1



                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION


                             Washington, D.C. 20549


                                   FORM 8-K/A


                       AMENDMENT TO APPLICATION OR REPORT


Filed pursuant to Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act 
of 1934

       Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported): January 23, 1998

                              INVACARE CORPORATION
                              --------------------
             (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

                                      Ohio
                                      ----
         (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

        0-12938                                         95-2680965
       ---------                                       --------------
(Commission File Number)                 (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)


               One Invacare Way, P.O. Box 4028, Elyria, Ohio 44036
               ---------------------------------------------------
               (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)


                                 (440) 329-6000
                                 --------------
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)



                                       2


                                 AMENDMENT NO. 1

     The undersigned  registrant  hereby amends the following  items,  financial
statements,  exhibits or other  portions of its Form 8-K Report filed on January
23, 1998 as set forth in the pages attached hereto:

ITEM 7.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND EXHIBITS

      (a)  Financial Statements-
           1.  Audited  consolidated  financial  statements required to be filed
               pursuant  to  Item 7 of  Form  8-K  filed  on  January  23,  1998
               reflecting the acquisition of Suburban Ostomy Supply Co., Inc..
           2.  Unaudited  condensed  consolidated  interim Financial  Statements
               required  to be filed  pursuant  to Item 7 of Form  8-K  filed on
               January 23, 1998  reflecting the  acquisition of Suburban  Ostomy
               Supply Co., Inc..

      (b)  Pro Forma Financial Information-
          Pro Forma financial information, required to be filed pursuant to Item
          7 of Form 8-K filed on January 23, 1998  reflecting the acquisition of
          Suburban Ostomy Supply Co., Inc..

      (c)  Exhibits- 24. Accountants' consent.

                                    SIGNATURE

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

                                                   INVACARE CORPORATION



Date:  April 9, 1998                         By:   _______________________
                                                   Thomas R. Miklich
                                                   Chief Financial Officer






                                       3

ITEM 7(a)1.





                        SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY CO., INC.

                        CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                              AS OF AUGUST 30, 1997
                         TOGETHER WITH AUDITORS' REPORT


                                       4



                                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



To Suburban Ostomy Supply Co., Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying  consolidated  balance sheet of Suburban Ostomy
Supply Co., Inc. (a Massachusetts corporation) and subsidiaries as of August 30,
1997,   and  the  related   consolidated   statements  of  income,   changes  in
stockholders'  equity and cash flows for the year then  ended.  These  financial
statements   are  the   responsibility   of  the   Company's   management.   Our
responsibility  is to express an opinion on these financial  statements based on
our audit.

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

In our opinion, the consolidated  financial statements referred to above present
fairly,  in all material  respects,  the financial  position of Suburban  Ostomy
Supply  Co.,  Inc.,  and  subsidiaries  as of August 30, 1997 and the results of
their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.







Boston, Massachusetts
October 13, 1997 (except for the matter
   discussed In Note 11, for which the date
   is January 30, 1998)

                                       5





                                           SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY CO., INC.

                                              CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                                          FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 30, 1997

                                                    (IN THOUSANDS)

                                                       ASSETS
                                                                           
CURRENT ASSETS:
   Cash and cash equivalents                                                  $         2,270
   Accounts receivable, less allowances of $638                                        12,207
   Merchandise inventory                                                                6,611
   Prepaid expenses and other                                                             332
   Deferred income taxes                                                                  464
                                                                              ---------------

         Total current assets                                                          21,884

FIXED ASSETS, AT COST:                                                                  2,967
   Less--Accumulated depreciation                                                      (1,316)
     Net fixed assets                                                                   1,651
     Goodwill                                                                          17,312
     Other assets                                                                         277
                                                                              ---------------

         Total assets                                                         $        41,124
                                                                              ===============

                                    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
   Current maturities of long-term debt                                       $            16
   Accounts payable and accrued expenses                                                7,608
                                                                              ---------------

         Total current liabilities                                                      7,624

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
   Long-term debt, less current maturities                                                  7
   Deferred income taxes                                                                   21

         Total long-term liabilities                                          $            28
                                                                              ===============

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
   Common stock, no par value
   Authorized--40,000,000 shares
   Issued and outstanding--10,538,503                                                  47,188
   Accumulated deficit                                                                (13,716)

         Total stockholders' equity                                           $        33,472
                                                                              ===============

         Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                           $        41,124
                                                                              ===============

                The   accompanying   notes  are  an   integral   part  of  these
consolidated financial statements.

                                       6



                                           SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY CO., INC.

                                           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                                          FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 30, 1997

                                                    (IN THOUSANDS)

                                                                                                   
NET SALES                                                                                             $        94,440

COST OF GOODS SOLD                                                                                             70,615

         Gross profit                                                                                          23,825

OPERATING EXPENSES                                                                                             14,291

DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION                                                                                   1,032

         Operating income                                                                                       8,502

INTEREST EXPENSE                                                                                                  437

OTHER INCOME, NET                                                                                                (127)

         Income before income taxes                                                                             8,192

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES                                                                                      3,599

         Net income                                                                                   $         4,593
                                                                                                      ===============


                The   accompanying   notes  are  an   integral   part  of  these
consolidated financial statements.

                                       7




                                           SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY CO., INC.

