers' Certificate or supplemental indenture, the Securities of each series shall be issued in registered form without coupons in such denominations as shall be specified as contemplated by Section 301. In the absence of any such provisions with respect to the Securities of any series, the Securities of such series shall be issuable in denominations of $1,000 or any amount in excess thereof which is an integral multiple of $1,000.

SECTION 303. Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating.

The Securities shall be executed on behalf of the Company by its Chairman of the Board, its President or one of its Vice Presidents, under its corporate seal affixed thereto or reproduced thereon attested by its Secretary or one of its Assistant Secretaries. The signature of any of these officers on the Securities may be manual or facsimile.

Securities bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of individuals who were at any time the proper officers of the Company shall bind the Company, notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Securities or did not hold such offices at the date of such Securities.

At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Securities of any series executed by the Company to the Trustee for authentication, together with a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of such Securities, or, in the case of Securities offered in a Periodic Offering, from time to time in accordance with such other procedures (including, without limitation, the receipt by the

24

Trustee of electronic instructions from the Company or its duly authorized agents, promptly confirmed in writing by the Company) acceptable to the Trustee as may be specified from time to time by a Company Order for establishing the specific terms of particular Securities being so offered, and the Trustee in accordance with the Company Order shall authenticate and deliver such Securities. If the form or forms or terms of the Securities of the series have been established by or pursuant to one or more Board Resolutions as permitted by Sections 201 and 301, in authenticating such Securities and accepting the additional responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Securities, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 601) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating,

(a) that the form or forms of such Securities have been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;

(b) that the terms of such Securities have been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;

(c) that such Securities, when authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and issued by the Company in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization and other laws of general applicability relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights and to general equity principles;

(d) that authentication and delivery of such Securities and the execution and delivery of the supplemental indenture, if any, by the Trustee will not violate the terms of the Indenture;

(e) that the Company has the corporate power to issue such Securities, and has duly taken all necessary corporate action with respect to such issuance; and

(f) that the issuance of such Securities will not contravene the certificate of incorporation or bylaws of the Company or result in any violation of any of the terms or provisions of any law or regulation or of any indenture, mortgage or other agreement known to such Counsel by which the Company is bound;

provided, however, that, with respect to Securities of a series offered in a Periodic Offering, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive such Opinion of Counsel in connection only with the first authentication of each form of Securities of such series and that the opinions described in Clauses (b) and (c) above may state, respectively, that

(b) if the terms of such Securities are to be established pursuant to a Company Order or pursuant to such procedures as may be specified from time to time by a Company Order, all as contemplated by a Board Resolution or action taken

25

pursuant thereto, such terms will have been duly authorized by the Company and established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture; and

(c) that such Securities, when executed by the Company, completed, authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in accordance with this Indenture, and issued and delivered by the Company and paid for, all in accordance with any agreement of the Company relating to the offering, issuance and sale of such Securities, will be duly issued under this Indenture and will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws relating to or affecting generally the enforcement of creditors' rights and to general principles of equity.

With respect to Securities of a series offered in a Periodic Offering, the Trustee may rely, as to the authorization by the Company of any of such Securities, the form or forms and terms thereof and the legality, validity, binding effect and enforceability thereof, upon the Opinion of Counsel, Company Order and other documents delivered pursuant to Sections 201 and 301 and this Section, as applicable, in connection with the first authentication of a form of Securities of such series and it shall not be necessary for the Company to deliver such Opinion of Counsel and other documents (except as may be required by the specified other procedures, if any, referred to above) at or prior to the time of authentication of each Security of such series unless and until the Trustee receives notice that such Opinion of Counsel or other documents have been superseded or revoked, and may assume compliance with any conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel (other than any conditions to be performed by the Trustee). If such form or forms or terms have been so established, the Trustee shall not be required to authenticate such Securities if the issue of such Securities pursuant to this Indenture will affect the Trustee's own rights, duties or immunities under the Securities and this Indenture or otherwise in a manner which is not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.

Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.

No Security shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose unless there appears on such Security a certificate of authentication substantially in the form provided for herein executed by the Trustee by manual signature, and such certificate upon any Security shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Security has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder and is entitled to the benefits of this Indenture. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Security shall have been authenticated and delivered hereunder but never issued and sold by the Company, and the Company shall deliver such Security to the Trustee for cancellation as provided in Section 309 together with a written statement (which need not comply with Section 102 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel) stating that such Security has never been issued and sold by the Company, for all purposes of this Indenture such Security shall be deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder and shall never be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture.

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SECTION 304. Temporary Securities.

Pending the preparation of definitive Securities of any Series, the Company may execute, and upon Company Order the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, temporary Securities which are printed, lithographed, typewritten or otherwise produced, in any authorized denomination, substantially of the tenor of the definitive Securities in lieu of which they are issued and with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as the officers executing such Securities may determine, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities.

If temporary Securities of any series are issued, the Company will cause definitive Securities of that series to be prepared without unreasonable delay. After the preparation of definitive Securities of such series, the temporary Securities of such series shall be exchangeable for definitive Securities of like tenor of such series upon surrender of the temporary Securities of such series at the office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment for that series, without charge to the Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary Securities of any series the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a like principal amount of definitive Securities of the same series and of like tenor and of any authorized denominations. Until so exchanged the temporary Securities of any series shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Securities of such series and tenor.

SECTION 305. Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange.

The Company shall cause to be kept at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee a register (the "Security Register") in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Company shall provide for the registration of Securities and of transfers of Securities. The Trustee is hereby appointed "Security Registrar" for the purpose of registering Securities and transfers of Securities as herein provided.

Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Security of any series at the office or agency of the Company in any Place of Payment for such series, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver (in the name of the designated transferee or transferees) one or more new Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of a like aggregate principal amount and tenor.

At the option of the Holder, Securities of any series may be exchanged for other Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of a like aggregate principal amount and tenor, upon surrender of the Securities to be exchanged at the office or agency of the Company in any Place of Payment for such series. Whenever any Securities are

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so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the Securities which the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive.

All Securities issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities shall be the valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the same debt and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as the Securities surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.

Every Security presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange shall (if so required by the Company or the Trustee) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed, by the Holder thereof or such Holder's attorney duly authorized in writing.

No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, other than exchanges pursuant to Section 304, 906 or 1107 not involving any transfer.

The Company may but shall not be required (i) to issue, register the transfer of or exchange Securities of any series during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of the mailing of a notice of redemption of Securities of that series selected for redemption under Section 1103 and ending at the close of business on the day of such mailing, or (ii) to register the transfer of or exchange any Security so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Security being redeemed in part.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, any Global Security shall be exchangeable pursuant to this Section 305 for Securities registered in the name of Persons other than the Depositary for such Security or its nominee only if (i) such Depositary notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such Global Security or if at any time such Depositary ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, (ii) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee a Company Order that such Global Security shall be so exchangeable or (iii) there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of such series. Upon the occurrence in respect of any Global Security of any series of any one or more of the conditions specified in Clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) of the preceding sentence or such other conditions as may be specified as contemplated by Section 301 for such series, such Global Security may be exchanged for Securities not bearing the legend specified in Section 205 and registered in the names of such Persons as may be specified by the Depositary (including Persons other than the Depositary).

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, a Global Security may not be transferred except as a whole by the Depositary for such Global Security to a nominee of the

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Depositary or by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or another nominee of the Depositary.

SECTION 306. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities.

If any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a new Security of the same series and of like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.

If there shall be delivered to the Company and the Trustee (i) evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Security and (ii) such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them and any agent of either of them harmless, then, in the absence of notice to the Company or the Trustee that such Security has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Company shall execute and upon its written request the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen Security, a new Security of the same series and of like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.

In case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security has become or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion may, instead of issuing a new Security, pay such Security.

Upon the issuance of any new Security under this Section, the Company may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.

Every new Security of any series issued pursuant to this Section in lieu of any destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall constitute an original additional contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Securities of that series duly issued hereunder.

The provisions of this Section are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities.

SECTION 307. Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved.

Unless otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to any series of Securities, interest on any Security which is payable, and is punctually paid or duly

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provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the Person in whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered in the Security Register at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such Interest Payment Date.

Any interest on any Security of any series which is payable but is not punctually paid or duly provided for on any Interest Payment Date (herein called "Defaulted Interest") shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on the relevant Regular Record Date by virtue of having been such Holder, and such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Company, at its election in each case, as provided in Clause (1) or (2) below:

(1) The Company may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to the Persons in whose names the Securities of such series (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner. The Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each Security of such series and the date of the proposed payment, and at the same time the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this Clause provided. Thereupon the Trustee shall fix a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest which shall be not more than 15 days and not less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not less than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company of such Special Record Date and, in the name and at the expense of the Company, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor to be mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder of Securities of such series at such Holder's address as it appears in the Security Register, not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date. Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor having been so mailed, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons in whose names the Securities of such series (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on such Special Record Date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to the following Clause (2).

(2) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on the Securities of any series in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which such Securities may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after notice given by the Company to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this Clause, such manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.

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Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section, each Security delivered under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, any other Security shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Security.

SECTION 308. Persons Deemed Owners.

Prior to due presentment of a Security for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name such Security is registered in the Security Register as the owner of such Security for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of (and premium, if any) and (subject to Section 307) interest on such Security and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

No holder of any beneficial interest in any Global Security held on its behalf by a Depositary (or its nominee) shall have any rights under this Indenture with respect to such Global security or any Security represented thereby, and such Depositary may be treated by the Company, the Trustee, and any agent of the Company or the Trustee as the owner of such Global Security or any Security represented thereby for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any Global Security, nothing herein shall prevent the Company, the Trustee, or any agent of the Company or the Trustee, from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by a Depositary or impair, as between a Depositary and such holders of beneficial interest, the operation of customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of the Depositary (or its nominees) as Holder of any Security.

