DOSKOCIL ANNOUNCES RESTRUCTURING PROGRAM, CHARGE WILL LEAD TO IMPROVEMENT IN FUTURE PRE-TAX...

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 29, 1994--Doskocil Companies Incorporated (Nasdaq: DOSK) today announced a restructuring program that will result in a $12.5 million pre-tax charge in the fourth quarter of 1994. The restructuring program is part of a multi-faceted plan providing for

Commenting on the restructuring program and the related charge to earnings, R. Randolph Devening, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Doskocil, stated, "This restructuring program is the result of a thorough evaluation of various initiatives designed to refine current operations and strengthen the Company's competitive position in the processed food business. The cash portion of the charge is expected to approximate $5.5 million. The restructuring program and related future capital spending are expected to improve future pre-tax earnings by approximately $4.0 million on an annualized basis. These benefits complement other profit improvement initiatives being effected by the Company's capital spending program."

Doskocil anticipates fourth quarter operating income before restructuring charges to be in a range of $7.5 to $8.5 million. Fourth quarter results include the Specialty Brands business acquired in June 1994. Operating income for the 1993 fourth quarter was $5.4 million and does not include the effects of the Specialty Brands acquisition.

Doskocil produces, markets and distributes branded and processed food products under proprietary brand names that include Wilson Foods, Corn King, Wilson's Continental Deli, American Favorite , Doskocil Foods, Jefferson Meats, Fred's, Rotanelli's, Posada, and Butcher Boy . The Company's products include pepperoni and beef and pork toppings marketed to the pizza industry, appetizers, Mexican and Italian foods, as well as boneless hams, sausage, bacon, and other branded and processed products for the foodservice, delicatessen and retail markets.

CONTACT: DOSKOCIL COMPANIES INC.

             Bryant Bynum
             Vice President Planning
             Corporate Finance
             (405) 879-5500
               or
             Naomi Rosenfeld/Eileen Howard
             Morgen-Walke Associates
             (212) 850-5600