CONSECO INC ET AL
S-4/A, 1997-03-25
ACCIDENT & HEALTH INSURANCE
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    AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MARCH 25, 1997


 
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-20811
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 

                                
   


                                 AMENDMENT NO. 1
    

                                       TO
 
                                   FORM S-4
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                            ------------------------
 
                                 CONSECO, INC.
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                         <C>                     <C>
      INDIANA               6719                          35-1468632
  (State or other     (Primary Standard                (I.R.S. Employer
  jurisdiction of         Industrial                  Identification No.)
  incorporation or    Classification Code               
   organization)            Number)
</TABLE>
 
        11825 N. PENNSYLVANIA ST., CARMEL, INDIANA 46032, (317) 817-6100
  (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
                   REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
                            ------------------------
 
                               LAWRENCE W. INLOW
                                 CONSECO, INC.
                           11825 N. PENNSYLVANIA ST.
                             CARMEL, INDIANA 46032
                                 (317) 817-6163
 (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
                             of agent for service)
                            ------------------------
                                   Copies to:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                             <C>
            BILLY B. HILL, JR.                   STANLEY H. MEADOWS, P.C.
      PIONEER FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.            MCDERMOTT, WILL & EMERY
          1750 EAST GOLF ROAD                     227 WEST MONROE STREET          
        SCHAUMBURG, ILLINOIS  60173              CHICAGO, ILLINOIS  60606
            (847) 413-7077                           (312) 984-7570
                                                               
</TABLE>
 
                            ------------------------
 

     APPROXIMATE  DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE OF THE SECURITIES TO THE
PUBLIC:  As  soon  as  practicable  after  the  Registration  Statement  becomes
effective and all other conditions to the merger of Rock Acquisition  Company, a
wholly owned  subsidiary  of Conseco,  Inc.  ("Conseco"),  with and into Pioneer
Financial  Services,  Inc.  ("PFS")  pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger
described  in the enclosed  Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  have been  satisfied or
waived.

     If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box. [ ]
   


                            ------------------------
    
 
     CONSECO HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS
MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL CONSECO SHALL FILE A FURTHER
AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL
THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF THE SECURITIES
ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH
DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.

<PAGE>   



                                EXPLANATORY NOTE

    This    Registration    Statement    contains    two    forms    of    proxy
statement/prospectus:  one to be used in  connection  with the  solicitation  of
proxies pursuant to the Merger (the "Proxy Statement/Prospectus"), and one to be
used in connection  with the resale of Conseco Common Stock by affiliates of PFS
(the  "Resale  Prospectus").  Each of the pages  included  herein for use in the
Resale Prospectus is labeled "Alternate Page for Resale Prospectus."
                                        


<PAGE>



 
                        PIONEER FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
                              1750 EAST GOLF ROAD
                           SCHAUMBURG, ILLINOIS 60173

 
Dear Stockholder:
   
 
     You are  cordially  invited  to  attend a  special  meeting  (the  "Special
Meeting") of stockholders of Pioneer Financial  Services,  Inc.  ("PFS"),  to be
held on May ___, 1997 at__________ at 10:00 a.m., local time.

     At the  Special  Meeting,  stockholders  of  record  of PFS at the close of
business on March 31, 1997 will be asked to consider and vote upon a proposal to
authorize  and adopt an Agreement  and Plan of Merger,  dated as of December 15,
1996 (the  "Merger  Agreement"),  by and among PFS,  Conseco,  Inc.,  an Indiana
corporation  ("Conseco"),  and Rock Acquisition  Company, a Delaware corporation
and  wholly  owned   subsidiary  of  Conseco   ("RAC"),   and  the  transactions
contemplated thereby. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, among other
things,  (1) RAC will be  merged  with and  into  PFS (the  "Merger"),  with PFS
surviving  the Merger as a wholly  owned  subsidiary  of  Conseco,  and (2) each
outstanding  share of Common  Stock,  $1.00 par  value  per share  ("PFS  Common
Stock"),  of PFS (other than shares of PFS Common Stock held as treasury  shares
by PFS) will be converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration (as
defined in the Merger Agreement).
    

     Details  of  the  proposed  Merger,  including  the  terms  of  the  Merger
Consideration and other important information concerning PFS and Conseco, appear
in the accompanying Proxy  Statement/Prospectus.  Please give this material your
careful  attention.  Details  regarding  the  background  of and reasons for the
proposed  Merger,  among other things,  may be found in the section of the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus entitled "The Merger."
 
     YOUR  BOARD OF  DIRECTORS  HAS  DETERMINED  THAT THE  MERGER IS IN THE BEST
INTERESTS OF  PFS AND THE  STOCKHOLDERS  OF PFS, AND HAS APPROVED AND AUTHORIZED
THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE  TRANSACTIONS  CONTEMPLATED  THEREBY.  THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS OF PFS VOTE FOR THE AUTHORIZATION AND
ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY.

     The Board of Directors has received a written opinion of Donaldson,  Lufkin
& Jenrette Securities  Corporation,  which has acted as financial advisor to PFS
in connection with the Merger, as to the fairness to PFS's stockholders,  from a
financial  point of view,  of the Merger  Consideration  to be received by PFS's
stockholders  pursuant to the terms of the Merger  Agreement.  Details regarding
such  opinion  may be found in the  section  of the  Proxy  Statement/Prospectus
entitled "The Merger -- Opinion of Financial Advisor to PFS," and a copy of such
opinion is attached as an annex thereto.

    Whether or not you plan to attend the Special Meeting, please complete, sign
and date the  accompanying  proxy and return it in the enclosed  postage prepaid
envelope as soon as possible  so that your  shares  will be  represented  at the
Special Meeting. If you attend the Special Meeting,  you may vote in person even
if you have previously  returned your proxy. If you have any questions regarding
the  proposed  transaction,  please call  Georgeson & Company,  Inc.,  our proxy
solicitation agent, toll free at (800) 223-2064.
 
                                          Sincerely,
 

                                          Peter W. Nauert
                                          Chairman of the Board of Directors
 
_________, 1997

<PAGE>   
 
                        PIONEER FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
                              1750 EAST GOLF ROAD
                           SCHAUMBURG, ILLINOIS 60173
 
                            ------------------------
 
                   NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                            ------------------------
 
To the Stockholders of Pioneer Financial Services, Inc.:
   
 
     Notice is hereby given that a special  meeting (the  "Special  Meeting") of
the stockholders of Pioneer Financial Services, Inc. ("PFS") will be held on May
__, 1997 at__________, at 10:00 a.m., local time, for the following purposes:
    

          1. To  consider  and vote upon a proposal to  authorize  and adopt the
     Agreement  and Plan of Merger,  dated as of December  15, 1996 (the "Merger
     Agreement"),  by and among  PFS,  Conseco,  Inc.,  an  Indiana  corporation
     ("Conseco"),  and Rock  Acquisition  Company,  a Delaware  corporation  and
     wholly  owned   subsidiary  of  Conseco   ("RAC"),   and  the  transactions
     contemplated  thereby,  pursuant to which, among other things, (1) RAC will
     be merged with and into PFS(the "Merger"), with PFS surviving the Merger as
     a wholly owned  subsidiary of Conseco,  and (2) each  outstanding  share of
     Common Stock,  $1.00 par value per share (the "PFS Common  Stock"),  of PFS
     (other than shares of PFS Common Stock held as treasury shares by PFS) will
     be converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration (as defined
     in the Merger Agreement).

          2. To transact any and all  other  business  that  may  properly  come
     before the meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.
 
     The  Merger  is  more  completely   described  in  the  accompanying  Proxy
Statement/Prospectus,  and a copy of the Merger Agreement is attached as Annex A
thereto.

     THE PFS BOARD OF DIRECTORS  HAS  DETERMINED  THAT THE MERGER IS IN THE BEST
INTERESTS OF  PFS AND THE  STOCKHOLDERS  OF PFS, AND HAS APPROVED AND AUTHORIZED
THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY. THE PFS BOARD OF
DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS OF PFS VOTE FOR THE AUTHORIZATION AND
ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY.
   

     The PFS Board of  Directors  has fixed the close of  business  on March 31,
1997, as the record date (the "Record Date") for  determination  of stockholders
entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Special Meeting and any  adjournments
and postponements  thereof. Only stockholders of record at the close of business
on the Record Date are  entitled to notice of, and to vote at, such  meeting.  A
complete list of  stockholders  entitled to vote at the Special  Meeting will be
available  for  examination  at the  offices  of PFS at  1750  East  Golf  Road,
Schaumburg, Illinois for ten days prior to such meeting. Questions regarding the
proposed transaction should be directed to Georgeson & Company,  Inc., our proxy
solicitation agent, toll free at (800) 223-2064.
    

                                          By Order of the Board of Directors
 

                                          A. Clark Waid III
                                          Secretary
 

____________, 1997

 
     YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING.  HOWEVER,  WHETHER
OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND  THE  SPECIAL  MEETING  IN PERSON,  YOU ARE URGED TO
PROMPTLY  MARK,  SIGN,  DATE AND  RETURN THE  ACCOMPANYING  FORM OF PROXY IN THE
ENCLOSED  SELF-ADDRESSED,  STAMPED  ENVELOPE SO THAT YOUR SHARES OF STOCK MAY BE
REPRESENTED  AND VOTED IN  ACCORDANCE  WITH YOUR  WISHES  AND IN ORDER  THAT THE
PRESENCE  OF A QUORUM MAY BE ASSURED AT THE SPECIAL  MEETING.  IF YOU ATTEND THE
SPECIAL  MEETING,  YOU MAY VOTE IN PERSON EVEN IF YOU HAVE  PREVIOUSLY  RETURNED
YOUR PROXY.
 
                                   IMPORTANT
 
     PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR STOCK CERTIFICATES REPRESENTING PFS COMMON STOCK AT
THIS TIME. IF THE MERGER IS CONSUMMATED, YOU WILL BE SENT INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING
THE SURRENDER OF YOUR STOCK CERTIFICATES.
<PAGE>   
 
                         PIONEER FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

                                PROXY STATEMENT

 
                            ------------------------
 
                                 CONSECO, INC.
                                   PROSPECTUS
                             SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
   
 
     This Proxy  Statement/Prospectus is being furnished to holders of shares of
Common  Stock,  $1.00 par  value per share  ("PFS  Common  Stock"),  of  Pioneer
Financial Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("PFS"), in connection with the
solicitation  of  proxies  by the PFS  Board of  Directors  for use at a special
meeting (the "Special  Meeting") of PFS stockholders to be held on May __ , 1997
at _____  commencing  at 10:00 a.m.,  local time.  The Special  Meeting has been
called to consider  and vote on a proposal to  authorize  and adopt an Agreement
and Plan of Merger, dated as of December 15, 1996 (the "Merger  Agreement"),  by
and among PFS,  Conseco,  Inc.,  an Indiana  corporation  ("Conseco"),  and Rock
Acquisition  Company,  a Delaware  corporation  and wholly owned  subsidiary  of
Conseco  ("RAC"),  pursuant  to which RAC will be merged  with and into PFS (the
"Merger"),  with PFS  surviving  the  Merger  as a wholly  owned  subsidiary  of
Conseco.

     This Proxy  Statement/Prospectus also constitutes the Prospectus of Conseco
filed  as part of a  Registration  Statement  on Form  S-4  (together  with  all
amendments,  supplements,  exhibits and  schedules  thereto,  the  "Registration
Statement") with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities  Act"),  relating to the
shares of Common Stock,  no par value per share  ("Conseco  Common  Stock"),  of
Conseco  issuable in  connection  with the Merger.  All  information  concerning
Conseco   and  all   companies   other   than  PFS   contained   in  this  Proxy
Statement/Prospectus  has been furnished by Conseco. All information  concerning
PFS contained in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus has been furnished by PFS.

     Upon the consummation of the Merger,  each share of PFS Common Stock issued
and  outstanding  immediately  prior to the  Effective  Time (as defined  below)
(other than shares of PFS Common  Stock held as treasury  shares by PFS) will be
converted  into the right to receive (i) if the Conseco  Share Price (as defined
below) is  greater  than or equal to $28.00  per share and less than or equal to
$31.36 per share, .8928 of a validly issued,  fully paid and nonassessable share
of Conseco Common Stock, (ii) if the the Conseco Share Price is less than $28.00
per share, the fraction  (rounded to the nearest  ten-thousandth)  of a share of
Conseco Common Stock determined by dividing $25.00 by the Conseco Share Price or
(iii) if the Conseco Share Price is greater than $31.36 per share,  the fraction
(rounded  to the  nearest  ten-thousandth)  of a share of Conseco  Common  Stock
determined by dividing  $28.00 by the Conseco Share Price (such  fraction as set
forth in clauses (i) through (iii) above,  the "Exchange  Ratio").  The "Conseco
Share Price" shall be equal to the average of the closing  prices of the Conseco
Common Stock on the NYSE  Composite  Transactions  Reporting  System for the ten
consecutive  trading days immediately  preceding the second trading day prior to
the Effective  Time.  Assuming  that the  Effective  Time for the Merger were to
occur on _____, 1997, the date of this Proxy  Statement/Prospectus,  the Conseco
Share Price would have been $__.

     The Merger will  become  effective on the date that a Certificate of Merger
is filed with the  Secretary of State of Delaware or at such time  thereafter as
is provided in the Cerificate of Merger (the "Effective  Time").  On the date of
the Special Meeting,  PFS stockholders  will not know the exact number of shares
of Conseco  Common Stock to be received  upon  consummation  of the Merger.  The
pricing  formula  used to compute the Merger  Consideration  was decided upon by
Conseco and PFS to provide PFS  stockholders  with Conseco Common Stock having a
value of between $25.00 and $28.00 per share of PFS Common Stock.

     The Conseco  Common  Stock is listed on the New York Stock  Exchange,  Inc.
(the "NYSE") under the symbol "CNC". On _______,  1997, the closing price of the
Conseco Common Stock as reported on the NYSE was $_____.

     The PFS  Common  Stock is listed on the NYSE  under the  symbol  "PFS".  On
______,  1997, the closing price of the PFS Common Stock as reported on the NYSE
was $____.  
 
     This Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  and the  related  form of proxy are first
being mailed to stockholders of PFS on or about April __, 1997.
    

 
                            ------------------------
THE SHARES OF CONSECO COMMON STOCK ISSUABLE IN THE MERGER HAVE NOT BEEN
  APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY
    STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
     COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
       ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. ANY
        REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
                            ------------------------
 
        THE DATE OF THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS APRIL __, 1997

     Information  contained  herein is subject to  completion  or  amendment.  A
registration  statement  relating  to these  securities  has been filed with the
Securities  and Exchange  Commission.  These  securities may not be sold nor may
offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration  statement  becomes
effective.  This  prospectus  shall  not  constitute  an  offer  to  sell or the
solicitation of  an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities
in any State in which such offer,  solicitation  or sale would be unlawful prior
to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such State.

<PAGE>   
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     Conseco and PFS are each subject to the  informational  requirements of the
Securities  Exchange  Act of 1934,  as  amended  (the  "Exchange  Act"),  and in
accordance   therewith  file  periodic  reports,   proxy  statements  and  other
information  with the Commission.  The periodic  reports,  proxy  statements and
other  information filed by Conseco and PFS with the Commission may be inspected
and copied at the public  reference  facilities  maintained by the Commission at
Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,  Washington,  D.C. 20549, and at the regional
offices of the  Commission at 7 World Trade Center,  Suite 1300,  New York,  New
York 10048 and Citicorp Center,  500 West Madison Street,  Suite 1400,  Chicago,
Illinois 60661-2511. Copies of such material also can be obtained, at prescribed
rates,  from the Public Reference  Section of the Commission,  450 Fifth Street,
N.W.,  Washington,  D.C. 20549. In addition, the Commission maintains a Web site
at http://www.sec.gov  that contains reports,  proxy and information  statements
and other  information  regarding  registrants,  including Conseco and PFS, that
file electronically with the Commission. The Conseco Common Stock and PFS Common
Stock are listed on the NYSE and such reports and other  information may also be
inspected at the offices of the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

     Conseco  has filed the  Registration  Statement  with the  Commission  with
respect to the Conseco Common Stock to be issued  pursuant to or as contemplated
by the Merger Agreement.  This Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  does not contain all
the information set forth in the Registration Statement,  certain parts of which
are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission.  The
Registration Statement and any amendments thereto, including exhibits filed as a
part thereof, are available for inspection and copying as set forth above.

                                       ii
<PAGE>   
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
   
 
     THIS PROXY  STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS  INCORPORATES DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE WHICH
ARE NOT PRESENTED  HEREIN OR DELIVERED  HEREWITH.  COPIES OF ANY SUCH DOCUMENTS,
OTHER THAN EXHIBITS TO SUCH DOCUMENTS  WHICH ARE  NOT SPECIFICALLY  INCORPORATED
BY REFERENCE THEREIN, ARE AVAILABLE WITHOUT CHARGE TO ANY PERSON,  INCLUDING ANY
BENEFICIAL  OWNER, TO WHOM THIS PROXY  STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS  IS DELIVERED,  UPON
WRITTEN  OR ORAL  REQUEST.  WRITTEN  REQUESTS  FOR SUCH  DOCUMENTS  RELATING  TO
CONSECO SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO JAMES W.  ROSENSTEELE,  VICE  PRESIDENT,  INVESTOR
RELATIONS,  CONSECO,  INC., 11825 NORTH  PENNSYLVANIA  STREET,  CARMEL,  INDIANA
46032,  AND  TELEPHONE  REQUESTS  MAY BE  DIRECTED TO MR.  ROSENSTEELE  AT (317)
817-2893. WRITTEN REQUESTS FOR SUCH DOCUMENTS RELATING TO PFS SHOULD BE DIRECTED
TO DIRECTOR OF INVESTOR  RELATIONS,  PIONEER FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC., 1750 EAST
GOLF ROAD, SCHAUMBURG,  ILLINOIS 60173 AND TELEPHONE REQUESTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO
DIRECTOR OF INVESTOR  RELATIONS  AT (847)  995-0400.  IN ORDER TO ENSURE  TIMELY
DELIVERY  OF SUCH  DOCUMENTS,  ANY REQUEST  SHOULD BE MADE BEFORE  ____________,
1997.

