<PAGE>   1
                                 UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
   

                                  FORM 10K/A
    

              [X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
                      THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                  For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996

                                       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)


                      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)


       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (810) 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 Par 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, 1997, computed by reference to
the last sale price for such stock on that date as reported on the Nasdaq
National Market System, was $83,476,497.

     As of March 20, 1997, 8,787,570 shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per
share, were outstanding.

                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant's Notice of 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and
Proxy Statement (Part III)




<PAGE>   2

   
    

ITEM 8.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

   
     The financial statements and supplemental finanical information included
in this report are set forth on the Index to Financial Statements and Financial
Statement Schedules included in this report.
    

   
    





                                       11


<PAGE>   3
   
    

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
page E-1.

   
    







                                       12


<PAGE>   4
                                 EXHBIT INDEX

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
    NO.        DESCRIPTION
----------     -----------
<S>  <C>

 2.1 Asset Purchase Agreement and Equipment Purchase Agreement 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 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)

 3.1 Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company.(1)

 3.2 Form of Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company.(1)

 4.1 Form of certificate representing Common Stock of the Company.(1) 

</TABLE>


                                     E-1

<PAGE>   5

                                                                     Page 2 of 5

<TABLE>
<S>  <C>
10.1 Asset Purchase Agreement dated January 17, 1995 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. and 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. and 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 June 12, 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 Mr. Elland, Mr. Kowalski, Mr. 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) 
</TABLE>


                                     E-1
<PAGE>   6

                                                                     Page 3 of 5


<TABLE>
<S>   <C>

10.15 Employee Stock Option Agreement by and between the Company and Mr.
      Rauwerdink.(1)

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 the 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 the
      Lenders (as defined in the Loan Agreement), and the Lenders for the
      benefit of Lason Systems.(1)

10.23 Guarantor Pledge Agreement dated as of January 17, 1995 made by the
      Company for the benefit of First Union National Bank of North Carolina, as
      agent for the 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 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 August 3, 1995 by and between Lason Systems, Inc.
      and Kensington Center, Inc.(1) 

</TABLE>




                                     E-1
<PAGE>   7

                                                                     Page 4 of 5

<TABLE>
<S>   <C>

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 of North Carolina, as
      agent, including Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Note and Interim
      Term Note.(1)

10.31 First Amendment to Lease dated as of July 26, 1996, by and between
      Kensington Center, Inc. and Lason Systems, Inc.(1)

10.32 Form of Recapitalization Agreement among the Company and certain of its
      stockholders, including Plan of 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.(2)

10.38 Employee Stock Option Agreement by and between the company and Mr.
      Rauwerdink dated December 17, 1996.(3)

10.39 Employee Stock Option Agreement by and between the Company and Mr.
      Jablonski dated December 17, 1996.(3)

10.40 Employee Stock Option Agreement by and between the Company and Mr. Monroe
      dated December 17, 1996.* 

10.41 Employee Stock Option Agreement by and between the Company and Mr. Ghadar
      dated January 15, 1997.*

10.42 Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated February 20, 1997, between Lason
      Systems, Inc., First Union National Bank of North Carolina, as lender and
      as agent and each other lender party thereto, including, Revolving Credit
      Note and Swingline Note.* 

</TABLE>



                                     E-1
<PAGE>   8

                                                                     Page 5 of 5

   
<TABLE>
<S>   <C>
10.43 Amended and Restated Security Agreement dated February 20, 1997 by and
      among Lason Systems, Inc., First Union National Bank of North Carolina, as
      lender and as agent for the Lenders.*

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 the Lenders, and the Lenders for the benefit of Lason
      Systems.*

10.45 Amended and Restated Guarantor Pledge Agreement dated February 20, 1997
      made by the Company for the benefit of First Union National Bank of North
      Carolina, as agent for the Lenders.*

11.1 Statement regarding computation of per share earnings.*

21.1 Subsidiaries of the Company.*

23.1 Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.*  

27.1 Financial Data Schedule.*
</TABLE>
    

---------------------
* filed herewith

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

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

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



                                     E-1

<PAGE>   9
                                 Lason, Inc.
       Index To Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules



FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996 and 1995       F-1
Consolidated statements of income for each of the years ended 
       December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994                            F-2
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for each of the
       years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994                F-3
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the years ended 
       December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994                            F-4
Notes to consolidated financial statements                         F-5 to F-15

OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
Reports of independent accountants                                 F-16 to F-17

FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES:
1.  Condensed financial information of registrant                  S-1 to S-3

All other schedules are omitted as not applicable or the information required
is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.



