<PAGE>   1
 
================================================================================
                                 UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
   
                                  FORM 10-K/A
    
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 1
    
              [X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
                      THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                  FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
 
                                       OR
 
            [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF
                      THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
                FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM        TO
 
                        COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 000-21407
 
                                  LASON, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                            <C>
                  DELAWARE                                      38-3214743
       (State or other jurisdiction of                       (I.R.S. Employer
       incorporation or organization)                     identification number)
   1305 STEPHENSON HIGHWAY, TROY, MICHIGAN                         48083
  (Address of principal executive offices)                      (Zip Code)
</TABLE>
 
       REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (248) 597-5800
 
        SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT: NONE
 
          SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT:
 
                    COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $0.01 PER SHARE
                                (Title of class)
 
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
 
     Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ ]
 
     The aggregate market value of the registrant's voting stock held by
non-affiliates of the registrant as of March 20, 1998, computed by reference to
the last sale price for such stock on that date as reported on the Nasdaq
National Market System, was $380,565,809.
 
     As of March 20, 1998, 12,031,224 shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per
share, were outstanding.
 
                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
     Portions of the registrant's Notice of 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
and Proxy Statement (Part III)
================================================================================
<PAGE>   2
 
   
                                    PART IV
    
 
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
 
A. (1) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
     The Financial statements applicable to the Company and its consolidated
affiliates filed with this report are set forth on the Index to Financial
Statements and Financial Statement Schedules of this report.
 
(2) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
     The financial statement schedule and report of independent accountants have
been filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K as indicated in the Index
to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules of this report.
 
(3) EXHIBITS
 
     The exhibits filed with this report are listed on the Exhibit Index on
pages E-1 through E-5.
 
B. REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
 
     October 14, 1997 the registrant filed Form 8-K announcing that it had
completed the acquisition of Image Conversion Systems, Inc. ("ICS"). In
connection therewith, the following financial information was also filed
pursuant to "Item 7" of such Form 8-K:
 
     (a) Financial Statements of ICS:
 
         Audited balance sheet as of October 31, 1996, and the related
         statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the
         year then ended and the report of Arthur Andersen L.L.P. thereon, and
         the balance sheet as of April 30, 1997 (unaudited), the statement of
         operations for the six months ended April 30, 1997 and 1996,
         (unaudited), the statement of changes in shareholders' equity as of
         April 30, 1997 (unaudited), the statement of cash flows for the six
         months ended April 30, 1997 and 1996 (unaudited), and the Notes to the
         Financial Statements.
 
     (b) Pro Forma Financial Information:
 
         Pro Forma condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 1997
         (unaudited)
 
         Pro Forma condensed consolidated statements of income for the six
         months ended June 30, 1997 (unaudited)
 
         Pro Forma condensed consolidated statements of income for the year
         ended December 31, 1996 (unaudited)
 
         Notes to Pro Forma condensed consolidated financial information
         (unaudited)
 
     On November 18, 1997, the registrant filed Form 8-K announcing that it had
signed a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of VIP
Imaging Inc.
 
     On December 10, 1997 the registrant filed Form 8-K announcing that it had
completed the acquisition of VIP Imaging Inc.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   3
 
                                  LASON, INC.
 
        INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1997 and
  1996......................................................           F-1
Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the years
  ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995....................           F-2
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for each of
  the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995..........           F-3
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the years
  ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995....................           F-4
Notes to consolidated financial statements..................   F-5 to F-14
OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
Report of independent accountants...........................          F-15
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE:
I. Condensed financial information of registrant............    S-1 to S-3
</TABLE>
 
All other schedules are omitted as not applicable or the information required is
included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
<PAGE>   4
 
                                  LASON, INC.
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT FOR SHARES)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                                              ------------------
                                                                1997      1996
                                                                ----      ----
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents...................................  $  2,925   $    79
Accounts receivable (net)...................................    43,815    24,546
Supplies....................................................     3,964     2,273
Prepaid expenses and other..................................     8,946     3,940
                                                              --------   -------
  Total current assets......................................    59,650    30,838
Computer equipment and software.............................     5,489     2,735
Production and office equipment.............................    18,171     5,416
Leasehold improvements......................................     2,460     1,010
Other.......................................................       902       644
                                                              --------   -------
                                                                27,022     9,805
  Less: Accumulated depreciation............................    (4,447)   (2,184)
                                                              --------   -------
  Net property and equipment................................    22,575     7,621
Deferred income taxes.......................................     1,034     2,571
Goodwill (net of accumulated amortization of $3,660 and
  $1,482 at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively).......    89,895    35,911
Other intangibles (net of accumulated amortization of $573
  and $274 at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively).....     4,745     1,605
                                                              --------   -------
  TOTAL ASSETS..............................................  $177,899   $78,546
                                                              ========   =======
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accrued expenses............................................  $  6,984   $ 4,199
Accounts payable............................................     6,590     4,751
Notes payable...............................................     6,462        --
Customer deposits...........................................     2,810     3,706
Deferred income taxes.......................................     1,753     1,529
Other.......................................................     3,714        --
                                                              --------   -------
  Total current liabilities.................................    28,313    14,185
Revolving credit line borrowings............................    13,550     4,101
Other liabilities...........................................     3,431     2,194
                                                              --------   -------
  TOTAL LIABILITIES.........................................    45,294    20,480
                                                              --------   -------
Common stock with a put option..............................     1,060     1,060
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common Stock, $.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized,
  11,637,640 shares issued, 11,550,949 shares outstanding at
  December 31, 1997 and 8,610,246 shares issued and
  outstanding at December 31, 1996..........................       115        86
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares
  authorized, none issued and outstanding at December 31,
  1997 and December 31, 1996................................        --        --
Additional paid-in capital..................................   117,352    51,912
Retained earnings...........................................    14,078     5,008
                                                              --------   -------
  TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY................................   131,545    57,006
                                                              --------   -------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY..................  $177,899   $78,546
                                                              ========   =======
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                       F-1
<PAGE>   5
 
                                  LASON, INC.
 