     The following  documents  previously filed with the Commission  pursuant to
the Exchange Act are incorporated herein by this reference:

          1.  Conseco's  Annual  Report  on Form 10-K for the  fiscal year ended
     December 31, 1996  (including  those portions of Conseco's  proxy statement
     for its 1996  annual  meeting of  shareholders  incorporated  by  reference
     therein) ("Conseco's Annual Report");  Conseco's Current Report on Form 8-K
     dated August 2, 1996 (which includes the historical financial statements of
     Life Partners Group, Inc.  ("LPG"));  and the description of Conseco Common
     Stock in Conseco's Registration  Statements filed pursuant to Section 12 of
     the  Exchange  Act,  and any  amendment  or report filed for the purpose of
     updating any such description.

          2. PFS's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
     31, 1996  and   the description of PFS Common  Stock  in PFS's Registration
     Statement filed  pursuant  to  Section  12  of  the Exchange  Act, and  any
     amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description.




 
                                       iii
<PAGE>   
 
     In addition, the Merger Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as
Annex A, is incorporated herein by reference.
 
     All documents filed by Conseco or PFS pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14
or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date hereof and prior to the date
of the Special Meeting shall be deemed to be  incorporated  by reference  herein
and to be a part hereof from the date any such document is filed.
    

     Any  statement  contained  in a  document  incorporated  or  deemed  to  be
incorporated  by reference  herein shall be deemed to be modified or  superseded
for purposes hereof to the extent that a statement  contained  herein (or in any
other subsequently filed document that also is incorporated by reference herein)
modifies or supersedes such  statement.  Any statement so modified or superseded
shall be deemed,  except as so  modified or  superseded,  to  constitute  a part
hereof.  All  information  appearing  in  this  Proxy   Statement/Prospectus  is
qualified in its entirety by the information and financial statements (including
notes  thereto)  appearing in the  documents  incorporated  herein by reference,
except to the extent set forth in the immediately preceding statement.

     State insurance holding company laws and regulations  applicable to Conseco
and PFS generally  provide that no person may acquire control of Conseco or PFS,
and thus indirect control of their  respective  insurance  subsidiaries,  unless
such person has provided certain  required  information to, and such acquisition
is  approved  (or not  disapproved)  by, the  appropriate  insurance  regulatory
authorities. Generally, any person acquiring beneficial ownership of ten percent
or more of the total  outstanding  shares of Conseco  Common Stock or PFS Common
Stock,  as the case may be,  would be presumed to have  acquired  such  control,
unless the appropriate insurance regulatory authorities upon advance application
determine  otherwise.  Appropriate  applications with respect to the Merger have
been,  or  will  be,  made  and  it is  anticipated,  although  there  can be no
assurance, that the necessary approvals will be obtained.

     NO  PERSON  IS  AUTHORIZED  TO  GIVE  ANY   INFORMATION   OR  TO  MAKE  ANY
REPRESENTATIONS   WITH   RESPECT  TO  THE  MATTERS   DESCRIBED   IN  THIS  PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS  OTHER  THAN  THOSE  CONTAINED  HEREIN OR IN THE  DOCUMENTS
INCORPORATED  BY REFERENCE  HEREIN.  ANY  INFORMATION  OR  REPRESENTATIONS  WITH
RESPECT TO SUCH MATTERS NOT CONTAINED  HEREIN OR THEREIN MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON
AS HAVING BEEN  AUTHORIZED  BY CONSECO OR PFS.  THIS PROXY  STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
DOES  NOT  CONSTITUTE  AN  OFFER  TO SELL OR A  SOLICITATION  OF AN OFFER TO BUY
SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH
OFFER OR SOLICITATION IN SUCH  JURISDICTION.  NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES,
CREATE ANY  IMPLICATION  THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF CONSECO
OR  PFS  SINCE  THE  DATE  HEREOF  OR  THAT  THE   INFORMATION   IN  THIS  PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS  OR IN THE DOCUMENTS  INCORPORATED  BY REFERENCE  HEREIN IS
CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF OR THEREOF.

     THESE  SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER
OF  INSURANCE  FOR THE STATE OF NORTH  CAROLINA,  NOR HAS SUCH  COMMISSIONER  OF
INSURANCE RULED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS DOCUMENT.

                                       iv
<PAGE>   
 

 
   

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         PAGE
                                                                                         -----
<S>                                                                                      <C>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION.................................................................      ii  
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE.......................................      iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS.....................................................................      v
SUMMARY...............................................................................      1
  General.............................................................................      1
  The Companies.......................................................................      1
  The Special Meeting.................................................................      2  
  The Merger; The Merger Agreement....................................................      4 
  Selected Historical Financial Information of Conseco................................      10
  Selected Historical Financial Information of LPG....................................      12
  Selected Historical Financial Information of PFS....................................      14
  Summary Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information of Conseco...........      16
  Comparative Unaudited Per Share Data of Conseco and PFS.............................      19
  Market Price Information............................................................      20
INFORMATION CONCERNING CONSECO AND RAC................................................      21
  Background..........................................................................      21
  Operating Segments..................................................................      22
  General Information Concerning Conseco and RAC......................................      24
INFORMATION CONCERNING PFS............................................................      25
THE SPECIAL MEETING...................................................................      26
  General.............................................................................      26
  Matters to be Considered at the Special Meeting.....................................      26
  Voting at the Special Meeting; Record Date; Quorum..................................      26
  Proxies; Revocation of Proxies......................................................      29
THE MERGER............................................................................      30
  Background of the Merger............................................................      30
  Conseco's Reasons for the Merger....................................................      33
  PFS's  Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the PFS Board of Directors.........      34
  Opinion of Financial Advisor to PFS.................................................      35
  Certain Consequences of the Merger..................................................      40
  Conduct of the Business of Conseco and PFS after the Merger.........................      40
  Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger..........................................      40
  Accounting Treatment................................................................      42
  Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences.............................................      42
  Regulatory Approvals................................................................      43
</TABLE>

 
                                        v
<PAGE>   
 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         PAGE
                                                                                         -----
<S>                                                                                        <C>
  NYSE Listing of Conseco Common Stock................................................      44
  Absence of Appraisal Rights.........................................................      44 
THE MERGER AGREEMENT..................................................................      44 
  The Merger..........................................................................      44
  Effective Time......................................................................      45
  Conversion of Shares; Exchange of Stock Certificates; No Fractional Amounts.........      45
  Treatment of PFS Stock Options......................................................      46
  Treatment of PFS Convertible Subordinated Notes.....................................      46
  PFS Employee Matters................................................................      47
  Representations and Warranties......................................................      47
  Certain Covenants...................................................................      47
  Conditions to the Merger............................................................      49
  Termination.........................................................................      50
  Right of PFS Board of Directors to Withdraw Its Recommendation......................      50
  Breakup Fee.........................................................................      50
  Expenses............................................................................      51
  Modification or Amendment...........................................................      51
  PFS Affiliate Registration Rights...................................................      51
  Stockholder Litigation..............................................................      51
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF CONSECO......................      52
COMPARISON OF SHAREHOLDERS' RIGHTS....................................................      79
  Amendment of By-laws................................................................      79
  Certain Provisions Relating to Acquisitions.........................................      79
  Right to Bring Business Before a Special Meeting of Shareholders....................      80
  Shareholder Action by Written Consent...............................................      81
  Removal of Directors................................................................      81
  Director Liability..................................................................      81
  Indemnification.....................................................................      81
  Dividends and Repurchases...........................................................      82
  Dissenters' Rights..................................................................      82
  Director and Officer Discretion.....................................................      83
MANAGEMENT OF CONSECO AND PFS UPON CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGER.........................      83
LEGAL MATTERS.........................................................................      84
EXPERTS...............................................................................      84
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS..................................................................      84
OTHER MATTERS.........................................................................      84
Annex A -- Agreement and Plan of Merger...............................................     A-1
Annex B -- Opinion of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation.............     B-1
</TABLE>
    

 
                                       vi
<PAGE>   
 
                                    SUMMARY
 
     The following is a summary of certain  information  contained  elsewhere in
this Proxy Statement/Prospectus. This summary is not intended to be complete and
is qualified in its entirety by reference to the more detailed  information  and
financial  statements,  including the notes  thereto,  contained  elsewhere,  or
incorporated by reference,  in this Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  and the Annexes
hereto.  All share and per share information in this Proxy  Statement/Prospectus
concerning Conseco has been adjusted to reflect a two-for-one stock split of the
Conseco Common Stock effected February 11, 1997, unless otherwise stated. Except
as   otherwise   indicated,    all   financial   information   in   this   Proxy
Statement/Prospectus   is  presented  in  accordance  with  generally   accepted
accounting  principles  ("GAAP").  Stockholders  are  urged to read  this  Proxy
Statement/Prospectus,  the Annexes hereto and the documents  incorporated herein
by reference in their entirety.  Unless  otherwise  defined herein,  capitalized
terms  used in this  summary  have  the  respective  meanings  ascribed  to them
elsewhere in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

                                     GENERAL
 
     This Proxy Statement/Prospectus  relates to the proposed Merger of RAC with
and into PFS pursuant to the Merger Agreement. See "The Merger."

                                 THE COMPANIES
   
 
CONSECO, INC. ................  Conseco is a financial services holding company.
                                Conseco   develops,   markets  and   administers
                                annuity,   individual   health   insurance   and
                                individual  life insurance  products.  Conseco's
                                operating  strategy  is to  grow  the  insurance
                                business within its subsidiaries by focusing its
                                resources on the  development  and  expansion of
                                profitable   products  and  strong  distribution
                                channels.  Conseco has supplemented  such growth
                                by  acquiring  companies  that  have  profitable
                                niche products,  strong distribution systems and
                                progressive  management  teams who can work with
                                Conseco to  implement  Conseco's  operating  and
                                growth  strategies.  Once  a  company  has  been
                                acquired,  Conseco's operating strategy has been
                                to  consolidate  and  streamline  management and
                                administrative  functions,  to realize  superior
                                investment    returns   through   active   asset
                                management,  to eliminate  unprofitable products
                                and  distribution  channels,  and to expand  and
                                develop the profitable distribution channels and
                                products.

                                Consistent  with its  strategy of  supplementing
                                its  growth  by  acquiring  companies  that have
                                profitable niche products,  strong  distribution
                                systems  and   progressive   management   teams,
                                Conseco   recently   completed   a   series   of
                                acquisitions.   On  August  2,   1996,   Conseco
                                completed its  acquisition  of LPG. On September
                                30,  1996,   Conseco   acquired  the  shares  of
                                American Life Holdings,  Inc.  ("ALH")(of  which
                                Conseco   previously   owned  37  percent)  that
                                Conseco  or its  affiliates  did not  previously
                                own. On December 17, 1996, Conseco completed its
                                acquisition   (the  "ATC  Merger")  of  American
                                Travellers  Corporation ("ATC"). On December 23,
                                1996, Conseco completed its acquistion (the "THI
                                Merger") of Transport Holdings Inc. ("THI").  On
                                December 31, 1996,  Conseco  acquired the shares
                                of  Bankers  Life  Holding  Corporation  ("BLH")
                                which Conseco did not  previously  own. On March
                                4, 1997,  Conseco completed its acquisition (the
                                "CAF  Merger")  of  Capitol  American  Financial
                                Corporation ("CAF").

                                        1
<PAGE>   
 
                                See   "Incorporation  of  Certain  Documents  by
                                Reference,"  "-- Selected  Historical  Financial
                                Information of Conseco," "-- Selected Historical
                                Financial   Information  of  LPG,"  "Information
                                Concerning  Conseco"  and  "Unaudited  Pro Forma
                                Consolidated  Financial  Statements  of Conseco"
                                for additional  information  concerning Conseco,
                                LPG, ATC, THI, BLH and CAF. Conseco's  executive
                                offices are located at 11825 North  Pennsylvania
                                Street,  Carmel, Indiana 46032 and the telephone
                                number for Conseco is (317) 817-6100.
    

ROCK ACQUISITION COMPANY......  RAC, a wholly owned  subsidiary of Conseco,  was
                                formed for the purpose of  effecting the Merger.
                                To date,  RAC has not engaged in any  activities
                                other than those  incident  to its  organization
                                and  the   consummation   of  the  Merger.   See
                                "Information Concerning Conseco and RAC."

PIONEER FINANCIAL SERVICES,
INC...........................  PFS,   through   its   insurance   subsidiaries,
                                underwrites  life  insurance  and  annuities and
                                health   insurance  in  selected  niche  markets
                                throughout the United States.  See  "Information
                                Concerning  PFS"  and  "--  Selected  Historical
                                Financial  Information  of PFS"  for  additional
                                information   concerning   PFS.  PFS's executive
                                offices  are  located  at 1750 East  Golf  Road,
                                Schaumburg,  Illinois  60173  and its  telephone
                                number is (847) 995-0400.

                              THE SPECIAL MEETING
 
   

TIME, DATE AND PLACE..........   The Special Meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m.,
                                 local time, on May __, 1997, at __.
                                  
 
PURPOSE OF THE MEETING........  The  purpose  of  the  Special   Meeting  is  to
                                consider   and  vote  upon  (1)  a  proposal  to
                                authorize and adopt the Merger Agreement and the
                                transactions  contemplated  thereby and (2) such
                                other  business as may properly  come before the
                                Special   Meeting   or   any   adjournments   or
                                postponements  thereof. See "The Special Meeting
                                --  Matters  to be  Considered  at  the  Special
                                Meeting."


RECORD DATE, SHARES ENTITLED
TO VOTE, QUORUM...............  Holders of record of shares of PFS Common  Stock
                                at  the  close  of  business  on March 31,  1997
                                (the  "Record  Date") are  entitled to notice of
                                and to vote at the  Special  Meeting.  As of the
                                Record  Date,  there were  ______  shares of PFS
                                Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote.
                                            2
<PAGE>   

 

                                Each  holder of  record of shares of PFS  Common
                                Stock on the Record  Date is  entitled  to cast,
                                either in person or by properly  executed proxy,
                                one vote per share on the Merger  Agreement  and
                                the other matters,  if any,  properly  submitted
                                for  the  vote of the  PFS  stockholders  at the
                                Special  Meeting.  Each of the PFS directors has
                                agreed  to vote  his  shares  in  favor   of the
                                Merger, except in certain limited circumstances.

   
                                As of  the  Record  Date,  PFS's  directors  and
                                executive officers as a group beneficially owned
                                ____  shares (___  percent)  of the  outstanding
                                shares of PFS Common  Stock  entitled to vote at
                                the   Special   Meeting.

                                
                                Each  PFS  director  has  agreed   to  vote  his
                                shares of PFS Common  Stock in favor of approval
                                of the Merger  unless,  as  permitted  under the
                                Merger Agreement,  the Board of Directors of PFS
                                withdraws    or   modifies   its   approval   or
                                recommendation  of the Merger  Agreement  or the
                                Merger or enters into an agreement  with respect
                                to an  "Acquisition  Proposal"  (as  hereinafter
                                defined) or the Merger  Agreement  is  otherwise
                                terminated under certain circumstances.  The PFS
                                directors   collectively  own  an  aggregate  of
                                1,543,280    shares   of   PFS   Common   Stock,
                                representing  13.1  percent of  all  PFS  Common
                                Stock   outstanding.  See "Right of PFS Board of
                                Directors to Withdraw its Recommendation;  Fees"
                                and "The  Merger Agreement - Termination."
    

                                The presence,  in person or by properly executed
                                proxy,  of  the  holders  of a  majority  of the
                                shares  of  PFS  Common  Stock  outstanding  and
                                entitled  to vote at the  Special  Meeting  will
                                constitute a quorum. See "The Special Meeting --
                                Voting  at the  Special  Meeting;  Record  Date;
                                Quorum."

VOTE REQUIRED.................  The  authorization  and  adoption  by PFS of the
                                Merger  Agreement  will require the  affirmative
                                vote of the  holders of a majority of the voting
                                power of the outstanding  capital stock entitled
                                to vote thereon.  Thus, the affirmative  vote of
                                shares  of PFS  capital  stock  representing  at
                                least   _________  votes  will  be  required  to
                                authorize and adopt the Merger Agreement and the
                                Merger.  See "The  Special  Meeting -- Voting at
                                the Special Meeting; Record Date; Quorum."

                                        3
<PAGE>   
 

PROXIES; REVOCATION OF
PROXIES.......................  The   enclosed   proxy  card  permits  each  PFS
                                stockholder  to specify that shares held by such
                                PFS  stockholder be voted "FOR" or "AGAINST" (or
                                "ABSTAIN" from) the  authorization  and adoption
                                of the  Merger  Agreement  and  the  Merger.  If
                                properly executed and returned,  such proxy will
                                be  voted   in   accordance   with  the   choice
                                specified.   Where  a  signed   proxy   card  is
                                returned, but no choice is specified, the shares
                                held by such PFS  stockholder  will be voted for
                                authorization   and   adoption   of  the  Merger
                                Agreement and the Merger.  Abstentions will have
                                the same practical  effect as a vote against the
                                authorization   and   adoption   of  the  Merger
                                Agreement  and  the  Merger.  See  "The  Special
                                Meeting -- Voting at the Special Meeting; Record
                                Date; Quorum."