<PAGE>   10
                                 Lason, Inc.
                         Consolidated Balance Sheets
                      (In thousands, except for shares)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              December 31,
                                                                                     ------------------------------
                                                                                         1996             1995
                                                                                     -------------    -------------
<S>                                                                                  <C>              <C>
ASSETS
Cash                                                                                 $          79    $         103
Accounts receivable (net)                                                                   24,546           11,090
Supplies                                                                                     2,273            1,245
Prepaid expenses and other                                                                   4,213            2,021
                                                                                     -------------    -------------
     Total current assets                                                                   31,111           14,459

Computer equipment and software                                                              2,735            1,430
Production and office equipment                                                              5,416            1,237
Leasehold improvements                                                                       1,010              695
Other                                                                                          644              124
                                                                                     -------------    -------------
                                                                                             9,805            3,486
     Less: Accumulated depreciation                                                         (2,184)            (978)
                                                                                     -------------    -------------
     Net property and equipment                                                              7,621            2,508
Deferred income taxes                                                                        2,571            2,817
Goodwill (net of accumulated amortization of $1,482 and $572 at
     December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively)                                              35,911           16,848
Other intangibles (net of accumulated amortization of $274 and $105 at
     December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively)                                               1,332              677
                                                                                     -------------    -------------

     TOTAL ASSETS                                                                    $      78,546    $      37,309
                                                                                     =============    =============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accrued expenses                                                                     $       4,199    $       3,004
Current portion of long-term debt                                                           -                 2,000
Accounts payable                                                                             4,751            2,744
Customer deposits                                                                            3,706              914
Deferred income taxes                                                                        1,529              656
                                                                                     -------------    -------------
     Total current liabilities                                                              14,185            9,318
Long-term debt, less current portion                                                        -                11,500
Revolving credit line borrowings                                                             4,101            7,277
Minority interests                                                                             257           -
Other liabilities                                                                            1,937           -
                                                                                     -------------    -------------
     TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MINORITY INTERESTS                                               20,480           28,095
                                                                                     -------------    -------------

Common stock with a put option                                                               1,060           -

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common Stock, $.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized,
     8,610,246 and 5,692,040 shares issued and outstanding at
        December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively                                                86               57
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized,
     none issued and outstanding at December 31, 1996;
        1,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding
        at December 31, 1995                                                                -                -
Additional paid-in capital                                                                  51,912            8,443
Loans to stockholders                                                                       -                (1,256)
Retained earnings                                                                            5,008            1,970
                                                                                     -------------    -------------
     TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                                             57,006            9,214
                                                                                     -------------    -------------

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                           $      78,546    $      37,309
                                                                                     =============    =============
</TABLE>


  The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the  consolidated financial
                                  statements.

                                      F-1

<PAGE>   11
                                  Lason, Inc.
                       Consolidated Statements of Income
                  (In thousands, except for per share amounts)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              COMPANY        PREDECESSOR
                                                                        -------------------  -----------
                                                                            YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                        --------------------------------
                                                                           1996       1995       1994
                                                                         --------   --------   --------
<S>                                                                      <C>        <C>        <C>          
Revenues, net of postage of $29,672, $20,672 and $15,276 for the
     year ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively.         $ 69,937   $ 46,605   $ 41,151
Cost of revenues                                                           47,587     31,227     27,238
                                                                         --------   --------   --------
     Gross profit                                                          22,350     15,378     13,913
                                                                                                 
Selling, general and administrative expenses                               12,628      9,406      8,377
Compensatory stock option expense                                             936        308       -
Amortization of intangibles                                                 1,121        817        266
                                                                         --------   --------   --------
     Income from operations                                                 7,665      4,847      5,270
Interest expense                                                            1,831      1,760        185
Other income                                                                  (71)       (66)       (21)
                                                                         --------   --------   --------
     Income before income taxes                                                                  
          and minority interest in net income of subsidiaries               5,905      3,153      5,106
Provision for income taxes                                                  2,103      1,139       -
                                                                         --------   --------   --------
     Income before minority interest in net income of subsidiaries          3,802      2,014      5,106
Minority interest in net income of subsidiaries                                71       -          -
                                                                         --------   --------   --------
                                                                                                 
     Net income                                                          $  3,731   $  2,014   $  5,106
                                                                         ========   ========   ========       

Earnings per share                                                       $   0.55   $   0.33
                                                                         ========   ========          
</TABLE>





  The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the  consolidated financial
                                  statements.