SECTION 309. Cancellation.

All Securities surrendered for payment, redemption, registration of transfer or exchange or for credit against any sinking fund payment shall, if surrendered to any Person other than the Trustee, be delivered to the Trustee and shall be promptly canceled by it. The Company may at any time deliver to the Trustee for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated and delivered hereunder which the Company may have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and may deliver to the Trustee (or to any other Person for delivery to the Trustee) for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated hereunder which the Company has not issued and sold, and all Securities so delivered shall be promptly canceled by the Trustee. No Securities shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Securities canceled as provided in this Section, except as expressly permitted by this Indenture. All canceled Securities held by the Trustee shall be destroyed unless otherwise directed by a Company Order.

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SECTION 310. Computation of Interest.

Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of any series, interest on the Securities of each series shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

SECTION 311. Payment to be in Proper Currency.

In the case of any Securities denominated in any currency (the "Required Currency") other than United States of America dollars, except as otherwise provided therein, the obligation of the Company to make any payment of principal, premium or interest thereon shall not be discharged or satisfied by any tender by the Company, or recovery by the Trustee, in any currency other than the Required Currency, except to the extent that such tender or recovery shall result in the Trustee timely holding the full amount of the Required Currency then due and payable. If any such tender or recovery is in a currency other than the Required Currency, the Trustee may take such actions as it considers appropriate to exchange such currency for the Required Currency. The costs and risks of any such exchange, including without limitation the risks of delay and exchange rate fluctuation, shall be borne by the Company, the Company shall remain fully liable for any shortfall or delinquency in the full amount of Required Currency then due and payable, and in no circumstances shall the Trustee be liable therefor except in the case of its negligence or willful misconduct.

ARTICLE FOUR
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

SECTION 401. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.

This Indenture shall upon Company Request cease to be of further effect (except as to any surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of Securities herein expressly provided for), and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, when

(1) either

(A) all Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than (i) Securities which have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 306 and
(ii) Securities for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Company and thereafter repaid to the Company or discharged

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from such trust, as provided in Section 1003) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

(B) all such Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation

(i) have become due and payable, or

(ii) will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year, or

(iii) are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company,

and the Company, in the case of (i), (ii) or (iii) above, has deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for the purpose an amount, in the currency in which such Securities are payable, sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal (and premium, if any) and interest to the date of such deposit (in the case of Securities which have become due and payable) or to the respective Stated Maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be;

(2) the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Company, and

(3) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture have been complied with.

Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the obligations of the Company to the Trustee under Section 607, the obligations of the Trustee to any Authenticating Agent under Section 614, and, if money shall have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Subclause (B) of Clause (1) of this Section, the obligations of the Trustee under Section 402 and the last paragraph of Section 1003, shall survive.

SECTION 402. Application of Trust Money.

Subject to provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003, all money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 401 shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the Securities and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may

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determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal (and premium, if any) and interest for whose payment such money has been deposited with the Trustee but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

SECTION 403. Defeasance and Discharge of Indenture.

If principal of and any premium and interest on Securities of any series are denominated and payable in United States of America dollars, the Company shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness on all the Outstanding Securities of such series on the 91st day after the date of the deposit referred to in subparagraph (d) hereof, and the provisions of this Indenture, as it relates to such Outstanding Securities, shall no longer be in effect (and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall at Company Request, execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except as to:

(a) the rights of Holders of Securities to receive, from the trust funds described in subparagraph (d) hereof, (i) payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on the Outstanding Securities on the Stated Maturity of such principal or installment of principal or interest and (ii) the benefit of any mandatory sinking fund payments applicable to the Securities on the day on which such payments are due and payable in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and the Securities;

(b) the Company's obligations with respect to such Securities under Sections 305, 306, 1002 and 1003; and

(c) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder;

provided that, the following conditions shall have been satisfied:

(d) The Company has deposited or caused to be irrevocably deposited with the Trustee (or another trustee satisfying the requirements of Section 609) as trust funds in the trust, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefit of the Holders of the Securities, (i) money in an amount, or (ii) U.S. Government Obligations which through the payment of interest and principal in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide not later than one day before the due date of any payment referred to in clause (A) or (B) of this subparagraph (d) money in an amount or (iii) a combination thereof, sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent certified public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge (A) the principal of (and premium, if any) and each installment of principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Outstanding Securities on the Stated Maturity of such principal or installment of principal and interest and (B) any mandatory sinking fund payments applicable to the Securities on the day on which

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such payments are due and payable in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and of the Securities;

(e) such deposit shall not cause the Trustee with respect to the Securities to have a conflicting interest as defined in Section 608 and for purposes of the Trust Indenture Act with respect to the Securities;

(f) such deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, this Indenture or any other agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound;

(g) such provision would not cause any Outstanding Securities then listed on the New York Stock Exchange or other securities exchange to be delisted as a result thereof;

(h) no Event of Default or event which with notice or lapse of time would become an Event of Default with respect to the Securities shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit or during the period ending on the 91st day after such date;

(i) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that there has been a change in applicable Federal law such that, or the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling to the effect that, Holders of the Securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposits, defeasance and discharge and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times, as would have been the case if such deposit, defeasance and discharge had not occurred; and

(j) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent relating to the defeasance contemplated by this Section have been complied with.

ARTICLE FIVE
REMEDIES

SECTION 501. Events of Default.

"Event of Default", wherever used herein with respect to Securities of any series, and unless otherwise provided with respect to Securities of any series pursuant to Section 301(11), means any one of the following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to

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any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body):

(1) default in the payment of any interest upon any Security of that series when it becomes due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days; or

(2) default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any Security of that series at its Maturity; or

(3) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when and as due by the terms of a Security of that series; or

(4) default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty of the Company in this Indenture (other than a covenant or warranty a default in whose performance or whose breach is elsewhere in this Section specifically dealt with or which has expressly been included in this Indenture solely for the benefit of a series of one or more Securities other than that series), and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 60 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a "Notice of Default" hereunder; or

(5) an event of default, as defined in any indenture or instrument under which the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary shall have outstanding at least $10,000,000 aggregate principal amount of indebtedness for money borrowed, shall happen and be continuing and such indebtedness shall, as a result thereof, have been accelerated so that the same shall be or become due and payable prior to the date on which the same would otherwise have become due and payable, and such acceleration shall not be rescinded or annulled within 10 days after notice thereof shall have been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee, or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding; provided, however, that if such event of default under such indenture or instrument shall be remedied or cured by the Company or waived by the Holders of such indebtedness, then, unless the Securities of any series shall have been accelerated as provided herein, the Event of Default hereunder by reason thereof shall be deemed likewise to have been thereupon remedied, cured or waived without further action upon the part of either the Trustee or any Holders of the Securities of any series; or

(6) the entry by a court having jurisdiction in the premises of (A) a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other

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similar law or (B) a decree or order adjudging the Company a bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Company under any applicable Federal or State law, or appointing a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or of any substantial part of its property, or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of any such decree or order for relief or any such other decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days; or

(7) the commencement by the Company of a voluntary case or proceeding under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or of any other case or proceeding to be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent by it to the entry of a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or to the commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable Federal or State law, or the consent by it to the filing of such petition or to the appointment of or taking possession by a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or of any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the admission by it in writing of its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due, or the taking of corporate action by the Company in furtherance of any such action; or

(8) any other Event of Default provided with respect to Securities of that series.

SECTION 502. Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment.

If an Event of Default with respect to Outstanding Securities of any series occurs and is continuing, then and in every such case the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series may declare the principal amount (or, if any of the Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount Securities, such lesser portion of the principal amount of such Securities as may be specified in the terms thereof) of all of the Securities of that series to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by Holders), and upon any such declaration such principal amount (or specified portion thereof) shall become immediately due and payable.

At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to Outstanding Securities of any series has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee as hereinafter in this Article provided, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that

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series, by written notice to the Company and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if

(1) the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay

(A) all overdue interest on all Securities of that series,

(B) the principal of (and premium, if any, on) any Securities of that series which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and interest thereon at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Securities,

(C) to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest upon overdue interest at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Securities, and

(D) all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee hereunder and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 607; and

(2) all Events of Default with respect to Securities of that series, other than the non-payment of the principal of Securities of that series which have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in Section 513.

No such rescission shall affect any Subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon.

SECTION 503. Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee.

The Company covenants that if

(1) default is made in the payment of any interest on any Security when such interest becomes due and payable and such default continues for a period of 30 days, or

(2) default is made in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any Security at the Maturity thereof,

the Company will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to it, for the benefit of the Holders of such Security, the whole amount then due and payable on such Security for principal (and premium, if any) and interest and, to the extent that payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable, interest on any overdue principal (and premium, if any) and on any overdue interest at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Security, and, in addition thereto, such

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further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel.

If the Company fails to pay such amounts forthwith upon such demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, may institute a judicial proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, may prosecute such proceeding to judgment or final decree and may enforce the same against the Company or any other obligor upon such Security and collect the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Company or any other obligor upon such Security, wherever situated.

If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein, or to enforce any other proper remedy.

SECTION 504. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.

In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial proceeding relative to the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or the property of the Company or of such other obligor or their creditors, the Trustee (irrespective of whether the principal of the Securities shall then be due and payable as therein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Trustee shall have made any demand on the Company for the payment of overdue principal or interest) shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise,

(i) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of principal (and premium, if any) or such portion of the principal amount of any series of Original Issue Discount Securities as may be specified in the terms of such series and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Securities and to file such other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 607) and of the Holders allowed in such judicial proceeding, and

(ii) to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;

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and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 607.

Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Securities or the rights of any Holder thereof or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.

SECTION 505. Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities.

All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or the Securities may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the Securities or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, and any such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and for any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 607, be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the Securities in respect of which such judgment has been recovered.

SECTION 506. Application of Money Collected.

Any money collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such money on account of principal (or premium, if any) or interest, upon presentation of the Securities and the notation thereon of the payment if only partially paid and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:

FIRST: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee under Section 607; and

SECOND: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid for principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Securities in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on such Securities for principal (and premium, if any) and interest, respectively; and

THIRD: The balance, if any, to the Person or Persons entitled thereto.

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SECTION 507. Limitation on Suits.

No Holder of any Security of any series shall have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless

(1) such Holder has previously given written notice to the Trustee of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of that series;

(2) the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as Trustee hereunder;

(3) such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request;

(4) the Trustee, for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity, has failed to institute any such proceeding; and

(5) no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the Trustee during such 60-day period by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series;

it being understood and intended that no one or more of such Holders shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other of such Holders, or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any other of such Holders or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all of such Holders.

SECTION 508. Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and Interest.

Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, the Holder of any Security shall have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and (subject to Section 307) interest on such Security on the Stated Maturity or Maturities expressed in such Security (or, in the case of redemption, on the Redemption Date) and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, and such rights shall not be impaired without the consent of such Holder.

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SECTION 509. Restoration of Rights and Remedies.

If the Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or to such Holder, then and in every such case, subject to any determination in such proceeding, the Company, the Trustee and the Holders shall be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted.

SECTION 510. Rights and Remedies Cumulative.

Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities in the last paragraph of Section 306, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.

SECTION 511. Delay or Omission Not Waiver.

No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Securities to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders, as the case may be.

SECTION 512. Control by Holders.

The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee, with respect to the Securities of such series, provided that

(1) such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture, and

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(2) the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction.

SECTION 513. Waiver of Past Defaults.

The Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series may, on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities of such series, waive any past default hereunder with respect to such series and its consequences, except a default

(1) in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any Security of such series, or

(2) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under Article Nine cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security of such series affected.

The Company may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Persons entitled to waive any past default hereunder. If a record date is fixed, the Holders on such record date, or their duly designated proxies, and only such Persons, shall be entitled to waive any default hereunder, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided, that unless such majority in principal amount shall have waived such default prior to the date which is 90 days after such record date, any such waiver of such default previously given shall automatically and without further action by any Holder be canceled and of no further effect.

Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or impair any right consequent thereon.

SECTION 514. Undertaking for Costs.

All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Holder of any Security by such Holder's acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may in its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; provided, however, that the provisions of this Section shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Company, to any suit instituted by the

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Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Holder, or group of Holders, holding in the aggregate more than 10% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series, or to any suit instituted by any Holder for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any Security on or after the Stated Maturity or Maturities expressed in such Security (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the Redemption Date).

SECTION 515. Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws.

The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Company (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law and covenants that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.

ARTICLE SIX
THE TRUSTEE

SECTION 601. Certain Duties and Responsibilities.

The provisions of TIA Section 315 shall apply to the Trustee.

SECTION 602. Notice of Defaults.

Within 90 days after the occurrence of any default hereunder with respect to the Securities of any series, the Trustee shall transmit by mail to all Holders of Securities of such series, as their names and addresses appear in the Security Register, notice of such default hereunder known to the Trustee, unless such default shall have been cured or waived; provided however, that, except in the case of a default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any Security of such series or in the payment of any sinking fund installment with respect to Securities of such series, the Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if and so long as the board of directors, the executive committee or a trust committee of directors and/or Responsible Officers of the Trustee in good faith determine that the withholding of such notice is in the interest of the Holders of Securities of such series; and provided, further, that in the case of any default of the character specified in
Section 501(4) with respect to Securities of such series, no such notice to Holders shall be given until at least 30 days after the occurrence thereof. For the purpose of this Section,

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therein "default" means any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect to Securities of such series.

SECTION 603. Certain Rights of Trustee.

Subject to the provisions of TIA Section 315(a) through 315(d):

(a) the Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;

(b) any request or direction of the Company mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Company Request or Company Order or as otherwise expressly provided herein and any resolution of the Board of Directors may be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution;

(c) whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, rely upon an Officers' Certificate;

(d) the Trustee may consult with counsel and the written advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon;

(e) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders pursuant to this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction;

(f) the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such fact or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Company, personally or by agent or attorney;

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(g) the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder;

(h) the Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it in good faith and believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion, rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture; and

(i) the Trustee shall not be required to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.

SECTION 604. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities.

The recitals contained herein and in the Securities, except the Trustee's certificates of authentication, shall be taken as the statements of the Company, and neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent assumes any responsibility for their correctness. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Securities. The Trustee or any Authenticating Agent shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Company of Securities or the proceeds thereof.

SECTION 605. May Hold Securities.

The Trustee, any Authenticating Agent, any Paying Agent, any Security Registrar or any other agent of the Company, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and, subject to TIA Sections 310(b) and 311, may otherwise deal with the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, Authenticating Agent, Paying Agent, Security Registrar or such other agent.

SECTION 606. Money Held in Trust.

Money held by the Trustee in trust hereunder need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. The Trustee shall be under no liability for interest on any money received by it hereunder except as otherwise agreed with the Company.

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SECTION 607. Compensation and Reimbursement.

The Company agrees

(1) to pay to the Trustee from time to time reasonable compensation for all services rendered by it hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust);

(2) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse the Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee in accordance with any provision of this Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel), except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may be attributable to its negligence or bad faith; and

(3) to indemnify the Trustee and its agents for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense incurred without negligence or bad faith on its part, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the trust or trusts hereunder, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder.

The obligations of the Company under this Section 607 to compensate and indemnify the Trustee and to pay or reimburse the Trustee for expenses, disbursements and advances shall constitute additional indebtedness hereunder and shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture. Such additional indebtedness shall be a senior claim to that of the Securities upon all property and funds held or collected by the Trustee as such, except funds held in trust for the payment of principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on particular Securities, and the Securities are hereby subordinated to each senior claim.

SECTION 608. Disqualification; Conflicting Interests.

The provisions of TIA Section 310(b) shall apply to the Trustee.

SECTION 609. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.

There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder which shall be eligible to act under TIA Section 310(a)(1) and shall have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 and subject to supervision or examination by Federal, State or District of Columbia authority. If such Corporation publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of said supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section,

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the combined capital and surplus of such Corporation shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article. Neither the Company, nor any Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Company, shall act as Trustee hereunder.

SECTION 610. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor.

(a) No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a successor Trustee pursuant to this Article shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 611.

(b) The Trustee may resign at any time with respect to the Securities of one or more series by giving written notice thereof to the Company. If the instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee required by Section 611 shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series.

(c) The Trustee may be removed at any time with respect to the Securities of any series by Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series, delivered to the Trustee and to the Company.

(d) If at any time:

(1) the Trustee shall fail to comply with TIA Section 310(b) after written request therefor by the Company or by any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months, or

(2) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible under Section 609 and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Company or by any such Holder, or

(3) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent or a receiver of the Trustee or of its property shall be appointed or any public officer shall take charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation,

then, in any such case, (i) the Company by a Board Resolution may remove the Trustee with respect to all Securities, or (ii) subject to Section 514, any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee with respect to all Securities and the appointment of a successor Trustee or Trustees.

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(e) If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of Trustee for any cause, with respect to the Securities of one or more series, the Company, by a Board Resolution, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee or Trustees with respect to the Securities of that or those series (it being understood that any such successor Trustee may be appointed with respect to the Securities of one or more or all of such series and that at any time there shall be only one Trustee with respect to the Securities of any particular series) and shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 611. If, within one year after such resignation, removal or incapability, or the occurrence of such vacancy, a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall be appointed by Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series delivered to the Company and the retiring Trustee, the successor Trustee so appointed shall, forthwith upon its acceptance of such appointment in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 611, become the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series and to that extent supersede the successor Trustee appointed by the Company. If no successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall have been so appointed by the Company or the Holders and accepted appointment in the manner required by Section 611, any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security of such series for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series.

(f) The Company shall give notice of each resignation and each removal of the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series and each appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series by mailing written notice of such event by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to all Holders of Securities of such series as their names and addresses appear in the Security Register. Each notice shall include the name of the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series and the address of its Corporate Trust Office.

SECTION 611. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor.

(a) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to all Securities, every such successor Trustee so appointed shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Company and to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee; but, on the request of the Company or the successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee and shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder.

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(b) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more (but not all) series, the Company, the retiring Trustee and each successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series shall execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto wherein each successor Trustee shall accept such appointment and which (1) shall contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, each successor Trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates, (2) if the retiring Trustee is not retiring with respect to all Securities, shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series as to which the retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the retiring Trustee, and
(3) shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture shall constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same trust and that each such Trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such Trustee; and upon the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein and each such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates; but, on request of the Company or any successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates. Whenever there is a successor Trustee with respect to one or more (but less than all) series of securities issued pursuant to this Indenture, the terms "Indenture" and "Securities" shall have the meanings specified in the provisos to the respective definitions of those terms in Section 101 which contemplate such situation.

(c) Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the Company shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred to in paragraph (a) and (b) of this Section, as the case may be.

(d) No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance such successor Trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this Article.

SECTION 612. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business.