                                A  stockholder  may  revoke  a proxy at any time
                                prior to the vote on the  Merger  Agreement  and
                                the Merger by  submitting  a  later-dated  proxy
                                with  respect  to the  same  shares,  delivering
                                written notice of revocation to the Secretary of
                                PFS at any time prior to such vote or  attending
                                the Special  Meeting and voting in person.  Mere
                                attendance  at  the  Special  Meeting  will  not
                                itself  have the effect of  revoking  the proxy.
                                See "The Special Meeting -- Proxies;  Revocation
                                of Proxies."

                        THE MERGER; THE MERGER AGREEMENT

 
   

REASONS FOR THE MERGER;
  RECOMMENDATION OF THE PFS
  BOARD OF DIRECTORS..........  Conseco. The Conseco Board of Directors approved
                                the Merger  Agreement  and the Merger based on a
                                number of factors,  including  its belief  that:
                                (1)   the   addition   of   PFS's   agents   and
                                distribution  channels would increase the number
                                of licensed  agents to 150,000 and would further
                                diversify Conseco's current  distribution system
                                and provide Conseco additional  opportunities to
                                cross-market  its  current  products;   (2)  the
                                Merger offers Conseco and PFS the opportunity to
                                improve   their   profitability    through   the
                                achievements  of  economies  of scale due to the
                                similar  nature  of  their  businesses  and  the
                                elimination  of  redundancies   such  as  public
                                reporting   obligations   and  similar   holding
                                company  costs  and the  costs  associated  with
                                maintaining  multiple operating  locations;  and
                                (3) the Merger and other recently  completed and
                                pending  acquisitions  would further  strengthen
                                Conseco's position in its targeted markets.  See
                                "The  Merger  --   Conseco's   Reasons  for  the
                                Merger."


                                PFS. After careful  consideration by the members
                                of the PFS  Board of  Directors  of the terms of
                                the Merger Agreement and  consultation  with its
                                advisors,  the  PFS  Board  of  Directors  voted
                                unanimously  to approve the Merger  Agreement in
                                the  form  presented  to it at the PFS  Board of
                                Directors  meeting on December  15,  1996,  with
                                such changes  thereto as  management  of PFS may
                                approve.   In  voting  to  approve   the  Merger
                                Agreement  and  the  Merger,  the PFS  Board  of
                                Directors  considered  many  different  factors,
                                including:  (1) the  return to PFS  stockholders
                                represented by the premium over the then current
                                market price of the PFS Common Stock  offered by
                                Conseco  as  compared  to the time that would be
                                required if the Merger were not  consummated  to
                                achieve  an  equivalent  stockholder  value  (on
                                December 13, 1996, the last trading day prior to
                                the  public  announcement  of  the  Merger,  the
                                Merger  Consideration  represented  a premium of
                                $7.90 over the PFS Common Stock price);  (2) the
                                increased  security for PFS's  policyholders and
                                the potential additional opportunities for PFS's
                                employees  and agents  expected  to result  from
                                Conseco's  financial  strength  and  competitive
                                position;   (3)  the  financial   condition  and
                                results of  operations  of  Conseco  and the PFS
                                Board  of  Directors'  perception  of  the  more
                                favorable overall business  prospects of Conseco
                                and PFS on a combined basis as compared to PFS's
                                prospects as an independent  entity; (4) the tax
                                deferred  nature  of the  transaction;  (5)  the
                                potential  increase  in  value  in  the  Conseco
                                Common Stock after the Merger based on Conseco's
                                financial strength and competitive position; (6)
                                the  highly  competitive  nature of the life and
                                health insurance business; (7) the importance in
                                the industry of  maintaining  certain  financial
                                and  claims-paying   ratings  issued  by  rating
                                agencies   and  the  fact   that   PFS,   as  an
                                independent   entity,   may  have   difficulties
                                satisfying the capital requirements necessary to
                                achieve such  ratings;  (8) the current trend of
                                consolidation within the insurance industry; (9)
                                the  broader,  more  active  trading  market for
                                Conseco  Common  Stock;  and  (10)  the  opinion
                                rendered  to  the  PFS  Board  of  Directors  by
                                Donaldson,    Lufkin   &   Jenrette   Securities
                                Corporation  ("DLJ"),  financial advisor to PFS,
                                with  regard to the  fairness  to the holders of
                                PFS Common Stock from a financial point of view,
                                of the  Exchange  Ratio (as defined  below under
                                "Merger   Consideration").   The  PFS  Board  of
                                Directors   also    considered   the   following
                                additional  factors:  (1)  the  risk  of  owning
                                Conseco  Common  Stock  rather  than PFS  Common
                                Stock and the  possible  negative  impact  based
                                upon  potentially  different  business plans and
                                the fact that  Conseco's  other  operations  may
                                weigh  down  PFS   operating   gains;   (2)  the
                                uncertainty of the impact of the Merger on PFS's
                                employees;  (3) the  volatility  of the  Conseco
                                Common  Stock in the past  and the  impact  such
                                volatility may have on the Merger Consideration;
                                (4) the $1.0  million of Conseco  expenses to be
                                paid by PFS if the requisite approval of the PFS
                                stockholders  is  not  obtained  and  the  other
                                conditions   have  been  satisified  or  waived,
                                unless  Conseco is  materially  in breach of the
                                Merger Agreement,  and the $8.0 million break-up
                                fee to be paid by PFS to  Conseco  in the  event
                                that the PFS  Board of  Directors  withdraws  or
                                modifies  its  approval  of the Merger or enters
                                into  any   agreement   with   respect   to  any
                                acquisition proposal;  and (5) the  interest  of
                                members of PFS management in deciding to approve
                                the  transaction,  including  the facts that Mr.
                                Nauert will be entitled to receive  $4.5 million
                                and will enter into an employment agreement with
                                Conseco and  Messrs.  Scheper and Brophy will be
                                entitled to receive amounts equal to the present
                                value,   discounted  at  an  annual  rate  of  8
                                percent,  of an amount equal to the salary which
                                would have been payable to such  officer  during
                                the  period  from  the  Effective  Time  through
                                August 31,  1998  based on rates of annual  base
                                salary payable to Messrs.  Scheper and Brophy of
                                $425,000 and $325,000. No factor reviewed by the
                                Board  was  considered  more  relevant  than any
                                other.
                                        4
<PAGE>   
 
                                The  PFS  Board  of  Directors  recommends  that
                                stockholders  of PFS  authorize  and  adopt  the
                                Merger    Agreement    and   the    transactions
                                contemplated    thereby.   In   evaluating   the
                                recommendation  of the PFS  Board of  Directors,
                                stockholders of PFS should  carefully  consider,
                                among other things,  the matters described under
                                "The  Merger -- PFS's  Reasons  for the  Merger;
                                Recommendation  of the PFS  Board of  Directors"
                                and "--  Interests  of  Certain  Persons  in the
                                Merger."
    

OPINION OF  FINANCIAL
ADVISOR TO PFS................  DLJ has delivered its written opinion to the PFS
                                Board of  Directors  that,  as of  December  15,
                                1996,   and  based  upon  and   subject  to  the
                                assumptions,  limitations and qualifications set
                                forth  in such opinion,  the Exchange  Ratio  is
                                fair,  from a  financial  point of view,  to the
                                holders of PFS Common Stock.

                                The full  text of the  written  opinion  of DLJ,
                                which sets forth  assumptions  made,  procedures
                                followed, other matters considered and limits of
                                the review  undertaken  in  connection  with the
                                opinion,  is  attached  hereto as Annex B and is
                                incorporated herein by reference. Holders of PFS
                                Common  Stock  should  read such  opinion in its
                                entirety.  See  "The   Merger  --    Opinion  of
                                Financial Advisor to PFS."

EFFECT OF MERGER ON PFS COMMON
  STOCK.......................  Upon consummation of the Merger: (1) RAC will be
                                merged with and into PFS, with PFS surviving the
                                Merger as a wholly owned  subsidiary of Conseco;
                                and (2) each  outstanding  share  of PFS  Common
                                Stock  (other  than  shares of PFS Common  Stock
                                held  as   treasury   shares  by  PFS)  will  be
                                converted  into the right to receive  the Merger
                                Consideration  (as  defined  below).  Fractional
                                shares  of  Conseco  Common  Stock  will  not be
                                issuable  in  connection  with the  Merger.  PFS
                                stockholders  otherwise  entitled to  fractional
                                shares of Conseco  Common Stock will receive the
                                value  of  such   fractional   shares  in  cash,
                                determined as described herein under "The Merger
                                Agreement -- Conversion  of Shares;  Exchange of
                                Stock Certificates; No Fractional Amounts."

                                A copy of the Merger  Agreement  is  attached as
                                Annex A to this Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  and
                                is  incorporated by reference  herein.  See "The
                                Merger Agreement."

   

MERGER CONSIDERATION..........  Upon the consummation of the Merger,  each share
                                of  PFS  Common  Stock  issued  and  outstanding
                                immediately  prior  to the  Effective  Time  (as
                                defined below) (other than shares of PFS

                                        5
<PAGE>   
 
                                Common  Stock  held as  treasury  shares by PFS)
                                will be converted  into the right to receive (i)
                                if the  Conseco  Share Price is greater  than or
                                equal to $28.00 per share and less than or equal
                                to $31.36 per share,  .8928 of a validly issued,
                                fully  paid and  nonassessable  share of Conseco
                                Common  Stock,  (ii)  if the the  Conseco  Share
                                Price  is  less  than  $28.00  per  share,   the
                                fraction (rounded to the nearest ten-thousandth)
                                of a share of Conseco Common Stock determined by
                                dividing  $25.00 by the  Conseco  Share Price or
                                (iii) if the Conseco Share Price is greater than
                                $31.36 per share,  the fraction  (rounded to the
                                nearest  ten-thousandth)  of a share of  Conseco
                                Common Stock  determined  by dividing  $28.00 by
                                the  Conseco  Share  Price.  Assuming  that  the
                                Effective  Time for the Merger  were to occur on
                                April  _____,  1997,  the  date  of  this  Proxy
                                Statement/Prospectus,  the  Conseco  Share Price
                                would have been $__. The following  table shows,
                                for a range of assumed Conseco Share Prices, the
                                fraction  of a share  of  Conseco  Common  Stock
                                which  would be  issued in the  Merger  for each
                                share of PFS Common Stock and the  percentage of
                                Conseco  Common  Stock  which  PFS  stockholders
                                would own in the aggregate after consummation of
                                the  Merger  (based  on the  number of shares of
                                Conseco   Common  Stock  and  PFS  Common  Stock
                                outstanding  on March  14 and  March  18,  1997,
                                respectively):


                                   Conseco
                                    Share         Exchange       Post-Merger
                                    Price           Ratio         Ownership
                                    -----           -----         ---------

                                   $44.00           .6364             3.9%
                                    42.00           .6667             4.1 
                                    40.00           .7000             4.3
                                    38.00           .7368             4.5
                                    36.00           .7778             4.8
                                    34.00           .8235             5.0
                                    32.00           .8750             5.3
                                    31.36           .8928             5.4
                                    30.00           .8928             5.4
                                    28.00           .8928             5.4
                                    26.00           .9615             5.8
  
                                The Conseco Common Stock to be issued to holders
                                shares of PFS Common  Stock in  accordance  with
                                the Merger  Agreement and any cash to be paid in
                                lieu of  fractional  shares  of  Conseco  Common
                                Stock  are  referred  to   collectively  as  the
                                "Merger  Consideration." No fractional shares of
                                Conseco  Common  Stock  will  be  issued  in the
                                Merger. Each PFS stockholder who otherwise would
                                have been  entitled  to a fraction of a share of
                                Conseco   Common  Stock  will  receive  in  lieu
                                thereof cash in accordance with the terms of the
                                Merger Agreement. Conseco will apply to have the
                                additional shares of Conseco Common Stock issued
                                pursuant to the Merger  Agreement  listed on the
                                NYSE.

                                See  "The  Merger  Agreement  --  Conversion  of
                                Shares;  Exchange  of  Stock  Certificates;   No
                                Fractional Amounts."

    

                                Promptly  after  consummation  of the Merger,  a
                                letter of transmittal  from First Union National
                                Bank of North  Carolina (the  "Exchange  Agent")
                                (including   instructions   setting   forth  the
                                procedures   for   exchanging    such   holder's
                                certificates   representing   PFS  Common  Stock
                                ("Certificates")  for the  Merger  Consideration
                                payable to such  holder  pursuant  to the Merger
                                Agreement)  will  be  sent  to  each  holder  of
                                record,  as of the Effective  Time, of shares of
                                PFS Common Stock. Upon surrender to the Exchange
                                Agent of such Certificates, together with a duly
                                completed  and executed  letter of  transmittal,
                                such  holder  will  promptly  receive the Merger
                                Consideration for each share of PFS Common Stock
                                previously  represented by the  Certificates  so
                                surrendered.   See  "The  Merger   Agreement  --
                                Conversion   of   Shares;   Exchange   of  Stock
                                Certificates; No Fractional Amounts."
   

EFFECTIVE TIME OF THE
MERGER........................  The Effective  Time  of the Merger  will  be the
                                date that a Certificate  of Merger is filed with
                                the   Secretary   of  State  of  Delaware   (the
                                "Certificate   of   Merger")  or  at  such  time
                                thereafter as is provided in the  Certificate of
                                Merger.  See "The Merger  Agreement -- Effective
                                Time." Assuming that the remaining conditions to
                                the Merger,  including  the required  regulatory
                                approvals,  have been satisfied, the Merger will
                                be  consummated   two  business  days  following
                                approval by the PFS stockholders.
    

                                        6
<PAGE>   
 

TREATMENT OF PFS STOCK OPTIONS
 ..............................  From  and  after  the   Effective   Time,   each
                                outstanding  unexpired option to purchase shares
                                of PFS Common Stock (a "PFS Stock Option") which
                                has been granted pursuant to PFS's  Nonqualified
                                Stock  Option  Plan,  as amended to December 15,
                                1996, or  PFS's  1994  Omnibus  Stock  Incentive
                                Program,  as   amended   to  December  15,  1996
                                (collectively,  the  "Stock  Plans"),  shall  be
                                fully vested and shall be  exercisable,  for the
                                same aggregate consideration payable to exercise
                                such PFS Stock Option  immediately  prior to the
                                Effective  Time,  for the  number  of  shares of
                                Conseco Common Stock which the holder would have
                                been entitled to receive at the  Effective  Time
                                if such PFS Stock  Option had been fully  vested
                                and exercised  for PFS Common Stock  immediately
                                prior to the Effective Time and otherwise on the
                                same  terms and  conditions  as were  applicable
                                under the Stock Plans and the  underlying  stock
                                option  agreement.  See "The Merger Agreement --
                                Treatment of PFS Stock Options."

TREATMENT OF PFS CONVERTIBLE
  SUBORDINATED NOTES.........   Each  of  the 6  1/2%  Convertible  Subordinated
                                Notes  due  2003 of PFS  (the  "PFS  Convertible
                                Notes")  outstanding at the Effective Time shall
                                automatically become convertible into the number
                                of  shares of  Conseco  Common  Stock  which the
                                holder of such PFS  Convertible  Note would have
                                been  entitled  to  receive in the Merger if the
                                holder had  converted the PFS  Convertible  Note
                                into  shares  of PFS  Common  Stock  immediately
                                before  the  Effective  Time.  See  "The  Merger
                                Agreement   -  Treatment   of  PFS   Convertible
                                Subordinated Notes."

CERTAIN CONSEQUENCES OF THE
MERGER........................  Upon consummation of the Merger,  holders of PFS
                                Common   Stock  will  become   shareholders   of
                                Conseco,  and  each  share of PFS  Common  Stock
                                issued and outstanding  immediately prior to the
                                consummation  of the  Merger  will be  converted
                                into   the   right   to   receive   the   Merger
                                Consideration. In addition, holders of PFS Stock
                                Options  will be entitled  to receive,  upon the
                                exercise of their PFS Stock Options, a number of
                                shares of Conseco  Common  Stock  determined  as
                                described   under  "The  Merger   Agreement   --
                                Conversion   of   Shares;   Exchange   of  Stock
                                Certificates;  No  Fractional  Amounts"  and "--
                                Treatment of PFS Stock Options."

                                After  consummation  of the Merger, the  current
                                Conseco  shareholders would own approximately __
                                percent of the shares of  Conseco  Common  Stock
                                then outstanding, and the current holders of PFS
                                Common Stock would own  approximately __ percent
                                of such  shares.  See  "The  Merger  --  Certain
                                Consequences of the Merger."
   

CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER;
  REGULATORY APPROVALS;
  TERMINATION OF THE MERGER
  AGREEMENT...................  The obligations of Conseco and PFS to consummate
                                the Merger are  subject to the  satisfaction  of
                                certain  conditions,  including  the  receipt of
                                requisite  PFS   stockholder   approval  and  of
                                certain  governmental   consents  and  approvals
                                which  may  include,  without  limitation,   the
                                approval  of  the  Insurance   Commissioners  of
                                Illinois,    Oklahoma,    and   Wisconsin   (the
                                jurisdictions  in which the insurance  companies
                                owned by PFS are domiciled),  and the expiration
                                (or earlier

                                        7
<PAGE>   
 

                                termination)  of  the  relevant  waiting  period
                                under    the     Hart-Scott-Rodino     Antitrust
                                Improvements  Act of 1976,  as amended (the "HSR
                                Act"). The waiting period terminated on February
                                24,   1997.   See  "The  Merger  --   Regulatory
                                Approvals"   and  "The   Merger   Agreement   --
                                Conditions to the Merger."
    