                                      F-2

<PAGE>   12
   
                                  Lason, Inc.
                Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
              For the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                       (In thousands except for shares)
    

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              Additional
                                                         Common Stock           Paid-in       Loans to       Retained
                                                      Shares      Amount        Capital     Stockholders     Earnings      Total
                                                    ---------     ------       ---------    ------------    ----------     -----
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>          <C>            <C>           <C>         <C>
PREDECESSOR                                                                                                             
-----------------------------------------------                                                                         
Balances January 1, 1994                              605,000     $    6       $     163      $      -      $   6,398   $    6,567
Distributions to shareholders                             -           -               -              -         (5,218)      (5,218)
Issuance of shares of common stock                     15,500         -              168             -             -           168
Net income                                                -           -               -              -          5,106        5,106
                                                    ---------     ------       ---------      ---------     ---------   ----------
                                                                                                                        
Balances at December 31, 1994                         620,500     $    6       $     331      $      -      $   6,286   $    6,623
                                                    =========     ======       =========      =========     =========   ==========
                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                        
COMPANY                                                                                                                 
-----------------------------------------------                                                                         
Balances January 1, 1995 (see Notes 1 and 5)        5,692,040     $   57       $   8,135      $  (1,300)    $       -   $    6,892
Net income                                                -           -               -               -          2,014       2,014
Compensatory stock option expense                         -           -              308              -            -           308
Forgiveness of shareholder 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
Increase in shareholder loans                             -           -               -             (65)           -           (65)
Compensatory stock option expense                         -           -              936             -             -           936
Issuance of shares of common stock                  3,610,253         36          54,291                                    54,327
Redemption of shares of common stock                 (692,047)        (7)        (11,758)                          -       (11,765)
Repayment of shareholder loans                            -           -               -             628                        628
Forgiveness of shareholder loans                          -           -               -             693          (693)           0
                                                    ---------     ------       ---------      ---------     ---------   ----------
                                                                                                                           
Balances at December 31, 1996                       8,610,246     $   86       $  51,912      $      -      $   5,008   $   57,006
                                                    =========     ======       =========      =========     =========   ==========
</TABLE>





   The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements

                                      F-3


<PAGE>   13
                                  Lason, Inc.
                     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                                 (In thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          COMPANY                     PREDECESSOR
                                                               ------------------------------        -------------
                                                                  Years Ended December 31,
                                                               ------------------------------        -------------
                                                                  1996                1995               1994
                                                               ----------           ---------        -------------
<S>                                                            <C>                  <C>                <C>       
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                          
Net income                                                     $    3,731           $   2,014          $   5,106
Adjustments to reconcile net income to                                                                   
     net cash provided by operating activities:                                                          
     Depreciation and amortization                                  2,327               1,817              1,238
     Compensatory stock option expense                                936                 308                 -
     (Gain) loss on disposal of fixed assets                          (20)                 23                 12
     Deferred income taxes                                          1,119                 781                 -
Changes in operating assets and liabilities                                                              
     net of effects from acquisitions:                                                                   
     Accounts receivable                                           (9,282)             (2,695)              (498)
     Supplies                                                        (562)               (384)               (83)
     Prepaid expenses and other                                    (3,019)               (698)              (255)
     Accounts payable                                                (174)                397               (523)
     Customer deposits                                              2,792                 (31)               454
     Accrued expenses                                                 602                (277)               287
     Minority interests                                                71                  -                  -
     Other liabilities                                               (604)                 -                  -
                                                               ----------           ---------          ---------
     Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities           (2,083)              1,255              5,738
                                                               ----------           ---------          ---------
                                                                                                         
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                                                                    
Payments for net assets of acquired businesses,                                                          
     net of cash acquired                                         (17,137)             (1,430)            (1,028)
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets                                    54                 713                 -
Purchase of fixed assets                                           (4,611)             (1,126)              (758)
Other                                                                   -                  -                 (33)
                                                               ----------           ---------          ---------
     Net cash used in  investing activities                       (21,694)             (1,843)            (1,819)
                                                               ----------           ---------          ---------
                                                                                                         
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                                                                    
Borrowings on revolving line of credit                            112,199              35,883                 -
Repayments on revolving line of credit                           (115,375)            (34,607)                -
Net proceeds from issuance of shares of common stock               53,001                  -                  -
Borrowings on acquisition credit facility                          17,312                  -                  -
Repayments on acquisition credit facility                         (17,312)                 -                 168
Principal payments on long-term debt                              (13,500)             (1,500)              (243)
Redemption of shares of common stock                              (11,765)                 -                  -
Principal payments on lease liabilities and other debt             (1,435)                 -                  -
Distributions to shareholders                                         -                    -              (5,218)
Proceeds from short-term borrowings, net                              -                    -               1,200
Proceeds from long-term debt                                          -                    -                 203
Proceeds from settlement of shareholder loans                         628                  -                  -
                                                                                                         
                                                               ----------           ---------          ---------
     Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities           23,753                (224)            (3,890)
                                                               ----------           ---------          ---------
                                                                                                         
Net (decrease) increase in cash                                       (24)               (812)                29
Cash at beginning of period                                           103                 915                 73
                                                               ----------           ---------          ---------
Cash at end of period                                          $       79           $     103          $     102
                                                               ==========           =========          =========                 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information                                                         
     Cash paid during the year for:                                                                      
           Interest                                            $    2,141           $   1,329          $     181
                                                               ==========           =========          =========                 
           Income taxes                                        $    1,617           $   1,000          $      -
                                                               ==========           =========          =========                 
</TABLE>

  The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the  consolidated financial
                                  statements.