Any Corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any Corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or

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consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any Corporation succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided such Corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto. In case any Securities shall have been authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such authentication and deliver the Securities so authenticated with the same effect as if such successor Trustee had itself authenticated such Securities; in case any of the Securities shall not have been authenticated by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to such Trustee may authenticate such Securities either in the name of such predecessor hereunder or in the name of the successor Trustee; and in all such cases such certificates shall have the full force which it is anywhere in the Securities or in this Indenture provided that the certificate of the Trustee shall have; provided, however, that the right to adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor Trustee or to authenticate Securities in the name of any predecessor Trustee shall apply only to its successor or successors by merger, conversion or consolidation.

SECTION 613. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company.

The Trustee shall comply with TIA Section 311(a). A Trustee which has resigned or been removed is subject to TIA Section 311(a) to the extent indicated therein.

SECTION 614. Appointment of Authenticating Agent.

At any time when any of the Securities remain Outstanding the Trustee, with the concurrence of the Company, may appoint an Authenticating Agent or Agents with respect to one or more series of Securities which shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of such series, and Securities so authenticated shall be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture and shall be valid and obligatory for all purposes as if authenticated by the Trustee hereunder. Wherever reference is made in this Indenture to the authentication and delivery of Securities by the Trustee or the Trustee's certificate of authentication, such reference shall be deemed to include authentication and delivery on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent and a certificate of authentication executed on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent. Each Authenticating Agent shall be acceptable to the Company and shall at all times be a Corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia authorized under such laws to act as Authenticating Agent, having a combined capital and surplus of not less than $50,000,000 and subject to supervision or examination by Federal, State or District of Columbia authority. If such Authenticating Agent publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of said supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such Authenticating

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Agent shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time an Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, such Authenticating Agent shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in this Section.

Any Corporation into which an Authenticating Agent may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any Corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which such Authenticating Agent shall be a party, or any Corporation succeeding to the corporate agency or corporate trust business of an Authenticating Agent, shall continue to be an Authenticating Agent, provided such Corporation shall be otherwise eligible under this Section, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent.

An Authenticating Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Trustee and to the Company. The Trustee may at anytime terminate the agency of an Authenticating Agent by giving written notice thereof to such Authenticating Agent and to the Company. Upon receiving such a notice of resignation or upon such a termination, or in case at any time such Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, the Trustee may appoint a successor Authenticating Agent which shall be acceptable to the Company and shall mail written notice of such appointment by first class mail, postage prepaid, to all Holders of Securities of the series with respect to which such Authenticating Agent will serve, as their names and addresses appear in the Security Register. Any successor Authenticating Agent upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder shall become vested with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as an Authenticating Agent. No successor Authenticating Agent shall be appointed unless eligible under the provisions of this Section.

The Company agrees to pay to each Authenticating Agent from time to time reasonable compensation for its services under this Section.

If an appointment with respect to one or more series is made pursuant to this Section, the Securities of such series may have endorsed thereon, in addition to the Trustee's certificate of authentication an alternate certificate of authentication in the following form:

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This is one of the Securities of the series designated herein and issued pursuant to the within-mentioned Indenture.

FIRST TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee

By_______________________________
As Authenticating Agent

By_______________________________
Authorized Officer

ARTICLE SEVEN
HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY

SECTION 701. Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders.

If the Trustee is not acting as Security Registrar for the Securities of any series, the Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee:

(a) at intervals of no more than six months commencing after the first issue of such series, a list, in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such information is furnished, and

(b) at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, within 30 days after the receipt by the Company of any such request, a list of similar form and content as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such list is furnished.

SECTION 702. Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders.

(a) The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, the names and addresses of Holders contained in the most recent list furnished to the Trustee as provided in Section 701 and the names and addresses of Holders received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar. The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in
Section 701 upon receipt of a new list so furnished.

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(b) The rights of Holders to communicate with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or under the Securities, and the corresponding rights and privileges of the Trustee, shall be as provided by TIA
Section 312(b).

(c) Every Holder of Securities, by receiving and holding the same, agrees with the Company and the Trustee that neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any agent of either of them shall be held accountable by reason of the disclosure of any such information as to the names and addresses of the Holders in accordance with Section 702(b), regardless of the source from which such information was derived, and that the Trustee shall not be held accountable by reason of mailing any material pursuant to a request made under Section 702(b).

SECTION 703. Reports by Trustee.

Within 60 days after May 1 of each year commencing with the later of May 1, 1995 or the first May 1 after the first issuance of Securities pursuant to this Indenture, the Trustee shall transmit by mail to all Holders of Securities as provided in TIA Section 313(c) a brief report dated as of such May 1 if required by TIA Section 313(a). A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to Holders, be filed by the Trustee with each stock exchange upon which any Securities are listed, with the Commission and with the Company. The Company will notify the Trustee when any Securities are listed on any stock exchange.

SECTION 704. Reports by Company.

The Company shall:

(1) file with the Trustee, within 15 days after the Company is required to file the same with the Commission, copies of the annual reports and of the information, documents and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the Commission may from time to time by rules and regulations prescribe) which the Company may be required to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; or, if the Company is not required to file information, documents or reports pursuant to either of said Sections, then it shall file with the Trustee and the Commission, in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission, such of the supplementary and periodic information, documents and reports which may be required pursuant to Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in respect of a security listed and registered on a national securities exchange as may be prescribed from time to time in such rules and regulations;

(2) file with the Trustee and the Commission, in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission, such additional

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information, documents and reports with respect to compliance by the Company with the conditions and covenants of this Indenture as may be required from time to time by such rules and regulations;

(3) transmit by mail to all Holders, as their names and addresses appear in the Security Register, within 30 days after the filing thereof with the Trustee, such summaries of any information, documents and reports required to be filed by the Company pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) of this Section as may be required by rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission; and

(4) furnish to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company ending after the date hereof, a brief certificate of the Company's principal executive officer, principal financial officer or principal accounting officer as to his or her knowledge of the Company's compliance with all conditions and covenants under this Indenture. For purposes of this paragraph, such compliance shall be determined without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice provided under this Indenture.

ARTICLE EIGHT
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE

SECTION 801. Company May Consolidate Etc., Only on Certain Terms.

The Company shall not consolidate with or merge into any other Person or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person unless:

(1) the Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person which acquires by conveyance or transfer, or which leases, the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety shall be a Corporation, partnership or trust, shall be organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and shall expressly assume, by an indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on all the Securities and the performance or observance of every covenant of this Indenture on the part of the Company to be performed or observed;

(2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Event of Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of Default, shall have happened and be continuing; and

(3) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer

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or lease and, if a supplemental indenture is required in connection with such transaction, such supplemental indenture, comply with this Article and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been complied with.

SECTION 802. Successor Substituted.

Upon any consolidation of the Company with, or merger by the Company into, any other Person or any conveyance, transfer or lease of the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety in accordance with Section 801, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as the Company herein, and thereafter, except in the case of a lease, the predecessor Person shall be relieved of all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and the Securities.

ARTICLE NINE
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES

SECTION 901. Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders.

Without the consent of any Holders, the Company, when authorized by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, and the Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, for any of the following purposes:

(1) to evidence the succession of another Person to the Company and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Company herein and in the Securities; or

(2) to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such covenants are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such covenants are expressly being included solely for the benefit of one or more specified series) or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Company; or

(3) to add any additional Events of Default (and if such Events of Default are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such Events of Default are being included solely for the benefit of such series); or

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(4) to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the issuance of Securities in bearer form, registrable or not registrable as to principal, and with or without interest coupons; or

(5) to add to, change or eliminate any of the provisions of this Indenture in respect of one or more series of Securities, provided that any such addition, change or elimination (i) shall neither (A) apply to any Security of any series created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture and entitled to the benefit of such provision nor (B) modify the rights of the Holder of any such Security with respect to such provision or
(ii) shall become effective only when there is no such Security Outstanding; or
(6) to secure the Securities; or

(7) to establish the form or terms of Securities of any series as permitted by Sections 201 and 301; or

(8) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series and to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, pursuant to the requirements of Section 611(b); or

(9) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision herein which may be inconsistent with any other provision herein, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Indenture, provided such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Securities of any series in any material respect.

SECTION 902. Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders.

With the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of each series affected by such supplemental indenture, by Act of said Holders delivered to the Company and the Trustee, the Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee may enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series under this Indenture; provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby,

(1) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any installment of principal of or interest on, any such Security, or reduce the principal amount thereof or

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the rate of interest thereon or any premium payable upon the redemption thereof, or reduce the amount of the principal of an Original Issue Discount Security that would be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502, or change any Place of Payment where, or the coin or currency in which, any such Security or any premium or the interest thereon is payable, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the Stated Maturity thereof (or, in the case of redemption or repayment, on or after the Redemption Date or any repayment date), or

(2) reduce the percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series, the consent of whose Holders is required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose Holders is required for any waiver of compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture or certain defaults hereunder and their consequences provided for in this Indenture, or

(3) modify any of the provisions of this Section 902, Section 513 or Section 1010, except to increase any such percentage or to provide that certain other provisions of this Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby; provided however, that this Clause shall not be deemed to require the consent of any Holder with respect to changes in the references to "the Trustee" and concomitant changes in this Section 902 and Section 1010, or the deletion of this proviso, in accordance with the requirements of Sections 611(b) and 901(8).

A supplemental indenture which changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of this Indenture which has expressly been included solely for the benefit of one or more particular series of Securities, or which modifies the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series with respect to such covenant or other provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under this Indenture of the Holders of Securities of any other series.

