CONSECO INC ET AL
8-K, 1996-11-27
ACCIDENT & HEALTH INSURANCE
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549



                                    FORM 8-K

              Current Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
                         Securities Exchange Act of 1934

                        Date of Report: November 27, 1996



                                  CONSECO, INC.

                             State of Incorporation:
                                     Indiana


       Commission File Number                        IRS Employer Id. Number
            No. 1-9250                                    No. 35-1468632

                     Address of Principal Executive Offices:
                         11825 North Pennsylvania Street
                              Carmel, Indiana 46032

                                  Telephone No.
                                 (317) 817-6100



S:\ACCTING\SECRPT\CNC8-K96.NOV


<PAGE>

                        CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



ITEM 5.  OTHER EVENTS.

     On November 27, 1996, Conseco, Inc. ("Conseco")announced the closing of the
public  offering by Conseco  Financing  Trust II, a  subsidiary  of Conseco,  of
325,000 of 8.70 percent Capital Trust  Pass-through  Securities SM ("TruPS SM")*
of Conseco  Financing Trust II at $1,000 per security.  Each TruPS security will
pay  cumulative  cash  distributions  at the annual rate of 8.70  percent of the
stated $1,000 liquidiation amount per security, payable semi-annually commencing
May  15,  1997.  The  TruPS  are  fully  and  unconditionally  guaranteed  as to
distributions  and other  payments by  Conseco.  Proceeds  from the  offering of
approximately  $321.3 million (after  underwriting and other  associated  costs)
will be used to repay bank debt.

* - Salomon  Brothers has filed  applications  with the United States Patent and
Trademark  Office  for  the  registration  of  the  Capital  Trust  Pass-through
Securities and TruPS service marks.


                                        2

<PAGE>



                         CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES





ITEM 7(c).      EXHIBITS.



1.1       Underwriting  Agreement for 325,000 Preferred Securities of Conseco
          Financing Trust II, dated November 22, 1996.

1.2       Pricing  Agreement  for  325,000  Preferred  Securities  of Conseco
          Financing Trust II, dated November 22, 1996

4.17.1    Second Supplemental Indenture,  dated as of November 22, 1996, between
          Conseco, Inc. and Fleet National Bank, as Trustee.

4.17.4    8.70% Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debenture due 2026.

4.19.1    Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of  Conseco  Financing Trust
          II, dated as of November 22, 1996, among Conseco, Inc.,as sponsor, the
          Trustees  named therein and the holders from time to time of undivided
          beneficial interests in the assets of Conseco Financing Trust II.

4.19.2    Global Certificate for Preferred Security of Conseco Financing 
          Trust II.

4.19.3    Preferred  Securities  Guarantee  Agreement,  dated as of November 27,
          1996, between Conseco, Inc. and Fleet National Bank.

5.3       Opinion of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A.

8.0       Opinion of Locke Reynolds Boyd & Weisell as to certain federal income
          taxation matters.
          
12.2      Pro  forma  Computation  of Ratio of  Earnings  to Fixed  Charges  and
          Preferred Dividends at September 30, 1996.

23.9      Consent of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A.

23.10     Consent of Locke Reynolds Boyd & Weisell (included in Exhibit 8).




                                                         3

<PAGE>



                         CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES




                                    SIGNATURE

     Pursuant to  the  requirements 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.


Date: November 27, 1996

                                         CONSECO, INC.




                                          By:  /s/ ROLLIN M. DICK
                                               ----------------------
                                               Rollin M. Dick
                                               Executive Vice President
                                                 and Chief Financial Officer





























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                          325,000 Preferred Securities

                           CONSECO FINANCING TRUST II
                               (a Delaware Trust)

           8.70% Capital Trust Pass-through Securities(sm) (TruPS(sm))

                   (Liquidation Amount of $1,000 per Security)



                             UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT


                                                              November 22, 1996

Salomon Brothers Inc
Seven World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         Conseco  Financing Trust II (the "Trust"),  a statutory  business trust
organized  under the  Business  Trust Act (the  "Delaware  Act") of the State of
Delaware  (Chapter 38, Title 12, of the Delaware  Code, 12 Del. C. Sections 3801
et seq.), and Conseco, Inc., an Indiana corporation (the "Company" and, together
with the Trust, the "Offerors"),  confirm their agreement (the "Agreement") with
Salomon Brothers Inc ("Salomon  Brothers" or the "Underwriter")  with respect to
the sale by the Trust and the purchase by the  Underwriter of 325,000  Preferred
Securities of 8.70% Capital Trust Pass-through Securities of the Trust ("Capital
Securities"),  except as may otherwise be provided in the Pricing Agreement,  as
hereinafter  defined.  The Capital  Securities will be guaranteed by the Company
with respect to  distributions  and payments upon  liquidation,  redemption  and
otherwise  (the  "Capital  Securities   Guarantee")   pursuant  to  the  Capital
Securities Guarantee Agreement (the "Capital Securities  Guarantee  Agreement"),
dated as of November 27, 1996,  between the Company and Fleet  National Bank, as
trustee (the "Guarantee Trustee"), and in certain circumstances described in the
Prospectus,  the Trust  will  distribute  Subordinated  Debentures  (as  defined
herein) to holders of Capital Securities. The 325,000

- ----------------
(sm)     Salomon  Brothers  Inc has filed  applications  with the United  States
         Patent and Trademark  Office for the  registration of the TruPS service
         mark.

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<PAGE>




Capital Securities to be purchased by the Underwriter, together with the related
Capital Securities Guarantee and the Subordinated  Debentures,  are collectively
referred to herein as the "Securities".

         Prior to the purchase and public offering of the Capital  Securities by
the Underwriter, the Offerors and the Underwriter, shall enter into an agreement
substantially  in the form of Exhibit A hereto (the  "Pricing  Agreement").  The
Pricing  Agreement  may take the form of an  exchange  of any  standard  form of
written  telecommunication  between the Offerors and the  Underwriter  and shall
specify such  applicable  information  as is indicated in Exhibit A hereto.  The
offering  of the Capital  Securities  will be  governed  by this  Agreement,  as
supplemented by the Pricing Agreement.  From and after the date of the execution
and  delivery  of the  Pricing  Agreement,  this  Agreement  shall be  deemed to
incorporate the Pricing Agreement.

         The Company, the Trust, Conseco Financing Trust I and Conseco Financing
Trust III  (collectively,  the "Conseco  Trusts") have filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") a registration  statement on Form S-3
(No. 333- 14991) and  pre-effective  amendment nos. 1 and 2 thereto covering the
registration of securities of the Company and the Conseco Trusts,  including the
Securities,  under the  Securities  Act of 1933,  as amended  (the "1933  Act"),
including the related preliminary  prospectus or prospectuses,  and the offering
thereof  from  time  to  time in  accordance  with  Rule  415 of the  rules  and
regulations  of the Commission  under the 1933 Act (the "1933 Act  Regulations")
and the  Company  has filed  such  post-effective  amendments  thereto as may be
required  prior to the  execution of the Pricing  Agreement.  Such  registration
statement,  as so amended,  has been declared effective by the Commission.  Such
registration  statement,  as so amended,  including  the exhibits and  schedules
thereto,  if any,  and the  information,  if any,  deemed  to be a part  thereof
pursuant  to  Rule  430A(b)  of  the  1933  Act  Regulations   (the  "Rule  430A
Information")  or Rule  434(d)  of the  1933  Act  Regulations  (the  "Rule  434
Information"),  is referred to herein as the "Registration  Statement";  and the
final prospectus and the prospectus  supplement  relating to the offering of the
Securities,  in the form first  furnished to the  Underwriter by the Company for
use in connection with the offering of the Securities, are collectively referred
to herein as the  "Prospectus";  provided,  however,  that all references to the
"Registration  Statement"  and the  "Prospectus"  shall be deemed to include all
documents  incorporated therein by reference pursuant to the Securities Exchange
Act of  1934,  as  amended  (the  "1934  Act"),  prior to the  execution  of the
applicable Pricing  Agreement;  provided,  further,  that if the Offerors file a
registration statement with the Commission pursuant to

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<PAGE>



Section  462(b)  of the 1933 Act  Regulations  (the  "Rule  462(b)  Registration
Statement"),  then after such filing, all references to "Registration Statement"
shall be deemed to include the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement; and provided,
further,  that if the  Offerors  elect  to rely  upon  Rule  434 of the 1933 Act
Regulations,  then all references to "Prospectus" shall be deemed to include the
final or preliminary  prospectus  and the  applicable  term sheet or abbreviated
term sheet (the "Term Sheet"),  as the case may be, in the form first  furnished
to the  Underwriter  by the  Company in  reliance  upon Rule 434 of the 1933 Act
Regulations,  and all references in this  Underwriting  Agreement to the date of
the Prospectus shall mean the date of the Term Sheet. A "preliminary prospectus"
shall  be  deemed  to refer  to any  prospectus  used  before  the  registration
statement became effective and any prospectus that omitted,  as applicable,  the
Rule 430A  Information,  the Rule 434  Information  or other  information  to be
included upon pricing in a form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant
to  Rule  424(b)  of  the  1933  Act  Regulations,  that  was  used  after  such
effectiveness and prior to the execution and delivery of the applicable  Pricing
Agreement.  For purposes of this Agreement,  all references to the  Registration
Statement,  any preliminary prospectus,  the Prospectus or any Term Sheet or any
amendment or supplement  to any of the foregoing  shall be deemed to include the
copy  filed with the  Commission  pursuant  to its  Electronic  Data  Gathering,
Analysis and Retrieval system ("EDGAR").

         All references in this Agreement to financial  statements and schedules
and other  information  which is  "contained,"  "included"  or  "stated"  in the
Registration  Statement,  any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or other
references  of like  import)  shall  be  deemed  to mean  and  include  all such
financial  statements and schedules and other  information which is incorporated
by reference in the Registration  Statement,  any preliminary  prospectus or the
Prospectus,  as the  case  may be;  and all  references  in  this  Agreement  to
amendments  or  supplements  to  the  Registration  Statement,  any  preliminary
prospectus or the  Prospectus  shall be deemed to mean and include the filing of
any  document  under  the 1934 Act which is  incorporated  by  reference  in the
Registration  Statement,  such preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus,  as the
case may be.

         The Offerors understand that the Underwriter  proposes to make a public
offering of the Securities as soon as the Underwriter  deems advisable after the
Pricing  Agreement  has been  executed and  delivered  and the  Declaration  (as
defined herein),  the Indenture (as defined herein),  and the Capital Securities
Guarantee  Agreement have been qualified  under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939,
as amended (the "1939 Act").  The entire  proceeds  from the sale of the Capital
Securities  will be combined with the entire proceeds from the sale by the Trust
to the Company of its

                                                      -3-
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<PAGE>



common  securities  (the  "Common  Securities,"  and  together  with the Capital
Securities, the "Trust Securities"), as guaranteed by the Company, to the extent
set forth in the  Prospectus,  with respect to  distributions  and payments upon
liquidation and redemption (the "Common Securities  Guarantee" and together with
the  Capital  Securities  Guarantee,  the  "Guarantees")  pursuant to the Common
Securities Guarantee Agreement (the "Common Securities Guarantee Agreement" and,
together  with  the  Capital  Securities  Guarantee  Agreement,  the  "Guarantee
Agreements"),  dated as of  November  27,  1996,  between  the  Company  and the
Guarantee  Trustee,  as  Trustee,  and  will be used by the  Trust  to  purchase
$325,000,000  of  8.70%  subordinated   deferrable   interest   debentures  (the
"Subordinated Debentures") issued by the Company. The Capital Securities and the
Common   Securities  will  be  issued  pursuant  to  the  amended  and  restated
declaration  of  trust  of  the  Trust,  dated  as of  November  22,  1996  (the
"Declaration"),  among the Company,  as Sponsor,  Stephen C. Hilbert,  Rollin M.
Dick and Lawrence W. Inlow (the "Regular  Trustees"),  Fleet  National  Bank, as
Property Trustee (the "Property Trustee"), and First Union Bank of Delaware (the
"Delaware  Trustee,"  and,  together  with the Property  Trustee and the Regular
Trustees,  the  "Trustees"),  and the  holders  from  time to time of  undivided
beneficial  interests in the assets of the Trust.  The  Subordinated  Debentures
will be issued  pursuant to an  indenture,  dated as of  November  14, 1996 (the
"Base  Indenture"),  between the Company and Fleet National Bank as trustee (the
"Debt Trustee"),  as supplemented by the Second Supplemental  Indenture dated as
of November 22, 1996 (the "Supplemental  Indenture," and together with any other
amendments or supplements thereto, the "Indenture"), between the Company and the
Debt Trustee.

         SECTION 1.  Representations and Warranties.

         (a) The Offerors  jointly and  severally  represent  and warrant to the
Underwriter  as of the date hereof and as of the date of the  Pricing  Agreement
(such later date being  hereinafter  referred to as the  "Representation  Date")
that:

                  (i)  No  stop  order  suspending  the   effectiveness  of  the
Registration  Statement has been issued and no  proceeding  for that purpose has
been  initiated or, to the knowledge and  information  of the Offerors after due
and diligent inquiry, threatened by the Commission.

                  (ii) The  Company  and the  Conseco  Trusts  meet,  and at the
respective  times of the  commencement  and  consummation of the Offering of the
Securities  will meet, the  requirements  for the use of Form S-3 under the 1933
Act.  Each of the  Registration  Statement  and  any  Rule  462(b)  Registration
Statement has become  effective under the 1933 Act. At the respective  times the
Registration   Statement,   any  Rule  462(b)  Registration  Statement  and  any
post-effective amendments thereto (including the filing

                                                      -4-
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<PAGE>



of the Company's  most recent  Annual  Report on Form 10-K with the  Commission)
became effective and at each  Representation  Date, the Registration  Statement,
any Rule 462 Registration  Statement and any amendments and supplements  thereto
complied and will comply in all material  respects with the  requirements of the
1933 Act and the  1933  Act  Regulations  and the  1939  Act and the  rules  and
regulations  of the Commission  under the 1939 Act (the "1939 Act  Regulations")
and did not and will not contain an untrue  statement of a material fact or omit
to state a material fact required to be stated  therein or necessary to make the
statements  therein not  misleading.  At the date of the  Prospectus  and at the
Closing  Time  (as  defined  herein),  the  Prospectus  and any  amendments  and
supplements  thereto  did not and will not  include  an  untrue  statement  of a
material  fact or omit to state a material  fact  necessary in order to make the
statements  therein,  in the light of the  circumstances  under  which they were
made,  not  misleading.  If the Offerors elect to rely upon Rule 434 of the 1933
Act  Regulations,  the Offerors will comply with the  requirements  of Rule 434.
Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  the  representations  and  warranties  in this
subsection  shall  not  apply  to  (A)  statements  in  or  omissions  from  the
Registration Statement or the Prospectus made in reliance upon and in conformity
with  information  furnished  to the  Offerors  in  writing  by the  Underwriter
expressly for use in the  Registration  Statement or the  Prospectus or (B) that
part of the  Registration  Statement  which shall  constitute  the  Statement of
Eligibility (Form T-1) under the 1939 Act.

                  Each  preliminary  prospectus and prospectus  filed as part of
the  Registration  Statement  as  originally  filed or as part of any  amendment
thereto,  or filed  pursuant  to Rule 424 under the 1933 Act,  complied  when so
filed in all material respects with the 1933 Act Regulations and, if applicable,
each preliminary  prospectus and the Prospectus delivered to the Underwriter for
use in  connection  with the offering of  Securities  will,  at the time of such
delivery,  be identical to the  electronically  transmitted copies thereof filed
with the  Commission  pursuant  to EDGAR,  except  to the  extent  permitted  by
Regulation S-T.

                  (iii) The documents  incorporated or deemed to be incorporated
by reference in the Registration  Statement or the Prospectus,  at the time they
were or  hereafter  are  filed or last  amended,  as the  case may be,  with the
Commission,  complied  and  will  comply  in  all  material  respects  with  the
requirements  of the 1934 Act, and the rules and  regulations  of the Commission
thereunder (the "1934 Act Regulations"),  and at the time of filing or as of the
time of any  subsequent  amendment,  did not  contain an untrue  statement  of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated  therein or
necessary  to make the  statements  therein,  in the light of the  circumstances
under which they were or are made, not misleading; and any additional

                                                      -5-
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<PAGE>



documents deemed to be incorporated by reference in the  Registration  Statement
or the Prospectus will, if and when they are filed with the Commission,  or when
amended,  as appropriate,  comply in all material respects with the requirements
of the 1934 Act and the 1934 Act  Regulations  and will not  contain  an  untrue
statement  of a material  fact or omit to state a material  fact  required to be
stated therein or necessary to make the statements  therein not misleading after
the date hereof; provided,  however, that this representation and warranty shall
not apply to statements contained in or omitted from the Registration  Statement
or the  Prospectus  in  reliance  upon,  and  in  conformity  with,  information
furnished to the Company in writing by the Underwriter  expressly for use in the
Registration Statement or the Prospectus.

                  (iv) Coopers & Lybrand,  L.L.P., the accountants who certified
the financial  statements  and supporting  schedules of the Company  included or
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement,  are independent public
accountants  with respect to the Company and its subsidiaries as required by the
1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations.

                  (v)  The  financial  statements  of the  Company  included  or
incorporated  by reference in the  Registration  Statement  and the  Prospectus,
together  with the related  schedules  and notes,  present  fairly the financial
position of the Company and its  subsidiaries  as of the dates indicated and the
results of their  operations  for the  periods  specified.  Except as  otherwise
stated  in the  Registration  Statement,  said  financial  statements  have been
prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting  principles applied on
a  consistent  basis.  The  supporting  schedules  included or  incorporated  by
reference in the Registration  Statement present fairly the information required
to be  included  therein.  The ratios of earnings  to fixed  charges  (including
preferred  stock  dividends)  included in the Prospectus have been calculated in
compliance,  in all material respects, with Item 503(d) of Regulation S-K of the
Commission.  The selected  financial data and the summary financial  information
included in the Prospectus present fairly the information shown therein and have
been  compiled  on a  basis  consistent  with  that  of  the  audited  financial
statements  included  in the  Registration  Statement.  The pro forma  financial
statements  of the Company and its  subsidiaries  and the related  notes thereto
included in the  Registration  Statement and the  Prospectus  present fairly the
information   shown  therein,   have  been  prepared  in  accordance   with  the
Commission's rules and guidelines with respect to pro forma financial statements
and  have  been  properly  compiled  on the  bases  described  therein,  and the
assumptions  used in the preparation  thereof are reasonable and the adjustments
used  therein  are   appropriate  to  give  effect  to  the   transactions   and
circumstances referred to therein.

                                                      -6-
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<PAGE>



                  (vi)  The  statutory  financial  statements  of  each  of  the
Company's   insurance   subsidiaries,   from  which  certain  ratios  and  other
statistical data contained in the Registration Statement have been derived, have
for each relevant period been prepared in accordance  with accounting  practices
prescribed or permitted by the National Association of Insurance  Commissioners,
and  with  respect  to each  insurance  subsidiary,  the  appropriate  Insurance
Department  of the state of  domicile  of such  insurance  subsidiary,  and such
accounting  practices  have been applied on a consistent  basis  throughout  the
periods involved, except as disclosed therein.

                  (vii) Since the  respective  dates as of which  information is
given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus,  and except as otherwise
stated or contemplated  therein,  (A) there has been no material  adverse change
and no  development  which would  reasonably be expected to result in a material
adverse change in the condition,  financial or otherwise,  or in the earnings or
business  affairs  of  the  Company  and  its  subsidiaries,  considered  as one
enterprise,  whether  or not  arising in the  ordinary  course of  business,  or
American  Travellers  Corporation  ("American  Travellers"),   Capitol  American
Financial   Corporation   ("Capitol   American")  and  Transport  Holdings  Inc.
("Transport  Holdings")  (each,  an  "Acquired  Company" and  collectively,  the
"Acquired  Companies")  and  their  respective   subsidiaries,   in  each  case,
considered as one enterprise,  (B) there have been no transactions  entered into
by the Company or any of its subsidiaries  which are material to the Company and
its subsidiaries, considered as one enterprise, or any of the Acquired Companies
or their respective  subsidiaries,  in each case,  considered as one enterprise,
other than those entered into in the ordinary course of business, and (C) except
for regular quarterly  dividends,  there has been no dividend or distribution of
any kind declared, paid or made by the Company on any class of its capital stock
or by any of the Acquired Companies on any class of their capital stock.

                  (viii) The Company has been duly  incorporated  and is validly
existing as a corporation under the laws of the State of Indiana, with corporate
power and authority to own,  lease and operate its properties and to conduct its
business as presently  conducted  and as described in the  Prospectus  or in the
Company's Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995;
and the Company is duly qualified as a foreign  corporation to transact business
and is in good  standing in each  jurisdiction  in which such  qualification  is
required,  whether by reason of the  ownership  or leasing  of  property  or the
conduct  of  business,  except  where the  failure  to so  qualify or be in good
standing would not  reasonably be expected to have a material  adverse effect on
the condition, financial or otherwise, or the earnings

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<PAGE>



or business affairs of the Company and its subsidiaries,
considered as one enterprise.

                  (ix) Each of the subsidiaries  has been duly  incorporated and
is validly  existing as a  corporation  in good  standing  under the laws of the
jurisdiction of its incorporation, has the corporate power and authority to own,
lease and  operate its  properties  and to conduct  its  business  as  presently
conducted and as described in the  Prospectus or in the Company's  Annual Report
filed on Form 10-K for the year ended  December 31, 1995;  and is duly qualified
as a foreign  corporation  to transact  business and is in good standing in each
jurisdiction in which such  qualification is required,  whether by reason of the
ownership  or leasing of property or the conduct of  business,  except where the
failure to so qualify or be in good standing would not reasonably be expected to
have a material adverse effect on the condition,  financial or otherwise, or the
earnings or business affairs of the Company and its subsidiaries,  considered as
one enterprise;  and the outstanding  shares of capital stock of each subsidiary
of the Company have been duly authorized and validly issued,  are fully paid and
nonassessable  and, except as described in the  Prospectus,  all such shares are
owned by the Company or by a subsidiary of the Company.

                  (x) The Company and each of its subsidiaries hold all material
licenses,  certificates and permits from  governmental  authorities  (including,
without  limitation,  insurance  licenses from the insurance  departments of the
various states where the subsidiaries  write insurance  business (the "Insurance
Licenses") which are necessary to the conduct of their  businesses;  the Company
and its  subsidiaries  have  fulfilled and  performed  all material  obligations
necessary  to maintain  their  respective  Insurance  Licenses,  and no event or
events  have  occurred  which  could  reasonably  be  expected  to result in the
impairment, modification, termination or revocation of such Insurance Licenses.

                  (xi) The authorized,  issued and outstanding  capital stock of
the Company is as set forth in the  Prospectus;  since the date indicated in the
Prospectus  there has been no change in the consolidated  capitalization  of the
Company and its subsidiaries (except for subsequent issuances,  if any, pursuant
to stock option agreements or employee benefit plans); and all of the issued and
outstanding  capital stock of the Company has been duly  authorized  and validly
issued, is fully paid and nonassessable and conforms to the descriptions thereof
contained in the Prospectus and the Registration Statement.

                  (xii) The Trust has been duly created and is validly  existing
in good  standing as a business  trust under the Delaware Act with the power and
authority to own property and to conduct

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<PAGE>



its business as described in the  Registration  Statement and  Prospectus and to
enter into and  perform  its  obligations  under  this  Agreement,  the  Pricing
Agreement,  the Capital  Securities,  the Common Securities and the Declaration;
the Trust is duly qualified to transact  business as a foreign company and is in
good standing in each  jurisdiction  in which such  qualification  is necessary,
except where the failure to so qualify or be in good  standing  would not have a
material  adverse effect on the Trust;  the Trust is not a party to or otherwise
bound by any agreement other than those  described in the Prospectus;  the Trust
is and will,  under current law, be classified  for United States federal income
tax  purposes  as a  grantor  trust  and  not  as an  association  taxable  as a
corporation.

                  (xiii) The Common  Securities have been duly authorized by the
Declaration  and, when issued and delivered by the Trust to the Company  against
payment therefor as described in the Registration Statement and Prospectus, will
be validly  issued and will  represent  undivided  beneficial  interests  in the
assets of the Trust and will conform in all material respects to the description
thereof  contained in the Prospectus;  the issuance of the Common  Securities is
not subject to preemptive or other similar  rights;  and at the Closing Time all
of the issued and  outstanding  Common  Securities of the Trust will be directly
owned by the Company free and clear of any security interest,  mortgage, pledge,
lien, encumbrance, claim or equitable right.

                  (xiv) This Agreement and the Pricing  Agreement have been duly
authorized, executed and delivered by each of the Offerors.

                  (xv) The  Declaration  has been duly authorized by the Company
and, at the Closing  Time,  will have been duly  executed  and  delivered by the
Company and the Trustees, and assuming due authorization, execution and delivery
of the  Declaration  by the  Property  Trustee  and the  Delaware  Trustee,  the
Declaration will, at the Closing Time, be a valid and binding  obligation of the
Company  and the  Regular  Trustees,  enforceable  against  the  Company and the
Regular  Trustees  in  accordance  with its  terms,  except to the  extent  that
enforcement  thereof may be limited by bankruptcy,  insolvency,  reorganization,
moratorium or other similar laws  affecting  creditors'  rights  generally or by
general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is considered in
a proceeding at law or in equity) (the "Bankruptcy Exceptions") and will conform
in all material respects to the description thereof contained in the Prospectus.

                  (xvi)  Each  of  the  Guarantee   Agreements   has  been  duly
authorized  by the Company  and,  when  validly  executed  and  delivered by the
Company,  and,  in the  case  of the  Capital  Securities  Guarantee  Agreement,
assuming due authorization,

                                                      -9-
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<PAGE>



execution  and delivery of the Capital  Securities  Guarantee  by the  Guarantee
Trustee,  will  constitute  a  valid  and  binding  obligation  of the  Company,
enforceable  against  the  Company in  accordance  with its terms  except to the
extent that enforcement thereof may be limited by the Bankruptcy Exceptions, and
each of the Guarantees and the Guarantee Agreements will conform in all material
respects to the description thereof contained in the Prospectus.

                  (xvii) The Capital  Securities  have been duly  authorized for
issuance and sale to the  Underwriter  and,  when issued and  delivered  against
payment therefor as provided  herein,  will be validly issued and fully paid and
non-assessable  undivided  beneficial  interests  in the assets of the Trust and
will conform in all material  respects to the description  thereof  contained in
the  Prospectus;  the  issuance  of the  Capital  Securities  is not  subject to
preemptive or other similar rights.

                  (xviii) The Indenture has been duly  authorized  and qualified
under the 1939 Act and, at the Closing  Time,  will have been duly  executed and
delivered  and will  constitute  a valid and binding  agreement  of the Company,
enforceable  against  the  Company in  accordance  with its terms  except to the
extent that enforcement thereof may be limited by the Bankruptcy Exceptions; the
Indenture  will  conform in all  material  respects to the  description  thereof
contained in the Prospectus.

                  (xix) The Subordinated Debentures have been duly authorized by
the  Company  and,  at the  Closing  Time,  will have been duly  executed by the
Company and, when  authenticated in the manner provided for in the Indenture and
delivered  against  payment  therefor  as  described  in  the  Prospectus,  will
constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the
Company in  accordance  with their terms  except to the extent that  enforcement
thereof  may be limited by the  Bankruptcy  Exceptions,  and will be in the form
contemplated by, and entitled to the benefits of, the Indenture and will conform
in all material respects to the description thereof in the Prospectus.

                  (xx) Each of the Regular  Trustees of the Trust is an employee
of the  Company  and has been duly  authorized  by the  Company to  execute  and
deliver the Declaration.

                  (xxi) Each of (A) the Agreement  and Plan of Merger,  dated as
of August 25, 1996 (the "American Travellers Merger Agreement"),  by and between
the Company and American Travellers, (B) the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated
as of August 25, 1996 (the "Capitol  American Merger  Agreement"),  by and among
the Company,  CAF Acquisition Company ("CAF") and Capitol American,  and (C) the
Agreement  and Plan of  Merger,  dated as  September  25,  1996 (the  "Transport
Holdings Merger Agreement" and together with

                                                      -10-
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<PAGE>



the  American  Travellers  Merger  Agreement  and the  Capitol  American  Merger
Agreement,  the "Merger  Agreements")  by and between the Company and  Transport
Holdings,  has been duly authorized,  executed and delivered by the Company and,
in the case of the Capitol American Merger  Agreement,  CAF and constitute valid
and binding  obligations of the Company and, in the case of the Capitol American
Merger  Agreement,  CAF enforceable  against the Company and, in the case of the
Capitol American Merger Agreement, CAF in accordance with their terms, except as
enforcement thereof may be limited by the Bankruptcy Exceptions, and neither the
Company nor CAF, nor, to the knowledge and  information of the Company after due
and  diligent  inquiry,  any of the  Acquired  Companies  is in  default  in the
observance of the terms and conditions thereof.

                  (xxii) Neither the Company nor any of its  subsidiaries  is in
violation  of its  charter  or  by-laws  or in  default  in the  performance  or
observance of any obligation,  agreement, covenant or condition contained in any
material contract,  indenture,  mortgage,  loan agreement,  note, lease or other
instrument  to which the  Company  or any of its  subsidiaries  is a party or by
which it or any of them may be bound,  or to which any of the property or assets
of the Company or any of its  subsidiaries  is subject,  or in  violation of any
applicable law,  administrative  regulation or  administrative or court order or
decree, which violation or default would, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably
be expected to have a material  adverse  effect on the  condition,  financial or
otherwise,  or  the  earnings  or  business  affairs  of  the  Company  and  its
subsidiaries, considered as one enterprise; the Trust is not in violation of the
Declaration  or its  certificate  of trust  filed with the State of  Delaware on
October 28, 1996 (the  "Certificate  of Trust");  the  execution,  delivery  and
performance of this  Agreement,  the Pricing  Agreement,  the  Declaration,  the
Capital  Securities,  the Common  Securities,  the Indenture,  the  Subordinated
Debentures,  the Guarantee Agreements and the Guarantees and the consummation of
the transactions contemplated herein and therein, and compliance by the Offerors
with their  respective  obligations  hereunder and thereunder  will not conflict
with or constitute a breach of, or a default under, or result in the creation or
imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the
Trust,  the  Company  or any of its  subsidiaries  pursuant  to,  any  contract,
indenture,  mortgage,  loan agreement,  note, lease or other instrument to which
the Trust,  the Company or any of its  subsidiaries is a party or by which it or
any of them may be  bound,  or to which  any of the  property  or  assets of the
Trust, the Company or any of its subsidiaries is subject, except for a conflict,
breach,  default,  lien,  charge or  encumbrance  which would not  reasonably be
expected  to have a  material  adverse  effect on the  condition,  financial  or
otherwise,  or  the  earnings  or  business  affairs  of  the  Company  and  its
subsidiaries

                                                      -11-
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<PAGE>



considered  as one  enterprise,  nor will such action result in any violation of
the  provisions  of the  Certificate  of Trust,  the  charter  or by-laws of the
Company  or any of  its  subsidiaries  or  any  applicable  law,  administrative
regulation or administrative or court decree.

                  (xxiii) There is no action,  suit or  proceeding  before or by
any  court or  governmental  agency or body,  domestic  or  foreign  (including,
without  limitation,  any  proceeding to revoke or deny renewal of any Insurance
Licenses),  now pending,  or, to the  knowledge and  information  of the Company
after due and diligent inquiry, threatened,  against or affecting the Company or
any  of its  subsidiaries  or any of  the  Acquired  Companies  or any of  their
respective  subsidiaries  which is required to be disclosed in the  Registration
Statement  or the  Prospectus,  or which is  reasonably  likely to result in any
material  adverse  change in the  condition,  financial or otherwise,  or in the
earnings or business affairs of the Company and its subsidiaries,  considered as
one  enterprise,   or  any  of  the  Acquired  Companies  and  their  respective
subsidiaries,  in each case,  considered  as one  enterprise,  or which could be
reasonably  likely to materially and adversely  affect a material portion of the
properties  or assets  thereof or which is reasonably  likely to materially  and
adversely affect the consummation of this Agreement,  the Pricing Agreement, the
Guarantee Agreements,  the Indenture or the transactions  contemplated herein or
therein;  all pending legal or governmental  proceedings to which the Company or
any of its  subsidiaries  or any of the Acquired  Companies or their  respective
subsidiaries is a party or of which any of their  respective  property or assets
is the subject  which are not  described  in the  Registration  Statement or the
Prospectus,  including ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business of
the Company or any of its  subsidiaries,  or any of the  Acquired  Companies  or
their respective  subsidiaries,  are, considered in the aggregate, not material;
and  there  are  no  contracts  or  documents  of  the  Company  or  any  of its
subsidiaries or any of the Acquired  Companies or their respective  subsidiaries
which are required to be filed as exhibits to the Registration  Statement, or to
be incorporated by reference therein, by the 1933 Act, the 1933 Act Regulations,
the  1934  Act or the  1934  Act  Regulations,  which  have not been so filed or
incorporated by reference.

                  (xxiv) No  authorization,  approval or consent of any court or
governmental  authority or agency is necessary in  connection  with the issuance
and sale of the Common  Securities  or the  offering,  issuance  and sale of the
Capital Securities,  the Subordinated Debentures or the Guarantees hereunder, or
the consummation by the Offerors of any other transactions  contemplated hereby,
except such as have been obtained and made under the federal  securities laws or
state  insurance  laws  and  such as may be  required  under  state  or  foreign
securities laws.

                                                      -12-
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<PAGE>



                  (xxv) The Securities  conform in all material  respects to the
statements  relating  therein  contained in the Prospectus and the  Registration
Statement.

                  (xxvi) There are no holders of  securities of the Company with
currently  exercisable  registration rights to have any securities registered as
part of the Registration  Statement or included in the offering  contemplated by
this Agreement.

                  (xxvii)  No  order  preventing  or  suspending  the use of any
preliminary  prospectus  with respect to the  Securities  has been issued and no
proceedings for that purpose are pending,  threatened,  or, to the knowledge and
information of the Offerors after due and diligent inquiry,  contemplated by the
Commission;  to the  knowledge  and  information  of the Offerors  after due and
diligent  inquiry,  no order  suspending  the offering of the  Securities in any
jurisdiction  designated  by the  Underwriter  pursuant to Section  3(f) of this
Agreement has been issued and, to the knowledge and  information of the Offerors
after due and  diligent  inquiry,  no  proceedings  for that  purpose  have been
instituted or threatened or are contemplated,  and any request of the Commission
for  additional  information  (to be included in the  Registration  Statement or
Prospectus or otherwise) has been complied with.

                  (xxviii)  Each of the Offerors has full power and authority to
execute,  deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement,  the Pricing
Agreement,  the Declaration,  the Guarantee Agreements and the Indenture and the
Offerors have full corporate power and authority to issue,  sell and deliver the
Securities.

                  (xxix) The Offerors  have not taken,  directly or  indirectly,
any action designed to, or that might be reasonably expected to, cause or result
in  manipulation  of the price of the  Securities or any of the capital stock of
the Company.

                  (xxx)  None  of  the  Trust  or  the  Company  or  any  of its
subsidiaries  is, and upon the  issuance  and sale of the  Securities  as herein
contemplated  and the application of the net proceeds  therefrom as described in
the Prospectus will not be, an "investment company" or an entity "controlled" by
an "investment  company" as such terms are defined in the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act").

                  (xxxi) The Company is in  compliance  with all  provisions  of
Section 1 of the Laws of Florida,  Chapter 92-198, An Act Relating to Disclosure
of Doing Business with Cuba.

                  (xxxii)  No "forward looking statement" (as defined in
Rule 175 under the 1933 Act) contained in the Registration

                                                      -13-
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<PAGE>



Statement,  any preliminary  prospectus or the Prospectus was made or reaffirmed
without a reasonable basis or was disclosed other than in good faith.

         (b) The Offerors  jointly and  severally  represent  and warrant to the
Underwriter as of the date hereof and as of the date of the Representation Date,
with respect to each of the Acquired Companies that:

                  (i) Such Acquired  Company meets,  and at the respective times
of the  commencement  and  consummation  of the Offering of the Securities  will
meet, the requirements for the use of Form S-3 under the 1933 Act.

                  (ii) With  respect to such  Acquired  Company,  the  documents
incorporated  or deemed to be  incorporated  by  reference  in the  Registration
Statement or the  Prospectus,  at the time they were or  hereafter  are filed or
last amended, as the case may be, with the Commission,  complied and will comply
in all material respects with the requirements of the 1934 Act, and the 1934 Act
Regulations,  and at the  time of  filing  or as of the  time of any  subsequent
amendment,  did not contain an untrue  statement  of a material  fact or omit to
state a material  fact  required to be stated  therein or  necessary to make the
statements  therein,  in the light of the circumstances under which they were or
are made,  not  misleading;  and,  with respect to such  Acquired  Company,  any
additional  documents deemed to be incorporated by reference in the Registration
Statement  or  the  Prospectus  will,  if and  when  they  are  filed  with  the
Commission,  or when amended,  as appropriate,  comply in all material  respects
with the  requirements of the 1934 Act and the 1934 Act Regulations and will not
contain an untrue  statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
required to be stated  therein or necessary to make the  statements  therein not
misleading after the date hereof.

                  (iii) The accountants  who certified the financial  statements
and supporting  schedules of such Acquired  Company  included or incorporated by
reference in the Registration Statement, are independent public accountants with
respect to the Company and its  subsidiaries as required by the 1933 Act and the
1933 Act Regulations.

                  (iv)  The  financial   statements  of  such  Acquired  Company
included or  incorporated  by reference in the  Registration  Statement  and the
Prospectus,  together with the related  schedules and notes,  present fairly the
financial position of such Acquired Company and its subsidiaries as of the dates
indicated and the results of their operations for the periods specified.  Except
as otherwise stated in the  Registration  Statement,  said financial  statements
have been prepared in conformity with generally

                                                      -14-
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<PAGE>



accepted  accounting  principles  applied on a consistent  basis. The supporting
schedules  included or incorporated by reference in the  Registration  Statement
present fairly the  information  required to be included  therein.  The selected
financial data and the summary financial  information included in the Prospectus
present fairly the  information  shown therein and have been compiled on a basis
consistent  with  that  of the  audited  financial  statements  included  in the
Registration Statement.

                  (v)  The  statutory  financial  statements  of  each  of  such
Acquired Company's insurance  subsidiaries,  from which certain ratios and other
statistical data contained in the Registration Statement have been derived, have
for each relevant period been prepared in accordance  with accounting  practices
prescribed or permitted by the National Association of Insurance  Commissioners,
and  with  respect  to each  insurance  subsidiary,  the  appropriate  Insurance
Department  of the state of  domicile  of such  insurance  subsidiary,  and such
accounting  practices  have been applied on a consistent  basis  throughout  the
periods involved, except as disclosed therein.

                  (vi)  With  respect  to  such  Acquired  Company,   since  the
respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration  Statement
and the Prospectus,  and except as otherwise stated or contemplated therein, (A)
there  has been no  material  adverse  change  and no  development  which  would
reasonably be expected to result in a material  adverse change in the condition,
financial or otherwise,  or in the earnings or business affairs of such Acquired
Company and its subsidiaries,  considered as one enterprise, (B) there have been
no transactions entered into by such Acquired Company or any of its subsidiaries
which are material to such Acquired Company and its subsidiaries,  considered as
one  enterprise,  other  than  those  entered  into in the  ordinary  course  of
business,  and (C) except for  regular  quarterly  dividends,  there has been no
dividend or  distribution  of any kind  declared,  paid or made by such Acquired
Company on any class of its capital stock.

                  (vii) Such Acquired Company has been duly  incorporated and is
validly  existing  as  a  corporation  under  the  laws  of  the  State  of  its
incorporation,  with corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its
properties  and to conduct its business as presently  conducted and as described
in the Prospectus or in such Acquired Company's Annual Report filed on Form 10-K
for the year  ended  December  31,  1995;  and  such  Acquired  Company  is duly
qualified as a foreign  corporation to transact business and is in good standing
in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is required,  whether by reason
of the ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of business, except where
the  failure  to so  qualify  or be in good  standing  would not  reasonably  be
expected to have a material adverse effect on the condition,

                                                      -15-
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<PAGE>



financial or  otherwise,  or the earnings or business  affairs of such  Acquired
Company and its subsidiaries, considered as one enterprise.

                  (viii) Such Acquired Company and each of its subsidiaries hold
all material  licenses,  certificates and permits from governmental  authorities
(including,  without limitation,  Insurance Licenses) which are necessary to the
conduct of their  businesses;  such Acquired Company and its  subsidiaries  have
fulfilled  and performed all material  obligations  necessary to maintain  their
respective Insurance Licenses,  and no event or events have occurred which could
reasonably be expected to result in the impairment, modification, termination or
revocation of such Insurance Licenses.

                  (ix) The authorized,  issued and outstanding  capital stock of
such  Acquired  Company  is as set  forth  in the  Prospectus;  since  the  date
indicated  in the  Prospectus  there  has  been no  change  in the  consolidated
capitalization  of such  Acquired  Company  and  its  subsidiaries  (except  for
subsequent  issuances,  if any,  pursuant to stock option agreements or employee
benefit  plans);  and all of the issued and  outstanding  capital  stock of such
Acquired Company has been duly authorized and validly issued,  is fully paid and
nonassessable  and  conforms  to  the  descriptions  thereof  contained  in  the
Prospectus and the Registration Statement.

                  (x) The Merger Agreement between such Acquired Company and the
Company  has been duly  authorized,  executed  and  delivered  by such  Acquired
Company,  constitutes a valid and binding  obligation of such Acquired  Company,
enforceable against such Acquired Company in accordance with its terms except to
the extent that enforcement thereof may be limited by the Bankruptcy Exceptions,
and such Acquired  Company is not in default in the  observance of the terms and
conditions thereof.

                  (xi) There is no action,  suit or proceeding  before or by any
court or governmental agency or body,  domestic or foreign  (including,  without
limitation, any proceeding to revoke or deny renewal of any Insurance Licenses),
now pending, or, to the knowledge and information of such Acquired Company after
due and diligent inquiry, threatened, against or affecting such Acquired Company
which  is  required  to be  disclosed  in  the  Registration  Statement  or  the
Prospectus,  or which is  reasonably  likely to result in any  material  adverse
change in the condition,  financial or otherwise, or in the earnings or business
affairs  of such  Acquired  Company  and  its  subsidiaries,  considered  as one
enterprise,  or which could be  reasonably  likely to  materially  and adversely
affect a material portion of the properties or assets thereof.


                                                      -16-
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<PAGE>



         (c) Any  certificate  signed by any officer of the Company,  any of the
Acquired Companies or a Trustee of the Trust and delivered to the Underwriter or
to counsel for the Underwriter shall be deemed a representation  and warranty by
the  Company  or the  Trust,  as the case may be, to the  Underwriter  as to the
matters covered thereby.

         SECTION 2.  Sale and Delivery to Underwriter; Closing.

         (a) On the basis of the representations and warranties herein contained
and subject to the terms and  conditions  herein set forth,  the Trust agrees to
sell to the Underwriter  and the Underwriter  agrees to purchase from the Trust,
at the price per security set forth in the Pricing  Agreement,  325,000  Capital
Securities.

                  (1) If the Offerors have elected not to rely upon Rule 430A of
the 1933 Act Regulations, the initial public offering price per Security and the
purchase  price per Security to be paid by the  Underwriter  for the  Securities
have each been determined and set forth in the Pricing Agreement, dated the date
hereof,  and any  necessary  amendments  to the  Registration  Statement and the
Prospectus will be filed before the Registration Statement becomes effective.

                  (2) If the Offerors have elected to rely upon Rule 430A of the
1933  Act  Regulations,  the  purchase  price  per  Security  to be  paid by the
Underwriter  shall be an amount equal to the initial  public  offering price per
Capital  Security,  less an amount per  Capital  Security  to be  determined  by
agreement between the Underwriter and the Offerors.  The initial public offering
price per Capital  Security shall be a fixed price to be determined by agreement
between the Underwriter and the Offerors.  The initial public offering price and
the  purchase  price,  when so  determined,  shall be set  forth in the  Pricing
Agreement.  In the event  that such  prices  have not been  agreed  upon and the
Pricing  Agreement has not been executed and delivered by all parties thereto by
the close of  business on the fourth  business  day  following  the date of this
Agreement,  this Agreement shall terminate  forthwith,  without liability of any
party to any other  party,  unless  otherwise  agreed to by the Offerors and the
Underwriter.

         (b) Delivery of  certificates  for the Securities  shall be made at the
offices of Salomon  Brothers in New York,  and payment of the purchase price for
the Securities shall be made at the offices of LeBoeuf,  Lamb,  Greene & MacRae,
L.L.P., 125 West 55th Street, New York, New York 10019 or at such other place as
shall be agreed upon by the  Underwriter  and the  Offerors,  at 10:00 a.m. (New
York time) on the third business day after the date the  Registration  Statement
becomes effective (or, if the Offerors

                                                      -17-
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<PAGE>



have elected to rely upon Rule 430A, the third full business day after execution
of the Pricing  Agreement  (or, if pricing of the  Securities  occurs after 4:30
p.m. Eastern time, on the fourth full business day  thereafter)),  or such other
time not later than ten business days after such date as shall be agreed upon by
the  Underwriter  and the  Offerors  (such time and date of payment and delivery
being herein  called the  "Closing  Time").  Payment for the Capital  Securities
purchased  by the  Underwriter  shall be made to the Trust by wire  transfer  of
immediately available funds, payable to the order of the Trust, against delivery
to the respective  accounts of the Underwriter of  certificates  for the Capital
Securities to be purchased by it.  Certificates for the Capital Securities shall
be in such  denominations  and registered in such names as the  Underwriter  may
request in writing at least two full business days before the Closing Time.  The
certificates  for the Capital  Securities will be made available for examination
and packaging by the  Underwriter  no later than 10:00 a.m. (New York City time)
on the last business day prior to the Closing Time.

         SECTION 3.  Covenants of the Offerors.  The Offerors agree
with the Underwriter as follows:

         (a) Promptly  following the execution of this  Agreement,  the Offerors
will cause the Prospectus,  including as a part thereof a prospectus  supplement
relating to the Securities to be filed with the Commission  pursuant to Rule 424
of  the  1933  Act  Regulations  and  the  Offerors  will  promptly  advise  the
Underwriter  when such filing has been made.  Prior to the filing,  the Offerors
will  cooperate  with the  Underwriter  in the  preparation  of such  prospectus
supplement to assure that the  Underwriter  has no  reasonable  objection to the
form or content thereof when filed or mailed.

         (b) The  Offerors,  subject  to  Section  3(b),  will  comply  with the
requirements  of Rule 430A of the 1933 Act  Regulations  and/or  Rule 434 of the
1933 Act  Regulations  if and as  applicable,  and will  notify the  Underwriter
immediately,  and confirm the notice in writing, (i) of the effectiveness of any
post-effective  amendment  to the  Registration  Statement  or the filing of any
supplement or amendment to the Prospectus, (ii) the receipt of any comments from
the Commission,  (iii) of any request by the Commission for any amendment to the
Registration  Statement or any amendment or supplement to the  Prospectus or for
additional information, (iv) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order
suspending the effectiveness of the Registration  Statement or the initiation of
any proceedings for that purpose and (v) of the issuance by any state securities
commission  or  other   regulatory   authority  of  any  order   suspending  the
qualification or the exemption from  qualification of the Securities under state
securities or Blue Sky laws or the initiation or threatening of

                                                      -18-
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<PAGE>



any proceeding for such purpose.  The Offerors will make every reasonable effort
to prevent the  issuance of any stop order and, if any stop order is issued,  to
obtain the lifting thereof at the earliest possible moment.

         (c) The Company will give the  Underwriter  notice of its  intention to
file or prepare any  amendment  to the  Registration  Statement  (including  any
post-effective  amendment  and any  filing  under  Rule  462(b)  of the 1933 Act
Regulations), any Term Sheet or any amendment,  supplement or revision to either
the  prospectus  included in the  Registration  Statement  at the time it became
effective or to the Prospectus,  whether  pursuant to the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act
or otherwise;  will furnish the Underwriter  with copies of any such Rule 462(b)
Registration  Statement,  Term  Sheet,  amendment,   supplement  or  revision  a
reasonable  amount of time prior to such proposed filing or use, as the case may
be; and will not file any such Rule 462(b) Registration  Statement,  Term Sheet,
amendment,  supplement or revision to which the  Underwriter  or counsel for the
Underwriter shall object.

         (d) The Company  will  deliver to the  Underwriter  and counsel for the
Underwriter,  without  charge,  signed copies of the  Registration  Statement as
originally  filed  and of  each  amendment  thereto  (including  exhibits  filed
therewith or  incorporated  by reference  therein and documents  incorporated or
deemed  to be  incorporated  by  reference  therein)  and  signed  copies of all
consents  and  certificates  of  experts.  If  applicable,  the  copies  of  the
Registration  Statement and each amendment  thereto furnished to the Underwriter
will be identical to the  electronically  transmitted  copies thereof filed with
the Commission  pursuant to EDGAR,  except to the extent permitted by Regulation
S-T.

         (e) The Company will deliver to the  Underwriter,  without  charge,  as
many copies of each  preliminary  prospectus as the  Underwriter  may reasonably
request,  and the Company hereby consents to the use of such copies for purposes
permitted by the 1933 Act. The Company will furnish to the Underwriter,  without
charge,  during the period when the Prospectus is required to be delivered under
the 1933 Act or the 1934  Act,  such  number of  copies  of the  Prospectus  (as
amended  or  supplemented)  as  the  Underwriter  may  reasonably   request.  If
applicable,  the Prospectus and any amendments or supplements  thereto furnished
to the Underwriter will be identical to the  electronically  transmitted  copies
thereof  filed  with the  Commission  pursuant  to EDGAR,  except to the  extent
permitted by Regulation S-T.

         (f) The  Offerors  will  comply  with  the  1933  Act and the  1933 Act
Regulations  and the 1934 Act and the 1934 Act  Regulations  so as to permit the
completion  of the  distribution  of the  Securities  as  contemplated  in  this
Agreement and in the

                                                      -19-
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<PAGE>



Registration Statement and the Prospectus. If at any time when the Prospectus is
required  by the 1933 Act or the 1934 Act to be  delivered  in  connection  with
sales of the  Securities,  any event shall occur or  condition  shall exist as a
result of which it is necessary,  in the  reasonable  opinion of counsel for the
Underwriter or for the Offerors,  to amend the  Registration  Statement in order
that the  Registration  Statement  will not  contain  an untrue  statement  of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated  therein or
necessary  to  make  the  statements  therein  not  misleading  or to  amend  or
supplement  the  Prospectus  in order that the  Prospectus  will not  include an
untrue  statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact  necessary
in order to make the  statements  therein  not  misleading  in the  light of the
circumstances  existing at the time it is  delivered  to a  purchaser,  or if it
shall be necessary,  in the reasonable opinion of such counsel, at any such time
to amend the  Registration  Statement or amend or supplement  the  Prospectus in
order  to  comply  with  the  requirements  of the  1933  Act or  the  1933  Act
Regulations,  the Offerors will promptly  prepare and file with the  Commission,
subject to Section  3(b),  such  amendment or  supplement as may be necessary to
correct such statement or omission or to make the Registration  Statement or the
Prospectus comply with such  requirements,  and the Offerors will furnish to the
Underwriter,  without  charge,  such  number  of  copies  of such  amendment  or
supplement as the Underwriter may reasonably request.

         (g) The Offerors will use their best efforts,  in cooperation  with the
Underwriter,  to  qualify  the  Securities  for  offering  and  sale  under  the
applicable  securities laws of such states and other jurisdictions  (domestic or
foreign) as the Underwriter may designate;  provided,  however, that the Company
shall not be obligated to qualify as a foreign  corporation in any  jurisdiction
in which it is not so  qualified  or subject  itself to  taxation  in respect of
doing business in any  jurisdiction in which it is not otherwise so subject.  In
each  jurisdiction in which the Securities  have been so qualified,  the Company
will file such  statements  and  reports as may be  required by the laws of such
jurisdiction  to  continue  such  qualification  in effect for so long as may be
required in connection with distribution of the Securities.

         (h) The Company will make generally available to its securityholders as
soon as  practicable,  but not later than 45 days (or 90 days,  in the case of a
period  that is also the  Company's  fiscal  year) after the close of the period
covered  thereby,  an earnings  statement of the Company (in form complying with
the provisions of Rule 158 of the 1933 Act Regulations)  covering a twelve-month
period  beginning not later than the first day of the Company's  fiscal  quarter
next following the "effective

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<PAGE>



date" (as defined in said Rule 158) of the Registration
Statement.

         (i)      The Trust will use the net proceeds received by it from
the sale of the Securities in the manner specified in the
Prospectus under "Use of Proceeds".

         (j) If, at the time that the  Registration  Statement became (or in the
case of a post-effective  amendment  becomes)  effective,  any information shall
have been omitted  therefrom in reliance  upon Rule 430A or Rule 434 of the 1933
Act  Regulations,  then  immediately  following  the  execution  of the  Pricing
Agreement,  the Company will  prepare,  and file or transmit for filing with the
Commission in accordance  with such Rule 430A or Rule 434 and Rule 424(b) of the
1933 Act  Regulations,  copies of an amended  Prospectus,  or Term Sheet, or, if
required  by such Rule 430A,  a  post-effective  amendment  to the  Registration
Statement  (including an amended  Prospectus),  containing  all  information  so
omitted.

         (k) If Offerors elect to rely upon Rule 462(b), the Offerors shall both
file a Rule 462(b) Registration Statement with the Commission in compliance with
Rule 462(b) and pay the applicable  fees in accordance with Rule 111 of the 1933
Act Regulations by the earlier of (i) 10:00 p.m. Eastern time on the date of the
Pricing  Agreement  and (ii)  the  time  confirmations  are  sent or  given,  as
specified by Rule 462(b)(2).

         (l) The Company,  during the period when the  Prospectus is required to
be delivered  under the 1933 Act, will file all  documents  required to be filed
with the Commission  pursuant to Section 13(a),  13(c),  14 or 15(d) of the 1934
Act  within  the  time  periods  required  by the  1934  Act  and the  1934  Act
Regulations.

         (m) During a period of 90 days from the date of the Pricing  Agreement,
neither the Trust nor the Company will, without the prior written consent of the
Underwriter,  directly or indirectly,  sell, offer to sell, grant any option for
the sale of, or otherwise  dispose of, or enter into any agreement to sell,  any
Capital Securities, any security convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable
for Capital  Securities,  or the Subordinated  Debentures or any debt securities
substantially  similar to the Subordinated  Debentures or any equity  securities
substantially  similar  to  the  Capital  Securities  (except  the  Subordinated
Debentures and the Capital Securities issued pursuant to this Agreement).

         (n)  During  a period  of one  year  from  the  Closing  Time,  to make
generally  available  to  the  Underwriter  copies  of  all  reports  and  other
communications  (financial or other) mailed to  stockholders,  and to deliver to
the  Underwriter  promptly after they are  available,  copies of any reports and
financial

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<PAGE>



statements  furnished to or filed with the Commission or any national securities
exchange  on which any  class of  securities  of the  Company  is  listed  (such
financial statements to be on a consolidated basis to the extent the accounts of
the Company and its subsidiaries  are  consolidated in reports  furnished to its
stockholders generally or to the Commission).