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                  (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT FOR PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                ------------------------------
                                                                  1997       1996       1995
                                                                  ----       ----       ----
<S>                                                             <C>         <C>        <C>
Revenues, net of postage of $42,444, $29,672 and $20,672 for
  the year ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
  respectively..............................................    $120,337    $69,937    $46,605
Cost of revenues............................................      80,846     47,587     31,227
                                                                --------    -------    -------
  Gross profit..............................................      39,491     22,350     15,378
Selling, general and administrative expenses................      21,243     12,628      9,406
Compensatory stock option expense...........................         221        936        308
Amortization of intangibles.................................       2,477      1,121        817
                                                                --------    -------    -------
  Income from operations....................................      15,550      7,665      4,847
Net interest expense........................................       1,249      1,760      1,694
                                                                --------    -------    -------
  Income before income taxes and minority interest in net
     income of subsidiaries.................................      14,301      5,905      3,153
Provision for income taxes..................................       5,110      2,103      1,139
                                                                --------    -------    -------
  Income before minority interest in net income of
     subsidiaries...........................................       9,191      3,802      2,014
Minority interest in net income of subsidiaries.............         121         71         --
                                                                --------    -------    -------
  Net income................................................    $  9,070    $ 3,731    $ 2,014
                                                                ========    =======    =======
Basic earnings per share....................................    $   0.93    $  0.59    $  0.35
                                                                ========    =======    =======
Diluted earnings per share..................................    $   0.90    $  0.55    $  0.33
                                                                ========    =======    =======
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                       F-2
<PAGE>   6
 
                                  LASON, INC.
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT FOR SHARES)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        COMMON STOCK        ADDITIONAL
                                    --------------------     PAID-IN        LOANS TO      RETAINED
                                      SHARES      AMOUNT     CAPITAL      STOCKHOLDERS    EARNINGS     TOTAL
                                      ------      ------    ----------    ------------    --------     -----
<S>                                 <C>           <C>       <C>           <C>             <C>         <C>
Balances January 1, 1995........     5,692,040     $ 57      $  8,135       $(1,300)      $    --     $  6,892
Net income......................            --       --            --            --         2,014        2,014
Compensatory stock option
  expense.......................            --       --           308            --            --          308
Forgiveness of stockholder
  loans.........................            --       --            --            44           (44)          --
                                    ----------     ----      --------       -------       -------     --------
Balances at December 31, 1995...     5,692,040       57         8,443        (1,256)        1,970        9,214
Net income......................            --       --            --            --         3,731        3,731
Issuance of shares of common
  stock.........................     3,450,000       35        52,979            --            --       53,014
Redemption of shares of common
  stock.........................      (692,047)      (7)      (11,758)           --            --      (11,765)
Issuance of shares of common
  stock for acquisitions........       136,465        1         1,260            --            --        1,261
Employee stock options
  exercised.....................        23,788       --            52            --            --           52
Increase in stockholder loans...            --       --            --           (65)           --          (65)
Compensatory stock option
  expense.......................            --       --           936            --            --          936
Repayment of stockholder
  loans.........................            --       --            --           628            --          628
Forgiveness of stockholder
  loans.........................            --       --            --           693          (693)          --
                                    ----------     ----      --------       -------       -------     --------
Balances at December 31, 1996...     8,610,246       86        51,912            --         5,008       57,006
Net income......................            --       --            --            --         9,070        9,070
Issuance of shares of common
  stock.........................     2,457,620       25        58,044            --            --       58,069
Compensatory stock option
  expense.......................            --       --           221            --            --          221
Issuance of shares of common
  stock for acquisitions........       251,559        2         6,046            --            --        6,048
Employee stock options
  exercised.....................       231,524        2         1,129            --            --        1,131
                                    ----------     ----      --------       -------       -------     --------
Balances at December 31, 1997...    11,550,949     $115      $117,352       $    --       $14,078     $131,545
                                    ==========     ====      ========       =======       =======     ========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                       F-3
<PAGE>   7
 
                                  LASON, INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                              --------------------------------
                                                                1997        1996        1995
                                                                ----        ----        ----
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>         <C>
Net income..................................................  $   9,070   $   3,731   $  2,014
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
  operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortization.............................      4,941       2,327      1,817
  Compensatory stock option expense.........................        221         936        308
  (Gain) loss on disposal of fixed assets...................       (256)        (20)        23
  Deferred income taxes.....................................      1,761       1,119        781
Changes in operating assets and liabilities net of effects
  from acquisitions:
  Accounts receivable.......................................     (7,120)     (9,282)    (2,695)
  Supplies..................................................     (1,119)       (562)      (384)
  Prepaid expenses and other................................     (3,571)     (3,019)      (698)
  Accounts payable..........................................     (1,073)       (174)       397
  Customer deposits.........................................       (896)      2,792        (31)
  Accrued expenses and other liabilities....................      1,478          69       (277)
                                                              ---------   ---------   --------
Cash flows provided (used) by operating activities..........      3,436      (2,083)     1,255
                                                              ---------   ---------   --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Payments for acquisition of businesses, net of cash
  acquired..................................................    (57,274)    (17,137)    (1,430)
Additions to fixed assets and software development costs....    (11,799)     (4,611)    (1,126)
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets.........................        820          54        713
                                                              ---------   ---------   --------
  Net cash used in investing activities.....................    (68,253)    (21,694)    (1,843)
                                                              ---------   ---------   --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings on revolving line of credit......................    137,793     112,199     35,883
Repayments on revolving line of credit......................   (128,344)   (115,375)   (34,607)
Net proceeds from issuance of shares of common stock........     58,069      53,014         --
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options............        145          --         --
Borrowings on acquisition credit facility...................         --      17,312         --
Repayments on acquisition credit facility...................         --     (17,312)        --
Principal payments on long-term debt........................         --     (13,500)    (1,500)
Redemption of shares of common stock........................         --     (11,765)        --
Proceeds from settlement of shareholder loans...............         --         628         --
Principal payments on lease liabilities and other debt......         --      (1,448)        --
                                                              ---------   ---------   --------
  Net cash provided (used) by financing activities..........     67,663      23,753       (224)
                                                              ---------   ---------   --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents........      2,846         (24)      (812)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year..............         79         103        915
                                                              ---------   ---------   --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year....................  $   2,925   $      79   $    103
                                                              =========   =========   ========
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
  Cash paid during the year for:
     Interest...............................................  $   1,139   $   2,141   $  1,329
     Income taxes...........................................      3,693       1,617      1,000
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                       F-4
<PAGE>   8
 
                                  LASON, INC.
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. ORGANIZATION AND CAPITALIZATION
 
     Lason, Inc. (together with it's subsidiaries, the "Company"), a Delaware
corporation, was incorporated on January 5, 1995. The Company's initial equity
was comprised of $10 million of Class B common stock and approximately $1
million of Class A-1 common stock. The Company contributed the capital to Lason
Acquisition Corporation, a non-operating wholly-owned subsidiary. On January 17,
1995 the cash, in addition to $21 million of bank borrowings, was used to
acquire the assets and assume certain liabilities of Lason Systems, Inc.
("Predecessor") and provide working capital. Subsequent to the acquisition,
Lason Acquisition Corporation changed its name to Lason Systems, Inc. ("Lason")
and continued the business operations of the Predecessor. Prior to the
acquisition, three shareholders collectively acquired 93.8 percent of the Class
A-1 common stock which represented a 46.9 percent aggregate interest of all
outstanding classes of common stock in Lason at the time. The continuing
shareholders' residual interest in the Company was recorded at historical cost
resulting in an $8.6 million reduction in goodwill and stockholders' equity.
 
     In the fourth quarter of 1996, the Company completed an initial public
offering ("IPO") of 3,450,000 shares of common stock, for net proceeds of
approximately $53.0 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and other
offering expenses. Approximately $41.2 million of the net proceeds was used to
repay outstanding debt under the Company's credit agreement and approximately
$11.8 million was used to redeem 692,047 shares of common stock held by the
Company's largest shareholder. In August 1997, the Company completed a secondary
offering of shares of common stock. See Note 5.
 