                                    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                          FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 30, 1997

                                                    (IN THOUSANDS)

                                  Common Stock
                                                                                                           Total
                                                      Number                           Accumulated     Stockholders'
                                                    of Shares           Amount           Deficit           Equity
                                                                                                  
BALANCE, AUGUST 31, 1996                               6,223,250   $           162   $       (18,208) $       (18,046)

   Initial public offering                             4,192,500            46,016                 -           46,016

   Shares issued under stock option plan                  11,642                10                 -               10

   Shares issued for acquisition of Peiser's             111,111             1,000                 -            1,000

   Preferred stock accretion                                   -                 -              (101)            (101)

   Net income                                                  -                 -             4,593            4,593
                                                 ---------------   ---------------   ---------------  ---------------

BALANCE, AUGUST 30, 1997                              10,538,503   $        47,188   $       (13,716) $        33,472
                                                 ===============   ===============   ===============  ===============


                The   accompanying   notes  are  an   integral   part  of  these
consolidated financial statements.


                                       8




                                           SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY CO., INC.

                                          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW
                                          FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 30, 1997

                                                    (IN THOUSANDS)


                                                                                                                    
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
   Net income                                                                                         $         4,492
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities-
     Depreciation and amortization                                                                              1,032
     Provision for bad debt losses                                                                                334
     Deferred income tax benefit, net                                                                             (40)
     Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects from Peiser's purchase-
       Accounts receivable                                                                                       (966)
       Merchandise inventory                                                                                    1,115
       Prepaid expenses and other                                                                                 420
       Accounts payable and accrued expenses                                                                   (1,927)
                                                                                                      --------------- 

           Net cash provided by operating activities                                                            4,460
                                                                                                      ---------------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
   Purchase of fixed assets                                                                                      (232)
   Purchase of Peiser's, net of cash acquired                                                                  (6,960)
   Other assets                                                                                                  (206)
                                                                                                      --------------- 

           Net cash used in investing activities                                                               (7,398)
                                                                                                      --------------- 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
   Issuance of common stock                                                                                    46,026
   Retirement of preferred stock                                                                               (7,437)
   Principle repayments of long-term bank debt                                                                (24,432)
   Repayment of subordinated debt                                                                             (10,944)
                                                                                                      --------------- 

           Net cash provided by financing activities                                                            3,213
                                                                                                      ---------------

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                                                                         275

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR                                                                    1,995
                                                                                                      ---------------

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR                                                                $         2,270
                                                                                                      ===============


                The   accompanying   notes  are  an   integral   part  of  these
consolidated financial statements.


                                       9



                        SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY CO., INC.

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 AUGUST 30, 1997




(1)    INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING

       On October 10, 1996,  the Company sold  3,900,000  shares or 38.5% of its
       common  stock  to the  public.  The  Company  received  net  proceeds  of
       $43,524,000,  after underwriting discounts and commissions of $3,276,000.
       On October 21, 1996,  the  underwriter  elected to purchase an additional
       292,500  shares,   for  which  the  Company   received  net  proceeds  of
       $3,264,300,  net of $245,700 in underwriting  discounts and  commissions.
       The sales of common stock increased the  outstanding  number of shares to
       10,415,750.  Other  expenditures  related to the offering reduced the net
       proceeds to the Company to $46,015,714.

       Of the total  $46,015,714 net proceeds,  $42,472,000 was used to pay down
       certain of the Company's  indebtedness  and preferred  stock. The Company
       (i) retired an aggregate of $2.5 million in subordinated promissory notes
       issued to  executive  officers;  (ii)  repaid  $24,455,000  on its Credit
       Facility; (iii) redeemed its Redeemable Preferred Stock for approximately
       $7,437,000;  (iv) retired  $6,750,000 in  subordinated  promissory  notes
       issued to Summit; and (v) repaid the St. Louis Note for $1,235,000.

(2)    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

       Fiscal Year

       The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to August 31.

       Use of Estimates

       The  preparation  of financial  statements in conformity  with  generally
       accepted accounting  principles requires management to make estimates and
       assumptions  that affect the reported  amounts of assets and  liabilities
       and  disclosure of contingent  assets and  liabilities at the date of the
       financial  statements  and the reported  amounts of revenues and expenses
       during the  reporting  period.  Actual  results  could  differ from those
       estimates.

       Disclosure of Fair Value of Financial Instruments

       The  Company's  financial  instruments  consist  mainly  of cash and cash
       equivalents,  accounts  receivable,  accounts payable,  notes payable and
       debt. The carrying  amounts of the Company's  cash and cash  equivalents,
       accounts  receivable and accounts  payable  approximate fair value due to
       the short-term nature of these instruments.


                                       10



       Stock Compensation Plans

       At August 30, 1997, the Company has one  stock-based  compensation  plan,
       which is described  in Note 8 to the  financial  statements.  The Company
       applies APB Opinion No. 25 and related  interpretations in accounting for
       its option grants.  Accordingly,  no  compensation  cost has been charged
       against income for its stock option plan. Had  compensation  cost for the
       Company's  stock option plan been  determined  based on the fair value at
       the grant dates for awards under the plan  consistent  with the method of
       Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  (FASB)  Statement  of  Financial
       Accounting   Standards   (SFAS)  No.  123,   Accounting  for  Stock-Based
       Compensation, the Company's net income would have been reduced to the pro
       forma amount indicated below:

                                                 1997
        Net income-
          As reported                        $     4,853
          Pro forma                          $     4,384


       The effects of applying SFAS No. 123 in this pro forma disclosure are not
       indicative of future amounts.  The pro forma  disclosure does not include
       awards anticipated in future years.

       The fair value of each  option  grant is  estimated  on the date of grant
       using the Black-Scholes  option pricing model with the following weighted
       average  assumptions  used for grants in fiscal 1997;  dividend  yield of
       zero;  expected volatility of 29%; a risk-free interest rate of 6.0%, and
       expected lives of eight years.

       Merchandise Inventory

       Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market and is  accounted  for
       using the weighted  moving-average  cost method,  which  approximates the
       first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.