                                      F-4

<PAGE>   14
                                  LASON, INC.
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



1. ORGANIZATION AND CAPITALIZATION

     Lason, Inc. (formerly Lason Holdings, Inc. the "Company"), a Delaware
corporation, was incorporated on January 5, 1995.  The Company's 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 funds to Lason
Acquisition Corporation, a non-operating 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 owned 93.8 percent of the common stock of the Predecessor.  As
part of the acquisition, the same three shareholders ("continuing
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 acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and, accordingly, at such
date the Company recorded the assets and liabilities assumed at their estimated
fair values.    The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net
assets acquired totaling $16.8 million was allocated to goodwill and is being
amortized over 30 years.

     Pursuant to the consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force Issue Number
88-16, "Basis in Leveraged Buyout Transactions," goodwill was reduced by
approximately $8.6 million representing the continuing shareholders' residual
interest in the Company with a corresponding charge against shareholders'
equity.  The reduction in stockholders' equity represents a temporary difference
between the tax basis and assigned book value of goodwill that will result in
future tax deductions.  A deferred Federal income tax asset was recorded and
was credited to stockholders equity (see Note 7).

     The aggregate purchase price and its allocation to the historical assets
and liabilities of the Company as of January 17, 1995 were as follows:


   
Cost to acquire net assets of the Predecessor                       $31,445
Adjustment to value continuing shareholders' interest at     
  predecessor basis                                                  (8,652)
                                                                    -------
                                                                    $22,793
                                                                    =======
Allocation of purchase price:                                             
Net assets acquired                                                 $ 5,968
Goodwill                                                             16,825
                                                                    -------
Total purchase price allocated                                      $22,793
    
                                                                    =======

2. OPERATIONS 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 and direct
mailing, among others.  The Company primarily serves customers in the
automotive, financial services, healthcare and professional services
industries.


                                      F-5


<PAGE>   15


     Transactions with various divisions of one domestic automotive
manufacturer accounted for approximately 32 percent, 49 percent and 55 percent
of the Company's  consolidated net revenues for the
years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.  Receivables from
that customer were approximately $7.2 million,  and $3.4 million  as of
December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.  Transactions with various divisions
of another domestic automotive manufacturer totaled approximately 19 percent,
12 percent and 12 percent of the Company's consolidated net revenues for the
years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.  In addition, the
Company had receivables outstanding from this second customer of approximately
$3.8 million and $1.7 million as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
The  Company also had various transactions with a third domestic automotive
manufacturer which were not a significant percentage of total consolidated net
revenues for each of the three years ended December 31, 1996.


3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

     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 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 rendered.  Revenues are
presented in the consolidated statements of income net of postage because the
cost of postage is passed through to the customer.


     Supplies

     Supplies are valued at cost, which approximates market, with cost
determined using the first-in, first-out method.


     Property and Equipment

     Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 121, "Accounting
for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Assets to be Disposed of", was
issued in March, 1995 and was effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 1995.  That statement established standards for measuring
impairment losses of long-lived assets, certain identifiable intangibles and
goodwill related to those assets to be held and those to be disposed of.  The
adoption of SFAS No. 121  had no impact on the Company's financial condition,
results of operations or cash flow for the year ended December 31, 1996.





                                      F-6


<PAGE>   16


     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.  The change in depreciation
methods did not have a material impact on the Company's results of operations,
financial condition or cash flow for the year ended December 31, 1996.


     Intangible Assets

     Goodwill is amortized using a straight-line method over 30 years.  Other
intangible assets generally consist of covenants-not-to-compete and deferred
financing costs.  Covenants-not-to-compete  are being 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.

     Annually, the Company evaluates the carrying value of goodwill to
determine if there has been any impairment in value.  The methodology used for
this evaluation includes a review of annual operating performance along with
anticipated results for future years.  The Company determined that there had
been no impairment in the net carrying amount of goodwill as of December 31,
1996.


     Fair Value of Financial Instruments

     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, 1996 and 1995.


     Earnings Per Share

     For purposes of computing earnings per share, common stock equivalents
include outstanding stock options. Earnings per share are based on the weighted
average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding,
retroactively adjusted for the effect of a 2.5 for 1 common stock split
effective October 15, 1996 (see Note 5).

     The weighted average common shares and common share equivalents
outstanding 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>   17


     The weighted average common shares and common share equivalents
outstanding were 6,764,249 and 6,192,292 for the years ended December 31, 1996
and 1995, respectively.

     Earnings per share are not presented for the Predecessor for the year
ended December 31, 1994 as such information is not representative of the
capital structure of the Company.