                                The Merger  Agreement is subject to  termination
                                by Conseco or PFS  (provided  that such party is
                                not in breach of the  Merger  Agreement)  if the
                                Merger is not  consummated by March 31, 1997 (or
                                May 31, 1997 under certain  circumstances),  and
                                prior  to  such  time  upon  the  occurrence  of
                                certain events,  including the failure to obtain
                                approval  of the Merger by the  stockholders  of
                                PFS at the  Special  Meeting.  See  "The  Merger
                                Agreement -- Termination."

RIGHT OF PFS BOARD OF
  DIRECTORS TO WITHDRAW ITS
  RECOMMENDATION; FEES........  Under  the  Merger  Agreement,  the PFS Board of
                                Directors shall not (1) withdraw or modify, in a
                                manner  materially   adverse  to  Conseco,   the
                                approval  or  recommendation  by  the  Board  of
                                Directors of the Merger  Agreement or the Merger
                                or (2) enter into any  agreement  (other  than a
                                confidentiality agreement as contemplated by the
                                Merger    Agreement)   with   respect   to   any
                                Acquisition  Proposal (as hereinafter  defined),
                                unless PFS receives an Acquisition  Proposal and
                                the PFS Board of  Directors  determines  in good
                                faith,   following   consultation  with  outside
                                counsel,  that  in  order  to  comply  with  its
                                fiduciary  duties  to  its  stockholders   under
                                applicable law it is necessary for the PFS Board
                                of Directors to withdraw or modify,  in a manner
                                materially  adverse to Conseco,  its approval or
                                recommendation  of the Merger  Agreement  or the
                                Merger,  enter into an agreement with respect to
                                such  Acquisition   Proposal  or  terminate  the
                                Merger Agreement.  An "Acquisition  Proposal" is
                                defined in the Merger Agreement as any bona fide
                                proposal    with    respect    to   a    merger,
                                consolidation,   share   exchange   or   similar
                                transaction  involving PFS or any  subsidiary of
                                PFS,  or any  purchase  of all or a  significant
                                portion of the  assets of PFS or any  subsidiary
                                of PFS,  or any  equity  interest  in PFS or any
                                subsidiary  of  PFS,  other  than   transactions
                                contemplated  by the  Merger  Agreement.  In the
                                event  the PFS Board of  Directors  takes any of
                                the  foregoing  actions,  PFS  is  required  to,
                                concurrently with the taking of any such action,
                                pay to Conseco  upon  demand $8.0  million.  See
                                "The Merger Agreement -- Certain Covenants -- No
                                Solicitation,"   "--   Right  of  PFS  Board  of
                                Directors  to Withdraw its  Recommendation"  and
                                "-- Breakup  Fee." In  addition,  PFS has agreed
                                that,  subject to the exercise of its  fiduciary
                                duties, it shall not, nor shall it permit any of
                                its  subsidiaries  to, nor shall it authorize or
                                permit any officer,  director or employee of, or
                                any investment banker, attorney or other advisor
                                or   representative   of,  PFS  or  any  of  its
                                subsidiaries  to,  directly or  indirectly,  (i)
                                solicit, initiate or encourage the submission of
                                any Acquisition  Proposal or (ii) participate in
                                any  discussions or negotiations  regarding,  or
                                furnish  to  any  person  any  information  with
                                respect   to,  or  take  any  other   action  to
                                facilitate  any  inquiries  or the making of any
                                proposal that constitutes,  or may reasonably be
                                expected to lead to, any  Acquisition  Proposal.
                                The Merger  Agreement  also  provides for PFS to
                                pay  Conseco  an  amount,  not  to  exceed  $1.0
                                million, to reimburse Conseco for its reasonable
                                out-of-pocket  fees and  expenses in  connection
                                with the  Merger if the  approval  of the Merger
                                Agreement  by  the  PFS   stockholders   is  not
                                obtained, unless Conseco is materially in breach
                                of  the  Merger   Agreement.   See  "The  Merger
                                Agreement    --   Certain    Covenants   --   No
                                Solicitation."


CONDUCT OF THE BUSINESS OF
CONSECO AND PFS AFTER
THE MERGER..................    The  Board  of  Directors  and  the  officers of
                                Conseco immediately prior to

                                        8
<PAGE>   
 
                                the  consummation of the Merger will continue as
                                the directors and officers of Conseco  following
                                the consummation of the Merger and the directors
                                and  officers  of RAC  immediately  prior to the
                                consummation  of  the  Merger  will  become  the
                                directors  and  officers  of PFS  following  the
                                consummation  of the Merger.  See "Management of
                                Conseco  and  PFS  Upon   Consummation   of  the
                                Merger." In addition,  Peter W. Nauert, Chairman
                                of  the  Board  of  PFS,  has  entered  into  an
                                employment   agreement   with   Conseco,    such
                                agreement to be effective upon  consummation  of
                                the  Merger.  See "The  Merger --  Interests  of
                                Certain  Persons  in the  Merger  --  Employment
                                Arrangements."   Conseco  plans  to  consolidate
                                certain   operations   of  PFS  with   Conseco's
                                operations after consummation of the Merger. See
                                "The  Merger  --  Conduct  of  the  Business  of
                                Conseco and PFS After the Merger."

INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS
IN THE MERGER.................  Certain  directors  and  officers of PFS and its
                                subsidiaries  will  receive  benefits  from  the
                                Merger  in the  form  of an  enhanced  severance
                                program, acceleration of stock options and other
                                benefits. In addition, Peter W. Nauert, Chairman
                                of the Board of PFS,  has,  among other  things,
                                entered  into  an  employment   agreement   with
                                Conseco,  such  agreement to be  effective  upon
                                consummation  of the Merger.  See "The Merger --
                                Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger."

INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS
AND OFFICERS..................  Conseco  has  agreed to  maintain  the  existing
                                indemnification  provisions in the  certificates
                                of  incorporation  and  bylaws  of PFS  and  the
                                subsidiaries   of   PFS   and  to   enter   into
                                indemnification    agreements    with   existing
                                directors  and  officers of PFS. See "The Merger
                                -- Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger --
                                Indemnification"  and "The Merger  Agreement  --
                                Certain Covenants -- Indemnification of Officers
                                and Directors."

ABSENCE OF APPRAISAL RIGHTS...  Holders of PFS Common Stock will not be entitled
                                to appraisal  rights under the Delaware  General
                                Corporation Law (the "DGCL"). See "The Merger --
                                Absence of Appraisal  Rights" and "Comparison of
                                Shareholders' Rights -- Dissenters' Rights."
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX
  CONSEQUENCES................  The   Merger  is   expected   to  qualify  as  a
                                reorganization  within  the  meaning  of Section
                                368(a)(2)(E)  of the  Internal  Revenue  Code of
                                1986, as amended (the "Code"). The obligation of
                                PFS to  consummate  the Merger is subject to the
                                condition that it shall have received an opinion
                                of counsel,  based upon certain  representations
                                and assumptions, that the Merger will be treated
                                for tax purposes as a reorganization within  the
                                meaning  of  Section  368(a)(2)(E)  of the Code.
                                Assuming    the    Merger    qualifies    as   a
                                reorganization  within  the  meaning  of Section
                                368(a)(2)(E)  of the Code,  no gain or loss will
                                be  recognized  by PFS  stockholders  upon their
                                exchange of PFS Common Stock for Conseco  Common
                                Stock,  except  that  any  PFS  stockholder  who
                                receives  cash  proceeds in lieu of a fractional
                                share  interest  in  Conseco  Common  Stock will
                                recognize  gain or loss equal to the  difference
                                between such cash  proceeds and the tax basis in
                                the fractional share interest,  and such gain or
                                loss  will  constitute  capital  gain or loss if
                                such stockholder's PFS Common Stock is held as a
                                capital  asset at the Effective  Time.  See "The
                                Merger   --   Certain    Federal    Income   Tax
                                Consequences."

 <PAGE>

 
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT..........  The Merger will be accounted for as a "purchase"
                                under  GAAP.   See  "The  Merger  --  Accounting
                                Treatment."

COMPARISON OF SHAREHOLDERS'
RIGHTS........................   Upon consummation of the Merger, the holders of
                                PFS Common  Stock will  become  shareholders  of
                                Conseco.   See   "Comparison  of   Shareholders'
                                Rights"   for  a   summary   of   the   material
                                differences  between  the  rights of  holders of
                                Conseco Common Stock and PFS Common Stock. These
                                differences arise from the distinctions  between
                                the laws of the  jurisdictions  in which Conseco
                                and PFS are incorporated  (Indiana and Delaware,
                                respectively)  and the distinctions  between the
                                respective  charters  and bylaws of Conseco  and
                                PFS.
                                       9
<PAGE>


              SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF CONSECO
 
     The selected historical  financial  information set forth below was derived
from the consolidated  financial statements of Conseco.  Conseco's  consolidated
balance sheets at December 31, 1995 and 1996, and the consolidated statements of
operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the years ended December 31,
1994,  1995 and 1996 and notes thereto were audited by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.,
independent  accountants,  and are included in Conseco's  Annual Report which is
incorporated by reference herein. The selected historical financial  information
is  qualified  in its  entirety  by,  and  should be read in  conjunction  with,
Conseco's Annual Report. 
 
     The comparison of selected  historical  financial  information in the table
below is significantly affected by: (i) the acquisitions  consummated by Conseco
Capital Partners,  L.P.  ("Partnership I") and Conseco Capital Partners II, L.P.
("Partnership II"); (ii) the sale of Western National Corporation ("WNC"); (iii)
the  transactions   affecting  Conseco's  ownership  interest  in  BLH  and  CCP
Insurance,  Inc. ("CCP"); (iv) the LPG Merger; (v) the ATC Merger;  and (vi) the
THI Merger.  For periods beginning with their  acquisitions by Partnership I and
ending June 30, 1992,  Partnership I and its subsidiaries were consolidated with
the  financial  statements of Conseco.  Following the  completion of the initial
public offering by CCP in July 1992,  Conseco did not have unilateral control to
direct all of CCP's activities and, therefore, did not consolidate the financial
statements of CCP with the financial  statements of Conseco.  As a result of the
purchase by Conseco of all the shares of common  stock of CCP it did not already
own on August 31, 1995 (the "CCP  Merger"),  the  financial  statements of CCP's
subsidiaries  are  consolidated  with  the  financial   statements  of  Conseco,
effective January 1, 1995. Conseco has included BLH in its financial  statements
since November 1, 1992.  Through December 31, 1993, the financial  statements of
WNC were  consolidated with the financial  statements of Conseco.  Following the
completion of the initial public offering of WNC (and subsequent  disposition of
Conseco's  remaining  equity  interest in WNC), the financial  statements of WNC
were no longer  consolidated  with the financial  statements  of Conseco.  As of
September 29, 1994,  Conseco began to include in its  financial  statements  the
newly acquired Partnership II subsidiary, ALH. As of July 1, 1996, Conseco began
to include in its  financial  statements  its newly  acquired  subsidiary,  LPG.
Effective  December 31, 1996,  Conseco began to include in its balance sheet the
subsidiaries  acquired  in the ATC  Merger  and the THI  Merger.  Such  business
combinations are described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements
included in Conseco's Annual Report which is incorporated by reference herein.
   

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                                 
                                                                         YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                     
                                                            ---------------------------------------------------------
                                                              1992        1993        1994        1995        1996   
                                                            ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
                                                                 (AMOUNTS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                                         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>      
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA
Insurance policy income...................................  $   378.7   $ 1,293.8   $ 1,285.6   $ 1,465.0   $ 1,654.2
Net investment income.....................................      888.6       896.2       385.7     1,142.6     1,302.5
Net investment gains (losses).............................      160.2       242.6       (30.5)      188.9        30.4
Total revenues............................................    1,523.9     2,636.0     1,862.0     2,855.3     3,067.3
Interest expense on notes payable.........................       46.2        58.0        59.3       119.4       108.1
Total benefits and expenses...............................    1,193.9     2,025.8     1,537.6     2,436.8     2,573.7
Income before income taxes, minority interest
  and extraordinary charge................................      330.0       610.2       324.4       418.5       493.6
Extraordinary charge on extinguishment of debt,
  net of tax..............................................        5.3        11.9         4.0         2.1        26.5
Net income................................................      169.5       297.0       150.4       220.4       252.4
Preferred dividends.......................................        5.5        20.6        18.6        18.4        27.4
Net income applicable to common stock.....................      164.0       276.4       131.8       202.0       225.0
PER SHARE DATA(a)
Net income, primary.......................................  $    1.36   $    2.36   $    1.25   $    2.35   $    1.91
Net income, fully diluted.................................       1.35        2.19        1.22        2.11        1.77
Dividends declared per common share.......................       .021        .075        .125        .046        .083
Book value per common share outstanding at
  period end..............................................       5.46        8.45        5.22       10.22       16.86
Shares outstanding at period end..........................       99.6       101.2        88.7        81.0       167.1
Average fully diluted shares outstanding..................      118.4       134.0       123.4       104.5       142.5
BALANCE SHEET DATA -- PERIOD END
Total assets..............................................  $11,772.7   $13,749.3   $10,811.9   $17,297.5   $25,612.7
Notes payable for which Conseco is directly
  liable..................................................      163.2       413.0       191.8       871.4     1,094.9
Notes payable of affiliates, not direct 
  obligations of Conseco..................................      392.0       290.3       611.1       584.7          --
Total liabilities.........................................   11,154.4    12,382.9     9,743.2    15,782.5    21,829.7
Minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries:
  Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable
    preferred securities of subsidiary trusts.............         --          --          --          --       600.0
  Preferred stock.........................................         --          --       130.1       110.7        97.0
  Common stock............................................       24.0       223.8       191.6       292.6          .7
Shareholders' equity......................................      594.3     1,142.6       747.0     1,111.7     3,085.3
</TABLE>
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                 
                                                                             YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                     
                                                            ---------------------------------------------------------
                                                              1992        1993        1994        1995        1996
                                                            ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
                                                                  (AMOUNTS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                                         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>        
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA(b)
Premiums collected(c).....................................  $ 1,464.9   $ 2,140.1   $ 1,879.1   $ 3,106.4   $ 3,210.4
Operating earnings(d).....................................      114.8       162.0       151.7       131.3       267.7
Operating earnings per fully diluted common
  share(a)(d).............................................        .90        1.19        1.23        1.26        1.89
Shareholders' equity excluding unrealized
  appreciation (depreciation) of fixed maturity
  securities(e)...........................................      560.3     1,055.2       884.7       999.1     3,045.5
Book value per common share outstanding,
  excluding unrealized appreciation
  (depreciation) of fixed maturity
  securities(a)(e)........................................       5.12        7.58        6.77        8.83       16.62
Ratio of debt to total capital (f):
    As reported...........................................       .49X        .34X        .43X        .49X        .22X
    Excluding unrealized appreciation
      (depreciation)(e)...................................       .50X        .36X        .39X        .53X        .23X
Ratio of debt and Company-obligated mandatorily
  redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary
  trusts to total capital (f):
    As reported...........................................      .49X         .34X        .43X        .49X         .35X
    Excluding unrealized appreciation
      (depreciation)(e)...................................      .50X         .36X        .39X        .53X         .35X
Adjusted statutory capital (at period end)(g)............. $   603.1    $ 1,135.5    $  791.6   $ 1,298.7    $ 1,775.1 

</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------
(a)  All share and per  share  amounts  have  been  restated to reflect two-for-
     one stock splits paid on April 1, 1996 and February 11, 1997.

(b)  Amounts under this  heading are  included to assist the reader in analyzing
     Conseco's  financial  position and results of operations.  Such amounts are
     not intended to, and do not, represent insurance policy income, net income,
     net income per share, shareholders' equity or book value per share prepared
     in accordance with GAAP.

(c)  Includes  premiums  received  from  universal  life  and  products  without
     mortality or  morbidity  risk.  Such  premiums are not reported as revenues
     under  GAAP and were  $1,131.8  million  in 1992;  $891.9  million in 1993;
     $634.6 million in 1994;  $1,757.4  million in 1995; and $1,811.5 million in
     1996.

(d)  Represents income  before  extraordinary  charge,  excluding net investment
     gains  (losses)(less  that  portion  of change in future  policy  benefits,
     amortization  of cost of policies  purchased and cost of policies  produced
     and  income  taxes  relating  to such  gains  (losses))  and  restructuring
     activities (net of income taxes).

(e)  Excludes  the  effect  of  reporting  fixed  maturities  at fair  value and
     recording the unrealized  gain or loss on such securities as a component of
     shareholders'  equity, net of tax and other adjustments.  Such adjustments,
     which Conseco  began to do in 1992,  are in  accordance  with  Statement of
     Financial  Accounting Standards No. 115 "Accounting for Certain Investments
     in Debt and Equity  Securities"  ("SFAS 115"), as described in the notes to
     the consolidated  financial  statements included in Conseco's Annual Report
     which is  incorporated  herein by reference.  

(f)  For periods prior to 1996, debt includes obligations for  which Conseco was
     not directly liable.

(g)  Includes: (1) statutory  capital  and surplus; (2) asset  valuation reserve
     ("AVR") and interest  maintenance  reserve  ("IMR"); and (3) the portion of
     surplus debentures carried by the life companies as a liability to Conseco.
     Such  statutory  data  reflect the  combined  data  derived from the annual
     statements of Conseco's consolidated life insurance companies as filed with
     insurance  regulatory  agencies and prepared in accordance  with  statutory
     accounting practices.