         SECTION 4.  Payment of  Expenses.  The  Company  will pay all  expenses
incident to the  performance  of its  obligations  under this  Agreement and the
Pricing  Agreement,  including,  without  limitation,  expenses  related  to the
following,  if incurred: (i) the preparation,  delivery,  printing and filing of
the  Registration  Statement  and  Prospectus  as  originally  filed  (including
financial  statements  and exhibits)  and of each  amendment  thereto,  (ii) the
printing  and  delivery  to the  Underwriter  of  this  Agreement,  the  Pricing
Agreement  and such  other  documents  as may be  required  in  connection  with
offering,  purchase, sale and delivery of the Securities, (iii) the preparation,
issuance and delivery of the certificates for the Capital  Securities,  (iv) the
fees and disbursements of the Company's counsel,  accountants and other advisors
or agents  (including  the transfer  agents and  registrars) as well as fees and
disbursements of the Trustees and any Depositary,  and their respective counsel,
(v) the qualification of the Securities under securities laws in accordance with
the  provisions  of  Section  3(g),  including  filing  fees  and the  fees  and
disbursements  of counsel for the  Underwriter  in  connection  therewith and in
connection with the preparation of the Blue Sky Survey and any Legal  Investment
Survey,  (vi) the  printing  and  delivery to the  Underwriter  of copies of the
Registration  Statement as originally  filed and of each amendment  thereto,  of
each  preliminary  prospectus,  any Term  Sheet  and of the  Prospectus  and any
amendments  or  supplements  thereto,  (vii) the  printing  and  delivery to the
Underwriter  of copies of the Blue Sky Survey and any Legal  Investment  Survey,
(viii) any fees payable in connection with the rating of the Capital  Securities
by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations;  (ix) the filing fees
incident to, and the fees and  disbursements  of counsel to the  Underwriter  in
connection with, the review,  if any, by the National  Association of Securities
Dealers,  Inc. (the "NASD") of the terms of the sale of the Capital  Securities;
and (x) any fees payable to the Commission.

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<PAGE>




         If this Agreement is terminated by the  Underwriter in accordance  with
the  provisions  of Section 5 or  Section  9(a)(i)  hereof,  the  Company  shall
reimburse Salomon Brothers for all of its out-of-pocket expenses,  including the
reasonable fees and  disbursements of LeBoeuf,  Lamb,  Greene & MacRae,  L.L.P.,
counsel for the Underwriter.

         SECTION 5. Conditions of Underwriter's Obligations.  The obligations of
the Underwriter to purchase and pay for the Capital Securities  pursuant to this
Agreement are subject to the accuracy of the  representations  and warranties of
the Offerors  herein  contained or in certificates of any officer of the Company
or any  subsidiary  or the  trustees  of the  Trust  delivered  pursuant  to the
provisions  hereof,  to the  performance  by the  Offerors of their  obligations
hereunder, and to the following further conditions:

         (a) The Registration Statement,  including any Rule 462(b) Registration
Statement,  shall have become  effective  under the 1933 Act not later than 5:30
p.m., New York City time, on the date hereof,  and on the date hereof and at the
Closing Time, no stop order  suspending the  effectiveness  of the  Registration
Statement  or any part  thereof  shall  have been  issued  under the 1933 Act or
proceedings therefor initiated or threatened by the Commission,  and any request
on the  part of the  Commission  for  additional  information  shall  have  been
complied with to the  satisfaction of counsel to the  Underwriter.  A prospectus
containing  information  relating  to the  description  of the  Securities,  the
specific method of  distribution  and similar matters shall have been filed with
the  Commission  in  accordance  with Rule  424(b)(1),  (2), (3), (4) or (5), as
applicable (or any required post-effective  amendment providing such information
shall have been filed and declared effective in accordance with the requirements
of Rule 430A),  or, if the Company has elected to rely upon Rule 434 of the 1933
Act Regulations, a Term Sheet including the Rule 434 Information shall have been
filed with the Commission in accordance with Rule 424(b)(7).

         (b)      At the Closing Time the Underwriter shall have
received:

                  (1) The  favorable  opinion,  dated as of the Closing Time, of
Lawrence W. Inlow,  Executive Vice  President,  Secretary and General Counsel of
the Company, in form and substance  satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriter,
to the effect that:

                           (i) The  Company  has been duly  incorporated  and is
         validly  existing  as a  corporation  under  the  laws of the  State of
         Indiana;  and the Company has the corporate  power and authority  under
         the laws of the State of Indiana and

                                                      -23-
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<PAGE>



         under its  charter to own,  lease and  operate  its  properties  and to
         conduct its  business as  presently  conducted  and as described in the
         Registration  Statement and the  Prospectus or in the Company's  Annual
         Report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995.

                           (ii) To the knowledge and information of such counsel
         after due and  diligent  inquiry,  the Company is duly  qualified  as a
         foreign  corporation  to transact  business and is in good  standing in
         each jurisdiction in which such  qualification is required,  whether by
         reason of the  ownership  or  leasing  of  property  or the  conduct of
         business, except where the failure to so qualify or be in good standing
         would not  reasonably be expected to have a material  adverse effect on
         the  condition,  financial  or  otherwise,  or the earnings or business
         affairs  of  the  Company  and  its  subsidiaries,  considered  as  one
         enterprise.

                           (iii) The authorized,  issued and outstanding capital
         stock of the  Company  is as set forth in the  Prospectus  (except  for
         subsequent  issuances,  if any,  pursuant to stock option agreements or
         employee  benefit  plans),  and the  shares of issued  and  outstanding
         capital  stock of the  Company  have been duly  authorized  and validly
         issued and are fully paid and non-assessable.

                           (iv) Each  subsidiary  of the  Company  has been duly
         incorporated  and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing
         under  the  laws  of the  jurisdiction  of its  incorporation,  has the
         corporate  power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties
         and to conduct its business as presently  conducted and as described in
         the  Registration  Statement  and the  Prospectus  or in the  Company's
         Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended  December 31, 1995.
         Nothing has come to the  attention of such counsel to lead such counsel
         to  believe  that any  subsidiary  is not duly  qualified  as a foreign
         corporation  to transact  business  or is not in good  standing in each
         jurisdiction in which such qualification is required,  except where the
         failure to so qualify or be in good  standing  would not  reasonably be
         expected to have a material adverse effect on the condition,  financial
         or  otherwise,  or the earnings or business  affairs of the Company and
         its  subsidiaries  considered as one  enterprise.  All of the shares of
         issued and outstanding  capital stock of each subsidiary of the Company
         have  been duly  authorized  and  validly  issued,  are fully  paid and
         nonassessable,  and,  except as set forth in the  Prospectus,  all such
         shares are owned by the Company or by a subsidiary of the Company.


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<PAGE>



                           (v) The forms of  certificates  used to evidence  the
         Securities comply with all applicable  statutory  requirements and with
         any  applicable  requirements  of the  Company's  Amended  Articles  of
         Incorporation and Code of ByLaws.

                           (vi) The Trust is not required to be qualified and in
         good  standing as a foreign  company in  Indiana,  except to the extent
         that the failure to so qualify or be in good standing  would not have a
         material  adverse effect on the Trust;  and the Trust is not a party to
         or otherwise  bound by any agreement  other than those described in the
         Prospectus.

                           (vii)  The  Declaration  has  been  duly  authorized,
         executed  and  delivered by the Company and the Trustees and is a valid
         and binding obligation of the Company,  enforceable against the Company
         and each of the Regular  Trustees in accordance with its terms,  except
         as enforcement thereof may be limited by the Bankruptcy Exceptions; and
         the Declaration has been duly qualified under the 1939 Act.

                           (viii) All legally required proceedings in connection
         with the authorization, issuance and validity of the Securities and the
         sale of the Securities in accordance  with this  Agreement  (other than
         the filing of post-issuance  reports, the non-filing of which would not
         render the Securities invalid) have been taken and all legally required
         orders,  consents or other  authorizations  or  approvals  of any other
         public boards or bodies in connection with the authorization,  issuance
         and  validity  of the  Securities  and the  sale of the  Securities  in
         accordance  with this  Agreement  (other than in connection  with or in
         compliance  with the  provisions of the  securities or Blue Sky laws of
         any jurisdictions,  as to which no opinion need be expressed) have been
         obtained and are in full force and effect.

                           (ix) The Registration  Statement,  including any Rule
         462(b)  Registration  Statement,  is effective  under the 1933 Act; any
         required filing of the Prospectus pursuant to Rule 424(b) has been made
         in the manner and within the time period  required by Rule 424(b);  and
         no  stop  order  suspending  the   effectiveness  of  the  Registration
         Statement  has been issued under the 1933 Act or  proceedings  therefor
         initiated,  or, to such counsel's  knowledge and information  after due
         and diligent inquiry, threatened by the Commission.

                           (x) The  Registration  Statement,  including any Rule
         462(b) Registration  Statement,  each of the incorporated documents and
         the  Prospectus,  and each amendment or supplement  thereto (other than
         the financial statements or other financial  information or statistical
         data included

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<PAGE>



         therein and the  Statements of Eligibility on Forms T-1 with respect to
         each of the  Property  Trustee,  the  Debt  Trustee  and the  Guarantee
         Trustee,  as to  which  no  opinion  need  be  rendered),  as of  their
         respective  effective or issue dates, or when amended,  as appropriate,
         complied as to form in all material  respects with the  requirements of
         the 1933 Act or the 1934 Act and the Rules and Regulations  thereunder;
         and the Declaration, the Indenture and the Capital Securities Guarantee
         Agreement  filed  with  the  Commission  as  part  of the  Registration
         Statement  complied  as to  form  in all  material  respects  with  the
         requirements of the 1939 Act and the 1939 Act Regulations.

                           (xi) Each of the documents  incorporated by reference
         in the  Registration  Statement or the Prospectus at the time they were
         filed or last amended  (other than the  financial  statements  or other
         financial  or  statistical  data  included  therein,  as to which  such
         counsel  need  express no belief)  complied as to form in all  material
         respects  with  the  requirements  of the  1934  Act,  and the 1934 Act
         Regulations, as applicable.

                           (xii) The Company and each of the Conseco Trusts meet
         the  registrant  requirements  for use of Form S-3  under  the 1933 Act
         Regulations.

                           (xiii) The Common Securities, the Capital Securities,
         the Subordinated Debentures,  each of the Guarantees,  the Declaration,
         the  Indenture  and each of the  Guarantee  Agreements  conform  in all
         material  respects  to  the  descriptions   thereof  contained  in  the
         Prospectus.

                           (xiv) The  information  in the  Prospectus  under the
         captions "The Company", "Pending Acquisitions By The Company", "Conseco
         Financing   Trust   II",   "Risk    Factors",    "Use   of   Proceeds",
         "Capitalization", "Description of the Capital Securities", "Description
         of the Trust Guarantee",  "Description of the Subordinated  Debentures"
         and "Effect of Obligations  under the  Subordinated  Debentures and the
         Trust  Guarantee",  to the  extent  that they  involve  matters of law,
         summaries of legal matters,  the Company's  Charter and bylaws or legal
         proceedings,  or legal  conclusions,  has been reviewed by such counsel
         and is correct in all material respects.

                           (xv)  All  of  the  issued  and  outstanding   Common
         Securities  of the Trust are  directly  owned by the  Company  free and
         clear of any security interest,  mortgage,  pledge, lien,  encumbrance,
         claim or equitable right.


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<PAGE>



                           (xvi) This  Agreement and the Pricing  Agreement have
         been duly  authorized,  executed and delivered by each of the Trust and
         the Company and constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company
         and the  Trust,  enforceable  against  the  Company  and the  Trust  in
         accordance with their terms,  except (1) to the extent that enforcement
         thereof may be limited by Bankruptcy Exceptions and (2) that no opinion
         is given as to the  enforceability  of the indemnity  and  contribution
         provisions under this Agreement and the Pricing Agreement.

                           (xvii) Each of the Guarantee Agreements has been duly
         authorized,   executed  and  delivered  by  the  Company;  the  Capital
         Securities  Guarantee  Agreement,   assuming  it  is  duly  authorized,
         executed,  and delivered by the Guarantee Trustee,  constitutes a valid
         and binding obligation of the Company,  enforceable against the Company
         in  accordance  with its terms,  except to the extent that  enforcement
         thereof  may be  limited  by  Bankruptcy  Exceptions;  and the  Capital
         Securities  Guarantee  Agreement has been duly qualified under the 1939
         Act.

                           (xviii)  The  Indenture  has been duly  executed  and
         delivered by the Company and,  assuming due  authorization,  execution,
         and  delivery  thereof  by the Debt  Trustee,  is a valid  and  binding
         obligation  of  the  Company,   enforceable   against  the  Company  in
         accordance  with its  terms,  except  to the  extent  that  enforcement
         thereof may be limited by the Bankruptcy Exceptions;  and the Indenture
         has been duly qualified under the 1939 Act.

                           (xix)  The  Subordinated  Debentures  are in the form
         contemplated by the Indenture, have been duly authorized,  executed and
         delivered by the Company and, when authenticated by the Debt Trustee in
         the manner provided for in the Indenture and delivered  against payment
         therefor as  provided  in this  Agreement,  will  constitute  valid and
         binding obligations of the Company,  enforceable against the Company in
         accordance  with their  terms,  except to the extent  that  enforcement
         thereof may be limited by the Bankruptcy Exceptions.

                           (xx) The issuance and delivery of the Securities, the
         execution and delivery of this Agreement,  the Pricing  Agreement,  the
         Declaration,   the  Capital  Securities,  the  Common  Securities,  the
         Indenture,  the Subordinated  Debentures,  the Guarantee Agreements and
         the Guarantees and the  consummation of the  transactions  contemplated
         herein and therein,  and the  compliance  by each of the Offerors  with
         their respective obligations hereunder and thereunder will not conflict
         with or constitute a breach of, or default

                                                      -27-
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<PAGE>



         under,  or result in the creation or imposition of any lien,  charge or
         encumbrance  upon any  property or assets of the Trust,  the Company or
         any of its subsidiaries pursuant to, any material contract,  indenture,
         mortgage, loan agreement (except as described in the Prospectus,  as to
         which a waiver has been obtained),  note,  lease or other instrument to
         which the Trust,  the Company or any of its  subsidiaries is a party or
         by  which  it or any of  them  may be  bound,  or to  which  any of the
         property or assets of the Trust, the Company or any of its subsidiaries
         is subject,  except for a conflict,  breach,  default,  lien, charge or
         encumbrance  which would not  reasonably be expected to have a material
         adverse  effect  on  the  condition,  financial  or  otherwise,  or the
         earnings  or  business  affairs  of the  Trust,  the  Company  and  its
         subsidiaries  considered as one  enterprise nor will such action result
         in any violation of the  provisions of the  Certificate of Trust of the
         Trust,  the  charter  or  by-laws  of  the  Company,  or  any  material
         applicable law,  administrative  regulation or  administrative or court
         decree.

                           (xxi)  To  the  knowledge  and  information  of  such
         counsel  after  due and  diligent  inquiry,  there are no  statutes  or
         regulations  required to be described or  incorporated  by reference in
         the  Registration  Statement which are not described or incorporated by
         reference  as  required   and  there  are  no  legal  or   governmental
         proceedings pending or threatened which are required to be disclosed or
         incorporated  by reference in the  Registration  Statement,  other than
         those disclosed or incorporated by reference therein.

                           (xxii)  To the  knowledge  and  information  of  such
         counsel  after  due  and  diligent  inquiry,  there  are no  contracts,
         indentures,   mortgages,  loan  agreements,   notes,  leases  or  other
         instruments  required to be described or referred to or incorporated by
         reference  in the  Registration  Statement  or to be filed as  exhibits
         thereto other than those  described or referred to or  incorporated  by
         reference  therein  or  filed as  exhibits  thereto;  the  descriptions
         thereof or  references  thereto  are true and  correct in all  material
         respects and no default exists in the due  performance or observance of
         any material obligation,  agreement, covenant or condition contained in
         any contract, indenture, mortgage, loan agreement, note, lease or other
         instrument so described,  referred to or  incorporated  by reference or
         filed,  which default  would  reasonably be expected to have a material
         adverse  effect on the Company and its  subsidiaries  considered as one
         enterprise.

                           (xxiii)  No authorization, approval or consent of
         any court or governmental authority or agency is necessary

                                                      -28-
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<PAGE>



         in connection  with the issuance and sale of the Capital  Securities by
         the Trust to the  Underwriter  or the  performance by the Trust and the
         Company of their respective obligations in this Agreement,  the Pricing
         Agreement, the Indenture,  the Subordinated  Debentures,  the Guarantee
         Agreements, the Declaration and the Capital Securities,  except such as
         have been obtained and made under the federal  securities laws or state
         insurance  laws and such as may be required  under the state or foreign
         securities laws.

                           (xxiv) No authorization,  approval,  consent,  order,
         registration  or  qualification  of or with any court or federal or New
         York or Delaware state governmental authority or agency is required for
         the  issuance  and sale of the Capital  Securities  by the Trust to the
         Underwriter  or the  performance  by the Trust and the Company of their
         respective  obligations in this Agreement,  the Pricing Agreement,  the
         Indenture,   the  Subordinated   Debentures,   the  Capital  Securities
         Guarantee Agreement,  the Capital Securities Guarantee, the Declaration
         and the Capital  Securities  except such as has been  obtained and made
         under the  federal  securities  laws or such as may be  required  under
         state or foreign securities or Blue Sky laws.

                           (xxv) The Company and each of its  subsidiaries  hold
         all material  licenses,  certificates and permits from all governmental
         authorities  (including,  without  limitation,  the Insurance Licenses)
         which are necessary to the conduct of their businesses; the Company and
         its subsidiaries have fulfilled and performed all material  obligations
         necessary to maintain their respective Insurance Licenses, and no event
         or events have occurred which could reasonably be expected to result in
         the material  impairment,  modification,  termination  or revocation of
         such Insurance Licenses.

                           (xxvi) None of the Trust or the Company or any of its
         subsidiaries is an "investment company" or an entity "controlled" by an
         "investment company," as such terms are defined in the 1940 Act.

                           (xxvii)  All   consents   and  waivers   required  in
         connection  with the  issuance  and  delivery  of the  Securities,  the
         execution  and  delivery  of the  Underwriting  Agreement,  the Pricing
         Agreement,  the  Declaration,   the  Capital  Securities,   the  Common
         Securities,  the  Indenture,  the  Subordinated  Debt  Securities,  the
         Guarantee  Agreement and the  Guarantees  and the  consummation  of the
         transactions contemplated therein have been obtained.

Moreover,  such counsel  shall  confirm that nothing has come to such  counsel's
attention that would lead such counsel to believe

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<PAGE>



that the Registration Statement,  including any information provided pursuant to
Rule 430A and related schedules and Rule 434 (except for financial statements or
other  financial  information or statistical  data included or  incorporated  by
reference therein, as to which such counsel need express no belief), at the time
it became effective or at the Representation Date, contained an untrue statement
of a material  fact or omitted to state a material  fact  required  to be stated
therein or necessary to make the  statements  therein not misleading or that the
Prospectus (except for financial statements and other financial data included or
incorporated  by  reference  therein,  as to which such  counsel need express no
belief),  at the Representation  Date (unless the term "Prospectus"  refers to a
prospectus  which has been provided to the Underwriter by the Company for use in
connection  with the offering of the Capital  Securities  which differs from the
Prospectus  on file at the  Commission  at the time the  Registration  Statement
became  effective,  in  which  case at the  time  it is  first  provided  to the
Underwriter  for such use) or at Closing Time,  included (or includes) an untrue
statement  of a  material  fact or  omitted  or omits to state a  material  fact
necessary  in  order  to  make  the  statements  therein,  in the  light  of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

                  (2) The  favorable  opinion,  dated as of the Closing Time, of
Locke  Reynolds  Boyd & Weisell,  special  counsel to the  Company,  in form and
substance  satisfactory to counsel for the  Underwriter,  to the effect that the
statements in the  Prospectus  under the caption  "United  States Federal Income
Taxation"  have been  reviewed by such counsel and,  insofar as they  constitute
legal  conclusions or matters of law, fairly  summarize the matters  referred to
therein.

Moreover,  such counsel  shall  confirm that nothing has come to such  counsel's
attention  that  would  lead  such  counsel  to  believe  that the  Registration
Statement,  including any information provided pursuant to Rule 430A or Rule 434
(except for financial  statements or other financial  information or statistical
data included or  incorporated  by reference  therein,  as to which such counsel
need  express  no  belief),   at  the  time  it  became   effective  or  at  the
Representation Date, contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted
to state a material fact required to be stated  therein or necessary to make the
statements  therein not misleading or that the Prospectus  (except for financial
statements  and other  financial  data  included or  incorporated  by  reference
therein, as to which such counsel need express no belief), at the Representation
Date  (unless  the term  "Prospectus"  refers  to a  prospectus  which  has been
provided  to the  Underwriter  by the  Company  for use in  connection  with the
offering of the  Securities  which  differs from the  Prospectus  on file at the
Commission at the time the Registration  Statement becomes  effective,  in which
case at the time it is first provided to the

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<PAGE>



Underwriter for such use) or at the Closing Time,  included an untrue  statement
of a material  fact or omitted to state a material  fact  necessary  in order to
make the statements  therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they
were made, not misleading.

                  (3) The  favorable  opinion,  dated  as of  Closing  Time,  of
Richards,  Layton & Finger,  P.A., special Delaware counsel to the Offerors,  in
form and substance  satisfactory to counsel for the  Underwriter,  to the effect
that:

                           (i) The Trust has been duly  created  and is  validly
         existing in good  standing as a business  trust under the Delaware Act,
         and all filings  required  under the laws of the State of Delaware with
         respect to the creation and valid  existence of the Trust as a business
         trust have been made.

                           (ii) Under the Delaware Act and the Declaration,  the
         Trust has the  business  trust power and  authority to own property and
         conduct its business, all as described in the Prospectus.

                           (iii) The Declaration constitutes a valid and binding
         obligation of the Company and the Trustees and is  enforceable  against
         the Company and the Trustees in accordance with its terms,  subject, as
         to   enforcement,   to   (i)   bankruptcy,    insolvency,   moratorium,
         receivership,  reorganization,  liquidation,  fraudulent conveyance and
         other  similar laws relating to or affecting the rights and remedies of
         creditors  generally,  (ii) principles of equity,  including applicable
         law relating to fiduciary duties  (regardless of whether considered and
         applied in a proceeding  in equity or at law),  and (iii) the effect of
         applicable public policy on the  enforceability of provisions  relating
         to indemnification or contribution.

                           (iv) Under the Delaware Act and the Declaration,  the
         Trust has the  business  trust power and  authority  to (i) execute and
         deliver,  and to perform its obligations  under, this Agreement and the
         Pricing  Agreement and (ii) issue,  and perform its obligations  under,
         the Trust Securities.

                           (v) Under the Delaware Act and the  Declaration,  the
         execution  and delivery by the Trust of this  Agreement and the Pricing
         Agreement,  and  the  performance  by  the  Trust  of  its  obligations
         hereunder and under the Pricing Agreement, have been duly authorized by
         all necessary action on the part of the Trust.


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                           (vi) Under the Delaware Act, the certificate attached
         to the Declaration as Exhibit A-1 is an appropriate form of certificate
         to evidence ownership of the Capital Securities; the Capital Securities
         have been duly  authorized by the  Declaration and are duly and validly
         issued and,  subject to  qualifications  hereinafter  expressed in this
         paragraph  (vi),  fully  paid and  nonassessable  undivided  beneficial
         interests  in the  assets of the  Trust;  the  holders  of the  Capital
         Securities,  as beneficial owners of the Trust, will be entitled to the
         same  limitation  of personal  liability  extended to  stockholders  of
         private corporations for profit organized under the General Corporation
         Law of the State of Delaware; said counsel may note that the holders of
         the Capital  Securities  may be obligated to make payments as set forth
         in the Declaration.

                           (vii) The Common Securities have been duly authorized
         by the  Declaration  and are  duly and  validly  issued  and  represent
         undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust.

                           (viii) Under the Delaware Act and the Declaration, 
         the  issuance of the Trust  Securities  is not  subject to  preemptive
         rights.

                           (ix) The  issuance and sale by the Trust of the Trust
         Securities,  the purchase by the Trust of the Subordinated  Debentures,
         the execution,  delivery and performance by the Trust of this Agreement
         and  the  Pricing  Agreement,  the  consummation  by the  Trust  of the
         transactions  contemplated  hereby  and by the  Pricing  Agreement  and
         compliance by the Trust with its  obligations  hereunder and thereunder
         will not violate (i) any of the provisions of the  Certificate of Trust
         or  the   Declaration   or  (ii)  any   applicable   Delaware   law  or
         administrative regulation.

                  (4) The favorable opinion, dated as of Closing Time, of Reid &
Riege,  P.C.,  counsel to Fleet  National  Bank,  as Property  Trustee under the
Declaration,  and  Guarantee  Trustee  under the  Capital  Securities  Guarantee
Agreements,  in form and substance  satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriter,
to the effect that:

                           (i)  Fleet  National  Bank  is  a  national   banking
         association  with trust powers,  formed and  authorized to transact the
         business  of  banking  under  the laws of the  United  States  with all
         necessary power and authority to execute and deliver,  and to carry out
         and perform its obligations  under the terms of the Declaration and the
         Capital Securities Guarantee Agreement.


                                                      -32-
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<PAGE>



                           (ii) The execution,  delivery and  performance by the
         Property  Trustee of the  Declaration  and the execution,  delivery and
         performance  by  the  Guarantee  Trustee  of  the  Capital   Securities
         Guarantee   Agreement  have  been  duly  authorized  by  all  necessary
         corporate  action on the part of the Property Trustee and the Guarantee
         Trustee,  respectively.  The  Declaration  and the  Capital  Securities
         Guarantee  Agreement  have  been duly  executed  and  delivered  by the
         Property  Trustee  and  the  Guarantee   Trustee,   respectively,   and
         constitute  the legal,  valid and binding  obligations  of the Property
         Trustee and the Guarantee Trustee,  respectively,  enforceable  against
         the  Property  Trustee  and the  Guarantee  Trustee,  respectively,  in
         accordance  with their  terms,  except to the  extent  the  enforcement
         thereof may be limited by the Bankruptcy Exceptions.

                           (iii) The execution,  delivery and performance of the
         Declaration  and the  Capital  Securities  Guarantee  Agreement  by the
         Property  Trustee  and  the  Guarantee  Trustee,  respectively,  do not
         conflict with or constitute a breach of the Articles of Organization or
         Bylaws of the Property Trustee and the Guarantee Trustee, respectively.

                           (iv) No  consent,  approval or  authorization  of, or
         registration  with or notice  to,  any  federal  banking  authority  is
         required for the  execution,  delivery or  performance  by the Property
         Trustee and the Guarantee  Trustee of the  Declaration  and the Capital
         Securities Guarantee Agreement.

                  (5) With  respect  to each  Acquired  Company, the  favorable 
         opinions, dated as of the Closing Time, of Lawrence W. Inlow, Executive
         Vice President,  Secretary and General Counsel of the Company,  in form
         and  substance  satisfactory  to counsel  for the  Underwriter,  to the
         effect that:

                           (i) Such Acquired Company has been duly  incorporated
         and is validly  existing as a corporation  in good  standing  under the
         laws of the State of its  incorporation;  and such Acquired Company has
         the corporate  power and  authority  under the laws of the State of its
         incorporation  and under its  charter  to own,  lease and  operate  its
         properties and to conduct its business as described in the Registration
         Statement  and the  Prospectus  or in such  Acquired  Company's  Annual
         Report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995.

                           (ii) To the knowledge and information of such counsel
         after due and diligent inquiry, such Acquired Company is duly qualified
         as a foreign Corporation to

                                                      -33-
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<PAGE>



         transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which
         such  qualification is required,  whether by reason of the ownership or
         leasing of  property  or the  conduct  of  business,  except  where the
         failure to so qualify or be in good  standing  would not  reasonably be
         expected to have a material adverse effect on the condition,  financial
         or  otherwise,  or the  earnings or business  affairs of such  Acquired
         Company and its subsidiaries, considered as one enterprise.

                           (iii) The authorized,  issued and outstanding capital
         stock  of such  Acquired  Company  is as set  forth  in the  Prospectus
         (except for  subsequent  issuances,  if any,  pursuant to stock  option
         agreements  or employee  benefit  plans),  and the shares of issued and
         outstanding  capital  stock of such  Acquired  Company  have  been duly
         authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable.

                           (iv) Each  subsidiary  of such  Acquired  Company has
         been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good
         standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its  incorporation,  has
         the  corporate  power  and  authority  to own,  lease and  operate  its
         properties  and to conduct its business as presently  conducted  and as
         described in the  Registration  Statement and the Prospectus or in such
         Acquired  Company's Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended
         December 31, 1995. Nothing has come to the attention of such counsel to
         lead such counsel to believe that any  subsidiary is not duly qualified
         as a  foreign  corporation  to  transact  business  or is not  in  good
         standing in each jurisdiction in which such  qualification is required,
         except where the failure to so qualify or be in good standing would not
         reasonably  be  expected  to  have a  material  adverse  effect  on the
         condition,  financial or otherwise, or the earnings or business affairs
         of  such  Acquired  Company  and  its  subsidiaries  considered  as one
         enterprise.  All of the shares of issued and outstanding  capital stock
         of each  subsidiary of such Acquired  Company has been duly  authorized
         and  validly  issued,  is fully  paid and  nonassessable,  and all such
         shares are owned by such  Acquired  Company or by a subsidiary  of such
         Acquired Company.

                           (v) Each of the  documents of such  Acquired  Company
         incorporated  by  reference  in  the  Registration   Statement  or  the
         Prospectus at the time they were filed or last amended  (other than the
         financial  statements or other  financial or statistical  data included
         therein,  as to which such counsel need express no belief)  complied as
         to form in all material respects with the requirements of the 1934 Act,
         and the 1934 Act Regulations, as applicable.

                                                      -34-
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<PAGE>



                           (vi)  The   statements   made  in  the  Joint   Proxy
         Statement-Prospectus  of the  Company  and such  Acquired  Company,  as
         applicable,  and  under  the  relevant  captions  in  the  Registration
         Statement and the Prospectus with respect to such Acquired  Company and
         any  corresponding  statements  in any similar  documents of later date
         which are incorporated by reference in the  Registration  Statement and
         Prospectus,  to the extent that they involve matters of law,  summaries
         of legal matters,  such Acquired  Company's charter and bylaws or legal
         proceedings,  or legal conclusions,  have been reviewed by such counsel
         and are correct in all material respects.

                           (vii) The  Merger  Agreement  between  such  Acquired
         Company  and the  Company  (and any of its  affiliates)  has been  duly
         authorized,  executed  and  delivered  by  such  Acquired  Company  and
         constitutes a valid and binding  obligation  of such Acquired  Company,
         enforceable against such Acquired Company in accordance with its terms,
         except  to the  extent  that  enforcement  thereof  may be  limited  by
         Bankruptcy  Exceptions,  and to the knowledge and  information  of such
         counsel after due and diligent  inquiry such Acquired Company is not in
         default in the observance of the terms and conditions thereof.

                           (viii)  To the  knowledge  and  information  of  such
         counsel after due and diligent  inquiry,  with respect to such Acquired
         Company,  there are no statutes or regulations required to be described
         or  incorporated by reference in the  Registration  Statement which are
         not described or incorporated by reference as required and there are no
         legal or  governmental  proceedings  pending  or  threatened  which are
         required  to  be  disclosed  or   incorporated   by  reference  in  the
         Registration  Statement,  other than those disclosed or incorporated by
         reference therein.

                           (ix) Such Acquired Company and its subsidiaries  hold
         all material  licenses,  certificates and permits from all governmental
         authorities  (including,  without  limitation,  the Insurance Licenses)
         which are necessary to the conduct of their  businesses;  such Acquired
         Company and its subsidiaries  have fulfilled and performed all material
         obligations  necessary to maintain their respective Insurance Licenses,
         and no event or events have occurred which could reasonably be expected
         to result in the  material  impairment,  modification,  termination  or
         revocation of such Insurance Licenses.

Moreover,  such counsel  shall  confirm that nothing has come to such  counsel's
attention with respect to such Acquired  Company that would lead such counsel to
believe that the  Registration  Statement,  including any  information  provided
pursuant to

                                                      -35-
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<PAGE>



Rule 430A and related schedules and Rule 434 (except for financial statements or
other  financial  information or statistical  data included or  incorporated  by
reference therein, as to which such counsel need express no belief), at the time
it became effective or at the Representation Date, contained an untrue statement
of a material  fact or omitted to state a material  fact  required  to be stated
therein or necessary to make the  statements  therein not misleading or that the
Prospectus (except for financial statements and other financial data included or
incorporated  by  reference  therein,  as to which such  counsel need express no
belief),  at the Representation  Date (unless the term "Prospectus"  refers to a
prospectus  which has been provided to the Underwriter by the Company for use in
connection  with the offering of the Capital  Securities  which differs from the
Prospectus  on file at the  Commission  at the time the  Registration  Statement
became  effective,  in  which  case at the  time  it is  first  provided  to the
Underwriter  for such use) or at Closing Time,  included (or includes) an untrue
statement  of a  material  fact or  omitted  or omits to state a  material  fact
necessary  in  order  to  make  the  statements  therein,  in the  light  of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

                  (6) The  favorable  opinion,  dated  as of  Closing  Time,  of
LeBoeuf,  Lamb,  Greene & MacRae,  L.L.P.,  counsel  for the  Underwriter,  with
respect  to the  Capital  Securities,  the  Indenture,  the  Capital  Securities
Guarantee  Agreement,  this Agreement,  the Pricing Agreement,  the Registration
Statement,  the Prospectus and other related matters as you may require, and the
Company shall have  furnished to such counsel such documents as they request for
the  purpose of  enabling  them to pass upon such  matters.  In  rendering  such
opinion,  LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P. may rely as to matters governed
by the laws of Indiana and Delaware  upon the  opinions  referred to in Sections
5(b)(1) and 5(b)(3) hereto.

         (c) Between the date of this  Agreement  and prior to the Closing Time,
no material  adverse change shall have occurred in the  condition,  financial or
otherwise,  or in the earnings,  business  affairs or business  prospects of the
Trust or the Company and its subsidiaries  considered as one enterprise,  or any
of the  Acquired  Companies  and their  respective  subsidiaries,  in each case,
considered as one enterprise, whether or not in the ordinary course of business.

         (d) At Closing Time, the Underwriter  shall have received a certificate
of an executive officer of the Company and a certificate of a Regular Trustee of
the Trust, and dated as of Closing Time, to the effect that:

                           (i)  There has been no material adverse change in
         the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings,

                                                      -36-
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<PAGE>



         business  affairs or business  prospects of the Trust,  the Company and
         its subsidiaries  considered as one enterprise,  or any of the Acquired
         Companies and their respective  subsidiaries,  in each case, considered
         as one enterprise, whether or not in the ordinary course of business.

                           (ii) The  representations and warranties in Section 1
         hereof  are true and  correct  as  though  expressly  made at and as of
         Closing Time.

                           (iii) The Trust and the Company  have  complied  with
         all  agreements  and  satisfied  all  conditions  on  their  part to be
         performed or satisfied at or prior to Closing Time.

                           (iv) No stop order  suspending the  effectiveness  of
         the Registration  Statement has been issued and no proceedings for that
         purpose have been initiated or threatened by the Commission.

         (e) At the time of the  execution of this  Agreement,  the  Underwriter
shall have received from Coopers & Lybrand,  L.L.P., with respect to the Company
and Life Partners Group, Inc. ("LPG"), from Arthur Andersen L.L.P., with respect
to American Travellers,  and from KPMG Peat Marwick L.L.P., with respect to each
of Capitol American and Transport  Holdings,  a letter, in each case, dated such
date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriter,  to the effect that
(i) they are independent  public  accountants with respect to the Company,  LPG,
American   Travellers,   Capitol  American  and  Transport  Holdings  and  their
respective subsidiaries,  as applicable, within the meaning of the 1933 Act, the
1933 Act  Regulations,  the 1934  Act and the 1934 Act  Regulations;  (ii) it is
their opinion that the financial statements and supporting schedules included or
incorporated by reference in the  Registration  Statement and the Prospectus and
covered  by  their  opinions  therein  comply  with  the  applicable  accounting
requirements  of the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act  Regulations and the 1934 Act and
the 1934 Act  Regulations;  (iii)  based upon  limited  procedures  set forth in
detail in such letter,  nothing has come to their attention which causes them to
believe  that (A) the  unaudited  financial  information  of the  Company,  LPG,
American   Travellers,   Capitol  American  and  Transport  Holdings  and  their
respective subsidiaries, as applicable, included or incorporated by reference in
the  Registration  Statement and the  Prospectus do not comply as to form in all
material respects with the applicable  accounting  requirements of the 1933 Act,
the 1933 Act  Regulations,  the 1934 Act and the 1934 Act Regulations or are not
presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on
a basis substantially  consistent with that of the audited financial  statements
included in the Registration Statement, or (B) any unaudited pro forma

                                                      -37-
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<PAGE>



consolidated  financial  statements  or any  unaudited  pro forma  consolidating
financial  statements  included or incorporated by reference in the Registration
Statement and the  Prospectus do not comply as to form in all material  respects
with the  applicable  accounting  requirements  of the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act
Regulations  and the  1934 Act and the 1934  Act  Regulations  or the pro  forma
adjustments  have not been  properly  applied to the  historical  amounts in the
compilation  of those  statements,  or (C) as of a specified  date not more than
five days  prior to the date of this  Agreement  with  respect  to the  Company,
American  Travellers,  Capitol  American and Transport  Holdings,  there was any
increase in consolidated long-term debt (consolidated notes payable with respect
to Capitol  American) or, at the date of the latest available balance sheet read
by such  accountants,  there was any  decrease in  consolidated  total assets or
shareholders' equity, as compared with amounts shown on the latest balance sheet
included in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, or (D) for the period
from  the  closing  date  of  the  latest  income  statement   included  in  the
Registration  Statement  and the  Prospectus  to the closing  date of the latest
available income statement read by such  accountants,  there were any decreases,
as compared  with the  corresponding  period of the  previous  year and with the
period of  corresponding  length ended the date of the latest  income  statement
included in the  Registration  Statement  and the  Prospectus,  in  consolidated
premiums  (including  annuity  deposits,  if applicable)  collected (earned with
respect to Capitol American),  net investment income,  total revenues,  earnings
applicable to common stock or net income per fully diluted  common share except,
in all cases set forth in this clause (iii), for changes, increases or decreases
which the Registration  Statement and the Prospectus  discloses have occurred or
may occur or which are  described  in such letter;  (iv) they have  examined the
statutory  financial  statements  of  each  of the  Company's,  LPG's,  American
Traveller's,  Capitol American's and Transport Holdings' insurance  subsidiaries
required  to have  such an  audit,  as  applicable,  and in their  opinion  such
statements,  with respect to each insurance  subsidiary,  have for each relevant
period been  prepared in  accordance  with  accounting  practices  prescribed or
permitted by the  appropriate  Insurance  Department of the state of domicile of
such subsidiary, and such accounting practices have been applied on a consistent
basis throughout the periods involved,  except as disclosed therein;  and (v) in
addition  to the  examination  referred  to in their  opinions  and the  limited
procedures  referred to in clause  (iii)  above,  they have  carried out certain
specified  procedures,  not  constituting  an audit,  with  respect  to  certain
amounts,  percentages,  ratios and financial  information  that has been derived
from  the  accounting  and  financial  records  of the  Company,  LPG,  American
Travellers, Capitol American and Transport Holdings that are subject to internal
accounting  controls  which are  included or  incorporated  by  reference in the
Registration Statement and Prospectus and

                                                      -38-
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<PAGE>



which are specified by the Underwriter, and has found such amounts, percentages,
ratios and financial information to be in agreement with the relevant accounting
and financial records of the Company, LPG, American Travellers, Capitol American
and Transport Holdings and their subsidiaries identified in such
letter, as applicable.

         (f) At the Closing  Time,  the  Underwriter  shall have  received  from
Coopers & Lybrand,  L.L.P.,  with  respect to the Company  and LPG,  from Arthur
Andersen L.L.P., with respect to American Travellers, and from KPMG Peat Marwick
L.L.P.,  with respect to each of Capitol  American  and  Transport  Holdings,  a
letter,  in each case,  dated as of the  Closing  Time,  to the effect that they
reaffirm the statements made in the letter furnished  pursuant to subsection (e)
of this  Section,  except that (i) such  statements  shall include any financial
statements and pro forma financial information  incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus which are filed subsequent to the date
of this  Agreement  and prior to the Closing  Date and (ii) the  specified  date
referred  to shall be a date not more than five days prior to the  Closing  Time
and,  if the  Company  has  elected  to rely on Rule  430A  under  the  1933 Act
Regulations,  to the further  effect that they have  carried out  procedures  as
specified  in clause (iv) of  subsection  (e) of this  Section  with  respect to
certain  amounts,   percentages  and  financial  information  specified  by  the
Underwriter and deemed to be a part of the  Registration  Statement  pursuant to
Rule 430(A)(b) and has found such amounts, percentages and financial information
to be in agreement with the records specified in such clause (iv).

         (g) At  Closing  Time,  counsel  for the  Underwriter  shall  have been
furnished  with such  documents and opinions as they may require for the purpose
of enabling it to pass upon the  issuance and sale of the  Securities  as herein
contemplated  and related  proceedings,  or in order to evidence the accuracy of
any of the  representations  or  warranties,  or the  fulfillment  of any of the
conditions  herein  contained;  and all  proceedings  taken  by the  Company  in
connection  with the issuance and sale of the Securities as herein  contemplated
shall be  satisfactory  in form and substance to the Underwriter and counsel for
the Underwriter.

         (h) At Closing Time,  the Capital  Securities  shall be rated in one of
the four highest rating  categories for long term debt  ("Investment  Grade") by
any nationally  recognized  statistical  rating agency, and the Trust shall have
delivered  to the  Underwriter  a letter,  dated  the  Closing  Time,  from such
nationally recognized  statistical rating agency, or other evidence satisfactory
to the Underwriter, confirming that the Capital Securities have Investment Grade
ratings; and there shall not have occurred any decrease in the ratings of any of
the debt securities of the Company or any of the Acquired Companies or of

                                                      -39-
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<PAGE>



the  Capital  Securities  by  any  "nationally   recognized  statistical  rating
organization"  (as  defined  for  purposes  of Rule  436(g)  under  the 1933 Act
Regulations) and such organization shall not have publicly announced that it has
under surveillance or review, with possible negative implications, its rating of
any of the debt securities of the Company or of the Capital Securities.

         (i)      The NASD shall not have raised any objection with
respect to the fairness and reasonableness of the underwriting
terms and arrangements.

         If any  condition  specified  in this  Section  5 shall  not have  been
fulfilled  when  and  as  required  to be  fulfilled,  this  Agree  ment  may be
terminated by the  Underwriter  by notice to the Company at any time at or prior
to Closing Time,  and such termi nation shall be without  liability of any party
to any other party except as provided in Section 4.

         SECTION 6.  Indemnification.

         (a) The  Offerors  agree to jointly and  severally  indemnify  and hold
harmless the Underwriter  and each person,  if any, who controls the Underwriter
within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act as follows:

                  (i) against  any and all loss,  liability,  claim,  damage and
         expense whatsoever, as incurred, arising out of any untrue statement or
         alleged   untrue   statement  of  a  material  fact  contained  in  the
         Registration Statement (or any amend ment thereto),  including the Rule
         430A  Information  and the Rule  434  Information  deemed  to be a part
         thereof,  if applicable,  or the omission or alleged omission therefrom
         of a material fact  required to be stated  therein or necessary to make
         the  statements  therein  not  misleading  or arising out of any untrue
         statement or alleged  untrue  statement of a material  fact included in
         any  preliminary  prospectus  or the  Prospectus  (or any  amendment or
         supplement thereto), or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a
         material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the
         light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;

                  (ii) against any and all loss,  liability,  claim,  damage and
         expense whatsoever,  as incurred, to the extent of the aggregate amount
         paid  in  settlement  of  any  litigation,   or  any  investigation  or
         proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened,
         or of any claim  whatsoever  based upon any such  untrue  statement  or
         omission,  or any such alleged untrue  statement or omission,  provided
         that  (subject to Section 6(d) below) any such  settlement  is effected
         with the written consent of the Offerors; and

                                                      -40-
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<PAGE>



                  (iii)  against  any and all  expense  whatsoever,  as incurred
         (including  the  fees  and  disbursements  of  counsel  chosen  by  the
         Underwriter),  reasonably  incurred  in  investigating,   preparing  or
         defending against any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by
         any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened,  or any claim
         whatsoever  based upon any such untrue  statement or  omission,  or any
         such alleged untrue statement or omission,  to the extent that any such
         expense is not paid under (i) or (ii) above;

provided, however, that the foregoing indemnity agreement shall not apply to any
loss,  liability,  claim,  damage or expense to the  extent  arising  out of any
untrue  statement or omission or alleged  untrue  statement or omission  made in
reliance  upon and in  conformity  with  written  information  furnished  to the
Offerors by the Underwriter expressly for use in the Registration  Statement (or
any amendment  thereto),  including the Rule 430(A) Information and the Rule 434
Information  deemed to be a part  thereof,  if  applicable,  or any  preliminary
prospectus  or the  Prospectus  (or any amendment or  supplement  thereto).  The
foregoing  indemnity  with  respect  to any  untrue  statement  contained  in or
omission  from a  preliminary  prospectus  shall not inure to the benefit of the
Underwriter  (or any person  controlling the  Underwriter)  from whom the person
asserting any such loss,  liability,  claim,  damage or expense purchased any of
the Securities that are the subject thereof if such person was not sent or given
a copy of the Prospectus (or the Prospectus as amended or supplemented) (in each
case  exclusive of the  documents  from which  information  is  incorporated  by
reference)  at or  prior  to the  written  confirmation  of  the  sale  of  such
Securities to such person and the untrue statement contained in or omission from
such  preliminary  prospectus was corrected in the Prospectus (or the Prospectus
as amended or supplemented).

         (b) The Underwriter  agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company,
its directors,  each of its officers who signed the Registration Statement,  the
Trust and each of its Trustees who signed the Registration  Statement,  and each
person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the
1933  Act  against  any and all  loss,  liability,  claim,  damage  and  expense
described in the  indemnity  contained in  subsection  (a) of this  Section,  as
incurred,  but only with respect to untrue state ments or omissions,  or alleged
untrue  statements  or  omissions,  made in the  Registration  Statement (or any
amendment  thereto),  including  the Rule  430(A)  Information  and the Rule 434
Information  deemed to be a part  thereof,  if  applicable,  or any  preliminary
prospectus  or the  Prospectus  (or any  amendment  or  supplement  thereto)  in
reliance  upon and in  conformity  with  written  information  furnished  to the
Offerors by the Underwriter expressly for use in the Registration  Statement (or
any amendment

                                                      -41-
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<PAGE>



thereto) or such preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or any
amendment or supplement thereto).

         (c) Each indemnified  party shall give notice as promptly as reasonably
practicable to each  indemnifying  party of any action  commenced  against it in
respect of which indemnity may be sought hereunder,  but failure to so notify an
indemnifying  party shall not relieve such indemnifying party from any liability
hereunder to the extent it is not materially  prejudiced as a result thereof and
in any event shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have otherwise
than on account of this indemnity agreement.  In the case of parties indemnified
pursuant to Section  6(a) above,  counsel to the  indemnified  parties  shall be
selected by Salomon Brothers,  and, in the case of parties indemnified  pursuant
to Section 6(b) above,  counsel to the indemnified  parties shall be selected by
the Offerors.  An  indemnifying  party may participate at its own expense in the
defense of any such action; provided,  however, that counsel to the indemnifying
party  shall not  (except  with the  consent of the  indemnified  party) also be
counsel to the indemnified party. In no event shall the indemnifying  parties be
liable for fees and  expenses of more than one counsel (in addition to any local
counsel)  separate  from  their  own  counsel  for all  indemnified  parties  in
connection with any one action or separate but similar or related actions in the
same jurisdiction  arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances.
No  indemnifying  party  shall,   without  the  prior  written  consent  of  the
indemnified  parties,  settle  or  compromise  or  consent  to the  entry of any
judgment with respect to any litigation,  or any  investigation or proceeding by
any  governmental  agency  or  body,  commenced  or  threatened,  or  any  claim
whatsoever in respect of which  indemnification  or contribution could be sought
under this Section 6 or Section 7 hereof (whether or not the indemnified parties
are actual or potential parties thereto), unless such settlement,  compromise or
consent (i) includes an unconditional release of each indemnified party from all
liability arising out of such litigation investigation,  proceeding or claim and
(ii) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or
a failure to act by or on behalf of any indemnified party.

         (d) If at any  time  an  indemnified  party  shall  have  requested  an
indemnifying  party to reimburse the indemnified  party for fees and expenses of
counsel,  such  indemnifying  party  agrees  that it  shall  be  liable  for any
settlement of the nature  contemplated by Section 6(a)(ii)  effected without its
written  consent if (i) such  settlement is entered into more than 45 days after
receipt  by  such  indemnifying  party  of  the  aforesaid  request,  (ii)  such
indemnifying party shall have received notice of the terms of such settlement at
least 30 days  prior to such  settlement  being  entered  into  and  (iii)  such
indemnifying party

                                                      -42-
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<PAGE>



shall not have reimbursed such indemnified party in accordance with such request
prior to the date of such settlement.

         SECTION 7. Contribution. If the indemnification provided for in Section
6 hereof is for any reason  unavailable to or  insufficient  to hold harmless an
indemnified  party in respect of any  losses,  liabilities,  claims,  damages or
expenses referred to therein,  then each indemnifying  party shall contribute to
the aggregate amount of such losses,  liabilities,  claims, damages and expenses
incurred by such  indemnified  party, as incurred,  (i) in such proportion as is
appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Offerors on the one
hand,  and  the  Underwriter,  on the  other  hand,  from  the  offering  of the
Securities  pursuant to this  Agreement  or (ii) if the  allocation  provided by
clause  (i) is not  permitted  by  applicable  law,  in  such  proportion  as is
appropriate to reflect not only the relative  benefits referred to in clause (i)
above but also the  relative  fault of the  Offerors  on the one  hand,  and the
Underwriter,  on the other hand, in connection  with the statements or omissions
which resulted in such losses, liabilities, claims, damages or expenses, as well
as any other relevant equitable considerations.

         The  relative  benefits  received by Offerors on the one hand,  and the
Underwriter,  on  the  other  hand,  in  connection  with  the  offering  of the
Securities  pursuant  to  this  Agreement  shall  be  deemed  to be in the  same
respective  proportions  as the total net  proceeds  from the  offering  of such
Securities  (before deducting  expenses)  received by the Offerors and the total
underwriting compensation received by the Underwriter, in each case as set forth
on the  cover of the  Prospectus,  or,  if Rule 434 is used,  the  corresponding
location on the Term Sheet,  bear to the aggregate initial public offering price
of such Securities as set forth on such cover.

         The  relative  fault  of  the  Offerors,  on  the  one  hand,  and  the
Underwriter, on the other hand, shall be determined by reference to, among other
things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the
omission or alleged  omission to state a material  fact  relates to  information
supplied by the Offerors or by the Underwriter and the parties' relative intent,
knowledge,  access to  information  and  opportunity  to correct or prevent such
statement or omission.

         The  Offerors and the  Underwriter  agree that it would not be just and
equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 7 were determined by pro rata
allocation or by any other method of  allocation  which does not take account of
the equitable  considerations referred to above in this Section 7. The aggregate
amount of losses,  liabilities,  claims,  damages  and  expenses  incurred by an
indemnified party and referred to above

                                                      -43-
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<PAGE>



in this  Section  7 shall be  deemed  to  include  any  legal or other  expenses
reasonably  incurred by such indemnified  party in  investigating,  preparing or
defending  against any  litigation,  or any  investigation  or proceeding by any
governmental  agency or body,  commenced or threatened,  or any claim whatsoever
based upon any such untrue or alleged  untrue  statement  or omission or alleged
omission.

         Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 7, the Underwriter shall
not be  required to  contribute  any amount in excess of the amount by which the
total price at which the Securities  underwritten  by it and  distributed to the
public were  offered to the public  exceeds the amount of any damages  which the
Underwriter  has  otherwise  been  required  to pay by reason of such  untrue or
alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission.

         No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of
Section 11(f) of the 1933 Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person
who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

         For purposes of this  Section 7, each person,  if any, who controls the
Underwriter  within  the  meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of
the 1934 Act shall have the same rights to contribution as the Underwriter,  and
each  director of the  Company,  each officer of the Company and each Trustee of
the Trust who signed the Registration  Statement,  and each person,  if any, who
controls  the Company or the Trust  within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933
Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act shall have the same rights to  contribution as
the Offerors.

         SECTION  8.  Representations,  Warranties  and  Agreements  to  Survive
Delivery.  All  representations,  warranties  and  agreements  contained in this
Agreement and the Pricing  Agreement,  or con tained in certificates of officers
of the Company,  the Trust and the Acquired Companies submitted pursuant hereto,
shall  remain  operative  and  in  full  force  and  effect,  regardless  of any
investigation made by or on behalf of the Underwriter or controlling  person, or
by or on behalf of the Company,  and shall  survive  delivery of and payment for
the Capital Securities to the Underwriter.

         SECTION 9.  Termination of Agreement.

         (a) The  Underwriter  may terminate  this  Agreement,  by notice to the
Company at any time at or prior to Closing  Time,  if (i) there has been,  since
the date of this Agreement or since the respective dates as of which information
is given in the  Registration  Statement,  any  material  adverse  change or any
development which could reasonably be expected to result in a

                                                      -44-
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<PAGE>



prospective material adverse change, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings,
business  affairs or business  prospects  of the  Company  and its  subsidiaries
considered  as  one  enterprise,  or any of the  Acquired  Companies  and  their
respective subsidiaries, in each case, considered as one enterprise,  whether or
not arising in the ordinary  course of business,  or (ii) there has occurred (A)
any material adverse change in the financial markets in the United States or, if
the  Capital  Securities  or any  related  underlying  Securities  include  Debt
Securities  denominated  or payable  in, or indexed  to, one or more  foreign or
composite currencies, in the international financial markets or (B) any outbreak
of hostilities or escalation of hostilities or other calamity or crisis,  or (C)
any  change  or  development  involving  a  prospective  change in  national  or
international political, financial or economic conditions the effect of which is
such as to make it, in the judgment of the Underwriter,  impracticable to market
the  Capital  Securities  or to enforce  contracts  for the sale of the  Capital
Securities, or (iii) trading in securities of the Company or any of the Acquired
Companies has been  suspended or limited by the  Commission,  NASD, the American
Stock Exchange or the New York Stock Exchange, or if trading generally on either
the  American   Stock   Exchange,   the  New  York  Stock  Exchange  or  in  the
over-the-counter  market has been  suspended  or limited,  or minimum or maximum
prices for trading have been fixed,  or maximum ranges for prices for securities
have been required, by either of said exchanges or by such system or by order of
the  Commission,  NASD or any other  governmental  authority,  or (iv) a banking
moratorium has been declared by either Federal,  New York or Indiana authorities
or, if the Capital Securities or any related Underlying  Securities include Debt
Securities  denominated  or payable  in, or indexed  to, one or more  foreign or
composite currencies, by the relevant authorities in the related foreign country
or countries.

         (b) If this Agreement and the Pricing Agreement are terminated pursuant
to this Section 9, such termination  shall be without  liability of any party to
any other party  except as provided in Section 4, and  provided,  further,  that
Sections 1, 6, 7 and 8 shall survive such  termination  and remain in full force
and effect.