4. ACQUISITIONS

     From June 1995 through December 31, 1996, Lason completed the acquisition
of either substantially all of the assets or a controlling stock ownership
interest in eight companies.  The stock acquisitions included acquiring 65% of
the outstanding common stock of Delaware Legal Copy, Inc. in April 1996, 100%
of the outstanding common stock of Information & Image Technology of America,
Inc. and Great Lakes Micrographics Corporation in July 1996,  80% of the
outstanding common stock of Micro-Pro, Inc. and MP Services, Inc. (two
affiliated companies, "Micro-Pro") in July 1996,  and 100% of the outstanding
common stock of National Reproductions Corp. ("NRC")  in August 1996.  Each of 
the acquisitions was accounted for as a purchase.  Accordingly, the results of 
operations of the acquired companies are included in the consolidated results
of operations from the respective date of acquisition.

     The selling shareholders of Micro-Pro have retained  20% of the  capital
stock of Micro-Pro.  Under certain conditions, the Company may purchase the
remaining 20%, or the selling shareholders may compel the Company to purchase
the remaining 20% of the capital stock of Micro-Pro at a future date.  The
Company's call option will expire in January, 1998 and the selling shareholders
put option will expire in  January, 1999.   The acquisition of the remaining
20% of Micro-Pro, either through the Company's call option or the selling
shareholders put option, will be accounted for as the acquisition of a minority
interest using the purchase method of accounting on the date the shares are
acquired.

     The selling shareholders of Delaware Legal Copy, Inc. ("Delaware") have
retained 35% of the  capital stock of Delaware.  Under certain conditions, the
Company may purchase the remaining 35%, or the selling shareholders may compel
the Company to purchase the remaining 35% of the capital stock of Delaware at a
future date.  The Company's call option will expire in September, 1997 and the
selling shareholders put option will expire in  September, 1998.   The
acquisition of the remaining 35% of Delaware, either through the Company's call
option or the selling shareholders put option, will be accounted for as the
acquisition of a minority interest using the purchase method of accounting on
the date the shares are acquired.

     The purchase price for the acquisition of Information and Image Technology
of America, Inc. ("IITA")  may be adjusted  based on IITA's financial
performance for the period March 1, 1996 through February 28, 1997.  If IITA's
financial performance exceeds a specified target, the purchase price will be
increased by a percentage equal to the percentage by which IITA's actual
performance exceeded the target, but not more than $945,000.  If the financial
performance is below the target, the purchase price will be decreased by a
percentage equal to the percentage by which IITA's actual performance was below
the target, but not more than $472,000.  The purchase price contingency will be
recorded as an adjustment to the purchase price when the contingency is
resolved.  A portion of the consideration paid to the selling shareholders for
the capital stock of IITA was 74,114 shares of the Company's common stock valued
at $1,259,938.





                                      F-8


<PAGE>   18


     A portion of the consideration paid to the two selling shareholders for
the capital stock of Great Lakes Micrographics Corporation ("Great Lakes") was
62,352 shares of the Company's common stock valued at $1,060,000.  Each of the
selling shareholders have the right, until January 17, 1999,  to require the
Company to purchase all of the stock issued in connection with the acquisition
for up to $1,060,000 ($17.00 per share).  The resulting put option has been
recorded as common stock issued with a put option and is not included in
stockholders' equity in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 1996.

     In connection with acquisition of NRC, the Company issued a $400,000
promissory note as partial consideration for the capital stock acquired.  The
note  was convertible, at any time up to October 1, 1997, into  23,529 shares
of the Company's common stock.  The holder of the note converted it in
February, 1997.

     The aggregate purchase price for the acquisitions completed for the year
ended December 31, 1996, excluding liabilities assumed,  was approximately
$19.9 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):


    Fair value of assets acquired                                 $ 6,213
    Goodwill                                                       19,980
    Covenant not-to-compete                                           200
    Cash paid in consideration for companies acquired             (17,137)
    Stock issued in consideration for companies acquired           (2,320)
    Promissory note issued in consideration for company acquired     (400)
                                                                  -------
    Liabilities assumed                                           $ 6,536
                                                                  =======


     The following table summarizes pro forma unaudited results of operations
as if  each of the acquisitions completed during 1996 had occurred at the
beginning of each period presented (in thousands):


                                          Year Ended December 31,
                                         -------------------------
                                            1996         1995
                                          ---------    --------
                                               (unaudited)

             Revenues                     $84,525      $75,052


             Income before income taxes     6,667        3,841
             Net income                     4,156        2,408

             Earnings per share             $0.61        $0.39









                                      F-9


<PAGE>   19
5. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

     In the fourth quarter of 1996, the Company completed an initial public
offering ("IPO") of 3,450,000 shares of common stock , including the
underwriter's over-allotment option,  at $17.00 per share for net proceeds to
the Company 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 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 $.01 per share and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par
value $0.01 per share. 