The Company may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Persons entitled to consent to any indenture supplemental hereto. If a record date is fixed for such purpose, the Holders on such record date or their duly designated proxies, and only such Persons, shall be entitled to consent to such supplemental indenture, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided, that unless such consent shall have become effective by virtue of the requisite percentage having been obtained prior to the date which is 90 days after such record date, any such consent previously given shall automatically and without further action by any Holder be canceled and of no further effect.

It shall not be necessary for any Act of Holders under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such Act shall approve the substance thereof.

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SECTION 903. Execution of Supplemental Indentures.

In executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any supplemental indenture permitted by this Article or the modifications thereby of the trusts created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 601) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture. The Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such supplemental indenture which affects the Trustee's own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.

SECTION 904. Effect of Supplemental Indentures.

Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article, this Indenture shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental indenture shall form a part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder of Securities theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder shall be bound thereby to the extent provided therein.

SECTION 905. Conformity with Trust Indenture Act.

Every supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article shall conform to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect.

SECTION 906. Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures.

Securities authenticated and delivered after the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article may, and shall if required by the Trustee, bear a notation in a form approved by the Trustee as to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Company shall so determine, new Securities of any series so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Trustee and the Company, to any such supplemental indenture may be prepared and executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in exchange for Outstanding Securities of such series.

SECTION 907. Notice of Supplemental Indentures.

Promptly after the execution by the Company and the Trustee of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of Section 902, the Company shall give notice thereof to the Holders of each Outstanding Security so affected, pursuant to Section 106, setting forth in general terms the substance of such supplemental indenture.

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ARTICLE TEN
COVENANTS

SECTION 1001. Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest.

The Company covenants and agrees for the benefit of each series of Securities that it will duly and punctually pay the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Securities of that series in accordance with the terms of the Securities and this Indenture. In the absence of contrary provisions with respect to the Securities of any series, interest on the Securities of any series may, at the option of the Company, be paid by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as it appears on the Security Register.

SECTION 1002. Maintenance of Office or Agency.

The Company will maintain in each Place of Payment for any series of Securities an office or agency where Securities of that series may be presented or surrendered for payment, where Securities of that series may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of that series and this Indenture may be served. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location and any change in the location of such office or agency. If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and the Company hereby appoints the Trustee as its agent to receive all such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.

The Company may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Securities of one or more series may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided, however, that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Company of its obligation to maintain an office or agency in each Place of Payment for Securities of any series for such purposes. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.

SECTION 1003. Money for Securities Payments to Be Held in Trust.

If the Company shall at any time act as its own Paying Agent with respect to any series of Securities, it will, on or before each due date of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on any of the Securities of that series, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the

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Persons entitled thereto a sum in the currency in which such series of Securities is payable sufficient to pay the principal (and premium, if any) or interest so becoming due until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided and will promptly notify the Trustee of its failure so to act.

Whenever the Company shall have one or more Paying Agents for any series of Securities, it will, prior to each due date of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on any Securities of that series, deposit with a Paying Agent a sum sufficient to pay the principal (and premium, if any) or interest so becoming due, such sum to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such principal, premium or interest, and (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Company will promptly notify the Trustee of its failure so to act.

The Company will cause each Paying Agent for any series of Securities other than the Trustee to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section, that such Paying Agent will:

(1) hold all sums held by it for the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on Securities of that series in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided;

(2) give the Trustee notice of any default by the Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities of that series) in the making of any payment of principal (and premium, if any) or interest on the Securities of that series; and

(3) at any time during the continuance of any such default, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums so held in trust by such Paying Agent.

The Company may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or by Company Order direct any Paying Agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held in trust by the Company or such Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the Trustee upon the same trusts as those upon which such sums were held by the Company or such Paying Agent, and, upon such payment by any Paying Agent to the Trustee, such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such money.

Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on any Security of any series and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal (and premium, if any) or interest has become due and payable shall be paid to the Company on Company Request, or (if then held by the Company) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Security shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the

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Company for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease; provided, however, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may at the expense of the Company cause to be published once, in a newspaper published in the English language, customarily published on each Business Day and of general circulation in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, notice that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which shall not be less than 30 days from the date of such publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining will be repaid to the Company on Company Request.

SECTION 1004. Existence.

Subject to Article Eight, the Company will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence, rights (charter and statutory) and franchises; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to preserve any such right or franchise if the Board of Directors shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company and that the loss thereof is not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.

SECTION 1005. Maintenance of Properties.

The Company will cause all properties used or useful in the conduct of its business or the business material to be maintained and kept in good condition, repair and working order and supplied with all necessary equipment and will cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements thereof, all as in the judgment of the Company may be necessary so that the business carried on in connection therewith may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times; provided, however, that nothing in this
Section shall prevent the Company from discontinuing the operation or maintenance of any of such properties if such discontinuance is, in the judgment of the Company, desirable in the conduct of its business and not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.

SECTION 1006. Payment of Taxes and Other Claims.

The Company will pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged, before the same shall become delinquent, all taxes, assessments and governmental charges levied or imposed upon it or upon its income, profits or property, and
(2) all lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies which, if unpaid, might by law become a lien upon its property; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Company shall not be required to pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged any such tax, assessment, charge or claim whose amount, applicability or validity is being contested in good faith.

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SECTION 1007. Restriction on Secured Debt.

(a) The Company will not itself, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, incur, issue, assume or guarantee any notes, bonds, debentures or other similar evidences of indebtedness for money borrowed (notes, bonds, debentures or other similar evidences of indebtedness for money borrowed being hereinafter in this Article called "Debt"), secured by pledge of, or mortgage or other lien on, any Principal Property, now owned or hereafter owned by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, or any shares of stock or Debt of any Restricted Subsidiary (pledges, mortgages and other liens being hereinafter in this Article called "Lien" or "Liens"), without effectively providing that the Securities of each series then Outstanding (together with, if the Company shall so determine, any other Debt of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary then existing or thereafter created which is not subordinate to the Securities of each series then Outstanding) shall be secured equally and ratably with (or prior to) such secured Debt, so long as such secured Debt shall be so secured; provided, however, that this Section shall not apply to, and there shall be excluded from secured Debt in any computation under this Section, Debt secured by:
(1) Liens on any Principal Property acquired, constructed or improved by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary after the date of this Indenture which are created or assumed contemporaneously with such acquisition, construction or improvement, or within 180 days before or after the completion thereof, to secure or provide for the payment of all or any part of the cost of such acquisition, construction or improvement (including related expenditures capitalized for Federal income tax purposes in connection therewith) incurred after the date of this Indenture;

(2) Liens of or upon any property, shares of capital stock or Debt existing at the time of acquisition thereof, whether by merger, consolidation, purchase, lease or otherwise (including Liens of or upon property, shares of capital stock or indebtedness of a corporation existing at the time such corporation becomes a Restricted Subsidiary);

(3) Liens in favor of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary;

(4) Liens in favor of the United States of America or any State thereof, or any department, agency or instrumentality or political subdivision of the United States of America or any State thereof or political entity affiliated therewith, or in favor of any other country, or any political subdivision thereof, to secure partial, progress, advance or other payments, or other obligations, pursuant to any contract or statute or to secure any Debt incurred for the purpose of financing all or any part of the cost of acquiring, constructing or improving the property subject to such Liens (including Liens incurred in connection with pollution control, industrial revenue or similar financings);

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(5) Liens imposed by law, such as mechanics', workmen's, repairmen's, materialmen's, carriers', warehousemen's, vendors' or other similar liens arising in the ordinary course of business, or governmental (federal, state or municipal) liens arising out of contracts for the sale of products or services by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, or deposits or pledges to obtain the release of any of the foregoing;

(6) pledges or deposits under workmen's compensation laws or similar legislation and Liens of judgments thereunder which are not currently dischargeable, or good faith deposits in connection with bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the payment of money) or leases to which the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary is a party, or deposits to secure public or statutory obligations of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, or deposits in connection with obtaining or maintaining self- insurance or to obtain the benefits of any law, regulation or arrangement pertaining to unemployment insurance, old age pensions, social security or similar matters, or deposits of cash or obligations of the United States of America to secure surety, appeal or customs bonds to which the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary is a party, or deposits in litigation or other proceedings such as, but not limited to, interpleader proceedings;

(7) Liens created by or resulting from any litigation or other proceeding which is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, including Liens arising out of judgments or awards against the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary with respect to which the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary is in good faith prosecuting an appeal or proceedings for review; or Liens incurred by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary for the purpose of obtaining a stay or discharge in the course of any litigation or other proceeding to which the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary is a party;

(8) Liens for taxes or assessments or governmental charges or levies not yet due or delinquent, or which can thereafter be paid without penalty, or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings;

(9) Liens consisting of easements, rights-of-way, zoning restrictions, restrictions on the use of real property, and defects and irregularities in the title thereto, landlords' liens and other similar liens and encumbrances none of which interfere materially with the use of the property covered thereby in the ordinary course of the business of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary and which do not, in the opinion of the Company, materially detract from the value of such properties; or

(10) any extension, renewal or replacement (or successive extensions, renewals or replacements), as a whole or in part, of any Lien referred to in the foregoing clauses (1) to (9), inclusive; provided, that
(i) such extension, renewal or replacement Lien shall be limited to all or a part of the same property, shares of stock

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or Debt that secured the Lien extended, renewed or replaced (plus improvements on such property) and (ii) the Debt secured by such Lien at such time is not increased.

