
<PAGE>

                             Letter of Transmittal
                        to Tender Shares of Common Stock
                                       of
                              Balance Bar Company
            Pursuant to the Offer to Purchase dated January 28, 2000
                                       by
                              BB Acquisition, Inc.
                     a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of
                               Kraft Foods, Inc.


   THE OFFER AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS WILL EXPIRE AT 12:00 MIDNIGHT, NEW YORK
    CITY TIME, ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2000, UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED.


                        The Depositary for the Offer is:

                    AMERICAN STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY

        By Mail:           By Overnight Courier:             By Hand:
     40 Wall Street            40 Wall Street             40 Wall Street
       46th Floor                46th Floor                 46th Floor
  New York, N.Y. 10005      New York, N.Y. 10005       New York, N.Y. 10005
                            Attn: Reorganization
                                 Department

    By Facsimile Transmission for           For Confirmation by Telephone:
      Eligible Institutions and                     (212) 936-5100
            Confirmation:
           (718) 234-5001

                         DESCRIPTION OF SHARES TENDERED
<TABLE>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                                             Share Certificate(s) and Share(s) Tendered
                                        (Please attach additional signed list, if necessary)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Name(s) and Address(es) of                           Total Number of
        Registered Holder(s)          Share Certificate  Shares Represented  Number of Shares
     (Please fill in, if blank)          Number(s)(1)    by Certificate(s)     Tendered(2)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>                <C>                <C>
                                -------------------------------------------------------------
                                -------------------------------------------------------------
                                -------------------------------------------------------------
                                -------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
        Total Shares Tendered
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 (1) Need not be completed by shareholders who deliver Shares by book-entry
     transfer ("Book-Entry Shareholders").
 (2) Unless otherwise indicated, all Shares represented by certificates
     delivered to the Depositary will be deemed to have been tendered. See
     Instruction 4.
 [_]CHECK HERE IF CERTIFICATES HAVE BEEN LOST OR MUTILATED. SEE INSTRUCTION
    11.


   The names and addresses of the registered holders of the tendered Shares
should be printed, if not already printed above, exactly as they appear on the
Share Certificates tendered hereby.
<PAGE>

   DELIVERY OF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS SET
FORTH ABOVE, OR TRANSMISSION OF INSTRUCTIONS VIA FACSIMILE TO A NUMBER OTHER
THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE, WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A VALID DELIVERY TO THE
DEPOSITARY. YOU MUST SIGN THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL IN THE APPROPRIATE SPACE
PROVIDED THEREFOR BELOW, WITH SIGNATURE GUARANTEE IF REQUIRED, AND COMPLETE
THE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 SET FORTH BELOW.

   THE INSTRUCTIONS CONTAINED WITHIN THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL SHOULD BE READ
CAREFULLY BEFORE THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL IS COMPLETED.

   This Letter of Transmittal is to be used by shareholders of Balance Bar
Company, (the "Company") if certificates for Shares (as defined below) are to
be forwarded herewith or, unless an Agent's Message (as defined in Section 3
of the Offer to Purchase) is utilized, if delivery of Shares is to be made by
book-entry transfer to an account maintained by the Depositary at the Book-
Entry Transfer Facility (as defined in Section 2 of the Offer of Purchase and
pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 3 thereof).

   Holders of Shares whose certificates for such Shares (the "Share
Certificates") are not immediately available, or who cannot complete the
procedure for book-entry transfer on a timely basis, or who cannot deliver all
other required documents to the Depositary prior to the Expiration Date (as
defined of the Offer to Purchase), must tender their Shares according to the
guaranteed delivery procedure set forth in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase.
See Instruction 2. DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO THE BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER FACILITY
WILL NOT CONSTITUTE DELIVERY TO THE DEPOSITARY.