         SECTION 10.  Notices.  All notices and other  communications  hereunder
shall be in  writing  and shall be  deemed to have been duly  given if mailed or
transmitted  by  any  standard  form  of   telecommunication.   Notices  to  the
Underwriter  shall be directed to Salomon  Brothers at Seven World Trade Center,
New York, New York 10048, Attention of George C. Johns, Director, with a copy to
LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P., 125 West 55th Street, New York, New York
10019-5389,  Attention:  Michael  Groll,  Esq.;  notices to the Company shall be
directed  to it at 11825  North  Pennsylvania  Street,  Carmel,  Indiana  46032,
Attention: Lawrence

                                                      -45-
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<PAGE>



W. Inlow, Esq., with a copy to Locke Reynolds Boyd & Weisell,
1000 Capital Center South, 201 North Illinois Street,
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204, Attention:  Stephen J. Dutton, Esq.

         SECTION 11.  Parties.  This  Agreement and the Pricing Agree ment shall
each  inure  to  the  benefit  of and be  binding  upon  the  Offerors  and  the
Underwriter and their respective  successors.  Nothing expressed or mentioned in
this  Agreement  or the Pricing  Agreement  is intended or shall be construed to
give  any  person,  firm or  corporation,  other  than the  Underwriter  and the
Offerors  and  their  respective  successors  and the  controlling  persons  and
officers and directors referred to in Sections 6 and 7 and their heirs and legal
representatives,  any legal or  equitable  right,  remedy  or claim  under or in
respect of this  Agreement or the Pricing  Agreement or any provision  herein or
therein  contained.  This Agreement and the Pricing Agreement and all conditions
and provisions  hereof and thereof are intended to be for the sole and exclusive
benefit of the parties  hereto and thereto and their  respective  successors and
legal  representatives,  and said controlling persons and officers and directors
and their  heirs  and legal  representatives,  and for the  benefit  of no other
person,  firm or  corporation.  No purchaser of Securities  from the Underwriter
shall be deemed to be a successor by reason merely of such purchase.

         SECTION 12.  GOVERNING  LAW AND TIME.  THIS  AGREEMENT  AND THE PRICING
AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORD ANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE
STATE OF NEW YORK  APPLICABLE  TO AGREE MENTS MADE AND TO BE  PERFORMED  IN SAID
STATE.  SPECIFIED  TIMES OF DAY  REFER TO NEW YORK CITY  TIME  UNLESS  OTHERWISE
INDICATED.

         SECTION 13.  Effect of Headings.  The Article and Section
headings herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the
construction hereof.

                                                      -46-
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<PAGE>



         If the  foregoing  is in  accordance  with  your  understanding  of our
agreement,  please sign and return to the Trust a counterpart hereof,  whereupon
this instrument,  along with all counterparts,  shall become a binding agreement
among the Underwriter and the Offerors in accordance with its terms.

                                      Very truly yours,

                                      CONSECO, INC.


                                      By:      /s/ ROLLIN M. DICK
                                              ------------------
                                               Name:  Rollin M. Dick
                                               Title: Executive Vice President


                                      CONSECO FINANCING TRUST II


                                     By:      /s/ ROLLIN M. DICK
                                              ------------------  
                                               Name:  Rollin M. Dick
                                               Title: Regular Trustee



CONFIRMED AND ACCEPTED, as of the date first above written:

SALOMON BROTHERS INC


By:/s/ GEORGE C. JOHNS



                                                      -47-
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<PAGE>



                                                                  EXHIBIT A



                          325,000 Preferred Securities

                           CONSECO FINANCING TRUST II

                           (a Delaware business trust)

             8.70% Capital Trust Pass-through Securitiessm (TruPSSM)

                   (Liquidation Amount of $1,000 per Security)



                                PRICING AGREEMENT



                                                              November 22, 1996


Salomon Brothers Inc
Seven World Trade Center
New York, New York  10048

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         Reference is made to the  Underwriting  Agreement,  dated  November 22,
1996  (the  "Underwriting  Agreement"),  relating  to the  purchase  by  Salomon
Brothers  Inc of the above 8.70%  Capital  Trust  Pass-through  Securities  (the
"Capital Securities"),  of Conseco Financing Trust II, a Delaware business trust
(the "Trust").

         Pursuant to Section 2 of the Underwriting Agreement, the Trust
and Conseco, Inc. (the "Company"), an Indiana corporation, agree
with the Underwriter as follows:

         1. The  initial  public  offering  price per  security  for the Capital
Securities, determined as provided in said Section 2, shall be $1,000.

         2. The purchase  price per security  for the Capital  Securities  to be
paid by  Salomon  Brothers  Inc shall be  $1,000,  being an amount  equal to the
initial public offering price set forth above.

         3. The  compensation to be paid by the Company to Salomon  Brothers Inc
in respect of its commitments  hereunder shall be an amount in same day funds of
$10 per Capital Security.



SM Salomon Brothers Inc has filed applications with the United States Patent and
Trademark Office for the registration of the TruPS service mark.

                                                         - 1 -

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<PAGE>


         If the  foregoing  is in  accordance  with  your  understanding  of our
agreement,  please sign and return to the Trust a counterpart hereof,  whereupon
this instrument,  along with all  counterparts,  will become a binding agreement
among the Underwriter and the Offerors in accordance with its terms.

                                            Very truly yours,

                                            CONSECO, INC.


                                          By:          
                                              Name:  Rollin M. Dick
                                              Title: Executive Vice President


                                            CONSECO FINANCING TRUST II


                                            By:
                                                Name:  Rollin M. Dick
                                                Title: Regular Trustee



CONFIRMED AND ACCEPTED, as of the date first above written:

SALOMON BROTHERS INC


By:



                                                         - 2 -

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                          325,000 Preferred Securities

                           CONSECO FINANCING TRUST II

                           (a Delaware business trust)

             8.70% Capital Trust Pass-through Securitiessm (TruPSSM)

                   (Liquidation Amount of $1,000 per Security)



                                PRICING AGREEMENT



                                                              November 22, 1996


Salomon Brothers Inc
Seven World Trade Center
New York, New York  10048

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         Reference is made to the  Underwriting  Agreement,  dated  November 22,
1996  (the  "Underwriting  Agreement"),  relating  to the  purchase  by  Salomon
Brothers  Inc of the above 8.70%  Capital  Trust  Pass-through  Securities  (the
"Capital Securities"),  of Conseco Financing Trust II, a Delaware business trust
(the "Trust").

         Pursuant to Section 2 of the Underwriting Agreement, the Trust
and Conseco, Inc. (the "Company"), an Indiana corporation, agree
with the Underwriter as follows:

         1. The  initial  public  offering  price per  security  for the Capital
Securities, determined as provided in said Section 2, shall be $1,000.

         2. The purchase  price per security  for the Capital  Securities  to be
paid by  Salomon  Brothers  Inc shall be  $1,000,  being an amount  equal to the
initial public offering price set forth above.

         3. The  compensation to be paid by the Company to Salomon  Brothers Inc
in respect of its commitments  hereunder shall be an amount in same day funds of
$10 per Capital Security.



SM Salomon Brothers Inc has filed applications with the United States Patent and
Trademark Office for the registration of the TruPS service mark.

                                                         - 1 -

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<PAGE>


         If the  foregoing  is in  accordance  with  your  understanding  of our
agreement,  please sign and return to the Trust a counterpart hereof,  whereupon
this instrument,  along with all  counterparts,  will become a binding agreement
among the Underwriter and the Offerors in accordance with its terms.

                                            Very truly yours,

                                            CONSECO, INC.


                                          By: /s/ ROLLIN M. DICK
                                              ------------------------------ 
                                              Name:  Rollin M. Dick
                                              Title: Executive Vice President


                                            CONSECO FINANCING TRUST II


                                            By: /s/ ROLLIN M. DICK
                                                -----------------------------
                                                Name:  Rollin M. Dick
                                                Title: Regular Trustee



CONFIRMED AND ACCEPTED, as of the date first above written:

SALOMON BROTHERS INC


By: /s/ GEORGE C. JOHNS



                                                         - 2 -

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                          SECOND SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE


                                     between


                                  CONSECO, INC.


                                       and


                         FLEET NATIONAL BANK, AS TRUSTEE





                          Dated as of November 22, 1996






                                                      -1-

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                 TABLE OF CONTENTS



                                                     ARTICLE I

                                                    DEFINITIONS
         <S>               <C>                                                                                    <C>  
         SECTION 1.1       Definition of Terms....................................................................2


                                                    ARTICLE II

                                  GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE DEBENTURES

         SECTION 2.1       Designation and Principal Amount; Purchase Price; Payment
                           of Principal; Global Securities........................................................4
         SECTION 2.2       Maturity...............................................................................4
         SECTION 2.3       Form and Payment.......................................................................4
         SECTION 2.4       Global Debenture.......................................................................5
         SECTION 2.5       Interest...............................................................................6
         SECTION 2.6       Authorized Denominations...............................................................7
         SECTION 2.7       Redemption.............................................................................7
         SECTION 2.8       Defeasance.............................................................................8
         SECTION 2.9       No Sinking Fund........................................................................8
         SECTION 2.10      Depository.............................................................................8


                                                    ARTICLE III

                                           REDEMPTION OF THE DEBENTURES

         SECTION 3.1       Tax Event Redemption...................................................................8
         SECTION 3.2       Optional Redemption....................................................................9
         SECTION 3.3       Partial Redemption....................................................................10


                                                    ARTICLE IV

                                       EXTENSION OF INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD

         SECTION 4.1       Extension of Interest Payment Period..................................................10
         SECTION 4.2       Notice of Extension...................................................................11
         SECTION 4.3       Limitation of Transactions. ..........................................................11

                                                      -i-
</TABLE>


<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>





                                                     ARTICLE V

                                                     EXPENSES
         <S>               <C>                                                                                   <C>
         SECTION 5.1       Payment of Expenses...................................................................12
         SECTION 5.2       Payment Upon Resignation or Removal...................................................13


                                                    ARTICLE VI

                                                 FORM OF DEBENTURE

         SECTION 6.1       Form of Debenture.....................................................................13


                                                    ARTICLE VII

                                           ORIGINAL ISSUE OF DEBENTURES

         SECTION 7.1       Original Issue of Debentures..........................................................22
         SECTION 7.2       Reports by the Trustee................................................................22


                                                   ARTICLE VIII

                                                     COVENANTS

         SECTION 8.1       Covenants as to Trust.................................................................22


                                                    ARTICLE IX

                                                      DEFAULT

         SECTION 9.1       Additional Event of Default...........................................................23
         SECTION 9.2       Limitations on Waivers and Consents...................................................23
         SECTION 9.3       Acknowledgment of Rights..............................................................24




                                                      -ii-
</TABLE>


<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



                                                     ARTICLE X

                                                   MISCELLANEOUS
         <S>               <C>                                                                                   <C>   
         SECTION 10.1      Ratification of Indenture.............................................................24
         SECTION 10.2      Trustee Not Responsible for Recitals..................................................24
         SECTION 10.3      Governing Law.........................................................................24
         SECTION 10.4      Separability..........................................................................25
         SECTION 10.5      Counterparts..........................................................................25
         SECTION 10.6      Effect of Headings....................................................................25




                                                      -iii-

</TABLE>

<PAGE>



         SECOND  SUPPLEMENTAL  INDENTURE  dated as of  November  22,  1996  (the
"Second Supplemental  Indenture") between Conseco,  Inc., an Indiana corporation
(the "Issuer"),  and Fleet National Bank, as trustee (the  "Trustee")  under the
Indenture  dated as of November 14, 1996 between the Issuer and the Trustee (the
"Base Indenture") as supplemented by a First Supplemental  Indenture dated as of
November 14, 1996 (the Base Indenture as so supplemented, the "Indenture").

         WHEREAS, the Issuer executed and delivered the Indenture to the Trustee
to provide  for the  future  issuance  of the  Issuer's  unsecured  subordinated
debentures,  notes or other evidence of indebtedness  (the  "Securities")  to be
issued  from time to time in one or more  series as might be  determined  by the
Issuer under the Indenture, in an unlimited aggregate principal amount which may
be authenticated and delivered as provided in the Indenture;

         WHEREAS,  pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, the Issuer desires to
provide for the  establishment  of a new series of its Securities to be known as
its  8.70%   Subordinated   Deferrable   Interest   Debentures   due  2026  (the
"Debentures"),  the  form  and  substance  of such  Debentures  and  the  terms,
provisions and  conditions  thereof to be set forth as provided in the Indenture
and this Second Supplemental Indenture;

         WHEREAS,  Conseco  Financing  Trust II, a Delaware  statutory  business
trust  (the  "Trust"),   is  offering  to  the  public  $325  million  aggregate
liquidation  amount of its 8.70%  Capital  Trust  Pass-through  Securities  (the
"Capital Securities"),  representing preferred undivided beneficial interests in
the assets of the Trust and proposes to invest the proceeds from such  offering,
together  with the  proceeds of the issuance and sale by the Trust to the Issuer
of $10,100,000 aggregate liquidation amount of its 8.70% Trust Common Securities
(the "Common  Securities"),  in $335,100,000  aggregate  principal amount of the
Debentures;

         WHEREAS, the Issuer has requested that the  Trustee execute and deliver
this Second Supplemental Indenture; and

         WHEREAS,  all requirements  necessary to make this Second  Supplemental
Indenture  a valid  instrument  in  accordance  with its  terms  and to make the
Debentures,  when executed by the Issuer and  authenticated and delivered by the
Trustee as provided in the Indenture,  the valid  obligations of the Issuer have
been  performed,  and the  execution  and  delivery of this Second  Supplemental
Indenture has been duly authorized in all respects.

         NOW, THEREFORE,  in consideration of the purchase and acceptance of the
Debentures  by the Holders  thereof,  and for the purpose of setting  forth,  as
provided in the  Indenture,  the form and  substance of the  Debentures  and the
terms,  provisions and conditions thereof,  the Issuer covenants and agrees with
the Trustee as follows:


                                                      -1-


<PAGE>



                                                     ARTICLE I

                                                    DEFINITIONS

SECTION 1.1       Definition of Terms.

Unless the context otherwise requires:

         (a) a term  defined  in the  Indenture  (including  as set forth in the
first  paragraph of Section 1.1 of the Indenture) has the same meaning when used
in this Second Supplemental Indenture unless otherwise defined herein;

         (b) a term defined anywhere in this Second Supplemental  Indenture  has
the same meaning throughout;

         (c) the singular includes the plural and vice versa;

         (d) a reference to a Section or  Article is  to a Section or Article of
this Second Supplemental Indenture unless otherwise specified herein;

         (e) headings are for convenience of  reference only  and  do not affect
interpretation;

         (f)  the  following  terms  have  the  meanings  given  to  them in the
Declaration  (as  defined  herein) or in the terms of the Trust  Securities  (as
defined herein) as established in accordance with the Declaration:

                  (i)        Affiliate;

                  (ii)       Business Day;

                  (iii)      Debenture Issuer;

                  (iv)       Delaware Trustee;

                  (v)        Dissolution Opinion;

                  (vi)       Distribution;

                  (vii)      No Recognition Opinion;

                  (viii)     Capital Security Certificate;

                  (ix)       Pricing Agreement;


                                                      -2-


<PAGE>



                  (x)        Pro Rata;

                  (xi)       Property Trustee;

                  (xii)      Redemption Tax Opinion;

                  (xiii)     Regular Trustees;

                  (xiv)      Securities;

                  (xv)       Securities Guarantees;

                  (xvi)      Sponsor;

                  (xvii)    Tax Event; and

                  (xviii)    Underwriting Agreement;

         (g) The following terms have the meanings given to them in this Section
1.1(g):

       "Additional Interest" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(c).

       "Compounded Interest" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.

       "Coupon Rate" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(a).

       "Declaration"  means  the Amended  and Restated  Declaration  of Trust of
Conseco  Financing Trust II, a Delaware  statutory  business trust,  dated as of
November 22, 1996.

       "Deferred Interest" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.

       "Dissolution  Event"  means  that as a  result  of an  election  by the
Issuer, the Trust is to be dissolved in accordance with the Declaration, and the
Debentures held by the Property  Trustee are to be distributed to the holders of
the Trust Securities Pro Rata in accordance with the Declaration.

       "Extended  Interest Payment Period" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 4.1.

       "Global Debenture" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(a)(i).

       "Interest Payment Date" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5
(a).

       "Make-Whole Premium" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.2.


                                                      -3-


<PAGE>



         "Maturity  Date" means the date on which the  Debentures  mature and on
which the  principal  shall be due and  payable  together  with all  accrued and
unpaid interest thereon (including Compounded Interest, if any).

         "Ministerial Action" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.

         "Non Book-Entry Capital Securities" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 2.4(a)(ii).

         "Optional Redemption Price" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.2.

         "Redemption Price" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.

         "Trust Securities" shall mean the Securities.


                                   ARTICLE II

                 GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE DEBENTURES

SECTION 2.1   Designation  and  Principal  Amount;  Purchase Price;   Payment of
              Principal; Global Securities.

         (a) There is hereby  authorized a series of Securities  designated  the
"8.70%  Subordinated  Deferrable  Interest  Debentures  due  2026,"  limited  in
aggregate   principal   amount  to   $335,100,000   (not  including   Debentures
authenticated  and delivered  upon  registration  of transfer of, or in exchange
for, or in lieu of, other Debentures  pursuant to Sections 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 8.6 or
10.7 of the  Indenture),  which amount shall be as set forth in a Company  Order
for the authentication and delivery of Debentures pursuant to Section 3.3 of the
Indenture.

         (b)   The Debentures shall be issued for a purchase price equal to 100%
of the principal amount of such Debentures.

         (c)   The principal of the Debentures shall be due and payable in  full
on the Maturity Date.

         (d)   The Debentures  shall initially  be  issued  in fully  registered
non-book  entry   certificated  form  in  the  aggregate   principal  amount  of
$335,100,000.

SECTION 2.2    Maturity. The Maturity Date will be November 15, 2026.

SECTION 2.3    Form and Payment.

         Except as provided in Section  2.4, the  Debentures  shall be issued as
Registered  Securities in fully  registered  certificated  form without interest
coupons.  The place where  principal of and interest  (including  the Compounded
Interest,  if any) on the  Debentures  will be payable,  the  Debentures  may be
surrendered  for  registration  of transfer or exchange,  and where  notices and
demands to or upon

                                                      -4-


<PAGE>



the Issuer in respect of the Debentures and the Indenture may be served shall be
the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee,  provided,  however,  that payment of
interest may be made at the option of the Issuer by wire  transfer to an account
maintained by a Holder (upon  appropriate  instructions  from such Holder) or by
check  mailed to the  Holder at such  address as shall  appear in the  Register.
Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  so long as the Holder of any Debentures is the
Property  Trustee,  the  payment of the  principal  of and  interest  (including
Compounded  Interest,  if any) on such Debentures  held by the Property  Trustee
will be made by wire transfer of immediately  available  funds at such place and
to such  account  as may be  designated  by the  Property  Trustee.  Payment  of
principal of the  Debentures  will only be made upon surrender of the Debentures
to the Trustee.  The  Debentures  will be  denominated in Dollars and payment of
principal and interest on the Debentures shall be made in Dollars.

SECTION 2.4    Global Debenture.

         (a)  In connection with a distribution of the Debentures to the holders
of the Trust Securities pursuant to the Declaration:

                  (i) The Debentures in  certificated  form to be distributed to
the  holders  of  Capital  Securities  may be  presented  to the  Trustee by the
Property  Trustee in exchange for a global  Debenture in an aggregate  principal
amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of all Outstanding  Debentures of
such  series  (a  "Global  Debenture"),  to be  registered  in the  name  of the
Depository,  or its nominee,  and delivered by the Trustee to the Depository for
crediting to the accounts of its  participants  pursuant to the  instructions of
the Regular  Trustees.  The Issuer upon any such  presentation  shall  execute a
Global Debenture in such aggregate  principal amount and deliver the same to the
Trustee for  authentication  and delivery in  accordance  with the Indenture and
this  Second  Supplemental  Indenture.  Payments on the  Debentures  issued as a
Global Debenture will be made to the Depository.

                  (ii) If any  Capital  Securities  are  held in non  book-entry
certificated  form, the Debentures in certificated  form may be presented to the
Trustee by the  Property  Trustee and any  Capital  Security  Certificate  which
represents  Capital  Securities  other  than  Capital  Securities  held  by  the
Depository or its nominee ("Non Book-Entry  Capital  Securities") will be deemed
to represent  beneficial interests in Debentures presented to the Trustee by the
Property  Trustee  having an aggregate  principal  amount equal to the aggregate
liquidation  amount of the Non Book-Entry  Capital Securities until such Capital
Security  Certificates are presented to the Registrar for transfer or reissuance
at  which  time  such  Capital  Security  Certificates  will be  canceled  and a
Debenture,  registered  in the  name  of the  holder  of  the  Capital  Security
Certificate  or  the   transferee  of  the  holder  of  such  Capital   Security
Certificate, as the case may be, with an aggregate principal amount equal to the
aggregate liquidation amount of the Capital Security Certificate canceled,  will
be executed by the Issuer and  delivered to the Trustee for  authentication  and
delivery  in  accordance  with  the  Indenture  and  this  Second   Supplemental
Indenture. On issue of such Debentures,  Debentures with an equivalent aggregate
principal amount that were presented by the Property Trustee to the Trustee will
be deemed to have been canceled.


                                                      -5-


<PAGE>



         (b) Unless  and until it is  exchanged  for  Debentures  in  registered
certificated  form, a Global  Debenture may be transferred,  in whole but not in
part,  only by the  Depository to a nominee of the Depository or by a nominee of
the Depository to the Depository or another  nominee of the Depository or by the
Depository or any such nominee to a successor Depository selected or approved by
the Issuer or a nominee of such successor Depository.

         (c) If at any time  the  Depository  for the  Debentures  notifies  the
Issuer  that it is  unwilling  or  unable  to  continue  as  Depository  for the
Debentures or if at any time the Depository  for the Debentures  shall no longer
be  registered  or in good  standing as a clearing  agency under the  Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or other applicable statute or regulation,  at
a time at  which  the  Depository  is  required  to be so  registered  to act as
Depository for the Debentures, and a successor Depository for such series is not
appointed by the Issuer within 90 days after the Issuer  receives such notice or
becomes  aware of such  condition,  as the case may be, the Issuer will execute,
and,  subject to Article 3 of the  Indenture,  the Trustee,  upon written notice
from the Issuer,  will  authenticate  and deliver the  Debentures  in definitive
registered  form  without  coupons,  in  authorized  denominations,  and  in  an
aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Global Debenture
in exchange  for such Global  Debenture.  In addition,  the Issuer,  in its sole
discretion,  may at any time determine  that the  Debentures  shall no longer be
represented by a Global  Debenture.  In such event the Issuer will execute,  and
subject to Article 3 of the Indenture, the Trustee, upon receipt of an Officers'
Certificate  evidencing such determination by the Issuer,  will authenticate and
deliver the  Debentures  in  definitive  registered  form  without  coupons,  in
authorized  denominations,  and in an  aggregate  principal  amount equal to the
principal amount of the Global Debenture in exchange for such Global  Debenture.
Upon the exchange of the Global  Debenture  for such  Debentures  in  definitive
registered  form  without  coupons,  in  authorized  denominations,  the  Global
Debenture  shall be canceled  by the  Trustee.  Such  Debentures  in  definitive
registered form issued in exchange for the Global  Debenture shall be registered
in such names and in such authorized  denominations as the Depository,  pursuant
to instructions  from its direct or indirect  participants  or otherwise,  shall
instruct  the Trustee in writing.  The Trustee  shall  deliver  such  registered
certificated  Debentures in definitive form in exchange for the Global Debenture
to the Depository for delivery to the Persons in whose names such Debentures are
so registered.

SECTION 2.5   Interest.

         (a) The  Debentures  will bear  interest at the fixed rate of 8.70% per
annum (the "Coupon  Rate") from the  original  date of issuance or from the most
recent  Interest  Payment Date to which  interest has been paid or duly provided
for until the  principal  thereof  becomes due and  payable,  and on any overdue
principal and (to the extent that payment of such interest is enforceable  under
applicable  law) on any overdue  installment  of  interest  at the Coupon  Rate,
compounded  semiannually,  payable  (subject  to the  provisions  of Article IV)
semiannually  in  arrears  on May 15 and  November  15 of each  year  (each,  an
"Interest Payment Date"), commencing on May 15, 1997. Interest on the Debentures
(except  defaulted  interest)  shall be paid to the  Persons  in whose  name the
Debentures are  registered,  at the close of business on the regular Record Date
for such interest installment (including Debentures that are cancelled after the
Record

                                                      -6-


<PAGE>



Date  and  before  the  Interest  Payment  Date),  which,  with  respect  to any
Debentures  of which the  Property  Trustee is the  Holder or with  respect to a
Global  Debenture,  shall be the  close of  business  on the  Business  Day next
preceding that Interest Payment Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if
the Capital  Securities are no longer in book-entry only form or if, pursuant to
the Indenture and this Second  Supplemental  Indenture  the  Debentures  are not
represented by a Global  Debenture,  the Issuer may select a regular Record Date
for such interest installment which shall conform to the rules of any securities
exchange,  interdealer  quotation  system  or other  organization  on which  the
Debentures are listed and which shall be at least one Business Day but less than
60 Business Days before the applicable  Interest  Payment Date.  Notwithstanding
the foregoing,  any interest that is payable at maturity shall be payable to the
Person to whom principal payable at maturity shall be payable.

         (b) The amount of  interest  payable for any period will be computed on
the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months,  and for any period shorter
than a full semiannual  period on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed
per 30-day month. In the event that any date on which interest is payable on the
Debentures is not a Business  Day, then payment of the interest  payable on such
date  will be made on the  next  succeeding  day  which is a  Business  Day (and
without any  interest  or other  payment in respect of any such  delay),  except
that,  notwithstanding  any provision of the Indenture to the contrary,  if such
Business Day is in the next succeeding calendar year, such payment shall be made
on the immediately  preceding Business Day, in each case with the same force and
effect as if made on such date.

         (c) If, at any time  while the  Property  Trustee  is the Holder of any
Debentures,  the Trust or the  Property  Trustee is  required  to pay any taxes,
duties,  assessment  or  governmental  charges of  whatever  nature  (other than
withholding  taxes) imposed by the United States, or any other taxing authority,
then,  in any case,  the Company will pay as  additional  interest  ("Additional
Interest")  on the  Debentures  held by the Property  Trustee,  such  additional
amounts as shall be required so that the net amounts  received  and  retained by
the Trust and the Property Trustee after paying such taxes, duties,  assessments
or other  governmental  charges  will be equal to the  amounts the Trust and the
Property Trustee would have received had no such taxes,  duties,  assessments or
other government charges been imposed.

SECTION 2.6   Authorized Denominations.

         The  Debentures  shall be  issuable  in  denominations  of  $1,000  and
integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

SECTION 2.7   Redemption.

         The  Debentures  are not  subject  to  conversion  at the option of the
Holder. The Debentures are not subject to redemption at the option of the Holder
and are  subject  to  redemption  at the option of the  Issuer or  otherwise  as
provided in Article III hereof.


                                                      -7-


<PAGE>



SECTION 2.8   Defeasance.

         The  Debentures  shall not be subject to the provisions of Article 4 of
the  Indenture  concerning  the  satisfaction  and  discharge  of  the  Issuer's
indebtedness and obligations  under the Indenture and the termination of certain
covenants of the Issuer under the Indenture.

SECTION 2.9   No Sinking Fund.

         The Debentures shall not be entitled to the benefit of any sinking fund
or analogous provision.

SECTION 2.10  Depository.

         The Depository  Trust Company (or its nominee) shall act as the initial
Depository for any Global  Debenture which may be issued pursuant to this Second
Supplemental Indenture.


                                   ARTICLE III

                          REDEMPTION OF THE DEBENTURES

SECTION 3.1   Tax Event Redemption.

         If a Tax Event has occurred and is continuing and:

         (a) the Issuer has received a Redemption Tax Opinion; or

         (b) after  receiving a Dissolution  Tax Opinion,  the Regular  Trustees
shall have been informed by tax counsel  rendering the  Dissolution  Tax Opinion
that a No Recognition Opinion cannot be delivered to the Trust, the Issuer shall
have the right  upon not less  than 30 days nor more than 60 days  notice to the
Holders of the  Debentures to redeem the  Debentures,  in whole or in part,  for
cash  within 90 days  following  the  occurrence  of such Tax Event (the "90 Day
Period")  at a  redemption  price  equal to 100% of the  principal  amount to be
redeemed  plus any accrued and unpaid  interest  thereon  (including  Compounded
Interest,  if any) to the  date of such  redemption  (the  "Redemption  Price"),
provided that if at the time there is available to the Issuer the opportunity to
eliminate,  within the 90 Day Period,  the Tax Event by taking some  ministerial
action ("Ministerial  Action"),  such as filing a form or making an election, or
pursuing some other similar  reasonable  measure which has no adverse  effect on
the  Issuer,  the Trust or the  Holders  of the Trust  Securities  issued by the
Trust,  the Issuer shall pursue such  Ministerial  Action in lieu of redemption,
and,  provided,  further,  that the  Issuer  shall  have no right to redeem  the
Debentures  while the Trust is pursuing any  Ministerial  Action pursuant to its
obligations  under the Declaration.  The Redemption Price shall be paid prior to
12:00 noon,  New York time, on the date of such  redemption or such earlier time
as the Issuer determines; provided, that, the Issuer

                                                      -8-


<PAGE>



shall deposit with the Trustee an amount  sufficient to pay the Redemption Price
by 10:00 a.m., New York time, on the date such Redemption Price is to be paid.

SECTION 3.2  Otional Redemption.

         Subject  to  the  provisions  of  Section  3.3  and  Article  10 of the
Indenture, the Issuer shall have the right to redeem the Debentures, in whole or
in part,  at any time or from time to time,  after the  issuance  of the Capital
Securities,  at a redemption  price equal to 100% of the principal  amount to be
redeemed  plus the  Make-Whole  Premium,  if any,  plus any  accrued  and unpaid
interest thereon,  (including  Compounded Interest, if any), to the date of such
redemption  (collectively  the  "Optional  Redemption  Price").  The  Make-Whole
Premium  means the excess,  if any of (i) the sum of the  present  values of the
remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the
redemption date on a semiannual  basis at the Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points
over (ii)  100% of the  principal  amount  of  Debentures  to be  redeemed.  Any
redemption  pursuant to this  paragraph  will be made upon not less than 30 days
nor more than 60 days notice to the Holder of the  Debentures,  at the  Optional
Redemption  Price.  The Optional  Redemption  Price shall be paid prior to 12:00
noon,  New York time, on the date of such  redemption or at such earlier time as
the Issuer determines and specifies in the notice of redemption; provided, that,
the  Issuer  shall  deposit  with the  Trustee an amount  sufficient  to pay the
Optional  Redemption  Price  by 10:00  a.m.,  New York  time,  on the date  such
Optional Redemption Price is to be paid.

For purposes of this Section 3.2:

         "Treasury  Rate" means,  with respect to any redemption  date, the rate
per annum equal to the semiannual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable
Treasury Issue, assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as
a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for
such redemption date.

         "Comparable  Treasury Issue" means the United States Treasury  security
selected by an Independent  Investment Banker as having a maturity comparable to
the remaining term of the  Debentures to be redeemed that would be utilized,  at
the time of selection and in accordance with customary  financial  practice,  in
pricing new issues of corporate  debt  securities of comparable  maturity to the
remaining term of such Debentures.  "Independent Investment Banker" means one of
the Reference  Treasury Dealers appointed by the Trustee after consultation with
the Issuer.

         "Comparable Treasury Price" means, with respect to any redemption date,
(i) the average of the bid and asked prices for the  Comparable  Treasury  Issue
(expressed in each case as a percentage  of its principal  amount ) on the third
business  day  preceding  such  redemption  date,  as set  forth  in  the  daily
statistical  release (or any successor release) published by the Federal Reserve
Bank of New  York  and  designated  "Composite  3:30  p.m.  Quotations  for U.S.
Government Securities" or (ii) if such release (or any successor release) is not
published or does not contain such prices on such  business day, (A) the average
of the Reference  Treasury  Dealer  Quotations for such redemption  date,  after
excluding the highest and lowest such Reference Treasury Dealer

                                                      -9-


<PAGE>



quotations,  or (B) if the  Trustee  obtains  fewer  than  four  such  Reference
Treasury  Dealer  Quotations,  the  average of all such  Quotations.  "Reference
Treasury  Dealer  Quotations"  means,  with respect to each  Reference  Treasury
Dealer and any redemption  date, the average,  as determined by the Trustee,  of
the bid and asked prices for the Comparable  Treasury  Issue  (expressed in each
case as a percentage of its principal  amount)  quoted in writing to the Trustee
by such  Reference  Treasury  Dealer at 5:00  p.m.  on the  third  business  day
preceding such redemption date.

        "Reference Treasury Dealer" means each of Salomon Brothers Inc, Goldman,
Sachs & Co.,  J.P.  Morgan  Securities  Inc. and UBS  Securities  Inc. and their
respective  successors;  provided,  however,  that if any of the foregoing shall
cease to be a  primary  U.S.  Government  Securities  dealer in New York City (a
"Primary Treasury Dealer"), the Issuer shall substitute therefor another Primary
Treasury Dealer.

SECTION 3.3   Partial Redemption.

         (a) The  Issuer  may  not  redeem  fewer  than  all of the  Outstanding
Debentures  unless all accrued and unpaid  interest on the  Debentures  has been
paid as of the Interest Payment Date next preceding the Redemption Date.

         (b) If the Debentures are only partially  redeemed  pursuant to Section
3.1 or Section 3.2, the Debentures will be redeemed pro rata or by lot or by any
other method utilized by the Trustee; provided that if at the time of redemption
the  Debentures  are  registered as a Global  Debenture,  the  Depository  shall
determine,  in accordance  with its  procedures,  the  principal  amount of such
Debentures credited to each of its participant accounts to be redeemed.


                                   ARTICLE IV

                      EXTENSION OF INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD

SECTION 4.1   Extension of Interest Payment Period.

         The  Issuer  shall  have the  right,  at any time and from time to time
during  the  term of the  Debentures,  to  defer  payments  of  interest  on the
Debentures  by extending the interest  payment  period of the  Debentures  for a
period not exceeding 10 consecutive  semiannual  periods (the "Extended Interest
Payment  Period"),  during which  Extended  Interest  Payment Period no interest
shall be due and payable;  provided that no Extended Interest Payment Period may
extend  beyond the Maturity  Date. To the extent  permitted by  applicable  law,
interest, the payment of which has been deferred because of the extension of the
interest payment period pursuant to this Section 4.1, will bear interest thereon
at the Coupon Rate compounded  semiannually  for each  semiannual  period of the
Extended  Interest  Payment Period  ("Compounded  Interest").  At the end of the
Extended Interest Payment Period,  the Issuer shall pay all interest accrued and
unpaid on the Debentures,  including any Compounded  Interest (all such interest
the "Deferred Interest") that

                                                      -10-


<PAGE>



shall  be  payable  to  the  Holders  of  the  Debentures  in  whose  names  the
Subordinated  Debentures  are  registered  in the Register as of the Record Date
relating  to the  Interest  Payment  Date  that  corresponds  to the end of such
Extended  Interest  Payment  Period.  Before  the  termination  of any  Extended
Interest  Payment  Period,  the Issuer may further extend such period,  provided
that such period together with all such previous and further  extensions thereof
shall not exceed 10 consecutive semiannual periods or extend beyond the Maturity
Date. Upon the termination of any Extended  Interest Payment Period and upon the
payment  of all  Deferred  Interest  then due,  the  Issuer  may  commence a new
Extended  Interest  Payment Period,  subject to the foregoing  requirements.  No
interest shall be due and payable during an Extended  Interest  Payment  Period,
except at the end  thereof,  but the  Issuer  may  prepay at any time all or any
portion of the Deferred  Interest  accrued during an Extended  Interest  Payment
Period.

SECTION 4.2   Notice of Extension.

         (a) If the  Property  Trustee  is the  only  registered  Holder  of the
Debentures at the time the Issuer selects an Extended  Interest  Payment Period,
the Issuer shall give written  notice to the Trustee,  the Regular  Trustees and
the Property  Trustee of its selection of such Extended  Interest Payment Period
one  Business  Day before the earlier of (i) the next  succeeding  date on which
Distributions on the Trust Securities are payable,  or (ii) the date the Regular
Trustees,  on behalf of the Trust,  are  required  to give  notice of the record
date, or the date such Distributions are payable,  to the holders of the Capital
Securities  (or any  national  securities  exchange  or  other  self  regulatory
organization on which the Capital Securities are listed).

         (b) If the Property Trustee is not the only Holder of the Debentures at
the time the Issuer  selects an Extended  Interest  Payment  Period,  the Issuer
shall give the Trustee,  the Property  Trustee and the Holders of the Debentures
written  notice of its selection of such  Extended  Interest  Payment  Period 10
Business  Days before the earlier of (i) the next  succeeding  Interest  Payment
Date,  or (ii) the date the Issuer is  required  to give notice of the record or
payment  date of such  interest  payment to Holders  of the  Debentures  (or any
national securities exchange or other self regulatory  organization on which the
Debentures are listed).

         (c) The  semiannual  period in which any  notice is given  pursuant  to
paragraphs  (a) or (b) of this  Section  4.2 shall be  counted  as one of the 10
semiannual  periods  permitted in the maximum  Extended  Interest Payment Period
permitted under Section 4.1.

SECTION 4.3  Limitation of Transactions.

         If the Issuer shall  exercise its right to defer payment of interest as
provided in Section 4.1,  during any Extended  Interest  Payment  Period (a) the
Issuer shall not declare or pay any  dividends on, make any  distributions  with
respect to, or redeem,  purchase,  acquire or make a  liquidation  payment  with
respect to, any of its capital stock,  (b) the Issuer shall not make any payment
of interest, principal or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any
debt securities  issued by the Issuer that rank pari passu with or junior to the
Debentures and (c) the Issuer shall not make guarantee  payments with respect to
the foregoing (other than pursuant to the Securities

                                                      -11-


<PAGE>



Guarantees);  provided,  however, that notwithstanding the restriction in clause
(a)  above,  the  Issuer  may (i)  declare  and pay a stock  dividend  where the
dividend stock is the same stock as that on which the dividend is being paid and
(ii)  purchase  or acquire  shares of its common  stock in  connection  with the
satisfaction by the Issuer of its obligations under any employee benefit plans.


                                    ARTICLE V

                                    EXPENSES

SECTION 5.1  Payment of Expenses.

         In connection with the offering, sale and issuance of the Debentures to
the Property  Trustee in connection with the sale of the Trust Securities by the
Trust and during the  existence  of the Trust,  the Issuer,  in its  capacity as
borrower with respect to the Debentures, shall:

         (a) pay all costs  and  expenses  relating  to the  offering,  sale and
issuance of the Debentures,  including  commissions to the underwriters  payable
pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement and compensation of the Trustee under the
Indenture in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.9 of the Indenture;

         (b) pay other  debts and  obligations  of the  Trust  (other  than with
respect  to the  Trust  Securities)  and all  costs  and  expenses  of the Trust
(including, but not limited to, costs and expenses relating to the organization,
maintenance and dissolution of the Trust, the offering, sale and issuance of the
Trust Securities  (including  commissions to the underwriter payable pursuant to
the Pricing Agreement), the retention of the Regular Trustees,  reimbursement of
the Regular  Trustees as provided in the  Declaration,  the fees and expenses of
the Property  Trustee and the Delaware  Trustee,  the trustee  under the Capital
Securities Guarantee and the Common Securities Guarantee, the costs and expenses
relating to the operation of the Trust, including without limitation,  costs and
expenses  of  accountants,   attorneys,  statistical  or  bookkeeping  services,
expenses for printing  and  engraving  and  computing or  accounting  equipment,
paying  agent(s),  registrar(s),  transfer  agent(s),  duplicating,  travel  and
telephone and other telecommunications  expenses and costs and expenses incurred
in connection with the  acquisition,  financing and disposition of Trust assets,
and the fees and expenses  related to the enforcement by the Property Trustee of
the  rights of the  holders of the  Capital  Securities)  and all other  amounts
payable by the Issuer pursuant to the Declaration;

         (c) be primarily  liable  for any indemnification  obligations  arising
with respect to the Declaration; and

         (d) pay any and all taxes, duties,  assessments or governmental charges
of whatever  nature (other than  withholding  taxes) imposed on the Trust or its
assets and all liabilities, costs and expenses of the Trust with respect to such
taxes, duties, assessments or governmental charges.


                                                      -12-


<PAGE>



SECTION 5.2   Payment Upon Resignation or Removal.

         Upon termination of this Second Supplemental Indenture or the Indenture
or the removal or  resignation  of the Trustee  pursuant to Section  6.10 of the
Indenture,  the Issuer  shall pay to the  Trustee all amounts due to the Trustee
accrued  to  the  date  of  such  termination,   removal  or  resignation.  Upon
termination  of the  Declaration  or the removal or  resignation of the Delaware
Trustee or the Property Trustee,  as the case may be, pursuant to Section 5.7 of
the  Declaration,  the Issuer shall pay to the Delaware  Trustee or the Property
Trustee, as the case may be, all amounts due to such trustee accrued to the date
of such termination, removal or resignation.


                                   ARTICLE VI

                                FORM OF DEBENTURE

SECTION 6.1  Form of Debenture.

         The Debentures and the Trustee's  Certificate of  Authentication  to be
endorsed thereon are to be substantially in the following forms:

         (IF THE DEBENTURE IS TO BE A GLOBAL DEBENTURE,  INSERT - This Debenture
is in Global form within the meaning of the  Indenture  hereinafter  referred to
and is  registered  in the name of a  Depository  or a nominee of a  Depository.
Unless  and  until  it is  exchanged  in  whole  or in part  for  securities  in
certificated form in the limited circumstances described in the indenture,  this
security may not be transferred except as a whole by the depository to a nominee
of the Depository or by a nominee of the Depository to the Depository or another
nominee  of  the  Depository  or by the  Depository  or any  such  nominee  to a
successor Depository or a nominee of such successor Depository.

         Unless this Debenture is presented by an authorized  representative  of
The Depository Trust Company, a New York corporation  ("DTC"),  to the issuer or
its agent for registration of transfer,  exchange or payment,  and any Debenture
issued is  registered  in the name of Cede & Co. or such other name as requested
by an authorized representative of DTC (and any payment hereon is made to Cede &
Co. or to such other entity as is requested by an authorized  representative  of
DTC),  ANY TRANSFER,  PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO
ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL  since the  registered  owner hereof,  Cede & Co., has an
interest herein.)




                                                      -13-


<PAGE>



                                  CONSECO, INC.

                8.70% SUBORDINATED DEFERRABLE INTEREST DEBENTURE

No.                           DUE NOVEMBER 15, 2026                REGISTERED
                                                                      $

         Conseco,  Inc.,  an  Indiana  corporation  (the  "Company",  which term
includes any successor corporation under the Indenture hereinafter referred to),
for value  received,  hereby  promises to pay to , or  registered  assigns,  the
principal  sum of Dollars  on  November  15,  2026 and to pay  interest  on said
principal sum from November 27, 1996, or from the most recent  interest  payment
date (each such date,  an "Interest  Payment  Date") to which  interest has been
paid or duly  provided  for,  semiannually  (subject  to  deferral  as set forth
herein) in arrears on May 15 and  November  15 of each year  commencing  May 15,
1997,  at the rate of 8.70% per annum  until the  principal  hereof  shall  have
become due and payable,  and on any overdue  principal and (without  duplication
and to the extent that payment of such interest is enforceable  under applicable
law)  on any  overdue  installment  of  interest  at the  same  rate  per  annum
compounded semiannually.  The amount of interest payable on any Interest Payment
Date shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve  30-day  months,
and for any period  shorter  than a full  semiannual  period on the basis of the
actual  number of days elapsed per 30-day  month.  In the event that any date on
which  interest is payable on this Debenture is not a Business Day, then payment
of interest payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day that is
a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of any such
delay),  except that,  if such Business Day is in the next  succeeding  calendar
year, such payment shall be made on the immediately  preceding  Business Day, in
each case with the same force and effect as if made on such date.  The  interest
installment  so  payable,  and  punctually  paid or duly  provided  for,  on any
Interest Payment Date will, as provided in the Indenture,  be paid to the person
in whose name this  Debenture  is  registered  at the close of  business  on the
regular record date for such interest  installment,  which shall be the close of
business on the Business Day next preceding such Interest  Payment Date. [If the
Capital  Securities are no longer  represented by a global certificate or if the
Debentures are not represented by a global  debenture - which shall be the close
of  business  on  the  Business  Day  next  preceding  such  Interest  payment.]
Notwithstanding the foregoing, any interest that is payable on the Maturity Date
shall be payable to the Person to whom  principal  payable at the Maturity  Date
shall be payable.  Any such interest  installment  not  punctually  paid or duly
provided for shall  forthwith  cease to be payable to the registered  Holders on
such  regular  record  date and may be paid to the  Person  in whose  name  this
Debenture  (or one or more  Predecessor  Security) is registered at the close of
business on a special record date to be fixed in accordance  with the provisions
of Section  3.7(b) of the  Indenture.  The principal of and the interest on this
Debenture shall be payable at the office or agency of the Trustee maintained for
that purpose in any coin or currency of the United States of America that at the
time of  payment  is legal  tender for  payment  of public  and  private  debts;
provided,  however,  that  payment of interest  may be made at the option of the
Company by check mailed to the registered Holder at such address as shall appear
in the Register.  Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  so long as the Holder of this
Debenture is the Property Trustee,  the payment of the principal of and interest
on this
                                                      -14-


<PAGE>



Debenture will be made by wire transfer in immediately  available  funds at such
place and to such account as may be designated by the Property Trustee.  Payment
of  principal  of the  Debentures  will  only  be  made  upon  surrender  of the
Debentures to the Trustee or Paying Agent.

         The indebtedness evidenced by this Debenture is, to the extent provided
in the  Indenture,  subordinate  and  junior  in right of  payment  to the prior
payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness, and this Debenture is issued subject
to the  provisions of the Indenture  with respect  thereto.  Each Holder of this
Debenture,  by  accepting  the  same,  (a)  agrees to and shall be bound by such
provisions,  (b) authorizes and directs the Trustee on his or her behalf to take
such action as may be necessary or  appropriate to acknowledge or effectuate the
subordination   so   provided   and  (c)   appoints   the  Trustee  his  or  her
attorney-in-fact  for any and all such purposes.  Each Holder hereof,  by his or
her  acceptance  hereof,  hereby  waives  all  notice of the  acceptance  of the
subordination provisions contained herein and in the Indenture by each holder of
Senior Indebtedness,  whether now outstanding or hereafter incurred,  and waives
reliance by each such holder upon said provisions.

         This Debenture shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture
hereinafter referred to, be valid or become obligatory for any purpose until the
Certificate of  Authentication  hereon shall have been signed by or on behalf of
the Trustee.

         The  provisions  of this  Debenture  are  continued on the reverse side
hereof and such continued provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect
as though fully set forth at this place.

         IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the Company has caused this instrument to be duly
executed under its corporate seal.


Dated: _________________, 1996.

                                   CONSECO, INC.


                                   By: _________________________________


                                   By: _________________________________
SEAL

                                                      -15-


<PAGE>




(FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION)

CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION



         This  is one  of the  Debentures  referred  to in the  within-mentioned
Indenture.



                                      FLEET NATIONAL BANK, as Trustee


                                      By: ______________________________
                                          Authorized Signatory


                                             -16-


<PAGE>



                         (FORM OF REVERSE OF DEBENTURE)

         This Debenture is one of a duly authorized  series of Debentures of the
Company (herein  sometimes  referred to as the  "Debentures"),  specified in the
Indenture,  all issued or to be issued in one or more series  under and pursuant
to an  Indenture  dated as of November  14, 1996,  duly  executed and  delivered
between the Company and Fleet  National  Bank, as Trustee (the  "Trustee"),  (as
supplemented by the First Supplemental  Indenture dated as of November 14, 1996,
the "Base Indenture") as supplemented by the Second Supplemental Indenture dated
as of November 22, 1996 between the Company and the Trustee (the Base  Indenture
as so  supplemented,  the  "Indenture"),  to which a description  of the rights,
limitations  of rights,  obligations,  duties and  immunities  thereunder of the
Trustee,  the  Company and the  Holders of the  Debentures,  and to all of which
provisions  the Holder of this  Debenture  by  acceptance  hereof,  assents  and
agrees.  By the terms of the  Indenture,  the  Debentures are issuable in series
that may vary as to amount,  date of  maturity,  rate of  interest  and in other
respects as provided in the  Indenture.  This series of Debentures is limited in
aggregate principal amount as specified in said Second Supplemental Indenture.

         The Company shall have the right to redeem this Debenture at the option
of the Company, at any time and from time to time (an "Optional Redemption"), at
a redemption  price equal to 100% of the  principal  amount plus the  Make-Whole
Premium, if any, plus any accrued and unpaid interest,  including any Compounded
Interest,  if any, to the date of such  redemption  (collectively  the "Optional
Redemption Price"). The Make-Whole Premium shall mean the excess, if any, of (i)
the sum of the present values of the remaining  scheduled  payments of principal
and interest thereon  discounted to the redemption date on a semiannual basis at
the Treasury Rate (as defined in the  Indenture)  plus 50 basis points over (ii)
100% of the  principal  amount of  Debentures  to be  redeemed.  Any  redemption
pursuant to this  paragraph  will be made upon not less than 30 nor more than 60
days' notice at the Optional Redemption Price.

         If, at any  time,  a Tax Event (as  defined  below)  shall  occur or be
continuing  after  receipt of a Dissolution  Tax Opinion (as defined  below) and
either (a) the Regular Trustees and the Issuer shall have received an opinion (a
"Redemption  Tax Opinion") of a nationally  recognized  independent  tax counsel
experienced in such matters that, as a result of a Tax Event, there is more than
an  insubstantial  risk that the Issuer would be precluded  from  deducting  the
interest on the  Debentures  for United States  federal income tax purposes even
after the Debentures were  distributed to the Holders of Capital  Securities and
Common  Securities in liquidation of such holder's  interest in the Trust as set
forth in the  Declaration  of Trust or (b) the Regular  Trustees shall have been
informed by such tax counsel that a No  Recognition  Opinion (as defined  below)
cannot be delivered,  the Issuer shall have the right at any time, upon not less
than 30 nor more than 60 days' notice,  to redeem the  Debentures in whole or in
part for cash at the Redemption Price within 90 days following the occurrence of
such Tax Event;  provided,  however, that, if at that time there is available to
the Issuer or the Trust the opportunity to eliminate,  within such 90 day period
the Tax Event by taking some ministerial action ("Ministerial  Action"), such as
filing a form or making an election,  or pursuing some other similar  reasonable
measure,  which has no adverse effect on the Trust, the Issuer or the Holders of
the Capital Securities, the Issuer or the

                                                      -17-


<PAGE>



Trust will pursue such measure in lieu of redemption  and provided  further that
the  Issuer  shall  have no right to redeem  the  Debentures  while the Trust is
pursuing any such Ministerial Action.

         "Tax Event"  means that the  Regular  Trustees  shall have  received an
opinion of independent  tax counsel  experienced in such matters (a "Dissolution
Opinion") to the effect  that,  as a result of (a) any  amendment  to, or change
(including any announced  prospective  change) in, the laws (or any  regulations
thereunder)  of  the  United  States  or any  political  subdivision  or  taxing
authority thereof or therein, or (b) any official  administrative  pronouncement
or judicial  decision  interpreting or applying such laws or regulations,  which
amendment, or change is effective or such pronouncement or decision is announced
on or after the date of original issuance of the Preferred Securities,  there is
more than an insubstantial risk that (i) the Trust is, or will be within 90 days
after the date thereof, subject to United States federal income tax with respect
to interest accrued or received on the Debentures, (ii) the Trust is, or will be
within 90 days after the date thereof,  subject to more than a de minimis amount
of taxes, duties or other governmental charges, or (iii) interest payable to the
Trust on the Debentures is not, or within 90 days of the date thereof,  will not
be  deductible,  in whole or in part, by the Company for United  States  federal
income tax purposes.

         A "No  Recognition  Opinion" means an opinion of nationally  recognized
independent tax counsel experienced in such matters, which may rely on published
revenue rulings of the Internal Revenue Service,  to the effect that all holders
of the  Trust  Securities  will not  recognize  gain of loss for  United  States
federal  income tax  purposes  as a result of the  dissolution  of the Trust and
distribution of the Debentures.

         If the Debentures are only partially  redeemed by the Company  pursuant
to  an  Optional  Redemption  or a  redemption  pursuant  to a  Tax  Event,  the
Debentures will be redeemed pro rata or by lot or in some other equitable manner
determined by the Trustee.

         In the  event of  redemption  of this  Debenture  in part  only,  a new
Debenture or Debentures of this series (for the unredeemed  portion hereof) will
be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.

         In case an Event of Default,  as defined in the  Indenture,  shall have
occurred  and be  continuing,  the  principal  of all of the  Debentures  may be
declared,  and upon such  declaration  shall  become,  due and  payable,  in the
manner,  with the effect and subject to the conditions and limitations  provided
in the Indenture.

         The  Indenture  contains  provisions  permitting  the  Company  and the
Trustee,  with the  consent  of the  Holders  of not  less  than a  majority  in
aggregate principal amount of the Debentures of each series affected at the time
outstanding, as defined in the Indenture, to execute supplemental indentures for
the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating
any of the  provisions of the Indenture or of any  supplemental  indenture or of
modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of the  Debentures;  provided,
however,  that no such  supplemental  indentures  shall (i)  change  the  Stated
Maturity of the principal or any

                                                      -18-


<PAGE>



installment  of  principal  or  any  installment  of  interest  (other  than  as
contemplated  herein),  or reduce the amount or principal or interest thereon or
any premium payable upon redemption or repayment thereof, or change the Place of
Payment or currency in which principal or any interest is payable, or impair the
right to institute suit for the  enforcement of any payment of the principal and
any premium and interest  without the consent of the Holder of each Debenture so
affected;  (ii) reduce the aforesaid  percentage of  Debentures,  the Holders of
which are required to consent to any such  supplemental  indenture,  without the
consent of the Holders of each Debenture then outstanding and affected  thereby;
(iii)  change any  obligation  of the Company to maintain an office or agency in
the Place of Payment; or (iv) modify any of the above provisions.  The Indenture
also  contains  provisions  permitting  the Holders of a majority  in  aggregate
principal  amount  of the  Debentures  of any  series  at the  time  outstanding
affected  thereby,  on behalf of all of the  Holders of the  Debentures  of such
series,  to waive any past default in the  performance  of any of the  covenants
contained  in the  Indenture,  or  established  pursuant to the  Indenture  with
respect to such series, and its consequences, except a default in the payment of
the  principal  or  interest  on the  Debentures  or a default  in  respect of a
covenant or provision of the  Indenture or the  Debentures  of such series which
cannot be modified or amended  without the consent of each Holder of  Debentures
of such  series.  Any such  consent or waiver by the  registered  Holder of this
Debenture  (unless revoked as provided in the Indenture) shall be conclusive and
binding  upon  such  Holder  and upon all  future  Holders  and  owners  of this
Debenture and of any  Debentures  issued in exchange  herefor or in place hereof
(whether by registration  of transfer or otherwise),  irrespective of whether or
not any notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Debenture.