     In connection with and immediately prior to the consummation of the IPO,
each share of Class A common stock was converted into one share of common stock,
each share of Class B common stock was converted into approximately 1.3 shares
of common stock, and the Company's Board of Directors approved a 2.5 for 1
common stock split. The Company's 1995 consolidated financial statements have
been restated for this recapitalization. The authorized capital stock of the
Company now consists of 20,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per
share and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share.
 
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
NATURE OF BUSINESS AND CUSTOMER CONCENTRATION
 
     The Company provides integrated outsourcing services for document
management, records management and business communications. These services
include high-volume optical and digital printing, facility management operations
at customer sites, converting inputs into digital formats, data base management,
and direct mailing, among others. The Company primarily serves customers in the
manufacturing, financial services, healthcare and professional services
industries.
 
     Transactions with various divisions of one domestic automotive manufacturer
accounted for approximately 17 percent, 32 percent and 49 percent of the
Company's consolidated net revenues for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996
and 1995, respectively. Receivables from that customer were approximately $2.6
million, and $7.2 million as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Transactions with various divisions of another domestic automotive manufacturer
totaled approximately 14 percent, 19 percent and 12 percent of the Company's
consolidated net revenues for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. In addition, the Company had receivables outstanding from this
second customer of approximately $7.1 million and $3.8 million as of December
31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
     The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have
been eliminated in consolidation. 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 at the date of the
                                       F-5
<PAGE>   9
                                  LASON, INC.
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
 
consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the periods presented. Actual results could differ from those
estimates. Certain amounts in the prior year consolidated financial statements
have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.
 
REVENUE RECOGNITION
 
     Revenues are recorded when the services are provided. Revenues are
presented in the consolidated statements of income net of postage because the
cost of such postage is passed through to the customer.
 
CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
     The company classifies as cash and cash equivalents amounts on deposit with
banks and cash invested temporarily in various instruments with maturities of
three months or less at the time of purchase.
 
SUPPLIES
 
     Supplies are valued at cost, which approximates market, with cost
determined using the first-in, first-out method.
 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
     Property and equipment, including significant improvements, are recorded at
cost. Expenditures for normal repairs and maintenance are charged to operations
as incurred. Adjustments of the asset and related accumulated depreciation
accounts are made for retirements of property and equipment with the resulting
gain or loss included in operations.
 
     Assets placed in service prior to January 1, 1996, are depreciated using an
accelerated method over the estimated useful lives of the assets which range
from 5 to 7 years. Assets placed in service after December 31, 1995, are
depreciated using a straight-line method over the estimated lives of the related
assets which range from 5 to 15 years.
 
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
     Goodwill is amortized using a straight-line method over 30 years.
Covenants-not-to-compete are amortized using a straight-line method over the
term of the agreement, generally 4 years. Deferred financing costs are amortized
using the interest method over the term of the associated credit agreement.
 
     The Company capitalizes direct internal and external costs associated with
the development of technological systems, primarily computer software, to meet
the needs of its customers. Such costs, which are included in other intangible
assets, are amortized using a straight-line method over the lesser of five years
or the economic life of the related services. In addition, the Company
capitalizes certain direct internal and external costs associated with upgrading
and enhancing its information systems to support its national information
processing needs. Capitalization of such costs begins when the preliminary
planning stage for each project is completed and management has formally
authorized its funding, and ends when the project is substantially complete.
These costs are amortized using a straight-line method over five years. Research
and development costs and other computer software and hardware maintenance costs
are charged to expense as incurred.
 
     Annually, the Company evaluates the carrying value of intangibles to
determine if there has been an impairment in value. The methodology used for
this evaluation includes a review of annual operating performance, along with a
review of anticipated results for future years. The Company determined that
there had been no impairment in the net carrying amount of intangibles as of
December 31, 1997.
 
                                       F-6
<PAGE>   10
                                  LASON, INC.
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
 
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
     Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 107, "Disclosures
About Fair Value of Financial Instruments," requires disclosures about the fair
value of financial instruments whether or not such instruments are recognized in
the balance sheet. Due to the short-term nature of the Company's financial
instruments, other than debt, fair values are not materially different from
their carrying values. Based on the borrowing rates available to the Company,
the carrying value of debt approximated fair value as of December 31, 1997 and
1996.
 
EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
     SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per Share", was issued in March 1997 and is
effective for financial statements issued after December 15, 1997. This
Statement establishes standards for computing and presenting earnings per share
("EPS") and supersedes Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 15 and its
related interpretations. The Statement replaces the presentation of primary EPS
with a presentation of basic EPS. Basic EPS excludes dilution, whereas diluted
EPS includes the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other
contracts to issue shares of common stock were to be exercised or converted into
shares of common stock. All prior period EPS amounts have been restated to
reflect the provisions of SFAS No. 128.
 
     Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net income available to
common shareholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding. The 1996
and 1995 basic earnings per share amounts are based on the weighted average
number of common shares outstanding, retroactively adjusted for the effect of a
2.5 for 1 common stock split effective October 15, 1996 (see Note 1).
 
     The following table presents a reconciliation of the numerator (income
applicable to common shareholders) and denominator (weighted average common
shares outstanding) for the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations
for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 (in thousands, except per
share amounts).
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            1997                      1996                      1995
                                   -----------------------   -----------------------   -----------------------
                                    NET               PER     NET               PER     NET               PER
                                   INCOME   SHARES   SHARE   INCOME   SHARES   SHARE   INCOME   SHARES   SHARE
                                   ------   ------   -----   ------   ------   -----   ------   ------   -----
<S>                                <C>      <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>
BASIC EPS........................  $9,070    9,704   $0.93   $3,731   6,361    $0.59   $2,014   5,692    $0.35
EFFECT OF DILUTIVE SECURITIES
Contingently issuable shares of
  common stock...................      --       24      --       --      --       --       --      --       --
Potential shares of common stock
  from stock options
  outstanding....................      --      307      --       --     403       --       --     500       --
                                   ------   ------   -----   ------   -----    -----   ------   -----    -----
DILUTED EPS......................  $9,070   10,035   $0.90   $3,731   6,764    $0.55   $2,014   6,192    $0.33
                                   ------   ------   -----   ------   -----    -----   ------   -----    -----
</TABLE>
 
     The weighted average common shares and common share equivalents outstanding
used to compute the dilutive effect of common stock options outstanding was
computed using the treasury stock method prescribed by SFAS No. 128. EPS
calculations include, as outstanding to the date of redemption (October 15,
1996), 692,047 shares of common stock which would have been sold at the initial
offering price of $17.00 per share to fund the redemption of such common stock
owned by the former Class B shareholders.
 
                                       F-7
<PAGE>   11
                                  LASON, INC.
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
 
3. ACQUISITIONS
 
     From June 1995 through December 31, 1997, the Company, through certain of
its subsidiaries, completed the acquisition of either substantially all of the
assets or a controlling stock ownership interest in a substantial number of
companies. Acquisitions completed in 1997 included the following:
 
     In January 1997, Lason acquired all of the outstanding common stock of
Churchill Communications Corporation for $7.5 million in cash and 72,499 shares
of the Company's common stock valued at approximately $1.5 million.
 