                               TENDER OF SHARES

 [_]CHECK HERE IF TENDERED SHARES ARE BEING DELIVERED BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER
    TO THE DEPOSITARY'S ACCOUNT AT THE BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER FACILITY AND
    COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING (ONLY PARTICIPANTS IN THE BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER
    FACILITY MAY DELIVER SHARES BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER):

   Name of Tendering Institution: ___________________________________________

   Account Number: __________________________________________________________

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

   Transaction Code Number: _________________________________________________

 [_]CHECK HERE IF TENDERED SHARES ARE BEING DELIVERED PURSUANT TO A NOTICE OF
    GUARANTEED DELIVERY PREVIOUSLY SENT TO THE DEPOSITARY AND COMPLETE THE
    FOLLOWING:

   Name(s) of Registered Holder(s): _________________________________________

   Window Ticket Number (if any): ___________________________________________

   Date of Execution of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery: ______________________

   Name of Eligible Institution that Guaranteed Delivery: ___________________


                                       2
<PAGE>

                    NOTE: SIGNATURES MUST BE PROVIDED BELOW

           PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS SET FORTH IN THIS LETTER OF
                             TRANSMITTAL CAREFULLY

Ladies and Gentlemen:

   The undersigned hereby tenders to BB Acquisition, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("Purchaser") and a wholly owned subsidiary of Kraft Foods, Inc.,
a Delaware corporation ("Kraft"), the above-described shares of common stock,
par value $0.01 per share (the "Shares"), of Balance Bar Company, a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), pursuant to Purchaser's offer to purchase all
outstanding Shares, at a purchase price of $19.40 per Share, net to the seller
in cash (the "Offer Price"), without interest thereon, upon the terms and
subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated January 28,
2000, and in this Letter of Transmittal (which together with any amendments or
supplements thereto or hereto, collectively constitute the "Offer"). Receipt
of the Offer is hereby acknowledged.

   Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer (and if the Offer
is extended or amended, the terms of any such extension or amendment), and
effective upon acceptance for payment of the Shares tendered herewith in
accordance with the terms of the Offer, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns
and transfers to or upon the order of Purchaser all right, title and interest
in and to all the Shares that are being tendered hereby (and any and all
dividends, distributions, rights, other Shares or other securities issued or
issuable in respect thereof on or after the date hereof (collectively,
"Distributions")) and irrevocably constitutes and appoints American Stock
Transfer & Trust Company (the "Depositary") the true and lawful agent and
attorney-in-fact of the undersigned with respect to such Shares (and all
Distributions), with full power of substitution (such power of attorney being
deemed to be an irrevocable power coupled with an interest), to (i) deliver
certificates for such Shares (and any and all Distributions), or transfer
ownership of such Shares (and any and all Distributions) on the account books
maintained by the Book-Entry Transfer Facility, together, in any such case,
with all accompanying evidences of transfer and authenticity, to or upon the
order of Purchaser, (ii) present such Shares (and any and all Distributions)
for transfer on the books of the Company and (iii) receive all benefits and
otherwise exercise all rights of beneficial ownership of such Shares (and any
and all Distributions), all in accordance with the terms of the Offer.

   By executing this Letter of Transmittal, the undersigned hereby irrevocably
appoints William Eichar and Theodore Banks in their respective capacities as
officers or directors of Purchaser, and any individual who shall thereafter
succeed to any such office of Purchaser, and each of them, and any other
designees of Purchaser, the attorneys-in-fact and proxies of the undersigned,
each with full power of substitution, to vote at any annual or special meeting
of the Company's shareholders or any adjournment or postponement thereof or
otherwise in such manner as each such attorney-in-fact and proxy or his or her
substitute shall in his or her sole discretion deem proper with respect to, to
execute any written consent concerning any matter as each such attorney-in-
fact and proxy or his or her substitute shall in his or her sole discretion
deem proper with respect to, and to otherwise act as each such attorney-in-
fact and proxy or his or her substitute shall in his or her sole discretion
deem proper with respect to, all of the Shares (and any and all Distributions)
tendered hereby and accepted for payment by Purchaser. This appointment will
be effective if and when, and only to the extent that, Purchaser accepts such
Shares for payment pursuant to the Offer. This power of attorney and proxy are
irrevocable and are granted in consideration of the acceptance for payment of
such Shares in accordance with the terms of the Offer. Such acceptance for
payment shall, without further action, revoke any prior powers of attorney and
proxies granted by the undersigned at any time with respect to such Shares
(and any and all Distributions), and no subsequent powers of attorney,
proxies, consents or revocations may be given by the undersigned with respect
thereto (and, if given, will not be deemed effective). Purchaser reserves the
right to require that, in order for Shares or other securities to be deemed
validly tendered, immediately upon Purchaser's acceptance for payment of such
Shares, Purchaser must be able to exercise full voting, consent and other
rights with respect to such Shares (and any and all Distributions), including
voting at any meeting of the Company's shareholders.