       Fixed Assets

       The cost of property and equipment is depreciated  and amortized over the
       estimated useful lives of the related assets, as follows:

        Equipment, computers and fixtures         5-7 years        Straight-line
        Leasehold improvements                    4-5 years*       Straight-line

        *or the life of lease, whichever is shorter

       Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

       Long-Lived Assets

       During  1996,  the  Company  adopted  the  provisions  of SFAS  No.  121,
       Accounting  for the  Impairment of Long-Lived  Assets and for  Long-Lived
       Assets To Be Disposed Of. SFAS No. 121 requires, among other things, that
       an entity review its long-lived  assets and certain  related  intangibles
       for  impairment  whenever  changes  in  circumstances  indicate  that the
       carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable.  As a result of
       its review,  the Company does not believe that any  impairment  currently
       exists related to its long-lived assets.



                                       11



       Goodwill

       The Company has classified as goodwill,  the cost in excess of fair value
       of  the  net  assets  acquired  in the  purchase  of  St.  Louis  Ostomy,
       Patient-Care  and Peiser's (see Note 3). Goodwill is being amortized on a
       straight-line basis over an estimated useful life not exceeding 25 years.
       Accumulated  amortization  at August 30, 1997 was $900,000.  The carrying
       value  of  goodwill   is   evaluated   whenever   events  or  changes  in
       circumstances  indicate that the current useful life has  diminished.  If
       undiscounted cash flows over the remaining  amortization  period indicate
       that goodwill may not be recoverable, the carrying value of goodwill will
       be reduced.

       Cash and Cash Equivalents

       For the accompanying  consolidated  statements of cash flows, the Company
       considers all highly liquid instruments with original maturities of three
       months or less to be cash equivalents.

       Income Taxes

       Effective  July  3,  1995,  the  Company's  tax  status  changed  from  a
       Subchapter S  corporation  to a C  corporation,  and  accordingly,  it is
       subject to federal and state income taxes. The Company accounts for taxes
       in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, which is an
       asset  and  liability  method.  Under the  asset  and  liability  method,
       deferred taxes are established for the temporary  differences between the
       financial reporting and tax bases of the Company's assets and liabilities
       at currently enacted tax laws and rate.

(3)    ACQUISITIONS

       Fiscal 1996

       On January 22, 1996, the Company  acquired all of the outstanding  common
       stock of St.  Louis  Ostomy,  a Missouri  corporation,  for an  aggregate
       purchase price,  including  expenses,  of approximately  $12,364,000,  of
       which  $1,235,000  was  paid  through  the  issuance  of  a  subordinated
       promissory note (see Note 4). On June 14, 1996, the Company  acquired all
       of  the   outstanding   common  stock  of   Patient-Care,   a  California
       corporation,  for an aggregate  purchase price,  including  expenses,  of
       approximately  $4,200,000,  of which  $375,000  is  payable  on the first
       anniversary  of the closing,  subject to set-off  (Patient-Care  Deferred
       Payment) (see Note 4). The  acquisitions  were accounted for as purchases
       and,  accordingly,  the results of  operations  of St.  Louis  Ostomy and
       Patient-Care are included in the consolidated  financial  statements from
       January 22, 1996 and June 14,  1996,  respectively.  The  purchase  price
       prices were allocated to the net assets acquired based on their estimated
       fair values,  which resulted in approximately  $10,888,000 and $2,435,000
       of goodwill for St. Louis Ostomy and Patient-Care, respectively (see Note
       2). The acquisitions were financed using bank debt (see Note 4).

       Fiscal 1997

       On May 1, 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding  common stock
       of Peiser's,  an Illinois  corporation,  for an aggregate purchase price,
       including expenses,  of approximately $8 million, of which $7 million was
       paid  in  cash  and  $1  million  in  the  Company's  common  stock.  The
       acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and the results of operations
       of Peiser's are included in the  consolidated  financial  statements from
       May 1,  1997.  The  purchase  prices  were  allocated  to the net  assets
       acquired  based  on  their  estimated  fair  values,  which  resulted  in
       approximately  $4.9 million of goodwill (see Note 2). The acquisition was
       financed using cash from operations and investment accounts.

       On an unaudited pro forma basis,  assuming  Peiser's had been acquired on
       August 31, 1996,  the  Company's net sales and net income for fiscal 1997
       would  have  been   approximately   $106.5   million  and  $5.1  million,
       respectively.

                                       12


(4)    DEBT

       Debt consisted of the following on August 30, 1997:

        Equipment capital leases               $     23
        Less--Current maturities                     16
                                            ------------

                                               $      7
                                            ============

       On July 3, 1995,  the Company  entered into the Credit  Facility with the
       Bank for $16,000,000. Of the $13,580,000 initial drawdown by the Company,
       $13,500,000 was used to repurchase  certain  outstanding  common stock in
       connection  with the  Recapitalization.  During 1996, the Credit Facility
       was increased by $9,000,000  and  $5,000,000 to facilitate  the Company's
       acquisitions of St. Louis Ostomy and Patient-Care, respectively (see Note
       3).  In  connection  with the  Credit  Facility  amendment,  the  Company
       provided  the  Bank  with  warrants  to  purchase  86,180  shares  of the
       Company's  common  stock at $.81 per share (the Bank  Warrant).  The Bank
       Warrant may also be converted  into that number of shares of common stock
       determined  by  multiplying  the  number  of shares  subject  to the Bank
       Warrant  (for  which  the  conversion  right  is  being  exercised)  by a
       fraction,  the  numerator of which is the  difference  between the market
       price of one share of common  stock and the per share  exercise  price of
       the Bank Warrant, and the denominator of which is the market price of one
       share of common stock.  For the purpose of the Bank  Warrant,  the market
       price of one share of common  stock of the  Company  shall be  determined
       either  according to the trading  price of the common stock during the 10
       days  preceding  the exercise of the warrant or, if the common stock does
       not trade on a  national  securities  exchange  and is not  quoted on the
       NASDAQ National  Market,  by agreement  between the Company and the Bank.
       Should the Company  prepay the  outstanding  borrowings and terminate the
       related credit facility, the Bank may request that the Company redeem the
       warrants from the Bank for $90,000.  The warrants expire in January 2006.
       The difference  between the $1.61 fair value per share of common stock at
       the grant date and the exercise price has been treated as a debt discount
       and was fully  amortized as of August 30, 1997.  Advances  made under the
       credit  facility  bear  interest  at either the Bank's base rate (8.5% at
       August  30,  1997) or the LIBOR rate  (5.63% at August 30,  1997) plus an
       applicable  margin.  The  applicable  margin for the LIBOR advances range
       from 1.0% to 1.75% based on the level of the leverage ratio as defined in
       the credit facility.  Interest is payable monthly in arrears. The average
       daily  unused  line  bears a  commitment  fee of .25% per  annum  payable
       quarterly.