     In March 1997, Lason acquired all of the outstanding common stock of
Automated Enterprises, Inc. ("AEI") for $5.9 million in cash and 31,008 shares
of the Company's common stock valued at approximately $655,000. The stock
purchase agreement provides for an additional payment to the selling shareholder
if AEI's financial performance for the year ended December 31, 1997 and the year
ending December 31, 1998 exceed specified targets. Under terms of the agreement,
the selling shareholder can require the Company to accelerate the payment of
$1.6 million in full payment of the Company's additional payment obligation.
 
     In July 1997, Lason acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Image
Conversion Systems, Inc. ("ICS") for approximately $18.9 million in cash and
47,441 shares of the Company's common stock valued at approximately $1.1
million. Of the total cash payment, approximately $10.5 million was used to
repay the outstanding debt of ICS and approximately $8.4 million was paid to the
selling shareholders.
 
     The shares of common stock issued in connection with the acquisition of ICS
are (i) being held in escrow as collateral to indemnify the Company if
contingencies set forth in the purchase agreement occur within twelve months
from the date of the acquisition, and (ii) subject to forfeiture if ICS does not
achieve targeted operating income in 1997 and in 1998. Further, if the operating
income of ICS for such periods exceeds a targeted level, the purchase price may
be increased by up to approximately $3.0 million.
 
     In November 1997, Lason acquired all of the common stock of Spectrum
Document Services, Inc. ("Spectrum") for $481,000 in cash, a $2.7 million
short-term promissory note due January 10, 1998 and a $300,000 promissory note,
due January 10, 1999. The payment of the $300,000 promissory note is contingent
on Spectrum generating a targeted operating cash flow for the twelve month
period ending October 31, 1998.
 
     Also in November 1997, Lason acquired substantially all of the assets of
VIP Imaging Inc. ("VIP") for $14.5 million in cash and 147,260 shares of the
Company's common stock valued at approximately $4.0 million. With respect to the
cash portion of the purchase price, $250,000 is being held in escrow and will be
increased or decreased on a dollar-for-dollar basis to the extent net working
capital, as defined by the asset purchase agreement, as of the closing date
exceeds or falls below $4.756 million. With respect to the shares of common
stock issued in connection with the VIP acquisition, 36,815 of such shares are
being held in escrow as collateral to indemnify the Company if contingencies set
forth in the purchase agreement occur. In addition, the purchase price may be
increased up to $1.0 million if certain earnings and sales targets are met in
the first 13-month period and subsequent 12-month period following the closing
date of the acquisition.
 
     Also during 1997 the Company, through certain of its subsidiaries, acquired
all of the common stock of Alpha Imaging, Inc.; Alpha Micro Graphics Supply,
Inc.; Premier Copy Group, Inc.; Corporate Copies, Inc.; American Micro-Image,
Inc.; Tri-City Micrographics, Inc.; Litigation Solutions, Inc.; and Data
Reduction Inc.; and substantially all of the assets of Florida Data Bank, Inc.
and Image Data Corporation, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately
$13.0 million consisting of $8.7 million in cash, $3.4 million of short-term
promissory notes due January 5, 1998 and 37,607 shares of the Company's common
stock valued at approximately $891,000.
 
     All purchase price contingencies, if any, will be recorded as an adjustment
to the purchase price when the contingency is resolved.
 
                                       F-8
<PAGE>   12
                                  LASON, INC.
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
 
     Generally, shares of common stock issued or to be issued in connection with
the acquisitions, are subject to lock-up agreements ranging from twelve to
twenty-four months. The lock-up agreements restrict the owners' ability to sell
the shares of common stock.
 
     Each of the acquisitions was accounted for as a purchase. The results of
operations for the year ended December 31, 1997 include the results of
operations for each of the acquired companies since the date of their respective
acquisition.
 
     The aggregate purchase price for the acquisitions completed for the year
ended December 31, 1997, excluding liabilities assumed and including common
stock held in escrow, was approximately $71.0 million. The purchase price was
allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on the related
fair values at the date of acquisition. The excess of the aggregate purchase
price over the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed has been
allocated to goodwill and is being amortized on a straight-line method over 30
years.
 
     In conjunction with these acquisitions, liabilities assumed and other
non-cash consideration was as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                             <C>
Fair value of assets acquired...............................    $ 23,500
Goodwill....................................................      54,329
Cash paid in consideration for companies acquired...........     (55,891)
Stock issued in consideration for companies acquired........      (6,048)
Promissory notes issued in consideration for companies
  acquired..................................................      (6,085)
                                                                --------
Liabilities assumed.........................................    $  9,805
                                                                ========
</TABLE>
 
     The following table summarizes pro forma unaudited results of operations as
if each of the acquisitions completed during 1997 had occurred at the beginning
of each year presented (in thousands, except per share amounts):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                        ----------------------------
                                                          1997              1996
                                                          ----              ----
                                                                (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                     <C>              <C>
Revenues............................................    $159,374          $127,924
Income before income taxes..........................      15,187            10,487
Net income..........................................       9,486             6,280
Basic earnings per share............................    $   0.96          $   0.95
Diluted earnings per share..........................        0.93              0.88
</TABLE>
 
4. LONG-TERM DEBT
 
     Lason has a credit agreement with a bank group providing for revolving
credit loans up to $80 million. Borrowings will be used to finance additional
acquisitions of businesses, working capital, capital expenditures and for other
corporate purposes. Borrowings under the credit agreement are collateralized by
substantially all of Lason's assets. Lason is not required to make principal
payments prior to 2001, the term of the loan. Interest on amounts outstanding is
calculated based on interest rates determined at the time of borrowing.
Borrowings bear interest at rates ranging from LIBOR plus a maximum of 2.25% to
a base percentage rate plus a maximum of 1.25%, depending on the Company's
leverage ratio. The credit agreement contains covenants which, among other
things, place restrictions on the acquisition and disposal of assets, payment of
dividends and incurrence of liabilities and sets minimum requirements for free
cash flow and certain financial ratios. As of December 31, 1997, the loan
agreement prohibits Lason from advancing funds or paying dividends to the
Company. Borrowings outstanding under the credit agreement totaled $13.6 million
and $4.1 million as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
                                       F-9
<PAGE>   13
                                  LASON, INC.
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
 
     As of December 31, 1997, Lason was in violation of certain non-financial
covenants. In February 1998, Lason obtained waivers of such non-financial
covenant violations.
 
5. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
     In August 1997, the Company completed a secondary offering of 2,457,620
shares of common stock for net proceeds of approximately $58.0 million, after
deducting underwriting discounts and other offering expenses. The net proceeds
were used to repay debt outstanding under the Company's credit agreement and for
general corporate purposes.
 