                                       3
<PAGE>

   The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned has
full power and authority to tender, sell, assign and transfer the Shares
tendered hereby and all Distributions, that the undersigned owns the Shares
tendered hereby within the meaning of Rule 14e-4 promulgated under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), that the
tender of the tendered Shares complies with Rule 14e-4 under the Exchange Act,
and that, when the same are accepted for payment by the Purchaser, Purchaser
will acquire good, marketable and unencumbered title thereto and to all
Distributions free and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges and
encumbrances, and the same will not be subject to any adverse claims. The
undersigned will, upon request, execute and deliver any additional documents
deemed by the Depositary or Purchaser to be necessary or desirable to complete
the sale, assignment and transfer of the Shares tendered hereby and all
Distributions. In addition, the undersigned shall remit and transfer promptly
to the Depositary for the account of Purchaser all Distributions in respect of
the Shares tendered hereby, accompanied by appropriate documentation of
transfer, and, pending such remittance and transfer or appropriate assurance
thereof, Purchaser shall be entitled to all rights and privileges as owner of
each such Distribution and may withhold the entire purchase price of the
Shares tendered hereby or deduct from such purchase price, the amount or value
of such Distribution as determined by Purchaser in its sole discretion.

   All authority herein conferred or agreed to be conferred shall survive the
death or incapacity of the undersigned, and any obligation of the undersigned
hereunder shall be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators, personal
representatives, trustees in bankruptcy, successors and assigns of the
undersigned. Except as stated in the Offer, this tender is irrevocable.

   The undersigned understands that the valid tender of Shares pursuant to any
one of the procedures described in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase and in
the Instructions hereto will constitute a binding agreement between the
undersigned and Purchaser upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the
Offer (and if the Offer is extended or amended, the terms or conditions of any
such extension or amendment). Without limiting the foregoing, if the price to
be paid in the Offer is amended in accordance with the terms of the Merger
Agreement, the price to be paid to the undersigned will be the amended price
notwithstanding the fact that a different price is stated in this Letter of
Transmittal. The undersigned recognizes that under certain circumstances set
forth in the Offer to Purchase, Purchaser may not be required to accept for
payment any of the Shares tendered hereby.

   Unless otherwise indicated under "Special Payment Instructions," please
issue the check for the purchase price of all Shares purchased and/or return
any certificates for Shares not tendered or accepted for payment in the
name(s) of the registered holder(s) appearing above under "Description of
Shares Tendered." Similarly, unless otherwise indicated under "Special
Delivery Instructions," please mail the check for the purchase price of all
Shares purchased and/or return any certificates for Shares not tendered or not
accepted for payment (and any accompanying documents, as appropriate) to the
address(es) of the registered holder(s) appearing above under "Description of
Shares Tendered." In the event that the boxes entitled "Special Payment
Instructions" and "Special Delivery Instructions" are both completed, please
issue the check for the purchase price of all Shares purchased and/or return
any certificates evidencing Shares not tendered or not accepted for payment
(and any accompanying documents, as appropriate) in the name(s) of, and
deliver such check and/or return any such certificates (and any accompanying
documents, as appropriate) to, the person(s) so indicated. Unless otherwise
indicated herein in the box entitled "Special Payment Instructions," please
credit any Shares tendered herewith by book-entry transfer that are not
accepted for payment by crediting the account at the Book-Entry Transfer
Facility designated above. The undersigned recognizes that Purchaser has no
obligation, pursuant to the "Special Payment Instructions," to transfer any
Shares from the name of the registered holder thereof if Purchaser does not
accept for payment any of the Shares so tendered.