         No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Debenture
or of the Indenture  shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company,  which
is absolute  and  unconditional,  to pay the  principal  of and interest on this
Debenture  at the  time  and  place  and at the  rate  and in the  money  herein
prescribed.

         The  Company  shall  have the right at any time  during the term of the
Debentures  from  time to time to extend  the  interest  payment  period of such
Debentures for up to 10 consecutive  semiannual periods not to extend beyond the
Maturity Date of the Debentures (an "Extended Interest Payment Period"),  at the
end of which period the Company  shall pay all interest  then accrued and unpaid
(together with interest  thereon at the rate specified for the Debentures to the
extent that payment of such interest is enforceable  under  applicable  law). In
the event that the Company exercises the right to defer interest payments, then,
prior to the payment of all accrued interest on outstanding Debentures,  (a) the
Company  shall not  declare or pay  dividends  on, or make a  distribution  with
respect to, or redeem,  purchase or acquire,  or make a liquidation payment with
respect to, any of its capital stock, (b) the Company shall not make any payment
of interest, principal or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any
debt securities issued by the Company that rank pari passu with or junior to the
Debentures  and (c) the  Company  shall  not make any  guarantee  payments  with
respect to the  foregoing  (other than pursuant to the  Securities  Guarantees);
provided,  however,  that  restriction (a) above does not apply to (i) any stock
dividends paid by the Company where the dividend stock is the same stock as that
on which the dividend is being paid and (ii) purchases or acquisitions of shares
of Company Common Stock in connection  with the  satisfaction  by the Company of
its obligation under any

                                                      -19-


<PAGE>



employee  benefit plans.  Before the  termination of any such Extended  Interest
Payment Period,  the Company may further extend such Extended  Interest  Payment
Period,  provided that such Extended  Interest  Payment Period together with all
such previous and further  extensions  thereof  shall not exceed 10  consecutive
semiannual  periods  and  shall  not  extend  beyond  the  Maturity  Date of the
Debentures.  At the termination of any such Extended Interest Payment Period and
upon the payment of all accrued and unpaid  interest and any additional  amounts
then due, the Company may commence a new Extended Interest Payment Period.

         At any time the Company  will have the right to dissolve  the Trust and
cause the Debentures to be distributed to the holders of the Trust Securities in
liquidation of the Trust.

         As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein
set forth, this Debenture is transferable by the registered Holder hereof on the
Register of the Company,  upon surrender of this Debenture for  registration  of
transfer at the Corporate  Trust Office of the Trustee  accompanied by a written
instrument or instruments of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company or the
Trustee duly  executed by the  registered  Holder  hereof or his  attorney  duly
authorized in writing,  and  thereupon one or more new  Debentures of authorized
denominations  and for the same  aggregate  principal  amount and series will be
issued to the designated  transferee or  transferees.  No service charge will be
made for any  such  transfer,  but the  Company  may  require  payment  of a sum
sufficient  to cover any tax or other  governmental  charge  payable in relation
thereto.

         Prior  to  due  presentment  for   registration  of  transfer  of  this
Debenture, the Company, the Trustee, any paying agent and any Registrar may deem
and treat the registered  holder hereof as the absolute owner hereof (whether or
not this Debenture shall be overdue and  notwithstanding any notice of ownership
or writing  hereon made by anyone other than the  Registrar)  for the purpose of
receiving  payment of or on account of the  principal  hereof and  interest  due
hereon and for all other  purposes,  and neither the Company nor the Trustee nor
any  paying  agent nor any  Registrar  shall be  affected  by any  notice to the
contrary.

         No  recourse  shall be had for the payment of the  principal  of or the
interest  on this  Debenture  or for any claim based  hereon,  or  otherwise  in
respect  hereof,  or  based  on or in  respect  of the  Indenture,  against  any
incorporator,  stockholder,  officer or director,  past,  present of future,  as
such, of the Company or of any predecessor or successor corporation,  whether by
virtue of any constitution, statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any
assessment or penalty or otherwise,  all such liability being, by the acceptance
hereof  and as part of the  consideration  for the  issuance  hereof,  expressly
waived and released.

         [The  Debentures of this series are issuable  only in  registered  form
without coupons in  denominations of $1,000 and any integral  multiple  thereof,
provided that this Global Debenture is exchangeable for Debentures in definitive
form only under certain  limited  circumstances  set forth in the Indenture.] As
provided in the Indenture and subject to certain  limitations herein and therein
set  forth,  Debentures  of this  series so issued are  exchangeable  for a like
aggregate  principal  amount  of  Debentures  of  this  series  of  a  different
authorized denomination, as requested by the

                                                      -20-


<PAGE>



Holder  surrendering the same. All terms used in this Debenture that are defined
in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

         The Company and the Holder  agree (i) that for United  States  federal,
state  and local tax  purposes  it is  intended  that the  Debenture  constitute
indebtedness  and (ii) to file all United  States  federal,  state and local tax
returns and reports on such basis (unless the Company or the Holder, as the case
may be, shall have received an opinion of independent  nationally recognized tax
counsel to the effect  that as a result of a change in law after the date of the
issuance of the  Debenture  the  Company or the  Holder,  as the case may be, is
prohibited from filing on such basis).



                                                      -21-


<PAGE>



                                   ARTICLE VII

                          ORIGINAL ISSUE OF DEBENTURES

SECTION 7.1   Original Issue of Debentures.

         Debentures in the aggregate  principal amount of $335,100,000 may, upon
execution of this Second Supplemental  Indenture,  be executed by the Issuer and
delivered to the Trustee for  authentication,  and the Trustee  shall  thereupon
authenticate  and deliver such  Debentures  to or upon the written  order of the
Issuer,  signed by its Chairman,  its  President,  or any Vice President and its
Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer or its Secretary or an Assistant  Secretary,
without any further action by the Issuer.

SECTION 7.2   Reports by the Trustee.

         Up until and including the Maturity Date, the Trustee shall, in respect
of each  applicable  date,  make such  reports  within such time  periods as are
required  to be  made by the  Trustee  under  the  Trust  Indenture  Act and the
Indenture.


                                  ARTICLE VIII

                                    COVENANTS

SECTION 8.1   Covenants as to Trust.

         In the event  Debentures are issued and sold to the Property Trustee in
connection  with the issuance of Trust  Securities by the Trust,  for so long as
the Trust  Securities  remain  outstanding,  the Issuer will (i)  maintain  100%
direct or indirect  ownership of the Common  Securities of the Trust;  provided,
however,  that any  permitted  successor of the Issuer under the  Indenture  may
succeed to the Issuer's ownership of the Common  Securities,  (ii) not voluntary
dissolve,  windup  or  terminate  the  Trust,  except  in  connection  with  the
distribution  of  Debentures  upon a  Dissolution  Event  or  otherwise,  and in
connection with certain mergers,  consolidations  or amalgamations  permitted by
the Declaration,  (iii) timely perform its duties as sponsor of the Trust,  (iv)
use its  reasonable  efforts to cause the Trust (a) to remain a business  trust,
except in  connection  with the  distribution  of  Debentures as provided in the
Declaration,  the  redemption  of the Trust  Securities  or in  connection  with
certain   mergers,   consolidations   or   amalgamations  as  permitted  by  the
Declaration,  and (b)  otherwise  continue  not to be treated as an  association
taxable as a corporation  or  partnership  for United States  federal income tax
purposes,  and (v) use its  reasonable  efforts  to cause  each  holder of Trust
Securities  to be treated as owning an  individual  beneficial  interest  in the
Debentures.  This covenant is intended  solely for the benefit of the Holders of
the Debentures issued pursuant to this Second  Supplemental  Indenture and shall
not be applicable to the  Securities of any other series issued  pursuant to the
Indenture.


                                                      -22-


<PAGE>



                                   ARTICLE IX

                                     DEFAULT

SECTION 9.1   Additional Event of Default.

         There is hereby  established  as an  additional  Event of  Default  (as
contemplated by Section 5.1(7) of the Indenture) the following:

         In  the  event the  Debentures  are  issued and  sold to  the  Property
Trustee in connection  with the issuance of Trust  Securities by the Trust,  the
Trust shall have voluntarily or involuntarily  dissolved,  wound-up its business
or  otherwise  terminated  its  existence  except  in  connection  with  (i) the
distribution of the Debentures to holders of Trust  Securities in liquidation or
redemption of their  interests in the Trust,  (ii) the redemption of all or part
of the  outstanding  Trust  Securities  of the Trust or (iii)  certain  mergers,
consolidations  or  amalgamations  of  the  Trust,  each  as  permitted  by  the
Declaration of the Trust.

         The  foregoing  Event of Default is intended  solely for the benefit of
the  Holders of the  Debentures  issued  pursuant  to this  Second  Supplemental
Indenture  and  shall  not be  applicable  to any  other  series  of  Securities
heretofore or hereafter issued pursuant to the Indenture.

SECTION 9.2   Limitations on Waivers and Consents.

         (a)  Notwithstanding  anything to the contrary contained in Section 5.7
of the  Indenture,  if the  Debentures  are held by the Trust or by the Property
Trustee,  a waiver of a past default or any  modification  to a waiver of a past
default  shall not be effective  until the holders of a majority in  liquidation
amount of Trust  Securities shall have consented to such waiver or modification;
provided,  however,  that if the  consent  of the  Holder  of  each  Outstanding
Debenture  is required in  connection  with such  waiver or  modification,  such
waiver or  modification  shall not be  effective  until each holder of the Trust
Securities shall have consented to such waiver or modification.

         (b) Except for any supplemental indenture provided under Section 8.1 of
the Indenture and notwithstanding  anything to the contrary contained in Section
3.8 of the Indenture, if the Debentures are held by the Trust or by the Property
Trustee, a supplemental  indenture shall not be effective until the holders of a
majority in liquidation  amount of Trust Securities shall have consented to such
supplemental indenture;  provided, however, that if the consent of the Holder of
each  Outstanding  Debenture  is  required  in  connection  with a  supplemental
indenture,  such supplemental indenture shall not be effective until each holder
of the Trust Securities shall have consented to such supplemental indenture.


                                                      -23-


<PAGE>



SECTION 9.3  Acknowledgment of Rights.

         The Issuer  acknowledges  that,  with  respect to any  Debentures  held
either by the Trust or by the Property Trustee, if the Property Trustee fails to
enforce its rights under the Indenture,  this Second  Supplemental  Indenture or
the Debentures as the Holder of the Debentures  held as the assets of the Trust,
any record holder of Capital Securities may institute legal proceedings directly
against the Issuer to enforce the Property Trustee's rights under the Indenture,
this Second  Supplemental  Indenture or the Debentures without first instituting
any legal  proceedings  against  such  Property  Trustee or any other  person or
entity.  Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  if an  Event  of  Default  under  the
Declaration has occurred and is continuing and such event is attributable to the
failure of the Issuer to pay interest or principal on the Debentures on the date
such interest or principal is otherwise  payable (or in the case of  redemption,
on the applicable redemption date), the Issuer acknowledges that a record holder
of Capital Securities may institute a proceeding directly against the Issuer for
enforcement  of payment to the record holder of the Preferred  Securities of the
principal of or interest on the  Debentures on or after the  respective due date
specified  in the  Debentures,  and the amount of  payment  will be based on the
holder's  pro  rata  share  of the  amount  due and  owing  on all  the  Capital
Securities.


                                    ARTICLE X

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 10.1  Ratification of Indenture.

         The Indenture,  as supplemented by this Second Supplemental  Indenture,
is in  all  respects  ratified  and  confirmed,  and  this  Second  Supplemental
Indenture  shall be deemed part of the Indenture in the manner and to the extent
herein and therein provided.

SECTION 10.2  Trustee Not Responsible for Recitals.

         The recitals  contained  herein and in the  Debentures,  except for the
Trustee's certificate of authentication, shall be taken as the statements of the
Issuer and not of the Trustee, and the Trustee assumes no responsibility for the
correctness of the same. The Trustee makes no  representation as to the validity
or sufficiency of this Second Supplemental Indenture or of the Debentures.

SECTION 10.3   Governing Law.

         This Second  Supplemental  Indenture and each Debenture shall be deemed
to be a  contract  made  under the laws of the  State of New  York,  and for all
purposes shall be construed in accordance with the laws of said State, except as
may otherwise be required by mandatory provisions of law.


                                                      -24-


<PAGE>



SECTION 10.4  Separability.

         In case  any one or more of the  provisions  contained  in this  Second
Supplemental  Indenture or in the Debentures  shall for any reason be held to be
invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or
unenforceability   shall  not  affect  any  other   provisions  of  this  Second
Supplemental  Indenture  or of the  Debentures,  but  this  Second  Supplemental
Indenture and the Debentures shall be construed as if such invalid or illegal or
unenforceable provision had never been contained herein or therein.

SECTION 10.5    Counterparts.

         This  Second  Supplemental  Indenture  may be executed in any number of
counterparts  each of which shall be an original;  but such  counterparts  shall
together constitute but one and the same instrument.

SECTION 10.6    Effect of Headings.

         The  Article  and  Section  headings  herein and the Table of  Contents
hereto are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.



                                                      -25-


<PAGE>



         IN  WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the  parties  hereto  have  caused  this  Second
Supplemental  Indenture  to be duly  executed as of the day and year first above
written.

                                     CONSECO, INC.


                                      By:/s/ ROLLIN M. DICK
                                         ----------------------------
                                      Name: Rollin M. Dick
                                      Title: Executive Vice President


                                      FLEET NATIONAL BANK, as Trustee


                                      By:   /s/ MICHAEL M. HOPKINS
                                            ---------------------------
                                      Name:  Michael M. Hopkins
                                      Title: Vice President

                                                      -26-


                                                 

                                  CONSECO, INC.

                8.70% SUBORDINATED DEFERRABLE INTEREST DEBENTURE

 No. 1         DUE NOVEMBER 15, 2026             REGISTERED 
                                                $335,100,000

         Conseco,  Inc.,  an  Indiana  corporation  (the  "Company",  which term
includes any successor corporation under the Indenture hereinafter referred to),
for value  received,  hereby promises to pay to FLEET NATIONAL BANK, as Property
Trustee under that certain Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust dated as of
November  22,  1996,  among the  Trustees  of Conseco  Financing  Trust II named
therein,  the Company and the holders from time to time of undivided  beneficial
interests in the assets of Conseco  Financing  Trust II, or registered  assigns,
the  principal  sum of Three Hundred  Thirty-Five  Million One Hundred  Thousand
Dollars on November  15, 2026 and to pay  interest  on said  principal  sum from
November  27,  1996,  or from the most recent  interest  payment date (each such
date,  an  "Interest  Payment  Date")  to which  interest  has been paid or duly
provided for,  semiannually (subject to deferral as set forth herein) in arrears
on May 15 and November 15 of each year  commencing  May 15, 1997, at the rate of
8.70% per annum until the  principal  hereof  shall have become due and payable,
and on any overdue  principal  and (without  duplication  and to the extent that
payment of such interest is  enforceable  under  applicable  law) on any overdue
installment of interest at the same rate per annum compounded semiannually.  The
amount of interest payable on any Interest Payment Date shall be computed on the
basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months, and for any period shorter than
a full  semiannual  period on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed per
30-day  month.  In the event that any date on which  interest is payable on this
Debenture is not a Business Day,  then payment of interest  payable on such date
will be made on the next  succeeding day that is a Business Day (and without any
interest or other  payment in respect of any such delay),  except that,  if such
Business Day is in the next succeeding calendar year, such payment shall be made
on the immediately  preceding Business Day, in each case with the same force and
effect  as if made on such  date.  The  interest  installment  so  payable,  and
punctually  paid or duly  provided  for, on any Interest  Payment Date will,  as
provided in the Indenture, be paid to the person in whose name this Debenture is
registered at the close of business on the regular record date for such interest
installment,  which  shall be the close of  business  on the  Business  Day next
preceding  such  Interest  Payment  Date.  Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  any
interest  that is payable on the Maturity Date shall be payable to the Person to
whom principal payable at the Maturity Date shall be payable.  Any such interest
installment not punctually paid or duly provided for shall forthwith cease to be
payable to the registered Holders on such regular record date and may be paid to
the Person in whose name this Debenture (or one or more Predecessor Security) is
registered  at the close of  business  on a special  record  date to be fixed in
accordance with the provisions of Section 3.7(b) of the Indenture. The principal
of and the interest on this  Debenture  shall be payable at the office or agency
of the Trustee maintained for that purpose in any coin or currency of the United
States of America  that at the time of payment  is legal  tender for  payment of
public and private  debts;  provided,  however,  that payment of interest may be
made at the option of the Company by check  mailed to the  registered  Holder at
such address as shall appear in the Register.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, so
long as the Holder of this Debenture is the Property Trustee, the payment of the
principal of and interest on this

                                                      -1-


<PAGE>



Debenture will be made by wire transfer in immediately  available  funds at such
place and to such account as may be designated by the Property Trustee.  Payment
of  principal  of the  Debentures  will  only  be  made  upon  surrender  of the
Debentures to the Trustee or Paying Agent.

         The indebtedness evidenced by this Debenture is, to the extent provided
in the  Indenture,  subordinate  and  junior  in right of  payment  to the prior
payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness, and this Debenture is issued subject
to the  provisions of the Indenture  with respect  thereto.  Each Holder of this
Debenture,  by  accepting  the  same,  (a)  agrees to and shall be bound by such
provisions,  (b) authorizes and directs the Trustee on his or her behalf to take
such action as may be necessary or  appropriate to acknowledge or effectuate the
subordination   so   provided   and  (c)   appoints   the  Trustee  his  or  her
attorney-in-fact  for any and all such purposes.  Each Holder hereof,  by his or
her  acceptance  hereof,  hereby  waives  all  notice of the  acceptance  of the
subordination provisions contained herein and in the Indenture by each holder of
Senior Indebtedness,  whether now outstanding or hereafter incurred,  and waives
reliance by each such holder upon said provisions.

         This Debenture shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture
hereinafter referred to, be valid or become obligatory for any purpose until the
Certificate of  Authentication  hereon shall have been signed by or on behalf of
the Trustee.

         The  provisions  of this  Debenture  are  continued on the reverse side
hereof and such continued provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect
as though fully set forth at this place.



                                                      -2-


<PAGE>



         IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the Company has caused this instrument to be duly
executed under its corporate seal.


Dated:  November 27, 1996.

                            CONSECO, INC.


                            By: /s/ STEPHEN C. HILBERT
                                -----------------------
                                Stephen C. Hilbert,
                                Chairman of the Board, President and
                                Chief Executive Officer

SEAL

Attest:


By: /s/ LAWRENCE W. INLOW
    ---------------------------
    Lawrence W. Inlow, Secretary


CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION


         This  is one  of the  Debentures  referred  to in the  within-mentioned
Indenture.



                                        FLEET NATIONAL BANK, as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ MICHAEL M. HOPKINS
                                            -------------------------
                                            Authorized Signatory




                                                      -3-


<PAGE>



         This Debenture is one of a duly authorized  series of Debentures of the
Company (herein  sometimes  referred to as the  "Debentures"),  specified in the
Indenture,  all issued or to be issued in one or more series  under and pursuant
to an  Indenture  dated as of November  14, 1996,  duly  executed and  delivered
between the Company and Fleet  National  Bank, as Trustee (the  "Trustee"),  (as
supplemented by the First Supplemental  Indenture dated as of November 14, 1996,
the "Base Indenture") as supplemented by the Second Supplemental Indenture dated
as of November 22, 1996 between the Company and the Trustee (the Base  Indenture
as so  supplemented,  the  "Indenture"),  to which a description  of the rights,
limitations  of rights,  obligations,  duties and  immunities  thereunder of the
Trustee,  the  Company and the  Holders of the  Debentures,  and to all of which
provisions  the Holder of this  Debenture  by  acceptance  hereof,  assents  and
agrees.  By the terms of the  Indenture,  the  Debentures are issuable in series
that may vary as to amount,  date of  maturity,  rate of  interest  and in other
respects as provided in the  Indenture.  This series of Debentures is limited in
aggregate principal amount as specified in said Second Supplemental Indenture.

         The Company shall have the right to redeem this Debenture at the option
of the Company, at any time and from time to time (an "Optional Redemption"), at
a redemption  price equal to 100% of the  principal  amount plus the  Make-Whole
Premium, if any, plus any accrued and unpaid interest,  including any Compounded
Interest,  if any, to the date of such  redemption  (collectively  the "Optional
Redemption Price"). The Make-Whole Premium shall mean the excess, if any, of (i)
the sum of the present values of the remaining  scheduled  payments of principal
and interest thereon  discounted to the redemption date on a semiannual basis at
the Treasury Rate (as defined in the  Indenture)  plus 50 basis points over (ii)
100% of the  principal  amount of  Debentures  to be  redeemed.  Any  redemption
pursuant to this  paragraph  will be made upon not less than 30 nor more than 60
days' notice at the Optional Redemption Price.

         If, at any  time,  a Tax Event (as  defined  below)  shall  occur or be
continuing  after  receipt of a Dissolution  Tax Opinion (as defined  below) and
either (a) the Regular Trustees and the Issuer shall have received an opinion (a
"Redemption  Tax Opinion") of a nationally  recognized  independent  tax counsel
experienced in such matters that, as a result of a Tax Event, there is more than
an  insubstantial  risk that the Issuer would be precluded  from  deducting  the
interest on the  Debentures  for United States  federal income tax purposes even
after the Debentures were  distributed to the Holders of Capital  Securities and
Common  Securities in liquidation of such holder's  interest in the Trust as set
forth in the  Declaration  of Trust or (b) the Regular  Trustees shall have been
informed by such tax counsel that a No  Recognition  Opinion (as defined  below)
cannot be delivered,  the Issuer shall have the right at any time, upon not less
than 30 nor more than 60 days' notice,  to redeem the  Debentures in whole or in
part for cash at the Redemption Price within 90 days following the occurrence of
such Tax Event;  provided,  however, that, if at that time there is available to
the Issuer or the Trust the opportunity to eliminate,  within such 90 day period
the Tax Event by taking some ministerial action ("Ministerial  Action"), such as
filing a form or making an election,  or pursuing some other similar  reasonable
measure,  which has no adverse effect on the Trust, the Issuer or the Holders of
the Capital Securities, the Issuer or the Trust will pursue such measure in lieu
of redemption and provided further that the Issuer shall have no right to redeem
the Debentures while the Trust is pursuing any such Ministerial Action.

                                                      -4-


<PAGE>



         "Tax Event"  means that the  Regular  Trustees  shall have  received an
opinion of independent  tax counsel  experienced in such matters (a "Dissolution
Tax Opinion") to the effect that, as a result of (a) any amendment to, or change
(including any announced  prospective  change) in, the laws (or any  regulations
thereunder)  of  the  United  States  or any  political  subdivision  or  taxing
authority thereof or therein, or (b) any official  administrative  pronouncement
or judicial  decision  interpreting or applying such laws or regulations,  which
amendment, or change is effective or such pronouncement or decision is announced
on or after the date of original issuance of the Preferred Securities,  there is
more than an insubstantial risk that (i) the Trust is, or will be within 90 days
after the date thereof, subject to United States federal income tax with respect
to interest accrued or received on the Debentures, (ii) the Trust is, or will be
within 90 days after the date thereof,  subject to more than a de minimis amount
of taxes, duties or other governmental charges, or (iii) interest payable to the
Trust on the Debentures is not, or within 90 days of the date thereof,  will not
be  deductible,  in whole or in part, by the Company for United  States  federal
income tax purposes.

         A "No  Recognition  Opinion" means an opinion of nationally  recognized
independent tax counsel experienced in such matters, which may rely on published
revenue rulings of the Internal Revenue Service,  to the effect that all holders
of the  Trust  Securities  will not  recognize  gain of loss for  United  States
federal  income tax  purposes  as a result of the  dissolution  of the Trust and
distribution of the Debentures.

         If the Debentures are only partially  redeemed by the Company  pursuant
to  an  Optional  Redemption  or a  redemption  pursuant  to a  Tax  Event,  the
Debentures will be redeemed pro rata or by lot or in some other equitable manner
determined by the Trustee.

         In the  event of  redemption  of this  Debenture  in part  only,  a new
Debenture or Debentures of this series (for the unredeemed  portion hereof) will
be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.

         In case an Event of Default,  as defined in the  Indenture,  shall have
occurred  and be  continuing,  the  principal  of all of the  Debentures  may be
declared,  and upon such  declaration  shall  become,  due and  payable,  in the
manner,  with the effect and subject to the conditions and limitations  provided
in the Indenture.

         The  Indenture  contains  provisions  permitting  the  Company  and the
Trustee,  with the  consent  of the  Holders  of not  less  than a  majority  in
aggregate principal amount of the Debentures of each series affected at the time
outstanding, as defined in the Indenture, to execute supplemental indentures for
the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating
any of the  provisions of the Indenture or of any  supplemental  indenture or of
modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of the  Debentures;  provided,
however,  that no such  supplemental  indentures  shall (i)  change  the  Stated
Maturity of the principal or any  installment of principal or any installment of
interest (other than as contemplated  herein), or reduce the amount or principal
or interest thereon or any premium payable upon redemption or repayment thereof,
or change the Place of Payment or currency in which principal or any interest

                                                      -5-


<PAGE>



is payable,  or impair the right to institute  suit for the  enforcement  of any
payment of the principal and any premium and interest without the consent of the
Holder of each  Debenture so affected;  (ii) reduce the aforesaid  percentage of
Debentures,   the  Holders  of  which  are  required  to  consent  to  any  such
supplemental  indenture,  without the  consent of the Holders of each  Debenture
then  outstanding  and  affected  thereby;  (iii) change any  obligation  of the
Company to maintain an office or agency in the Place of Payment;  or (iv) modify
any of the above provisions.  The Indenture also contains provisions  permitting
the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Debentures of any
series at the time outstanding affected thereby, on behalf of all of the Holders
of the Debentures of such series,  to waive any past default in the  performance
of any of the covenants contained in the Indenture,  or established  pursuant to
the  Indenture  with  respect to such  series,  and its  consequences,  except a
default in the  payment of the  principal  or interest  on the  Debentures  or a
default in respect of a covenant or provision of the Indenture or the Debentures
of such series which  cannot be modified or amended  without the consent of each
Holder  of  Debentures  of such  series.  Any  such  consent  or  waiver  by the
registered  Holder  of  this  Debenture  (unless  revoked  as  provided  in  the
Indenture)  shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future
Holders and owners of this  Debenture and of any  Debentures  issued in exchange
herefor or in place hereof  (whether by  registration of transfer or otherwise),
irrespective  of whether or not any  notation of such  consent or waiver is made
upon this Debenture.

         No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Debenture
or of the Indenture  shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company,  which
is absolute  and  unconditional,  to pay the  principal  of and interest on this
Debenture  at the  time  and  place  and at the  rate  and in the  money  herein
prescribed.

         The  Company  shall  have the right at any time  during the term of the
Debentures  from  time to time to extend  the  interest  payment  period of such
Debentures for up to 10 consecutive  semiannual periods not to extend beyond the
Maturity Date of the Debentures (an "Extended Interest Payment Period"),  at the
end of which period the Company  shall pay all interest  then accrued and unpaid
(together with interest  thereon at the rate specified for the Debentures to the
extent that payment of such interest is enforceable  under  applicable  law). In
the event that the Company exercises the right to defer interest payments, then,
prior to the payment of all accrued interest on outstanding Debentures,  (a) the
Company  shall not  declare or pay  dividends  on, or make a  distribution  with
respect to, or redeem,  purchase or acquire,  or make a liquidation payment with
respect to, any of its capital stock, (b) the Company shall not make any payment
of interest, principal or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any
debt securities issued by the Company that rank pari passu with or junior to the
Debentures  and (c) the  Company  shall  not make any  guarantee  payments  with
respect to the  foregoing  (other than pursuant to the  Securities  Guarantees);
provided,  however,  that  restriction (a) above does not apply to (i) any stock
dividends paid by the Company where the dividend stock is the same stock as that
on which the dividend is being paid and (ii) purchases or acquisitions of shares
of Company Common Stock in connection  with the  satisfaction  by the Company of
its obligation under any employee  benefit plans.  Before the termination of any
such  Extended  Interest  Payment  Period,  the Company may further  extend such
Extended  Interest Payment Period,  provided that such Extended Interest Payment
Period together with all such previous and further extensions thereof

                                                      -6-


<PAGE>



shall not exceed 10 consecutive  semiannual  periods and shall not extend beyond
the Maturity Date of the  Debentures.  At the  termination  of any such Extended
Interest  Payment Period and upon the payment of all accrued and unpaid interest
and any  additional  amounts  then due,  the Company may commence a new Extended
Interest Payment Period.

         At any time the Company  will have the right to dissolve  the Trust and
cause the Debentures to be distributed to the holders of the Trust Securities in
liquidation of the Trust.

         As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein
set forth, this Debenture is transferable by the registered Holder hereof on the
Register of the Company,  upon surrender of this Debenture for  registration  of
transfer at the Corporate  Trust Office of the Trustee  accompanied by a written
instrument or instruments of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company or the
Trustee duly  executed by the  registered  Holder  hereof or his  attorney  duly
authorized in writing,  and  thereupon one or more new  Debentures of authorized
denominations  and for the same  aggregate  principal  amount and series will be
issued to the designated  transferee or  transferees.  No service charge will be
made for any  such  transfer,  but the  Company  may  require  payment  of a sum
sufficient  to cover any tax or other  governmental  charge  payable in relation
thereto.

         Prior  to  due  presentment  for   registration  of  transfer  of  this
Debenture, the Company, the Trustee, any paying agent and any Registrar may deem
and treat the registered  holder hereof as the absolute owner hereof (whether or
not this Debenture shall be overdue and  notwithstanding any notice of ownership
or writing  hereon made by anyone other than the  Registrar)  for the purpose of
receiving  payment of or on account of the  principal  hereof and  interest  due
hereon and for all other  purposes,  and neither the Company nor the Trustee nor
any  paying  agent nor any  Registrar  shall be  affected  by any  notice to the
contrary.

         No  recourse  shall be had for the payment of the  principal  of or the
interest  on this  Debenture  or for any claim based  hereon,  or  otherwise  in
respect  hereof,  or  based  on or in  respect  of the  Indenture,  against  any
incorporator,  stockholder,  officer or director,  past,  present of future,  as
such, of the Company or of any predecessor or successor corporation,  whether by
virtue of any constitution, statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any
assessment or penalty or otherwise,  all such liability being, by the acceptance
hereof  and as part of the  consideration  for the  issuance  hereof,  expressly
waived and released.

         As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain  limitations herein
and therein set forth,  Debentures of this series so issued are exchangeable for
a like  aggregate  principal  amount of Debentures of this series of a different
authorized  denomination,  as requested by the Holder surrendering the same. All
terms used in this  Debenture  that are defined in the Indenture  shall have the
meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.




                                                      -7-


<PAGE>



         The Company and the Holder  agree (i) that for United  States  federal,
state  and local tax  purposes  it is  intended  that the  Debenture  constitute
indebtedness  and (ii) to file all United  States  federal,  state and local tax
returns and reports on such basis (unless the Company or the Holder, as the case
may be, shall have received an opinion of independent  nationally recognized tax
counsel to the effect  that as a result of a change in law after the date of the
issuance of the  Debenture  the  Company or the  Holder,  as the case may be, is
prohibited from filing on such basis).




                                                      -8-



                               

                              AMENDED AND RESTATED

                              DECLARATION OF TRUST

                           CONSECO FINANCING TRUST II

                          Dated as of November 22, 1996




              
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                                                               Page

<S>      <C>           <C>                                                                                        <C>    

ARTICLE I              INTERPRETATION AND DEFINITIONS.............................................................1
         SECTION 1.1   Interpretation and Definitions.............................................................1

ARTICLE II             TRUST INDENTURE ACT........................................................................7
         SECTION 2.1   Trust Indenture Act; Application...........................................................7
         SECTION 2.2   Lists of Holders of Securities.............................................................8
         SECTION 2.3   Reports by the Property Trustee............................................................8
         SECTION 2.4   Periodic Reports to the Property Trustee...................................................8
         SECTION 2.5   Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent...........................................9
         SECTION 2.6   Events of Default; Waiver..................................................................9
         SECTION 2.7   Event of Default; Notice..................................................................10

ARTICLE III            ORGANIZATION..............................................................................11
         SECTION 3.1   Name and Organization.....................................................................11
         SECTION 3.2   Office....................................................................................11
         SECTION 3.3   Purpose...................................................................................11
         SECTION 3.4   Authority.................................................................................12
         SECTION 3.5   Title to Property of the Trust............................................................12
         SECTION 3.6   Powers and Duties of the Regular Trustees.................................................12
         SECTION 3.7   Prohibition of Actions by the Trust and the Trustees......................................15
         SECTION 3.8   Powers and Duties of the Property Trustee.................................................16
         SECTION 3.9   Certain Duties and Responsibilities of the Property Trustee...............................18
         SECTION 3.10  Certain Rights of Property Trustee........................................................19
         SECTION 3.11  Delaware Trustee..........................................................................21
         SECTION 3.12  Execution of Documents....................................................................22
         SECTION 3.13  Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities....................................22
         SECTION 3.14  Duration of Trust.........................................................................22
         SECTION 3.15  Mergers...................................................................................22
         SECTION 3.16  Property Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.................................................24

ARTICLE IV             SPONSOR...................................................................................25
         SECTION 4.1   Sponsor's Purchase of Common Securities...................................................25
         SECTION 4.2   Responsibilities of the Sponsor...........................................................25
         SECTION 4.3   Right to Dissolve Trust...................................................................25
         SECTION 4.4   Direct Right of Action....................................................................26



                                        i
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



<S>      <C>           <C>                                                                                      <C>   
ARTICLE V              TRUSTEES..................................................................................26
         SECTION 5.1   Number of Trustees........................................................................26
         SECTION 5.2   Delaware Trustee..........................................................................26
         SECTION 5.3   Property Trustee; Eligibility.............................................................26
         SECTION 5.4   Regular Trustees..........................................................................27
         SECTION 5.5   Certain Qualifications of Regular Trustees and Delaware
                                    Trustee Generally............................................................28
         SECTION 5.6   Initial Trustees..........................................................................28
         SECTION 5.7   Appointment, Removal and Resignation of Trustees..........................................28
         SECTION 5.8   Vacancies among Trustees..................................................................30
         SECTION 5.9   Effect of Vacancies.......................................................................30
         SECTION 5.10  Meetings..................................................................................30
         SECTION 5.11  Delegation of Power.......................................................................30
         SECTION 5.12  Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business...............................31

ARTICLE VI             DISTRIBUTIONS.............................................................................31
         SECTION 6.1   Distributions.............................................................................31

ARTICLE VII            ISSUANCE OF SECURITIES....................................................................31
         SECTION 7.1   General Provisions Regarding Securities...................................................31

ARTICLE VIII           TERMINATION OF TRUST......................................................................32
         SECTION 8.1   Termination of Trust......................................................................32

ARTICLE IX             TRANSFER OF INTERESTS.....................................................................33
         SECTION 9.1   Transfer of Securities....................................................................33
         SECTION 9.2   Transfer and Exchange of Certificates.....................................................34
         SECTION 9.3   Deemed Security Holders...................................................................34
         SECTION 9.4   Book Entry Interests......................................................................34
         SECTION 9.5   Notices to Clearing Agency................................................................35
         SECTION 9.6   Appointment of Successor Clearing Agency..................................................35
         SECTION 9.7   Definitive Preferred Security Certificates................................................36
         SECTION 9.8   Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Certificates.........................................36

ARTICLE X              LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES,
         TRUSTEES OR OTHERS......................................................................................37
         SECTION 10.1  Liability.................................................................................37
         SECTION 10.2  Exculpation...............................................................................37
         SECTION 10.3  Fiduciary Duty............................................................................38
         SECTION 10.4  Indemnification and Compensation..........................................................39
         SECTION 10.5  Outside Businesses........................................................................42

ARTICLE XI             ACCOUNTING................................................................................42
         SECTION 11.1  Fiscal Year...............................................................................42
         SECTION 11.2  Certain Accounting Matters................................................................42
         SECTION 11.3  Banking...................................................................................43

                                       ii
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


<S>     <C>            <C>                                                                                       <C>  
         SECTION 11.4  Withholding...............................................................................43

ARTICLE XII            AMENDMENTS AND MEETINGS...................................................................44
         SECTION 12.1  Amendments................................................................................44
         SECTION 12.2  Meetings of the Holders of Securities; Action by Written Consent..........................45

ARTICLE XIII           REPRESENTATIONS OF PROPERTY TRUSTEE
                                    AND DELAWARE TRUSTEE.........................................................47
         SECTION 13.1  Representations and Warranties of the Property Trustee....................................47
         SECTION 13.2  Representations and Warranties of the Delaware Trustee....................................48

ARTICLE XIV            MISCELLANEOUS.............................................................................48
         SECTION 14.1  Notices...................................................................................48
         SECTION 14.2  Governing Law.............................................................................50
         SECTION 14.3  Intention of the Parties..................................................................50
         SECTION 14.4  Headings..................................................................................50
         SECTION 14.5  Successors and Assigns....................................................................50
         SECTION 14.6  Partial Enforceability....................................................................50
         SECTION 14.7  Counterparts..............................................................................50

ANNEX I..........................................................................................................52

EXHIBIT A-1....................................................................................................A1-1

EXHIBIT A-2....................................................................................................A2-1

                                       iii
</TABLE>

<PAGE>



                            CROSS - REFERENCE TABLE *
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>




Section of Trust                                                                                          Section of
Indenture Act of 1939,                                                                                    Declaration
as amended
         <S>                                                                              <C>    
         310 (a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.3 (a)
         310 (c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inapplicable
         311 (c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inapplicable
         312 (a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2 (a)
         312 (b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2 (b)
         313. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.3
         314 (a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.4
         314 (b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inapplicable
         314 (c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.5
         314 (d). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inapplicable
         314 (f). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inapplicable
         315 (a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.9 (b)
         315 (c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.9 (a)
         315 (d). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.9 (a)
         316 (a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Annex I
         316 (c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.6 (e)

<FN>

         *        This Cross - Reference  Table does not constitute  part of the
                  Declaration and shall not affect the  interpretation of any of
                  its terms or provisions.
</FN>
</TABLE>


                                       iv

<PAGE>



                    AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION OF TRUST

         AMENDED AND RESTATED  DECLARATION OF TRUST,  including  Annex I and all
exhibits attached hereto ("Declaration"), dated and effective as of November 22,
1996, by the Trustees (as defined  herein),  the Sponsor (as defined herein) and
by the  holders,  from time to time,  of undivided  beneficial  interests in the
assets of the Trust to be issued pursuant to this Declaration;

         WHEREAS,  four of the  Trustees  and the  Sponsor  established  Conseco
Financing Trust II (the "Trust"),  a trust under the Delaware Business Trust Act
pursuant to a Declaration  of Trust dated as of October 28, 1996 (the  "Original
Declaration")  and a  Certificate  of Trust filed with the Secretary of State of
the State of Delaware on October 28, 1996 (the "Certificate of Trust"),  for the
sole purpose of issuing and selling certain  securities  representing  undivided
beneficial  interests  in the  assets of the Trust and  investing  the  proceeds
thereof in certain  Debentures (as defined  herein) of the Debenture  Issuer (as
defined herein);

         WHEREAS, as  of  the date hereof, no beneficial interests in  the Trust
have been issued;

         WHEREAS,  all of the  Trustees and the  Sponsor,  by this  Declaration,
amend and restate each and every term and provision of the Original Declaration;
and

         NOW,  THEREFORE,  it being  the  intention  of the  parties  hereto  to
continue  the Trust as a business  trust under the  Business  Trust Act and that
this  Declaration  constitutes the governing  instrument of such business trust,
the Trustees  declare that all assets  contributed  to the Trust will be held in
trust for the  benefit  of the  holders,  from time to time,  of the  securities
representing  undivided  beneficial  interests in the assets of the Trust issued
hereunder, subject to the provisions of this Declaration.


                                    ARTICLE I
                         INTERPRETATION AND DEFINITIONS

SECTION 1.1 Interpretation and Definitions.

         Unless the context otherwise requires:

         (a)      capitalized terms used in this Declaration but not defined in 
                  the preamble above have the respective meanings assigned  to
                  them in this Section 1.1;

         (b)      a term  defined  anywhere  in  this Declaration has  the  same
                  meaning throughout;

         (c)      all references to "the Declaration" or "this Declaration" are
                  to this Declaration as modified, supplemented or amended from
                  time to time;

         (d)      all references in  this  Declaration  to Articles and Sections
                  are  to  Articles  and  Sections  of  this  Declaration unless
                  otherwise specified;


                                                         1

<PAGE>



         (e)      a term defined in the Trust Indenture Act has the same meaning
                  when used in this Declaration unless otherwise defined in this
                  Declaration or unless the context otherwise requires; and

         (f)     a reference to the singular includes the plural and vice versa.

         "Affiliate"  has the same  meaning as given to that term in Rule 405 of
the Securities Act or any successor rule thereunder.

         "Authorized Officer" of a Person means any Person that is authorized to
bind such Person.

         "Base  Indenture"  means the  Indenture  dated as of November  14, 1996
among the Debenture  Issuer and the  Debenture  Trustee as  supplemented  by the
First Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 14, 1996.

         "Book  Entry  Interest"  means  a  beneficial   interest  in  a  Global
Certificate,  ownership  and  transfers  of which shall be  maintained  and made
through book entries by a Clearing Agency as described in Section 9.4.

         "Business  Day"  means  any  day  other  than  a day on  which  banking
institutions  in New York,  New York or in the city of the  principal  Corporate
Trust  Office of either  the  Property  Trustee  or the  Debenture  Trustee  are
authorized or required by law to close.

         "Business Trust Act" means Chapter 38 of Title 12 of the Delaware Code,
12 Del.  Code Section 3801 et seq.,  as it may be amended from time to time,  or
any successor legislation.

         "Capital  Securities  Guarantee"  means the guarantee  agreement of the
Sponsor in respect of the Capital Securities.

         "Capital Security" has the meaning specified in Section 7.1.

         "Capital Security Beneficial Owner" means, with respect to a Book Entry
Interest,  a Person who is the beneficial owner of such Book Entry Interest,  as
reflected  on the  books of the  Clearing  Agency,  or on the  books of a Person
maintaining an account with such Clearing Agency  (directly as a Clearing Agency
Participant or as an indirect  participant,  in each case in accordance with the
rules of such Clearing Agency).

         "Capital  Security  Certificate"  means  a certificate  representing  a
Capital Security.

         "Certificate" means a Common Security Certificate or a Capital Security
Certificate.

         "Clearing  Agency"  means an  organization  registered  as a  "Clearing
Agency" pursuant to Section 17A of the Exchange Act that is acting as depository
for the Capital Securities and in whose name or in the name of a nominee of that
organization  shall be registered a Global Certificate and which shall undertake
to effect book entry transfers and pledges of the Capital Securities.


                                                         2

<PAGE>



         "Clearing  Agency  Participant"  means a broker,  dealer,  bank,  other
financial  institution  or other  Person for whom from time to time the Clearing
Agency effects book entry transfers and pledges of securities deposited with the
Clearing Agency.

         "Closing Date" means the date on which the Capital  Securities are sold
pursuant to the terms of the Underwriting Agreement.

         "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to
time, or any  successor  legislation.  A reference to a specific  section of the
Code  refers not only to such  specific  section  but also to any  corresponding
provision of any federal tax statute enacted after the date of this Declaration,
as such specific section or corresponding  provision is in effect on the date of
application of the provisions of this Declaration containing such reference.

         "Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

         "Common  Securities  Guarantee"  means the  guarantee  agreement of the
Sponsor in respect of the Common Securities.

         "Common Security" has the meaning specified in Section 7.1.

         "Common Security  Certificate" means a definitive  certificate in fully
registered form representing a Common Security.

         "Company  Indemnified  Person" means (a) any Regular  Trustee;  (b) any
Affiliate of any Regular  Trustee;  (c) any officers,  directors,  shareholders,
members, partners,  employees,  representatives or agents of any Regular Trustee
or any Affiliate thereof; or (d) any officer,  employee or agent of the Trust or
its Affiliates.

         "Corporate  Trust Office"  means the office of the Property  Trustee at
which the  corporate  trust  business  of the  Property  Trustee  shall,  at any
particular  time,  be  principally  administered,  which  office  at the date of
execution of this Declaration is located at 777 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06115,
Attention: Corporate Trust Administration.

         "Covered Person" means (a) any officer, director, shareholder, partner,
member,  representative,  employee or agent of (i) the Trust or (ii) the Trust's
Affiliates; and (b) any Holder of Securities.

         "Debenture Issuer" means Conseco, Inc. in its capacity as issuer of the
Debentures under the Indenture.

         "Debenture  Trustee"  means Fleet  National  Bank, as trustee under the
Indenture until a successor is appointed  thereunder,  and thereafter means such
successor trustee.

         "Debentures"  means the  series  of  subordinated  deferrable  interest
debentures to be issued by the  Debenture  Issuer under the Indenture to be held
by the Property Trustee.

         "Definitive Capital Security Certificates" has the meaning set forth in
Section 9.4.

                                                         3

<PAGE>



         "Delaware Trustee" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2.

         "Direction" by a Person means a written direction signed:

                  (a)      if the Person is a natural person, by that Person; or

                  (b)      in any other case,  in the name of such Person by one
                           or more Authorized Officers of that Person.

         "Distribution" means a distribution payable to Holders of Securities in
accordance with Section 6.1.

         "DTC" means The Depository Trust Company, the initial Clearing Agency.

         "Event of  Default"  in  respect  of the  Securities  means an Event of
Default (as defined in the  Indenture) has occurred and is continuing in respect
of the Debentures.

         "Exchange  Act" means the  Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
from time to time, or any successor legislation.

         "Fiduciary Indemnified Person" has the meaning  set  forth  in  Section
10.4(b).

         "Fiscal Year" has the meaning set forth in Section 11.1.

         "Global Certificate" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.4.

         "Holder"  means a Person in whose  name a  Certificate  representing  a
Security is registered,  such Person being a beneficial owner within the meaning
of the Business Trust Act, PROVIDED,  HOWEVER,  that in determining  whether the
Holders of the requisite  liquidation amount of Preferred  Securities have voted
on any matter  provided  for in this  Declaration,  then for the purpose of such
determination  only (and not for any other  purpose  hereunder),  if the Capital
Securities  remain  in the  form of one or more  Global  Certificates,  the term
"Holders"  shall  mean  the  holder  of the  Global  Certificate  acting  at the
direction of the Capital Security Beneficial Owners.

         "Indemnified Person" means a Company Indemnified Person or a Fiduciary
Indemnified Person.

         "Indenture"  means the Base  Indenture and any  indenture  supplemental
thereto pursuant to which the Debentures are to be issued.

         "Investment  Company"  means an  investment  company  as defined in the
Investment Company Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

         "Investment  Company Act" means the Investment  Company Act of 1940, as
amended from time to time, or any successor legislation.


                                                         4

<PAGE>



         "Investment Company Event" has the meaning set forth in Annex I.

         "Legal Action" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6(g).

         "List of Holders" has the meaning specified in Section 2.2(a).

         "Majority in Liquidation Amount" means, except as provided in the terms
of the  Preferred  Securities  or by  the  Trust  Indenture  Act,  Holder(s)  of
outstanding  Securities,  voting together as a single class,  or, as the context
may  require,   Holders  of  outstanding  Preferred  Securities  or  Holders  of
outstanding Common Securities,  voting separately as a class, who are the record
owners of more  than 50% of the  aggregate  liquidation  amount  (including  the
stated amount that would be paid on redemption,  liquidation or otherwise,  plus
accrued and unpaid  Distributions to the date upon which the voting  percentages
are determined) of all outstanding Securities of the relevant class.

         "Officers'  Certificate"  means, with respect to any Person (other than
Regular  Trustees  who  are  natural  persons),  a  certificate  signed  by  two
Authorized  Officers of such Person.  Any Officers'  Certificate  delivered with
respect  to  compliance  with a  condition  or  covenant  provided  for in  this
Declaration shall include:

         (a)     a statement that each officer signing the Officers' Certificate
                 has read the covenant or condition and the definitions relating
                 thereto;

         (b)     a brief statement of the nature and scope of the examination or
                 investigation undertaken  by  each  officer  in  rendering  the
                 Officers' Certificate;

         (c)     a  statement  that each such officer has made such  examination
                 or  investigation as, in such officer's  opinion,  is necessary
                 to  enable such  officer to express an  informed  opinion as to
                 whether  or not such  covenant or condition  has been  complied
                 with; and

         (d)     a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such officer,
                 such condition or covenant has been complied with ;

provided,  that the term  "Officers'  Certificate"  when used with  reference to
Regular Trustees who are natural persons shall mean a certificate  signed by two
of the Regular Trustees which otherwise satisfies the foregoing requirements.

         "Paying Agent" has the meaning specified in Section 3.8(h).

         "Payment Amount" has the meaning specified in Section 6.1.

         "Person" means a legal person,  including any individual,  corporation,
estate, partnership,  joint venture,  association,  joint stock company, limited
liability  company,  trust,  unincorporated  association,  or  government or any
agency or political subdivision thereof, or any other entity of whatever nature.


                                                         5

<PAGE>



         "Pricing  Agreement" means the pricing agreement between the Trust, the
Debenture  Issuer and the  underwriter  designated by the Regular  Trustees with
respect to the offer and sale of the Capital Securities.

         "Property  Trustee"  means   the  Truste e meeting  the  eligibility
requirements set forth in Section 5.3

         "Property Trustee Account" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.8(c).

         "Quorum" means a majority of the Regular Trustees or, if there are only
two Regular Trustees, both of them.

         "Regular Trustee" means any Trustee other than the Property Trustee and
the Delaware Trustee.

         "Related  Party"  means,  with  respect to the  Sponsor,  any direct or
indirect  wholly  owned  subsidiary  of the  Sponsor  or any  Person  that owns,
directly  or  indirectly,  100%  of the  outstanding  voting  securities  of the
Sponsor.

         "Responsible  Officer" means, with respect to the Property Trustee, any
officer within the Corporate Trust Office of the Property Trustee, including any
vice-president,  any  assistant  vice-president,  the  secretary,  any assistant
secretary,  the  treasurer,  any  assistant  treasurer  or other  officer of the
Corporate Trust Office of the Property Trustee customarily  performing functions
similar to those  performed  by any of the above  designated  officers  and also
means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to
whom  such  matter  is  referred  because  of that  officer's  knowledge  of and
familiarity with the particular subject.

         "Rule  3a-5"  means Rule 3a-5 under the  Investment  Company Act or any
successor rule thereunder.

         "Securities" means the Common Securities and the Preferred Securities.

         "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time
to time, or any successor legislation.

         "Securities  Guarantees"  means the Common Securities Guarantee and the
Capital Securities Guarantee.

         "Sponsor" means Conseco, Inc., an Indiana corporation, or any successor
entity in a merger, consolidation or amalgamation, in its capacity as sponsor of
the Trust.

         "Successor Delaware Trustee"  has  the  meaning   specified  in Section
5.7(b).

         "Successor Entity" has the meaning specified in Section 3.15(b)(i).

         "Successor  Property  Trustee"  has  the  meaning specified in  Section
5.7(b).

                                                         6

<PAGE>



         "Successor Securities" has the meaning specified in Section 3.15(b)
(i)(B).

         "Super Majority" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.6(a) (ii).

         "Tax Event" has the meaning set forth in Annex I.

         "10% in Liquidation  Amount" means,  except as provided in the terms of
the Capital  Securities or by the Trust Indenture Act,  Holder(s) of outstanding
Securities,  voting together as a single class,  or, as the context may require,
Holders of  outstanding  Capital  Securities  or Holders of  outstanding  Common
Securities,  voting  separately as a class,  who are the record owners of 10% or
more of the aggregate liquidation amount (including the stated amount that would
be paid on  redemption,  liquidation  or  otherwise,  plus  accrued  and  unpaid
Distributions  to the date upon which the voting  percentages are determined) of
all outstanding Securities of the relevant class.

         "Treasury  Regulations"  means the  income tax  regulations,  including
temporary  and proposed  regulations,  promulgated  under the Code by the United
States Treasury, as such regulations may be amended from time to time (including
corresponding provisions of succeeding regulations).

         "Trust Indenture Act" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended
from time to time, or any successor legislation.

         "Trustee"  or  "Trustees"   means  each  Person  who  has  signed  this
Declaration  as a trustee,  so long as such Person  shall  continue in office in
accordance  with the terms  hereof,  and all other  Persons who may from time to
time be duly appointed, qualified and serving as Trustees in accordance with the
provisions  hereof,  and  references  herein to a Trustee or the Trustees  shall
refer to such Person or Persons solely in their capacity as trustees hereunder.

         "Underwriting  Agreement"  means  the  Underwriting  Agreement  for the
offering and sale of Capital  Securities between the Trust, the Debenture Issuer
and the underwriter designated by the Regular Trustees.


                                   ARTICLE II
                               TRUST INDENTURE ACT

 SECTION 2.1   Trust Indenture Act; Application.

         (a)  This  Declaration  is  subject  to the  provisions  of  the  Trust
Indenture Act that are required to be part of this Declaration and shall, to the
extent applicable, be governed by such provisions.

         (b)  The Property Trustee shall be the only Trustee which is a  Trustee
for the purposes of the Trust Indenture Act.


                                                         7

<PAGE>



         (c) If and to the extent that any provision of this Declaration limits,
qualifies  or  conflicts  with  the  duties  imposed  by  Sections  310 to  317,
inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act, such imposed duties shall control.

         (d) The  application  of the Trust  Indenture  Act to this  Declaration
shall not affect the nature of the Securities as equity securities  representing
undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust.

SECTION 2.2 Lists of Holders of Securities.

         (a) Each of the Sponsor and the Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust
shall  provide the Property  Trustee  with a list,  in such form as the Property
Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders of the
Securities ("List of Holders"),  (i) within one Business Day after January 1 and
June 30 of each year and  current as of such date,  and (ii) at any other  time,
within 30 days of receipt by the Trust of a written  request  from the  Property
Trustee for a List of Holders as of a date no more than 14 days before such List
of Holders is given to the Property  Trustee;  PROVIDED THAT neither the Sponsor
nor the Regular  Trustees on behalf of the Trust shall be  obligated  to provide
such List of Holders at any time the List of  Holders  does not differ  from the
most recent List of Holders given to the Property Trustee by the Sponsor and the
Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust. The Property Trustee shall preserve, in
as current a form as is reasonably  practicable,  all  information  contained in
Lists of Holders  given to it or which it  receives  in the  capacity  as Paying
Agent (if  acting in such  capacity)  provided  that the  Property  Trustee  may
destroy any List of Holders  previously  given to it on receipt of a new List of
Holders.

         (b) The Property  Trustee shall comply with its obligations  under, and
shall be entitled to the benefits of, Sections 311(a),  311(b) and 312(b) of the
Trust Indenture Act.

SECTION 2.3 Reports by the Property Trustee.

         Within 60 days after May 15 of each year  (commencing  with the year of
the first anniversary of the issuance of the Capital  Securities),  the Property
Trustee shall provide to the Holders of the Capital  Securities  such reports as
are required by Section 313 of the Trust  Indenture Act, if any, in the form and
in the manner  provided by Section 313 of the Trust  Indenture Act. The Property
Trustee shall also comply with the  requirements  of Section 313(d) of the Trust
Indenture Act.

SECTION 2.4 Periodic Reports to the Property Trustee.