(b) Notwithstanding the restrictions contained in subdivision (a) of this Section, the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, or any of them, may incur, issue, assume or guarantee Debt secured by Liens without equally and ratably securing the Securities of each series then Outstanding, provided, that at the time of such incurrence, issuance, assumption or guarantee, after giving effect thereto and to the retirement of any Debt which is concurrently being retired, the aggregate amount of all outstanding Debt secured by Liens which could not have been incurred, issued, assumed or guaranteed by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary without equally and ratably securing the Securities of each series then Outstanding except for the provisions of this subdivision (b) does not at such time exceed 10% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets of the Company.

SECTION 1008. Restriction on Sale and Leaseback Transactions.

(a) The Company will not itself, and it will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into any arrangement with any bank, insurance company or other lender or investor (not including the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary) or to which any such lender or investor is a party, providing for the leasing by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary for a period, including renewals, in excess of three years of any Principal Property which has been or is to be sold or transferred by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary to such lender or investor or to any person to whom funds have been or are to be advanced by such lender or investor on the security of such Principal Property (herein referred to as a "Sale and Leaseback Transaction") unless either:

(1) The Company or such Restricted Subsidiary would, at the time of entering into such arrangement, be entitled, without equally and ratably securing the Securities of each series then Outstanding, to incur Debt secured by a Lien on the property, pursuant to paragraphs (1) to (10), inclusive, of Section 1007; or

(2) the Company within 180 days after the sale or transfer shall have been made by the Company or by a Restricted Subsidiary, applies an amount equal to the greater of (i) the net proceeds of the sale of the Principal Property sold and leased back pursuant to such arrangement or
(ii) the fair market value of the Principal Property so sold and leased back at the time of entering into such arrangement (as determined by any two of the following: the Chairman or a Vice Chairman of the Board of the Company, its President, its Chief Financial Officer, its Vice President of Finance, its Treasurer or its Controller) to the retirement of Funded Debt of the Company; provided, that the amount to be applied to the retirement of Funded Debt of the Company shall be reduced by (A) the principal amount of any Securities delivered within 120 days after such sale to the Trustee for retirement and cancellation, and (B) the principal amount of Funded Debt, other than Securities, voluntarily retired by the

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Company within 120 days after such sale. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no retirement referred to in this clause (a)(2) may be effected by payment at maturity or pursuant to any mandatory sinking fund payment or mandatory prepayment provision.

(b) Notwithstanding the restrictions contained in subdivision (a) of this Section, the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, or any of them, may enter into a Sale and Leaseback Transaction, provided, that at the time of such transaction, after giving effect thereto, the aggregate amount of all Attributable Debt in respect of Sale and Leaseback Transactions existing at such time which could not have been entered into except for the provisions of this subdivision (b) does not at such time exceed 10% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets of the Company.

(c) A Sale and Leaseback Transaction shall not be deemed to result in the creation of a Lien.

SECTION 1009. Defeasance of Certain Obligations.

The following provisions shall apply to the Securities of each series unless specifically otherwise provided in a Board Resolution, Officers' Certificate or indenture supplemental hereto provided pursuant to Section 301. The Company may omit to comply with any term, provision or condition set forth in Sections 1005, 1006, 1007 and 1008 and any such omission with respect to Sections 1005, 1006, 1007 and 1008 shall not be an Event of Default, in each case with respect to the Securities of that series, provided that the following conditions have been satisfied:

(1) with reference to this Section 1009, the Company has deposited or caused to be irrevocably deposited with the Trustee (or another trustee satisfying the requirements of Section 609) as trust funds in trust, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefit of the Holders of the Securities of that series, (i) money in an amount, or
(ii) U.S. Government Obligations which through the payment of interest and principal in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide not later than one day before the due date of any payment referred to in clause (A) or (B) of this subparagraph (1) money in an amount, or (iii) a combination thereof, sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge (A) the principal of (and premium, if any) and each installment of principal (and premium, if any) and interest on the Outstanding Securities on the Stated Maturity of such principal or installments of principal and interest and (B) any mandatory sinking fund payments or analogous payments applicable to the Securities of such series on the day on which such payments are due and payable in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and of such Securities;

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(2) such deposit shall not cause the Trustee with respect to the Securities of that series to have a conflicting interest as defined in
Section 608 and for purposes of the Trust Indenture Act with respect to the Securities of any series;

(3) such deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, this Indenture or any other agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound;

(4) no Event of Default or event which with notice or lapse of time would become an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of that series shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit;

(5) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that Holders of the Securities of such series will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and defeasance of certain obligations and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred; and

(6) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the defeasance contemplated in this Section have been complied with:

SECTION 1010. Waiver of Certain Covenants.

The Company may omit in any particular instance to comply with any term, provision or condition set forth in Sections 1004 to 1008, inclusive, with respect to the Securities of any series if before the time for such compliance the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series shall, by Act of such Holders, either waive such compliance in such instance or generally waive compliance with such term, provision or condition, but no such waiver shall extend to or affect such term, provision or condition except to the extent so expressly waived, and, until such waiver shall become effective, the obligations of the Company and the duties of the Trustee in respect of any such term, provision or condition shall remain in full force and effect.

The Company may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Persons entitled to waive any such term, provision or condition. If a record date is fixed for such purpose, the Holders on such record date or their duly designated proxies, and only such Persons, shall be entitled to waive any such term, provision or condition hereunder, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided that unless the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series shall have waived such term, provision or condition prior to the date which is 90 days after such record date, any such waiver previously given

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shall automatically and without further action by any Holder be canceled and of no further effect.

ARTICLE ELEVEN
REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES

SECTION 1101. Applicability of Article.

Securities of any Series which are redeemable before their Stated Maturity shall be redeemable in accordance with their terms and (except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of any series) in accordance with this Article.

SECTION 1102. Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee.

The election of the Company to redeem any Securities shall be evidenced by an Officers' Certificate. The Company shall, at least 45 days prior to the Redemption Date fixed by the Company (unless a shorter notice shall be satisfactory to the Trustee), notify the Trustee of

(1) such Redemption Date,

(2) if the Securities of such series have different terms and less than all of the Securities of such series are to be redeemed, the terms of the Securities to be redeemed, and

(3) if less than all the Securities of such series with identical terms are to be redeemed, the principal amount of such Securities to be redeemed.

In the case of any redemption of Securities prior to the expiration of any restriction on such redemption provided in the terms of such Securities or elsewhere in this Indenture, the Company shall furnish the Trustee with an Officers' Certificate evidencing compliance with such restriction.

SECTION 1103. Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed.

If less than all the Securities of like tenor of any series are to be redeemed, the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the Outstanding Securities of like tenor of such series not previously called for redemption, by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate and which may provide for the selection for redemption of portions (equal to the minimum authorized denomination for Securities of like tenor of that series or any integral

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multiple thereof) of the principal amount of Securities of such series of a denomination larger than the minimum authorized denomination for Securities of that series.

The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the Securities selected for redemption and, in the case of any Securities selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed.

For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Securities shall relate, in the case of any Securities redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the principal amount of such Securities which has been or is to be redeemed.

SECTION 1104. Notice of Redemption.

Notice of redemption shall be given by first-class mail, postage prepaid, mailed not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date, to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed, at each such Holder's address appearing in the Security Register.

All notices of redemption shall state:

(1) the Redemption Date,

(2) the Redemption Price,

(3) if less than all the Outstanding Securities of like tenor of any series are to be redeemed, the identification (and, in the case of partial redemption, the principal amounts) of the particular Securities to be redeemed,

(4) that on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price will become due and payable upon each such Security to be redeemed and, if applicable, that interest thereon will cease to accrue on and after said date,

(5) the place or places where such Securities are to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price, and

(6) that the redemption is for a sinking fund, if such is the case.

Notice of redemption of Securities to be redeemed at the election of the Company shall be given by the Company or, at the Company's request, by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company.

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SECTION 1105. Deposit of Redemption Price.

On or prior to any Redemption Date, the Company shall deposit with the Trustee or with a Paying Agent (or, if the Company is acting as its own Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 1003) an amount of money in immediately available funds sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of, and (except if the Redemption Date shall be an Interest Payment Date) accrued interest on, all the Securities which are to be redeemed on that date.

SECTION 1106. Securities Payable on Redemption Date.

Notice of redemption having been given as aforesaid, the Securities so to be redeemed shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and payable at the Redemption Price therein specified, and from and after such date (unless the Company shall default in the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest) such Securities shall cease to bear interest. Upon surrender of any such Security for redemption in accordance with said notice, such Security shall be paid by the Company at the Redemption Price, together with accrued interest to the Redemption Date; provided, however, that, unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, installments of interest whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption Date shall be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as such at the close of business on the relevant Regular Record Dates according to their terms and the provisions of Section 307.

If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof for redemption, the principal (and premium, if any) shall, until paid, bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate prescribed therefor in the Security.

SECTION 1107. Securities Redeemed in Part.

Any Security which is to be redeemed in part shall be surrendered at a Place of Payment for such series (with, if the Company or the Trustee so requires, due endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or such Holder's attorney duly authorized in writing), and the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Security without service charge, a new Security or Securities of the same series and of like tenor, of any authorized denomination as requested by such Holder, in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Security so surrendered; provided, however, that if a Global Security is so surrendered, such new Security so issued shall be a new Global Security in a denomination equal to the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Global Security so surrendered.

70

ARTICLE TWELVE
SINKING FUNDS

SECTION 1201. Applicability of Article.

The provisions of this Article shall be applicable to any sinking fund for the retirement of Securities of a series except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of such series.

The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of Securities of any series is herein referred to as a "mandatory sinking fund payment", and any payment in excess of such minimum amount provided for by the terms of Securities of any series is herein referred to as an "optional sinking fund payment". If provided for by the terms of Securities of any series, the cash amount of any sinking fund payment may be subject to reduction as provided in Section 1202. Each sinking fund payment shall be applied to the redemption of Securities of any series as provided for by the terms of Securities of such series.