     In connection with the transaction described in Note 1, Lason loaned
certain shareholders, who were also shareholders in the Predecessor,
approximately $1.3 million in 1995 which was used to pay their tax liability
resulting from the sale of the assets of the Predecessor. In conjunction with
the completion of the IPO in 1996, 50 percent of the then outstanding amounts of
the shareholder loans were forgiven by the Company and charged to retained
earnings. At the same time, the remaining 50 percent of shareholder loans
outstanding were repaid to the Company, along with the related accrued interest
to the date of settlement.
 
6. INCOME TAXES
 
     The Company and its qualifying subsidiaries file a consolidated Federal
income tax return. The Federal income tax provision is computed on the
consolidated taxable income of the Company and those subsidiaries.
 
     The components of the consolidated income tax provision are as follows (in
thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                                       ------------------------------
                                                        1997        1996        1995
                                                        ----        ----        ----
<S>                                                    <C>         <C>         <C>
Current provision
  Federal..........................................    $3,011      $  972      $  358
  State............................................       338          12          --
                                                       ------      ------      ------
Total current provision............................    $3,349      $  984      $  358
                                                       ------      ------      ------
Deferred provision
  Federal..........................................    $1,684      $1,092      $  781
  State............................................        77          27          --
                                                       ------      ------      ------
Total deferred provision...........................    $1,761      $1,119      $  781
                                                       ------      ------      ------
Total income tax provision.........................    $5,110      $2,103      $1,139
                                                       ======      ======      ======
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>   14
                                  LASON, INC.
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
 
     Deferred income taxes represent the net tax effects of temporary
differences between the carrying value amounts of assets and liabilities for
financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax return
purposes. Significant components of the Company's deferred Federal income tax
assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   DECEMBER 31,
                                                                ------------------
                                                                 1997        1996
                                                                 ----        ----
<S>                                                             <C>         <C>
Deferred tax assets related to:
  Goodwill..................................................    $2,317      $2,624
  Depreciation..............................................        --          63
  Compensatory stock option expense.........................       361         435
  Allowance for doubtful accounts...........................       146          54
  Covenant-not-to-compete amortization......................        43          30
  Other.....................................................         7          --
                                                                ------      ------
  Total deferred tax assets.................................    $2,874      $3,206
                                                                ======      ======
Deferred tax liabilities related to:
  Prepaid expenses..........................................    $1,059      $  787
  Goodwill..................................................       965         486
  Supplies..................................................       840         795
  Depreciation..............................................       418          --
  Capitalized software development costs....................       284          96
  Other.....................................................        27          --
                                                                ------      ------
  Total deferred tax liabilities............................    $3,593      $2,164
                                                                ======      ======
</TABLE>
 
     The difference between the Company's statutory Federal income tax rate and
its effective Federal income tax rate of 35.7 percent, 35.6 percent and 36.1
percent for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively,
results primarily from travel and entertainment expenses and certain goodwill
amortization that is not deductible for Federal income tax purposes.
 
7. STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
     SFAS No. 123 "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation" was issued in
October 1995 and was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15,
1995. That standard requires significantly more disclosure regarding employee
stock options and encourages companies to recognize compensation expense for
stock-based awards based on the fair value of such awards on the date of grant.
Alternatively, companies may continue to account for such transactions under
Accounting Principles Board Opinion ("APB") No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued
to Employees", provided that disclosures are made regarding the net income and
earnings per share impact as if the value recognition and measurement criteria
of SFAS No. 123 had been adopted. The Company has elected to continue to account
for employee stock options under APB No. 25.
 
     The Company's 1995 stock option plan was adopted by the Board of Directors
and approved by the Company's shareholders in January 1995. A committee composed
of non-employee members of the Board of Directors determines which key employees
will participate in the Plan. Under the Plan, the Company may grant up to
1,000,000 shares of common stock.
 
     For certain options granted during 1996 and 1995, the exercise price was
less than the fair value of the Company's stock on the date of grant and,
accordingly, compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period for such
difference. For certain other options granted in 1997 and 1996, the exercise
price equaled the market price on the date of grant and, therefore, no
compensation expense was recognized. Options generally
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>   15
                                  LASON, INC.
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
 
vest over a period which ranges from 3 to 5 years from the date of grant and
each option's maximum term is generally 7 years from the grant date.
 
     The provisions of certain stock option agreements provided for immediate
vesting of those options on the effective date of the IPO. Accordingly, the
Company recorded a non-cash expense of $653,000 during the fourth quarter of
1996 to recognize the compensation associated with the immediate vesting of
those stock options. Total compensation expense recorded for the years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 was approximately $221,000, $936,000 and
$308,000, respectively.
 
     Had compensation expense for the Company's stock option plan been
determined based on the fair value at the grant dates for awards, consistent
with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, the Company's net income and earnings per
share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts as follows (in thousands,
except per share amounts):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                        ------------------------
                                                         1997     1996     1995
                                                         ----     ----     ----
<S>                                                     <C>      <C>      <C>
Net income
  As reported.........................................  $9,070   $3,731   $2,014
  Pro forma...........................................   8,159    3,582    1,957
Basic earnings per share
  As reported.........................................  $ 0.93   $ 0.59   $ 0.35
  Pro forma...........................................    0.84     0.56     0.32
Diluted earnings per share
  As reported.........................................  $ 0.90   $ 0.55   $ 0.33
  Pro forma...........................................    0.81     0.53     0.32
</TABLE>
 
     For purposes of computing the pro forma amounts above, the fair value of
each option granted was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model
with the following weighted-average assumptions used for grants in 1997, 1996
and 1995, respectively: dividend yield of 0.0 percent for all three years;
expected volatility of 59 percent for 1997 and 74 percent for 1996 and 1995;
risk free interest rates of 6.12 percent, 5.98 percent and 6.39 percent,
respectively; and expected lives of 4.17 years, 4.02 years and 2.43 years,
respectively.
 
     A summary of the status of the Company's stock option plan is as follows
for each of the years ended December 31:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    1997                          1996                         1995
                         ---------------------------   --------------------------   --------------------------
                                    WEIGHTED-AVERAGE             WEIGHTED-AVERAGE             WEIGHTED-AVERAGE
                          SHARES     EXERCISE PRICE    SHARES     EXERCISE PRICE    SHARES     EXERCISE PRICE
                          ------    ----------------   ------    ----------------   ------    ----------------
<S>                      <C>        <C>                <C>       <C>                <C>       <C>
Outstanding at
  beginning of year...    755,243        $ 5.33        419,326        $ 0.40             --        $  --
Granted
  Price = fair
     value............    167,996         23.66        210,500         16.75             --           --
  Price < fair
     value............         --            --        166,250          2.40        419,326         0.40
Exercised.............   (231,524)         0.66        (23,788)         0.40             --           --
Canceled..............    (28,397)        16.90        (17,045)         0.40             --           --
                         --------                      -------                      -------
Outstanding at end of
  year................    663,318        $11.14        755,243        $ 5.33        419,326        $0.40
                         ========                      =======                      =======
Options exercisable at
  end of year.........    262,413                      388,765                       56,818
Weighted-average fair
  value of options
  granted during
  year................     $12.00                        $8.95                        $2.51
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>   16
                                  LASON, INC.
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
 