                                       11

<PAGE>

              SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF LPG (a)

     The selected historical  financial  information set forth below was derived
from the audited  consolidated  financial  statements of LPG. LPG's consolidated
balance sheets at December 31, 1994 and 1995, and the consolidated statements of
operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the years ended December 31,
1993,  1994 and 1995 and notes thereto were audited by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.,
independent  accountants,  and are included Conseco's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated  August  2,  1996,  which  is  incorporated  by  reference   herein.   The
consolidated  financial information should be read in conjunction with Conseco's
Current  Report on Form 8-K dated  August 2, 1996.  The  consolidated  financial
information  set forth  for the six  months  ended  June 30,  1995 and 1996,  is
unaudited;  however,  in the  opinion  of  LPG's  management,  the  accompanying
financial  information  contains  all  adjustments,  consisting  only of  normal
recurring items,  necessary to present fairly the financial information for such
periods.  The results of operations  for the six months ended June 30, 1996, may
not be indicative of the results of operations to be expected for a full year.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                      Six months
                                                                                                                         ended
                                                                             Years ended December 31,                   June 30,
                                                                       -------------------------------------         --------------
                                                                       1992       1993        1994      1995         1995      1996
                                                                       ----       ----        ----      ----         ----      ----
                                                                              (Amounts in millions, except per share amounts)

<S>                                                                    <C>       <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>       <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA
Insurance policy income...........................................     $187.3     $210.8     $217.9     $280.1      $129.4    $155.7
Investment activity:
   Net investment income..........................................      218.6      221.1      225.4      277.1       134.9     146.2
   Net realized gains (losses) ...................................       23.1       18.4      (19.7)      15.8         2.4       2.3
Total revenues....................................................      436.5      455.7      428.2      576.1       268.6     306.9
Interest expense..................................................       35.3       26.0       20.7       27.9        12.0      11.8
Total benefits and expenses.......................................      374.8      373.8      369.9      592.8       251.0     279.4
Income (loss) before income taxes, minority interest and
   extraordinary charge...........................................       61.7       81.9       58.5      (16.7)       17.6      27.5
Extraordinary charge, net of tax..................................        5.6        4.8        2.6        -           -         -
Net income (loss).................................................       32.1       47.2       34.6      (13.4)       11.3      15.9
Dividends in kind on preferred stock..............................       15.4        4.0        -          -           -         -
Net income (loss) applicable to common stock......................       16.7       43.2       34.6      (13.4)       11.3      15.9

PER SHARE DATA
Income (loss) before extraordinary charge, primary
   and fully diluted...............................................    $ 1.08     $ 2.05     $ 1.43     $(0.49)       $.42      $.56
Net income (loss), primary and fully diluted.......................      0.62       1.85       1.33      (0.49)        .42       .56
Dividends declared per common share................................      -        0.0375        .08        .11         .05       .06
Book value per common share outstanding at
   period end......................................................     15.98      12.25      11.50      14.35       14.20     12.47
Shares outstanding at period end...................................      14.4       25.4       25.5       27.9        27.8      28.2
Average fully diluted shares outstanding...........................      12.1       23.4       26.1       27.1        26.8      28.4

BALANCE SHEET DATA - PERIOD END
Total assets......................................................   $3,292.7   $3,589.4   $3,748.8   $4,980.9    $5,035.7  $4,974.7
Notes payable.....................................................      314.3      210.1      210.5      246.1       239.3     238.9
Total liabilities.................................................    3,062.8    3,278.2    3,455.2    4,580.4     4,640.5   4,623.1
Minority interest.................................................         -          -          -          -           -         -
Shareholders' equity .............................................      229.9      311.2      293.6      400.5       395.2     351.6

</TABLE>


                                       12

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



                                                                                                                      Six months
                                                                                                                         ended
                                                                            Years ended December 31,                    June 30,
                                                                       -------------------------------------         -------------
                                                                       1992       1993        1994      1995         1995     1996
                                                                       ----       ----        ----      ----         ----     ----
                                                                            (Amounts in millions, except per share amounts)

<S>                                                                   <C>         <C>       <C>         <C>         <C>       <C>
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA (b)
Premiums collected (c)............................................    $465.5      $470.2    $411.8      $497.3      $248.2    $280.1
Operating earnings (loss) (d).....................................      31.9        44.1      50.0       (28.9)        9.4      20.5
Operating earnings (loss) per primary and fully diluted
   common share (d)...............................................      2.63        1.88      1.91       (1.06)        .35       .72
Shareholders' equity excluding unrealized appreciation
   (depreciation) of fixed maturity securities (e)................     229.9       291.7     325.0       344.3       376.8     361.8
Book value per common share outstanding, excluding
   unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of fixed
   maturity securities (e)........................................     15.98       11.48     12.73       12.34       13.54     12.83
Ratio of debt to total capital (f):
   As reported....................................................      .58X        .40X      .42X        .38X        .38X      .40X
   Excluding unrealized appreciation (depreciation) (e)...........      .58X        .42X      .39X        .42X        .39X      .40X
Adjusted statutory capital (at period end) (g)....................    $191.3      $169.8    $174.3      $209.8      $174.7    $219.3
<FN>
    (a)  Comparison of consolidated  financial information in the above table is
         significantly  affected by the  acquisition of Lamar  Financial  Group,
         Inc.  ("Lamar") on April 28, 1995.  Such  acquisition was accounted for
         using the purchase  method,  and the results of operations at Lamar are
         included  in  the   consolidated   financial  data  from  the  date  of
         acquisition.   Refer  to  the  notes  to  the  consolidated   financial
         statements  included  in  Conseco's  Current  Report  on Form 8-K dated
         August 2, 1996, incorporated  by  reference herein for a description of
         the acquisition.

    (b)  Amounts  under  this  heading  are  included  to assist  the  reader in
         analyzing  LPG's  financial  position and results of  operations.  Such
         amounts are not intended  to, and do not,  represent  insurance  policy
         income, net income, net income per share,  shareholders' equity or book
         value per share prepared in accordance with GAAP.

    (c)  Includes premiums  received from annuities and universal life policies,
         which are not reported as revenues  under GAAP and were $426.2  million
         in 1992; $422.4 million in 1993; $384.7 million in 1994; $458.7 million
         in 1995;  $226.5  million for the six months ended June 30,  1995;  and
         $265.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 1996.

    (d)  Represents income before extraordinary  charge,  excluding net realized
         gains (losses) (less that portion of  amortization  of cost of policies
         purchased and the cost of policies  produced and income taxes  relating
         to such gains (losses)).

    (e)  Excludes the effects of reporting  available-for-sale  fixed maturities
         at  fair  value  and  recording  the  unrealized  gain  or loss on such
         securities as a component of shareholders' equity, net of tax and other
         adjustments,  which LPG began to do with  respect  to a portion  of its
         portfolio   effective  December  31,  1993.  Such  adjustments  are  in
         accordance with SFAS 115, as described in the notes to the consolidated
         financial   statements   included  in  Conseco's Current Report on Form
         8-K dated August 2, 1996,  which  is incorporated herein by reference.

    (f)  Represents  the  ratio  of notes  payable  to the sum of  shareholders'
         equity and notes payable.

    (g)  Includes:  (1) statutory capital  and  surplus;  and  (2) AVR  and IMR.
         Such  statutory  data reflect the combined data derived from the annual
         and interim statements of LPG's consolidated  insurance subsidiaries as
         filed with  insurance  regulatory  agencies and prepared in  accordance
         with statutory accounting practices.
</FN>
</TABLE>

                                       13
<PAGE>  
 

                SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PFS

  The selected historical financial information set forth below was derived from
the consolidated financial statements of PFS. The consolidated balance sheets of
PFS at December 31, 1995 and 1996,  and the  consolidated  statements of income,
shareholders'  equity and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995
and 1996 and  notes  thereto  were  audited  by Ernst & Young  LLP,  independent
auditors,  and are included  in PFS's Annual  Report  which is  incorporated  by
reference  herein.  The  consolidated  financial  information  should be read in
conjunction with PFS's Annual Report. 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                         
                                                                            Years ended December 31,                  
                                                                ------------------------------------------------     
                                                                1992       1993       1994       1995       1996
                                                                ----       ----       ----       ----       ----
                                                                  (Amounts in millions, except per share amounts)
<S>                                                            <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>         <C>  
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA
Insurance policy income...................................    $595.1      $641.0    $704.1     $687.0      $770.9        
Net investment income.....................................      43.6        40.2      42.8       71.0        74.8         
Net investment gains (losses).............................         -        (1.3)      (.4)       4.0         4.2
Total revenues............................................     656.0       699.1     774.2      800.1       887.9
Interest expense..........................................       2.2         3.3       5.1        5.0         6.5
Total benefits and expenses...............................     681.4       680.4     748.1      768.4       841.8        
Income (loss) before income taxes.........................     (25.4)       18.8      26.0       31.7        46.1        
Net income (loss).........................................     (17.0)       12.1      17.1       21.0        30.5        
Preferred dividends.......................................       2.0         2.0       1.9        1.8          .6        
Net income (loss) applicable to common stock..............     (19.0)       10.1      15.2       19.2        29.9        

PER SHARE DATA
Net income (loss), primary................................    $(2.85)      $1.51     $2.36      $2.44       $2.69         
Net income (loss), fully diluted..........................     (2.85)       1.26      1.58       1.85        2.16         
Dividends declared per common share.......................         -           -       .15        .18         .22         
Book value per common share outstanding
   at period end (a)......................................      9.21       10.86     11.55      14.35       16.06
Shares outstanding at period end (a)......................       6.8         6.3       5.9       10.1        11.8 
Average fully diluted shares outstanding..................       8.2        10.7      12.7       12.6        15.7         

BALANCE SHEET DATA - PERIOD END
Total assets..............................................    $978.7    $1,108.3  $1,075.7   $1,558.9    $1,823.7      
Notes payable (including convertible
   subordinated debentures and notes) ....................      38.1        64.2      80.0       44.7       114.0      
Total liabilities.........................................     892.0     1,015.7     985.7    1,393.1     1,634.9     
Redeemable preferred stock................................      24.0        23.7      21.7       21.2          -       
Shareholders' equity......................................      62.7        68.9      68.3      144.6       188.8      

OTHER FINANCIAL DATA (b)
Premiums collected (c)....................................    $610.6      $654.4    $732.0     $700.4      $794.2
Operating earnings (loss) (d).............................     (16.9)       13.0      17.4       21.7        28.0
Operating earnings (loss) per fully diluted
   common share (a), (d)..................................     (2.85)       1.34      1.60       1.91        2.01 
Shareholders' equity excluding unrealized
   appreciation (depreciation) of fixed maturity
   securities (e).........................................      62.7        68.9      77.4      140.6       189.8 
Book value per common share outstanding
   excluding unrealized appreciation
   (depreciation)of fixed maturity
   securities (a), (e)....................................      9.21       10.86     13.09      13.96       16.14
Ratio of debt and preferred stock to
   total capital (f):
      As reported.........................................      .50X        .56X      .60X       .31X        .38X
      Excluding unrealized appreciation
        (depreciation) (e)................................      .50X        .56X      .57X       .32X        .38X
Adjusted statutory capital (at period end) (g)............     $90.4      $111.2    $128.8     $120.1      $172.7

                       (see footnotes on following page)

                                       14
<PAGE>

<FN>
(a)  Common shares outstanding  excludes shares owned by subsidiaries of PFS and
     classified as treasury shares. The number of shares held as treasury shares
     amounted  to  .5  million,  1.1 million,  1.1  million  and $1.1 million at
     December  31,  1993,  1994,  1995 and 1996,  respectively.  

(b)  Amounts under this  heading  are included to assist the reader in analyzing
     PFS's financial  position and results of  operations.  Such amounts are not
     intended  to,  and do not,  represent  net  income,  net  income per share,
     shareholders'  equity or book value per share  prepared in accordance  with
     GAAP.

(c)  Includes  premiums  received   from  universal life  policies  and products
     without  mortality or  morbidity  risk.  Such  premiums are not reported as
     revenues under GAAP and were $11.1 million in 1992;  $13.4 million in 1993;
     $27.7 million in 1994; $23.8 million in 1995; and $16.7 million in 1996.

(d)  Represents  income or loss  excluding  the effects of  realized  investment
     gains and losses.  The 1995  amounts  exclude  $3.4 million (net of tax) in
     payments made to converting  bondholders and other expenses relating to the
     conversion of the 8% Convertible Subordinated  Debentures.  The 1996 amount
     also  excludes  approximately  $.3  million  (net of tax)  in  payments  to
     redeeming stockholders relating to the redemption of PFS preferred stock.

(e)  Excludes  the  effect  of  reporting  fixed  maturities  at fair  value and
     recording the unrealized  gain or loss on such securities as a component of
     shareholders' equity, net of tax and other adjustments,  which PFS began to
     do in 1994. Such  adjustments are in accordance with SFAS 115, as described
     in the notes to the  consolidated  financial  statements included  in PFS's
     Annual Report.

(f)  Debt represents the aggregate of long-term notes payable,  short-term notes
     payable,  the  8%  Convertible  Subordinated   Debentures,   and   the  PFS
     Convertible Notes. Total capitalization  represents  debt,  preferred stock
     and shareholders' equity.

(g)  Includes: (1)  statutory  capital  and  surplus;  and  (2)   AVR  and  IMR.


</FN>
</TABLE>


                                       15

<PAGE>
 
                          SUMMARY UNAUDITED PRO FORMA
                 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF CONSECO
 
     The summary  unaudited  pro forma  consolidated  financial  information  of
Conseco set forth below was derived from the  unaudited  pro forma  consolidated
financial  statements  of Conseco  included  elsewhere  in this  Statement.  See
"Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated  Financial Statements of Conseco." The summary
unaudited  pro  forma  consolidated  financial  information  is  based  upon the
historical  and pro forma  consolidated  financial  statements and related notes
thereto  of  Conseco,  LPG and  PFS  incorporated  by  reference  in this  Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.  The summary  unaudited pro forma  consolidated  financial
information  set forth below is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read
in conjunction  with,  such  materials and the unaudited pro forma  consolidated
financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

     The  summary  unaudited  pro forma  consolidated  statement  of  operations
information  for the year ended  December  31, 1996,  in the column  headed "Pro
forma Conseco  before the Merger"  reflects the following  transactions,  all of
which have already occurred,  as if such transactions had occurred on January 1,
1996: (1) the issuance of 4.37 million shares of Conseco PRIDES in January 1996;
(2)  the  BLH  tender  offer  for  and  repurchase  of  its  13  percent  senior
subordinated  notes due 2002 and related  financing  transactions  completed  in
March  1996 (the "BLH  Tender  Offer");  (3) the  acquisition  and merger of LPG
completed effective July 1, 1996 (the "LPG Merger"); (4) the call for redemption
of  Conseco's  Series  D  Convertible  Preferred  Stock  (the  "Series  D Call")
completed  September 26, 1996;  (5) the  acquisition  of all of the  outstanding
common  stock of ALH, not  previously  owned by Conseco or its  affiliates,  and
related  transactions (the "ALH Stock Purchase")  completed  September 30, 1996;
(6) the  issuance of $275.0  million of Trust  Originated  Preferred  Securities
("TOPrS")  having a  distribution  rate of 9.16 percent  (the "TOPrS  Offering")
completed November 19, 1996; (7) the issuance of $325.0 million of Capital Trust
Pass-through  Securities  ("TruPS")  having a distribution  rate of 8.70 percent
(the "TruPS Offering")  completed November 27, 1996; (8) the ATC Merger; (9) the
THI Merger;  (10) the acquisition of all of the outstanding common stock of BLH,
not previously  owned by Conseco or its affiliates (the "BLH Merger");  and (11)
the CAF Merger.  The  summary  unaudited  pro forma  consolidated  statement  of
operations  information  for the year ended  December  31,  1996,  in the column
headed  "Pro  forma  for  the  Merger"  reflects  further   adjustments  to  the
consolidated  operating  results of Conseco  as if the  Merger had  occurred  on
January 1, 1996.

     The summary unaudited pro forma  consolidated  balance sheet information at
December 31, 1996, in the column  headed "Pro forma  Conseco  before the Merger"
reflects the  application of certain pro forma  adjustments  for the CAF Merger,
which has already  occurred,  as if the CAF Merger had  occurred on December 31,
1996. The summary unaudited pro forma consolidated  balance sheet information at
December  31,  1996,  in the column  headed "Pro forma for the Merger"  reflects
further  adjustments  to the financial  position of Conseco as if the Merger had
occurred on December 31, 1996.