                                       4
<PAGE>



    SPECIAL PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS              SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS
  (See Instructions 1, 5, 6 and 7)          (See Instructions 1, 5, 6 and 7)
 -----------------------------------

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

  To be completed ONLY if the check         To be completed ONLY if the check
 for the purchase price of Shares          for the purchase price of Shares
 accepted for payment of                   accepted for payment and/or
 certificates representing Shares          certificates representing Shares
 not tendered or accepted for              not tendered or accepted for
 payment are to be issued in the           payment are to be sent to someone
 name of someone other than the            other than the undersigned or to
 undersigned.                              the undersigned at an address
                                           other than that shown under
                                           "Description of Shares Tendered."

 Issue: [_] Check  [_] Certificate(s)
 to


 Name: _____________________________
           (Please Print)                  Mail: [_] Check  [_] Certificate(s)
 Address: __________________________       to
 -----------------------------------       Name: _____________________________
        (Include Zip Code)                           (Please Print)
                                           Address: __________________________

 -----------------------------------
 (Taxpayer Identification or Social        -----------------------------------
          Security Number)

(Also complete Substitute Form W-9                  (Include Zip Code)
              below)



                                       5
<PAGE>


                                   IMPORTANT
                            SHAREHOLDER: SIGN HERE
                    (Complete Substitute Form W-9 Included)

 _____________________________________________________________________________

 _____________________________________________________________________________
                          (Signature(s) of Owner(s))

 Name(s) _____________________________________________________________________

 _____________________________________________________________________________

 Capacity (Full Title) _______________________________________________________
                              (See Instructions)

 Address: ____________________________________________________________________

 _____________________________________________________________________________

 _____________________________________________________________________________
                                                            (Include Zip Code)
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Area Code and Telephone Number ______________________________________________

 Taxpayer Identification or Social Security Number ___________________________
                                                     (See Substitute Form W-9)

 Dated: ___________________________, 2000

    (Must be signed by registered holder(s) exactly as name(s) appear(s) on
 stock certificate(s) or on a security position listing or by the person(s)
 authorized to become registered holder(s) by certificates and documents
 transmitted herewith. If signature is by a trustee, executor, administrator,
 guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer of a corporation or other person acting
 in a fiduciary or representative capacity, please set forth full title and
 see Instruction 5).

                           GUARANTEE OF SIGNATURE(S)
                    (If required--See Instructions 1 and 5)

 FOR USE BY FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ONLY. PLACE MEDALLION GUARANTEE IN SPACE
 BELOW.

 Authorized Signature(s) _____________________________________________________

 Name ________________________________________________________________________

 Name of Firm ________________________________________________________________

 Address _____________________________________________________________________
                                                            (Include Zip Code)

 Area Code and Telephone Number ______________________________________________

 Dated: __________________________ , 2000


                                       6
<PAGE>

                                 INSTRUCTIONS

             FORMING PART OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE OFFER

   1. Guarantee of Signatures. No signature guarantee is required on this
Letter of Transmittal (a) if this Letter or Transmittal is signed by the
registered holder(s) (which term, for purposes of this Section, includes any
participant in the Book-Entry Transfer Facility's systems whose name appears
on a security position listing as the owner of the Shares) of Shares tendered
herewith, unless such registered holder(s) has completed either the box
entitled "Special Payment Instructions" or the box entitled "Special Delivery
Instructions" on the Letter of Transmittal or (b) if such Shares are tendered
for the account of a financial institution (including most commercial banks,
savings and loan associations and brokerage houses) that is a participant in
the Security Transfer Agents Medallion Program, the New York Stock Exchange
Medallion Signature Guarantee Program or the Stock Exchange Medallion Program
or by any other "eligible guarantor institution," as such term is defined in
Rule 17Ad-15 under the Exchange Act (each, an "Eligible Institution"). In all
other cases, all signatures on this Letter of Transmittal must be guaranteed
by an Eligible Institution. See Instruction 5.