         Each of the  Sponsor  and the  Regular  Trustees on behalf of the Trust
shall provide to the Property Trustee such documents, reports and information as
required by Section 314 (if any) of the Trust  Indenture Act and the  compliance
certificate  required by Section 314 of the Trust  Indenture Act in the form, in
the manner and at the times required by Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act.



                                                         8

<PAGE>



SECTION 2.5 Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent.

         Each of the  Sponsor  and the  Regular  Trustees on behalf of the Trust
shall  provide to the Property  Trustee  such  evidence of  compliance  with any
conditions  precedent,  if any,  provided for in this Declaration that relate to
any of the matters set forth in Section  314(c) of the Trust  Indenture Act. Any
certificate  or opinion  required to be given by an officer  pursuant to Section
314(c)(1) may be given in the form of an Officers' Certificate.

SECTION 2.6 Events of Default; Waiver.

         (a) The  Holders of a Majority  in  Liquidation  Amount of the  Capital
Securities  may,  by  vote,  on  behalf  of the  Holders  of all of the  Capital
Securities, waive any past Event of Default in respect of the Capital Securities
and its  consequences,  provided that, if the underlying  Event of Default under
the Indenture:

         (i)      is  not  waivable  under  the Indenture, the Event of  Default
                  under the Declaration shall also not be waivable; or

         (ii)     requires  the  consent or vote of greater  than a majority  in
                  principal  amount of the holders of the  Debentures  (a "Super
                  Majority")  to be  waived  under the  Indenture,  the Event of
                  Default under the  Declaration  may only be waived by the vote
                  of the  Holders  of at least  the  proportion  in  liquidation
                  amount  of the  Capital  Securities  that the  relevant  Super
                  Majority  represents of the aggregate  principal amount of the
                  Debentures outstanding.

         The  foregoing  provisions  of this Section  2.6(a) shall be in lieu of
Section 316(a)(1)(B) of the Trust Indenture Act and such Section 316(a)(1)(B) of
the Trust Indenture Act is hereby  expressly  excluded from this Declaration and
the Securities,  as permitted by the Trust Indenture Act. Upon such waiver,  any
such default shall cease to exist,  and any Event of Default with respect to the
Capital  Securities  arising  therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured,  for
every purpose of this Declaration and the Capital Securities, but no such waiver
shall extend to any subsequent or other default or Event of Default with respect
to the Capital Securities or impair any right consequent thereon.

         (b) The  Holders  of a  Majority  in  Liquidation  Amount of the Common
Securities  may,  by  vote,  on  behalf  of the  Holders  of  all of the  Common
Securities,  waive any past Event of Default in respect of the Common Securities
and its  consequences,  provided that, if the underlying  Event of Default under
the Indenture:

         (i)      is not waivable under the Indenture,  except where the Holders
                  of the Common  Securities are deemed to have waived such Event
                  of Default  under the  Declaration  as provided  below in this
                  Section  2.6(b),  the Event of Default  under the  Declaration
                  shall also not be waivable; or



                                                         9

<PAGE>



         (ii)     requires the consent or vote of a Super  Majority to be waived
                  under the  Indenture,  except  where the Holders of the Common
                  Securities  are  deemed to have  waived  such Event of Default
                  under  the  Declaration  as  provided  below  in this  Section
                  2.6(b), the Event of Default under the Declaration may only be
                  waived by the vote of the  Holders of at least the  proportion
                  in  liquidation  amount  of the  Common  Securities  that  the
                  relevant Super Majority  represents of the aggregate principal
                  amount of the Debentures outstanding;

provided further, each Holder of Common Securities will be deemed to have waived
any such Event of Default and all Events of Default  with  respect to the Common
Securities and the consequences thereof until all Events of Default with respect
to the Capital Securities have been cured, waived or otherwise  eliminated,  and
until such Events of Default with respect to the Capital Securities have been so
cured, waived or otherwise eliminated, the Property Trustee will be deemed to be
acting  solely on behalf of the Holders of the Capital  Securities  and only the
Holders of the  Capital  Securities  will have the right to direct the  Property
Trustee in accordance with the terms of the Securities. The foregoing provisions
of  this  Section  2.6(b)  shall  be  in  lieu  of  Sections   316(a)(1)(A)  and
316(a)(1)(B)  of the Trust  Indenture  Act and such  Sections  316(a)(1)(A)  and
316(a)(1)(B) of the Trust Indenture Act are hereby expressly  excluded from this
Declaration and the Securities, as permitted by the Trust Indenture Act. Subject
to the foregoing  provisions of this Section 2.6(b),  upon such waiver, any such
default shall cease to exist and any Event of Default with respect to the Common
Securities  arising  therefrom  shall be  deemed  to have  been  cured for every
purpose of this  Declaration,  but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent
or other  default or Event of Default with respect to the Common  Securities  or
impair any right consequent thereon.

         (c) A waiver of an Event of Default under the Indenture by the Property
Trustee at the direction of the Holders of the Capital Securities  constitutes a
waiver  of the  corresponding  Event of  Default  with  respect  to the  Capital
Securities  under this  Declaration.  The  foregoing  provisions of this Section
2.6(c) shall be in lieu of Section  316(a)(1)(B)  of the Trust Indenture Act and
such  Section  316(a)(1)(B)  of the  Trust  Indenture  Act is  hereby  expressly
excluded from this  Declaration  and the  Securities,  as permitted by the Trust
Indenture Act.

SECTION 2.7 Event of Default; Notice.

         (a) The Property Trustee shall,  within 90 days after the occurrence of
an Event of Default,  transmit  by mail,  first class  postage  prepaid,  to the
Holders  of  the  Securities,  notices  of  all  defaults  with  respect  to the
Securities  actually  known to a  Responsible  Officer of the Property  Trustee,
unless such  defaults have been cured before the giving of such notice (the term
"defaults" for the purposes of this Section 2.7(a) being hereby defined to be an
Event of Default as defined in the Indenture, not including any periods of grace
provided  for  therein  and  irrespective  of the giving of any notice  provided
therein); provided that, except for a default in the payment of principal of (or
premium,  if any) or interest on any of the  Debentures or in the payment of any
sinking fund  installment  established for the Debentures,  the Property Trustee
shall be protected in  withholding  such notice if and so long as a  Responsible
Officer of the Property Trustee in good faith determines that the withholding of
such notice is in the interests of the Holders of the Securities.



                                                        10

<PAGE>



         (b)     The  Property Trustee shall not be deemed to  have knowledge of
                 any default except:

         (i)     a default under Sections 5.1(1) and 5.1(2) of the Indenture; or

         (ii)    any   default  as to which  the  Property  Trustee  shall  have
                 received   written notice or of which a Responsible  Officer of
                 the  Property Trustee charged with the  administration  of this
                 Declaration shall have actual knowledge.


                                   ARTICLE III
                                  ORGANIZATION

SECTION 3.1 Name and Organization.

         The Trust hereby created is named "Conseco  Financing Trust II" as such
name may be modified from time to time by the Regular Trustees following written
notice to the Holders of  Securities.  The Trust's  activities  may be conducted
under the name of the Trust or any other name  deemed  advisable  by the Regular
Trustees.

SECTION 3.2   Office.

         The  address  of the  principal  office  of the  Trust is  11825  North
Pennsylvania Street,  Carmel, Indiana 46032. On ten Business Days written notice
to the  Holders of  Securities,  the  Regular  Trustees  may  designate  another
principal office.

SECTION 3.3   Purpose.

         The exclusive  purposes and functions of the Trust are (a) to issue and
sell  Securities  and use the  gross  proceeds  from such  sale to  acquire  the
Debentures,  and (b) except as otherwise limited herein, to engage in only those
other activities necessary,  appropriate,  convenient or incidental thereto. The
Trust shall not borrow  money,  issue debt or  reinvest  proceeds  derived  from
investments,  pledge any of its assets or otherwise  undertake  (or permit to be
undertaken)  any activity  that would cause the Trust not to be  classified  for
United States federal income tax purposes as a grantor trust.

         The Trust  will be  classified  as a grantor  trust for  United  States
federal  income  tax  purposes  under  Subpart  E of  Subchapter  J of the Code,
pursuant to which the owners of the Capital Securities and the Common Securities
will be the owners of the Trust for United States  federal  income tax purposes,
and such owners will include  directly in their gross  income the income,  gain,
deduction or loss of the Trust as if the Trust did not exist.  By the acceptance
of this Trust,  none of the  Trustees,  the Sponsor,  the Holders of the Capital
Securities or Common Securities or the Capital Securities Beneficial Owners will
take any  position  for  United  States  federal  income tax  purposes  which is
contrary to the classification of the Trust as a grantor trust.


                                                        11

<PAGE>



SECTION 3.4   Authority.

         Subject to the  limitations  provided  in this  Declaration  and to the
specific  duties of the  Property  Trustee,  the  Regular  Trustees  shall  have
exclusive  and complete  authority  to carry out the  purposes of the Trust.  An
action  taken by the Regular  Trustees in  accordance  with their  powers  shall
constitute  the act of and serve to bind the  Trust  and an action  taken by the
Property  Trustee on behalf of the Trust in  accordance  with its  powers  shall
constitute the act of and serve to bind the Trust.  In dealing with the Trustees
acting on behalf of the Trust,  no person  shall be required to inquire into the
authority of the Trustees to bind the Trust.  Persons dealing with the Trust are
entitled to rely  conclusively on the power and authority of the Trustees as set
forth in this Declaration.

SECTION 3.5 Title to Property of the Trust.

         Except as provided in Section 3.8 with  respect to the  Debentures  and
the Property Trustee Account or as otherwise provided in this Declaration, legal
title to all assets of the Trust shall be vested in the Trust. The Holders shall
not have legal  title to any part of the assets of the Trust,  but shall have an
undivided beneficial interest in the assets of the Trust.

SECTION 3.6 Powers and Duties of the Regular Trustees.

         The Regular Trustees shall have the exclusive power, duty and authority
to cause the Trust to engage in the following activities:

         (a)    to issue  and  sell   the  Capital  Securities  and  the  Common
                Securities  in  accordance  with   this  Declaration;  provided,
                however,  that   the Trust may issue no more than one  series of
                Capital  Securities  and   no more  than one  series  of  Common
                Securities,  and,  provided  further,  that   there  shall be no
                interests  in  the Trust  other  than the  Securities,  and the
                issuance  of  Securities  shall  be    limited  to  a  one-time,
                simultaneous  issuance   of both Capital  Securities  and Common
                Securities on the Closing Date;

         (b)    in connection with the issue and sale of the Capital Securities,
                at the direction of the Sponsor, to:

                (i)        execute and file with the  Commission a  registration
                           statement  on  Form  S-3  prepared  by  the  Sponsor,
                           including any amendments  thereto,  pertaining to the
                           Capital  Securities (and any other  securities of the
                           Sponsor  which the  Sponsor  may desire to include in
                           such registration statement);

                (ii)       execute  and  file  any  documents  prepared  by  the
                           Sponsor,  or  take  any  acts  as  determined  by the
                           Sponsor  to be  necessary,  in  order to  qualify  or
                           register all or part of the Capital Securities in any
                           State in which the Sponsor has  determined to qualify
                           or register such Capital Securities for sale;




                                                        12

<PAGE>



                  (iii)    execute   and  file an  application, prepared  by the
                           Sponsor, to the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. or  any
                           other  national  stock  exchange  or the Nasdaq Stock
                           Market's  National  Market System  for  listing  upon
                           notice of issuance of any Capital Securities;

                  (iv)     execute and file with the  Commission a  registration
                           statement  on  Form  8-A,  including  any  amendments
                           thereto,  prepared  by the  Sponsor,  relating to the
                           registration of the Capital  Securities under Section
                           12(b) of the Exchange Act; and

                  (v)      execute and enter into the Underwriting Agreement and
                           Pricing  Agreement  providing  for  the  sale  of the
                           Capital Securities;

         (c)      to acquire the Debentures with the proceeds of the sale of the
                  Capital  Securities  and  the  Common  Securities;   provided,
                  however,  that the Regular Trustees shall cause legal title to
                  the  Debentures  to be  held  of  record  in the  name  of the
                  Property Trustee for the benefit of the Holders of the Capital
                  Securities and the Holders of the Common Securities;

         (d)      to give the Sponsor and the Property  Trustee  prompt  written
                  notice of the  occurrence  of a Tax Event;  provided  that the
                  Regular  Trustees  shall  consult  with  the  Sponsor  and the
                  Property  Trustee before taking or refraining  from taking any
                  action in relation to a Tax Event;

         (e)      to  establish a record date with  respect to all actions to be
                  taken  hereunder  that  require a record date be  established,
                  including  and with  respect  to, for the  purposes of Section
                  316(c)  of the  Trust  Indenture  Act,  Distributions,  voting
                  rights,  redemptions  and  exchanges,  and to  issue  relevant
                  notices to the  Holders of Capital  Securities  and Holders of
                  Common  Securities  as to such actions and  applicable  record
                  dates;

         (f)      to take all actions and perform such duties as may be required
                  of  the  Regular  Trustees  pursuant  to  the  terms  of  this
                  Declaration and the Securities;

         (g)      to bring  or  defend,  pay,  collect,  compromise,  arbitrate,
                  resort to legal action or otherwise  adjust  claims or demands
                  of or against the Trust ("Legal  Action"),  unless pursuant to
                  Section 3.8(e),  the Property  Trustee has the exclusive power
                  to bring such Legal Action;

         (h)      to employ or otherwise engage employees and agents (who may be
                  designated as officers with titles) and managers, contractors,
                  advisors and consultants and pay reasonable  compensation  for
                  such services;

         (i)      to  cause  the  Trust  to  comply with the Trust's obligations
                  under the Trust Indenture Act;


                                                        13

<PAGE>



         (j)      to  give the certificate required  by Section 314(a)(4) of the
                  Trust Indenture Act to the Property Trustee, which certificate
                  may be executed by any Regular Trustee;

         (k)      to incur expenses that are necessary, incidental or desirable
                  to carry out any of the purposes of the Trust;

         (l)      to act  as, or appoint another Person to act as, registrar and
                  transfer agent for the Securities;

         (m)      to give prompt written notice to the Holders of the Securities
                  of any  notice  received  from  the  Debenture  Issuer  of its
                  election to defer  payments of interest on the  Debentures  by
                  extending the interest  payment period under the Debentures as
                  authorized by the Indenture;

         (n)      to take all action that may be  necessary or  appropriate  for
                  the  preservation  and the  continuation  of the Trust's valid
                  existence,  rights,  franchises  and privileges as a statutory
                  business  trust under the laws of the State of Delaware and of
                  each other  jurisdiction  in which such existence is necessary
                  to protect the limited liability of the Holders of the Capital
                  Securities  or to enable the Trust to effect the  purposes for
                  which the Trust was created;

         (o)      to take any action,  not inconsistent with this Declaration or
                  with  applicable law, that the Regular  Trustees  determine in
                  their  discretion to be necessary or desirable in carrying out
                  the purposes and  functions of the Trust as set out in Section
                  3.3 or the  activities of the Trust as set out in this Section
                  3.6, including, but not limited to:

                  (i)     causing the Trust not to be deemed to be an Investment
                          Company required to be registered under the Investment
                          Company Act;

                  (ii)    causing  the  Trust to be classified for United States
                          federal income tax purposes as a grantor trust; and

                  (iii)   cooperating  with the Debenture Issuer to  ensure that
                          the  Debentures  will  be treated as  indebtedness  of
                          the Debenture  Issuer for United States federal income
                          tax purposes,  provided  that  such  action  does  not
                          adversely affect the interests of Holders;

         (p)      to take all  action  necessary  to cause  all  applicable  tax
                  returns and tax  information  reports  that are required to be
                  filed with respect to the Trust to be duly  prepared and filed
                  by the Regular Trustees, on behalf of the Trust;

         (q)      to  execute  all  documents or instruments, perform all duties
                  and powers, and do all  things  for and on behalf of the Trust
                  in all matters necessary, incidental or desirable to the
                  foregoing;


                                                        14

<PAGE>



         (r) to give  written  notice  to the  Property  Trustee  of the  rating
assigned  to the  Capital  Securities,  from  time  to  time,  by a  "nationally
recognized  statistical  rating  organization",  as  that  term is  defined  for
purposes  of Rule  436(g)(2)  under  the  Securities  Act  promptly  after  such
assignment and after any change thereof.

         The Regular Trustees must exercise the powers set forth in this Section
3.6 in a manner that is consistent  with the purposes and functions of the Trust
set out in Section 3.3, and the Regular  Trustees shall not take any action that
is  inconsistent  with the  purposes  and  functions  of the  Trust set forth in
Section 3.3.

         Subject to this Section 3.6,  the Regular  Trustees  shall have none of
the powers or the authority of the Property Trustee set forth in Section 3.8.

         Any expenses  incurred by the Regular Trustees pursuant to this Section
3.6 shall be reimbursed by the Debenture Issuer.

SECTION 3.7 Prohibition of Actions by the Trust and the Trustees.

         (a) The Trust shall not,  and the  Regular  Trustees  and the  Property
Trustee  shall  cause the Trust not to,  engage in any  activity  other  than as
required or authorized by this Declaration.  In particular,  the Trust shall not
and the Regular Trustees and the Property Trustee shall cause the Trust not to:

         (i)      invest any  proceeds  received  by the Trust from  holding the
                  Debentures,  but shall distribute all such proceeds to Holders
                  of Securities pursuant to the terms of this Declaration and of
                  the Securities;

         (ii)     acquire any assets other than as expressly provided herein;

         (iii)    possess Trust property for other than a Trust purpose;

         (iv)     make  any  loans  or  incur  any indebtedness other than loans
                  represented by the Debentures;

         (v)      possess  any power or  otherwise  act in such a way as to vary
                  the Trust  assets or the  terms of the  Securities  in any way
                  whatsoever (except to the extent expressly  authorized in this
                  Declaration or by the terms of the Securities);

         (vi)     issue  any  securities  or  other  evidences   of  beneficial
                  ownership of, or beneficial interest in, the Trust other than
                  the Securities; or



                                                        15

<PAGE>



         (vii)    other than as provided in this Declaration or by the terms of
                  the  Securities,  (A) direct  the time,  method  and place  of
                  exercising any trust or power conferred upon the  Debenture
                  Trustee  with  respect  to  the Debentures, (B) waive any past
                  default that is waivable under the Indenture, (C) exercise any
                  right to rescind or annul any declaration that the principal
                  of all the Debentures shall be due and payable, or (D) consent
                  to any amendment, modification or termination of the Indenture
                  or the Debentures where such consent shall be required  unless
                  the  Trust  shall  have  received an opinion of counsel to the
                  effect  that  such  modification  will  not cause more than an
                  insubstantial  risk  that for United States federal income tax
                  purposes the Trust will not be classified as a grantor trust.

SECTION 3.8 Powers and Duties of the Property Trustee.

         (a) The  legal  title to the  Debentures  shall be owned by and held of
record in the name of the Property Trustee in trust for the benefit of the Trust
and the Holders of the Securities. The right, title and interest of the Property
Trustee  to the  Debentures  shall  vest  automatically  in each  Person who may
hereafter be appointed as Property  Trustee in accordance with Section 5.7. Such
vesting and  cessation of title shall be effective  whether or not  conveyancing
documents with regard to the Debentures have been executed and delivered.

         (b) The  Property  Trustee  shall not  transfer  its  right,  title and
interest in the  Debentures to the Regular  Trustees or to the Delaware  Trustee
(if the Property Trustee does not also act as Delaware Trustee).

         (c)      The Property Trustee shall:

         (i)      establish and maintain a segregated non-interest bearing trust
                  account (the "Property  Trustee Account") in   the name of and
                  under the exclusive control of the Property Trustee on  behalf
                  of  the  Holders  of  the  Securities and, upon the receipt of
                  payments of  funds  made in respect of the  Debentures held by
                  the  Property  Trustee,  deposit  such funds into the Property
                  Trustee  Account   and  make  payments  to  the Holders of the
                  Capital Securities and Holders of the Common  Securities  from
                  the Property Trustee   Account in accordance with Section 6.1.
                  Funds in the Property Trustee Account shall be held uninvested
                  until  disbursed  in  accordance  with  this  Declaration. The
                  Property  Trustee  Account   shall  be  an  account  that   is
                  maintained with a banking institution the rating on whose long
                  -term  unsecured  indebtedness is at least equal to the rating
                  assigned to the Capital Securities by a "nationally recognized
                  statistical rating  organization", as that term is defined for
                  purposes of Rule 436(g)(2) under the Securities Act;

         (ii)     engage in such ministerial activities as shall be necessary or
                  appropriate to effect the redemption of the Capital Securities
                  and the Common  Securities  to the extent the  Debentures  are
                  redeemed or mature; and



                                                        16

<PAGE>



         (iii)             upon  written  notice of  distribution  issued by the
                           Regular  Trustees in accordance with the terms of the
                           Securities,  engage in such ministerial activities as
                           shall be  necessary  or  appropriate  to  effect  the
                           distribution   of  the   Debentures   to  Holders  of
                           Securities  upon the  occurrence  of certain  special
                           events  (as  may  be  defined  in  the  terms  of the
                           Securities)  arising from a change in law or a change
                           in   legal    interpretation   or   other   specified
                           circumstances   pursuant   to   the   terms   of  the
                           Securities.

         (d) The Property Trustee shall take all actions and perform such duties
as may be specifically required of the Property Trustee pursuant to the terms of
this Declaration and the Securities.

         (e) To the extent consistent with and not in contravention of the terms
and  provisions  of this  Declaration  and the  Indenture,  with  respect to any
compromise,  arbitration,  or  adjustment  of claims or  demands,  the  Property
Trustee shall take any Legal Action which arises out of or in connection with an
Event of Default of which a  Responsible  Officer of the  Property  Trustee  has
actual  knowledge or the Property  Trustee's  duties and obligations  under this
Declaration or the Trust Indenture Act.

         (f)      The  Property  Trustee  shall  continue  to serve as a Trustee
                  until either:

         (i)      the Trust has been completely liquidated and the proceeds of 
                  the  liquidation  distributed  to  the  Holders of  Securities
                  pursuant to the terms of the Securities; or

         (ii)     a  Successor  Property  Trustee  has  been  appointed  and has
                  accepted that appointment in accordance with Section 5.7.

         (g) The Property  Trustee shall have the legal power to exercise all of
the rights,  powers and privileges of a holder of Debentures under the Indenture
and,  if an Event of  Default  actually  known to a  Responsible  Officer of the
Property  Trustee occurs and is continuing,  the Property Trustee shall, for the
benefit  of  Holders  of the  Securities,  enforce  its  rights as holder of the
Debentures  subject to the rights of the  Holders  pursuant to the terms of such
Securities.

         (h) The Property  Trustee may  authorize one or more Persons  (each,  a
"Paying  Agent")  to  pay  Distributions,  redemption  payments  or  liquidation
payments  on behalf of the Trust  with  respect to all  Securities  and any such
Paying Agent shall comply with Section  317(b) of the Trust  Indenture  Act. Any
Paying Agent may be removed by the Property  Trustee at any time and a successor
Paying  Agent or  additional  Paying  Agents may be appointed at any time by the
Property  Trustee.  In the event the  Preferred  Securities do not remain in the
form of one or more Global Certificates, the Property Trustee will act as Paying
Agent and may designate an additional or substitute Paying Agent at any time.

         (i) Subject to this Section 3.8, the Property  Trustee  shall have none
of the duties, liabilities,  powers or the authority of the Regular Trustees set
forth in Section 3.6.



                                                        17

<PAGE>



         The Property Trustee must exercise the powers set forth in this Section
3.8 in a manner that is consistent  with the purposes and functions of the Trust
set out in Section 3.3, and the Property  Trustee shall not take any action that
is inconsistent  with the purposes and functions of the Trust set out in Section
3.3.

SECTION 3.9 Certain Duties and Responsibilities of the Property Trustee.

         (a) The Property Trustee, before the occurrence of any Event of Default
and after the  curing of all  Events of Default  that may have  occurred,  shall
undertake  to perform  only such  duties as are  specifically  set forth in this
Declaration and no implied covenants shall be read into this Declaration against
the Property  Trustee.  In case an Event of Default has  occurred  (that has not
been cured or waived pursuant to Section 2.6) of which a Responsible  Officer of
the Property Trustee has actual  knowledge,  the Property Trustee shall exercise
such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Declaration, and use the same
degree of care and skill in their  exercise,  as a prudent person would exercise
or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his or her own affairs.

         (b) No provision of this Declaration  shall be construed to relieve the
Property Trustee from liability for its own negligent action,  its own negligent
failure to act or its own willful misconduct, except that:

         (i)      prior to the  occurrence  of an Event of Default and after the
                  curing or waiving of all such Events of Default  that may have
                  occurred:

                  (A)      the duties and  obligations  of the Property  Trustee
                           shall be determined solely by the express  provisions
                           of  this  Declaration  and  the  Securities  and  the
                           Property  Trustee  shall not be liable except for the
                           performance  of such  duties and  obligations  as are
                           specifically  set forth in this  Declaration,  and no
                           implied  covenants or obligations  shall be read into
                           this Declaration against the Property Trustee; and

                  (B)      in   the   absence of  bad  faith on the  part of the
                           Property  Trustee,   the   Property  Trustee  may
                           conclusively  rely, as to the truth of the statements
                           and  the   correctness   of the   opinions  expressed
                           therein,  upon any certificates or opinions furnished
                           to   the  Property  Trustee  and  conforming  to  the
                           requirements of this Declaration;  but in the case of
                           any  such  certificates  or  opinions   that  by  any
                           provision   hereof   are specifically  required to be
                           furnished   to   the   Property Trustee, the Property
                           Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same  to
                           determine  whether  or  not  they  conform  to   the
                           requirements of this Declaration;

         (ii)     the  Property  Trustee  shall not be  liable  for any error of
                  judgment  made in good faith by a  Responsible  Officer of the
                  Property Trustee,  unless it shall be proved that the Property
                  Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts;

         (iii)    the Property Trustee shall not   be liable with respect to any
                  action  taken  or  omitted to be taken by it in good  faith in
                  accordance with the direction of the

                                                        18

<PAGE>



                  Holders of not less than a Majority in  Liquidation  Amount of
                  the  Securities  relating  to the  time,  method  and place of
                  conducting  any  proceeding  for any remedy  available  to the
                  Property  Trustee,  or exercising any trust or power conferred
                  upon the Property Trustee under this Declaration;

         (iv)     no provision of this  Declaration  shall  require the Property
                  Trustee  to expend or risk its own  funds or  otherwise  incur
                  personal financial  liability in the performance of any of its
                  duties or in the  exercise of any of its rights or powers,  if
                  it  shall  have  reasonable  grounds  for  believing  that the
                  repayment of such funds or liability is not reasonably assured
                  to it  under  the  terms  of  this  Declaration  or  indemnity
                  reasonably  satisfactory to the Property  Trustee against such
                  risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it;

         (v)      the Property  Trustee's sole duty with respect to the custody,
                  safe keeping and physical  preservation  of the Debentures and
                  the  Property  Trustee  Account  shall  be to deal  with  such
                  property in a similar  manner as the  Property  Trustee  deals
                  with  similar  property  for its own  account,  subject to the
                  protections  and  limitations  on  liability  afforded  to the
                  Property   Trustee  under  this   Declaration  and  the  Trust
                  Indenture Act;

         (vi)     the Property  Trustee  shall have no duty or liability  for or
                  with   respect  to  the  value,   genuineness,   existence  or
                  sufficiency  of the  Debentures or the payment of any taxes or
                  assessments levied thereon or in connection therewith;

         (vii)    the Property  Trustee  shall not be liable for any interest on
                  any money  received by it except as it may otherwise  agree in
                  writing with the Sponsor.  Money held by the Property  Trustee
                  need not be  segregated  from other funds held by it except in
                  relation to the Property  Trustee  Account  maintained  by the
                  Property Trustee  pursuant to Section  3.8(c)(i) and except to
                  the extent otherwise required by law; and

        (viii)    the Property  Trustee shall not be responsible  for monitoring
                  the  compliance  by the Regular  Trustees or the Sponsor  with
                  their respective duties under this Declaration,  nor shall the
                  Property  Trustee be liable for any default or  misconduct  of
                  the Regular Trustees or the Sponsor.


SECTION 3.10   Certain Rights of Property Trustee.

         (a)      Subject to the provisions of Section 3.9:

         (i)      the Property Trustee may conclusively  rely and shall be fully
                  protected  in  acting  or  refraining  from  acting  upon  any
                  resolution,   certificate,   statement,  instrument,  opinion,
                  report,  notice,  request,  direction,  consent,  order, bond,
                  debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper
                  or  document  believed  by it to be  genuine  and to have been
                  signed, sent or presented by the proper party or parties;




                                                        19

<PAGE>



         (ii)     any  direction  or act of the Sponsor or the Regular  Trustees
                  contemplated  by  this   Declaration   shall  be  sufficiently
                  evidenced by a Direction or an Officers' Certificate;


         (iii)    whenever  in  the  administration  of  this  Declaration,  the
                  Property  Trustee  shall  deem it  desirable  that a matter be
                  proved or established before taking, suffering or omitting any
                  action hereunder,  the Property Trustee (unless other evidence
                  is herein specifically  prescribed) may, in the absence of bad
                  faith on its  part,  request  and  conclusively  rely  upon an
                  Officers'  Certificate  which,  upon receipt of such  request,
                  shall be  promptly  delivered  by the  Sponsor or the  Regular
                  Trustees;


         (iv)     the  Property  Trustee  shall  have  no  duty  to  see  to any
                  recording, filing or registration of any instrument (including
                  any  financing or  continuation  statement or any filing under
                  tax or  securities  laws)  or  any  rerecording,  refiling  or
                  registration thereof;

         (v)      the Property Trustee may consult with counsel or other experts
                  and the advice or opinion of such  counsel  and  experts  with
                  respect to legal  matters  or advice  within the scope of such
                  experts'  area  of  expertise   shall  be  full  and  complete
                  authorization  and  protection in respect of any action taken,
                  suffered  or  omitted  by it  hereunder  in good  faith and in
                  accordance  with such advice or opinion,  such  counsel may be
                  counsel  to the  Sponsor  or any of its  Affiliates,  and  may
                  include any of its employees.  The Property Trustee shall have
                  the  right at any  time to seek  instructions  concerning  the
                  administration of this Declaration from any court of competent
                  jurisdiction;


         (vi)     the Property  Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise
                  any of the rights or powers  vested in it by this  Declaration
                  at the request or direction of any Holder,  unless such Holder
                  shall have  provided  to the  Property  Trustee  security  and
                  indemnity,  reasonably  satisfactory to the Property  Trustee,
                  against the costs,  expenses  (including  attorneys'  fees and
                  expenses and the expenses of the  Property  Trustee's  agents,
                  nominees or custodians) and liabilities that might be incurred
                  by it in complying  with such request or direction,  including
                  such  reasonable  advances as may be requested by the Property
                  Trustee;  provided  that,  nothing  contained  in this Section
                  3.10(a)(vi)  shall be taken to relieve the  Property  Trustee,
                  upon the occurrence of an Event of Default,  of its obligation
                  to  exercise  the  rights  and  powers  vested  in it by  this
                  Declaration;



         (vii)    the  Property   Trustee   shall  not  be  bound  to  make  any
                  investigation   into  the  facts  or  matters  stated  in  any
                  resolution,   certificate,   statement,  instrument,  opinion,
                  report,  notice,  request,  direction,  consent,  order, bond,
                  debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper
                  or document, but the Property Trustee, in its discretion,  may
                  make such further inquiry or investigation  into such facts or
                  matters as it may see fit;


                                                        20

<PAGE>



         (viii)   the  Property  Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers
                  hereunder or perform any duties  hereunder  either directly or
                  by or through  agents,  custodians,  nominees or attorneys and
                  the  Property   Trustee  shall  not  be  responsible  for  any
                  misconduct  or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney
                  appointed with due care by it hereunder;


         (ix)     any  action  taken  by the  Property  Trustee  or  its  agents
                  hereunder  shall  bind  the  Trust  and  the  Holders  of  the
                  Securities,  and the signature of the Property  Trustee or its
                  agents alone shall be sufficient  and effective to perform any
                  such action and no third party shall be required to inquire as
                  to the  authority of the  Property  Trustee to so act or as to
                  its  compliance  with any of the terms and  provisions of this
                  Declaration,  both of which shall be conclusively evidenced by
                  the Property Trustee's or its agent's taking such action;

         (x)      whenever  in  the   administration  of  this  Declaration  the
                  Property   Trustee   shall  deem  it   desirable   to  receive
                  instructions  with respect to enforcing any remedy or right or
                  taking any other action  hereunder,  the Property  Trustee (i)
                  may request  instructions  from the Holders of the  Securities
                  which  instructions  may only be given by the  Holders  of the
                  same  proportion in  liquidation  amount of the  Securities as
                  would be entitled  to direct the  Property  Trustee  under the
                  terms of the  Securities  in respect of such remedy,  right or
                  action,  (ii) may refrain from  enforcing such remedy or right
                  or taking  such  other  action  until  such  instructions  are
                  received, and (iii) shall be protected in conclusively relying
                  on or acting in or accordance with such instructions; and



         (xi)     except as otherwise  expressly  provided by this  Declaration,
                  the Property Trustee shall not be under any obligation to take
                  any action that is discretionary  under the provisions of this
                  Declaration.

         (b) No provision of this Declaration shall be deemed to impose any duty
or obligation on the Property Trustee to perform any act or acts or exercise any
right, power, duty or obligation conferred or imposed on it, in any jurisdiction
in which it  shall  be  illegal,  or in  which  the  Property  Trustee  shall be
unqualified  or incompetent in accordance  with  applicable  law, to perform any
such act or acts, or to exercise any such right,  power, duty or obligation.  No
permissive  power  or  authority  available  to the  Property  Trustee  shall be
construed to be a duty.

SECTION 3.11 Delaware Trustee.

         Notwithstanding  any other  provision  of this  Declaration  other than
Section 5.2, the Delaware  Trustee shall not be entitled to exercise any powers,
nor shall the Delaware  Trustee have any of the duties and  responsibilities  of
the Regular  Trustees or the Property  Trustee  described  in this  Declaration.
Except as set forth in Section 5.2, the Delaware  Trustee shall be a Trustee for
the sole and limited  purpose of fulfilling the  requirements of Section 3807 of
the Business Trust Act.



                                                        21

<PAGE>



SECTION 3.12 Execution of Documents.

         Unless  otherwise  determined  by the Regular  Trustees,  and except as
otherwise  required  by the  Business  Trust  Act,  any one  Regular  Trustee is
authorized  to execute  on behalf of the Trust any  documents  that the  Regular
Trustees  have the power and  authority  to execute  pursuant  to  Section  3.6;
provided,  that, the registration  statement  referred to in Section  3.6(b)(i),
including any amendments  thereto,  shall be signed by a majority of the Regular
Trustees.

SECTION 3.13 Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities.

         The recitals  contained in this Declaration and the Securities shall be
taken as the  statements  of the  Sponsor,  and the  Trustees  do not assume any
responsibility for their correctness. The Trustees make no representations as to
the value or  condition of the  property of the Trust or any part  thereof.  The
Trustees  make no  representations  as to the  validity or  sufficiency  of this
Declaration or the Securities.

SECTION 3.14 Duration of Trust.

         The Trust, unless terminated pursuant to the provisions of Article VIII
hereof, shall have existence for fifty-five (55) years from the date hereof.

SECTION 3.15   Mergers.

         (a) The Trust may not consolidate,  amalgamate,  merge with or into, or
be  replaced  by,  or  convey,  transfer  or lease  its  properties  and  assets
substantially  as an  entirety  to any  corporation  or other  body,  except  as
described in Section 3.15(b) and (c).

         (b) The Trust may,  with the  consent of the  Regular  Trustees  or, if
there are more than two, a majority  of the  Regular  Trustees  and  without the
consent of the Holders of the Securities,  the Delaware  Trustee or the Property
Trustee, consolidate,  amalgamate, merge with or into, or be replaced by a trust
organized as such under the laws of any State; provided that:

         (i)      such successor entity (the "Successor Entity") either:

                  (A)      expressly assumes all of the obligations of the Trust
                           under the Securities; or

                  (B)      substitutes  for the  Capital  Securities  and Common
                           Securities other securities having  substantially the
                           same  terms  as the  Capital  Securities  and  Common
                           Securities, respectively (the "Successor Securities")
                           so long as the Successor  Securities rank the same as
                           the  Capital  Securities  and the Common  Securities,
                           respectively,  rank with respect to Distributions and
                           payments upon liquidation, redemption and otherwise;

         (ii)     the  Debenture  Issuer  expressly  accepts  a  trustee  of the
                  Successor  Entity that possesses the same powers and duties as
                  the Property Trustee as the holder of the Debentures;

                                                        22

<PAGE>



         (iii)    the  Capital  Securities  or any  Successor  Securities  (with
                  respect  to  the  Capital   Securities)  are  listed,  or  any
                  Successor  Securities (with respect to the Capital Securities)
                  will be listed upon notification of issuance,  on any national
                  securities  exchange or with any other  organization  on which
                  the Capital Securities are then listed or quoted;

         (iv)     such merger,  consolidation,  amalgamation or replacement does
                  not cause the  Capital  Securities  (including  any  Successor
                  Securities of the Capital  Securities) to be downgraded by any
                  nationally  recognized  statistical  rating  organization then
                  rating the Capital Securities at the request of the Sponsor;

         (v)      such merger,  consolidation,  amalgamation or replacement does
                  not adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of
                  the  Holders  of  the  Securities   (including  any  Successor
                  Securities)  in any material  respect (other than with respect
                  to any  dilution  of such  Holders'  interests  in the Capital
                  Securities   as  a  result  of  such  merger,   consolidation,
                  amalgamation or replacement);

         (vi)     such Successor  Entity  has a purpose identical to that of the
                  Trust;

         (vii)    prior  to  such   merger,   consolidation,   amalgamation   or
                  replacement,  the Sponsor has received an opinion of qualified
                  independent  counsel to the Trust  experienced in such matters
                  to the effect that:


                  (A)      such   merger,    consolidation,    amalgamation   or
                           replacement  does not  adversely  affect the  rights,
                           preferences  and  privileges  of the  Holders  of the
                           Securities  (including  any Successor  Securities) in
                           any material  respect (other than with respect to any
                           dilution of such  Holders'  interests  in the Capital
                           Securities as a result of such merger, consolidation,
                           amalgamation or replacement);

                  (B)      following such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or
                           replacement,  neither  the  Trust  nor the  Successor
                           Entity will be required to register as an  Investment
                           Company; and

                  (C)      following such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or
                           replacement, the Trust (or the Successor Entity) will
                           continue  to be  classified  as a  grantor  trust for
                           United States federal income tax purposes;

         (viii)   the  Sponsor  guarantees  the  obligations  of such  Successor
                  Entity under the  Successor  Securities at least to the extent
                  provided by the Capital  Securities  Guarantee  and the Common
                  Securities Guarantee, respectively; and
 
        (ix)      the Regular Trustees shall have furnished the Delaware Trustee
                  and the  Property  Trustee  at  least 5  Business  Days  prior
                  written   notice   of  the   consummation   of  such   merger,
                  consolidation,  amalgamation  or  replacement;  provided  that
                  failure to provide  such notice  shall not affect the validity
                  of any such transaction.


                                                        23

<PAGE>



         (c) Notwithstanding  Section 3.15(b),  the Trust shall not, except with
the  consent  of  Holders  of  100% in  liquidation  amount  of the  Securities,
consolidate,  amalgamate, merge with or into, or be replaced by any other entity
or permit any other entity to  consolidate,  amalgamate,  merge with or into, or
replace it if such  consolidation,  amalgamation,  merger or  replacement  would
cause the Trust or  Successor  Entity to be  classified  as other than a grantor
trust for United States federal income tax purposes.


SECTION 3.16  Property Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.

         In case of the pendency of any receivership,  insolvency,  liquidation,
bankruptcy,  reorganization,   arrangement,  adjustment,  composition  or  other
similar judicial  proceeding relative to the Trust or any other obligor upon the
Securities  or the  property  of the  Trust or of such  other  obligor  or their
creditors,  the Property Trustee  (irrespective of whether any  Distributions on
the  Securities  shall  then be due  and  payable  as  therein  expressed  or by
declaration or otherwise and  irrespective of whether the Property Trustee shall
have made any demand on the Trust for the payment of any past due Distributions)
shall be entitled  and  empowered,  to the fullest  extent  permitted by law, by
intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:

         (a)      to file  and  prove  a  claim  for  the  whole  amount  of any
                  Distributions  owing and unpaid in  respect of the  Securities
                  (or, if the Securities are original issue discount Securities,
                  such portion of the liquidation  amount as may be specified in
                  the terms of such Securities) and to file such other papers or
                  documents  as may be  necessary  or advisable in order to have
                  the claims of the Property  Trustee  (including  any claim for
                  the  reasonable  compensation,   expenses,  disbursements  and
                  advances of the Property Trustee,  its agents and counsel) and
                  of the Holders allowed in such judicial proceeding; and



         (b)      to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or
                  deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;

and any custodian,  receiver,  assignee,  trustee,  liquidator,  sequestrator or
other similar official in any such judicial  proceeding is hereby  authorized by
each Holder to make such payments to the Property  Trustee and, in the event the
Property  Trustee shall  consent to the making of such payments  directly to the
Holders,  to pay to the  Property  Trustee any amount due it for the  reasonable
compensation,  expenses, disbursements and advances of the Property Trustee, its
agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Property Trustee.

         Nothing  herein  contained  shall be deemed to  authorize  the Property
Trustee  to  authorize  or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder
any plan of reorganization, arrangement adjustment or compensation affecting the
Securities  or the rights of any Holder  thereof or to  authorize  the  Property
Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.




                                                        24

<PAGE>



                                   ARTICLE IV
                                     SPONSOR

SECTION 4.1   Sponsor's Purchase of Common Securities.

         On the  Closing  Date  the  Sponsor  will  purchase  all of the  Common
Securities issued by the Trust, in an amount at least equal to 3% of the capital
of the Trust, at the same time as the Capital Securities are sold.

SECTION 4.2 Responsibilities of the Sponsor.

         In connection  with the issue and sale of the Capital  Securities,  the
Sponsor  shall  have the  exclusive  right and  responsibility  to engage in the
following activities:

         (a)      to  prepare  for  filing by the Trust  with the  Commission  a
                  registration  statement on Form S-3  pertaining to the Capital
                  Securities,    including   any   amendments   thereto   (which
                  registration  statement may also include  other  securities of
                  the Sponsor);

         (b)      to determine the States in which to take appropriate action to
                  qualify  or  register  for  sale  all or part  of the  Capital
                  Securities and to do any and all such acts, other than actions
                  which  must be taken by the  Trust,  and  advise  the Trust of
                  actions it must take, and prepare for execution and filing any
                  documents  to be  executed  and  filed  by the  Trust,  as the
                  Sponsor  deems  necessary or advisable in order to comply with
                  the applicable laws of any such States;

         (c)      to prepare for filing by the Trust an  application  to the New
                  York Stock Exchange, Inc. or any other national stock exchange
                  or the  Nasdaq  Stock  Market's  National  Market  System  for
                  listing upon notice of issuance of any Capital Securities;

         (d)      to  prepare  for  filing by the Trust  with the  Commission  a
                  registration   statement   on  Form   8-A   relating   to  the
                  registration of the Capital  Securities under Section 12(b) of
                  the Exchange Act, including any amendments thereto; and

         (e)      to  negotiate  the  terms of the  Underwriting  Agreement  and
                  Pricing  Agreement  providing  for  the  sale  of the  Capital
                  Securities.

SECTION 4.3 Right to Dissolve Trust.

         The Sponsor  shall have the right at any time after the Closing Date to
elect to dissolve the Trust in accordance  with the terms of the  Securities and
to direct the  Property  Trustee to take such  action as shall be  necessary  to
distribute  the  Debentures to the Holders of the Securities in exchange for all
of the Securities.



                                                        25

<PAGE>



SECTION 4.4 Direct Right of Action.

         Notwithstanding  any provision of this Declaration to the contrary,  to
the extent  permitted by applicable  law, any Holder of  Securities  may enforce
directly  against the Sponsor the  obligation of the Sponsor under the Indenture
to duly and  punctually  pay the  principal  and  interest  when due  under  the
Debentures  and the  Sponsor  irrevocably  waives any right or remedy to require
that any such  Holder  take any  action  against  the Trust or any other  Person
before proceeding against the Sponsor.

                                    ARTICLE V
                                    TRUSTEES

 SECTION 5.1 Number of Trustees.

         The number of Trustees initially shall be five (5), and:

         (a)      at any time before the issuance of any Securities, the Sponsor
                  may, by written instrument, increase or decrease the number of
                  Trustees; and

         (b)      after the issuance of any  Securities,  the number of Trustees
                  may be  increased  or  decreased  by vote of the  Holders of a
                  Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Common Securities voting
                  as a  class  at  a  meeting  of  the  Holders  of  the  Common
                  Securities or by written consent in lieu of such meeting.

provided  that, if the Property  Trustee does not also act as Delaware  Trustee,
the number of Trustees shall be at least three (3).

SECTION 5.2 Delaware Trustee.

         If required by the  Business  Trust Act,  one  Trustee  (the  "Delaware
Trustee") shall be:

         (a)      a natural  person who is a resident of the State of  Delaware;
                  or
 
        (b)      if not a natural  person,  an entity  which has its  principal
                  place of  business  in the State of  Delaware,  and  otherwise
                  meets the requirements of applicable law,

provided  that, if the Property  Trustee has its principal  place of business in
the State of Delaware and otherwise  meets the  requirements  of applicable law,
then the Property  Trustee  shall also be the Delaware  Trustee and Section 3.11
shall have no application.

SECTION 5.3   Property Trustee; Eligibility.

         (a)      There  shall at all times be one  Trustee  which  shall act as
                  Property Trustee which shall:

         (i)      not be an Affiliate of the Sponsor; and



                                                        26

<PAGE>



         (ii)     be a corporation  organized and doing  business under the laws
                  of the  United  States of  America  or any State or  Territory
                  thereof or of the District of Columbia,  or a  corporation  or
                  other  Person  permitted  by  the  Commission  to  act  as  an
                  institutional   trustee   under  the  Trust   Indenture   Act,
                  authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust powers,
                  having a combined  capital  and surplus of at least 50 million
                  U.S.  dollars  ($50,000,000),  and subject to  supervision  or
                  examination  by  Federal,  State,  Territorial  or District of
                  Columbia authority.  If such corporation  publishes reports of
                  condition  at  least  annually,  pursuant  to  law  or to  the
                  requirements  of  the   supervising  or  examining   authority
                  referred  to  above,  then for the  purposes  of this  Section
                  5.3(a)(ii),   the   combined   capital  and  surplus  of  such
                  corporation  shall be deemed to be its  combined  capital  and
                  surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so
                  published.


         (b) If at any time the Property  Trustee  shall cease to be eligible to
so act under Section 5.3(a),  the Property Trustee shall  immediately  resign in
the manner and with the effect set forth in Section 5.7(c).

         (c) If the  Property  Trustee  has or shall  acquire  any  "conflicting
interest"  within the meaning of Section 310(b) of the Trust  Indenture Act, the
Property  Trustee  and the  Holder of the Common  Securities  (as if it were the
Obliger  referred to in Section 310(b) of the Trust  Indenture Act) shall in all
respects  comply with the  provisions of Section  310(b) of the Trust  Indenture
Act.

         (d) The Capital Securities Guarantee shall be deemed to be specifically
described in this  Declaration for purposes of clause (i) of the first provision
contained in Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.

SECTION 5.4 Regular Trustees.

         (a) Except as expressly set forth in this  Declaration  and except if a
meeting of the Regular  Trustees is called with respect to any matter over which
the Regular Trustees have power to act, any power of the Regular Trustees may be
exercised by, or with the consent of, any one such Regular Trustee.

         (b) Unless otherwise determined by the Regular Trustees,  and except as
otherwise  required by the Business Trust Act or applicable law, any one Regular
Trustee is authorized to execute on behalf of the Trust any documents  which the
Regular  Trustees  have the power and  authority  to cause the Trust to  execute
pursuant to Section 3.6, provided,  that, the registration statement referred to
in Section 3.6, including any amendments thereto,  shall be signed by a majority
of the Regular Trustees; and

         (c) a  Regular  Trustee  may,  by power  of  attorney  consistent  with
applicable  law,  delegate to any other natural person over the age of 21 his or
her power for the purposes of signing any documents  which the Regular  Trustees
have power and authority to cause the Trust to execute pursuant to Section 3.6.

                                                        27

<PAGE>



SECTION 5.5   Certain   Qualifications of  Regular Trustees and Delaware Trustee
              Generally.

         Each  Regular  Trustee and the  Delaware  Trustee  (unless the Property
Trustee also acts as Delaware  Trustee)  shall be either a natural person who is
at least 21 years of age or a legal  entity  that shall act  through one or more
Authorized Officers.

SECTION 5.6 Initial Trustees.

      The initial Regular Trustees shall be: Rollin M. Dick,  Stephen C. Hilbert
and Lawrence W. Inlow.


         The initial Property Trustee shall be:  Fleet National Bank.

         The initial Delaware Trustee shall be:  First Union Bank of Delaware.

         In the event that a national banking association,  with the name "First
Union Trust  Company,  National  Association"  or any other name,  succeeds,  as
contemplated,  to all or substantially all the corporate trust business of First
Union Bank of Delaware,  such successor entity shall  automatically be deemed to
be the Delaware  Trustee,  effective as of the  consummation of such succession,
with the same effect as if it had executed this Declaration on the Closing Date,
upon delivery to the Sponsor and the Regular Trustees of an instrument,  in form
and substance  reasonably  satisfactory to the Sponsor and the Regular  Trustees
accepting the responsibilities  hereunder as Delaware Trustee and agreeing to be
bound by all of the provisions hereof applicable to the Delaware Trustee.

SECTION 5.7 Appointment, Removal and Resignation of Trustees.

         (a)       Subject  to  Section 5.7(b), Trustees  may be  appointed  or
removed without cause at any time:

         (i)      until  the   issuance of any Securities, by written instrument
                  executed by the Sponsor; and

         (ii)     after the issuance of any  Securities,  by vote of the Holders
                  of a Majority in Liquidation  Amount of the Common  Securities
                  voting as a class at a meeting  of the  Holders  of the Common
                  Securities.


         (b) The Trustee that acts as Property  Trustee  shall not be removed in
accordance  with  Section  5.7(a)  until  a  successor  Trustee  possessing  the
qualifications  to act as  Property  Trustee  under  Section  5.3 (a  "Successor
Property  Trustee")  has been  appointed and has accepted  such  appointment  by
written instrument  executed by such Successor Property Trustee and delivered to
the Regular Trustees and the Sponsor.  The Trustee that acts as Delaware Trustee
shall not be removed in accordance with Section 5.7(a) until a successor Trustee
possessing the  qualifications to act as Delaware Trustee under Sections 5.2 and
5.5 (a "Successor  Delaware  Trustee") has been  appointed and has accepted such
appointment by written  instrument  executed by such Successor  Delaware Trustee
and delivered to the Regular Trustees and the Sponsor.


                                                        28

<PAGE>



         (c) A Trustee  appointed  to office  shall hold office until his or its
successor shall have been appointed, until his death or its dissolution or until
his or its removal or  resignation.  Any Trustee may resign from office (without
need for prior or subsequent  accounting)  by an instrument in writing signed by
the Trustee and delivered to the Sponsor and the Trust,  which resignation shall
take effect upon such delivery or upon such later date as is specified  therein;
provided, however, that:

         (i)      No such  resignation  of the Trustee that acts as the Property
                  Trustee shall be effective:

                  (A)      until a Successor Property Trustee has been appointed
                           and  has  accepted  such  appointment  by  instrument
                           executed  by  such  Successor  Property  Trustee  and
                           delivered to the Trust, the Sponsor and the resigning
                           Property Trustee; or

                  (B)      until   the assets of the Trust  have been completely
                           liquidated and the proceeds   thereof  distributed to
                           the holders of the Securities; and

         (ii)     no such  resignation  of the Trustee that acts as the Delaware
                  Trustee shall be effective until a Successor  Delaware Trustee
                  has  been  appointed  and has  accepted  such  appointment  by
                  instrument  executed by such  Successor  Delaware  Trustee and
                  delivered to the Trust, the Sponsor and the resigning Delaware
                  Trustee.

         (d) The Holders of the Common  Securities  shall use their best efforts
to promptly appoint a Successor  Delaware Trustee or Successor Property Trustee,
as the case may be, if the Property  Trustee or the Delaware Trustee delivers an
instrument of resignation in accordance with this Section 5.7.

         (e) If no Successor Property Trustee or Successor Delaware Trustee,  as
the case may be, shall have been appointed and accepted  appointment as provided
in this  Section 5.7 within 60 days after  delivery to the Sponsor and the Trust
of an instrument of  resignation,  the  resigning  Property  Trustee or Delaware
Trustee,  as applicable,  may petition any court of competent  jurisdiction  for
appointment of a Successor  Property Trustee or Successor  Delaware Trustee,  as
applicable.  Such court may thereupon, after prescribing such notice, if any, as
it may deem proper,  appoint a Successor  Property Trustee or Successor Delaware
Trustee, as the case may be.

         (f) No  Property  Trustee or Delaware  Trustee  shall be liable for the
acts or omissions to act of any Successor Property Trustee or Successor Delaware
Trustee, as the case may be.

         (g) Any successor to a Regular Trustee  shall  be an officer, director,
employer or affiliate of the Sponsor.



                                                        29

<PAGE>



SECTION 5.8 Vacancies among Trustees.

         If a Trustee  ceases to hold  office  for any  reason and the number of
Trustees is not reduced pursuant to Section 5.1, or if the number of Trustees is
increased  pursuant  to  Section  5.1,  a  vacancy  shall  occur.  A  resolution
certifying  the  existence of such vacancy by the Regular  Trustees or, if there
are more than two,  a  majority  of the  Regular  Trustees  shall be  conclusive
evidence of the  existence of such  vacancy.  The vacancy shall be filled with a
Trustee appointed in accordance with Section 5.7.

SECTION 5.9 Effect of Vacancies.

         The death, resignation,  retirement, removal, bankruptcy,  dissolution,
liquidation, incompetence or incapacity to perform the duties of a Trustee shall
not  operate  to annul the  Trust.  Whenever  a vacancy in the number of Regular
Trustees  shall  occur,  until such  vacancy is filled by the  appointment  of a
Regular Trustee in accordance with Section 5.7, the Regular  Trustees in office,
regardless  of their  number,  shall have all the powers  granted to the Regular
Trustees and shall discharge all the duties imposed upon the Regular Trustees by
this Declaration.

SECTION 5.10   Meetings.

         If there is more than one  Regular  Trustee,  meetings  of the  Regular
Trustees  shall be held from time to time upon the call of any Regular  Trustee.
Regular  meetings of the Regular  Trustees may be held at a time and place fixed
by resolution of the Regular Trustees.  Notice of any in-person  meetings of the
Regular  Trustees  shall be hand  delivered  or  otherwise  delivered in writing
(including by facsimile, with a hard copy by overnight courier) not less than 48
hours  before such  meeting.  Notice of any  telephonic  meetings of the Regular
Trustees shall be hand delivered or otherwise delivered in writing (including by
facsimile,  with a hard copy by overnight courier) not less than 24 hours before
a  meeting.  Notices  shall  contain a brief  statement  of the time,  place and
anticipated  purposes  of the  meeting.  The  presence  (whether in person or by
telephone) of a Regular Trustee at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice
of such meeting except where a Regular Trustee attends a meeting for the express
purpose of objecting to the  transaction  of any activity on the ground that the
meeting has not been lawfully called or convened.  Unless provided  otherwise in
this  Declaration,  any action of the Regular Trustees may be taken at a meeting
by vote of a majority of the Regular  Trustees  present (whether in person or by
telephone)  and eligible to vote with respect to such  matter,  provided  that a
Quorum is present,  or without a meeting by the unanimous written consent of the
Regular  Trustees.  In the event there is only one Regular Trustee,  any and all
action of such Regular  Trustee shall be evidenced by a written  consent of such
Regular Trustee.