   
     In connection with the acquisition described in Note 1, Lason entered 
into a Credit Agreement dated January 17, 1995 with certain shareholders who 
were also shareholders in the Predecessor, pursuant to which Lason loaned the
shareholders $1.3 million 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. LONG-TERM DEBT

     On January 17, 1995, Lason  entered into a credit agreement with a bank
which included a $10 million revolving line of credit and a $15 million term
loan.  Interest on amounts outstanding under the agreement is calculated using
rates determined at the time of borrowing.  The Company chooses the applicable
interest rate on each borrowing.  Borrowings on the revolving line of credit
bear interest at either the bank's prime rate plus .75 percent or LIBOR plus
2.25 percent.  Borrowings on the term loan are collateralized by substantially
all of Lason's assets and bear interest at either the bank's prime rate plus
1.0 percent or LIBOR plus 2.50 percent.  Interest payment due dates vary
depending on the rate chosen.  Revolving credit availability is based on 85
percent of eligible accounts receivable.

     In July 1996, the credit agreement was amended to include an additional
$10 million acquisition credit facility, expiring on the earlier of June 30,
2001 or an initial public offering by the Company.  In addition, in August
1996, Lason amended the credit agreement to provide for up to an
additional $8.5 million of interim loans, payable upon the earlier of March 31,
1997 or an initial public offering by the Company.  In August 1996, Lason also
amended the credit agreement to increase the existing $10 million revolving
credit facility to $13 million. 







                                      F-10



<PAGE>   20


     Long-term debt outstanding consisted of the following (in thousands):


                                                   December 31,
                                                ------------------
                                                 1996        1995
                                                ------     -------
             Revolving line of credit due 2001  $4,101     $ 7,277
             Term bank loan due 2001              -         13,500
             Less: current portion                -         (2,000)

                                                ------     -------
             Total long-term debt               $4,101     $18,777
                                                ======     =======


     The loan agreement contains covenants which, among other things, restricts
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, 1996, the loan agreement prohibits Lason
from advancing funds or paying dividends to the Company.

     As of December 31, 1996, Lason was in violation of  miscellaneous
non-financial covenants.  On February 27, 1997, Lason obtained waivers of such
covenant violations.

     On February 20, 1997, Lason's Credit Agreement was amended and restated to
provide revolving credit loans in the initial amount of $40 million , which may
be increased  to $60 million at Lason's request , and after payment of a
commitment fee and Bank review and approval. The increased borrowing capacity
will be used to finance additional acquisitions of businesses, working capital,
capital expenditures and for other corporate purposes.    Borrowings, if any,
under the Credit Agreement will be collaeralized by substantially all of
Lason's assets. Lason will not be required to make principal payments prior to
2001,  the term of the loan.  Interest on amounts outstanding will be
calculated based on interest rates determined at the time of borrowing.
Borrowings will bear interest at rates ranging from a base percentage rate plus
a maximum of 1.25%  to LIBOR plus a maximum of 2.25%, depending on the
Company's leverage ratio.  The Credit Agreement contains restrictions on the
acquisition of stock or assets, disposal of assets, incurrence of other
liabilities, minimum requirements for cash flow and certain financial ratios.


7. 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 income tax provision are as follows (in thousands):


                                           Year Ended December 31,
                                         ---------------------------
                                           1996         1995
                                         -------       ------

             Current provision            $  984       $  358
             Deferred provision            1,119          781
                                         -------       ------      
             Total income tax provision   $2,103       $1,139      
                                         =======       ======      






                                      F-11



<PAGE>   21


     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):



                                                    December 31,   
                                                 ------------------- 
                                                  1996         1995   
                                                 ------       ------ 
 Deferred tax assets related to:                                     
                                                                     
   Goodwill                                      $2,624      $2,745  
   Depreciation                                      63         146  
   Compensatory stock option expense                435         111  
   Allowance for doubtful accounts                   54          27  
   Covenant-not-to-compete amortization              30           9  
                                                 ------      ------
   Total deferred tax assets                     $3,206      $3,038
                                                 ======      ======

Deferred tax liabilities related to:             $  795      $  423
    Supplies                                        787         259         
    Prepaid expenses                                486         194         
    Goodwill                                         96           -         
    Other                                        ------      ------         
                                                 $2,164      $  876         
    Total deferred tax liabilities               ======      ======         
                                                                    

     The difference between the Company's statutory Federal income tax rate
and its effective Federal income tax rate of 35.6 percent and 36.1 percent for
the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, results primarily
from travel and entertainment expenses and certain goodwill amortization that
is not deductible for Federal income tax purposes.

     The Predecessor elected to be taxed as an S-Corporation and, as such, did
not pay corporate income tax.  Therefore, no Federal income tax has been
recorded in the consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31,
1994.