   2. Requirements of Tender. This Letter of Transmittal is to be completed by
shareholders if certificates are to be forwarded herewith or, unless an
Agent's Message is utilized, if tenders are to be made pursuant to the
procedure for tender by book-entry transfer set forth in Section 3 of the
Offer to Purchase. Share Certificates evidencing tendered Shares, or timely
confirmation (a "Book-Entry Confirmation") of a book-entry transfer of Shares
into the Depositary's account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility, as well as
this Letter of Transmittal (or a facsimile hereof), properly completed and
duly executed, with any required signature guarantees, or an Agent's Message
in connection with a book-entry transfer, and any other documents required by
this Letter of Transmittal, must be received by the Depositary at one of its
addresses set forth herein prior to the Expiration Date (as defined in Section
1 of the Offer to Purchase). Shareholders whose Share Certificates are not
immediately available, or who cannot complete the procedure for delivery by
book-entry transfer on a timely basis or who cannot deliver all other required
documents to the Depositary prior to the Expiration Date, may tender their
Shares by properly completing and duly executing a Notice of Guaranteed
Delivery pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedure set forth in Section 3
of the Offer to Purchase. Pursuant to such procedure: (i) such tender must be
made by or through an Eligible Institution; (ii) a properly completed and duly
executed Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, substantially in the form made
available by the Purchaser, must be received by the Depositary prior to the
Expiration Date; and (iii) the Share Certificates (or a Book-Entry
Confirmation) evidencing all tendered Shares, in proper form for transfer, in
each case together with the Letter of Transmittal (or a facsimile thereof),
properly completed and duly executed, with any required signature guarantees
(or, in the case of a book-entry delivery, an Agent's Message) and any other
documents required by this Letter of Transmittal, must be received by the
Depositary within three Nasdaq National Market trading days after the date of
execution of such Notice of the Guaranteed Delivery. If Share Certificates are
forwarded separately to the Depositary, a properly completed and duly executed
Letter of Transmittal must accompany each such delivery.

   The method of delivery of this Letter of Transmittal, Share Certificates
and all other required documents, including delivery through the Book-Entry
Transfer Facility, is at the option and the risk of the tendering shareholder
and the delivery will be deemed made only when actually received by the
Depositary (including, in the case of book-entry transfer, by book-entry
confirmation). If delivery is by mail, registered mail with return receipt
requested, properly insured, is recommended. In all cases, sufficient time
should be allowed to ensure timely delivery.

   No alternative, conditional or contingent tenders will be accepted and no
fractional Shares will be purchased. All tendering shareholders, by execution
of this Letter of Transmittal (or a facsimile hereof), waive any right to
receive any notice of the acceptance of their Shares for payment.

   3. Inadequate Space. If the space provided herein is inadequate, the
certificate numbers and/or the number of Shares and any other required
information should be listed on a separate signed schedule attached hereto.


                                       7
<PAGE>

   4. Partial Tenders (not applicable to shareholders who tender by book-entry
transfer). If fewer than all the Shares evidenced by any Share Certificate are
to be tendered, fill in the number of Shares which are to be tendered in the
box entitled "Number of Shared Tendered." In this case, new Share Certificates
for the Shares that were evidenced by your old Share Certificates, but were
not tendered by you, will be sent to you, unless otherwise provided in the
appropriate box on this Letter of Transmittal, as soon as practicable after
the Expiration Date. All Shares represented by Share Certificates delivered to
the Depositary will be deemed to have been tendered unless indicated.

   5. Signatures on Letter of Transmittal; Stock Powers and Endorsements. If
this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) of the Shares
tendered hereby, the signature(s) must correspond with the name(s) as written
on the face of the certificate(s) without alteration, enlargement or any
change whatsoever.

   If any of the Shares tendered hereby are held of record by two or more
joint owners, all such owners must sign this Letter of Transmittal.

   If any of the tendered Shares are registered in different names on several
certificates, it will be necessary to complete, sign and submit as many
separate Letters of Transmittal as there are different registrations.