       The Credit  Facility  was fully  paid down  during  October  1996 using a
       portion  of the  proceeds  from the public  offering  (see Note 1). As of
       August 30, 1997, there were no borrowings  outstanding under the Facility
       and the Company was in full compliance with all debt covenants. The total
       amount of credit  available under the facility at August 30, 1997 was $30
       million.  Subsequent  to year-end,  on October 10,  1997,  $3 million was
       drawn on the Facility to fund the  acquisition of Care  Management,  Inc.
       (see Note 11).

       On July 3, 1995, the Company issued at face value,  the Summit Notes. The
       proceeds were used to fund the recapitalization.  Also in connection with
       the  recapitalization,  the Company issued the  Management  Notes for the
       repurchase of a portion of their outstanding stock. Both the Summit Notes
       and the Management  Notes bear interest at 12% per annum, and were repaid
       during  October  1996  using a portion  of the  proceeds  from the public
       offering (see Note 1).

       In  connection  with the  acquisition  of St. Louis Ostomy (see Note 3), 
       the Company  issued the St. Louis Note. The St.  Louis Note was repaid  
       during  October 1996 using a portion of the  proceeds  from the public  
       offering (see Note 1).

       A portion of the Patient-Care acquisition purchase price (see Note 3) was
       deferred until June 1997.  The deferred  payment bears interest at 8% per
       annum. The payment, with interest, was made in June 1997.

                                       13


(5)    INCOME TAXES

       Effective  July  3,  1995,  the  Company's  tax  status  changed  from  a
       Subchapter S  corporation  to a C  corporation,  and  accordingly,  it is
       subject  to  federal  and state  income  taxes.  Deferred  tax assets and
       liabilities  were  not  material  at the  conversion  date.  The  Company
       accounts for taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income
       Taxes,  which is an asset and liability method.  The provision  (benefit)
       for income  taxes for the year ended  August 30,  1997  consisted  of the
       following:

        U.S. federal-
          Current                          $         2,610
          Deferred                                     (62)

        State-
          Current                                    1,076
          Deferred                                     (25)

                                           $         3,599
                                           ===============


       Under SFAS No. 109, net current  deferred tax assets or  liabilities  and
       net long-term deferred tax assets or liabilities are reported  separately
       in the  Company's  balance  sheets.  The effect of temporary  differences
       which give rise to a significant portion of deferred taxes are as follows
       at August 30, 1997:


   Deferred tax assets-
     Reserves and accruals not yet deductible for tax purposes   $          412
     Inventory basis differences                                             65
     Other                                                                   19
                                                                ---------------

           Total deferred tax assets                                        496
                                                                ---------------
    Deferred tax liabilities-
     Property basis differences                                             (35)
     Other                                                                  (18)
                                                                ---------------
            Total deferred tax liabilities                                  (53)
                                                                ---------------
            Net deferred tax assets                             $           443
                                                                 ===============



       A  reconciliation  of tax on income at the federal  statutory rate to the
       recorded income tax provision for fiscal 1997 is presented below:

   Tax provision at statutory rate                               $        2,785
   State tax provision, net of federal taxes                                649
   Book expenses not deductible for tax purposes                            324
   Other                                                                   (159)
                                                                 ---------------

            Recorded income tax provision                        $        3,599
                                                                 ===============

                                       14

(6)    RETIREMENT PLAN

       The Company has adopted a qualified, noncontributory defined contribution
       retirement  plan that covers all employees who have completed one year of
       service and who have reached age 21. Employees  qualify for benefits upon
       reaching the age of 62, however, an employee cannot receive benefits from
       the defined contribution retirement plan until actual retirement. Vesting
       begins at 20% after two years of employment  and is increased by 20% each
       subsequent year until full vesting occurs.  Retirement plan contributions
       are made at the  discretion of the Company.  During fiscal 1997,  Company
       contributions to the plan were approximately $193,000.

(7)    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

       Leases

       The Company  occupies six  warehouse  facilities  and a corporate  office
       building (which includes a warehouse)  under operating leases expiring at
       various  dates  through  2006.  Two of the  warehouses  and the Company's
       corporate office and warehouse facility in Holliston,  Massachusetts, are
       leased from related parties (see Note 10).

       Certain of the Company's  leased  premises are subject to renewal options
       at their fair  rental  values at the time of  renewal.  Rent  expense for
       fiscal 1997, under all operating leases,  including certain motor vehicle
       and equipment leases, amounted to approximately $973,000.