     The summary unaudited pro forma  consolidated  financial  information as of
and for the year ended December 31, 1996, is provided for informational purposes
only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations or financial
condition  that would have been  achieved had the  transactions  set forth above
actually  occurred as of the dates  indicated or of future results of operations
or  financial  condition  of  Conseco.  Conseco  anticipates  cost  savings  and
additional  benefits as a result of completing the transactions set forth above.
Such benefits and any other changes that might have resulted from  management of
the combined  companies  have not been included as  adjustments to the pro forma
consolidated financial  information.  The Merger will be accounted for under the
purchase method of accounting.
                                       16
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            YEAR  ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                                                       -------------------------------------
                                                                                     PRO FORMA  
                                                                                      CONSECO      PRO FORMA
                                                                           CONSECO   BEFORE THE      FOR THE 
                                                                          HISTORICAL   MERGER        MERGER   
                                                                          ----------  ---------   -------------
                                                                     (AMOUNTS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                                                      <C>         <C>           <C>          
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA
Insurance policy income................................................. $ 1,654.2   $ 2,599.8     $ 3,370.7
Net investment income...................................................   1,302.5     1,598.0       1,678.5
Net investment gains....................................................      30.4        36.4          40.6
Total revenues..........................................................   3,067.3     4,320.1       5,213.6
Interest expense on notes payable.......................................     108.1       138.7         142.5
Total benefits and expenses.............................................   2,573.7     3,666.5       4,508.6
Income before income taxes, minority interest and
  extraordinary charge..................................................     493.6       653.6         705.0
Income before extraordinary charge......................................     278.9       367.1         399.1
PER SHARE DATA (a)
Income before extraordinary charge, primary............................. $    2.12   $    1.90     $    1.98
Income before extraordinary charge, fully
  diluted...............................................................      1.96        1.80          1.86
Book value per common share outstanding at period
  end...................................................................     16.86       17.26         18.39
Shares outstanding at period end........................................     167.1       170.0         178.7
Average fully diluted shares outstanding................................     142.5       204.3         216.0
BALANCE SHEET DATA -- PERIOD END
Total assets............................................................ $25,612.7   $27,213.1     $29,304.3
Notes payable...........................................................   1,094.9     1,696.4       1,825.4
Total liabilities.......................................................  21,829.7    23,314.4      25,053.2
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries:
  Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable
    preferred securities of subsidiary trusts...........................     600.0       600.0         600.0
  Preferred stock.......................................................      97.0        97.0          97.0
  Common stock..........................................................        .7          .7            .7    
Shareholders' equity....................................................   3,085.3     3,201.0       3,553.4
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA(b)
Premiums collected(c)................................................... $ 3,210.4    $4,277.1      $5,071.3
Operating earnings(d)...................................................     267.7       353.4         382.7 
Operating earnings per fully diluted common
  share(d)..............................................................      1.89        1.74          1.78  
Shareholders' equity excluding unrealized
  appreciation (depreciation) of fixed maturity
  securities(e).........................................................   3,045.5     3,161.2       3,513.6
Book value per common share outstanding, excluding
  unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of fixed
  maturity securities(e)................................................     16.62       17.02         18.17
Ratio of debt to total capital(f):
  As reported...........................................................      .22X        .30X          .30X
  Excluding unrealized appreciation
    (depreciation)(e)...................................................      .23X        .31X          .30X
  Excluding unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
    and assuming conversion of ATC's Convertible
    Subordinated Debentures and PFS's Convertible
    Subordinated Notes into Conseco Common
    Stock(e), (g).......................................................      .20X        .28X          .26X
Ratio of debt and Company--obligated mandatorily
  redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary
  trusts to total capital(h):
  As reported...........................................................      .35X        .41X          .40X
  Excluding unrealized appreciation 
    depreciation)(e)....................................................      .35X        .41X          .40X
  Excluding unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
    and assuming conversion of ATC's Convertible
    Subordinated Debentures and PFS's Convertible
    Subordinated Notes into Conseco Common
    Stock(e), (g).......................................................      .32X        .38X          .36X
Adjusted statutory capital (at period end)(i)...........................  $1,775.1    $1,870.3      $2,043.0    
</TABLE>
                     
                       (see footnotes on following page)
                                       17
<PAGE>
- -------------------------
(a) All share and per share amounts reflect: (i) Conseco's April 1, 1996 two-for
    -one  stock  split;  and (ii) Conseco's February 11, 1997 two-for-one  stock
    split.

(b) Amounts under this heading are included  to  assist  the reader in analyzing
    Conseco's pro  forma financial position and pro forma results of operations.
    Such  amounts are not intended to, and do not, represent pro forma insurance
    policy  income,  pro  forma  net income, pro forma net income per share, pro
    forma  shareholders'  equity  or  pro forma book value per share prepared in
    accordance with GAAP.
 
(c) Includes premiums received from annuities and universal life policies, which
    are not reported as revenues under GAAP.
 
(d) Represents  pro  forma  income  before extraordinary  charge, excluding  net
    investment gains (less that portion of change  in  future  policy  benefits,
    amortization  of cost of policies purchased  and  cost  of policies produced
    and income taxes relating to such gains) and  restructuring activities  (net
    of income taxes).
 
(e) Excludes  the  effect  of  reporting  fixed  maturities  at  fair  value and
    recording the unrealized gain or loss  on  such securities as a component of
    shareholders' equity, net of tax and other  adjustments, which Conseco began
    to do in  1992. Such  adjustments  are  in  accordance  with  SFAS  115,  as
    described in the notes to the consolidated  financial statements included in
    Conseco's Annual Report which is incorporated herein by reference.
 
(f) Represents  the ratio of pro  forma  notes  payable to the sum of pro  forma
    shareholders' equity, pro forma  notes  payable, minority  interest  related
    to  preferred    stock   issued  by   a   subsidiary   of  ALH  and Company-
    obligated  mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary trusts.

(g) Assumes ATC's  Convertible  Subordinated  Debentures,  which are convertible
    into 7.9  million  shares of  Conseco  Common  Stock  with a value of $248.3
    million,  are  converted.  ATC's  Convertible   Subordinated  Debentures are
    callable on October 1, 1998.  It also  assumes  the PFS  Convertible  Notes,
    which will be  convertible  into an assumed 3.0  million  shares  of Conseco
    Common  Stock  with a  value  of  $120.7  million,  are  converted.  The PFS
    Convertible Notes are callable on April 6, 1999.

(h) Represents  the ratio of pro  forma notes  payable and the Company-obligated
    mandatorily  redeemable preferred securities  of  subsidiary  trusts  to the
    sum of pro  forma  shareholders' equity,  pro forma notes  payable, minority
    interest  related to preferred stock issued by a subsidiary of ALH   and the
    Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of  subsidiary
    trusts.

(i) Includes:  (1) statutory  capital and surplus;  (2) AVR and IMR; and (3) the
    portion of surplus  debentures  carried by the life companies as a liability
    to Conseco.  Such  statutory data reflect the combined data derived from the
    annual  statements of Conseco's  pro forma life  insurance  subsidiaries  as
    filed with  insurance  regulatory  agencies and prepared in accordance  with
    statutory accounting practices.


 
                                       18
<PAGE>
 
            COMPARATIVE UNAUDITED PER SHARE DATA OF CONSECO AND PFS

     The  following  table  sets  forth  selected  historical  per share data of
Conseco and PFS and  corresponding  pro forma and pro forma equivalent per share
amounts as of and for the year ended  December 31, 1996,  giving  effect to: (1)
the issuance of 4.37 million shares of Conseco PRIDES; (2) the BLH Tender Offer;
(3) the LPG Merger;  (4) the Series D Call; (5) the ALH Stock Purchase;  (6) the
TOPrS Offering;  (7) the TruPS Offering; (8) the ATC Merger; (9) the THI Merger;
(10) the BLH  Merger;  (11) the CAF  Merger;  and (12)  the  Merger.  Pro  forma
equivalent  amounts are presented  assuming that the Conseco Share Price will be
$40.5875,  so that each share of PFS Common Stock is exchanged  for .6899 shares
of Conseco Common Stock in the Merger.  Assuming that the Effective Time for the
Merger   were  to  occur  on  _______   __,   1997,   the  date  of  this  Proxy
Statement/Prospectus, the Conseco Share Price would be $_____, and ___ shares of
Conseco  Common Stock would be issuable in the Merger with respect to each share
of PFS Common Stock. The information  presented is derived from the consolidated
financial  statements  and related  notes thereto  included in Conseco's  Annual
Report,  PFS's  Annual  Report,  (both of which are  incorporated  by  reference
herein) and the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements of Conseco
included  elsewhere  in this  Statement.  The  information  is  qualified in its
entirety  by,  and  should be read in  conjunction  with,  such  materials.  See
"Unaudited  Pro Forma  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  of Conseco." The pro
forma financial  information is provided for informational  purposes only and is
not  necessarily  indicative of the actual results that would have been achieved
had the above  transactions  been  consummated  at the  beginning of the periods
presented, or of future results.
 <TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             YEAR ENDED     
                                                                            DECEMBER 31,    
                                                                                1996        
                                                                            ------------   
<S>                                                                         <C>            
NET INCOME BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY CHARGE PER FULLY DILUTED COMMON
  SHARE:
  Historical:
    Conseco.................................................................     $ 1.96         
    PFS.....................................................................       2.16         
  Pro forma:
    Conseco before the Merger...............................................     $ 1.80         
    Adjusted for the Merger.................................................       1.86         
    Equivalent for one share of PFS Common Stock............................       1.28           
DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE:
  Historical:
    Conseco.................................................................     $ .083          
    PFS.....................................................................       .220            
  Pro forma:
    Conseco before the Merger...............................................     $ .083         
    Adjusted for the Merger.................................................       .083         
    Equivalent for one share of PFS Common Stock............................       .057            
BOOK VALUE PER COMMON SHARE:
  Historical:
    Conseco.................................................................     $16.86         
    PFS.....................................................................      16.06       
  Pro forma:
    Conseco before the Merger...............................................      17.26            
    Adjusted for the Merger.................................................      18.39           
    Equivalent for one share of PFS Common Stock............................      12.69           

</TABLE>
    

                                       19

<PAGE>

                            MARKET PRICE INFORMATION
 

     Market  prices for the shares of Conseco  Common Stock and PFS Common Stock
are reported on the NYSE.  The table below sets forth for the periods  indicated
the high and low sale prices and the dividends  paid per share of Conseco Common
Stock and PFS Common Stock.  For current price  information  with respect to the
Conseco  Common Stock and PFS Common  Stock,  stockholders  are urged to consult
publicly available sources.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          
                                                                 CONSECO COMMON STOCK                    PFS COMMON STOCK  
                                                       ---------------------------------------    --------------------------------
                                                       HIGH              LOW         DIVIDENDS      HIGH         LOW     DIVIDENDS
                                                     --------         ---------      ---------    --------     ------    ---------
<S>                                                  <C>              <C>             <C>          <C>          <C>       <C>
1994
  First Quarter..................................... $16 1/16         $13 9/32        $0.03125     $14 3/4      $11 1/8   .0375
  Second Quarter....................................  14 17/32         11 19/32        0.03125      12           10       .0375
  Third Quarter.....................................  13 3/32          10 13/16        0.03125      10 1/2       8  3/4   .0375
  Fourth Quarter....................................  11 9/16           8 31/32        0.03125      10           8  3/4   .0375
1995
  First Quarter.....................................  12 5/32           8 1/8          0.03125      11 1/4       8  7/8   .045
  Second Quarter....................................  11 21/32          9 25/32        0.03125      15 1/2       10 3/4   .045
  Third Quarter.....................................  13 5/16          11 3/8          0.005        15 3/8       13 1/8   .045
  Fourth Quarter....................................  15 25/32         12 23/32        0.005        18 1/2       13 7/8   .045
1996
  First Quarter.....................................  18 5/32          14 15/16        0.005        18 3/8       15 1/8   .055
  Second Quarter....................................  20 3/8           17 3/8          0.01         17 1/4       15 3/8   .055
  Third Quarter.....................................  24 11/16         17 5/8          0.01         16 5/8       14 1/8   .055
  Fourth Quarter....................................  33 1/8           24 7/16         0.03125      25 1/8       16 1/4   .055
   

1997
  First Quarter (through March 24, 1997)............  43 7/8           30 3/4          0.03125      26 5/8       24 3/4   .055
    

</TABLE>

     The  information  set forth in the table  below  presents:  (1) the closing
price for shares of Conseco  Common  Stock and PFS Common  Stock on December 13,
1996, the last day on which trading occurred prior to the public announcement of
the Merger Agreement,  and on _______, 1997, the last full trading day for which
information was available prior to the mailing of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus
and (2) the "Equivalent Per Share Price" (as hereinafter  defined) of PFS Common
Stock on December 13, 1996 and ______, 1997. The "Equivalent Per Share Price" of
PFS Common Stock  represents the closing price per share of Conseco Common Stock
reported on the NYSE, multiplied by .8928 and ___, assuming  consummation of the
Merger had  occurred on December  13,  1996 and ______,  1997,respectively.  The
Equivalent  Per Share  Price is not the same as the  Merger  Consideration.  The
amount and value of the Merger  Consideration  to be  received by holders of the
PFS Common Stock can be determined  only at the date the Merger is  consummated.
See  "The  Merger   Agreement  --  Conversion  of  Shares;   Exchange  of  Stock
Certificates; No Fractional Amounts."

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        PFS
                                                                                    COMMON STOCK
                                                                CONSECO    PFS       EQUIVALENT
                                                                COMMON    COMMON        PER
                       PER SHARE PRICE                          STOCK     STOCK     SHARE PRICE
- -------------------------------------------------------------   ------    ------    ------------
<S>                                                             <C>       <C>       <C>
December 13, 1996............................................   $30.125   $19.00     $26.90
________  , 1997.............................................   
</TABLE>

 
     Listing on the NYSE of the  shares of  Conseco  Common  Stock  issuable  in
connection  with the Merger is a condition to  consummation  of the Merger.  See
"The Merger Agreement -- Conditions to the Merger."


     HOLDERS  ARE URGED TO OBTAIN A CURRENT  MARKET  QUOTATION  FOR THE  CONSECO
COMMON  STOCK AND THE PFS  COMMON  STOCK.  NO  ASSURANCE  CAN BE GIVEN AS TO THE
FUTURE PRICES OF, OR MARKETS FOR, CONSECO COMMON STOCK OR PFS COMMON STOCK.

                                       20
<PAGE>   
 
                     INFORMATION CONCERNING CONSECO AND RAC
 
BACKGROUND
   

     Conseco   is  a  financial  services  holding  company.   Conseco develops,
markets and administers annuity, individual health insurance and individual life
insurance products. Conseco's  operating  strategy  is to grow  the  insurance
business  within its  subsidiaries  by focusing its resources on the development
and expansion of profitable products and strong distribution  channels.  Conseco
has supplemented  such growth by acquiring  companies that have profitable niche
products,  strong distribution systems and progressive  management teams who can
work with Conseco to implement Conseco's operating and growth strategies. Once a
company has been acquired,  Conseco's operating strategy has been to consolidate
and streamline  management and  administrative  functions,  to realize  superior
investment  returns through active asset management,  to eliminate  unprofitable
products and  distribution  channels,  and to expand and develop the  profitable
distribution channels and products.

     Since  1982,  Conseco  has  acquired  15  insurance   groups   and  related
businesses;  10 as wholly owned  subsidiaries  and five through its  acquisition
partnerships.  Conseco's  first  acquisition  partnership,  Partnership  I,  was
dissolved  in 1993 after  distributing  to its partners  the  securities  of the
companies  it  had  acquired.   Partnership  II,  Conseco's  second  acquisition
partnership,  was  liquidated  in 1996 after  Conseco  purchased  from the other
partners all of the common shares of ALH  not already owned by Conseco.  Conseco
terminated its  partnership  activity in 1996 because  changes in the regulatory
and rating  agency  environment  had made it difficult  to  structure  leveraged
acquisitions of life insurance companies.

     On August 2, 1996,  Conseco  completed  the  LPG  Merger  and LPG  became a
wholly owned  subsidiary of Conseco.  In  the  LPG  Merger,   Conseco   issued a
total  of  32.6  million  shares  of  Conseco  Common  Stock  (or  common  stock
equivalents)  with a value of $586.8  million.  Conseco  also  assumed LPG notes
payable  of $253.1  million.  LPG's  subsidiaries  sell a diverse  portfolio  of
universal  life  insurance  and,  to  a  lesser  extent,   annuity  products  to
individuals.

     On September 30, 1996,  Conseco  acquired  the  remaining 62 percent of the
common shares of  ALH  not  already  owned  by  Conseco  or its  affiliates  for
approximately  $165  million in cash.  ALH is a provider of  retirement  savings
annuities.  ALH has been included in Conseco's consolidated financial statements
since September 1994, when it was acquired by Partnership II.

     On December 17, 1996,  Conseco  completed the ATC  Merger. ATC  was  merged
with and into Conseco,  with  Conseco  being  the  surviving   corporation.   In
the ATC Merger,  Conseco issued a total of 21.0 million shares of Conseco Common
Stock (or common stock equivalents) with a value of $630.9 million. In addition,
Conseco  assumed $102.8 million of ATC's  convertible  subordinated  debentures,
which became  convertible into 7.9 million shares of Conseco Common Stock with a
value of $248.3 million.  ATC is a leading marketer and underwriter of long-term
care insurance. ATC also markets and underwrites other supplemental accident and
health insurance  policies,  as well as life insurance.  Effective  December 31,
1996, ATC is included in Conseco's consolidated financial statements.

     On December 23, 1996, Conseco completed the THI Merger. THI was merged with
and into  Conseco,  with Conseco  being the  surviving  corporation.  In the THI
Merger, Conseco issued a total of 4.9 million shares of Conseco Common Stock (or
common stock equivalents) with a value of $121.7 million. In addition,  pursuant
to an exchange offer, all of THI's Subordinated Convertible Notes were exchanged
for 4.2 million shares of Conseco  Common Stock with a value of $106.2  million,
plus a  cash  premium  of  $11.9  million.  THI is  principally  engaged  in the
underwriting  and  distribution  of  supplemental  health  insurance.  Effective
December  31,  1996,  THI  is  included  in  Conseco's   consolidated  financial
statements.

     On December 31, 1996,  Conseco completed the BLH Merger. In the BLH Merger,
Conseco  acquired the 9.6 percent of the common  shares of BLH not already owned
by Conseco or its  affiliates.  BLH was merged  into a wholly  owned  subsidiary
of Conseco.  In the BLH Merger, Conseco  issued a total of 3.9 million shares of
Conseco  Common  Stock  (or  common  stock  equivalents)  with a value of $123.0
million.  BLH is one  of the  nation's  largest  writers  of  individual  health
insurance products,  based on collected premiums.  BLH also markets a variety of
annuity,  life and group insurance products.  BLH has been included in Conseco's
consolidated  financial statements since November 1992, when BLH was acquired by
Partnership I.