SECTION 1202. Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities.

The Company (1) may deliver Outstanding Securities of like tenor of a series (other than any previously called for redemption) and (2) may apply as a credit Securities of like tenor of a series which have been redeemed either at the election of the Company pursuant to the terms of such Securities or through the application of permitted optional sinking fund payments pursuant to the terms of such Securities, in each case in satisfaction of all or any part of any sinking fund payment with respect to the Securities of like tenor of such series required to be made pursuant to the terms of such Securities as provided for by the terms of such series; provided that such Securities have not been previously so credited. Such Securities shall be received and credited for such purpose by the Trustee at the Redemption Price specified in such Securities for redemption through operation of the sinking fund and the amount of such sinking fund payment shall be reduced accordingly.

SECTION 1203. Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund.

Not less than 60 days prior to each sinking fund payment date for Securities of like tenor of a series, the Company will deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate specifying the amount of the next ensuing sinking fund payment for such Securities pursuant to the terms of such Securities, the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by payment of cash and the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by delivering and crediting Securities of like tenor of that series pursuant to Section 1202 and, at the time of delivery of such Officers' Certificate, will also deliver to the Trustee any Securities to be so delivered. Not less than 45

71

days before each such sinking fund payment date the Trustee shall select the Securities to be redeemed upon such sinking fund payment date in the manner specified in Section 1103 and cause notice of the redemption thereof to be given in the name of and at the expense of the Company in the manner provided in
Section 1104. Such notice having been duly given, the redemption of such Securities shall be made upon the terms and in the manner stated in Sections 1106 and 1107.

This instrument may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed, and the respective corporate seals to be hereunto affixed and attested, all as of the day and year first above written.

BEMIS COMPANY, INC.

By

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Attest:


Senior Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary

[SEAL] FIRST TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Trustee

By
Vice President

72

Attest:


Assistant Secretary

[SEAL]

73

STATE OF MINNESOTA  )
                    ) SS.
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN  )

On the ____ day of June, 1995 before me personally came Benjamin R. Field, III to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he is Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Bemis Company, Inc., one of the Corporations described in and which executed the foregoing instrument; that he knows the seal of said Corporation; that the seal affixed to said instrument is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by authority of the Board of Directors of said Corporation, and that he signed his name thereto by like authority.

[SEAL] ________________________________________ Notary Public

STATE OF MINNESOTA  )
                    ) SS.
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN  )

On the ____ day of June, 1995 before me personally came ___________________ to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he is Vice President of First Trust National Association, one of the Corporations described in and which executed the foregoing instrument; that he knows the seal of said Corporation; that the seal affixed to said instrument is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by authority of the Board of Directors of said Corporation, and that he signed his name thereto by like authority.

[SEAL] ________________________________________ Notary Public

74

EXHIBIT 5

June 15, 1995

Bemis Company, Inc.
Suite 2300
222 South Ninth Street
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402

Ladies and Gentlemen:

In connection with the proposed registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), by Bemis Company, Inc., a Missouri corporation (the "Company"), of $200,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of Debt Securities of the Company (the "Debt Securities"), proposed to be issued under an Indenture dated as of June 15, 1995 (the "Indenture") between the Company and First Trust National Association, as Trustee (the "Trustee"), I have examined such corporate records and other documents, including the Registration Statement of the Company on Form S-3 to which this opinion is attached as an exhibit relating to the Debt Securities (the "Registration Statement"), and have reviewed such matters of law as I have deemed necessary for this opinion, and advise that in my opinion:

1. The Company is a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Missouri.

2. When Debt Securities of a particular series have been duly authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company, a duly authorized committee thereof or a duly authorized officer of the Company, and duly executed by proper officers of the Company and duly authenticated by or on behalf of the Trustee, when the Registration Statement has become effective under the Securities Act and the Indenture has become duly qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and when the Debt Securities of such series have been issued, delivered and paid for as contemplated in the Registration Statement, including a prospectus supplement relating to the Debt Securities of such series, the Debt Securities of such series will be legally issued, valid and binding obligations of the Company entitled to the benefits of the Indenture.

I consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the use of my name in any prospectus supplement to the prospectus constituting a part of the Registration Statement and to the references to me wherever appearing therein.

Very truly yours,

/s/ Scott W. Johnson
-------------------------------------
Scott W. Johnson
Senior Vice President, Secretary and
     General Counsel


EXHIBIT 12

COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
BEMIS COMPANY, INC.

                                                  Quarter Ended
                                                     March 31,                  For the Year Ended December 31,
                                               ---------------------      --------------------------------------------------------

                                                 1995         1994          1994         1993        1992       1991        1990
                                                -------      -------      --------      -------    --------   --------    --------
                                                     (unaudited)                 (in thousands of dollars except ratio data)

EARNINGS:

 Earnings before income taxes
   and cumulative effect of
   accounting changes                           $25,790      $21,988     $ 118,094    $  74,377    $ 90,286   $ 84,918    $ 81,697

 Minority interest in net income                    988          602         3,379        2,360       3,449      2,740       3,087
   Less:  Capitalized interest included
        in interest expense below                  (129)        (128)         (710)        (491)       (910)    (1,027)     (1,633)
   Plus:  Capitalized interest
        amortization                                135          120           489          488         479        472         379
                                                -------      -------      --------      -------    --------   --------    --------

TOTAL EARNINGS                                   26,784       22,582       121,252       76,734      93,304     87,103      83,530

FIXED CHARGES:
 Interest expense:
   Consolidated interest expense                  3,029        1,616         8,395        7,201       7,546     12,101      11,712
   Capitalized interest                             129          128           710          491         910      1,027       1,633
   Amortization of debt issue costs                   6            6            23           38          29         40          40
                                                -------      -------      --------      -------    --------    --------   --------
  Total interest expense                          3,164        1,750         9,128        7,730       8,485     13,168      13,385
  Interest inherent in rent expense                 833          800         3,200        3,423       4,010      3,458       3,481
                                                -------      -------      --------      -------    --------   --------    --------

TOTAL FIXED CHARGES                               3,997        2,550        12,328       11,153      12,495     16,626      16,866
                                                -------      -------      --------      -------    --------   --------    --------

EARNINGS AVAILABLE FOR
  FIXED CHARGES                                 $30,781      $25,132      $133,580      $87,887    $105,799   $103,729    $100,396
                                                -------      -------      --------      -------    --------   --------    --------
                                                -------      -------      --------      -------    --------   --------    --------

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO
  FIXED CHARGES                                    7.70         9.86         10.84         7.88        8.47       6.24        5.95
                                                -------      -------      --------      -------    --------   --------    --------
                                                -------      -------      --------      -------    --------   --------    --------


EXHIBIT 23(a)

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the prospectus constituting part of this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of our report dated January 23, 1995, which appears on page 24 of the 1994 Annual Report to Shareholders of Bemis Company, Inc., which is incorporated by reference in Bemis Company, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994. We also consent to the incorporation by reference of our report on the Financial Statement Schedules, which appears on page 12 of such Annual Report on Form 10-K. We also consent to the references to us under the headings "Experts" and "Selected Consolidated Financial Information" in such Prospectus. However, it should be noted that Price Waterhouse LLP has not prepared or certified such "Selected Consolidated Financial on Information".

/s/ Price Waterhouse LLP
Price Waterhouse LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
June 14, 1995


BEMIS COMPANY, INC.

POWER OF ATTORNEY
OF DIRECTOR AND OFFICER

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or officer of BEMIS COMPANY, INC., a Missouri corporation, does hereby make, constitute and appoint JOHN H. ROE, BENJAMIN R. FIELD AND SCOTT W. JOHNSON, and each or any one of them, the undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Company to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-3 or other applicable form, and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed by said Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of debentures, notes, shares of Common Stock or other securities of said Company proposed to be sold by said Company, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in- fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's hand this 8th day of June, 1995.

/s/ John H. Roe
-------------------------------------------------
John H. Roe, Director
President and Chief Executive Officer


BEMIS COMPANY, INC.

POWER OF ATTORNEY
OF DIRECTOR AND OFFICER

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or officer of BEMIS COMPANY, INC., a Missouri corporation, does hereby make, constitute and appoint JOHN H. ROE, BENJAMIN R. FIELD AND SCOTT W. JOHNSON, and each or any one of them, the undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Company to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-3 or other applicable form, and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed by said Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of debentures, notes, shares of Common Stock or other securities of said Company proposed to be sold by said Company, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in- fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's hand this 8th day of June, 1995.

/s/ Benjamin R. Field
-------------------------------------------------
Benjamin R. Field, Senior Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer


BEMIS COMPANY, INC.

POWER OF ATTORNEY
OF DIRECTOR AND OFFICER

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or officer of BEMIS COMPANY, INC., a Missouri corporation, does hereby make, constitute and appoint JOHN H. ROE, BENJAMIN R. FIELD AND SCOTT W. JOHNSON, and each or any one of them, the undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Company to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-3 or other applicable form, and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed by said Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of debentures, notes, shares of Common Stock or other securities of said Company proposed to be sold by said Company, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in- fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's hand this 8th day of June, 1995.

 /s/ LeRoy F. Bazany
-------------------------------------------------
LeRoy F. Bazany
Vice President and Controller


BEMIS COMPANY, INC.

POWER OF ATTORNEY
OF DIRECTOR AND OFFICER

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or officer of BEMIS COMPANY, INC., a Missouri corporation, does hereby make, constitute and appoint JOHN H. ROE, BENJAMIN R. FIELD AND SCOTT W. JOHNSON, and each or any one of them, the undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Company to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-3 or other applicable form, and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed by said Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of debentures, notes, shares of Common Stock or other securities of said Company proposed to be sold by said Company, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in- fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's hand this 8th day of June, 1995.