   If this Letter of Transmittal or any certificates or stock powers are
signed by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact,
officer of a corporation or other person acting in a fiduciary or
representative capacity, such person should so indicate when signing, and
proper evidence satisfactory to Purchaser of the authority of such person so
to act must be submitted. If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the
registered holder(s) of the Shares listed and transmitted hereby, no
endorsements of certificates or separate stock powers are required unless
payment to be made or certificates for Shares not tendered or not accepted for
payment are to be issued in the name of a person other than the registered
holder(s). Signatures on any such Share Certificates or stock powers must be
guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.

   If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person other than the
registered holder(s) of the certificate(s) listed and transmitted hereby, the
certificate(s) must be endorsed or accompanied by appropriate stock powers, in
either case signed exactly as the name(s) of the registered holder(s)
appear(s) on the certificate(s). Signature(s) on any such Share Certificates
or stock powers must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.

   6. Stock Transfer Taxes. Except as otherwise provided in this Instruction
6, Purchaser will pay all stock transfer taxes with respect to the transfer
and sale of any Shares to it or its order pursuant to the Offer. If, however,
payment of the purchase price is to be made to, or if certificate(s) for
Shares not tendered or not accepted for payment are to be registered in the
name of, any person other than the registered holder(s), or if tendered
certificate(s) are registered in the name of any person other than the
person(s) signing this Letter of Transmittal, the amount of any stock transfer
taxes (whether imposed on the registered holder(s) or such other person)
payable on account of the transfer to such other person will be deducted from
the purchase price of such Shares purchased unless evidence satisfactory to
Purchaser of the payment of such taxes, or exemption therefrom, is submitted.

   Except as provided in this Instruction 6, it will not be necessary for
transfer tax stamps to be affixed to the certificate(s) evidencing the Shares
tendered hereby.

   7. Special Payment and Delivery Instructions. If a check is to be issued in
the name of, and/or certificates for Shares not tendered or not accepted for
payment are to be issued or returned to, a person other than the signer of
this Letter of Transmittal or if a check and/or such certificates are to be
returned to a person other than the person(s) signing this Letter of
Transmittal or to an address other than that shown in this Letter of
Transmittal, the appropriate boxes on this Letter of Transmittal must be
completed.

                                       8
<PAGE>

   8. Substitute Form W-9. A tendering shareholder is required to provide the
Depositary with a correct Taxpayer Identification Number ("TIN") on Substitute
Form W-9 which is provided under "Important Tax Information" below, and to
certify whether the shareholder is subject to backup withholding of Federal
income tax. If a tendering shareholder is subject to backup withholding, the
shareholder must cross out item (2) of the Certification Box of the Substitute
Form W-9. Failure to provide the information on the Substitute Form W-9 may
subject the tendering shareholder to Federal income tax withholding of 31% of
any payments made to the shareholder, but such withholdings will be refunded
if the tendering shareholder provides a TIN within 60 days.

   Certain shareholders (including, among others, all corporations and certain
foreign individuals and entities) are not subject to backup withholding.
Noncorporate foreign shareholders should complete and sign the main signature
form and a Form W-8, Certificate of Foreign Status, a copy of which may be
obtained from the Depositary, in order to avoid backup withholding. See the
enclosed "Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on
Substitute Form W-9" for more instructions.

   9. Requests for Assistance of Additional Copies. Questions and requests for
assistance or additional copies of the Offer to Purchase, this Letter of
Transmittal, the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery and the Guidelines for
Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9 may be
directed to the Information Agent or Dealer Manager at the addresses and phone
numbers set forth below, or from brokers, dealers, commercial banks or trust
companies.

   10. Waiver of Conditions. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger
Agreement (as defined in the Offer to Purchase), Purchaser reserves the right,
in its sole discretion, to waive, at any time or from time to time, any of the
specified conditions of the Offer, in whole or in part, in the case of any
Shares tendered.