       At August 30, 1997,  approximate  future  minimum lease  payments for the
       next five years and  thereafter  under  noncancelable  operating  leases,
       including  $597,000 in each year from 1998  through  2002 and  $2,042,000
       thereafter, to related parties, are as follows:

        Fiscal Year                        Amount

        1998                           $         1,098
        1999                                       877
        2000                                       885
        2001                                       793
        2002                                       677
        Thereafter                               2,042
                                       ---------------

                                       $         6,372
                                       ===============



       Employment Contracts

       In connection  with the  Recapitalization,  on July 3, 1995,  the Company
       entered into  employment and  noncompetition  agreements  (the Employment
       Agreements)  with five  executive  officers.  The  Employment  Agreements
       provide for an employment term through July 1, 2000, after which the term
       will be automatically renewed on an annual basis unless written notice to
       the  contrary is given at least 90 days in advance by either  party.  The
       Employment Agreements provide for an aggregate initial annual base salary
       of $690,000, subject to such annual increases as may be determined by the
       Board of  Directors,  as well as certain  benefits and  reimbursement  of
       expenses.  Should  employment be terminated by the Company for any reason
       other than cause,  as defined in the Employment  Agreements,  the officer
       shall be  entitled  to receive  all salary and bonus  earned  through the
       termination date plus an additional 12 months of salary.

                                       15


       Upon the  acquisition  of  Peiser's  (see Note 3), the  Company  executed
       employment  agreements  with four executives of Peiser's to remain in the
       employ of the Company.  The agreements  have three to five year terms and
       provide  for  an  annual  base  salary  plus  bonuses  based  on  certain
       performance objectives,  as well as certain benefits and reimbursement of
       expenses.  Should  employment be terminated by the Company for any reason
       other than cause, as defined in the agreements, the officers are entitled
       to receive all salary and bonuses  earned  through the  termination  date
       plus an additional 12 months of salary.

(8)    STOCK TRANSACTIONS

       On July 3, 1995, in  connection  with the  Recapitalization,  the Company
       adopted an  incentive  stock  option plan (the Stock  Option  Plan) under
       which 688,820 shares of common stock have been authorized.  In July 1995,
       the Company  granted  options to certain  officers to purchase a total of
       620,000  shares of common  stock.  In October  1995 and March  1997,  the
       Company  granted to certain  employees  options  to  purchase  29,450 and
       17,180 shares,  respectively of common stock.  The exercise prices of the
       options granted in July 1995, October 1995 and March 1997 are $.81, $1.61
       and $10.63 per share, respectively.  The options vest over seven years at
       rates set forth in the Stock Option Plan  agreement  and are  exercisable
       for a 10-year period.

       In addition,  the Company  granted  options to purchase  20,000 shares of
       common stock in April and June 1997 to two Directors. The exercise prices
       of these nonqualified  stock options are $8.94 and $10.94,  respectively.
       These  options  vest over three years and are  exercisable  for a 10-year
       period.

       As part of the  purchase  on  Peiser's  on May 1, 1997 (see Note 3),  the
       Company  issued 90,000  options to purchase  shares of common stock to an
       officer of Peiser's, at an exercise price of $8.97. The options vest over
       five years and are exercisable for a 10-year period.

       In all option grants,  the exercise price is not less than estimated fair
       market value on the grant date. A summary of option activity is presented
       below:




                                                                 Shares           Weighted          Weighted
                                                                                  Average           Average
                                                                               Exercise Price      Remaining
                                                                                                Contractual Life
                                                                                          
        Outstanding, August 31, 1996                              626,200             .84          8.9 years
          Granted                                                 127,180            9.32
          Exercised                                               (11,642)            .85
          Terminated                                               (5,724)           3.32
                                                             ------------     -----------

        Outstanding, August 30, 1997                              736,014            2.29          8.25 years

        Options exercisable, August 30, 1997                      228,299             .95



       The grants made during 1997 have exceeded the amount  available under the
       Stock  Option Plan as approved  by the  Stockholders.  At the next Annual
       Meeting of Stockholders of the Company on February 11, 1998, the Board of
       Directors will  recommend  approval of, and certain  stockholders  of the
       Company  have  agreed to vote in favor of, a  proposal  to  increase  the
       number of shares authorized,  and to include such grants, under the Stock
       Option Plan.


                                       16



(9)    SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURE

       Cash  payments  for  interest  and  income  taxes  and  certain   noncash
transactions were as follows:

                                                 1997

        Interest                           $           437
        Income taxes                                 3,934
        Accretion of preferred stock                   101

(10)   OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

       The  stockholders  of the  Company  and,  in  certain  cases,  two of its
       officers,  participate in three  partnerships  with which the Company has
       entered  into  certain   transactions.   The  Company  leases   warehouse
       facilities in Holliston, Massachusetts; Atlanta, Georgia; and South Bend,
       Indiana,  from related  parties under 15- and 10-year leases  expiring in
       fiscal 2006, 2006 and 2003, respectively. Rent expense under these leases
       amounted  to  approximately  $600,000  for 1997.  In the  opinion  of the
       Company,  the rent paid to related  parties is not  materially  different
       than the  amounts  which would be paid to third  parties  for  comparable
       space.

(11)   SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

       On October 10, 1997, the Company  acquired all of the outstanding  common
       stock of Care  Management,  Inc., a Texas  corporation,  for an aggregate
       purchase price of approximately $3.7 million, which was paid in cash. The
       acquisition  will be  accounted  for as a  purchase  and the  results  of
       operations  of Care  Management  will  be  included  in the  consolidated
       financial  statements  of the Company  beginning  October 10,  1997.  The
       purchase  price has been  allocated to the net assets  acquired  based on
       their estimated fair values.  The acquisition was financed with cash from
       operations and by borrowing $3 million from the Credit Facility.

       In  December  1997,  the Company  entered  into a merger  agreement  with
       Invacare  whereby  Invacare  would  acquire for cash all the  outstanding
       shares of common stock of the  Company.  This merger was  consummated  in
       January 1998.


                                       17




ITEM 7(a)2.