     The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding
as of December 31, 1997:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         NUMBER          WEIGHTED-AVERAGE                                 NUMBER
   RANGES OF          OUTSTANDING           REMAINING           WEIGHTED-AVERAGE       EXERCISABLE        WEIGHTED-AVERAGE
EXERCISE PRICE        AT 12/31/97        CONTRACTUAL LIFE        EXERCISE PRICE        AT 12/31/97         EXERCISE PRICE
---------------       ------------       ----------------       ----------------       ------------       ----------------
<S>                   <C>                <C>                    <C>                    <C>                <C>
$ 0.40 - $ 3.19         212,672                5.16                  $ 0.40              187,172               $ 0.40
  3.20 -  16.74         112,950                5.48                    4.37               33,241                 4.00
 16.75 -  17.74         182,500                5.96                   16.75               36,500                16.75
 17.75 -  28.25         155,196                6.53                   24.18                5,500                19.85
                        -------                                                          -------
                        663,318                5.75                  $11.14              262,413               $ 3.54
                        =======                ====                  ======              =======               ======
</TABLE>
 
8. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
 
     The Company has a 401(k) profit-sharing plan and trust (the "Plan"). Each
employee who is 21 years of age or older who has worked for the Company for
twelve months and performed 1,000 hours of service or, has an adjusted service
date with the equivalent or greater term of service, is eligible to participate
in the Plan. Eligible participants may contribute not less than 2 percent and up
to 15 percent of their pretax compensation to the Plan. The Plan is contributory
and the Company, at its discretion, can match up to 33 percent of eligible
participant contributions not to exceed 9 percent of the participant's earnings.
The Company's match contribution for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996,
and 1995 totaled approximately $337,000, $201,000, $172,000, respectively.
 
9. LEASE COMMITMENTS
 
     The Company has various operating lease agreements related primarily to
equipment and buildings. As of December 31, 1997, future minimum rental payments
required under noncancelable operating leases with initial or remaining lease
terms in excess of one year are as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
1998........................................................  $ 6,418
1999........................................................    4,914
2000........................................................    3,681
2001........................................................    2,283
2002........................................................    1,141
                                                              -------
Total.......................................................  $18,437
                                                              =======
</TABLE>
 
     In addition, the Company has a number of equipment leases that are on a
month-to-month basis.
 
     Total rent expense for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 was
approximately $9.2 million, $6.4 million and $5.2 million, respectively.
 
10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
   
     The Company purchases printing services from a company owned by the wife of
it's former president and a principal shareholder of the Company. For the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 the Company paid approximately $1.7
million, $1.4 million and $981,000, for such printing services. As of December
31, 1997 and 1996, $103,800 and $114,389 was due to that company, respectively,
for printing services, and is included in accounts payable in the consolidated
balance sheets. In December 1997, the Company sold certain assets to this
company and recognized a gain on the sale of approximately $183,000.
    
 
     The Company leases property and a building from a general partnership in
which the Company's Chairman is the managing partner. Another principal
shareholder of the Company owns 33.33 percent of such
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>   17
                                  LASON, INC.
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONCLUDED
 
partnership and is one of its partners. The Company paid $150,150, $191,100 and
$191,100 in rent to that partnership for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996
and 1995, respectively.
 
   
     The Company leases certain equipment from a company in which the Company's
Chairman is a 50 percent owner and its president. For the years ended December
31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 the Company paid $116,500, $184,390 and $57,100,
respectively, in rent for such operating leases.
    
 
     The Company contracts temporary employment services from a company which is
owned by the wife of a senior member of management. The Company paid $797,000,
$735,670 and $2,905 for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively, for such services.
 
     The Company believes that all the above transactions were on terms that
were reasonable and competitive. Additional transactions of the nature described
may take place in the ordinary course of business in the future.
 
11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
     Various claims have been made against the Company in the normal course of
business. Management believes that none of these legal proceedings will have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition or
results of operations.
 
12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
     During the first quarter of 1998, the Company, through certain of its
subsidiaries, acquired either substantially all of the assets or 100% of the
common stock of several companies for an aggregate purchase price, excluding
liabilities assumed, of approximately $54.7 million, consisting of $45.3 million
in cash, funded by bank borrowings, and 320,359 shares of the Company's common
stock valued at approximately $9.4 million.
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>   18
 
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Lason, Inc.
 
     We have audited the consolidated financial statements and the financial
statement schedule of Lason, Inc. (the "Company") and subsidiaries listed in
Item 14(A) of this Form 10-K. These financial statements and financial statement
schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility
is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement
schedule based on our audits.
 
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Lason, Inc.
and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the consolidated results
of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule
referred to above, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements
taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information
required to be included therein.
 
Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
 
Detroit, Michigan
March 16, 1998
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>   19
 
                                                                      SCHEDULE I
 
                                  LASON, INC.
 
                 CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
                                 BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   DECEMBER 31,
                                                                -------------------
                                                                  1997       1996
                                                                  ----       ----
<S>                                                             <C>         <C>
ASSETS
Investment in subsidiaries..................................    $131,184    $56,573
Deferred tax asset..........................................         361        433
                                                                --------    -------
     Total assets...........................................    $131,545    $57,006
                                                                ========    =======
LIABILITIES
Total liabilities...........................................          --         --
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock................................................    $    115    $    86
Additional paid in capital..................................     117,498     51,986
Retained earnings...........................................      13,932      4,934
                                                                --------    -------
     Total stockholders' equity.............................     131,545     57,006
                                                                --------    -------
     Total liabilities and stockholders' equity.............    $131,545    $57,006
                                                                ========    =======
</TABLE>
 
                                       S-1
<PAGE>   20
 
                                                                      SCHEDULE I
 
                                  LASON, INC.
 
                 CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
                               INCOME STATEMENTS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                              ------------------------
                                                               1997     1996     1995
                                                               ----     ----     ----
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>      <C>
REVENUE.....................................................  $   --   $   --   $   --
OPERATING EXPENSES
Compensatory stock option expense...........................     221      936      308
                                                              ------   ------   ------
Operating loss..............................................    (221)    (936)    (308)
Equity in net income of subsidiaries........................   9,219    4,339    2,217
                                                              ------   ------   ------
Income before taxes.........................................   8,998    3,403    1,909
Income tax benefit..........................................     (72)    (328)    (105)
                                                              ------   ------   ------
  Net Income................................................  $9,070   $3,731   $2,014
                                                              ======   ======   ======
</TABLE>
 
                                       S-2
<PAGE>   21
 
                                                                      SCHEDULE I
 
                                  LASON, INC.
 