       Conseco  owned the  following  life  insurance  companies at December 31,
1996:

       -  Bankers Life  and  Casualty  Company  ("Bankers Life"),  Bankers  Life
          Insurance Company of  Illinois  and  Certified Life Insurance Company,
          formerly subsidiaries of  BLH;

                                       21
<PAGE>


       -  Great American  Reserve,  Beneficial  Standard and Jefferson  National
          Life Insurance Company of Texas, in which Conseco has had an ownership
          interest  since their  acquisition  by Partnership I in 1990 and 1991,
          respectively,  and which became  wholly owned  subsidiaries  in August
          1995;

       -  the  subsidiaries  of ALH,  which are also  subsidiaries  of  Conseco,
          including  American  Life and Casualty  Insurance  Company  ("American
          Life and Casualty") and Vulcan Life Insurance Company;

       -  the  subsidiaries of LPG, which  are now  subsidiaries  of  Conseco as
          a result of the LPG  Merger,  including  Philadelphia  Life  Insurance
          Company  ("Philadelphia  Life") , Massachusetts General Life Insurance
          Company  ("Massachusetts   General"),  Lamar  Life  Insurance  Company
          ("Lamar Life") and Wabash Life Insurance Company;

       -  the former subsidiaries of ATC, which are now subsidiaries of Conseco,
          including  American   Travellers  Life  Insurance  Company  ("American
          Travellers"), United General Life Insurance Company ("United General")
          and American Travellers Insurance Company of New York;

       -  the former subsidiaries of THI, which are now subsidiaries of Conseco,
          including  TLIC Life Insurance  Company ("TLIC Life"),  Transport Life
          Insurance  Company  ("Transport  Life") and Continental Life Insurance
          Company ("Continental Life"); and

       -  Bankers  National  Life  Insurance  Company,  National  Fidelity  Life
          Insurance Company and Lincoln American Life Insurance  Company,  which
          have  profitable  blocks  of  in-force  business,  although  they  are
          currently not pursuing new sales.

       On March 4, 1997,  Conseco completed the CAF Merger.  CAF was merged with
and became a wholly owned subsidiary of Conseco.  In the CAF Merger, each of the
approximately  17.7  million  shares  of  CAF  common  stock  and  common  stock
equivalents  were converted into the right to receive $30.75 in cash plus 0.1647
of a share of Conseco Common Stock. Conseco paid $545 million in cash and issued
2.9 million shares of Conseco Common Stock with a value of approximately  $115.7
million to acquire the CAF common  stock.  In addition,  Conseco  assumed a note
payable  of CAF of $31.0  million.  CAF,  through  its  insurance  subsidiaries,
underwrites,  markets and distributes  individual and group supplemental  health
and  accident   insurance.   CAF's   principal   insurance   subsidiary   is  an
Arizona-domiciled  company,  Capitol American Life Insurance  Company  ("CALI"),
which  accounted for more than 97 percent of CAF's earned premiums over the last
five years. CALI is licensed to sell its products in 47 states,  the District of
Columbia,  Puerto Rico and the U.S.  Virgin  Islands,  and markets its  products
through a sales force consisting of independent agents,  agent organizations and
brokers. CAF had total assets of $1.1 billion at December 31, 1996.

OPERATING SEGMENTS

       Conseco   conducts  and  manages  its  business  through  four  segments,
reflecting the Company's  major lines of insurance  business and target markets:
(i) annuities;  (ii) supplemental  health insurance;  (iii) life insurance;  and
(iv) other.

       ANNUITIES.  This  segment  includes   single-premium  deferred annuities,
flexible-premium  deferred  annuities,  single-premium immediate  annuities and
variable annuities sold through both career agents and professional  independent
producers.  During  1996,  this  segment  collected  total  premiums of $1,542.4
million, down 7.1 percent from 1995. When all currently  consolidated  companies
are included for all periods, including periods prior to their acquisition, this
segment  collected  total  premiums of $1,612.7  million,  down 8.7 percent from
1995.
                                       22
<PAGE>

      

        SUPPLEMENTAL HEALTH. This segment includes Medicare supplement and long-
term care insurance.  During 1996, this segment  collected  Medicare  supplement
premiums of $630.9 million and long-term care premiums of $194.2 million, up 5.7
percent and 22 percent, respectively, over 1995. When all currently consolidated
companies  are  included  for all  periods  (including  periods  prior  to their
acquisition),  this segment  collected  Medicare  supplement  premiums of $651.6
million,  long-term  care  premiums  of $541.3  million  and  specified  disease
premiums of $90.6 million,  up 5.2 percent,  up 37 percent and down 2.3 percent,
respectively, from premiums collected during 1995.

       Beginning  in 1997,  this  segment  will  include the  specified  disease
products  of the  former  subsidiaries  of THI and CAF  and the  long-term  care
products  of the  former  subsidiaries  of ATC  which  are  distributed  through
professional  independent  producers.  Upon  completion of the PFS Merger,  this
segment will also include  various  supplemental  health  products of PFS. These
products are also distributed through professional independent producers.

       LIFE. This  segment  includes  traditional,   universal  life  and  other
life insurance  products.  Beginning with the third quarter of 1996, the largest
single  component of this segment is the  universal  life  business of LPG. This
segment's   products  are   currently   sold  through  both  career  agents  and
professional independent producers.

       During 1996, this segment collected total premiums of $453.7 million,  up
64 percent, over premiums collected during 1995. When all currently consolidated
companies  are  included  for all  periods,  including  periods  prior  to their
acquisition,  this segment  collected total premiums of $665.6  million,  up 1.1
percent from 1995.

        OTHER. This segment includes miscellaneous   health products,  including
Bankers Life's comprehensive and group products.  Bankers Life markets its group
insurance  products  through  a  small  field  force  of   representatives   and
independent  insurance  brokerage  firms. In recent years,  Bankers Life has not
emphasized group insurance sales, but does write new business when the potential
new  contract  carries  a  high  likelihood  of   profitability   and  long-term
persistency.  During 1996,  this segment  collected  premiums of $389.2 million.
When  all  currently  consolidated  companies  are  included  for  all  periods,
including periods prior to their acquisition, this segment collected premiums of
$420.6 million, down 21 percent from 1995.

       This segment also  includes  fee revenue  generated by Conseco's  nonlife
subsidiaries,  including the investment  advisory fees earned by Conseco Capital
Management,  Inc. and  commissions  earned for insurance  product  marketing and
distribution.   Fee  revenues  from  Conseco's  consolidated   subsidiaries  are
excluded.  Total fees earned from nonaffiliates  during 1996 were $49.8 million,
up 14 percent over 1995.
    


                                       23
<PAGE>   
                                  
 

GENERAL INFORMATION CONCERNING CONSECO AND RAC
 
     Conseco's  and  RAC's   executive   offices  are  located  at  11825  North
Pennsylvania Street,  Carmel, Indiana 46032 and the telephone number for Conseco
and RAC is (317) 817-6100.

     RAC, a wholly owned  subsidiary  of Conseco,  was formed for the purpose of
effecting the Merger.  To date, RAC has not engaged in any activities other than
those incident to its organization and the consummation of the Merger.
   

     For additional  information concerning Conseco, see Conseco's Annual Report
and other documents filed with the Commission and listed under "Incorporation of
Certain  Documents by Reference" and "Summary -- Selected  Historical  Financial
Information of Conseco." For additional information concerning LPG, see "Summary
- -- Selected Historical Financial Information of LPG."
    

 
                                       24
<PAGE>   
 
                           INFORMATION CONCERNING PFS
   

     PFS,  through its insurance  subsidiaries,  underwrites  life insurance and
annuities and health  insurance in selected niche markets  throughout the United
States.  PFS had total assets of  approximately  $1.8  billion  at  December 31,
1996. PFS's life insurance, annuity and health insurance premiums collected were
$700.4 million in 1995 and $794.2 million in 1996.
    

     For additional  information  concerning  PFS, see PFS's  Annual  Report and
other  documents  filed with the Commission and listed under  "Incorporation  of
Certain  Documents by Reference" and "Summary -- Selected  Historical  Financial
Information of PFS."
 
     PFS's   executive  offices are  located at 1750 East Golf Road, Schaumburg,
Illinois 60173 and its telephone number is (847) 995-0400.

                                       25

<PAGE>   
 
                              THE SPECIAL MEETING
 
GENERAL
   

 
     This Proxy Statement/Prospectus is being furnished to holders of PFS Common
Stock in  connection  with  the  solicitation  of  proxies  by the PFS  Board of
Directors  for use at the Special Meeting to be held on May ___, 1997, ______at
______, commencing  at  10:00  a.m.,  local  time, and  at  any  adjournment  or
postponement thereof.
 
     This Proxy  Statement/Prospectus also constitutes the Prospectus of Conseco
filed  with the  Commission  as part of the  Registration  Statement  under  the
Securities  Act  relating  to the shares of Conseco  Common  Stock  issuable  in
connection with the Merger. This Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the accompanying
form of proxy are first being  mailed to  stockholders  of PFS on or about April
__, 1997.
    

MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED AT THE SPECIAL MEETING
 
     At the Special Meeting, PFS stockholders will consider and vote upon (1) a
proposal to authorize and adopt the Merger Agreement and the transactions
contemplated thereby and (2) such other business as may properly come before the
Special Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.

     THE PFS BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS  UNANIMOUSLY  APPROVED THE MERGER  AGREEMENT
AND RECOMMENDS THAT PFS STOCKHOLDERS  VOTE FOR AUTHORIZATION AND ADOPTION OF THE
MERGER  AGREEMENT.  SEE "THE MERGER --  BACKGROUND  OF THE MERGER" AND "-- PFS's
REASONS FOR THE MERGER; RECOMMENDATION OF THE PFS BOARD OF DIRECTORS."

VOTING AT THE SPECIAL MEETING; RECORD DATE; QUORUM
 
     The PFS Board of Directors has fixed March 31,  1997 as the Record Date for
determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Special
Meeting and any  adjournments or  postponements  thereof.  Only  stockholders of
record on the Record Date are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Special
Meeting.  As of the Record  Date,  there were  ___________  shares of PFS Common
Stock  outstanding  and entitled to vote. Each holder of record of shares of PFS
Common  Stock on the Record  Date is  entitled  to cast,  either in person or by
properly  executed  proxy,  one vote per share on the Merger  Agreement  and the
other matters,  if any, properly  submitted for the vote of the PFS stockholders
at the Special Meeting.  The presence,  in person or by properly executed proxy,
of the holders of shares of capital stock  representing a majority of the voting
power of outstanding  capital stock entitled to vote at the Special Meeting will
constitute a quorum.  Shares of PFS Common Stock held by subsidiaries of PFS are
not treated as outstanding for voting purposes or in determining a quorum at the
Special Meeting.

                                       26
<PAGE>


     The  authorization and adoption by PFS of the Merger Agreement will require
the  affirmative  vote of the holders of a majority  of the voting  power of the
outstanding  capital stock entitled to vote thereon.  Thus, the affirmative vote
of shares of PFS  capital  stock  representing  at least  _______  votes will be
required  to  authorize  and adopt the  Merger  Agreement  and the  transactions
contemplated  thereby.  Shares subject to abstentions  will be treated as shares
that are present at the Special Meeting for purposes of determining the presence
of a quorum but as unvoted  for  purposes  of  determining  the number of shares
voting on a particular  proposal.  If a broker or other nominee holder indicates
on the proxy  card  that it does not have  discretionary  authority  to vote the
shares  for which it is the  holder of record on a  particular  proposal,  those
shares will be treated as shares  that are  present at the  Special  Meeting for
purposes of  determining  the presence of a quorum but will not be considered as
voted for purposes of determining the number of PFS stockholders that have voted
for or against the proposal. Accordingly,  abstentions and broker non-votes will
have the same practical effect as a vote against the

                                       27
<PAGE>   
 
authorization  and  adoption  of the Merger  Agreement  and the Merger or on any
other matter  submitted to the PFS  stockholders  which requires a percentage of
the total number of outstanding shares for approval.

     As of the Record Date,  the directors  and executive  officers of PFS (as a
group,  ___ persons) and their affiliates were entitled to vote _____ shares (__
percent) of PFS Common  Stock.  Each of the PFS directors has agreed to vote his
shares  in  favor  of the  Merger,  except  in  certain  limited  circumstances.
Information  with  respect to the  beneficial  ownership of shares of PFS Common
Stock by each of PFS's  directors  and all  directors  and  officers of PFS as a
group, and each person known to PFS to be the beneficial owner of more than five
percent of the  outstanding  shares of PFS Common Stock is set forth below under
"-- Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management."
   
- -----
    

                                       28

<PAGE>

 
PROXIES; REVOCATION OF PROXIES
 
     Shares  of PFS  Common  Stock  represented  by  properly  executed  proxies
received at or prior to the Special Meeting that have not been properly  revoked
will be  voted at the  Special  Meeting  in  accordance  with  the  instructions
contained  therein.  Shares of PFS Common Stock represented by properly executed
proxies for which no  instruction is given will be voted FOR  authorization  and
adoption of the Merger Agreement and the Merger.  PFS stockholders are requested
to  mark,  sign,  date  and  return  promptly  the  enclosed  proxy  card in the
postage-prepaid  envelope  provided for this purpose to ensure that their shares
are voted. A stockholder may revoke a proxy at any time prior to the vote on the
Merger  Agreement and the Merger by submitting a later-dated  proxy with respect
to the same shares,  delivering written notice of revocation to the Secretary of
PFS at any time prior to such vote or attending  the Special  Meeting and voting
in person.  Mere  attendance  at the Special  Meeting  will not itself  revoke a
proxy.

     If the Special  Meeting is postponed or  adjourned  for any reason,  at any
subsequent  reconvening of the Special  Meeting all proxies will be voted in the
same manner as such proxies  would have been voted at the original  convening of
the Special Meeting (except for any proxies that have  theretofore been properly
revoked or withdrawn), notwithstanding that they may have been effectively voted
on the same or any other matter at a previous meeting.

                                       29
<PAGE>   
 
     At the date of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the PFS Board of Directors
does not know of any business to be presented at the Special Meeting other than
as set forth in the notice accompanying this Proxy Statement/Prospectus. If any
other matters are properly presented at the Special Meeting for consideration,
including among other things, consideration of a motion to adjourn the meeting
to another time and/or place (including, without limitation, for the purpose of
soliciting additional proxies), the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy
and acting thereunder will have discretion to vote on such matters in accordance
with their best judgment.
 
     PROXY  SOLICITATION.  PFS will bear the cost of soliciting proxies from its
stockholders.  In addition to  solicitation  by mail,  directors,  officers  and
employees of PFS, as well as Georgeson & Company, Inc.,  the  proxy solicitation
agent retained by PFS (the "Proxy Solicitation  Agent"),  may solicit proxies by
telephone,  special letter, telegram or otherwise. Such directors,  officers and
employees of PFS will not be additionally compensated for such solicitation, but
may be reimbursed for out-of-pocket  expenses incurred in connection  therewith.
The Proxy  Solicitation  Agent will be paid a fee of $7,500 for its services and
will be entitled to reimbursement of its expenses.  Brokerage firms, fiduciaries
and other custodians who forward soliciting material to the beneficial owners of
shares of PFS Common Stock held of record by them will be  reimbursed  for their
reasonable expenses incurred in forwarding such material.

PFS STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD NOT SEND ANY STOCK CERTIFICATES WITH THEIR PROXY CARDS.
 
                                   THE MERGER
 
BACKGROUND OF THE MERGER

     The terms and conditions of the Merger were determined through arm's-length
negotiations between the managements and Boards of Directors of PFS and Conseco.
In determining the form of the transaction and the form and amount of the Merger
Consideration,  numerous  factors were  considered by the Boards of Directors of
PFS and Conseco. See "-Conseco's Reasons for the Merger" and "-PFS's Reasons for
the Merger; Recommendation of the PFS Board of Directors."

     In October  1996,  after a general  conversation  between  Peter W. Nauert,
Chairman of the Board and Chief  Executive  Officer of PFS,  and Mark Gormley of
DLJ regarding industry conditions and  consolidations,  Mr. Gormley indicated to
Mr.  Nauert that   based  on  Conseco's   acquisition   strategy,   interest  in
strengthening  its position in the senior  market and the overall  complementary
nature of PFS's  business,  Conseco might be interested in purchasing  PFS for a
purchase  price at a premium  over the  current  market  price of the PFS Common
Stock which PFS's  stockholders  might find  attractive.  A few days later,  DLJ
organized a meeting  between Mr. Nauert and Stephen C. Hilbert,  the Chairman of
the Board,  President  and Chief  Executive  Officer  of  Conseco.  During  such
meeting, Mr. Hilbert and Mr. Nauert discussed a potential transaction, including
the relative values of each of PFS and Conseco, exchange ratios and the form and
other general terms of a transaction.  The parties  discussed the proposal which
was eventually presented to the PFS Board of Directors pursuant to which Conseco
would acquire PFS by merger for  consideration  between $24 and $27 per share of
PFS Common Stock,  payable in Conseco  Common  Stock,  based on the value of the
Conseco Common Stock prior to the closing.  The proposal also  contemplated that
the  outstanding  PFS Notes  would be  convertible  into the number of shares of
Conseco  Common Stock which the holder of such note would have been  entitled to
receive in the Merger if the holder had  converted  the note into  shares of PFS
Common Stock immediately prior to the Merger. Based on such discussions, Conseco
and PFS entered into a confidentiality agreement, and PFS furnished Conseco with
certain non-public information requested by Conseco.

     On  November  15,  1996,  the Board of  Directors  of PFS held a  telephone
meeting in which the directors  were advised of Conseco's  interest in acquiring
PFS. The Board authorized  PFS's management to pursue  discussions with Conseco.
PFS retained DLJ to act as its financial advisor in connection with the possible
transaction.  It also  utilized its  consulting  actuaries to provide  actuarial
advice and its usual outside counsel, McDermott, Will & Emery, to act as counsel
in connection with the potential transaction.