SECTION 5.11 Delegation of Power.

         (a) Any  Regular  Trustee  may, by power of  attorney  consistent  with
applicable  law,  delegate to any natural  person over the age of 21 his, her or
its power for the purpose of executing  any  documents  contemplated  in Section
3.6,  including any registration  statement or amendment  thereto filed with the
Commission, or making any other governmental filing.



                                                        30

<PAGE>



         (b) The Regular Trustees shall have power to delegate from time to time
to such of their number or to officers of the Trust the doing of such things and
the execution of such  instruments  either in the name of the Trust or the names
of the Regular Trustees or otherwise as the Regular Trustees may deem expedient,
to the extent such delegation is not prohibited by applicable law or contrary to
the provisions of the Trust, as set forth herein.

SECTION 5.12   Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business.

         Any  corporation  into  which  the  Property  Trustee  or the  Delaware
Trustee, as the case may be, may be merged or converted or with which either may
be  consolidated,  or any corporation  resulting from any merger,  conversion or
consolidation to which the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee, as the case
may be, shall be a party, or any corporation  succeeding to all or substantially
all the  corporate  trust  business  of the  Property  Trustee  or the  Delaware
Trustee,  as the case may be, shall be the successor of the Property  Trustee or
the Delaware Trustee,  as the case may be, hereunder,  provided such corporation
shall be  otherwise  qualified  and  eligible  under this  Article  without  the
execution  or filing of any paper or any  further  act on the part of any of the
parties hereto.

                                   ARTICLE VI
                                  DISTRIBUTIONS

SECTION 6.1   Distributions.

         Holders shall receive  Distributions  (as defined herein) in accordance
with the applicable  terms of the relevant  Holder's  Securities.  Distributions
shall be made on the Capital  Securities and the Common Securities in accordance
with the preferences set forth in their  respective  terms. If and to the extent
that the  Debenture  Issuer  makes a payment of interest  (including  Compounded
Interest (as defined in the Indenture)  and  Additional  Interest (as defined in
the Indenture)), premium and/or principal on the Debentures held by the Property
Trustee (the amount of any such payment being a "Payment Amount"),  the Property
Trustee  shall and is  directed,  to the  extent  funds are  available  for that
purpose,  to make a  distribution  (a  "Distribution")  of the Payment Amount to
Holders.

                                   ARTICLE VII
                             ISSUANCE OF SECURITIES

 SECTION 7.1   General Provisions Regarding Securities.

         (a) The Regular  Trustees  shall on behalf of the Trust issue one class
of  preferred  securities  (the  "Capital  Securities")  representing  undivided
beneficial  interests  in the assets of the Trust  having  such terms as are set
forth in Annex I, as such Annex I may be amended from time to time in accordance
with the provisions of this Declaration and one class of common  securities (the
"Common Securities")  representing  undivided beneficial interests in the assets
of

                                                        31

<PAGE>



the Trust  having such terms as are set forth in Annex I, as such Annex I may be
amended from time to time in accordance with the provisions of this Declaration.
The Trust  shall issue no  securities  or other  interests  in the assets of the
Trust other than the Capital Securities and the Common Securities.

         (b) The  Certificates  shall be  signed  on  behalf  of the  Trust by a
Regular  Trustee.  Such signature shall be the manual or facsimile  signature of
any present or any future Regular  Trustee.  In case any Regular  Trustee of the
Trust who shall  have  signed  any of the  Certificates  shall  cease to be such
Regular  Trustee  before the  Certificates  so signed  shall be delivered by the
Trust, such Certificates  nevertheless may be delivered as though the person who
signed such  Certificates  had not ceased to be such  Regular  Trustee;  and any
Certificate  may be signed on behalf of the Trust by such  persons  who,  at the
actual date of execution of such  Certificate,  shall be the Regular Trustees of
the Trust, although at the date of the execution and delivery of the Declaration
any such person was not such a Regular Trustee.  Certificates  shall be printed,
lithographed or engraved or may be produced in any other manner as is reasonably
acceptable to the Regular Trustees, as evidenced by their execution thereof, and
may have such letters,  numbers or other marks of  identification or designation
and such legends or endorsements as the Regular  Trustees may deem  appropriate,
or as may be required to comply with any law or with any rule or  regulation  of
any stock exchange on which Securities may be listed, or to conform to usage.

         (c) The  consideration  received  by the Trust for the  issuance of the
Securities shall constitute a contribution to the capital of the Trust and shall
not constitute a loan to the Trust.

         (d) Upon issuance of the  Securities  as provided in this  Declaration,
the  Securities so issued shall be deemed to be validly  issued,  fully paid and
non-assessable.

         (e) Every  Person,  by  virtue  of having  become a Holder or a Capital
Security  Beneficial  Owner in  accordance  with the terms of this  Declaration,
shall be deemed to have expressly assented and agreed to the terms of, and shall
be bound by, this  Declaration and the terms of the  Securities,  the Securities
Guarantees, the Indenture and the Debentures.

                                  ARTICLE VIII
                              TERMINATION OF TRUST

 SECTION 8.1 Termination of Trust.

         (a)      The Trust shall dissolve upon the earlier of:

         (i)      the  bankruptcy of the Holder of the Common  Securities or the
                  Sponsor;

         (ii)     the filing of a certificate  of  dissolution or its equivalent
                  with  respect to the Holder of the  Common  Securities  or the
                  Sponsor;   the   revocation   of  the  Holder  of  the  Common
                  Securities' or the Sponsor's  charter and the expiration of 90
                  days  after the date of  revocation  without  a  reinstatement
                  thereof;


                                                        32

<PAGE>



         (iii)    upon the  entry of a decree  of  judicial  dissolution  of the
                  Holder of the Common Securities, the Sponsor or the Trust;

         (iv)     when  all  of  the  Securities  shall  have  been  called  for
                  redemption and the amounts  necessary for  redemption  thereof
                  shall  have been paid to the  Holders in  accordance  with the
                  terms of the Securities;

         (v)      the  occurrence  and  continuation  of a Tax Event pursuant to
                  which the Trust shall have been  dissolved in accordance  with
                  the terms of the Securities  and all of the  Debentures  shall
                  have been distributed to the Holders of Securities in exchange
                  for all of the Securities;

         (vi)     before the issuance of any Securities, when all of the Regular
                  Trustees and the Sponsor shall have  consented to  dissolution
                  of the Trust;


         (vii)    the  distribution  of the  Debentures  from  the  Trust to the
                  Holders of  Securities  in exchange for all of the  Securities
                  and in liquidation of the Trust; or


         (viii)   the  expiration  of the  term of the  Trust  as set  forth  in
                  Section 3.14.

         (b) As soon as is practicable after the occurrence of an event referred
to in Section  8.1(a) and upon  completion  of the winding up of the Trust,  the
Trustees shall file a certificate of cancellation with the Secretary of State of
the State of Delaware and thereupon the Trust shall terminate.

         (c) The   provisions   of Section 3.9 and Article X shall  survive  the
termination of the Trust.

                                   ARTICLE IX
                              TRANSFER OF INTERESTS

 SECTION 9.1 Transfer of Securities.

         (a)  Securities  may only be  transferred,  in  whole  or in  part,  in
accordance  with the terms and conditions set forth in this  Declaration  and in
the terms of the Securities.  Any transfer or purported transfer of any Security
not made in accordance with this Declaration shall be null and void.

         (b) Subject  to  this  Article  IX,  Capital Securities shall be freely
transferable.

         (c) Subject to this  Article IX, the Sponsor and any Related  Party may
only  transfer  Common  Securities  to the  Sponsor  or a  Related  Party of the
Sponsor;  provided that, any such transfer is subject to the condition precedent
that the transferor obtain the written opinion of qualified  independent counsel
experienced  in such  matters  that such  transfer  would not cause more than an
insubstantial risk that:


                                                        33

<PAGE>



         (i)      the Trust would not be classified  for United  States  federal
                  income tax purposes as a grantor trust; and

         (ii)     the Trust  would be an  Investment  Company or the  transferee
                  would become an Investment Company.

SECTION 9.2 Transfer and Exchange of Certificates.

         The Regular Trustees shall provide for the registration of Certificates
and of transfers or exchanges of  Certificates,  which will be effected  without
charge but only upon payment  (with such  indemnity as the Regular  Trustees may
require) in respect of any tax or other  government  charges that may be imposed
in  relation  to  it.  Upon  surrender  for  registration  of  transfer  of  any
Certificate, the Regular Trustees shall cause one or more new Certificates to be
issued in the name of the designated  transferee or transferees.  Upon surrender
for exchange of any  Certificate,  the Regular  Trustees shall cause one or more
new  Certificates  in the same aggregate  liquidation  amount as the Certificate
surrendered  for  exchange  to be  issued  in  the  name  of the  Holder  of the
Certificate so surrendered.  Every  Certificate  surrendered for registration of
transfer  or for  exchange  shall be  accompanied  by a  written  instrument  of
transfer in form  satisfactory  to the  Regular  Trustees  duly  executed by the
Holder or such Holder's  attorney duly authorized in writing.  Each  Certificate
surrendered  for  registration  of transfer or for exchange shall be canceled by
the Regular  Trustees.  A transferee of a  Certificate  shall be entitled to the
rights and subject to the obligations of a Holder  hereunder upon the receipt by
such  transferee  of  a  Certificate.  By  acceptance  of  a  Certificate,  each
transferee shall be deemed to have agreed to be bound by this Declaration.

SECTION 9.3   Deemed Security Holders.

         The Trustees may treat the Person in whose name any  Certificate  shall
be  registered  on the books and records of the Trust as the sole holder of such
Certificate and of the Securities  represented by such  Certificate for purposes
of  receiving   Distributions  and  for  all  other  purposes   whatsoever  and,
accordingly,  shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or
interest  in  such  Certificate  or  in  the  Securities   represented  by  such
Certificate  on the part of any  Person,  whether  or not the Trust  shall  have
actual or other notice thereof.

SECTION 9.4   Book Entry Interests.

         Unless otherwise specified in the terms of the Capital Securities,  the
Capital Securities  Certificates,  on original  issuance,  will be issued in the
form of one or more fully  registered,  global Preferred  Security  Certificates
(each a "Global  Certificate"),  to be delivered  to DTC,  the initial  Clearing
Agency, by, or on behalf of, the Trust. Such Global Certificates shall initially
be  registered  on the books and records of the Trust in the name of Cede & Co.,
the nominee of DTC,  and no Capital  Security  Beneficial  Owner will  receive a
definitive Capital Security

                                                        34

<PAGE>



Certificate  representing such Capital Security  Beneficial Owner's interests in
such Global  Certificates,  except as provided in Section 9.7.  Unless and until
definitive,  fully  registered  Capital Security  Certificates  (the "Definitive
Capital  Security  Certificates")  have  been  issued  to the  Capital  Security
Beneficial Owners pursuant to Section 9.7:

         (a) the  provisions  of  this  Section  9.4  shall be in full force and
         effect;

         (b) the  Trust  and the  Trustees  shall be  entitled  to deal with the
         Clearing  Agency for all purposes of this  Declaration  (including  the
         payment of  Distributions  on the  Global  Certificates  and  receiving
         approvals,  votes or consents  hereunder)  as the Holder of the Capital
         Securities  and the sole  holder of the Global  Certificates  and shall
         have no obligation to the Capital Security Beneficial Owners;

         (c) to the extent that the provisions of this Section 9.4 conflict with
         any  other  provisions  of this  Declaration,  the  provisions  of this
         Section 9.4 shall control;  and (d) the rights of the Capital  Security
         Beneficial  Owners shall be exercised only through the Clearing  Agency
         and shall be limited to those established by law and agreements between
         such Capital Security  Beneficial Owners and the Clearing Agency and/or
         the Clearing  Agency  Participants.  DTC will make book entry transfers
         among  the  Clearing  Agency  Participants  and  receive  and  transmit
         payments of Distributions  on the Global  Certificates to such Clearing
         Agency Participants.

SECTION 9.5 Notices to Clearing Agency.

         Whenever  a  notice  or other  communication  to the  Capital  Security
Holders is required under this Declaration,  unless and until Definitive Capital
Security  Certificates shall have been issued to the Capital Security Beneficial
Owners pursuant to Section 9.7, the Regular Trustees or the Property Trustee, if
the Property  Trustee is specifically  required to give such notice,  shall give
all such notices and communications  specified herein to be given to the Capital
Security Holders to the Clearing Agency, and shall have no notice obligations to
the Capital Security Beneficial Owners.

SECTION 9.6   Appointment of Successor Clearing Agency.

         If any Clearing Agency elects to discontinue its services as securities
depository with respect to the Preferred  Securities or if the Regular  Trustees
elect to have  another  Clearing  Agency  serve as  securities  depository  with
respect to the  Capital  Securities,  the  Regular  Trustees  may, in their sole
discretion,  appoint a successor  Clearing  Agency with  respect to such Capital
Securities.



                                                        35

<PAGE>



SECTION 9.7   Definitive Capital Security Certificates.

         If:

         (a) a Clearing  Agency elects to discontinue its services as securities
         depository  with  respect to the  Capital  Securities  and a  successor
         Clearing   Agency  is  not   appointed   within  90  days   after  such
         discontinuance pursuant to Section 9.6; or

         (b) the Regular Trustees elect after  consultation  with the Sponsor to
         terminate  the book entry  system  through  the  Clearing  Agency  with
         respect to the Capital Securities, then:

                  (i)  Definitive   Preferred   Security  Certificates  shall be
                  prepared  by  the Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust with
                  respect to such Capital Securities; and

                  (ii) upon surrender of the Global Certificates by the Clearing
                  Agency, accompanied by registration instructions,  the Regular
                  Trustees shall cause Definitive Capital Security  Certificates
                  to be delivered to the Capital Security  Beneficial  Owners in
                  accordance  with  the  instructions  of the  Clearing  Agency.
                  Neither  the  Trustees  nor the Trust  shall be liable for any
                  delay in  delivery of such  instructions  and each of them may
                  conclusively  rely on, and shall be  protected  in relying on,
                  said  instructions  of the  Clearing  Agency.  The  Definitive
                  Capital Security  Certificates shall be printed,  lithographed
                  or  engraved  or may be  produced  in any  other  manner as is
                  reasonably acceptable to the Regular Trustees, as evidenced by
                  their execution thereof, and may have such letters, numbers or
                  other marks of  identification or designation and such legends
                  or endorsements as the Regular Trustees may deem  appropriate,
                  or as may be  required to comply with any law or with any rule
                  or  regulation  made  pursuant  thereto  or with  any  rule or
                  regulation of any stock  exchange on which Capital  Securities
                  may be listed, or to conform to usage.

SECTION 9.8   Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Certificates.

         If:

         (a) any mutilated  Certificates  should be  surrendered  to the Regular
         Trustees,  or if the Regular  Trustees shall receive  evidence to their
         satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Certificate; and

         (b) there   shall be delivered to the Regular Trustees such security or
         indemnity as may be re quired by them to keep each of them, the Sponsor
         and the Trust harmless,



                                                        36

<PAGE>



then, in the absence of notice that such Certificate shall have been acquired by
a bona fide purchaser,  any Regular Trustee on behalf of the Trust shall execute
and deliver, in exchange for or in lieu of any such mutilated,  destroyed,  lost
or stolen  Certificate,  a new Certificate of like  denomination.  In connection
with the  issuance of any new  Certificate  under this  Section 9.8, the Regular
Trustees may require the payment of a sum  sufficient  to cover any tax or other
governmental charge that may be imposed in connection  therewith.  Any duplicate
Certificate issued pursuant to this Section shall constitute conclusive evidence
of an ownership  interest in the relevant  Securities,  as if originally issued,
whether or not the lost,  stolen or destroyed  Certificate shall be found at any
time.

                                    ARTICLE X
                           LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF
                    HOLDERS OF SECURITIES, TRUSTEES OR OTHERS

SECTION 10.1   Liability.

         (a)   Except as expressly set forth in this Declaration, the Securities
Guarantees and the terms of the Securities, the Sponsor shall not be:

         (i)  personally  liable  for the return of any  portion of the  capital
         contributions  (or any return thereon) of the Holders of the Securities
         which shall be made solely from assets of the Trust; and

         (ii)     be required to pay to the Trust or to any Holder of Securities
         any deficit upon dissolution of the Trust or otherwise.

         (b) The Holder of the Common  Securities shall be liable for all of the
debts and  obligations of the Trust (other than with respect to the  Securities)
to the extent not satisfied out of the Trust's assets.

         (c) Pursuant to Section  3803(a) of the Business Trust Act, the Holders
of the Capital  Securities  shall be entitled to the same limitation of personal
liability extended to stockholders of private  corporations for profit organized
under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

SECTION 10.2   Exculpation.

         (a) No Indemnified  Person shall be liable,  responsible or accountable
in damages or otherwise to the Trust or any Covered Person for any loss,  damage
or claim incurred by reason of any act or omission  performed or omitted by such
Indemnified  Person in good  faith on  behalf of the Trust and in a manner  such
Indemnified  Person reasonably  believed to be within the scope of the authority
conferred on such Indemnified  Person by this Declaration or by law, except that
an  Indemnified  Person  shall be  liable  for any such  loss,  damage  or claim
incurred by reason of such  Indemnified  Person's  gross  negligence  or willful
misconduct with respect to such acts or omissions.


                                                        37

<PAGE>



         (b) An Indemnified  Person shall be fully  protected in relying in good
faith upon the records of the Trust and upon such information, opinions, reports
or statements presented to the Trust by any Person as to matters the Indemnified
Person reasonably believes are within such other Person's professional or expert
competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the
Trust,  including information,  opinions,  reports or statements as to the value
and  amount of the  assets,  liabilities,  profits,  losses  or any other  facts
pertinent  to the  existence  and amount of assets from which  Distributions  to
Holders of Securities might properly be paid.

SECTION 10.3 Fiduciary Duty.

         (a) To the extent that, at law or in equity, an Indemnified  Person has
duties  (including  fiduciary  duties) and liabilities  relating  thereto to the
Trust or to any other Covered  Person,  an Indemnified  Person acting under this
Declaration  shall not be liable to the Trust or to any other Covered Person for
its good faith reliance on the provisions of this Declaration. The provisions of
this Declaration, to the extent that they restrict the duties and liabilities of
an  Indemnified  Person  otherwise  existing at law or in equity (other than the
duties  imposed on the Property  Trustee  under the Trust  Indenture  Act),  are
agreed by the parties  hereto to replace  such other duties and  liabilities  of
such Indemnified Person.

         (b)      Unless otherwise expressly provided herein:

         (i)      whenever  a conflict of interest exists or arises between  any
         Covered Persons; or

         (ii)     whenever  this   Declaration   or  any  other  agreement
         contemplated  herein or therein  provides that an  Indemnified  Person
         shall act in a manner that is, or provides  terms that are, fair and 
         reasonable to the  Trust or any Holder of Securities,

the Indemnified Person shall resolve such conflict of interest, take such action
or provide such terms,  considering  in each case the relative  interest of each
party (including its own interest) to such conflict,  agreement,  transaction or
situation and the benefits and burdens relating to such interests, any customary
or accepted industry practices and any applicable  generally accepted accounting
practices or principles.  In the absence of bad faith by the Indemnified Person,
the  resolution,  action or term so made,  taken or provided by the  Indemnified
Person shall not constitute a breach of this  Declaration or any other agreement
contemplated  herein or of any duty or obligation of the  Indemnified  Person at
law or in equity or otherwise.

         (c)     Whenever in this Declaration an Indemnified Person is permitted
or required to make a decision:

         (i) in its  "discretion"  or under a grant of  similar  authority,  the
         Indemnified  Person shall be entitled to consider  such  interests  and
         factors as it desires,  including its own interests,  and shall have no
         duty or  obligation  to give any  consideration  to any  interest of or
         factors affecting the Trust or any other Person; or


                                                        38

<PAGE>



         (ii) in its  "good  faith"  or  under  another  express  standard,  the
         Indemnified  Person shall act under such express standard and shall not
         be  subject  to  any  other  or  different  standard  imposed  by  this
         Declaration or by applicable law.

SECTION 10.4 Indemnification and Compensation.

         (a) (i) The Sponsor shall  indemnify,  to the full extent  permitted by
law, any Company Indemnified Person who was or is a party or is threatened to be
made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding,
whether civil,  criminal,  administrative or investigative (other than an action
by or in the  right of the  Trust)  by  reason  of the fact  that he is or was a
Company  Indemnified  Person  against  expenses  (including   attorneys'  fees),
judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred
by him in  connection  with such action,  suit or proceeding if he acted in good
faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of the Trust,  and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding,
had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.  The termination of
any action,  suit or proceeding by judgment,  order,  settlement,  conviction or
upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a
presumption that the Company Indemnified Person did not act in good faith and in
a manner  which  he  reasonably  believed  to be in or not  opposed  to the best
interests of the Trust,  and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding,
had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

         (ii) The Sponsor shall indemnify,  to the full extent permitted by law,
any Company Indemnified Person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made
a party to any  threatened,  pending  or  completed  action or suit by or in the
right of the Trust to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that
he is or was a Company Indemnified Person against expenses (including attorneys'
fees) actually and reasonably  incurred by him in connection with the defense or
settlement  of such  action or suit if he acted in good faith and in a manner he
reasonably  believed to be in or not opposed to the best  interests of the Trust
and except that no such  indemnification  shall be made in respect of any claim,
issue or matter as to which  such  Company  Indemnified  Person  shall have been
adjudged to be liable to the Trust  unless and only to the extent that the Court
of  Chancery  of  Delaware or the court in which such action or suit was brought
shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but
in view of all  the  circumstances  of the  case,  such  person  is  fairly  and
reasonably  entitled to indemnity for such expenses which such Court of Chancery
or such other court shall deem proper.

         (iii) Any indemnification under paragraphs (i) and (ii) of this Section
10.4(a)  (unless  ordered  by a  court)  shall  be made by the  Sponsor  only as
authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the
Company Indemnified Person is proper in the circumstances because he has met the
applicable  standard  of  conduct  set forth in  paragraphs  (i) and (ii).  Such
determination shall be made (1) by the Regular Trustees by a majority vote of a

                                                        39

<PAGE>



quorum  consisting of such Regular Trustees who were not parties to such action,
suit  or  proceeding,  (2) if  such a  quorum  is not  obtainable,  or,  even if
obtainable,  if a quorum  of  disinterested  Regular  Trustees  so  directs,  by
independent  legal counsel in a written  opinion,  or (3) by the Common Security
Holder of the Trust.

         (iv)  Expenses  (including  attorneys'  fees)  incurred  by  a  Company
Indemnified   Person  in  defending  a  civil,   criminal,   administrative   or
investigative  action, suit or proceeding referred to in paragraphs (i) and (ii)
of this  Section  10.4(a)  shall be paid by the  Sponsor in advance of the final
disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by
or on behalf of such Company Indemnified Person to repay such amount if it shall
ultimately  be  determined  that he is not  entitled  to be  indemnified  by the
Sponsor as authorized in this Section 10.4(a). Notwithstanding the foregoing, no
advance  shall be made by the  Sponsor  if a  determination  is  reasonably  and
promptly  made (i) by the  Regular  Trustees  by a majority  vote of a quorum of
disinterested  Regular  Trustees,  (ii) if such a quorum is not obtainable,  or,
even if obtainable, if a quorum of disinterested Regular Trustees so directs, by
independent  legal  counsel in a written  opinion  or (iii) the Common  Security
Holder of the Trust,  that, based upon the facts known to the Regular  Trustees,
counsel or the Common  Security Holder at the time such  determination  is made,
such  Company  Indemnified  Person  acted in bad faith or in a manner  that such
person did not  believe to be in or not  opposed  to the best  interests  of the
Trust,  or,  with  respect  to  any  criminal  proceeding,   that  such  Company
Indemnified  Person believed or had reasonable  cause to believe his conduct was
unlawful.  In no event shall any advance be made in instances  where the Regular
Trustees,  independent  legal  counsel  or  Common  Security  Holder  reasonably
determine  that such person  deliberately  breached his duty to the Trust or its
Common or Capital Security Holders.

         (v) The  indemnification  and  advancement of expenses  provided by, or
granted  pursuant to, the other  paragraphs of this Section 10.4(a) shall not be
deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking  indemnification and
advancement  of  expenses  may  be  entitled   under  any  agreement,   vote  of
stockholders  or  disinterested  directors  of the  Debenture  Issuer or Capital
Security  Holders of the Trust or  otherwise,  both as to action in his official
capacity and as to action in another  capacity  while  holding such office.  All
rights to  indemnification  under  this  Section  10.4(a)  shall be deemed to be
provided by a contract between the Debenture Issuer and each Company Indemnified
Person who serves in such capacity at any time while this Section  10.4(a) is in
effect.  Any repeal or modification of this Section 10.4(a) shall not affect any
rights or obligations then existing.

         (vi) The  Debenture  Issuer  or the  Trust may  purchase  and  maintain
insurance  on behalf of any  person who is or was a Company  Indemnified  Person
against  any  liability  asserted  against  him and  incurred by him in any such
capacity,  or arising  out of his status as such,  whether or not the  Debenture
Issuer would have the power to indemnify  him against such  liability  under the
provisions of this Section 10.4(a).



                                                        40

<PAGE>



         (vii) For purposes of this Section  10.4(a),  references to "the Trust"
shall include, in addition to the resulting or surviving entity, any constituent
entity (including any constituent of a constituent)  absorbed in a consolidation
or  merger,  so that any person who is or was a  director,  trustee,  officer or
employee of such constituent entity, or is or was serving at the request of such
constituent entity as a director, trustee, member, partner, officer, employee or
agent of another  entity,  shall stand in the same position under the provisions
of this Section 10.4(a) with respect to the resulting or surviving  entity as he
would have with respect to such constituent entity if its separate existence had
continued.

         (viii) The  indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or
granted pursuant to, this Section 10.4(a) shall,  unless otherwise provided when
authorized  or ratified,  continue as to a person who has ceased to be a Company
Indemnified  Person and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs,  executors  and
administrators  of such a person.  The  obligation  to indemnify as set forth in
this  Section  10.4(a)  shall  survive the  satisfaction  and  discharge of this
Declaration.

         (b) The Debenture Issuer agrees to indemnify the (i) Property  Trustee,
(ii) the Delaware  Trustee,  (iii) any Affiliate of the Property Trustee and the
Delaware  Trustee,  and (iv) any  officers,  directors,  shareholders,  members,
partners,  employees,  representatives,  custodians,  nominees  or agents of the
Property  Trustee and the Delaware  Trustee  (each of the Persons in (i) through
(iv) being  referred to as a "Fiduciary  Indemnified  Person")  for, and to hold
each Fiduciary  Indemnified  Person  harmless  against,  any loss,  liability or
expense  incurred  without  negligence (or in the case of the Delaware  Trustee,
gross negligence) or bad faith on its part, arising out of or in connection with
the acceptance or administration of the trust or trusts hereunder, including the
costs and expenses  (including  reasonable legal fees and expenses) of defending
itself against or  investigating  any claim or liability in connection  with the
exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder. The obligation
to indemnify as set forth in this Section 10.4(b) shall survive the satisfaction
and discharge of this Declaration.

         (c) The Debenture Issuer shall pay to the Property Trustee from time to
time such  reasonable  compensation  for its  services  as the  Company  and the
Property  Trustee  shall  agree  in  writing  from  time to time.  The  Property
Trustee's  compensation  shall not be  limited by any law on  compensation  of a
trustee of an express trust.  The Debenture  Issuer Shall reimburse the Property
Trustee upon request for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by it in
connection with the performance of its duties under this Declaration  except any
such expense as may be attributed to its negligence or bad faith.  Such expenses
shall include the reasonable compensation and expenses of the Property Trustee's
agents and counsel. The Debenture Issuer need not reimburse any expense incurred
by the Property Trustee through negligence or bad faith.



                                                        41

<PAGE>



SECTION 10.5 Outside Businesses.

         Any Covered Person, the Sponsor,  the Delaware Trustee and the Property
Trustee may engage in or possess an interest in other  business  ventures of any
nature or description,  independently  or with others,  similar or dissimilar to
the  business of the Trust,  and the Trust and the Holders of  Securities  shall
have no rights by virtue of this Declaration in and to such independent ventures
or the income or profits derived therefrom, and the pursuit of any such venture,
even if competitive with the business of the Trust, shall not be deemed wrongful
or  improper.  No Covered  Person,  the  Sponsor,  the  Delaware  Trustee or the
Property  Trustee  shall be obligated to present any  particular  investment  or
other  opportunity to the Trust even if such opportunity is of a character that,
if presented to the Trust,  could be taken by the Trust, and any Covered Person,
the Sponsor,  the Delaware Trustee and the Property Trustee shall have the right
to take for its own account  (individually  or as a partner or  fiduciary) or to
recommend to others any such  particular  investment or other  opportunity.  Any
Covered Person,  the Delaware  Trustee and the Property Trustee may engage or be
interested  in any  financial  or  other  transaction  with the  Sponsor  or any
Affiliate of the Sponsor, or may act as depository for, trustee or agent for, or
act on any committee or body of holders of,  securities or other  obligations of
the Sponsor or its Affiliates.


                                   ARTICLE XI
                                   ACCOUNTING

SECTION 11.1 Fiscal Year.

         The fiscal  year  ("Fiscal  Year") of the Trust  shall be the  calendar
year, or such other year as is required by the Code.

SECTION 11.2   Certain Accounting Matters.

         (a) At all  times  during  the  existence  of the  Trust,  the  Regular
Trustees  shall keep,  or cause to be kept,  full books of account,  records and
supporting documents, which shall reflect in reasonable detail, each transaction
of the Trust.  The books of account shall be maintained on the accrual method of
accounting,  in accordance with generally accepted  accounting  principles.  The
Trust shall use the  accrual  method of  accounting  for United  States  federal
income tax purposes.  The books of account and the records of the Trust shall be
examined by and reported  upon as of the end of each Fiscal Year of the Trust by
a firm of  independent  certified  public  accountants  selected  by the Regular
Trustees.

         (b) The Regular  Trustees shall cause to be duly prepared and delivered
to each of the Holders of  Securities,  any annual United States  federal income
tax information  statement,  required by the Code,  containing such  information
with regard to the Securities held by each

                                                        42

<PAGE>



Holder as is required by the Code and the Treasury Regulations.  Notwithstanding
any right under the Code to deliver  any such  statement  at a later  date,  the
Regular  Trustees shall endeavor to deliver all such  statements  within 30 days
after the end of each Fiscal Year of the Trust.

         (c) The Regular Trustees shall cause to be duly prepared and filed with
the  appropriate  taxing  authority,  an annual United States federal income tax
return,  on a Form 1041 or such other form  required  by United  States  federal
income tax law, and any other annual income tax returns  required to be filed by
the  Regular  Trustees  on behalf of the  Trust  with any state or local  taxing
authority.

SECTION 11.3   Banking.

         The Trust shall  maintain one or more bank accounts in the name and for
the sole benefit of the Trust; provided,  however, that all payments of funds in
respect of the Debentures held by the Property Trustee shall be made directly to
the Property  Trustee Account and no other funds of the Trust shall be deposited
in the Property Trustee Account. The sole signatories for such accounts shall be
designated by the Regular Trustees; provided, however, that the Property Trustee
shall designate the signatories for the Property Trustee Account.

SECTION 11.4   Withholding.

         The Trust and the Regular  Trustees  shall comply with all  withholding
requirements  under United States federal,  state and local law. The Trust shall
request,  and the Holders shall provide to the Trust, such forms or certificates
as are necessary to establish an exemption from withholding with respect to each
Holder,  and any  representations  and forms as shall reasonably be requested by
the Trust to assist it in  determining  the extent of,  and in  fulfilling,  its
withholding  obligations.  The Regular  Trustees  shall file required forms with
applicable  jurisdictions  and, unless an exemption from withholding is properly
established by a Holder, shall remit amounts withheld with respect to the Holder
to  applicable  jurisdictions.  To the  extent  that the  Trust is  required  to
withhold and pay over any amounts to any authority with respect to distributions
or  allocations  to any  Holder,  the  amount  withheld  shall be deemed to be a
distribution in the amount of the withholding to the Holder. In the event of any
claim  over  withholding,  Holders  shall be limited  to an action  against  the
applicable jurisdiction.  If the amount required to be withheld was not withheld
from actual Distributions made, the Trust may reduce subsequent Distributions by
the amount of such withholding.  To the extent the Property Trustee performs the
functions  provided for in this section,  the Regular  Trustees shall direct the
Property Trustee in carrying out such functions.


                                                        43

<PAGE>



                                   ARTICLE XII
                             AMENDMENTS AND MEETINGS

SECTION 12.1   Amendments.

         (a)  Except  as  otherwise  provided  in  this  Declaration  or by  any
         applicable  terms  of the  Securities,  this  Declaration  may  only be
         amended by:

         (i) a written instrument  approved and executed by the Regular Trustees
         (or,  if there are more than two  Regular  Trustees,  a majority of the
         Regular Trustees);

         (ii)  the Property Trustee if the amendment affects the rights, powers,
         duties, obligations or immunities of the Property Trustee; and

         (iii) the Delaware Trustee if the amendment affects the rights, powers,
         duties, obligations or immunities of the Delaware Trustee;

         (b)  no amendment shall be made, and any such purported amendment shall
         be void and ineffective:

         (i) unless, in the case of any proposed amendment, the Property Trustee
         shall have first  received an  Officers'  Certificate  from each of the
         Trust and the Sponsor that such amendment is permitted by, and conforms
         to,  the  terms  of  this  Declaration  (including  the  terms  of  the
         Securities);

         (ii) unless,  in the case of any proposed  amendment  which affects the
         rights,  powers,  duties,  obligations  or  immunities  of the Property
         Trustee, the Property Trustee shall have first received:

                  (A) an  Officers'  Certificate  from each of the Trust and the
                  Sponsor that such  amendment is permitted by, and conforms to,
                  the  terms of this  Declaration  (including  the  terms of the
                  Securities); and

                  (B) an opinion of counsel  (who may be counsel to the  Sponsor
                  or the  Trust)  that  such  amendment  is  permitted  by,  and
                  conforms  to,  the terms of this  Declaration  (including  the
                  terms of the Securities); and

         (iii) to the extent the result of such amendment would be to:
                  (A) cause the Trust to fail to continue to be  classified  for
                  purposes of United States federal income taxation as a grantor
                  trust;

                  (B)  reduce or  otherwise  adversely  affect the powers of the
                  Property  Trustee in contravention of the Trust Indenture Act;
                  or

                                                        44

<PAGE>



                  (C) cause the Trust to be deemed to be an  Investment  Company
                  required to be registered under the Investment Company Act;

         (c) at such time after the Trust has issued any Securities  that remain
outstanding, any amendment that would adversely affect the rights, privileges or
preferences  of  any  Holder  of  Securities  may be  effected  only  with  such
additional requirements as may be set forth in the terms of such Securities;

         (d)   Section 9.1(c) and this Section 12.1 shall not be amended without
the consent of all of the Holders of the Securities;

         (e)  Article IV shall not be amended without the consent of the Holders
of a Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Common Securities;

         (f) the rights of the Holders of the Common  Securities under Article V
to increase or decrease the number of, and appoint and remove Trustees shall not
be amended  without  the  consent of the  Holders of a Majority  in  Liquidation
Amount of the Common Securities; and

         (g)  notwithstanding  Section 12.1(c),  this Declaration may be amended
without the consent of the Holders of the Securities to:

         (i)   cure any ambiguity;

         (ii) correct or supplement any provision in this  Declaration  that may
         be  defective  or  inconsistent   with  any  other  provision  of  this
         Declaration;

         (iii) add to the covenants, restrictions or obligations of the Sponsor;

         (iv) to  conform  to any  change  in Rule  3a-5 or  written  change  in
         interpretation  or  application of Rule 3a-5 by any  legislative  body,
         court,  government agency or regulatory  authority which amendment does
         not have a  material  adverse  effect  on the  rights,  preferences  or
         privileges of the Holders; and

         (v) to modify,  eliminate and add to any provision of this Declaration,
         provided such modification, elimination or addition would not adversely
         affect  the  rights,  privileges  or  preferences  of any Holder of the
         Securities.

SECTION 12.2 Meetings of the Holders of Securities; Action by Written Consent.
         (a) Meetings of the Holders of any class of Securities may be called at
any time by the Regular Trustees (or as provided in the terms of the Securities)
to consider and act on any matter on which  Holders of such class of  Securities
are  entitled  to act  under  the  terms of this  Declaration,  the terms of the
Securities  or the rules of any stock  exchange on which the Capital  Securities
are listed or admitted for trading. The Regular Trustees shall call a meeting of
the

                                                        45

<PAGE>



Holders of such  class if  directed  to do so by the  Holders of at least 10% in
Liquidation Amount of such class of Securities. Such direction shall be given by
delivering to the Regular  Trustees one or more calls in a writing  stating that
the signing  Holders of  Securities  wish to call a meeting and  indicating  the
general or specific  purpose for which the meeting is to be called.  Any Holders
of Securities  calling a meeting shall specify in writing the Certificates  held
by the  Holders of  Securities  exercising  the right to call a meeting and only
those Securities  specified shall be counted for purposes of determining whether
the required  percentage set forth in the second  sentence of this paragraph has
been met.

         (b)  Except  to the  extent  otherwise  provided  in the  terms  of the
Securities,  the  following  provisions  shall  apply to  meetings of Holders of
Securities:

         (i)  notice of any such  meeting  shall be given to all the  Holders of
         Securities  having a right to vote thereat at least 7 days and not more
         than 60 days before the date of such meeting.  Whenever a vote, consent
         or approval of the Holders of Securities is permitted or required under
         this  Declaration  or the  rules of any  stock  exchange  on which  the
         Capital  Securities  are listed or  admitted  for  trading,  such vote,
         consent  or  approval  may be  given at a  meeting  of the  Holders  of
         Securities. Any action that may be taken at a meeting of the Holders of
         Securities  may be taken  without a meeting  if a  consent  in  writing
         setting  forth  the  action  so  taken  is  signed  by the  Holders  of
         Securities  owning not less than the minimum  amount of  Securities  in
         liquidation  amount that would be  necessary  to authorize or take such
         action at a meeting at which all Holders of  Securities  having a right
         to vote thereon were present and voting. Prompt notice of the taking of
         action  without a meeting  shall be given to the Holders of  Securities
         entitled  to vote  who have  not  consented  in  writing.  The  Regular
         Trustees may specify that any written ballot  submitted to the Security
         Holders for the purpose of taking any action without a meeting shall be
         returned  to the  Trust  within  the  time  specified  by  the  Regular
         Trustees;

         (ii) each Holder of a Security may  authorize  any Person to act for it
         by proxy on all matters in which a Holder of  Securities is entitled to
         participate,  including  waiving  notice of any  meeting,  or voting or
         participating  at  a  meeting.  No  proxy  shall  be  valid  after  the
         expiration of 11 months from the date thereof unless otherwise provided
         in the proxy.  Every proxy shall be  revocable  at the  pleasure of the
         Holder of Securities executing such proxy. Except as otherwise provided
         herein,  all  matters  relating  to the  giving,  voting or validity of
         proxies shall be governed by the General  Corporation  Law of the State
         of  Delaware   relating  to  proxies,   and  judicial   interpretations
         thereunder, as if the Trust were a Delaware corporation and the Holders
         of the Securities were stockholders of a Delaware corporation;

         (iii) each meeting of the Holders of the Securities  shall be conducted
         by the  Regular  Trustees  or by such  other  Person  that the  Regular
         Trustees may designate; and



                                                        46

<PAGE>



         (iv) unless the Business Trust Act, this Declaration,  the terms of the
         Securities,  the Trust  Indenture Act or the listing rules of any stock
         exchange on which the Capital  Securities  are then listed for trading,
         otherwise  provides,  the Regular  Trustees,  in their sole discretion,
         shall establish all other provisions relating to meetings of Holders of
         Securities,  including  notice of the  time,  place or  purpose  of any
         meeting  at  which  any  matter  is to be voted  on by any  Holders  of
         Securities,  waiver of any such  notice,  action by  consent  without a
         meeting,  the  establishment  of a record  date,  quorum  requirements,
         voting in person or by proxy or any other  matter  with  respect to the
         exercise of any such right to vote.

                                  ARTICLE XIII
                       REPRESENTATIONS OF PROPERTY TRUSTEE
                              AND DELAWARE TRUSTEE

SECTION 13.1 Representations and Warranties of the Property Trustee.

         The  Trustee  that acts as  initial  Property  Trustee  represents  and
warrants  to the Trust and to the Sponsor at the date of this  Declaration,  and
each  Successor  Property  Trustee  represents and warrants to the Trust and the
Sponsor  at the  time of the  Successor  Property  Trustee's  acceptance  of its
appointment as Property Trustee that:

         (a)  the  Property   Trustee  is  a  corporation  or  national  banking
         association,  duly  organized,  validly  existing and in good  standing
         under  the  laws  of  the   jurisdiction   of  its   incorporation   or
         organization,  with trust power and  authority  to execute and deliver,
         and to carry out and perform its  obligations  under the terms of, this
         Declaration;

         (b)  the  Property  Trustee  satisfies  the  requirements  set forth in
         Section 5.3(a);

         (c) the execution,  delivery and performance by the Property Trustee of
         this  Declaration has been duly  authorized by all necessary  corporate
         action on the part of the Property  Trustee.  This Declaration has been
         duly executed and delivered by the Property Trustee, and it constitutes
         a  legal,  valid  and  binding  obligation  of  the  Property  Trustee,
         enforceable  against  it in  accordance  with  its  terms,  subject  to
         applicable bankruptcy, reorganization, moratorium, insolvency and other
         similar  laws  affecting  creditors'  rights  generally  and to general
         principles  of equity and the  discretion of the court  (regardless  of
         whether the  enforcement of such remedies is considered in a proceeding
         in equity or at law);

         (d) the execution,  delivery and performance of this Declaration by the
         Property  Trustee does not conflict  with or constitute a breach of the
         articles of  association or  incorporation,  as the case may be, or the
         by-laws (or other  similar  organizational  documents)  of the Property
         Trustee;


                                                        47

<PAGE>



         (e) no consent,  approval or authorization  of, or registration with or
         notice to, any Federal banking authority is required for the execution,
         delivery or  performance by the Property  Trustee of this  Declaration;
         and

         (f) the  Property  Trustee,  pursuant to this  Declaration,  shall hold
         legal title in the  Debentures  which are registered in the name of the
         Property Trustee for the benefit of the Trust.

SECTION 13.2 Representations and Warranties of the Delaware Trustee.

         The  Trustee  that acts as  initial  Delaware  Trustee  represents  and
warrants  to the Trust and to the Sponsor at the date of this  Declaration,  and
each  Successor  Delaware  Trustee  represents and warrants to the Trust and the
Sponsor  at the  time of the  Successor  Delaware  Trustee's  acceptance  of its
appointment as Delaware Trustee that:

         (a) the  Delaware  Trustee  satisfies  the  requirements  set  forth in
         Section 5.2 and has the power and authority to execute and deliver, and
         to carry out and  perform  its  obligations  under  the terms of,  this
         Declaration  and,  if it is not a natural  person,  is duly  organized,
         validly   existing  and  in  good  standing   under  the  laws  of  its
         jurisdiction of incorporation or organization;

         (b) the Delaware Trustee has been authorized to perform its obligations
         under the Certificate of Trust and this  Declaration.  This Declaration
         under Delaware law constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of
         the Delaware  Trustee,  enforceable  against it in accordance  with its
         terms, subject to applicable  bankruptcy,  reorganization,  moratorium,
         insolvency and other similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally
         and to general  principles  of equity and the  discretion  of the court
         (regardless  of whether the  enforcement of such remedies is considered
         in a proceeding in equity or at law); and

         (c) no consent,  approval or authorization  of, or registration with or
         notice to, any State or Federal  banking  authority is required for the
         execution,  delivery or  performance  by the  Delaware  Trustee of this
         Declaration.

                                   ARTICLE XIV
                                  MISCELLANEOUS

 SECTION 14.1   Notices.

         All notices provided for in this Declaration shall be in writing,  duly
signed by the party giving such notice,  and shall be  delivered,  telecopied or
mailed by registered or certified mail, as follows:


                                                        48

<PAGE>



         (a) if given  to the  Trust,  in care of the  Regular  Trustees  at the
         Trust's  mailing  address set forth below (or such other address as the
         Trust may give notice of to the Property Trustee,  the Delaware Trustee
         and the Holders of the Securities):

                         11825 North Pennsylvania Street
                              Carmel, Indiana 46032
                       Attention: Lawrence W. Inlow, Esq.

          (b) if given to the Delaware Trustee, at the mailing address set forth
         below (or such other address as Delaware  Trustee may give notice of to
         the  Regular  Trustees,  the  Property  Trustee  and the Holders of the
         Securities):

                          First Union Bank of Delaware
                                One Rodney Square
                                    1st Floor
                                 920 King Street
                           Wilmington, Delaware 19801
                    Attention: Corporate Trust Administration

         (c) if given to the Property Trustee, at its Corporate Trust Office (or
         such other  address as the  Property  Trustee may give notice of to the
         Regular  Trustees,   the  Delaware  Trustee  and  the  Holders  of  the
         Securities):

                               Fleet National Bank
                         Corporate Trust Administration
                                 777 Main Street
                           Hartford, Connecticut 06115
                           Attention: Michael Hopkins

         (d) if given to the Holder of the  Common  Securities,  at the  mailing
         address of the Sponsor  set forth  below (or such other  address as the
         Holder of the  Common  Securities  may give  notice of to the  Property
         Trustee, the Delaware Trustee and the Trust):

                                  Conseco, Inc.
                         11825 North Pennsylvania Street
                              Carmel, Indiana 46032
                       Attention: Lawrence W. Inlow, Esq.

         (e) if given to any other Holder, at the address set forth on the books
         and records of the Trust.



                                                        49

<PAGE>



All such  notices  shall be deemed to have been given when  received  in person,
telecopied with receipt confirmed or mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid
except  that if a notice or other  document  is  refused  delivery  or cannot be
delivered because of a changed address of which no notice was given, such notice
or other  document  shall be deemed to have been  delivered  on the date of such
refusal or inability to deliver.

SECTION 14.2 Governing Law.

         This  Declaration  and the  rights of the  parties  hereunder  shall be
governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware
and all rights and  remedies  shall be governed by such laws  without  regard to
principles of conflict of laws.

SECTION 14.3 Intention of the Parties.

         It is the intention of the parties  hereto that the Trust be classified
for United States federal income tax purposes as a grantor trust. The provisions
of this  Declaration  shall be  interpreted  to further  this  intention  of the
parties.

SECTION 14.4  Headings.

         Headings  contained in this Declaration are inserted for convenience of
reference only and do not affect the  interpretation  of this Declaration or any
provision hereof.

SECTION 14.5 Successors and Assigns.

         Whenever  in this  Declaration  any of the  parties  hereto is named or
referred  to, the  successors  and  assigns of such party  shall be deemed to be
included,  and all covenants and  agreements in this  Declaration by the Sponsor
and the  Trustees  shall  bind and  inure  to the  benefit  of their  respective
successors and assigns, whether so expressed.

SECTION 14.6 Partial Enforceability.

         If any  provision  of  this  Declaration,  or the  application  of such
provision to any Person or circumstance, shall be held invalid, the remainder of
this   Declaration,   or  the  application  of  such  provision  to  persons  or
circumstances  other  than  those  to  which it is held  invalid,  shall  not be
affected thereby.

SECTION 14.7   Counterparts.
         This Declaration may contain more than one counterpart of the signature
page and this  Declaration  may be executed by the affixing of the  signature of
each of the Trustees to one of such  counterpart  signature  pages.  All of such
counterpart signature pages shall be read as though one, and they shall have the
same force and effect as though all of the signers had signed a single signature
page.

                                                        50

<PAGE>



         IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the undersigned  have caused these presents to be
executed as of the day and year first above written.


                                CONSECO INC, as Sponsor and Debenture Issuer



                                 By:    /s/ ROLLIN M. DICK
                                        -----------------------------------
                                 Name:  Rollin M. Dick
                                 Title:  Executive Vice President and Chief
                                            Financial Officer


                                 FLEET NATIONAL BANK, as Property Trustee



                                  By:    /s/ MICHAEL M. HOPKINS
                                         --------------------------
                                  Name:  Michael M. Hopkins
                                  Title: Vice President


                                 FIRST UNION BANK OF DELAWARE, as
                                       Delaware Trustee



                                 By:    /s/ STEPHEN J. KABA
                                        -----------------------------
                                 Name:  Stephen J. Kaba
                                 Title: Vice President


                                 /s/ ROLLIN M. DICK
                                 ---------------------------------
                                 Rollin M. Dick, as Regular Trustee


                                 /s/ STEPHEN C. HILBERT
                                 --------------------------------------
                                 Stephen C. Hilbert, as Regular Trustee



                                 /s/ LAWRENCE W. INLOW
                                 --------------------------------------
                                 Lawrence W. Inlow, as Regular Trustee

                                                        51

<PAGE>



ANNEX I

TERMS OF
8.70% CAPITAL TRUST PASS-THROUGH SECURITIES
8.70% TRUST COMMON SECURITIES

                  Pursuant  to  Section   7.1  of  the   Amended  and   Restated
Declaration  of Trust,  dated as of November  22, 1996 (as amended  from time to
time, the "Declaration"),  the designation,  rights,  privileges,  restrictions,
preferences  and other terms and  provisions of the Capital  Securities  are set
forth  below  (each  capitalized  term used but not  defined  herein  having the
meaning set forth in the Declaration or, if not defined in the  Declaration,  as
defined in the Prospectus referred to below):

1.       Designation and Number.

         (a) PREFERRED  SECURITIES.  325,000  Preferred  Securities of the Trust
with an aggregate  liquidation amount with respect to the assets of the Trust of
Three  Hundred  Twenty-Five  Million  Dollars  ($325,000,000)  and a liquidation
amount with  respect to the assets of the Trust of $1,000 per Capital  Security,
are hereby designated for the purposes of identification  only as "8.70% Capital
Trust Pass-through Securities(sm)  (TruPS(sm))" (the "Capital Securities").  The
Capital  Security  Certificates  evidencing  the  Capital  Securities  shall  be
substantially in the form of Exhibit A-1 to the  Declaration,  with such changes
and  additions  thereto or  deletions  therefrom  as may be required by ordinary
usage,  custom or practice  or to conform to the rules of any stock  exchange on
which the Capital Securities are listed.

         (b) COMMON SECURITIES. Common Securities of the Trust with an aggregate
liquidation  amount  with  respect to the assets of the Trust of Ten Million One
Hundred Thousand Dollars  ($10,100,000) and a liquidation amount with respect to
the assets of the Trust of $1,000 per Common Security, are hereby designated for
the purposes of  identification  only as "8.70% Trust  Common  Securities"  (the
"Common  Securities").  The Common Security  Certificates  evidencing the Common
Securities shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A-2 to the Declaration,
with such  changes  and  additions  thereto  or  deletions  therefrom  as may be
required by ordinary usage, custom or practice.

2.       Distributions.

         (a) Distributions  payable on each Security will be fixed at a rate per
annum of 8.70% (the "Coupon  Rate") of the stated  liquidation  amount of $1,000
per Security,  such rate being the rate of interest payable on the Debentures to
be held by the  Property  Trustee.  Distributions  in arrears  for more than one
semiannual  period will bear interest thereon from and including the last day of
such semiannual period at the Coupon Rate compounded semiannually (to the extent
permitted by applicable law). The term  "Distributions"  as used herein includes
such cash distributions and any such interest payable unless otherwise stated. A
Distribution  is payable only to the extent that payments are made in respect of
the Debentures held by the Property Trustee and to the extent the Property

                                                        52

<PAGE>



Trustee has funds available  therefor.  The amount of Distributions  payable for
any period will be computed for any full semiannual  Distribution  period on the
basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months, and for any period shorter than
a full  semiannual  Distribution  period for which  Distributions  are computed,
Distributions will be computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed
per 30-day month.

         (b)  Distributions  on the Securities  will be cumulative,  will accrue
from November 27, 1996, and will be payable  semiannually in arrears,  on May 15
and November 15 of each year,  commencing  on May 15, 1997,  except as otherwise
described below. The Debenture Issuer has the right under the Indenture to defer
payments of interest on the Debentures by extending the interest  payment period
at any time and from  time to time for a period  not  exceeding  10  consecutive
semiannual payments (each an "Extension Period"),  during which Extension Period
no  interest  shall  be due and  payable  on the  Debentures,  provided  that no
Extension Period shall last beyond the date of maturity of the Debentures.  As a
consequence of such deferral,  Distributions will also be deferred. Despite such
deferral, semiannual Distributions will continue to accrue with interest thereon
(to the  extent  permitted  by  applicable  law) at the Coupon  Rate  compounded
semiannually  during any such Extension Period.  Prior to the termination of any
such Extension  Period,  the Debenture  Issuer may further extend such Extension
Period,  provided that such Extension Period together with all such previous and
further extensions thereof may not exceed 10 consecutive  semiannual periods and
may not extend  beyond  the date of  maturity  of the  Debentures.  Payments  of
deferred Distributions will be payable to Holders of record of the Securities as
they  appear on the  books  and  records  of the  Trust on the  record  date for
Distributions due at the end of such Extension  Period.  Upon the termination of
any  Extension  Period and the payment of all amounts  then due,  the  Debenture
Issuer may commence a new Extension Period, subject to the above requirements.

         (c)  Distributions  on the  Securities  will be payable to the  Holders
thereof as they  appear on the books and  records  of the Trust on the  relevant
record dates.  While the Capital  Securities remain in global form, the relevant
record dates shall be one Business Day prior to the relevant payment dates which
payment  dates  correspond  to the  interest  payment  dates on the  Debentures.
Subject  to any  applicable  laws  and  regulations  and the  provisions  of the
Declaration, each such payment in respect of the Capital Securities will be made
as  described  under the  heading  "Description  of the  Capital  Securities  --
Book-Entry   Issuance  --  The  Depository  Trust  Company"  in  the  Prospectus
Supplement  dated November 22, 1996, to the  Prospectus  dated November 12, 1996
(together,  the "Prospectus") included in the Registration Statement on Form S-3
of the  Sponsor  and the  Trust.  The  relevant  record  dates  for  the  Common
Securities shall be the same record date as for the Capital  Securities.  If the
Capital  Securities  shall not continue to remain in global  form,  the relevant
record  dates  for the  Capital  Securities  shall  conform  to the rules of any
securities  exchange  on which the Capital  Securities  are listed and, if none,
shall be  selected by the  Regular  Trustees,  which dates shall be at least one
Business Day but less than 60 Business Days before the relevant  payment  dates,
which payment dates  correspond to the interest payment dates on the Debentures.
Distributions  payable on any  Securities  that are not  punctually  paid on any
Distribution  payment date, as a result of the Debenture Issuer having failed to
make a payment under the  Debentures,  will cease to be payable to the Person in
whose name such Securities are registered on the relevant record date, and such

                                                        53

<PAGE>



defaulted  Distribution will instead be payable to the Person in whose name such
Securities  are  registered on the special  record date or other  specified date
determined in accordance with the Indenture.  If any date on which Distributions
are  payable  on the  Securities  is not a  Business  Day,  then  payment of the
Distribution  payable on such date will be made on the next  succeeding day that
is a Business Day (and  without any interest or other  payment in respect of any
such delay) except that, if such Business Day is in the next succeeding calendar
year, such payment shall be made on the immediately  preceding  Business Day, in
each case with the same force and effect as if made on such date.