   11. Lost, Destroyed or Stolen Certificates. If any certificate representing
Shares has been lost, destroyed or stolen, the shareholder should promptly
notify American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, in its capacity as transfer
agent for the shares, via facsimile at (212) 936-5100. The shareholder will
then be instructed as to the steps that must be taken in order to replace the
certificate. This Letter of Transmittal and related documents cannot be
processed until the procedures for replacing lost or destroyed certificates
have been followed.

   IMPORTANT: THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL (OR A MANUALLY SIGNED FACSIMILE
HEREOF) TOGETHER WITH ANY REQUIRED SIGNATURE GUARANTEES, OR, IN THE CASE OF A
BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER, AN AGENT'S MESSAGE, AND ANY OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS,
MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE DEPOSITARY PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE AND EITHER
CERTIFICATES FOR TENDERED SHARES MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE DEPOSITARY OR SHARES
MUST BE DELIVERED PURSUANT TO THE PROCEDURES FOR BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER, IN EACH
CASE PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE, OR THE TENDERING SHAREHOLDER MUST COMPLY
WITH THE PROCEDURES FOR GUARANTEED DELIVERY.

                           IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION

   Under the federal income tax law, a shareholder whose tendered Shares are
accepted for payment is required to provide the Depositary with such
shareholder's correct TIN on the Substitute Form W-9 below. If such
shareholder is an individual, the TIN is such shareholder's Social Security
Number. If a tendering shareholder is subject to backup withholding, such
shareholder must cross out item (2) of the Certification box on the Substitute
Form W-9. If the Depositary is not provided with the correct TIN, the
shareholder may be subject to a $50 penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue
Service. In addition, payments that are made to such shareholder may be
subject to backup withholding of 31%.

   Certain shareholders (including, among others, all corporations and certain
foreign individuals) are not subject to these backup withholding and reporting
requirements. In order for a foreign individual to qualify as an exempt
recipient, such individual must submit a statement, signed under penalties of
perjury, attesting

                                       9
<PAGE>

to that individual's exempt status. Such statements may be obtained from the
Depositary. Exempt shareholders, other than foreign individuals, should
furnish their TIN, write "Exempt" on the face of the Substitute Form W-9 below
and sign, date and return the Substitute Form W-9 to the Depositary. See the
enclosed Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on
Substitute Form W-9 for additional instructions.

   If backup withholding applies, the Depositary is required to withhold 31%
of any payments made to the shareholder. Backup withholding is not an
additional tax. Rather, the tax liability of persons subject to withholding
will be reduced by the amount of tax withheld. If backup withholding results
in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may be obtained from the Internal Revenue
Service.

Purpose of Substitute Form W-9

   To prevent backup withholding on payments that are made to a shareholder
with respect to Shares and Rights purchased pursuant to the Offer, the
shareholder is required to notify the Depositary of such shareholder's correct
TIN by completing the form below certifying that the TIN provided on
Substitute Form W-9 is correct (or that such shareholder is awaiting a TIN).

What Number to Give the Depositary

   The shareholder is required to give the Depositary the Social Security
Number or Employer Identification Number of the record holder of the Shares.
If the Shares are in more than one name, or are not in the name of the actual
owner, consult the enclosed Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer
Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9 for additional guidelines on
which number to report. If the tendering shareholder has not been issued a TIN
and has applied for a number or intends to apply for a number in the near
future, the shareholder should write "Applied For" in the space provided for
the TIN in Part I, and sign and dated the Substitute Form W-9. If "Applied
For" is written in Part I, the Depositary will withhold 31% of payments made
for the shareholder, but such withholdings will be refunded in the tendering
shareholder provides a TIN within 60 days.