                        SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY CO., INC.

                   UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                             AS OF NOVEMBER 29, 1997


                                       18




                                    

                                                                            SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY CO., INC.
                                                                              CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                                                                  (Dollars in thousands)

                                                                      NOVEMBER 29, 1997              AUGUST 30, 1997
                                                                                        (Unaudited)
                                                                                                              
ASSETS
Current Assets
 Cash and cash equivalents                                                    $   2,202                  $     2,270
 Accounts receivable, less allowances
     of $729 and $638                                                            12,748                       12,207
 Merchandise inventory                                                            8,140                        6,611
 Prepaid expenses and other current assets                                          518                          332
 Deferred income taxes                                                              516                          464
                                                                             ----------                  -----------     
          Total current assets                                                   24,124                       21,884

 Fixed assets, net                                                                1,883                        1,651
 Goodwill                                                                        19,166                       17,312
 Other long-term assets                                                             139                          277
                                                                             ----------                  -----------
           Total assets                                                       $  45,312                       41,124
                                                                             ==========                  ===========
 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt                                             $      --                  $        16
Accounts payable and accrued expenses                                             8,692                        7,608
                                                                              ---------                    ---------
                  Total current liabilities                                       8,692                        7,624

Long-term Liabilities:
Long-term debt, less current portion                                                 --                            7
Bank line of credit                                                               2,000                           --
Deferred income taxes                                                                35                           21
                                                                              ---------                    ---------
                                                                                  2,035                           28
Stockholders' Equity:
Common Stock, no par; 40,000,000 shares
   authorized; issued and outstanding -
   10,538,622 and 10,538,503 shares                                              47,188                       47,188
Accumulated deficit                                                             (12,603)                     (13,716)
                                                                              ----------                   ----------
                Total stockholders' equity                                       34,585                       33,472

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                                      $45,312                      $41,124
                                                                             ==========                    =========


The  accompanying  notes are an integral  part of these  consolidated  financial
statements.


                                       19





                                                                          SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY CO., INC.
                                                                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                                                               (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
                                                                                    (Unaudited)

                                                                                         THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                        NOVEMBER 29, 1997                 NOVEMBER 30, 1996
                                                                        -----------------                 -----------------
                                                                                                              

Net sales                                                                         $27,490                           $21,963
Cost of goods sold                                                                 19,853                            16,845
                                                                           --------------                       -----------
    Gross margin                                                                    7,637                             5,118

Operating expenses                                                                  5,160                             2,797
Depreciation and amortization                                                         359                               213
                                                                           --------------                       -----------


    Operating income                                                                2,118                             2,108

Interest income                                                                        50                                73
Interest expense                                                                      (64)                             (415)
Other (expense) income                                                                (22)                              (26)
                                                                           --------------                      ------------
    Income before income taxes                                                      2,082                             1,740

Provision for income taxes                                                            969                               769
                                                                           --------------                      ------------
    Net income                                                                      1,113                               971

Accretion of Preferred Stock                                                           --                               101
                                                                           --------------                      ------------
    Net income applicable to common                                                                         
      stockholders                                                                $ 1,113                           $   870
                                                                           ==============                      ============
    Net income per share                                                          $  0.10
                                                                           ==============

    Weighted average common shares
      outstanding                                                                  11,189
- ----------------------------------
Supplemental Pro Forma (see Note 2):

    Net income                                                                        n/a                           $ 1,231

    Net income per share                                                              n/a                         $     .11

    Weighted average common shares
      outstanding                                                                                                    10,919


The  accompanying  notes are an integral  part of these  consolidated  financial
statements.

                                       20





                                                                                  SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY CO., INC.
                                                                                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                                                                         (Dollars in thousands)
                                                                                               (Unaudited)

                                                                                                      THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                                 NOVEMBER 29,       NOVEMBER 30,
                                                                                                        1997               1996
                                                                                                                           
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income                                                                                         $ 1,113                $  971
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash from operating activities:
   Depreciation and amortization                                                                       359                   213
 Changes in assets and liabilities, net
  of effects from acquisition of Care Management
   Accounts receivable                                                                                 647                   841
   Merchandise inventory                                                                              (850)                 (266)
   Prepaid expenses and other                                                                         (108)                  170
   Accounts payable and accrued expenses                                                               134                  (390)
                                                                                                  --------              --------
 Net cash from operating activities                                                                  1,295                 1,539

CASH FLOWS (USED BY) FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Purchase of fixed assets                                                                            (133)                  (13)
  Purchase of Care Management,
     net of cash acquired                                                                           (3,134)                   --
  Other assets and goodwill                                                                            (73)                   49
                                                                                                 ---------              --------
Net cash used by investing activities                                                               (3,340)                   36

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Net borrowing under line of credit                                                                 2,000                    --
  Issuance of common stock, net of
    issuance costs                                                                                      --                46,016
  Retirement of preferred stock                                                                         --                (7,538)
  Repayments of long-term bank debt, net                                                               (23)              (24,449)
  Repayments of subordinated debt                                                                       --               (10,485)
                                                                                                 ----------             ---------
 Net cash from financing activities                                                                  1,977                 3,544

NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                                                   (68)                5,119

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD                                                       2,270                 1,995
                                                                                                  ---------             ---------

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD                                                           $ 2,202               $ 7,114
                                                                                                  =========             =========


The  accompanying  notes are an integral  part of these  consolidated  financial
statements.