         (d) In the event that there is any money or other  property  held by or
for the Trust  that is not  accounted  for  hereunder,  such  property  shall be
distributed Pro Rata (as defined herein) among the Holders of the Securities.

3.  Liquidation Distribution Upon Dissolution.

         (a)  In  the  event  of  any  voluntary  or  involuntary   liquidation,
dissolution,  winding-up  or  termination  of  the  Trust,  the  Holders  of the
Securities  on  the  date  of  the  liquidation,   dissolution,   winding-up  or
termination,  as the case may be, will be entitled to receive  solely out of the
assets of the Trust available for  distribution to Holders of Securities,  after
satisfaction  of liabilities  of creditors,  an amount equal to the aggregate of
the stated  liquidation amount of $1,000 per Security plus any additional amount
payable upon redemption of the Debentures as a result of the Make-Whole Premium,
as  provided  for  in  the  Indenture,  and  in all  cases  accrued  and  unpaid
Distributions thereon to the date of payment (such amount being the "Liquidation
Distribution"),  unless,  in  connection  with  such  liquidation,  dissolution,
winding-up or termination,  Debentures in an aggregate principal amount equal to
the aggregate stated  liquidation  amount of such  Securities,  with an interest
rate equal to the Coupon Rate of, and bearing  accrued and unpaid interest in an
amount equal to the accrued and unpaid Distributions on, such Securities,  shall
be  distributed on a Pro Rata basis to the Holders of the Securities in exchange
for such Securities in accordance with Section 4(e) hereof.

         (b) If, upon any such dissolution,  the Liquidation Distribution can be
paid only in part because the Trust has insufficient  assets available to pay in
full the aggregate Liquidation  Distribution,  then the amounts payable directly
by the Trust on the Securities shall be paid on a Pro Rata basis.

4. Redemption and Distribution.

         (a) Upon the repayment of the  Debentures in whole or in part,  whether
at maturity or upon  redemption  (such  redemption  being either at any time and
from time to time at the option of the Debenture  Issuer or at the option of the
Debenture  Issuer in connection  with the occurrence of a Tax Event as described
below),  the proceeds from such repayment or redemption shall be  simultaneously
applied to redeem Securities having an aggregate liquidation amount equal to the
aggregate  principal  amount  of the  Debentures  so  repaid  or  redeemed  at a
redemption price per Security of $1,000 plus any additional  amount payable upon
redemption of the Debentures as a result of the  Make-Whole  Premium as provided
for in the Indenture and in all cases an amount equal to accrued and unpaid

                                                        54

<PAGE>



Distributions  thereon  at the  date of the  redemption,  payable  in cash  (the
"Redemption  Price").  Holders  will be given  not less than 30 nor more than 60
days notice of such redemption.

         (b) If fewer than all the outstanding Securities are to be so redeemed,
the Common  Securities and the Capital  Securities will be redeemed Pro Rata and
the Capital  Securities to be redeemed will be as described in Section  4(f)(ii)
below.

         (c) If, at any time, a Tax Event (as defined  below) shall occur and be
continuing the Regular Trustees shall,  except in certain limited  circumstances
described in this Section 4(c),  dissolve the Trust and, after  satisfaction  of
creditors,  cause Debentures held by the Property  Trustee,  having an aggregate
principal  amount equal to the aggregate stated  liquidation  amount of, with an
interest rate  identical to the Coupon Rate of, and accrued and unpaid  interest
equal to accrued  and unpaid  Distributions  on, and having the same record date
for  payment  as  the  Securities,  to be  distributed  to  the  Holders  of the
Securities in liquidation of such Holders'  interests in the Trust on a Pro Rata
basis,  within 90 days  following  the  occurrence  of a Tax Event  (the "90 Day
Period");  provided,  however,  that,  as a condition  of such  dissolution  and
distribution,  the  Regular  Trustees  shall  have  received  an  opinion  of  a
nationally recognized independent tax counsel experienced in such matters (a "No
Recognition  Opinion"),  which opinion may rely on published  revenue rulings of
the Internal Revenue  Service,  to the effect that the Holders of the Securities
will not  recognize  any gain or loss  for  United  States  federal  income  tax
purposes as a result of the  dissolution  of the Trust and the  distribution  of
Debentures, and provided, further, that if at the time there is available to the
Trust the opportunity to eliminate,  within the 90 Day Period,  the Tax Event by
taking some ministerial action, such as filing a form or making an election,  or
pursuing some other similar reasonable measure that has no adverse effect on the
Trust,  the  Debenture  Issuer,  the  Sponsor or the  Holders of the  Securities
("Ministerial Action"), the Trust will pursue such Ministerial Action in lieu of
dissolution.

         If, however, a Tax Event shall occur and be continuing after receipt of
a  Dissolution  Opinion (as  defined  herein) by the  Regular  Trustees  and the
Debenture  Issuer has  received an opinion (a  "Redemption  Tax  Opinion")  of a
nationally recognized  independent tax counsel experienced in such matters that,
as a result of the Tax Event,  there is more than an insubstantial risk that the
Debenture  Issuer  would  be  precluded  from  deducting  the  interest  on  the
Debentures  for United States federal income tax purposes even if the Debentures
were  distributed  to the Holders of Securities in  liquidation of such Holders'
interests  in the  Trust as  described  in this  Section  4(c),  or the  Regular
Trustees  shall have been  informed  by such tax counsel  that a No  Recognition
Opinion  cannot be delivered to the Trust,  the Debenture  Issuer shall have the
right at any time, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice, to redeem
the  Debentures  in  whole  or in part for cash  within  90 days  following  the
occurrence of such Tax Event, and, following such redemption, Securities with an
aggregate  liquidation  amount equal to the  aggregate  principal  amount of the
Debentures so redeemed shall be redeemed by the Trust at the Redemption Price on
a Pro Rata basis; provided,  however, that, if at the time there is available to
the Trust the opportunity to eliminate, within such 90 day period, the Tax Event
by taking some Ministerial Action, the Trust or the Debenture Issuer will pursue
such Ministerial Action in lieu of redemption.


                                                        55

<PAGE>



         "Tax Event"  means that the  Regular  Trustees  shall have  received an
opinion  of  an  independent   tax  counsel   experienced  in  such  matters  (a
"Dissolution  Opinion") to the effect that, as a result of (i) any amendment to,
or change  (including  any  announced  prospective  change) in, the laws (or any
regulations  thereunder)  of the United States or any political  subdivision  or
taxing  authority  thereof  or  therein,  or (ii)  any  official  administrative
pronouncement  or  judicial  decision  interpreting  or  applying  such  laws or
regulations,  which  amendment or change is effective or such  pronouncement  or
decision is announced  on or after the date of original  issuance of the Capital
Securities,  there is more than an insubstantial  risk that (A) the Trust is, or
will be within 90 days after the date thereof,  subject to United States federal
income tax with respect to interest  accrued or received on the Debentures,  (B)
the Trust is, or will be within 90 days after the date thereof,  subject to more
than a de minimis amount of taxes, duties or other governmental  charges, or (C)
interest  payable by the Debenture Issuer to the Trust on the Debentures is not,
or within 90 days of the date thereof,  will not be  deductible,  in whole or in
part, by the Debenture Issuer for United States federal income tax purposes.

         (d) The Trust may not redeem fewer than all the outstanding  Securities
unless all accrued and unpaid Distributions have been paid on all Securities for
all  semiannual  Distribution  periods  terminating  on or  before  the  date of
redemption.

         (e) In the event that the  Sponsor  makes the  election  referred to in
Section  8.1(a)(v) of the  Declaration,  the Regular Trustees shall dissolve the
Trust and,  after  satisfaction  of  creditors,  cause  Debentures,  held by the
Property  Trustee,  having an aggregate  principal amount equal to the aggregate
stated liquidation amount of, with an interest rate identical to the Coupon Rate
of, and accrued and unpaid interest equal to accrued and unpaid Distributions on
and  having  the  same  record  date  for  payment,  as  the  Securities,  to be
distributed  to the Holders of the  Securities in  liquidation  of such Holders'
interests in the Trust on a Pro Rata basis in accordance  with Section 8 hereof.
On and from the date  fixed by the  Regular  Trustees  for any  distribution  of
Debentures and  dissolution of the Trust:  (i) the Securities  will no longer be
deemed to be  outstanding,  and (ii) the Clearing  Agency or its nominee (or any
successor  Clearing  Agency or its  nominee)  will  receive  one or more  global
certificate  or  certificates  representing  the Debentures to be delivered upon
such  distribution,  and  having  an  aggregate  principal  amount  equal to the
aggregated stated  liquidation amount of, with an interest rate identical to the
Coupon  Rate of, and  accrued  and unpaid  interest  equal to accrued and unpaid
Distributions on such  Securities.  Any  certificates  representing  Securities,
except for  certificates  representing  Capital  Securities held by the Clearing
Agency or its nominee (or any successor Clearing Agency or its nominee), will be
deemed to represent  beneficial  interests in the Debentures having an aggregate
principal amount equal to the aggregated stated  liquidation  amount of, with an
interest rate  identical to the Coupon Rate of, and accrued and unpaid  interest
equal  to  accrued  and  unpaid  Distributions  on such  Securities  until  such
certificates  are presented to the Debenture Issuer or its agent for transfer or
reissue.





                                                        56

<PAGE>



         (f) Redemption or Distribution Procedures.

         (i)  Notice  of  any  redemption  of,  or  notice  of  distribution  of
Debentures in exchange for the Securities (a  "Redemption/Distribution  Notice")
will be given by the Trust by mail to each Holder of  Securities  to be redeemed
or  exchanged  not fewer than 30 nor more than 60 days before the date fixed for
redemption or exchange  thereof which, in the case of a redemption,  will be the
date fixed for redemption of the Debentures.  For purposes of the calculation of
the date of  redemption  or  exchange  and the dates on which  notices are given
pursuant to this  Section  4(f)(i),  a  Redemption/Distribution  Notice shall be
deemed to be given on the day such notice is first mailed by  first-class  mail,
postage prepaid, to Holders of Securities. Each  Redemption/Distribution  Notice
shall be  addressed  to the  Holders of  Securities  at the address of each such
Holder  appearing  in the  books  and  records  of the  Trust.  No defect in the
Redemption/Distribution  Notice or in the mailing of either thereof with respect
to  any  Holder  shall  affect  the  validity  of  the  redemption  or  exchange
proceedings with respect to any other Holder.

         (ii) In the event that fewer than all the outstanding Securities are to
be redeemed,  the Securities to be redeemed shall be redeemed Pro Rata from each
Holder of Capital  Securities,  it being  understood that, in respect of Capital
Securities  registered in the name of and held of record by the Clearing  Agency
or  its  nominee  (or  any  successor  Clearing  Agency  or  its  nominee),  the
distribution  of the proceeds of such  redemption  will be made to each Clearing
Agency   Participant  (or  Person  on  whose  behalf  such  nominee  holds  such
securities) in accordance with the procedures applied by such agency or nominee.

         (iii)  If  Securities  are  to  be  redeemed  and  the  Trust  gives  a
Redemption/Distribution  Notice  (which  notice will be  irrevocable),  then (A)
while the Capital  Securities  are in global  form,  with respect to the Capital
Securities,  by 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the redemption date, provided
that the Debenture Issuer has paid the Property  Trustee a sufficient  amount of
cash in connection  with the related  redemption or maturity of the  Debentures,
the Property  Trustee will deposit  irrevocably  with the Clearing Agency or its
nominee (or successor  Clearing  Agency or its nominee) funds  sufficient to pay
the applicable  Redemption Price with respect to the Capital Securities and will
give the  Clearing  Agency  irrevocable  instructions  and  authority to pay the
Redemption Price to the Holders of the Capital Securities,  and (B) with respect
to Capital Securities issued in definitive form and Common Securities,  provided
that the Debenture Issuer has paid the Property  Trustee a sufficient  amount of
cash in connection  with the related  redemption or maturity of the  Debentures,
the Property  Trustee will pay the relevant  Redemption  Price to the Holders of
such Securities by check mailed to the address of the relevant Holder  appearing
on  the  books  and  records  of  the  Trust  on  the  redemption   date.  If  a
Redemption/Distribution  Notice  shall  have been given and funds  deposited  as
required,  then  immediately  prior to the close of business on the date of such
deposit,  Distributions  will  cease to accrue on the  Securities  so called for
redemption and all rights of Holders of such Securities so called for redemption
will cease,  except the right of the Holders of such  Securities  to receive the
Redemption  Price,  but without interest on such Redemption  Price.  Neither the
Regular  Trustees  nor the Trust  shall be  required  to register or cause to be
registered  the  transfer  of any  Securities  that  have  been  so  called  for
redemption. If any date fixed for

                                                        57

<PAGE>



redemption of  Securities is not a Business Day, then payment of the  Redemption
Price  payable  on such date will be made on the next  succeeding  day that is a
Business Day (and  without any interest or other  payment in respect of any such
delay) except that, if such Business Day falls in the next calendar  year,  such
payment will be made on the  immediately  preceding  Business  Day, in each case
with the same force and effect as if made on such date fixed for redemption.  If
the Debenture  Issuer fails to repay the Debentures on the date of redemption or
on maturity or if payment of the  Redemption  Price in respect of any Securities
is improperly withheld or refused and not paid either by the Property Trustee or
by the Sponsor as  guarantor  pursuant  to the  relevant  Securities  Guarantee,
Distributions  on such Securities will continue to accrue at the then applicable
rate from the original  redemption date to the actual date of payment,  in which
case the actual  payment date will be considered  the date fixed for  redemption
for purposes of calculating the Redemption Price.

         (iv)  Redemption/Distribution  Notices  shall  be sent  by the  Regular
Trustees on behalf of the Trust to (A) in respect of the Capital Securities, the
Clearing Agency or its nominee (or any successor Clearing Agency or its nominee)
if the Global  Certificates have been issued or, if Definitive  Capital Security
Certificates have been issued, to the Holder thereof,  and (B) in respect of the
Common Securities to the Holder thereof.

         (v) Subject to the foregoing and  applicable  law  (including,  without
limitation,  United States federal  securities  laws), the Sponsor or any of its
subsidiaries may at any time and from time to time purchase  outstanding Capital
Securities by tender, in the open market or by private agreement.

5. Voting Rights - Capital Securities.

         (a)  Except as  provided  under  Sections  5(b) and 7 and as  otherwise
required by law and the Declaration,  the Holders of the Capital Securities will
have no voting rights.

         (b)  Subject  to the  requirements  set  forth in this  paragraph,  the
Holders of a Majority in Liquidation  Amount of the Capital  Securities,  voting
separately as a class,  may direct the time,  method and place of conducting any
proceeding  for any remedy  available  to the  Property  Trustee,  or direct the
exercise of any trust or power  conferred  upon the Property  Trustee  under the
Declaration,  including the right to direct the Property  Trustee,  as Holder of
the Debentures,  to (i) exercise the remedies available under the Indenture with
respect to the Debentures, (ii) waive any past default and its consequences that
is waivable under the Indenture, or (iii) exercise any right to rescind or annul
a declaration that the principal of all the Debentures shall be due and payable,
or consent to any amendment, modification or termination of the Indenture or the
Debentures,  where such consent would be required; provided that where a consent
or action under the Indenture would require the consent or act of the Holders of
greater than a majority in principal  amount of Debentures  affected  thereby (a
"Super Majority"),  the Property Trustee may only give such consent or take such
action at the written  direction  of the Holders of at least the  proportion  in
liquidation  amount of the Capital  Securities which the relevant Super Majority
represents of the aggregate principal amount of the Debentures outstanding.  The
Property Trustee shall not revoke any action  previously  authorized or approved
by a vote of the Holders of the Capital  Securities.  Other than with respect to
directing the

                                                        58

<PAGE>



time,  method and place of conducting a proceeding  for any remedy  available to
the Property  Trustee or the Debenture  Trustee as set forth above, the Property
Trustee  shall not take any  action in  accordance  with the  directions  of the
Holders of the  Capital  Securities  under this  paragraph  unless the  Property
Trustee  has  obtained  an  opinion of tax  counsel  to the effect  that for the
purposes of United States federal income tax the Trust will not be classified as
other than a grantor  trust on account of such action.  If the Property  Trustee
fails to enforce its rights with  respect to the  Debentures  held by the Trust,
any Holder of Capital Securities may, to the extent permitted by applicable law,
institute legal proceedings directly against the Debenture Issuer to enforce the
Property  Trustee's  rights under the Debentures  without first  instituting any
legal  proceedings  against the Property  Trustee or any other person or entity.
Notwithstanding the foregoing,  if an Event of Default under the Declaration has
occurred and is continuing and such event is  attributable to the failure of the
Debenture  Issuer to pay interest or principal on the  Debentures  issued to the
Trust on the date such interest or principal is otherwise payable, then a Holder
of Capital Securities may institute a proceeding  directly against the Debenture
Issuer for enforcement of payment to the Holder of the Capital Securities of the
principal of or interest on the  Debentures on or after the respective due dates
specified in the Debentures,  and the amount of the payment will be based on the
Holder's  pro  rata  share of the  amount  due and  owing on all of the  Capital
Securities.

         Any approval or direction of Holders of Capital Securities may be given
at a  separate  meeting  of Holders  of  Capital  Securities  convened  for such
purpose,  at a  meeting  of all of the  Holders  of  Securities  in the Trust or
pursuant to written  consent.  The Regular  Trustees  will cause a notice of any
meeting at which Holders of Capital  Securities  are entitled to vote, or of any
matter upon which action by written  consent of such Holders is to be taken,  to
be mailed to each Holder of Capital Securities.  Each such notice will include a
statement  setting  forth (i) the date of such meeting or the date by which such
action  is to be  taken,  (ii) a  description  of any  resolution  proposed  for
adoption at such  meeting on which such  Holders are entitled to vote or of such
matter  upon which  written  consent is sought  and (iii)  instructions  for the
delivery of proxies or consents.

         No vote or consent of the  Holders of the  Capital  Securities  will be
required for the Trust to redeem and cancel Capital  Securities or to distribute
the  Debentures  in  accordance  with  the  Declaration  and  the  terms  of the
Securities.

         Notwithstanding that Holders of Capital Securities are entitled to vote
or consent under any of the  circumstances  described  above, any of the Capital
Securities  that are owned by the Sponsor or any  Affiliate of the Sponsor shall
not be  entitled  to vote or consent  and shall,  for  purposes  of such vote or
consent, be treated as if they were not outstanding.

6. Voting Rights - Common Securities.

         (a) Except as provided  under  Sections  6(b) and (c) and as  otherwise
required by law and the Declaration,  the Holders of the Common  Securities will
have no voting rights.


                                                        59

<PAGE>



         (b) The Holders of the Common  Securities  are entitled,  in accordance
with  Article V of the  Declaration,  to vote to appoint,  remove or replace any
Trustee or to increase or decrease the number of Trustees.

         (c) Subject to Section 2.6 of the  Declaration and only after the Event
of Default  with  respect to the Capital  Securities  has been cured,  waived or
otherwise  eliminated  and  subject  to  the  requirements  set  forth  in  this
paragraph,  the  Holders  of a  Majority  in  Liquidation  Amount of the  Common
Securities,  voting separately as a class, may direct the time, method and place
of conducting any proceeding for any remedy  available to the Property  Trustee,
or direct the exercise of any trust or power conferred upon the Property Trustee
under the Declaration,  including the right to direct the Property  Trustee,  as
Holder of the  Debentures,  to (i)  exercise the  remedies  available  under the
Indenture  with respect to the  Debentures,  (ii) waive any past default and its
consequences  that is waivable under the Indenture,  or (iii) exercise any right
to rescind or annul a declaration that the principal of all the Debentures shall
be due and payable, or consent to any amendment,  modification or termination of
the Indenture or the Debentures,  where such consent would be required; provided
that, where a consent or action under the Indenture would require the consent or
act of a Super Majority of the Holders of the Debentures  affected thereby,  the
Property  Trustee may only give such  consent or take such action at the written
direction of the Holders of at least the proportion in liquidation amount of the
Common Securities which the relevant Super Majority  represents of the aggregate
principal amount of the Debentures  outstanding.  The Property Trustee shall not
revoke any action previously  authorized or approved by a vote of the Holders of
the Common Securities. Other than with respect to directing the time, method and
place of  conducting  a  proceeding  for any remedy  available  to the  Property
Trustee or the Debenture  Trustee as set forth above, the Property Trustee shall
not take any action in  accordance  with the  directions  of the  Holders of the
Common  Securities under this paragraph unless the Property Trustee has obtained
an opinion of tax counsel to the effect that for the  purposes of United  States
federal  income  tax the Trust  will not be  classified  as other than a grantor
trust on account of such action.  If the Property  Trustee  fails to enforce its
rights with respect to the  Debentures  held by the Trust,  any Holder of Common
Securities  may, to the extent  permitted by  applicable  law,  institute  legal
proceedings  directly  against  the  Debenture  Issuer to enforce  the  Property
Trustee's  rights  under the  Debentures  without  first  instituting  any legal
proceedings  against  the  Property  Trustee  or any  other  person  or  entity.
Notwithstanding the foregoing,  if an Event of Default under the Declaration has
occurred and is continuing and such event is  attributable to the failure of the
Debenture  Issuer to pay interest or principal on the  Debentures  issued to the
Trust on the date such interest or principal is otherwise payable, then a Holder
of Common  Securities may institute a proceeding  directly against the Debenture
Issuer for enforcement of payment to the Holder of the Common  Securities of the
principal of or interest on the  Debentures on or after the respective due dates
specified in the Debentures,  and the amount of the payment will be based on the
Holder's  pro  rata  share of the  amount  due and  owing  on all of the  Common
Securities.

       Any approval or direction of Holders of Common Securities may be given at
a separate meeting of Holders of Common Securities convened for such purpose, at
a meeting  of all of the  Holders  of  Securities  in the Trust or  pursuant  to
written consent. The Regular Trustees will cause
                                                        60

<PAGE>



a notice of any meeting at which  Holders of Common  Securities  are entitled to
vote,  or of any matter upon which action by written  consent of such Holders is
to be taken, to be mailed to each Holder of Common Securities.  Each such notice
will include a statement  setting forth (i) the date of such meeting or the date
by which  such  action  is to be taken,  (ii) a  description  of any  resolution
proposed for adoption at such meeting on which such Holders are entitled to vote
or of such matter upon which  written  consent is sought and (iii)  instructions
for the delivery of proxies or consents.

         No vote or consent of the  Holders  of the  Common  Securities  will be
required for the Trust to redeem and cancel  Common  Securities or to distribute
the  Debentures  in  accordance  with  the  Declaration  and  the  terms  of the
Securities.

7. Amendments to Declaration and Indenture.

         (a)  In  addition  to  any  requirements  under  Section  12.1  of  the
Declaration,  if any proposed amendment to the Declaration  provides for, or the
Regular  Trustees  otherwise  propose  to  effect,  (i) any  action  that  would
adversely  affect the powers,  preferences or special rights of the  Securities,
whether  by way of  amendment  to the  Declaration  or  otherwise,  or (ii)  the
dissolution,  winding-up or termination of the Trust, other than as described in
Section  8.1 of the  Declaration,  then the  Holders of  outstanding  Securities
voting together as a single class, will be entitled to vote on such amendment or
proposal  (but not on any other  amendment  or proposal)  and such  amendment or
proposal  shall not be  effective  except with the approval of the Holders of at
least a Majority  in  Liquidation  Amount of the  Securities  affected  thereby,
voting  together as a single  class;  provided,  however,  if any  amendment  or
proposal  referred  to in  clause  (i) above  would  adversely  affect  only the
Preferred Securities or only the Common Securities, then only the affected class
will be entitled to vote on such  amendment  or proposal  and such  amendment or
proposal  shall not be  effective  except  with the  approval  of a Majority  in
Liquidation Amount of such class of Securities.

         (b) In the event the consent of the  Property  Trustee as the holder of
the  Debentures is required  under the Indenture  with respect to any amendment,
modification  or  termination of the Indenture or the  Debentures,  the Property
Trustee  shall  request the written  direction of the Holders of the  Securities
with respect to such amendment,  modification or termination and shall vote with
respect to such amendment, modification or termination as directed by a Majority
in  Liquidation  Amount of the  Securities  voting  together as a single  class;
provided,  however,  that where a consent under the Indenture  would require the
consent of a Super  Majority  of the  Holders of the  Debentures,  the  Property
Trustee may only give such  consent at the  direction of the Holders of at least
the proportion in liquidation  amount of the Securities which the relevant Super
Majority  represents  of  the  aggregate  principal  amount  of  the  Debentures
outstanding;  provided,  further,  that the Property  Trustee shall not take any
action in accordance with the directions of the Holders of the Securities  under
this  Section  7(b) unless the  Property  Trustee has obtained an opinion of tax
counsel to the effect that for the purposes of United States  federal income tax
the Trust will not be  classified  as other  than a grantor  trust on account of
such action.



                                                        61

<PAGE>



8. Pro Rata.

         A  reference  in  these  terms  of  the   Securities  to  any  payment,
distribution or treatment as being "Pro Rata" shall mean pro rata to each Holder
of Securities  according to the aggregate  liquidation  amount of the Securities
held by the relevant Holder in relation to the aggregate  liquidation  amount of
all Securities outstanding unless, in relation to a payment, an Event of Default
under the  Declaration  has occurred and is continuing,  in which case any funds
available to make such payment shall be paid first to each Holder of the Capital
Securities  pro rata  according to the aggregate  liquidation  amount of Capital
Securities  held by the relevant  Holder  relative to the aggregate  liquidation
amount of all Capital Securities outstanding, and only after satisfaction of all
amounts owed to the Holders of the Capital Securities,  to each Holder of Common
Securities  pro rata  according to the  aggregate  liquidation  amount of Common
Securities  held by the relevant  Holder  relative to the aggregate  liquidation
amount of all Common Securities outstanding. When the Property Trustee is making
payments  on the  Securities,  it is entitled to assume that no Event of Default
has occurred and is continuing  unless the Event of Default is actually known to
a Responsible Officer of the Property Trustee.

9. Ranking.

         The Capital  Securities  rank pari passu and payment  thereon  shall be
made Pro Rata with the Common  Securities except that, where an Event of Default
occurs and is continuing  under the Indenture in respect of the Debentures  held
by the  Property  Trustee,  the rights of Holders  of the Common  Securities  to
payment in respect of Distributions  and payments upon  liquidation,  redemption
and  otherwise are  subordinated  to the rights to payment of the Holders of the
Capital Securities.

10. Acceptance of Securities Guarantee and Indenture.

         Each  Holder  of  Capital  Securities  and  Common  Securities,  by the
acceptance thereof, agrees to the provisions of the Capital Securities Guarantee
and the Common Securities Guarantee,  respectively,  including the subordination
provisions therein and to the provisions of the Indenture and the Debentures.


                                                        62

<PAGE>




11. No Preemptive Rights.

         The  Holders  of the  Securities  shall  have no  preemptive  rights to
subscribe for any additional securities.

12. Miscellaneous.

         These terms constitute a part of the Declaration.

         The  Sponsor  will  provide  a copy  of the  Declaration,  the  Capital
Securities  Guarantee or the Common Securities Guarantee (as may be appropriate)
and the Indenture to a Holder without  charge on written  request to the Sponsor
at its principal place of business.


                                                        63

<PAGE>



                                   EXHIBIT A-1

                     FORM OF PREFERRED SECURITY CERTIFICATE

                  [IF  THE  PREFERRED  SECURITY  IS TO BE A  GLOBAL  CERTIFICATE
INSERT - This Preferred  Security is a Global  Certificate within the meaning of
the  Declaration  hereinafter  referred to and is  registered in the name of The
Depository Trust Company (the "Depository") or a nominee of the Depository. This
Preferred  Security is exchangeable for Preferred  Securities  registered in the
name of a person  other than the  Depository  or its nominee only in the limited
circumstances  described in the  Declaration  and no transfer of this  Preferred
Security  (other  than a transfer of this  Preferred  Security as a whole by the
Depository to a nominee of the  Depository or by a nominee of the  Depository to
the Depository or another nominee of the Depository) may be registered except in
limited circumstances.

                  Unless this Preferred Security  Certificate is presented by an
authorized  representative  of the  Depository  to the  Trust or its  agent  for
registration  of  transfer,  exchange or  payment,  and any  Preferred  Security
Certificate issued is registered in the name of Cede & Co. or such other name as
requested by an authorized  representative  of the  Depository  (and any payment
hereon  is made to Cede & Co. or to such  other  entity  as is  requested  by an
authorized representative of the Depository),  ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE
HEREOF  FOR  VALUE OR  OTHERWISE  BY OR TO ANY  PERSON  IS  WRONGFUL  since  the
registered owner hereof, Cede & Co., has an interest herein.]

Certificate Number                         Number of Preferred Securities


                                                         CUSIP NO.


Certificate Evidencing Preferred Securities
of
CONSECO FINANCING TRUST II

8.70% Capital Trust Pass-through Securities (TruPSSM)
(liquidation amount $1,000 per Security)

         CONSECO FINANCING TRUST II, a statutory business trust formed under the
laws  of  the  State  of  Delaware  (the   "Trust"),   hereby   certifies   that
_______________________________  (the  "Holder")  is  the  registered  owner  of
preferred securities of the Trust representing undivided beneficial interests in
the  assets  of the  Trust  designated  the  8.70%  Capital  Trust  Pass-through
Securities  (liquidation amount $1,000 per Security) (the "Capital Securities").
The Capital  Securities are  transferable on the books and records of the Trust,
in person or by a duly authorized  attorney,  upon surrender of this certificate
duly  endorsed  and in  proper  form  for  transfer.  The  designation,  rights,
privileges,  restrictions,  preferences  and other terms and  provisions  of the
Capital Securities

                                                      A1-1

<PAGE>



represented  hereby  are  issued  and shall in all  respects  be  subject to the
provisions of the Amended and Restated  Declaration  of Trust of the Trust dated
as of  November  22,  1996,  as the same may be  amended  from time to time (the
"Declaration"), including the designation of the terms of the Capital Securities
as set forth in Annex I to the  Declaration.  Capitalized  terms used herein but
not defined shall have the meaning given them in the Declaration.  The Holder is
entitled  to the  benefits  of the Capital  Securities  Guarantee  to the extent
provided  therein.  The  Sponsor  will  provide a copy of the  Declaration,  the
Capital  Securities  Guarantee and the Indenture to a Holder without charge upon
written request to the Sponsor at its principal place of business.

         Upon  receipt  of  this  certificate,   the  Holder  is  bound  by  the
Declaration and is entitled to the benefits thereunder.

         By  acceptance,  the Holder agrees to treat,  for United States federal
income tax purposes,  the Debentures as indebtedness and the Capital  Securities
as evidence of indirect beneficial ownership in the Debentures.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the Trust has executed this certificate this _____
day of ___________________, 199___.


                               CONSECO FINANCING TRUST II



                                By: _________________________________________
                                Name: ______________________________________
                                Title:  Regular Trustee


                                                      A1-2

<PAGE>



                          [FORM OF REVERSE OF SECURITY]

                  Distributions  payable on each Capital  Security will be fixed
at a rate per  annum of 8.70%  (the  "Coupon  Rate") of the  stated  liquidation
amount of $1,000 per Security,  such rate being the rate of interest  payable on
the Debentures to be held by the Property Trustee.  Distributions in arrears for
more  than  one  semiannual   period  will  bear  interest  thereon   compounded
semiannually at the Coupon Rate (to the extent permitted by applicable law). The
term  "Distributions"  as used herein includes such cash  distributions  and any
such interest payable unless otherwise stated. A Distribution is payable only to
the extent  that  payments  are made in respect  of the  Debentures  held by the
Property  Trustee and to the extent the  Property  Trustee  has funds  available
therefor.  The amount of  Distributions  payable for any period will be computed
for any full  semiannual  Distribution  period on the basis of a 360-day year of
twelve  30-day  months,  and  for  any  period  shorter  than a full  semiannual
Distribution period for which Distributions are computed,  Distributions will be
computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed per 30-day month.

                  Except as  otherwise  described  below,  distributions  on the
Capital  Securities  will be  cumulative,  will accrue from the date of original
issuance and will be payable  semiannually in arrears, on May 15 and November 15
of each year,  commencing on May 15, 1997,  which payment dates shall correspond
to the interest  payment dates on the Debentures.  The Debenture  Issuer has the
right  under the  Indenture  to defer  payments of  interest  by  extending  the
interest  payment  period from time to time on the  Debentures  for a period not
exceeding 10 consecutive semiannual periods (each an "Extension Period") and, as
a consequence of such  deferral,  Distributions  will also be deferred.  Despite
such deferral,  semiannual  Distributions  will continue to accrue with interest
thereon  (to  the  extent  permitted  by  applicable  law)  at the  Coupon  Rate
compounded   semiannually  during  any  such  Extension  Period.  Prior  to  the
termination  of any such  Extension  Period,  the  Debenture  Issuer may further
extend such Extension Period;  provided that such Extension Period together with
all such previous and further  extensions  thereof may not exceed 10 consecutive
semiannual periods. Payments of accrued Distributions will be payable to Holders
as they  appear on the books and  records of the Trust on the first  record date
after the end of the Extension  Period.  Upon the  termination  of any Extension
Period  and the  payment  of all  amounts  then due,  the  Debenture  Issuer may
commence a new Extension Period, subject to the above requirements.

                  The Capital  Securities shall be redeemable as provided in the
Declaration.



                                                      A1-3

<PAGE>



                                   ASSIGNMENT

FOR VALUE  RECEIVED,  the  undersigned  assigns  and  transfers  this  Preferred
Security Certificate to:

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

(Insert assignee's social security or tax identification number)

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

                    (Insert address and zip code of assignee)

and irrevocably appoints

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________  agent to  transfer  this  Preferred
Security Certificate on the books of the Trust. The agent may substitute another
to act for him or her.

Date: __________________

Signature: _____________________________
(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Preferred Security
Certificate)


                                                      A1-4

<PAGE>



                                   EXHIBIT A-2

                       FORM OF COMMON SECURITY CERTIFICATE


Certificate Number                             Number of Common Securities


                    Certificate Evidencing Common Securities
                                       of
                           CONSECO FINANCING TRUST II

8.70% Trust Common Securities
(liquidation amount $1,000 per Common Security)


                  CONSECO FINANCING TRUST II, a statutory  business trust formed
under the laws of the State of Delaware (the  "Trust"),  hereby  certifies  that
___________________  (the "Holder") is the registered owner of common securities
of the Trust representing common undivided beneficial interests in the assets of
the Trust  designated  the 8.70% Trust  Common  Securities  (liquidation  amount
$1,000 per Common Security) (the "Common Securities"). The Common Securities are
transferable  on the  books and  records  of the  Trust,  in person or by a duly
authorized  attorney,  upon surrender of this  certificate  duly endorsed and in
proper form for transfer.  The designation,  rights,  privileges,  restrictions,
preferences and other terms and provisions of the Common Securities  represented
hereby are issued and shall in all respects be subject to the  provisions of the
Amended and Restated  Declaration of Trust of the Trust dated as of November 22,
1996,  as the  same  may be  amended  from  time  to time  (the  "Declaration"),
including the designation of the terms of the Common  Securities as set forth in
Annex I to the Declaration.  Capitalized terms used herein but not defined shall
have the meaning  given them in the  Declaration.  The Holder is entitled to the
benefits of the Common Securities  Guarantee to the extent provided therein. The
Sponsor will provide a copy of the Declaration,  the Common Securities Guarantee
and the Indenture to a Holder without charge upon written request to the Sponsor
at its principal place of business.

                  Upon receipt of this  certificate,  the Holder is bound by the
Declaration and is entitled to the benefits thereunder.

                  By acceptance,  the Holder agrees to treat,  for United States
federal  income tax  purposes,  the  Debentures as  indebtedness  and the Common
Securities as evidence of indirect beneficial ownership in the Debentures.


                                                   A2-1

G:\LEGAL\RRD\PUBLOFF\CFTII2AM.DEC

<PAGE>



         IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the Trust has executed this certificate this _____
day of ________________, 199___.




                                  CONSECO FINANCING TRUST II


                                   By:_______________________________
                                   Name:_____________________________
                                   Title:  Regular Trustee































                                                       A2-2


G:\LEGAL\RRD\PUBLOFF\CFTII2AM.DEC

<PAGE>



                          [FORM OF REVERSE OF SECURITY]

                  Distributions payable on each Common Security will be fixed at
a rate per annum of 8.70% (the "Coupon Rate") of the stated  liquidation  amount
of $1,000 per Common  Security,  such rate being the rate of interest payable on
the Debentures to be held by the Property Trustee.  Distributions in arrears for
more  than  one  semiannual   period  will  bear  interest  thereon   compounded
semiannually at the Coupon Rate (to the extent permitted by applicable law). The
term  "Distributions"  as used herein includes such cash  distributions  and any
such interest payable unless otherwise stated. A Distribution is payable only to
the extent  that  payments  are made in respect  of the  Debentures  held by the
Property  Trustee and to the extent the  Property  Trustee  has funds  available
therefor.  The amount of  Distributions  payable for any period will be computed
for any full  quarterly  Distribution  period on the basis of a 360-day  year of
twelve  30-day  months,  and  for  any  period  shorter  than a full  semiannual
Distribution period for which Distributions are computed,  Distributions will be
computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed per 30-day month.

                  Except as  otherwise  described  below,  distributions  on the
Common  Securities  will be  cumulative,  will  accrue from the date of original
issuance and will be payable  semiannually in arrears, on May 15 and November 15
of each year,  commencing  on May 15, 1997, to Holders of record on a date to be
selected by the Regular Trustees, which dates shall be at least one Business Day
but less than 60 Business Days before the relevant payment dates,  which payment
dates shall  correspond  to the interest  payment dates on the  Debentures.  The
Debentures  Issuer  has the  right  under the  Indenture  to defer  payments  of
interest  by  extending  the  interest  payment  period from time to time on the
Debentures for a period not exceeding 10 consecutive semiannual periods (each an
"Extension  Period") and, as a consequence of such deferral,  Distributions will
also be deferred. Despite such deferral,  semiannual Distributions will continue
to accrue with interest  thereon (to the extent  permitted by applicable law) at
the Coupon Rate compounded  semiannually during any such Extension Period. Prior
to the  termination  of any such  Extension  Period,  the  Debenture  Issuer may
further  extend such  Extension  Period;  provided  that such  Extension  Period
together with all such previous and further extensions thereof may not exceed 10
consecutive  semiannual  periods.  Payments  of  accrued  Distributions  will be
payable to Holders as they  appear on the books and  records of the Trust on the
first record date after the end of the Extension Period. Upon the termination of
any  Extension  Period and the Payment of all amounts  then due,  the  Debenture
Issuer may commence a new Extension Period, subject to the above requirements.

                  The Common  Securities  shall be redeemable as provided in the
Declaration.





                                                       A2-3


G:\LEGAL\RRD\PUBLOFF\CFTII2AM.DEC

<PAGE>


ASSIGNMENT

FOR VALUE RECEIVED,  the undersigned  assigns and transfers this Common Security
Certificate to:

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

(Insert assignee's social security or tax identification number)

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

(Insert address and zip code of assignee)

and irrevocably appoints

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________agent to transfer
this Common Security Certificate on the books of the Trust.  The agent may
substitute another to act for
him or her.

Date: ________________________

Signature: ______________________
(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Common Security
Certificate)

















                                                       A2-4

G:\LEGAL\RRD\PUBLOFF\CFTII2AM.DEC




         This Preferred  Security is a Global  Certificate within the meaning of
the  Declaration  hereinafter  referred to and is  registered in the name of The
Depository Trust Company (the "Depository") or a nominee of the Depository. This
Preferred  Security is exchangeable for Preferred  Securities  registered in the
name of a person  other than the  Depository  or its nominee only in the limited
circumstances  described in the  Declaration  and no transfer of this  Preferred
Security  (other  than a transfer of this  Preferred  Security as a whole by the
Depository to a nominee of the  Depository or by a nominee of the  Depository to
the Depository or another nominee of the Depository) may be registered except in
limited circumstances.

         Unless  this  Preferred   Security   Certificate  is  presented  by  an
authorized  representative  of the  Depository  to the  Trust or its  agent  for
registration  of  transfer,  exchange or  payment,  and any  Preferred  Security
Certificate issued is registered in the name of Cede & Co. or such other name as
requested by an authorized  representative  of the  Depository  (and any payment
hereon  is made to Cede & Co. or to such  other  entity  as is  requested  by an
authorized representative of the Depository),  ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE
HEREOF  FOR  VALUE OR  OTHERWISE  BY OR TO ANY  PERSON  IS  WRONGFUL  since  the
registered owner hereof, Cede & Co., has an interest herein.

Certificate Number                            Number of Preferred Securities
            1                                             325,000

                              CUSIP NO. 20846G AA 8


                  Certificate Evidencing Preferred Securities
                                       of
                           CONSECO FINANCING TRUST II

             8.70% Capital Trust Pass-through Securities (TruPSSM)
                    (liquidation amount $1,000 per Security)

         CONSECO FINANCING TRUST II, a statutory business trust formed under the
laws of the State of Delaware (the  "Trust"),  hereby  certifies that Cede & Co.
(the  "Holder") is the  registered  owner of preferred  securities  of the Trust
representing   undivided  beneficial  interests  in  the  assets  of  the  Trust
designated the 8.70% Capital Trust Pass-through  Securities  (liquidation amount
$1,000 per Security)  (the "Capital  Securities").  The Capital  Securities  are
transferable  on the  books and  records  of the  Trust,  in person or by a duly
authorized  attorney,  upon surrender of this  certificate  duly endorsed and in
proper form for transfer.  The designation,  rights,  privileges,  restrictions,
preferences and other terms and provisions of the Capital Securities represented
hereby are issued and shall in all respects be subject to the  provisions of the
Amended and Restated  Declaration of Trust of the Trust dated as of November 22,
1996,  as the  same  may be  amended  from  time  to time  (the  "Declaration"),
including the designation of the terms of the Capital Securities as set forth in
Annex I to the Declaration.  Capitalized terms used herein but not defined shall
have the meaning given them in the Declaration. The

bi 271635.1 99980 00100
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                                                      1

<PAGE>



Holder is entitled to the  benefits of the Capital  Securities  Guarantee to the
extent provided therein. The Sponsor will provide a copy of the Declaration, the
Capital  Securities  Guarantee and the Indenture to a Holder without charge upon
written request to the Sponsor at its principal place of business.

         Upon  receipt  of  this  certificate,   the  Holder  is  bound  by  the
Declaration and is entitled to the benefits thereunder.

         By  acceptance,  the Holder agrees to treat,  for United States federal
income tax purposes,  the Debentures as indebtedness and the Capital  Securities
as evidence of indirect beneficial ownership in the Debentures.

         IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the Trust has executed this certificate this 27th
day of November, 1996.


                                       CONSECO FINANCING TRUST II



                                  By:  /s/ ROLLIN M. DICK
                                       ------------------------
                                       Name: Rollin M. Dick
                                       Title:   Regular Trustee



bi 271635.1 99980 00100
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                                                      2

<PAGE>




                  Distributions  payable on each Capital  Security will be fixed
at a rate per  annum of 8.70%  (the  "Coupon  Rate") of the  stated  liquidation
amount of $1,000 per Security,  such rate being the rate of interest  payable on
the Debentures to be held by the Property Trustee.  Distributions in arrears for
more  than  one  semiannual   period  will  bear  interest  thereon   compounded
semiannually at the Coupon Rate (to the extent permitted by applicable law). The
term  "Distributions"  as used herein includes such cash  distributions  and any
such interest payable unless otherwise stated. A Distribution is payable only to
the extent  that  payments  are made in respect  of the  Debentures  held by the
Property  Trustee and to the extent the  Property  Trustee  has funds  available
therefor.  The amount of  Distributions  payable for any period will be computed
for any full  semiannual  Distribution  period on the basis of a 360-day year of
twelve  30-day  months,  and  for  any  period  shorter  than a full  semiannual
Distribution period for which Distributions are computed,  Distributions will be
computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed per 30-day month.

                  Except as  otherwise  described  below,  distributions  on the
Capital  Securities  will be  cumulative,  will accrue from the date of original
issuance and will be payable  semiannually in arrears, on May 15 and November 15
of each year,  commencing on May 15, 1997,  which payment dates shall correspond
to the interest  payment dates on the Debentures.  The Debenture  Issuer has the
right  under the  Indenture  to defer  payments of  interest  by  extending  the
interest  payment  period from time to time on the  Debentures  for a period not
exceeding 10 consecutive semiannual periods (each an "Extension Period") and, as
a consequence of such  deferral,  Distributions  will also be deferred.  Despite
such deferral,  semiannual  Distributions  will continue to accrue with interest
thereon  (to  the  extent  permitted  by  applicable  law)  at the  Coupon  Rate
compounded   semiannually  during  any  such  Extension  Period.  Prior  to  the
termination  of any such  Extension  Period,  the  Debenture  Issuer may further
extend such Extension Period;  provided that such Extension Period together with
all such previous and further  extensions  thereof may not exceed 10 consecutive
semiannual periods. Payments of accrued Distributions will be payable to Holders
as they  appear on the books and  records of the Trust on the first  record date
after the end of the Extension  Period.  Upon the  termination  of any Extension
Period  and the  payment  of all  amounts  then due,  the  Debenture  Issuer may
commence a new Extension Period, subject to the above requirements.

                  The Capital  Securities shall be redeemable as provided in the
Declaration.



bi 271635.1 99980 00100
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                                                      3

<PAGE>


                                   ASSIGNMENT

FOR VALUE  RECEIVED,  the  undersigned  assigns  and  transfers  this  Preferred
Security Certificate to:

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Insert assignee's social security or tax identification number)

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    (Insert address and zip code of assignee)

and irrevocably appoints
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
___________________________________________  agent to  transfer  this  Preferred
Security Certificate on the books of the Trust. The agent may substitute another
to act for him or her.

Date: __________________

Signature: _____________________________
(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Preferred Security
Certificate)


bi 271635.1 99980 00100
11/27/96 9:04 am
                                                      4




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



                     CAPITAL SECURITIES GUARANTEE AGREEMENT

                           CONSECO FINANCING TRUST II




                          Dated as of November 27, 1996



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




<PAGE>



                             CROSS REFERENCE TABLE*

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Section of Trust                                                                                         Section of
Indenture Act of                                                                                          Guarantee
1939, as amended                                                                                          Agreement
- ----------------                                                                                          ---------
<S>                                                                                                       <C>   
310(a) ......................................................................................................4.1(a)
310(b) ......................................................................................................4.1(c)
310(c) ................................................................................................Inapplicable
311(a) ......................................................................................................2.2(b)
311(b) ......................................................................................................2.2(b)
311(c) ................................................................................................Inapplicable
312(a) ......................................................................................................2.2(a)
312(b) ......................................................................................................2.2(b)
312(c) ......................................................................................................2.9
313(a) ......................................................................................................2.3
313(b) ......................................................................................................2.3
313(c) ......................................................................................................2.3
313(d) ......................................................................................................2.3
314(a) ......................................................................................................2.4
314(b) ................................................................................................Inapplicable
314(c) ......................................................................................................2.5
314(d) ................................................................................................Inapplicable
314(e) .........................................................................................................2.5
314(f) ................................................................................................Inapplicable
315(a) ..............................................................................................3.1(d); 3.2(a)
315(b) ......................................................................................................2.7(a)
315(c) ......................................................................................................3.1(c)
315(d) ......................................................................................................3.1(d)
316(a) .................................................................................................2.6; 5.4(a)
317(a) ...................................................................................................2.10; 5.4
318(a) ......................................................................................................2.1(b)






- ----------------------
<FN>

* This Cross-Reference Table does not constitute part of the Guarantee Agreement
and shall not have any bearing  upon the  interpretation  of any of its terms or
provisions.
</FN>

</TABLE>



<PAGE>



                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                    ARTICLE I INTERPRETATION AND DEFINITIONS

        <S>               <C>                                                                                   <C>   

         SECTION 1.1       Interpretation and Definitions.........................................................1

                         ARTICLE II TRUST INDENTURE ACT

         SECTION 2.1       Trust Indenture Act; Application.......................................................4
         SECTION 2.2       Lists of Holders of Securities.........................................................4
         SECTION 2.3       Reports by Capital Guarantee Trustee...................................................5
         SECTION 2.4       Periodic Reports to Capital Guarantee Trustee..........................................5
         SECTION 2.5       Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent.......................................5
         SECTION 2.6       Guarantee Event of Default; Waiver.....................................................5
         SECTION 2.7       Guarantee Event of Default; Notice.....................................................5
         SECTION 2.8       Conflicting Interests..................................................................5

                        ARTICLE III POWERS, DUTIES AND RIGHTS OF CAPITAL GUARANTEE TRUSTEE

         SECTION 3.1       Powers and Duties of Capital Guarantee Trustee.........................................6
         SECTION 3.2       Certain Rights of Capital Guarantee Trustee............................................7
         SECTION 3.3       Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Guarantee..................................8

                      ARTICLE IV CAPITAL GUARANTEE TRUSTEE

         SECTION 4.1       Capital Guarantee Trustee; Eligibility.................................................9
         SECTION 4.2       Appointment, Removal and Resignation of Capital Guarantee Trustee......................9

                               ARTICLE V GUARANTEE

         SECTION 5.1       Guarantee.............................................................................10
         SECTION 5.2       Waiver of Notice and Demand...........................................................10
         SECTION 5.3       Obligations Not Affected..............................................................10
         SECTION 5.4       Rights of Holders.....................................................................11
         SECTION 5.5       Guarantee of Payment..................................................................12
         SECTION 5.6       Subrogation...........................................................................12
         SECTION 5.7       Independent Obligations...............................................................12

              ARTICLE VI LIMITATION OF TRANSACTIONS; SUBORDINATION

         SECTION 6.1       Limitation of Transactions............................................................12
         SECTION 6.2       Ranking...............................................................................13

                             ARTICLE VII TERMINATION

         SECTION 7.1       Termination...........................................................................13

                          ARTICLE VIII INDEMNIFICATION

         SECTION 8.1       Exculpation...........................................................................13
         SECTION 8.2       Indemnification.......................................................................14


                                        i

<PAGE>



                            ARTICLE IX MISCELLANEOUS

         SECTION 9.1       Successors and Assigns................................................................14
         SECTION 9.2       Amendments............................................................................14
         SECTION 9.3       Notices...............................................................................14
         SECTION 9.4       Benefit...............................................................................15
         SECTION 9.5       Governing Law.........................................................................15


                                       ii
</TABLE>

<PAGE>



                     CAPITAL SECURITIES GUARANTEE AGREEMENT


         This GUARANTEE AGREEMENT (the "Capital Securities Guarantee"), dated as
of November 27, 1996,  is executed and  delivered by Conseco,  Inc.,  an Indiana
corporation (the "Guarantor"), and Fleet National Bank, as trustee (the "Capital
Guarantee  Trustee"),  for the benefit of the Holders (as defined  herein)  from
time to time of the Capital  Securities (as defined herein) of Conseco Financing
Trust II, a Delaware statutory business trust (the "Issuer").

         WHEREAS, pursuant to the Declaration (as defined herein), the Issuer is
issuing on the date hereof  325,000  preferred  securities,  having an aggregate
liquidation   amount  of  $325,000,000,   designated  the  8.70%  Capital  Trust
Pass-through Securities (the "Capital Securities");

         WHEREAS,   as  incentive  for  the  Holders  to  purchase  the  Capital
Securities,  the Guarantor desires  irrevocably and unconditionally to agree, to
the extent set forth in this Capital Securities Guarantee, to pay to the Holders
of the Capital Securities the Guarantee Payments (as defined herein) and to make
certain other payments on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and

         WHEREAS,  the Guarantor is also  executing  and  delivering a guarantee
agreement (as amended,  modified or supplemented  from time to time, the "Common
Securities  Guarantee")  in  substantially   identical  terms  to  this  Capital
Securities Guarantee for the benefit of the holders of the Common Securities (as
defined  herein),  except  that  if an  Event  of  Default  (as  defined  in the
Declaration),  has  occurred  and is  continuing,  the  rights of holders of the
Common Securities to receive payments under the Common Securities  Guarantee are
subordinated to the rights of Holders of Capital Securities to receive Guarantee
Payments under this Capital Securities Guarantee.

         NOW,  THEREFORE,  in  consideration  of the  purchase by each Holder of
Capital Securities, which purchase the Guarantor hereby agrees shall benefit the
Guarantor, the Guarantor executes and delivers this Capital Securities Guarantee
for the benefit of the Holders.


                                    ARTICLE I
                         INTERPRETATION AND DEFINITIONS


SECTION 1.1       Interpretation and Definitions.

         In this  Capital  Securities  Guarantee,  unless the context  otherwise
requires:


         (a) capitalized terms used in this Capital Securities Guarantee but not
defined in the preamble above have the respective  meanings  assigned to them in
this Section 1.1;

         (b)      a term defined anywhere in this Capital Securities Guarantee 
has the same meaning throughout;

         (c) all  references  to "the  Capital  Securities  Guarantee"  or "this
Capital  Securities  Guarantee"  are to this  Capital  Securities  Guarantee  as
modified, supplemented or amended from time to time;

         (d) all references in this Capital Securities Guarantee to Articles 
and Sections are to Articles and Sections of this Capital Securities  Guarantee,
unless otherwise specified;

         (e) a term defined in the Trust Indenture Act has the same meaning when
used in this Capital  Securities  Guarantee,  unless  otherwise  defined in this
Capital Securities Guarantee or unless the context otherwise requires; and

         (f) a reference to the singular includes the plural and vice versa.

                                                         1

<PAGE>



         "Affiliate"  has the same  meaning as given to that term in Rule 405 of
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any successor rule thereunder.

         "Base  Indenture" means the Indenture dated November 14, 1996 among the
Guarantor  (the  "Debenture  Issuer") and Fleet  National  Bank, as trustee,  as
supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 14, 1996.

         "Business  Day"  means  any  day  other  than  a day on  which  banking
institutions  in New York, New York or in the city of the Corporate Trust Office
are authorized or required by law to close.

         "Common Securities" means the securities  representing common undivided
beneficial interests in the assets of the Issuer.

         "Corporate  Trust  Office"  means the office of the  Capital  Guarantee
Trustee at which the corporate trust business of the Capital  Guarantee  Trustee
shall, at any particular time, be principally administered,  which office at the
date of execution of this  Capital  Securities  Guarantee is located at 777 Main
Street, Hartford, Connecticut 06115, Attention: Corporate Trust Administration.

         "Covered Person" means any Holder or beneficial owner of Capital 
Securities.

         "Debentures"  means the  series  of  subordinated  deferrable  interest
debentures  to be  issued by the  Guarantor  designated  the 8.70%  Subordinated
Deferrable Interest Debentures due 2026 held by the Property Trustee (as defined
in the Declaration) of the Issuer.