                 CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                --------------------------------
                                                                  1997        1996        1995
                                                                  ----        ----        ----
<S>                                                             <C>         <C>         <C>
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES.......................    $     --    $     --    $     --
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Investment in subsidiary....................................     (65,248)    (41,236)    (10,900)
                                                                --------    --------    --------
Net cash used in investing activities.......................     (65,248)    (41,236)    (10,900)
                                                                --------    --------    --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Issuance of shares of common stock..........................      65,248      53,001      10,900
Redemption of shares of common stock........................          --     (11,765)         --
                                                                --------    --------    --------
Net cash provided by financing activities...................      65,248      41,236      10,900
                                                                --------    --------    --------
Change in cash..............................................          --          --          --
Cash at beginning of year...................................          --          --          --
Cash at end of year.........................................    $     --    $     --    $     --
                                                                ========    ========    ========
</TABLE>
 
                                       S-3
<PAGE>   22
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
                                          Lason, Inc.
 
                                          By:   /s/ WILLIAM J. RAUWERDINK
                                              ----------------------------------
                                                   William J. Rauwerdink
                                                Executive Vice President and
                                                  Chief Financial Officer
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and the dates indicated:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                SIGNATURE                                       TITLE                           DATE
                ---------                                       -----                           ----
<S>                                         <C>                                          <C>
 
                    *                         Chairman of the Board                        April 15, 1998
------------------------------------------
            Robert A. Yanover*
 
            /s/ GARY L. MONROE                President, Chief Executive Officer           April 15, 1998
------------------------------------------    (Principal Executive Officer) and
              Gary L. Monroe                  Director
 
        /s/ WILLIAM J. RAUWERDINK             Executive Vice President, Chief Financial    April 15, 1998
------------------------------------------    Officer, Treasurer and Secretary
          William J. Rauwerdink               (principal financial and accounting
                                              officer)
 
                    *                         Director                                     April 15, 1998
------------------------------------------
             Fariborz Ghadar
 
                    *                         Director                                     April 15, 1998
------------------------------------------
            Donald M. Gleklen
 
                    *                         Director                                     April 15, 1998
------------------------------------------
             Allen J. Nesbitt
 
                    *                         Director                                     April 15, 1998
------------------------------------------
             Joseph R. Nolan
 
                    *                         Director                                     April 15, 1998
------------------------------------------
             Bruce V. Rauner
 
      *By: /s/ WILLIAM J. RAUWERDINK
   ------------------------------------
          William J. Rauwerdink,
             Attorney-in-Fact
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>   23
                                EXHIBIT INDEX

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

EXHIBIT                                                                                        PAGE
NO.                     DESCRIPTION                                                            NO.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________

<S>            <C>                                                                        <C>

2.1             Asset Purchase Agreement and Equipment Purchase dated
                May 29, 1995 by and among Lason Systems, Inc., Adcom
                Mailers, Inc. and its affiliated company, Linkster Leasing.(1)
2.2             Asset Purchase Agreement dated December 28, 1995 by and among
                Lason Systems, Inc. and Mail-Away Corporation.(1)
2.3             Asset Purchase Agreement dated February 1, 1996 by and among
                Lason Systems, Inc. and Diversified Support Services, Inc.(1)
2.4             Stock Purchase Agreement with respect to the acquisition of
                Delaware Legal Copy, Inc. dated March 25, 1996 by and among
                Lason Systems, Inc. and the Shareholders (as defined
                therein).(1)
2.5             Stock Purchase Agreement with respect to the acquisition of 
                Information & Image Technology of America, Inc. dated July 16,
                1996 by and among Lason Systems, Inc. and the Shareholders as
                (as defined therein).(1)
2.6             Stock Purchase Agreement with respect to the acquisition of 
                Great Lakes Micrographics Corporation dated July 17, 1996 by
                and among Lason Systems, Inc. and the Shareholders (as defined
                therein).(1)
2.7             Stock Purchase Agreement with respect to the acquisition of 
                Micro-Pro, Inc. and MP Services, Inc. dated July 24, 1996 by
                and among Lason Systems, Inc. and the Shareholders (as defined
                therein.(1)
2.8             Stock Purchase Agreement with respect to the acquisition of 
                National Reproductions Corp. dated August 6, 1996 by and
                among Lason Systems, Inc. and the Shareholders (as defined
                therein).(1)
2.9             Agreement of Purchase and Sale of Stock with respect to the
                acquisition of Image Conversion Systems, Inc. dated July 17,
                1996.(6)
2.10            Asset Purchase Agreement with respect to the VIP Acquisition.
                (9)
2.11            Stock Purchase Agreement with respect to the Racom Acquisition.
                (10)
2.12            Asset Purchase Agreement with respect to the API Acquisition.
                (11)
3.1             Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of 
                the Company.(1)
3.2             Form of Revised Amended and Restated By-Laws of the

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                                     E-1
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EXHIBIT                                                                                   PAGE
NO.                           DESCRIPTION                                                 NO.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
<S>            <C>                                                                        <C>

                Company.(1)
3.3             Form of Revised Amended and Restated By-Laws.(2)
4.1             Form of certificate representing Common Stock of the 
                Company.(1)
10.1            Asset Purchase Agreement dated February 1, 1996 by and among
                Lason Acquisition Corp, Lason Systems, Inc. and the J. Yanover
                Trust, the R. Yanover Trust and Messrs. Nesbitt, Kowalski,
                Elland and Carey.(1)
10.2            Purchase Agreement dated January 17, 1995 by and between the 
                Company and GTCR Fund IV.(1)
10.3            Executive Stock Agreement dated January 17, 1995 by and among
                the Company and the J. Yanover Trust, the R. Yanover Trust, the
                Nesbitt Trust and Messrs. Kowalski, Elland and Carey.(1)
10.4            Stockholders Agreement dated January 17, 1995. by and among the 
                Company and certain of its stockholders.(1)
10.5            Registration Agreement dated January 17, 1995 by and among the 
                Company and the 1995 Stockholders.(1)
10.6            Credit Agreement dated January 17, 1995 by and among Lason
                Acquisition Corp., the J. Yanover Trust, the R. Yanover Trust
                and Mr. Yanover.(1)
10.7            Credit Agreement dated January 17, 1995 by and among Lason
                Acquisition Corp., the Nesbitt Trust and Mr. Nesbitt.(1)
10.8            Employment Agreement between Lason Systems, Inc. and Gary
                Monroe.(1)
10.9            Offer of employment dated April 30, 1996 from Lason Systems,
                Inc. to Mr. Rauwerdink.(1)
10.10           Offer of employment dated April 30, 1996 from Lason Systems,
                Inc. to Mr. Jablonski.(1)
10.11           1995 Stock Option Plan of the Company.(1)
10.12           Employee Stock Option Agreements dated January 17, 1995 by and
                among the Company and each of Donald L. Elland, Richard C.
                Kowalski, Gregory C. Carey, Karl H. Hartig, James J. Dewan,
                Lawrence C. Jones, Scott L. Christensen, Daniel J. Buckley,
                Paul G. Dugan, John H. Wallanse and David J. Malosh.(1)
10.13           Employee Stock Option Agreement dated December 21, 1995 by
                and between the Company and Mr. Monroe.(1)
10.14           Stock Option Agreement dated August 7, 1995 by and between the 
                Company and Mr. Gleklen.(1)
10.15           Employee Stock Option Agreement by and between the Company and
                Mr. Rauwerdink.(1)