                                       21



                       SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY COMPANY INC.
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (Unaudited)

(1)  BASIS OF PRESENTATION

    The  accompanying  unaudited  consolidated  financial  statements  have been
    prepared in accordance  with generally  accepted  accounting  principles for
    interim  financial  information  and with the  instructions to Form 10-Q and
    Article 10 of  Regulation  S-X.  Accordingly,  they do not  include  all the
    information  and  footnotes  required  by  generally   accepted   accounting
    principles for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management,
    all  adjustments  considered  necessary  for  a  fair  presentation  of  the
    financial statements,  primarily consisting of normal recurring adjustments,
    have been  included.  Operating  results for the three months ended November
    29, 1997 are not necessarily  indicative of the results that may be expected
    for the year ending August 29, 1998 or any other interim period.

    These  statements  should  be  read in  conjunction  with  the  consolidated
    financial statements,  notes and other information included in the Company's
    latest  Form  10-K.  Certain  reclassifications  have  been made to the 1997
    consolidated financial statements to conform to the 1998 presentation.

(2)  SUPPLEMENTAL PRO FORMA NET INCOME PER SHARE

    Supplemental  pro forma net  income  per  share for the three  months  ended
    November 30, 1996 has been  calculated,  as if as of September 3, 1995,  the
    Company had sold the 3.9 million  shares of Common Stock  sufficient to fund
    the July 3, 1995 Recapitalization and repay indebtedness incurred to finance
    two acquisitions.

    The weighted  average number of shares is the actual weighted average number
    of shares of Common Stock or equivalents  thereof  outstanding  plus the 3.9
    million shares of Common Stock that were sold in connection  with the public
    offering,  assuming  issuance  occurred on September 3, 1995. For the period
    subsequent  to October 15, 1996,  weighted  average  shares  reflect  actual
    weighted average shares computed consistent with the treasury stock method.

                                                               QUARTER ENDED
                                                            NOVEMBER 30,1996

     (in thousands, except per share amounts)

     Historical income before taxes                                 $1,740
     Provision for income taxes                                       (769)
     Reversal of interest charges and amortization
          of deferred financing costs relating
          to debt treated as being repaid, net of tax                  260
                                                                   --------
     Supplemental pro forma net income                              $1,231

     Supplemental pro forma net income per share                    $  .11
                                                                  =========

     Supplemental pro forma weighted average shares outstanding     10,919



                                       22



                       SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY COMPANY INC.
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (Unaudited)

(3)  RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT

    In February 1997, the Financial  Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
    of Financial  Accounting  Standards No. 128,  Earnings Per Share (SFAS 128).
    This Statement  establishes  standards for computing and presenting earnings
    per share and applies to  entities  with  publicly  traded  common  stock or
    potential common stock.  SFAS 128 is effective for financial  statements for
    both interim and annual  periods  ending  after  December 15, 1997 and early
    adoption  is  not  permitted.  When  adopted,  the  statement  will  require
    restatement of prior years' earnings per share.  The Company will adopt this
    statement  for its quarter ended  February 28, 1998.  Assuming that SFAS 128
    had been  implemented,  basic  earnings  per share would have been $0.11 and
    $0.12 for the three month periods  ended  November 29, 1997 and November 30,
    1996, respectively.  Under this Statement,  diluted earnings per share would
    not have  differed  from the net  income per share  disclosed  on the income
    statement.

(4)  ACQUISITION OF CARE MANAGEMENT

    On October 10, 1997,  Suburban Ostomy  acquired all the outstanding  capital
    stock of Care  Management,  a  medical  supply  management  company,  for an
    aggregate  consideration of approximately  $3.1 million in cash. The cost of
    the  acquisition  exceeded the estimated fair market value of the net assets
    acquired  by  approximately  $1.9  million,  which has been  included on the
    Consolidated Balance Sheet under goodwill. The Company has accounted for the
    transaction as a purchase and the  Consolidated  Income  Statement  includes
    Care Management's results from October 10, 1997 through November 29, 1997.

(5)  SUBSEQUENT EVENT

    On December 17, 1997,  Invacare of Ohio announced a tender offer for all the
    outstanding  common stock of Suburban Ostomy. The offer of $11.75 per common
    share  has  been  agreed  to  by  management   and  a  majority  of  Company
    stockholders.  The effective  date of the purchase is expected to be January
    31,  1998,  at which  time  Suburban  Ostomy  will  become  a  wholly  owned
    subsidiary of Invacare.



                                       23



ITEM 7(b)

                      INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   PRO FORMA UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


The Pro Forma  Unaudited  Condensed  Consolidated  Balance  Sheet  combines  the
financial  position  of Suburban  Ostomy  Supply Co.,  Inc.  ("Suburban")  as of
November 29, 1997 with that of Invacare Corporation  ("Invacare") as of December
31, 1997 assuming the acquisition occurred on that date.

The Pro Forma Unaudited Condensed Consolidated  Statements of Income combine the
results of operations of Suburban for the twelve months ended  November 29, 1997
(prepared from quarterly  financial  statements)  with those of Invacare for the
year ended December 31, 1997.

The pro forma unaudited financial  information has been prepared by Invacare and
all  calculations  have been made based  upon  assumptions  deemed  appropriate.
Certain  of these  assumptions  are set  forth  under  the  Notes  to Pro  Forma
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The pro forma adjustments
give effect to the purchase  method of accounting as described in certain of the
accompanying Notes.

The pro forma unaudited financial  information does not purport to be indicative
of the results of operations or the financial position which would have actually
been obtained as if the acquisition had been  consummated on the date indicated.
In  addition,  the pro  forma  financial  information  does  not  purport  to be
indicative of results of operations or financial positions which may be obtained
in the future.

The pro forma unaudited financial information should be read in conjunction with
Invacare  Corporation   Consolidated  Financial  Statements  and  Notes  thereto
contained  in the  Annual  Report on Form 10-K for the year ended  December  31,
1997.