 /s/ Winslow H. Buxton
-------------------------------------------------
Winslow H. Buxton
Director


BEMIS COMPANY, INC.

POWER OF ATTORNEY
OF DIRECTOR AND OFFICER

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or officer of BEMIS COMPANY, INC., a Missouri corporation, does hereby make, constitute and appoint JOHN H. ROE, BENJAMIN R. FIELD AND SCOTT W. JOHNSON, and each or any one of them, the undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Company to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-3 or other applicable form, and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed by said Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of debentures, notes, shares of Common Stock or other securities of said Company proposed to be sold by said Company, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in- fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's hand this 7th day of June, 1995.

/s/ Howard J. Curler
-------------------------------------------------
Howard J. Curler
Director


BEMIS COMPANY, INC.

POWER OF ATTORNEY
OF DIRECTOR AND OFFICER

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or officer of BEMIS COMPANY, INC., a Missouri corporation, does hereby make, constitute and appoint JOHN H. ROE, BENJAMIN R. FIELD AND SCOTT W. JOHNSON, and each or any one of them, the undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Company to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-3 or other applicable form, and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed by said Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of debentures, notes, shares of Common Stock or other securities of said Company proposed to be sold by said Company, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in- fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's hand this 7th day of June, 1995.

/s/ Jeffrey H. Curler
-------------------------------------------------
Jeffrey H. Curler, Director
Executive Vice President


BEMIS COMPANY, INC.

POWER OF ATTORNEY
OF DIRECTOR AND OFFICER

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or officer of BEMIS COMPANY, INC., a Missouri corporation, does hereby make, constitute and appoint JOHN H. ROE, BENJAMIN R. FIELD AND SCOTT W. JOHNSON, and each or any one of them, the undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Company to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-3 or other applicable form, and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed by said Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of debentures, notes, shares of Common Stock or other securities of said Company proposed to be sold by said Company, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in- fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's hand this 8th day of June, 1995.

/s/ Robert A. Greenkorn
-------------------------------------------------
Robert A. Greenkorn
Director


BEMIS COMPANY, INC.

POWER OF ATTORNEY
OF DIRECTOR AND OFFICER

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or officer of BEMIS COMPANY, INC., a Missouri corporation, does hereby make, constitute and appoint JOHN H. ROE, BENJAMIN R. FIELD AND SCOTT W. JOHNSON, and each or any one of them, the undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Company to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-3 or other applicable form, and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed by said Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of debentures, notes, shares of Common Stock or other securities of said Company proposed to be sold by said Company, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in- fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's hand this 9th day of June, 1995.

/s/ Loring W. Knoblauch
-------------------------------------------------
Loring W. Knoblauch
Director


BEMIS COMPANY, INC.

POWER OF ATTORNEY
OF DIRECTOR AND OFFICER

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or officer of BEMIS COMPANY, INC., a Missouri corporation, does hereby make, constitute and appoint JOHN H. ROE, BENJAMIN R. FIELD AND SCOTT W. JOHNSON, and each or any one of them, the undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Company to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-3 or other applicable form, and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed by said Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of debentures, notes, shares of Common Stock or other securities of said Company proposed to be sold by said Company, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in- fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's hand this 7th day of June, 1995.

/s/ Edwin S. McBride
-------------------------------------------------
Edwin S. McBride
Director


BEMIS COMPANY, INC.

POWER OF ATTORNEY
OF DIRECTOR AND OFFICER

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or officer of BEMIS COMPANY, INC., a Missouri corporation, does hereby make, constitute and appoint JOHN H. ROE, BENJAMIN R. FIELD AND SCOTT W. JOHNSON, and each or any one of them, the undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Company to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-3 or other applicable form, and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed by said Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of debentures, notes, shares of Common Stock or other securities of said Company proposed to be sold by said Company, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in- fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's hand this 7th day of June, 1995.

/s/ Nancy Parsons McDonald
----------------------------------------------
Nancy Parsons McDonald
Director


BEMIS COMPANY, INC.

POWER OF ATTORNEY
OF DIRECTOR AND OFFICER

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or officer of BEMIS COMPANY, INC., a Missouri corporation, does hereby make, constitute and appoint JOHN H. ROE, BENJAMIN R. FIELD AND SCOTT W. JOHNSON, and each or any one of them, the undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Company to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-3 or other applicable form, and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed by said Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of debentures, notes, shares of Common Stock or other securities of said Company proposed to be sold by said Company, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in- fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's hand this 7th day of June, 1995.

/s/ Robert F. Mlnarik
-------------------------------------------------
Robert F. Mlnarik, Director
Executive Vice President


BEMIS COMPANY, INC.

POWER OF ATTORNEY
OF DIRECTOR AND OFFICER

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or officer of BEMIS COMPANY, INC., a Missouri corporation, does hereby make, constitute and appoint JOHN H. ROE, BENJAMIN R. FIELD AND SCOTT W. JOHNSON, and each or any one of them, the undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Company to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-3 or other applicable form, and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed by said Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of debentures, notes, shares of Common Stock or other securities of said Company proposed to be sold by said Company, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in- fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's hand this 7th day of June, 1995.

/s/ Edward N. Perry
-------------------------------------------------
Edward N. Perry
Director


BEMIS COMPANY, INC.

POWER OF ATTORNEY
OF DIRECTOR AND OFFICER

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or officer of BEMIS COMPANY, INC., a Missouri corporation, does hereby make, constitute and appoint JOHN H. ROE, BENJAMIN R. FIELD AND SCOTT W. JOHNSON, and each or any one of them, the undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Company to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-3 or other applicable form, and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed by said Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of debentures, notes, shares of Common Stock or other securities of said Company proposed to be sold by said Company, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in- fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's hand this 8th day of June, 1995.

/s/ Winston R. Wallin
------------------------------------------------
Winston R. Wallin
Director


BEMIS COMPANY, INC.

POWER OF ATTORNEY
OF DIRECTOR AND OFFICER

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director and/or officer of BEMIS COMPANY, INC., a Missouri corporation, does hereby make, constitute and appoint JOHN H. ROE, BENJAMIN R. FIELD AND SCOTT W. JOHNSON, and each or any one of them, the undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix the undersigned's name as such director and/or officer of said Company to a Registration Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-3 or other applicable form, and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed by said Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of debentures, notes, shares of Common Stock or other securities of said Company proposed to be sold by said Company, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other supporting documents, with said Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in- fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's hand this 7th day of June, 1995.

/s/ C. Angus Wurtele
-------------------------------------------------
C. Angus Wurtele
Director


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM T-1

Statement of Eligibility Under the

Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of a Corporation Designated to Act as Trustee

FIRST TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
(Exact name of Trustee as specified in its charter)

     United States                              41-0257700
(State of Incorporation)                     (I.R.S. Employer
                                            Identification No.)


     First Trust Center
     180 East Fifth Street
     St. Paul, Minnesota                           55101
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)         (Zip Code)

BEMIS COMPANY, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

     Missouri                                   43-0178130
(State of Incorporation)                     (I.R.S. Employer)
                                            Identification No.)


     222 South Ninth Street
     Suite 2300
     Minneapolis, Minnesota                      55402-4099
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)         (Zip Code)

DEBT SECURITIES
(Title of the Indenture Securities)


GENERAL

1. GENERAL INFORMATION Furnish the following information as to the Trustee.

(a) Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject.

Comptroller of the Currency
Washington, D.C.

(b) Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

Yes

2. AFFILIATIONS WITH OBLIGOR AND UNDERWRITERS If the obligor or any underwriter for the obligor is an affiliate of the Trustee, describe each such affiliation.

None

See Note following Item 16.

Items 3-15 are not applicable because to the best of the Trustee's knowledge the obligor is not in default under any Indenture for which the Trustee acts as Trustee.

16. LIST OF EXHIBITS List below all exhibits filed as a part of this statement of eligibility and qualification. Each of the exhibits listed below is incorporated by reference from a previous registration.

1. Copy of Articles of Association.

2. Copy of Certificate of Authority to Commence Business.

3. Authorization of the Trustee to exercise corporate trust powers (included in Exhibits 1 and 2; no separate instrument).

4. Copy of existing By-Laws.

5. Copy of each Indenture referred to in Item 4. N/A.

6. The consents of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the act.

7. Copy of the latest report of condition of the Trustee published pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or examining authority.


NOTE

The answers to this statement insofar as such answers relate to what persons have been underwriters for any securities of the obligors within three years prior to the date of filing this statement, or what persons are owners of 10% or more of the voting securities of the obligors, or affiliates, are based upon information furnished to the Trustee by the obligors. While the Trustee has no reason to doubt the accuracy of any such information, it cannot accept any responsibility therefor.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, the Trustee, First Trust National Association, an Association organized and existing under the laws of the United States, has duly caused this statement of eligibility and qualification to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, and its seal to be hereunto affixed and attested, all in the City of Saint Paul and State of Minnesota on the 12th day of June, 1995.

FIRST TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

[SEAL]

                                       /s/ David H. Bluhm
                                       ---------------------------------
                                       David H. Bluhm
                                       Vice President




/s/ Mark E. LeMay
- ----------------------------
Mark E. LeMay
Assistant Secretary


EXHIBIT 6

CONSENT

In accordance with Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, the undersigned, FIRST TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION hereby consents that reports of examination of the undersigned by Federal, State, Territorial or District authorities may be furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request therefor.

Dated: June 12, 1995

FIRST TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

/s/ David H. Bluhm
---------------------------------
David H. Bluhm
Vice President