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                                     E-2
<PAGE>   25
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<CAPTION>


EXHIBIT                                                                                   PAGE
NO.                  DESCRIPTION                                                          NO.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
<S>            <C>                                                                        <C>

10.16           Employee Stock Option Agreement by and between the Company
                and Mr. Jablonski.(1)
10.17           1996 Lason Management Bonus Plan.(1)
10.18           Lason Systems, Inc. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan & Trust.(1)
10.19           Amendments to Lason Systems, Inc. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan
                & Trust.(1)
10.20           Loan Agreement dated January 17, 1995 by and among Lason
                Systems, Inc., First Union National Bank of North Carolina,
                as lender and  as agent, and each other lender party thereto,
                including Term Note and Revolving Credit Note.(1)
10.21           Security Agreement dated as of January 17, 1995 by and among
                Lason Systems, Inc. and First Union National Bank of North
                Carolina, as agent for Lenders (as defined in the Loan 
                Agreement).(1)
10.22           Guaranty Agreement dated as of January 17, 1995 given by the 
                Company and extended to First Union National Bank of North
                Carolina, as agent for Lenders (as defined in the Loan
                Agreement), and as Lenders for the benefit of Lason Systems.(1)
10.23           Guarantor Pledge Agreement dated as of January 17, 1995 given
                by the Company for the benefit of First Union National Bank of
                North Carolina, as agent for Lenders (as defined in the Loan
                Agreement).(1)
10.24           First Amendment to Loan Agreement dated as of March 25, 1996
                between Lason Systems, Inc. and First Union National Bank of
                North Carolina, as agent.(1)
10.25           Second Amendment to Loan Agreement dated as of May 15, 1996
                between Lason Systems, Inc. and First Union National Bank of
                North Carolina, as agent.(1)
10.26           Third Amendment to Loan Agreement dated as of July 10, 1996
                between Lason Systems, Inc. and First Union National Bank of 
                North Carolina, as agent.(1)
10.27           Lease Agreement dated as of September 3, 1985 by and between
                Lason Systems, Inc. and Mart Associates as amended.(1)
10.28           Lease Agreement dated as of August 3, 1995 by and between Lason
                Lason Systems, Inc. and Kensington Center, Inc.(1)
10.29           Lease Agreement by and between Lason Systems, Inc. and The Prudential
                Insurance Company of America.(1)
10.30           Fourth Amendment to Loan Agreement dated as of August 16, 1996 
                between Lason Systems, Inc. and First Union National Bank

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                                     E-3
<PAGE>   26
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<CAPTION>

EXHIBIT                                                                         PAGE
NO.                  DESCRIPTION                                                NO.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>             <C>                                                              <C>

                North Carolina, as agent, including the Amended and
                Restated Revolving Credit Note and Interim Term
                Note(1)
10.31           First Amendment to Lease Agreement dated as of July 26,
                1996 by and between Lason Systems, Inc. and Kensington
                Center, Inc.(1)
10.32           Form of Recapitalization Agreement among the Company
                and certain of its stockholders, including Plan
                Recapitalization.(1)
10.33           Form of Voting Agreement among the Company and certain
                of its stockholders.(1)
10.34           Form of Termination Agreement between Lason Systems,
                Inc. and each of the Borrowers.(1)
10.35           Form of Redemption Agreement between the Company and
                Golder Thoma, Cressey, Rauner Fund IV, L.P.(1)
10.36           Amendment to Employee Stock Option Agreement by and
                between the Company and Mr. Gleklen.(1)
10.37           Agreement of Purchase and Sale of Stock with respect
                to Churchill Acquisition.(3)
10.38           Employee Stock Option Agreement by and between the
                Company and Mr. Rauwerdink dated December 17, 1996.(4)
10.39           Employee Stock Option Agreement by and between the
                Company and Mr. Jablonski dated December 17, 1996.(4)
10.40           Employee Stock Option Agreement by and between the
                Company and Mr. Monroe dated December 17, 1996.(5)
10.41           Employee Stock Option Agreement by and between the
                Company and Mr. Ghadar dated January 15, 1997.(5)
10.42           Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated February 20,
                1997 by and among Lason Systems, Inc., First Union
                National Bank of North Carolina, as agent for the
                Lenders, and each other lender party thereto,
                including Term Note and Swingline Credit Note.(5)
10.43           Amended and Restated Security Agreement dated February
                20, 1997 by and among Lason Systems, Inc. and First
                Union National Bank of North Carolina, as lender and
                as agent for Lenders.(5)
10.44           Amended and Restated Guaranty Agreement dated February
                20, 1997 given by the Company and extended to First
                Union National Bank of North Carolina, as agent for
                Lenders and as Lenders for the benefit of Lason
                Systems.(5)
10.45           Amended and Restated Guarantor Pledge Agreement dated
                February 20, 1997 made by the Company for the benefit
                of 
                
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                                     E-4
<PAGE>   27
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

EXHIBIT                                                                              PAGE
NO.                       DESCRIPTION                                                NO.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
<S>            <C>                                                                   <C>

                First Union National Bank of North Carolina, as agent
                for Lenders.(5)
10.46           Lender Addition and Acknowledgment Agreement.(7)
10.47           First Amendment to Amended and Restated Loan
                Agreement.(7)
10.48           Amendment to Stock Option Agreement between the
                Company and William J. Rauwerdink dated October 7,
                1997.(8)
10.49           Amendment to Stock Option Agreement between the
                Company and Brian E. Jablonski dated October 7,
                1997.(8)
21.1            Subsidiaries of the Company. (12)
23.1            Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.+ 
24.1            Powers of Attorney. (12)
27.1            Financial Data Schedule. (12)
</TABLE>
    

 +   filed herewith

(1)  Incorporated herein by reference to registrant's Form S-1 filed on October
     7, 1996, Commission File No. 333-09799.

(2)  Incorporated herein by reference to registrant's Form 10-Q filed on May
     15, 1997, Commission File No. 0-21407.

(3)  Incorporated herein by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on February
     18, 1997, Commission File No. 0-21407.

(4)  Incorporated herein by reference to registrant's Form S-8 filed on December
     23, 1996, Commission File No. 333-18551.

(5)  Incorporated herein by reference to registrant's Form 10-K filed on March
     31, 1997, Commission File No. 0-21407.

(6)  Incorporated herein by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on August
     4, 1997, Commission File No. 0-21407.

(7)  Incorporated herein by reference to registrant's Amendment No. 1 to Form 
     S-1 filed on August 15, 1997.

(8)  Incorporated herein by reference to registrant's Form 10-Q filed on
     November 14, 1997, Commission File No. 0-21407.

(9)  Incorporated herein by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on December
     10, 1997, Commission File No. 0-21407.

(10) Incorporated herein by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on March
     17, 1998, Commission File No. 0-21407.

(11) Incorporated herein by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on March
     20, 1998, Commission File No. 0-21407.
   
(12) Previously filed with initial filing.
    


                                     E-5