                                       24





                                               INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                 PRO FORMA UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS
                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                            (in thousands, except per share amounts)


                                                       Invacare                 Suburban       Acquisition
                                                        12/31/97                Ostomy (5)      Adjustment           Pro Forma
                                                       Per Form 10-K            11/29/97         Unaudited           Unaudited
                                                       -------------            ----------     -----------           ---------
                                                                                                          
Net Sales                                                  $ 653,414            $  99,967       $        0           $ 753,381
Cost of Products Sold                                        455,036               73,623                0             528,659
                                                       -------------            ----------      ----------           ---------      
Gross Profit                                                 198,378               26,344                0             224,722

Selling, General and Administrative
   Expense                                                   141,712               16,655                0             158,367
Depreciation and Amortization of
   Goodwill and Other Intangibles                             18,348                1,178            2,486 (6)          22,012
Non-Recurring Unusual Items                                   29,861                    0                0              29,861
                                                       -------------            ---------       ----------           ---------

Income from Operations                                         8,457                8,511           (2,486)             14,482

Net Interest Income (Expense)                                 (3,234)                  22           (8,569)(7)         (11,781)
                                                       -------------            ---------       ----------           ---------

  Earnings before Income Taxes                                 5,223                8,533          (11,055)              2,701


Income Taxes                                                   3,660                3,798          (2,999) (8)           4,459

Net Earnings (Loss)                                       $    1,563            $   4,735       $   (8,056)         $   (1,758)
                                                           =========            =========        ===========         ===========

Net Earnings (Loss) per Share - Basic
                                                          $     0.05                                                $    (0.06)
                                                          ==========                                                 ===========

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Basic                   29,569                                                    29,569
                                                          ==========                                                 ===========    
Net Earnings (Loss) per Share -
   Assuming Dilution                                      $     0.05                                                $    (0.06)
                                                          ==========                                                 ===========

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding -                         30,374                                                    30,374
    Assuming Dilution                                     ==========                                                 ===========


See accompanying Notes to Pro Forma Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial 
Statements

                                       25




                      INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
            PRO FORMA UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)

                                                                                     Suburban
                                                                 Invacare              Ostomy       Acquisition
                                                                 12/31/97            11/29/97        Adjustment         Pro Forma
                                                            Per Form 10-K           Unaudited         Unaudited         Unaudited
                                                            -------------           ---------       -----------         ----------
                                                                                                            
Assets
Current Assets
   Cash & Equivalents                                          $    5,696           $   2,202                 0         $   7,898
   Marketable Securities                                            3,501                   0                 0             3,501
   Trade receivables, net                                         114,410              12,748                 0           127,599
   Installment receivables, net                                    49,298                   0                 0            49,298
   Inventories                                                     75,708               8,140                 0            83,848
   Deferred Income Taxes                                           18,855                 516                 0            19,371
   Other Current Assets                                             7,743                 518                 0             8,261
                                                               ----------           ---------              ----         ---------
      Total Current Assets                                        275,211              24,124                 0           299,335

   Other Assets                                                    56,567                 139                 0            56,706
   Net Property, Plant & Equipment                                 90,577               1,883                 0            92,460
   Goodwill                                                       107,568              19,166             99,438 (1)      226,172
                                                               ----------           ---------           --------        ---------

Total Assets                                                     $529,923            $ 45,312          $ 99,438          $674,673
                                                               ==========           =========           ========        =========

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current Liabilities
   Accounts Payable                                             $  42,497               8,692          $      0         $  51,189
   Accrued Expenses                                                59,998                   0              2,197 (4)       62,195
   Accrued Income Taxes                                             1,872                   0                 0             1,872
   Current Maturities of Long-Term    Obligations                   5,186                   0                 0             5,186
                                                               ----------           ---------          ---------        ---------
      Total Current Liabilities                                   109,553               8,692             2,197           120,442

   Long-Term Obligations                                          183,955               2,000            131,826 (2)      317,781
   Deferred Income Taxes                                                0                  35                 0                35
                                                               ----------           ---------          ---------        ---------
      Total Long-Term Obligations                                 183,955               2,035           131,826           317,816

   Total Shareholders' Equity                                     236,415              34,585            (34,585) (3)     236,415

Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity                       $529,923            $ 45,312           $99,438          $674,673
                                                               ==========           =========           ========        =========


See accompanying Notes to Pro Forma Unaudited Condensed consolidated Financial 
Statements



                                       26


                      INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
               NOTES TO PRO FORMA UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


       (1) Reflects goodwill generated by the acquisition of Suburban Ostomy .

       (2) Reflects debt incurred to acquire Suburban Ostomy.

       (3) Reflects elimination of equity of Suburban Ostomy.

       (4)  Reflects the purchase  adjustments  for the costs of the acquisition
            and reserves for certain items known as of the date of this report.

       (5)  Prepared  from  unaudited  quarterly  financial  statements  for the
            quarters  ended  March 1, 1997,  May 31,  1997,  August 30, 1997 and
            November 29, 1997.

       (6)  Recognizes   amortization   of  goodwill  over  forty  years  on  a
            straight-line basis.

       (7)  Reflects  the  increase  in  interest  expense  attributable  to the
            portion  of the  acquisition  consideration  financed  by  increased
            borrowings  under the Company's  revolving credit agreement with its
            banks using a borrowing rate of 6.5%.

       (8) Recognizes  pro forma income taxes  calculated  at Federal  statutory
           rate for the applicable  period,  excluding  non-deductible  goodwill
           from the calculation.


                                       27
ITEM 7(c)


                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

     As independent public  accountants,  we hereby consent to the incorporation
by reference in this Form 8-K of our report dated October 13, 1997. It should be
noted  that  we  have  not  audited  any  financial  statements  of the  company
subsequent  to August 31, 1997 or performed any audit  precedures  subsequent to
the date of our report.



                                                    ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Boston, Massachusetts
April 7, 1998