                                      10
<PAGE>


             PAYOR'S NAME: AMERICAN STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY

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

                   Name ____________________________________________________

 SUBSTITUTE        Address _________________________________________________
                   _________________________________________________________
 Form W-9                             (Number and Street)

 Department of the Treasury
                   _________________________________________________________
 Internal Revenue Service
                   (Zip Code)               (City)                   (State)




                   Part 1(a)--PLEASE
                   PROVIDE YOUR TIN IN THE
                   BOX AT RIGHT AND
                   CERTIFY BY SIGNING AND
                   DATING BELOW
 Payor's Request for                          TIN __________________________
 Taxpayer         -------------------------------------------------------------
                                              ------------------------------
 Identification                                 (Social Security Number or
 Number ("TIN")                                  Employer Identification
 and Certification                                       Number)

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

                   Part 1(b)--PLEASE CHECK THE BOX AT RIGHT IF YOU HAVE
                   APPLIED FOR, AND ARE AWAITING RECEIPT OF YOUR TIN
     Sign Here (right arrow)
                                                                         [_]

                  -------------------------------------------------------------
                   Part 2--FOR PAYEES EXEMPT FROM BACKUP WITHHOLDING PLEASE
                   WRITE "EXEMPT" HERE (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)

                  -------------------------------------------------------------
                   Part 3--CERTIFICATION UNDER PENALTIES OF PERJURY, I
                   CERTIFY THAT (X) The number shown on this form is my
                   correct TIN (or I am waiting for a number to be issued
                   to me), and (Y) I am not subject to backup withholding
                   because: (a) I am exempt from backup withholding, or (b)
                   I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service
                   (the "IRS") that I am subject to backup withholding as a
                   result of a failure to report all interest or dividends,
                   or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am no longer
                   subject to backup witholding.

                   SIGNATURE _______________________________________________

                   DATE ____________________________________________________

   Certification of Instructions--You must cross out Item (Y) of Part 3 above
if you have been notified by the IRS that you are currently subject to backup
withholding because of underreporting interest or dividends on your tax return.
However, if after being notified by the IRS that you were subject to backup
withholding you received another notification from the IRS that you are no
longer subject to backup withholding, do not cross out such Item (Y).
   YOU MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING CERTIFICATE IF YOU CHECKED THE BOX IN PART
1(b) OF THE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 INDICATING YOU HAVE APPLIED FOR, AND ARE
AWAITING RECEIPT OF, YOUR TIN.


            CERTIFICATE OF AWAITING TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

 I certify under penalties of perjury that a taxpayer identification number
 has not been issued to me, and that (1) I mailed or delivered an
 application to receive a taxpayer identification number to the appropriate
 Internal Revenue Service Center or Social Security Administration Office or
 (2) I intend to mail or deliver an application in the near future. I
 understand that, if I do not provide a taxpayer identification number to
 the Payor by the time of payment, 31 percent of all reportable payments
 made to me pursuant to this Offer will be withheld.

 -------------------------------------  -------------------------------------
               Signature                                Date

NOTE: FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM MAY RESULT IN BACKUP WITHHOLDING
      OF 31% OF ANY PAYMENTS MADE TO YOU PURSUANT TO THE OFFER. PLEASE REVIEW
      THE ENCLOSED GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION
      NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.

                                       11
<PAGE>

   MANUALLY SIGNED FACSIMILE COPIES OF THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL WILL BE
ACCEPTED. THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES AND ANY OTHER
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE SENT OR DELIVERED BY EACH SHAREHOLDER OF THE
COMPANY OR SUCH SHAREHOLDER'S BROKER, DEALER, COMMERCIAL BANK, TRUST COMPANY
OR OTHER NOMINEE TO THE DEPOSITARY AT ONE OF ITS ADDRESSES SET FORTH ON THE
FIRST PAGE.

   Questions and requests for assistance or for additional copies of the Offer
to Purchase, the Letter of Transmittal, the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery and
other tender offer materials may be directed to the Information Agent or the
Dealer Manager at their respective telephone numbers and locations listed
below, and will be furnished promptly at Purchaser's expense. You may also
contact your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee
for assistance concerning the Offer.

                    The Information Agent for the Offer is:

                             D.F. King & Co, Inc.

                                77 Water Street
                              New York, NY 10005
                Banks and Brokers Call Collect: (212) 269-5550
                   ALL OTHERS CALL TOLL FREE: (800) 628-8510

                     The Dealer Manager for the Offer is:

                    Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation
                             Eleven Madison Avenue
                         New York, New York 10010-3629
                        Call Toll Free: (800) 646-4543

                                      12