8. 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 selects certain key
employees to be participants in the Plan.  Under the Plan, the Company may grant
up to 1,000,000 shares of common stock.


                                      F-12



<PAGE>   22


     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 1996, the exercise price
equaled the market price on the date of grant and, therefore, no compensation
expenses was recognized.  Options generally 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 record the compensation associated with the immediate vesting of those
stock options.   Total compensation expense recorded for the years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1995 was approximately $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):


                                           --------------------------
                                               1996        1995
                                           ------------  ------------

          Net income          As reported      $3,731     $2,014
                              Pro forma         3,582      1,957

          Earnings per share  As reported      $ 0.55     $ 0.33
                              Pro forma          0.53       0.32


     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 1996 and
1995, respectively: dividend yield of 0.0 percent in both years; expected
volatility of 74 percent in both years; risk free interest rates of 5.98
percent and 6.39; and expected lives of 4.02 years  and 2.43 years.

     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>

                                             1996                                 1995                                           
                               --------------------------------        -----------------------------
                                               Weighted-Average                     Weighted-Average                          
                                  Shares       Exercise  Price          Shares      Exercise  Price                           
                               --------------------------------        -----------------------------
<S>                              <C>              <C>                   <C>              <C>
Outstanding at beginning year    419,326          $ 0.40                   -             $ -                   
Granted:                                                                                                                      
        Price = Fair Value       210,500           16.75                   -               -                             
        Price < Fair Value       166,250            2.40                419,326           0.40                              
Exercised                        (23,788)           0.40                   -               -                 
Canceled                         (17,045)           0.40                   -                                                      
                                 -------                                -------
Outstanding at end of year       755,243            5.33                419,326           0.40  
                                 =======                                =======
                                                                                                                              
Options exercisable at year-end  388,765                                 56,818                    
Weighted-average fair value                                                                                                   
        of options granted                                                                                                    
        during the year          $8.95                                    $2.51                                               
</TABLE>


                                      F-13


<PAGE>   23


     The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding
as of December 31, 1996:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       Options Outstanding                                       Options Exerciseable
                        -----------------------------------------------------            -----------------------------------
                          Number       Weighted-Average                                   Number
Range of                Outstanding       Remaining          Weighted-Average            Exerciseable       Weighted-Average
Exercise Prices         At 12/31/96    Contractual Life      Exercise Price              At 12/31/96        Exercise Price
---------------         -----------    ----------------      ----------------            -----------        ----------------
<S>                     <C>              <C>                  <C>                        <C>                <C>
$0.40 - $ 3.19           436,993             5.73              $ 0.40                      376,765             $0.40
 3.20 -  16.74           107,750             6.36                3.20                       12,000              3.20
16.75 -  16.75           210,500             6.96               16.75                         
                         -------             ----              ------                      -------             -----
                         755,243             6.16              $ 5.33                      388,765             $0.56
                         =======             ====              ======                      =======             =====
</TABLE>                                     

9. 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, 1996, 1995 and 1994 totaled  approximately $201,000, $172,000 and
$156,000, respectively.


10. LEASE COMMITMENTS

     The Company has various operating lease agreements related primarily to
equipment and buildings.  As of December 31, 1996, 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):


   
                                 1997   $ 2,877
                                 1998     2,797
                                 1999     2,617
                                 2000     1,974
                                 2001     1,422
                                        -------
                                 Total  $11,687
                                        =======
    


     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, 1996, 1995 and 1994
was  approximately $6.4 million,  $5.2 million and $4.5 million, respectively.


11. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

     The Company purchases printing services from a company owned by the wife
of the former president and one of the principal shareholders of the Company.
For the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, the Company paid
approximately $1.4 million, $981,000 and $726,000,  respectively, for such
printing services.  As of December 31, 1996  and 1995, $114,389 and $204,000
was due to that company, respectively,  for printing services, and is included
in accounts payable in the consolidated balance sheet.


                                      F-14


<PAGE>   24
     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 partnership and is one of
its partners. For each of the three years ended December 31, 1996, the Company
paid $191,100 in rent to that partnership. 

     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, 1996, 1995 and 1994, the Company paid $184,390, $57,100 and $30,100,
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 $735,670
and $2,905 for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, for
such services.  No amounts were paid to such company for the year ended December
31, 1994.

     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.


12. 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.


13. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

     In January, 1997, Lason acquired 100 percent of the outstanding
common stock of Churchill Communications Corporation and 100 percent of the
outstanding common stock of Alpha Imaging, Inc. and Alpha Micro Graphics
Supply, Inc. (affiliated companies). In March, 1997, Lason acquired 100 
percent of the outstanding common stock of Automated Enterprises Inc. and 100 
percent of the outstanding common stock of Premier Copy Group, Inc. The 
aggregate purchase price excluding liabilities assumed, was approximately 
$19.9 million of which approximately $17.5 million was funded by bank 
borrowings and approximately $2.4 million through the issuance of shares of 
the Company's common stock.