         "Declaration"  means the Amended  and  Restated  Declaration  of Trust,
dated as of November 22, 1996, as amended, modified or supplemented from time to
time, among the trustees of the Issuer named therein, the Guarantor, as sponsor,
and the  Holders  from time to time of  undivided  beneficial  interests  in the
assets of the Issuer.

         "Guarantee Event of Default" means a default by the Guarantor on any of
its payment or other obligations under this Capital Securities Guarantee.

         "Guarantee  Payments"  means the following  payments or  distributions,
without duplication,  with respect to the Capital Securities,  to the extent not
paid or made by the Issuer: (i) any accrued and unpaid Distributions (as defined
in the Declaration)  that are required to be paid on such Capital  Securities to
the extent the Issuer shall have funds available  therefor,  (ii) the redemption
price,  including all accrued and unpaid Distributions to the date of redemption
and the  Make-Whole  Premium (as defined in the  Declaration)  (the  "Redemption
Price") to the extent the Issuer has funds available  therefor,  with respect to
any Capital  Securities  called for  redemption by the Issuer,  and (iii) upon a
voluntary or  involuntary  dissolution,  winding-up or termination of the Issuer
(other than in connection with the  distribution of Debentures to the Holders in
exchange for Capital Securities as provided in the Declaration or the redemption
of all the Capital  Securities  upon maturity or redemption of the Debentures as
provided in the Declaration), the lesser of (a) the aggregate of the liquidation
amount  plus any amount  payable as a result of the  Make-Whole  Premium and all
accrued  and  unpaid  Distributions  on the  Capital  Securities  to the date of
payment, to the extent the Issuer shall have funds available  therefor,  and (b)
the amount of assets of the  Issuer  remaining  available  for  distribution  to
Holders  in  liquidation  of  the  Issuer  (in  either  case,  the  "Liquidation
Distribution").  If an Event of  Default  (as  defined in the  Declaration)  has
occurred and is  continuing,  the rights of holders of the Common  Securities to
receive payments under the Common  Securities  Guarantee are subordinated to the
rights of Holders of Capital Securities to receive Guarantee Payments under this
Capital Securities Guarantee.


                                                         2

<PAGE>




         "Holder" shall mean any holder,  as registered on the books and records
of the Issuer of any Capital Securities; provided, however, that, in determining
whether the holders of the requisite percentage of Capital Securities have given
any request, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, "Holder" shall not include the
Guarantor or any  Affiliate of the  Guarantor;  and  provided  further,  that in
determining  whether the Holders of the requisite  liquidation amount of Capital
Securities  have voted on any matter  provided  for in this  Capital  Securities
Guarantee,  then for the  purpose  of such  determination  only (and not for any
other purpose hereunder), if the Capital Securities remain in the form of one or
more Global  Certificates  (as defined in the  Declaration),  the term "Holders"
shall mean the holder of the Global  Certificate  acting at the direction of the
Capital Security Beneficial Owners (as defined in the Declaration).

         "Indemnified Person" means the Capital Guarantee Trustee, any Affiliate
of the Capital  Guarantee  Trustee,  or any officers,  directors,  shareholders,
members, partners, employees, representatives, nominees, custodians or agents of
the Capital Guarantee Trustee.

         "Indenture"  means the Base  Indenture and any  indenture  supplemental
thereto  pursuant  to which the  Debentures  are to be  issued  to the  Property
Trustee (as defined in the Declaration) of the Issuer.

         "Majority  in  Liquidation  Amount of the  Capital  Securities"  means,
except  as  provided  in the  terms of the  Capital  Securities  or by the Trust
Indenture Act, Holder(s) of outstanding Capital Securities, voting separately as
a  class,  who  are  the  record  holders  of  more  than  50% of the  aggregate
liquidation   amount  (including  the  stated  amount  that  would  be  paid  on
redemption,  liquidation or otherwise,  plus accrued and unpaid Distributions to
the date upon which the voting  percentages  are  determined) of all outstanding
Capital  Securities.  In determining whether the Holders of the requisite amount
of Capital  Securities  have voted,  Capital  Securities  which are owned by the
Guarantor or any  Affiliate of the Guarantor or any other obligor on the Capital
Securities  shall  be  disregarded  (to the  extent  known to be so owned by the
Capital Guarantee Trustee) for the purpose of any such determination.

         "Officers'   Certificate"   means,   with  respect  to  any  Person,  a
certificate signed by two Authorized Officers (as defined in the Declaration) of
such Person. Any Officers' Certificate delivered with respect to compliance with
a condition or covenant provided for in this Capital Securities  Guarantee shall
include:

         (a) a statement that each officer signing the Officers' Certificate 
has read the covenant or condition and the definitions relating thereto;

         (b) a brief statement of the nature and scope of the examination or 
investigation undertaken by each officer in rendering the Officers' Certificate;

         (c) a statement  that each such  officer has made such  examination  or
investigation as, in such officer's opinion, is necessary to enable such officer
to express an informed  opinion as to whether or not such  covenant or condition
has been complied with; and

         (d) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such officer,
such condition or covenant has been complied with.

         "Person" means a legal person,  including any individual,  corporation,
estate, partnership,  joint venture,  association,  joint stock company, limited
liability  company,  trust,  unincorporated  association,  or  government or any
agency or political subdivision thereof, or any other entity of whatever nature.



                                                         3

<PAGE>



         "Capital   Guarantee  Trustee"  means  Fleet  National  Bank,  until  a
Successor  Capital  Guarantee  Trustee has been  appointed and has accepted such
appointment  pursuant  to the terms of this  Capital  Securities  Guarantee  and
thereafter means each such Successor Capital Guarantee Trustee.

         "Responsible  Officer"  means,  with  respect to the Capital  Guarantee
Trustee,  any officer within the Corporate Trust Office of the Capital Guarantee
Trustee,  including  any  vice-president,   any  assistant  vice-president,  the
secretary,  any assistant secretary,  the treasurer,  any assistant treasurer or
other officer of the  Corporate  Trust Office of the Capital  Guarantee  Trustee
customarily  performing functions similar to those performed by any of the above
designated officers and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust
matter,  any other  officer  to whom such  matter is  referred  because  of that
officer's knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.

         "Successor   Capital  Guarantee  Trustee"  means  a  successor  Capital
Guarantee  Trustee  possessing the  qualifications  to act as Capital  Guarantee
Trustee under Section 4.1.

         "Trust Indenture Act" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended
from time to time, or any successor legislation.


                                   ARTICLE II
                               TRUST INDENTURE ACT


SECTION 2.1       Trust Indenture Act; Application.

         (a) This Capital  Securities  Guarantee is subject to the provisions of
the Trust Indenture Act that are required to be part of this Capital  Securities
Guarantee and shall, to the extent applicable, be governed by such provisions.

         (b) If and to the extent that any provision of this Capital  Securities
Guarantee limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by Sections 310
to 317,  inclusive,  of the Trust  Indenture  Act,  such  imposed  duties  shall
control.

SECTION 2.2       Lists of Holders of Securities.

         (a) The Guarantor  shall provide the Capital  Guarantee  Trustee with a
list, in such form as the Capital Guarantee Trustee may reasonably  require,  of
the names and  addresses  of the  Holders of the  Capital  Securities  ("List of
Holders"),  (i) within one Business Day after January 1 and June 30 of each year
and  current  as of such  date,  and (ii) at any other  time,  within 30 days of
receipt by the Guarantor of a written request from the Capital Guarantee Trustee
for a List of  Holders  as of a date no more  than 14 days  before  such List of
Holders is given to the Capital Guarantee Trustee;  provided, that the Guarantor
shall not be  obligated  to provide such List of Holders at any time the List of
Holders  does not  differ  from the most  recent  List of  Holders  given to the
Capital Guarantee Trustee by the Guarantor.  The Capital Guarantee Trustee shall
preserve,  in as current a form as is reasonably  practicable,  all  information
contained in Lists of Holders given to it, provided that it may destroy any List
of Holders previously given to it on receipt of a new List of Holders.

         (b) The Capital  Guarantee  Trustee  shall comply with its  obligations
under Section 311(a), 311(b) and Section 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.



                                                         4

<PAGE>



SECTION 2.3       Reports by Capital Guarantee Trustee.

         Within 60 days after May 15 of each year  (commencing  with the year of
the first  anniversary of the issuance of the Capital  Securities),  the Capital
Guarantee  Trustee shall provide to the Holders of the Capital  Securities  such
reports as are  required by Section 313 of the Trust  Indenture  Act, if any, in
the form and in the manner  provided by Section 313 of the Trust  Indenture Act.
The Capital Guarantee Trustee shall also comply with the requirements of Section
313(d) of the Trust Indenture Act.

SECTION 2.4       Periodic Reports to Capital Guarantee Trustee.

         The  Guarantor  shall  provide to the Capital  Guarantee  Trustee  such
documents,  reports and  information  as required by Section 314 (if any) of the
Trust  Indenture Act and the compliance  certificate  required by Section 314 of
the Trust  Indenture Act in the form, in the manner and at the times required by
Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act.

SECTION 2.5       Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent.

         The  Guarantor  shall  provide to the Capital  Guarantee  Trustee  such
evidence  of  compliance  with any  conditions  precedent  provided  for in this
Capital  Securities  Guarantee  that  relate to any of the  matters set forth in
Section 314(c) of the Trust Indenture Act. Any  certificate or opinion  required
to be given by an officer pursuant to Section 314(c)(1) may be given in the form
of an Officers' Certificate.

SECTION 2.6       Guarantee Event of Default; Waiver.

         The  Holders  of a  Majority  in  Liquidation  Amount  of  the  Capital
Securities  may,  by  vote,  on  behalf  of the  Holders  of all of the  Capital
Securities, waive any past Guarantee Event of Default and its consequences. Upon
such waiver,  any such Guarantee Event of Default shall cease to exist,  and any
Guarantee Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured,
for every purpose of this Capital Securities Guarantee, but no such waiver shall
extend to any  subsequent  or other  default  or  Guarantee  Event of Default or
impair any right consequent thereon.

SECTION 2.7       Guarantee Event of Default; Notice.

         (a) The  Capital  Guarantee  Trustee  shall,  within 90 days  after the
occurrence  of a  Guarantee  Event of  Default,  transmit  by mail,  first class
postage  prepaid,  to the  Holders  of the  Capital  Securities,  notices of all
Guarantee  Events of  Default  actually  known to a  Responsible  Officer of the
Capital  Guarantee  Trustee,  unless such  defaults  have been cured  before the
giving of such notice;  provided,  that the Capital  Guarantee  Trustee shall be
protected in withholding such notice if and so long as a Responsible  Officer of
the Capital  Guarantee  Trustee in good faith determines that the withholding of
such notice is in the interests of the Holders of the Capital Securities.

         (b) The Capital Guarantee Trustee shall not be deemed to have knowledge
of any Guarantee  Event of Default  unless the Capital  Guarantee  Trustee shall
have received  written notice thereof,  or a Responsible  Officer of the Capital
Guarantee Trustee charged with the  administration of the Declaration shall have
obtained actual knowledge thereof.

SECTION 2.8       Conflicting Interests

         The Declaration  shall be deemed to be  specifically  described in this
Capital Securities Guarantee for the purposes of clause (i) of the first proviso
contained in Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.



                                                         5

<PAGE>



                                   ARTICLE III
                          POWERS, DUTIES AND RIGHTS OF
                            CAPITAL GUARANTEE TRUSTEE


SECTION 3.1       Powers and Duties of Capital Guarantee Trustee.

         (a) This  Capital  Securities  Guarantee  shall be held by the  Capital
Guarantee  Trustee on behalf of the Issuer for the benefit of the Holders of the
Capital  Securities,  and the Capital  Guarantee Trustee shall not transfer this
Capital Securities Guarantee to any Person except a Holder of Capital Securities
exercising  his or her  rights  pursuant  to  Section  5.4(b) or to a  Successor
Capital  Guarantee  Trustee on acceptance by such  Successor  Capital  Guarantee
Trustee of its appointment to act as Successor  Capital Guarantee  Trustee.  The
right,  title and  interest  of the  Capital  Guarantee  Trustee  in and to this
Capital Securities  Guarantee shall  automatically vest in any Successor Capital
Guarantee  Trustee,  and such vesting and  cessation of title shall be effective
whether or not conveyancing  documents have been executed and delivered pursuant
to the appointment of such Successor Capital Guarantee Trustee.

         (b) If a Guarantee  Event of Default  actually  known to a  Responsible
Officer of the Capital  Guarantee  Trustee has occurred and is  continuing,  the
Capital  Guarantee Trustee shall enforce this Capital  Securities  Guarantee for
the benefit of the Holders of the Capital Securities.

         (c)  The  Capital  Guarantee  Trustee,  before  the  occurrence  of any
Guarantee  Event of  Default  and after the  curing of all  Guarantee  Events of
Default that may have occurred,  shall  undertake to perform only such duties as
are specifically set forth in this Capital Securities Guarantee,  and no implied
covenants  shall be read into this  Capital  Securities  Guarantee  against  the
Capital  Guarantee  Trustee.  In case a Guarantee  Event of Default has occurred
(that has not been  cured or waived  pursuant  to Section  2.6) and is  actually
known to a Responsible  Officer of the Capital  Guarantee  Trustee,  the Capital
Guarantee  Trustee shall  exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by
this Capital Securities Guarantee,  and use the same degree of care and skill in
its  exercise  thereof,  as a prudent  person  would  exercise  or use under the
circumstances in the conduct of his or her own affairs.

         (d)  No  provision  of  this  Capital  Securities  Guarantee  shall  be
construed to relieve the Capital  Guarantee  Trustee from  liability for its own
negligent  action,  its  own  negligent  failure  to  act,  or its  own  willful
misconduct, except that:

                  (i) prior to the occurrence of any Guarantee  Event of Default
and after the curing or waiving of all such Guarantee Events of Default that may
have occurred:

                              (A)   the duties and obligations of the Capital 
Guarantee Trustee shall be determined  solely by the express  provisions of this
Capital  Securities  Guarantee,  and the Capital  Guarantee Trustee shall not be
liable  except  for  the  performance  of such  duties  and  obligations  as are
specifically  set forth in this  Capital  Securities  Guarantee,  and no implied
covenants or obligations  shall be read into this Capital  Securities  Guarantee
against the Capital Guarantee Trustee; and

                              (B)   in the absence of bad faith on the part of 
the Capital  Guarantee  Trustee,  the Capital Guarantee Trustee may conclusively
rely,  as to the truth of the  statements  and the  correctness  of the opinions
expressed  therein,  upon any certificates or opinions  furnished to the Capital
Guarantee Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Capital  Securities
Guarantee;  but in the case of any such  certificates  or  opinions  that by any
provision  hereof are  specifically  required  to be  furnished  to the  Capital
Guarantee  Trustee,  the  Capital  Guarantee  Trustee  shall  be under a duty to
examine the same to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of
this Capital Securities Guarantee;

                  (ii) the Capital Guarantee Trustee shall not be liable for any
error of  judgment  made in good faith by a  Responsible  Officer of the Capital
Guarantee Trustee, unless it shall be proved

                                                         6

<PAGE>



that the Capital  Guarantee  Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent
facts upon which such judgment was made;

                  (iii) the Capital  Guarantee  Trustee shall not be liable with
respect  to any  action  taken or  omitted  to be  taken by it in good  faith in
accordance  with the  direction  of the  Holders of not less than a Majority  in
Liquidation  Amount of the Capital  Securities  relating to the time, method and
place of  conducting  any  proceeding  for any remedy  available  to the Capital
Guarantee  Trustee,  or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Capital
Guarantee Trustee under this Capital Securities Guarantee; and

                  (iv) no provision of this Capital  Securities  Guarantee shall
require  the  Capital  Guarantee  Trustee  to  expend  or risk its own  funds or
otherwise  incur personal  financial  liability in the performance of any of its
duties  or in the  exercise  of any of its  rights  or  powers,  if the  Capital
Guarantee Trustee shall have reasonable grounds for believing that the repayment
of such funds or  liability is not  reasonably  assured to it under the terms of
this Capital Securities Guarantee or indemnity,  reasonably  satisfactory to the
Capital  Guarantee  Trustee,  against such risk or  liability is not  reasonably
assured to it.

SECTION 3.2       Certain Rights of Capital Guarantee Trustee.

         (a)      Subject to the provisions of Section 3.1:

                  (i) The Capital Guarantee  Trustee may conclusively  rely, and
shall be  fully  protected  in  acting  or  refraining  from  acting  upon,  any
resolution,   certificate,   statement,  instrument,  opinion,  report,  notice,
request,  direction,  consent,  order, bond, debenture,  note, other evidence of
indebtedness or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have
been signed, sent or presented by the proper party or parties.

                  (ii) Any  direction or act of the  Guarantor  contemplated  by
this  Capital  Securities  Guarantee  shall  be  sufficiently  evidenced  by  an
Officers' Certificate.

                  (iii)  Whenever,   in  the   administration  of  this  Capital
Securities Guarantee, the Capital Guarantee Trustee shall deem it desirable that
a matter be proved or  established  before  taking,  suffering  or omitting  any
action hereunder, the Capital Guarantee Trustee (unless other evidence is herein
specifically  prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part,  request
and conclusively rely upon an Officers'  Certificate which, upon receipt of such
request, shall be promptly delivered by the Guarantor.

                  (iv) The Capital  Guarantee  Trustee shall have no duty to see
to any recording,  filing or registration of any instrument (or any rerecording,
refiling or registration thereof).

                  (v) The Capital  Guarantee  Trustee may consult with  counsel,
and the written  advice or opinion of such counsel with respect to legal matters
shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action
taken,  suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance with
such advice or opinion.  Such counsel may be counsel to the  Guarantor or any of
its  Affiliates  and may include  any of its  employees.  The Capital  Guarantee
Trustee  shall have the right at any time to seek  instructions  concerning  the
administration of this Capital Securities  Guarantee from any court of competent
jurisdiction.



                                                         7

<PAGE>



                  (vi)  The  Capital   Guarantee   Trustee  shall  be  under  no
obligation  to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Capital
Securities  Guarantee  at the request or  direction  of any Holder,  unless such
Holder shall have  provided to the Capital  Guarantee  Trustee such security and
indemnity, reasonably satisfactory to the Capital Guarantee Trustee, against the
costs,  expenses (including attorneys' fees and expenses and the expenses of the
Capital Guarantee Trustee's agents, nominees or custodians) and liabilities that
might be incurred by it in complying  with such request or direction,  including
such reasonable  advances as may be requested by the Capital Guarantee  Trustee;
provided,  that nothing  contained in this Section  3.2(a)(vi) shall be taken to
relieve the Capital Guarantee Trustee,  upon the occurrence of a Guarantee Event
of Default,  of its obligation to exercise the rights and powers vested in it by
this Capital Securities Guarantee.

                  (vii) The Capital Guarantee Trustee shall not be bound to make
any  investigation   into  the  facts  or  matters  stated  in  any  resolution,
certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction,
consent,  order, bond, debenture,  note, other evidence of indebtedness or other
paper or document,  but the Capital Guarantee  Trustee,  in its discretion,  may
make such further inquiry or investigation  into such facts or matters as it may
see fit.

                  (viii) The  Capital  Guarantee  Trustee may execute any of the
trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by
or through agents, nominees,  custodians or attorneys, and the Capital Guarantee
Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of
any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder.

                  (ix) Any action taken by the Capital  Guarantee Trustee or its
agents  hereunder  shall bind the  Holders of the  Capital  Securities,  and the
signature  of the  Capital  Guarantee  Trustee  or its  agents  alone  shall  be
sufficient  and  effective to perform any such  action.  No third party shall be
required to inquire as to the authority of the Capital  Guarantee  Trustee to so
act or as to its compliance with any of the terms and provisions of this Capital
Securities  Guarantee,  both of which  shall be  conclusively  evidenced  by the
Capital Guarantee Trustee's or its agent's taking such action.

                  (x) Whenever in the  administration of this Capital Securities
Guarantee  the Capital  Guarantee  Trustee  shall deem it  desirable  to receive
instructions  with respect to enforcing  any remedy or right or taking any other
action hereunder,  the Capital  Guarantee  Trustee (i) may request  instructions
from the Holders of a Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Capital  Securities,
(ii) may refrain from enforcing such remedy or right or taking such other action
until  such  instructions  are  received,   and  (iii)  shall  be  protected  in
conclusively relying on or acting in accordance with such instructions.

         (b) No provision of this Capital  Securities  Guarantee shall be deemed
to impose any duty or obligation on the Capital Guarantee Trustee to perform any
act or acts or  exercise  any right,  power,  duty or  obligation  conferred  or
imposed on it in any jurisdiction in which it shall be illegal,  or in which the
Capital Guarantee Trustee shall be unqualified or incompetent in accordance with
applicable  law, to perform any such act or acts or to exercise  any such right,
power,  duty or obligation.  No permissive  power or authority  available to the
Capital Guarantee Trustee shall be construed to be a duty.

SECTION 3.3 Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Guarantee.

         The recitals  contained in this Capital  Securities  Guarantee shall be
taken as the statements of the Guarantor, and the Capital Guarantee Trustee does
not assume any  responsibility  for their  correctness.  The  Capital  Guarantee
Trustee  makes no  representation  as to the  validity  or  sufficiency  of this
Capital Securities Guarantee.



                                                         8

<PAGE>



                                   ARTICLE IV
                            CAPITAL GUARANTEE TRUSTEE


SECTION 4.1       Capital Guarantee Trustee; Eligibility.

         (a)There shall at all times be a Capital Guarantee Trustee which shall:

                  (i)  not be an Affiliate of the Guarantor; and

                  (ii) be a corporation  organized and doing  business under the
laws of the United States of America or any State or Territory thereof or of the
District of Columbia, or a corporation or Person permitted by the Securities and
Exchange Commission to act as an institutional trustee under the Trust Indenture
Act,  authorized  under such laws to exercise  corporate trust powers,  having a
combined capital and surplus of at least 50 million U.S. dollars  ($50,000,000),
and subject to  supervision or  examination  by Federal,  State,  Territorial or
District  of  Columbia  authority.  If such  corporation  publishes  reports  of
condition  at least  annually,  pursuant  to law or to the  requirements  of the
supervising or examining  authority referred to above, then, for the purposes of
this Section  4.1(a)(ii),  the combined  capital and surplus of such corporation
shall be deemed to be its combined  capital and surplus as set forth in its most
recent report of condition so published.

         (b) If at any time the  Capital  Guarantee  Trustee  shall  cease to be
eligible to so act under Section  4.1(a),  the Capital  Guarantee  Trustee shall
immediately resign in the manner and with the effect set out in Section 4.2(c).

         (c)  If  the  Capital  Guarantee  Trustee  has  or  shall  acquire  any
"conflicting  interest"  within  the  meaning  of  Section  310(b)  of the Trust
Indenture Act, the Capital Guarantee Trustee and Guarantor shall in all respects
comply with the provisions of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.

         (d) Any  corporation  into which the Capital  Guarantee  Trustee may be
merged or converted  or with which it may be  consolidated,  or any  corporation
resulting  from any merger,  conversion  or  consolidation  to which the Capital
Guarantee  Trustee  shall be a party,  or any  corporation  succeeding to all or
substantially all the corporate trust business of the Capital Guarantee Trustee,
shall be the successor of the Capital Guarantee Trustee hereunder, provided such
corporation  shall be  otherwise  qualified  and  eligible  under this  Article,
without the  execution  or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of
any of the parties hereto.

SECTION 4.2  Appointment, Removal and Resignation of Capital Guarantee Trustee.

         (a) Subject to Section 4.2(b), the Capital Guarantee Trustee may be 
appointed or removed without cause at any time by the Guarantor.

         (b) The Capital  Guarantee  Trustee  shall not be removed in accordance
with  Section  4.2(a)  until a  Successor  Capital  Guarantee  Trustee  has been
appointed and has accepted such  appointment by written  instrument  executed by
such Successor Capital Guarantee Trustee and delivered to the Guarantor.

         (c) The Capital Guarantee Trustee appointed to office shall hold office
until a Successor  Capital  Guarantee Trustee shall have been appointed or until
its removal or resignation. The Capital Guarantee Trustee may resign from office
(without  need for prior or subsequent  accounting)  by an instrument in writing
executed by the Capital Guarantee Trustee and delivered to the Guarantor,

                                                         9

<PAGE>



which  resignation  shall not take effect  until a Successor  Capital  Guarantee
Trustee has been  appointed and has accepted such  appointment  by instrument in
writing executed by such Successor  Capital  Guarantee  Trustee and delivered to
the Guarantor and the resigning Capital Guarantee Trustee.

         (d) If no Successor Capital Guarantee Trustee shall have been appointed
and  accepted  appointment  as provided in this Section 4.2 within 60 days after
delivery to the Guarantor of an instrument of resignation, the resigning Capital
Guarantee  Trustee  may  petition  any  court  of  competent   jurisdiction  for
appointment of a Successor Capital Guarantee Trustee.  Such court may thereupon,
after  prescribing  such  notice,  if any,  as it may  deem  proper,  appoint  a
Successor Capital Guarantee Trustee.

         (e) No Capital Guarantee Trustee shall be liable for the acts or 
omissions to act of any Successor Capital Guarantee Trustee.

         (f) Upon termination of this Capital Securities Guarantee or removal or
resignation of the Capital  Guarantee  Trustee pursuant to this Section 4.2, the
Guarantor shall pay to the Capital  Guarantee Trustee all amounts owing for fees
and   reimbursement  of  expenses  which  have  accrued  to  the  date  of  such
termination, removal or resignation.


                                    ARTICLE V
                                    GUARANTEE


SECTION 5.1       Guarantee.

         The Guarantor irrevocably and unconditionally  agrees to pay in full to
the Holders the Guarantee Payments (without  duplication of amounts  theretofore
paid by the  Issuer),  as and when  due,  regardless  of any  defense,  right of
set-off or  counterclaim  that the Issuer  may have or assert.  The  Guarantor's
obligation to make a Guarantee Payment may be satisfied by direct payment of the
required amounts by the Guarantor to the Holders or by causing the Issuer to pay
such amounts to the Holders.

SECTION 5.2       Waiver of Notice and Demand.

         The  Guarantor  hereby  waives  notice of  acceptance  of this  Capital
Securities  Guarantee  and of any  liability  to which it  applies or may apply,
presentment, demand for payment, any right to require a proceeding first against
the Issuer or any other Person before proceeding against the Guarantor, protest,
notice of  nonpayment,  notice of dishonor,  notice of redemption  and all other
notices and  demands.  Notwithstanding  anything  to the  contrary  herein,  the
Guarantor  retains all of its rights under the  Indenture to extend the interest
payment  period on the  Debentures  and the  Guarantor  shall  not be  obligated
hereunder to make any Guarantee  Payments during any Extended  Interest  Payment
Period (as  defined in the  Indenture)  with  respect to the  Distributions  (as
defined in the Declaration) on the Capital Securities.

SECTION 5.3       Obligations Not Affected.

         The  obligations,  covenants,  agreements  and duties of the  Guarantor
under this Capital Securities  Guarantee shall be absolute and unconditional and
shall remain in full force and effect until the entire liquidation amount of all
outstanding Capital Securities shall have been paid and such obligation shall in
no way be affected or impaired by reason of the  happening  from time to time of
any event,  including  without  limitation,  the following,  whether or not with
notice to, or the consent of, the Guarantor:


                                                        10

<PAGE>



         (a) The release or waiver,  by  operation of law or  otherwise,  of the
performance  or  observance  by the Issuer of any express or implied  agreement,
covenant,  term or condition  relating to the Capital Securities to be performed
or observed by the Issuer;

         (b) The  extension  of time for the payment by the Issuer of all or any
portion of the Distributions,  Redemption Price, Liquidation Distribution or any
other sums payable under the terms of the Capital Securities or the extension of
time for the performance of any other  obligation  under,  arising out of, or in
connection  with,  the Capital  Securities  (other than an extension of time for
payment of Distributions,  Redemption Price,  Liquidation  Distribution or other
sum payable that results from the  extension of any interest  payment  period on
the Debentures permitted by the Indenture);

         (c) Any  failure,  omission,  delay or lack of diligence on the part of
the  Property  Trustee or the Holders to enforce,  assert or exercise any right,
privilege,  power or remedy  conferred  on the  Property  Trustee or the Holders
pursuant  to the terms of the Capital  Securities,  or any action on the part of
the Issuer granting indulgence or extension of any kind;

         (d) The voluntary or involuntary liquidation,  dissolution, sale of any
collateral, receivership,  insolvency, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of
creditors, reorganization,  arrangement, composition or readjustment of debt of,
or other similar proceedings  affecting,  the Issuer or any of the assets of the
Issuer;

         (e) Any invalidity of, or defect or deficiency in, the Capital 
Securities;

         (f) The settlement or compromise of any obligation guaranteed hereby o
hereby incurred; or

         (g) Any other circumstance whatsoever that might otherwise constitute a
legal or equitable  discharge or defense of a guarantor,  it being the intent of
this  Section  5.3 that the  obligations  of the  Guarantor  hereunder  shall be
absolute and unconditional  under any and all  circumstances.  There shall be no
obligation of the Capital Guarantee Trustee or the Holders to give notice to, or
obtain  consent  of,  the  Guarantor  or any other  Person  with  respect to the
happening  of  any of the  foregoing.  No  setoff,  counterclaim,  reduction  or
diminution  of any  obligation,  or any  defense of any kind or nature  that the
Guarantor has or may have against any Holder shall be available hereunder to the
Guarantor  against  such Holder to reduce the  payments to it under this Capital
Securities Guarantee.

SECTION 5.4       Rights of Holders.

         (a) The  Holders of a Majority  in  Liquidation  Amount of the  Capital
Securities have the right to direct the time,  method and place of conducting of
any  proceeding  for any remedy  available to the Capital  Guarantee  Trustee in
respect of this Capital  Securities  Guarantee or exercising  any trust or power
conferred  upon the Capital  Guarantee  Trustee  under this  Capital  Securities
Guarantee.

         (b) If the Capital  Guarantee  Trustee  fails to enforce  this  Capital
Securities  Guarantee,  then any Holder of Capital  Securities  may  institute a
legal proceeding directly against the Guarantor to enforce the Capital Guarantee
Trustee's  rights  under  this  Capital   Securities   Guarantee  without  first
instituting a legal proceeding against the Issuer, the Capital Guarantee Trustee
or any other person or entity.  Notwithstanding the foregoing,  if the Guarantor
has  failed to make a  Guarantee  Payment,  a Holder of Capital  Securities  may
directly  institute a proceeding  against the Guarantor for  enforcement  of the
Capital  Securities  Guarantee  for such  payment to the  Holder of the  Capital
Securities  of the  principal of or interest on the  Debentures  on or after the
respective due dates

                                                        11

<PAGE>



specified in the Debentures,  and the amount of the payment will be based on the
Holder's  pro  rata  share of the  amount  due and  owing on all of the  Capital
Securities.  The Guarantor hereby waives any right or remedy to require that any
action on this Capital Securities  Guarantee be brought first against the Issuer
or any other person or entity before proceeding directly against the Guarantor.

SECTION 5.5       Guarantee of Payment.

         This Capital  Securities  Guarantee  creates a guarantee of payment and
not of collection.

SECTION 5.6       Subrogation.

         The Guarantor shall be subrogated to all (if any) rights of the Holders
of Capital  Securities against the Issuer in respect of any amounts paid to such
Holders by the  Guarantor  under this Capital  Securities  Guarantee;  provided,
however,  that the  Guarantor  shall  not  (except  to the  extent  required  by
mandatory  provisions  of law) be entitled to enforce or exercise any right that
it may acquire by way of subrogation or any  indemnity,  reimbursement  or other
agreement,  in all cases as a result of payment  under this  Capital  Securities
Guarantee,  if, at the time of any such payment,  any amounts are due and unpaid
under this  Capital  Securities  Guarantee.  If any amount  shall be paid to the
Guarantor in violation of the preceding  sentence,  the Guarantor agrees to hold
such  amount in trust for the Holders and to pay over such amount to the Capital
Guarantee Trustee for the benefit of the Holders.

SECTION 5.7       Independent Obligations.

         The  Guarantor   acknowledges   that  its  obligations   hereunder  are
independent  of the  obligations  of the  Issuer  with  respect  to the  Capital
Securities,  and that the  Guarantor  shall be liable as principal and as debtor
hereunder  to make  Guarantee  Payments  pursuant  to the terms of this  Capital
Securities Guarantee  notwithstanding the occurrence of any event referred to in
subsections (a) through (g), inclusive, of Section 5.3 hereof.


                                   ARTICLE VI
                    LIMITATION OF TRANSACTIONS; SUBORDINATION


SECTION 6.1       Limitation of Transactions.

         So long as any Capital  Securities remain  outstanding,  if there shall
have  occurred a  Guarantee  Event of  Default or an event of default  under the
Declaration,  then (a) the  Guarantor  shall not declare or pay any dividend on,
make any distributions with respect to, or redeem,  purchase,  acquire or make a
liquidation payment with respect to, any of its capital stock, (b) the Guarantor
shall not make any payment of  interest,  principal  or  premium,  if any, on or
repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities (including guarantees) issued by
the Guarantor which rank pari passu with or junior to the Debentures and (c) the
Guarantor  shall not make any  guarantee  payments with respect to the foregoing
(other than pursuant to this Capital Securities Guarantee);  provided,  however,
the Guarantor may (i) declare and pay a stock  dividend where the dividend stock
is the same stock as that on which the  dividend is being paid or (ii)  purchase
or acquire shares of its common stock in connection with the satisfaction by the
Guarantor of its obligations under any employee benefit plans.



                                                        12

<PAGE>



SECTION 6.2       Ranking.

         This  Capital   Securities   Guarantee  will  constitute  an  unsecured
obligation of the Guarantor and will rank (i) subordinate and junior in right of
payment to all other  liabilities of the Guarantor,  except those liabilities of
the Guarantor  made pari passu or  subordinate  by their terms,  (ii) pari passu
with the most senior  preferred or preference  stock now or hereafter  issued by
the  Guarantor  and with any  guarantee  now or  hereafter  entered  into by the
Guarantor in respect of any  preferred or  preference  stock of any Affiliate of
the Guarantor, and (iii) senior to the Guarantor's common stock.

         If an Event  of  Default  has  occurred  and is  continuing  under  the
Declaration,  the rights of the holders of the Common  Securities to receive any
payments under the Common Securities  Guarantee  Agreement shall be subordinated
to the rights of the Holders of Capital Securities to receive Guarantee Payments
hereunder.


                                   ARTICLE VII
                                   TERMINATION


SECTION 7.1       Termination.

         This Capital Securities Guarantee shall terminate upon (i) full payment
of the Redemption Price of all Capital Securities, (ii) upon the distribution of
the  Debentures  to the Holders of all of the Capital  Securities  or (iii) upon
full payment of the amounts  payable in  accordance  with the  Declaration  upon
liquidation  of  the  Issuer.   Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,   this  Capital
Securities Guarantee will continue to be effective or will be reinstated, as the
case may be,  if at any time any  Holder  of  Capital  Securities  must  restore
payment  of any sums paid under the  Capital  Securities  or under this  Capital
Securities Guarantee.


                                  ARTICLE VIII
                                 INDEMNIFICATION


SECTION 8.1       Exculpation.

         (a) No Indemnified  Person shall be liable,  responsible or accountable
in damages or  otherwise to the  Guarantor  or any Covered  Person for any loss,
damage or claim  incurred by reason of any act or omission  performed or omitted
by such  Indemnified  Person  in good  faith in  accordance  with  this  Capital
Securities  Guarantee and in a manner that such  Indemnified  Person  reasonably
believed to be within the scope of the authority  conferred on such  Indemnified
Person  by  this  Capital  Securities  Guarantee  or  by  law,  except  that  an
Indemnified  Person shall be liable for any such loss,  damage or claim incurred
by reason of such  Indemnified  Person's  negligence or willful  misconduct with
respect to such acts or omissions.

         (b) An Indemnified  Person shall be fully  protected in relying in good
faith upon the records of the  Guarantor  and upon such  information,  opinions,
reports or statements presented to the Guarantor by any Person as to matters the
Indemnified   Person   reasonably   believes  are  within  such  other  Person's
professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care
by or on behalf of the Guarantor,  including information,  opinions,  reports or
statements  as to the value  and  amount of the  assets,  liabilities,  profits,
losses,  or any other facts pertinent to the existence and amount of assets from
which Distributions to Holders of Capital Securities might properly be paid.

SECTION 8.2       Indemnification.


                                                        13

<PAGE>



         The Guarantor agrees to indemnify each  Indemnified  Person for, and to
hold each Indemnified  Person harmless against,  any loss,  liability or expense
incurred  without  negligence  or bad  faith on its part,  arising  out of or in
connection  with  the  acceptance  or  administration  of the  trust  or  trusts
hereunder, including the costs and expenses (including reasonable legal fees and
expenses) of defending itself against, or investigating,  any claim or liability
in connection  with the exercise or  performance  of any of its powers or duties
hereunder.  The  obligation  to indemnify as set forth in this Section 8.2 shall
survive the termination of this Capital Securities Guarantee.

                                   ARTICLE IX
                                  MISCELLANEOUS


SECTION 9.1       Successors and Assigns.

         All  guarantees  and  agreements  contained in this Capital  Securities
Guarantee  shall  bind  the  successors,   assigns,   receivers,   trustees  and
representatives  of the  Guarantor and shall inure to the benefit of the Holders
of the Capital Securities then outstanding.

SECTION 9.2       Amendments.

         Except with  respect to any changes  that do not  adversely  affect the
rights  of the  Holders  (in  which  case  no  consent  of the  Holders  will be
required),  this Capital Securities Guarantee may only be amended with the prior
approval  of the  Holders of at least a Majority  in  Liquidation  Amount of the
Capital  Securities.  The  provisions  of Section 12.2 of the  Declaration  with
respect to  meetings  of, and action by written  consent  of, the Holders of the
Securities apply to the giving of such approval.

SECTION 9.3       Notices.

         All notices provided for in this Capital Securities  Guarantee shall be
in writing, duly signed by the party giving such notice, and shall be delivered,
telecopied or mailed by registered or certified mail, as follows:

         (a) If given to the Capital Guarantee Trustee, at the Capital Guarantee
Trustee's  mailing address set forth below (or such other address as the Capital
Guarantee  Trustee  may give notice of to the  Guarantor  and the Holders of the
Capital Securities):

                               Fleet National Bank
                                 777 Main Street
                           Hartford, Connecticut 06115
                    Attention: Corporate Trust Administration

         (b) If given to the Guarantor,  at the Guarantor's  mailing address set
forth below (or such other  address as the  Guarantor  may give notice of to the
Capital Guarantee Trustee and the Holders of the Capital Securities):

                                  Conseco, Inc.
                         11825 North Pennsylvania Street
                              Carmel, Indiana 46032
                       Attention: Lawrence W. Inlow, Esq.



                                                        14

<PAGE>



         (c) If given to any Holder of Capital Securities, at the address set
forth on the books and records of the Issuer.

         All such  notices  shall be deemed to have been given when  received in
person,  telecopied  with  receipt  confirmed,  or mailed by first  class  mail,
postage  prepaid,  except that if a notice or other document is refused delivery
or cannot be  delivered  because  of a changed  address  of which no notice  was
given,  such notice or other  document shall be deemed to have been delivered on
the date of such refusal or inability to deliver.

SECTION 9.4       Benefit.

         This  Capital  Securities  Guarantee  is solely for the  benefit of the
Holders  of the  Capital  Securities  and,  subject to  Section  3.1(a),  is not
separately transferable from the Capital Securities.

SECTION 9.5       Governing Law.

         THIS CAPITAL  SECURITIES  GUARANTEE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED
AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.



G:\LEGAL\RRD\PUBLOFF\TRUPSGUA.RAN
                                                        15

<PAGE>


         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Capital Securities Guarantee is executed as of
the day and year first above written.

                                CONSECO, INC., as Guarantor



                                By:    /s/ ROLLIN M. DICK
                                       ---------------------------------
                                Name:  Rollin M. Dick
                                Title: Executive Vice President and Chief
                                       Financial Officer


                                FLEET NATIONAL BANK,
                                as Capital Guarantee Trustee

                                By:  /s/ MICHAEL M. HOPKINS
                                     ----------------------
                                Name:Michael M. Hopkins
                                Title:Vice President


G:\LEGAL\RRD\PUBLOFF\2TOPRSGU.RNT
                                                        16




                                                                    EXHIBIT 5.3


                            RICHARDS, LAYTON & FINGER
                                One Rodney Square
                                  P.O. Box 551
                              Wilmington, DE 19899




                                November 27, 1996







Conseco Financing Trust II
c/o Conseco, Inc.
11825 N. Pennsylvania Street
Carmel, IN  46032

         Re:      Conseco Financing Trust II

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         We have acted as special Delaware counsel for Conseco, Inc., an Indiana
corporation (the "Company"), and Conseco Financing Trust II, a Delaware business
trust (the "Trust"),  in connection  with the matters set forth herein.  At your
request, this opinion is being furnished to you.

         For  purposes  of  giving  the  opinions  hereinafter  set  forth,  our
examination  of documents  has been limited to the  examination  of originals or
copies of the following:

         (a) The  Certificate of Trust of the Trust,  dated October 28, 1996, as
filed with the office of the  Secretary  of State of the State of Delaware  (the
"Secretary of State") on October 28, 1996;

         (b) The Declaration of Trust of the Trust, dated as of October 28, 1996
between the Company and the trustees of the Trust named therein;

         (c) The Registration  Statement (the "Registration  Statement") on Form
S-3,  including a preliminary  prospectus  with respect to the Trust and certain
other  subsidiary  trusts of the Company filed by the Company and the Trust with
the Securities  and Exchange  Commission on October 29, 1996, and the Prospectus
Supplement,  dated November 22, 1996,  with respect to the Trust  (together with
the Prospectus included in the Registration Statement, the "Prospectus"),


G:\LEGAL\RRD\CFT_II.DRF

<PAGE>


Conseco Financing Trust II
November 27, 1996
Page 2


relating to the Capital Trust Pass-through  Securities of the Trust representing
preferred  undivided  beneficial  interests in the assets of such Trust (each, a
"Capital Security" and collectively, the "Capital Securities");

         (d) A form of Amended and Restated  Declaration of Trust for the Trust,
to be entered into between the Company, the trustees of the Trust named therein,
and the holders, from time to time, of the undivided beneficial interests in the
assets  of  such  Trust  (including  the  exhibits  and  Annex I  thereto)  (the
"Declaration"), attached as an exhibit to the Registration Statement; and

         (e) A Certificate  of Good Standing for the Trust,  dated  November 27,
1996, obtained from the Secretary of State.

         Initially  capitalized  terms used herein and not otherwise defined are
used as defined in the Declaration.

         For purposes of this opinion,  we have not reviewed any documents other
than the documents listed in paragraphs (a) through (e) above. In particular, we
have not reviewed any document  (other than the  documents  listed in paragraphs
(a) through (e) above) that is referred to in or  incorporated by reference into
the documents  reviewed by us. We have assumed that there exists no provision in
any document  that we have not reviewed that is  inconsistent  with the opinions
stated herein. We have conducted no independent factual investigation of our own
but rather have relied solely upon the foregoing  documents,  the statements and
information  set forth  therein and the  additional  matters  recited or assumed
herein,  all of which we have  assumed to be true,  complete and accurate in all
material respects.

         With respect to all  documents  examined by us, we have assumed (i) the
authenticity of all documents submitted to us as authentic  originals,  (ii) the
conformity  with the  originals  of all  documents  submitted to us as copies or
forms, and (iii) the genuineness of all signatures.

         For purposes of this opinion,  we have assumed (i) that the Declaration
constitutes  the entire  agreement among the parties thereto with respect to the
subject matter  thereof,  including with respect to the creation,  operation and
termination of the Trust,  and that the Declaration and the Certificate of Trust
are in full  force and  effect  and have not been  amended,  (ii)  except to the
extent provided in paragraph 1 below, the due organization or due formation,  as
the case may be,  and valid  existence  in good  standing  of each  party to the
documents  examined  by us under  the  laws of the  jurisdiction  governing  its
organizations or formation,  (iii) the legal capacity of natural persons who are
parties to the  documents  examined  by us, (iv) that each of the parties to the
documents examined by us has the power and authority to execute and deliver, and
to perform its obligations  under,  such documents,  (v) the due  authorization,
execution and delivery by all parties  thereto of all documents  examined by us,
(vi) the  receipt by each  Person to whom a Capital  Security is to be issued by
the Trust  (collectively,  the "Capital Security Holders") of a Capital Security
Certificate for such Capital Security and the payment for such Capital Security,
in accordance  with the Declaration and the  Registration  Statement,  and (vii)
that the Capital


G:\LEGAL\RRD\CFT_II.DRF

<PAGE>


Conseco Financing Trust II
November 27, 1996
Page 3

Securities  are issued and sold to the Capital  Security  Holders in  accordance
with the Declaration and the Registration Statement. We have not participated in
the preparation of the Registration  Statement and assume no responsibility  for
its contents.

         This opinion is limited to the laws of the State of Delaware (excluding
the  securities  laws of the State of Delaware),  and we have not considered and
express no opinion on the laws of any other jurisdiction, including federal laws
and rules and regulations  relating thereto. Our opinions are rendered only with
respect to Delaware laws and rules,  regulations and orders thereunder which are
currently in effect.

         Based upon the foregoing, and upon our examination of such questions of
law and  statutes of the State of Delaware as we have  considered  necessary  or
appropriate,  and subject to the  assumptions,  qualifications,  limitations and
exceptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:

         1.  The Trust   has been duly created and is  validly existing in  good
standing as a business trust under the Business Trust Act.

         2. The  Capital  Securities  of the Trust  will  represent  valid  and,
subject to the  qualifications  set forth in  paragraph 3 below,  fully paid and
nonassessable undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust.

         3. The Capital  Security  Holders,  as beneficial  owners of the Trust,
will be  entitled  to the same  limitation  of  personal  liability  extended to
stockholders  of private  corporations  for profit  organized  under the General
Corporation  Law of the State of  Delaware.  We note that the  Capital  Security
Holders may be obligated to make payments as set forth in the Declaration.

         We  consent  to the  filing of this  opinion  with the  Securities  and
Exchange  Commission  as an exhibit  to the  Registration  Statement.  We hereby
consent  to the  use of our  name  under  the  heading  "Legal  Matters"  in the
Prospectus.  In giving the foregoing  consents,  we do not thereby admit that we
come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of
the  Securities  Act of 1933, as amended,  or the rules and  regulations  of the
Securities and Exchange Commission  thereunder.  Except as stated above, without
our prior  written  consent,  this opinion may not be furnished or quoted to, or
relied upon by, any other person for any purpose.

                                              Very truly yours,



                                             /s/  Richards, Layton & Finger
                                             ------------------------------
                                             RICHARDS, LAYTON & FINGER


CDK


G:\LEGAL\RRD\CFT_II.DRF



                                                 November 22, 1996



Conseco, Inc.
Conseco Financing Trust II
11825 North Pennsylvania Street
Carmel, Indiana 46032


Ladies and Gentlemen:

         We have acted as special tax counsel for Conseco, Inc. ("Conseco"),  an
Indiana  corporation,  and Conseco Financing Trust II (the "Trust"),  a Delaware
business trust,  in connection  with a Registration  Statement on Form S-3 filed
with the  Securities  and Exchange  Commission  on or about October 29, 1996 (as
amended through the date hereof, the "Registration Statement") which registered,
among  other  things,  Capital  Trust  Pass-through   Securities  (the  "Capital
Securities")  of the  Trust  (liquidation  amount of $1,000  per  Security).  In
connection  therewith,  we have  participated  in the  preparation  of, and have
reviewed,   the   Registration   Statement,   including  the   prospectus   (the
"Prospectus")   and  the  form  of  prospectus   supplement   (the   "Prospectus
Supplement") included therewith with respect to the Trust.

         We have  examined and relied upon the  Registration  Statement  and, in
each case as filed with the  Registration  Statement,  (i) the form of indenture
(the "Indenture") between Conseco and Fleet National Bank, as trustee;  (ii) the
form of Second Supplemental Indenture to be used in connection with the issuance
of the  Subordinated  Deferrable  Interest  Debentures  of Conseco due 2026 (the
"Subordinated  Debentures") (the "Supplemental  Indenture"),  which Supplemental
Indenture  includes the form of the Subordinated  Debentures;  (iii) the form of
declaration  of trust  for the  Trust  (the  "Declaration"),  which  Declaration
includes  the form of the  Capital  Securities;  (iv) the form of  guarantee  by
Conseco  with  respect to the  Capital  Securities  (the  "Guarantee");  and (v)
certain other  relevant  documents  used in connection  with the issuance of the
Subordinated Debentures,  the Capital Securities and the Guarantee (collectively
the "Operative Documents"). As to certain questions


<PAGE>



Conseco, Inc.
November 22, 1996
Page 2

of fact  material or relevant to the opinion  expressed  herein,  we have relied
upon a  certificate  obtained  from an officer of Conseco  and have  assumed the
accuracy  of the facts  certified  or stated to us and have made no  independent
investigation of such facts.

         Based on the foregoing  and assuming  that the Operative  Documents are
executed  and  delivered  in  substantially  the form filed as  exhibits  to the
Registration Statement and that the transactions contemplated to occur under the
Operative  Documents  in fact occur in  accordance  with the terms  thereof,  we
hereby confirm,  in all material respects,  that the discussion set forth in the
Prospectus Supplement with respect to the Trust under the heading "United States
Federal Income Taxation" is a fair and accurate summary of the matters addressed
therein,  based upon  current  law and the  assumptions  stated or  referred  to
therein.  There can be no assurance that contrary  positions may not be taken by
the Internal Revenue Service.

         We  hereby  consent  to  the  use of our  name  in the  above-captioned
Registration  Statement  and to the  filing of this  opinion as Exhibit 8 to the
Registration  Statement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we
are in the category of persons whose consent is required  under Section 7 of the
Securities Act of 1933. This opinion is expressed as of the date hereof,  unless
otherwise expressly stated, and we disclaim any undertaking to advise you of any
subsequent  changes  of the facts  stated or  assumed  herein or any  subsequent
changes in applicable law.

                                         Very truly yours,

                                         /s/ LOCKE REYNOLDS BOYD & WEISELL
                                         ---------------------------------
                                         LOCKE REYNOLDS BOYD & WEISELL





conseco\trups\taxopin3.ltr1126961613




                                                     


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                         CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                                                                                                        Exhibit 12.2
           Pro Forma Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
                             and Preferred Dividends
                              (Dollars in millions)

                                                        Year Ended December 31, 1995          Nine Months Ended September 30, 1996
                                                   -------------------------------------      ------------------------------------
                                                                           Pro forma for                             Pro forma for
                                                   Pro forma               the Offering       Pro forma              the Offering
                                                    Conseco     Pro forma    and other         Conseco   Pro forma     and other
                                                  before the     for the      planned        before the   for the       planned
                                                   Offering     Offering   transactions       Offering   Offering    transactions
                                                   --------     --------   ------------       --------   --------    ------------
<S>                                               <C>          <C>           <C>               <C>         <C>           <C>
Pretax income from operations:
   Income before extraordinary charge..........    $  277.9     $  273.1    $  324.6         $  216.0    $  212.4      $  267.9
   Add income tax expense......................       198.4        205.7       235.6            152.4       157.8         187.5
   Add minority interest.......................        37.7         56.1        43.5             32.6        46.4          32.5
                                                   --------     --------    --------         --------    --------      --------

       Pretax income...........................       514.0        534.9       603.7            401.0       416.6         487.9
                                                   --------     --------    --------         --------    --------      --------

Add fixed charges:
   Interest expense on annuities and financial
      products.................................       758.5        758.5       758.8            549.5       549.5         549.5
   Interest expense on long-term debt,
     including amortization....................       126.2        105.3       145.2             87.8        72.2         104.6
   Interest expense on investment borrowings...        30.2         30.2        30.2             17.2        17.2          17.2
   Other  .....................................         1.0          1.0         1.0               .7          .7            .7
   Portion of rental(1)........................         6.9          6.9         6.9              5.8         5.8           5.8
                                                   --------     --------    --------         --------    --------      --------

       Fixed charges...........................       922.8        901.9       942.1            661.0       645.4         677.8
                                                   --------     --------    --------         --------    --------      --------

       Adjusted earnings.......................    $1,436.8     $1,436.8    $1,545.8         $1,062.0    $1,062.0      $1,165.7
                                                   ========     ========    ========         ========    ========      ========

       Ratio of earnings to fixed charges......       1.56X        1.59X       1.64X            1.61X       1.65X         1.72X
                                                      =====        =====       =====            =====       =====         =====

       Ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
          excluding interest on annuities and
          financial products ..................       4.13X        4.73X       4.29X            4.60X       5.34X         4.80X
                                                      =====        =====       =====            =====       =====         =====

   Fixed charges...............................    $  922.8     $  901.9    $  942.1         $  661.0    $  645.4      $  677.8
   Add dividends on preferred stock (multiplied
     by the rate of pretax income to income
     before minority interest and extraordinary
     charge)...................................        69.8         98.0        98.4             51.8        72.9          73.2
                                                   --------     --------    --------         --------    --------      --------

       Adjusted fixed charges..................    $  992.6     $  999.9    $1,040.5         $  712.8    $  718.3      $  751.0
                                                   ========     ========    ========         ========    ========      ========

       Adjusted earnings.......................    $1,436.8     $1,436.8    $1,545.8         $1,062.0    $1,062.0      $1,165.7
                                                   ========     ========    ========         ========    ========      ========

       Ratio of earnings to fixed
          charges and preferred dividends......       1.45X        1.44X       1.49X            1.49X       1.48X         1.55X
                                                      =====        =====       =====            =====       =====         =====

       Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
          and preferred dividends, excluding
          interest on annuities and financial
          products.............................       2.90X        2.81X       2.79X            3.14X       3.04X         3.06X
                                                      =====        =====       =====            =====       =====         =====
<FN>
   (1) Interest portion of rental is assumed to be 33 percent.
</FN>
</TABLE>

S:\ACCTING\SECRPT\TOPRS\PFEXH12.WPD


                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.9


                            RICHARDS, LAYTON & FINGER
                                One Rodney Square
                                  P.O. Box 551
                              Wilmington, DE 19899



                                November 27, 1996





Conseco Financing Trust II
c/o Conseco, Inc.
11825 N. Pennsylvania Street
Carmel, IN  46032

         Re:      Conseco Financing Trust II

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         We have acted as special Delaware counsel for Conseco, Inc., an Indiana
corporation (the "Company"), and Conseco Financing Trust II, a Delaware business
trust (the "Trust"), in connection with the matters set forth herein.  Reference
is hereby made to the Registration  Statement (the "Registration  Statement") on
Form S-3,  including  a  preliminary  prospectus  with  respect to the Trust and
certain  other  subsidiary  trusts of the  Company  filed by the Company and the
Trust with the Securities  and Exchange  Commission on October 29, 1996, and the
Propectus  Supplement,  dated  November  22,  1996,  with  respect  to the Trust
(together  with the  Prospectus  included  in the  Registration  Statement,  the
"Prospectus"),  relating to the Capital  Trust Pass-  through  Securities of the
Trust representing preferred undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the
Trust.

         We  hereby  consent  to the use of our name  under the  heading  "Legal
Matters" in the Prospectus.  In giving the foregoing consent,  we do not thereby
admit that we come  within the  category  of persons  whose  consent is required
under  Section 7 of the  Securities  Act of 1933,  as amended,  or the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.

                                            Very truly yours,


                                            /s/  Richards, Layton & Finger
                                            --------------------------------
                                            RICHARDS, LAYTON & FINGER



CDK

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