                                      F-15


<PAGE>   25


                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Lason, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balanced sheets of Lason, Inc.
(the "Company") as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated
statements of income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the two
years in the period ended December 31, 1996.  We have also audited the
accompanying statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows of Lason
Systems, Inc. (the "Predecessor") for the year ended December 31, 1994.  These
financial statements 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 audit.

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. as of
December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the consolidated results of their operations
and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

Detroit, Michigan
March 26, 1997

                                      F-16


<PAGE>   26


                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

Our report on the consolidated financial statements of Lason, Inc. is included
on page F-16 of this Form 10-K.  In connection with our audits of such financial
statements, we have also audited the related financial statement schedule
included on pages S-1 through S-3 of this Form 10-K.

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 26, 1997




                                     F-17



<PAGE>   27
                                                                      SCHEDULE I

                                  Lason, Inc.
                 Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
                                 Balance Sheets
                                 (In thousands)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  DECEMBER 31,
                                                                              --------------------
                                                                               1996          1995
                                                                              ------        ------
<S>                                                                           <C>           <C>
ASSETS
Investment in subsidiaries                                                  $ 57,859      $ 12,914
Deferred tax asset                                                               433           105
                                                                            --------      --------
   Total assets                                                             $ 58,292      $ 13,019
                                                                            ========      ========
LIABILITIES
   Total liabilities                                                             -             -

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock                                                                $     86      $     57
Additional paid in capital                                                    53,272        11,151
Retained earnings                                                              4,934         1,811
                                                                            --------      --------
   Total stockholders' equity                                                 58,292        13,019

   Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                               $ 58,292      $ 13,019
                                                                            ========      ========

</TABLE>


                                      S-1

<PAGE>   28

                                                                     SCHEDULE I
                                  Lason, Inc.
                 Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
                               Income Statements
                                 (In thousands)


 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                YEAR ENDED
                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                                              -----------------
                                                               1996       1995
                                                              ------     ------
<S>                                                          <C>        <C>
REVENUE                                                      $     -    $     -

OPERATING EXPENSES
Compensatory stock option expense                                936        308
                                                             -------    -------
Operating loss                                                  (936)      (308)
Equity in net income of subsidiaries                           3,731      2,014
                                                             -------    -------
Income before income taxes                                     2,795      1,706
Income tax benefit                                              (328)      (105)
                                                             -------    -------
   NET INCOME                                                $ 3,123    $ 1,811
                                                             =======    =======
</TABLE>




                                      S-2


<PAGE>   29
                                                                      SCHEDULE I

                                  Lason, Inc.
                 Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
                            Statements of Cash Flows
                                 (In Thousands)




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               YEAR ENDED
                                                                               DECEMBER 31,
                                                                          --------------------
                                                                           1996          1995
                                                                          ------        ------
<S>                                                                    <C>           <C>
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES                                  $       -     $      -

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARY                                                 (41,236)     (10,900)
                                                                       ---------     ---------
Net cash used in investing activities                                    (41,236)      (10,900)
                                                                       ---------     ---------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Issuance of shares of common stock                                        53,001        10,900
Redemption of shares of common stock                                     (11,765)         -

                                                                       ---------     ---------
Net cash provided by financing activities                                 41,236        10,900
                                                                       ---------     ---------
Change in cash                                                              -              -
Cash at beginning of year                                                   -              -
Cash at end of year                                                    $    -        $     -
                                                                       =========     =========
</TABLE>





                                      S-3



<PAGE>   30
                                   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: 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>
Robert A. Yanover*                         Chairman of the Board                           April 3, 1997
----------------------------------
Robert A. Yanover                       

Gary L. Monroe*                            Chief Executive Officer (principal              
----------------------------------         executive officer) and Director                 April 3, 1997
Gary L. Monroe*         

Allen J. Nesbitt*                          President and Director                          April 3, 1997
----------------------------------
Allen J. Nesbitt

/s/ William J. Rauwerdink*                 Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
----------------------------------         Officer, Treasurer and Secretary
William J. Rauwerdink*                     (principal financial and accounting officer)    April 3, 1997

Fariborz Ghadar*                           Director                                        Apirl 3, 1997
----------------------------------
Fariborz Ghadar

Donald M. Gleklen*                         Director                                        April 3, 1997
----------------------------------
Donald M. Gleklen       

Joseph P. Nolan*
----------------------------------         Director                                        April 3, 1997
Joseph R. Nolan

Bruce V. Rauner*                           Director                                        April 3, 1997
----------------------------------
Bruce V. Rauner


*By:   /s/  William J. Rauwerdink
    ---------------------------------------------
      William J. Rauwerdink, Attornery-in-Fact
</TABLE>