     During  November and  December 1996,  Conseco  and  PFS  each conducted its
due diligence of the other. Conseco provided PFS with an initial draft of a form
of merger  agreement  on December 4, 1996  setting  forth the terms of Conseco's
offer to acquire PFS by merger in exchange for Conseco Common Stock.

                                       30
<PAGE>

     During the course of these  negotiations,  the parties discussed a proposal
by  Conseco to acquire  PFS by merger for  between  $24 and $27 per share of PFS
Common Stock (payable in Conseco Common Stock),  based upon the value of Conseco
Common Stock prior to the closing. The proposal also provided that the PFS Notes
would become convertible into the number of shares of Conseco Common Stock which
the holder of such Note would have been entitled to receive in the Merger if the
holder had converted the Note into shares of PFS Common Stock  immediately prior
to the Merger.

     The Conseco  Board of  Directors  met on  December 9, 1996 to consider  the
proposed  merger.  At the  meeting,  Conseco  management  reported  on  the  due
diligence  review  undertaken  by Conseco and its advisors and on the results of
the discussions to date with  representatives of PFS and its legal and financial
advisors.  The Conseco Board  discussed the potential  benefits to Conseco of an
acquisition of PFS. Management outlined for the Conseco Board the proposed terms
and  conditions of the Merger  Agreement.  After  reviewing and  discussing  the
merger proposal, the Conseco Board of Directors authorized management of Conseco
to execute and deliver the Merger  Agreement as outlined to the Directors at the
meeting,  with such further  changes as management  approved.  See " - Conseco's
Reasons for the Merger."

     The PFS Board of Directors held a special  meeting,  recessed and continued
several  times,  beginning on December 12, 1996 and ending on December 15, 1996,
to consider the Conseco proposal. On December 12, 1996, PFS management described
to the Board in detail the terms of the Conseco  proposal.  PFS's legal advisors
reviewed  with the Board the  fiduciary  duties of the Board with respect to its
consideration  of the Conseco  proposal.  In  addition,  representatives  of DLJ
described in detail DLJ's  qualifications to evaluate the Conseco proposal,  the
process  utilized by DLJ in evaluating  proposals  such as the Conseco  proposal
generally  and the  process  utilized  by DLJ to  evaluate  the  fairness to the
holders  of PFS  Common  Stock of the  Exchange  Ratio in the  Conseco  proposal
specifically.  The Board discussed in detail and at length the Conseco proposal,
the information  concerning Conseco provided to it by management and the results
of the due diligence of Conseco conducted by PFS, as well as the  qualifications
of DLJ and the process they had described to evaluate the Conseco proposal.  The
meeting was adjourned until December 13, 1996.

   
     The meeting  reconvened on December 13, 1996;  and the Board  continued its
consideration of the Conseco proposal. Mr. Hilbert,  assisted by Rollin M. Dick,
Executive  Vice  President and Chief  Financial  Officer of Conseco,  joined the
meeting  and made a  presentation  to the Board  with  respect to  Conseco,  its
business  plan,  financial  condition  and  operations,   including  its  recent
acquisitions. Messrs. Hilbert and Dick responded to questions from the directors
as the meeting  continued.  The Board  continued  its  discussion of the Conseco
proposal and  requested an updated  analysis from DLJ and also received the 1996
actuarial analysis of PFS's business.
    

                                       31

<PAGE>

   
     After analysis of the  information  provided and further  discussion of the
overall  financial  condition and future prospects of PFS, taken as a whole, the
Board directed  management and DLJ to conduct further  negotiations with Conseco
with a view toward obtaining additional Merger Consideration.
    

     Over the course of the day on December 15, 1996, representatives of DLJ and
PFS  continued  to  consider  the  information   provided  by  PFS's  consulting
actuaries.  The  Board  reconvened  in the  evening  on  December  15,  1996 and
discussed in detail the proposed  merger.  Representatives  of PFS's  consulting
actuaries   responded  to  questions  from  the  Board  and  provided   detailed
information  with respect to the actuarial  analysis of PFS's business and other
related  matters.  Representatives  of DLJ  informed  the Board that Conseco had
increased its offer by $1 per share and that, as a result,  the revised  Conseco
offer would provide PFS stockholders with a minimum purchase price equivalent to
$25 per share of PFS Common Stock and a maximum purchase price equivalent to $28
per share of PFS Common  Stock.  DLJ then  provided  the Board with the  written
fairness  opinion of DLJ  relating to the Merger.  See " - Opinion of  Financial
Advisor to PFS."

     PFS  considered  remaining  independent  as an alternative to a transaction
with Conseco.  PFS did not actively  solicit other offers in connection with the
proposal  by  Conseco  due to the PFS Board of  Directors'  belief  that such an
active solicitation of potential acquirors would have an adverse effect on PFS's
brokerage distribution system.

    After  careful  consideration  by the PFS Board of the terms of the  Merger
Agreement  and  after  consultation  with  its  advisors,  the PFS  Board  voted
unanimously  to approve the Merger  Agreement in the form presented to it at the
meeting with such changes  thereto as management  might  approve.  See " - PFS's
Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the PFS Board of Directors."

                                       32

<PAGE>   
 

CONSECO'S REASONS FOR THE MERGER
 
   
     The Conseco Board of Directors approved the Merger Agreement by a unanimous
vote at its December 9, 1996, meeting.  Material factors considered by the Board
of Conseco in its evaluation of the acquisition of PFS were as follows:  (1) the
fact that PFS's business is focused on the senior consumer  market,  which is an
under-penetrated  market  with  continuing  excellent  growth  prospects  and is
already the focus of Conseco  companies;  (2) the existing  strong  distribution
networks which PFS has,  including  25,000 agents in the senior  market,  10,000
agents in the small group  market and 20,000  agents in the life  market,  which
would  further  strengthen  Conseco's  distribution   capabilities  and  provide
additional  cross-marketing  opportunities  for the  products  of other  Conseco
companies;  (3) the excellent  growth in revenues  achieved by PFS over the past
ten years while maintaining consistent growth and profitability in recent years;
(4) the  integration of PFS's  businesses with those of Conseco would provide an
opportunity to realize  significant  expense savings because of the overlap with
the long-term  care  businesses of American  Travellers  Life and Bankers Life &
Casualty and with the life and annuity  businesses of American Life and Casualty
and the LPG companies;  (5) the common stock of PFS has historically traded at a
discount to its peer group due to earnings  volatility  arising from write downs
of deferred  acquisition  costs in its group  medical  division  and the lack of
meaningful  research  coverage from  securities  analysts;  (6) the high quality
investment   portfolio  maintained  by  the  PFS  companies  which  would  offer
opportunities to the Conseco investment department to increase investment yield;
(7)  the  potential  long-term  and  short-term  effect  of the  transaction  on
Conseco's earnings per share, (8) the structure of the proposed transaction, (9)
the terms of the Merger Agreement and (10) the  presentation and  recommendation
made  by the  management  of  Conseco.  In  its  consideration  of the  proposed
transaction,  the Conseco Board did not assign relative weights to these factors
and did not conduct a detailed review of each factor, but relied on management's
analysis  and  recommendation  regarding  the  overall  effect  of the  proposed
transaction on Conseco's  anticipated future results.  Conseco's  management did
not believe that there were any significant risks or negative factors associated
with the proposed acquisition of PFS and advised the Board accordingly.
 
    A principal strategic objective of Conseco since it commenced operations in
1982 has been to acquire  life and health  insurance  companies  and to increase
their value by  implementing  management  strategies to reduce costs and improve
administrative  efficiency,  centralize asset management,  improve marketing and
distribution,  eliminate  unprofitable  products  and  focus  resources  on  the
development  and  expansion  of  profitable  products.  In  furtherance  of this
strategy,  Conseco has  completed 15  acquisitions  of insurance  companies  and
related  businesses  since it commenced  operations.  Conseco  believes that the
value and profitability of its existing  insurance  subsidiaries can be enhanced
as a result of the  cross-marketing  opportunities  presented by a company which
complements Conseco's existing product lines and distribution channels.

                                       33
<PAGE>   
 
     Conseco's  operating  strategy is to target selected  markets which provide
significant  growth  potential  and to focus its  sales  efforts  on  profitable
products which will provide  predictable and diversified  earnings regardless of
interest rate changes or other changes in the economic environment. Conseco also
seeks to be a major  competitor  in each of its targeted  markets and to develop
strong, complementary distribution channels. Strategic acquisitions will be made
by Conseco which are  consistent  with this strategy and which enable Conseco to
maintain its targeted ratio of debt to total capital.

     The Conseco Board of Directors  believes  that the insurance  businesses of
Conseco and PFS  complement  each other.  The Merger  would  provide  Conseco an
opportunity  to expand its  product  portfolio.  Completion  of the Merger would
enable  Conseco  to  be  a  major  competitor  in  its  targeted  markets,  with
approximately 150,000 agents licensed to sell long term care insurance, Medicare
supplement  insurance,  cancer insurance,  other supplemental  health insurance,
universal life insurance and retirement annuity products.  The addition of PFS's
distribution  system  would also provide  Conseco  additional  opportunities  to
cross-market its current products.  The Conseco Board of Directors believes that
the Merger  offers  Conseco the  opportunity  to strengthen  its  capitalization
through the issuance of additional  shares of Conseco Common Stock.  The Conseco
Board also believes that the Merger provides  Conseco and PFS the opportunity to
improve their profitability through the achievement of economies of scale due to
the similar nature of their business and the elimination of redundancies such as
public  reporting  obligations  and similar  holding company costs and the costs
associated with  maintaining  multiple  operating  locations.  By  consolidating
certain operations and eliminating  expenses,  Conseco expects to achieve,  over
time, significant savings of operating costs. See "-- Conduct of the Business of
Conseco and PFS After the Merger."

PFS'S REASONS FOR THE MERGER; RECOMMENDATION OF THE PFS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

     After careful consideration by the members of the PFS Board of Directors of
the terms of the Merger  Agreement and consultation  with its advisors,  the PFS
Board of Directors believes that the Merger is fair to and in the best interests
of the PFS stockholders and voted unanimously to approve the Merger Agreement in
the form  presented to it at the PFS Board of Directors  meeting on December 15,
1996, with such changes  thereto as management of PFS may approve.  In voting to
approve  the  Merger  Agreement  and the  Merger,  the PFS  Board  of  Directors
considered  many different  factors,  including the following  which favored the
Merger:  (1) the return to PFS stockholders  represented by the premium over the
then current market price of the PFS Common Stock offered by Conseco as compared
to the time that would be required if the Merger were not consummated to achieve
an  equivalent  stockholder  value (on December  13, 1996,  the last trading day
prior  to  the  public  annoucement  of the  Merger,  the  Merger  Consideration
represented  a  premium  of $7.90  over the PFS  Common  Stock  price);  (2) the
increased  security  for  PFS's  policyholders  and  the  potential   additional
opportunities  for PFS's  employees and agents expected to result from Conseco's
financial  strength and competitive  position;  (3) the financial  condition and
results of operations  in Conseco and the PFS Board of Directors'  perception of
the more favorable  overall business  prospects of Conseco and PFS on a combined
basis as compared  to PFS's  prospects  as an  independent  entity;  (4) the tax
deferred nature of the transaction;  (5) the potential  increase in value in the
Conseco Common Stock after the Merger based on Conseco's  financial strength and
competitive  position;  (6) the highly competitive nature of the life and health
insurance  business;  (7) the importance in the industry of maintaining  certain
financial and claims-paying  ratings issued by rating agencies and the fact that
PFS, as an  independent  entity,  may have  difficulties  satisfying the capital
requirements  necessary  to  achieve  such  ratings;(8)  the  current  trend  of
consolidation  within the  insurance  industry;  (9) the  broader,  more  active
trading  market for Conseco Common Stock;  and (10) the opinion  rendered to the
PFS Board of  Directors by DLJ with regard to the fairness to the holders of PFS
Common  Stock,  of the Exchange  Ratio from a financial  point of view.  The PFS
Board of Directors also  considered the following  additional  factors:  (1) the
risk of  owning  Conseco  Common  Stock  rather  than PFS  Common  Stock and the
possible negative impact based upon potentially different business plans and the
fact that Conseco's other operations may weigh down PFS operating gains; (2) the
uncertainty of the impact of the Merger on PFS's  employees;  (3) the volatility
of the Conseco Common Stock in the past and the impact such  volatility may have
on the Merger Consideration; (4) the $1.0 million of Conseco expenses to be paid
by PFS if the requisite approval of the PFS stockholders is not obtained and the
other conditions have been satisified or waived, unless Conseco is materially in
breach of the Merger Agreement,  and the $8.0 million break-up fee to be paid by
PFS to  Conseco  in the  event  that the PFS  Board of  Directors  withdraws  or
modifies its approval of the Merger or enters into any agreement with respect to
any acquisition  proposal;  and (5) the interest of members of PFS management in
deciding to approve the transaction, including the facts that Mr. Nauert will be
entitled to receive  $4.5  million and will enter into an  employment  agreement
with Conseco and Messrs.  Scheper and Brophy will be entitled to receive amounts
equal to the present  value,  discounted  at an annual rate of 8 percent,  of an
amount equal to the salary which would have been payable to such officer  during
the period from the  Effective  Time  through  August 31, 1998 based on rates of
annual  base  salary  payable to Messrs.  Scheper  and  Brophy of  $425,000  and
$325,000.  No factor reviewed by the Board was considered more relevant than any
other.
    

THE  DIRECTORS  OF PFS  BELIEVE  THAT  THE  MERGER  IS FAIR  TO AND IN THE  BEST
INTERESTS OF THE PFS  STOCKHOLDERS,  AND HAVE UNANIMOUSLY  APPROVED THE TERMS OF
THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS  CONTEMPLATED  THEREBY,  AND RECOMMEND
THAT THE  STOCKHOLDERS  OF PFS VOTE FOR THE PROPOSAL TO AUTHORIZE  AND ADOPT THE
MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS  CONTEMPLATED THEREBY, SET FORTH AS ITEM 1
ON THE PROXY CARD.

                                       34
<PAGE>

OPINION OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR TO PFS


     In its role as financial advisor to PFS, DLJ was asked by PFS to render its
opinion to the PFS Board of Directors, as to the fairness from a financial point
of view,  of the  consideration  to be received  by holders of  PFS Common Stock
pursuant  to the terms of the  Merger  Agreement.  On  December  15,  1996,  DLJ
delivered its written  opinion (the "DLJ Opinion") to the PFS Board of Directors
to the effect that as of the date of such  opinion and based upon and subject to
the assumptions,  limitations and qualifications set forth in such opinion,  the
Exchange Ratio was fair,  from a financial  point of view, to the holders of PFS
Common Stock.

     A copy of the DLJ  Opinion is  attached  hereto as Annex B.  Holders of PFS
Common Stock are urged to read the opinion in its entirety for assumptions made,
procedures followed, other matters considered and limits of the review by DLJ.

     The DLJ Opinion was prepared for the PFS Board of Directors and is directed
only to the fairness,  from a financial  point of view, of the Exchange Ratio to
the holders of PFS Common Stock, and does not constitute a recommendation to any
member of the PFS Board of Directors or any stockholder as to how to vote at the
Special Meeting.

     The DLJ  Opinion  does not  constitute  an opinion as to the price at which
Conseco  Common Stock will actually  trade at any time.  The Exchange  Ratio and
Merger  Consideration were determined in arm's-length  negotiations  between PFS
and  Conseco,  in  which  negotiations  DLJ  advised  PFS.  No  restrictions  or
limitations  were  imposed  by the  PFS  Board  upon  DLJ  with  respect  to the
investigations  made or the procedures followed by DLJ in rendering its opinion.
DLJ was not requested  to, nor did it,  solicit the interests of any other party
in acquiring PFS.

     In arriving at its opinion,  DLJ reviewed  the Merger  Agreement.  DLJ also
reviewed  financial  and  other  information  that  was  publicly  available  or
furnished  to DLJ by PFS and  Conseco,  including  information  provided  during
discussions  with their  respective  managements.  Included  in the  information
provided  during  discussions  with  the  respective  managements  were  certain
financial   projections  of  PFS  which  were  pro  forma  for  certain  pending
transactions of PFS for the years ending December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1997
prepared by the  management  of PFS,  an  actuarial  analysis  of the  insurance
subsidiaries  of PFS as of September 30, 1995  prepared for PFS by M&R,  certain
pro forma  financial  statements of Conseco for the year ended December 31, 1995
and the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and certain  financial  projections
of  Conseco  which are pro forma for  certain  pending  and  recently  completed
transactions of Conseco, for the years ending December 31, 1996 through December
31, 2005  prepared by the  management  of Conseco.  In  addition,  DLJ  compared
certain  financial  and  securities  data of PFS and Conseco with various  other
companies whose securities are traded in public markets, reviewed the historical
stock  prices and trading  volumes of the PFS Common  Stock and  Conseco  Common
Stock,  reviewed prices and premiums paid in certain other business combinations
and conducted such other financial studies,  analyses and investigations as were
deemed appropriate for purposes of rendering its opinion.

                                       35

<PAGE>


     In  rendering  its  opinion,  DLJ relied  upon and  assumed  the  accuracy,
completeness and fairness of all of the financial and other information that was
available  to DLJ  from  public  sources,  that was  provided  to DLJ by PFS and
Conseco or their  representatives,  or that was otherwise  reviewed by DLJ. With
respect to the pro forma  financial  projections of PFS supplied to DLJ, DLJ has
assumed  that they  were  reasonably  prepared  on a basis  reflecting  the best
currently  available  estimates and judgments of the management of PFS as to the
future operating and financial performance of PFS. With respect to the actuarial
analysis of the insurance  subsidiaries of PFS supplied to DLJ, DLJ assumed that
it was  reasonably  prepared  on a  basis  reflecting:  (i) the  best  available
estimates and judgments of the management of PFS as to the future  operating and
financial  performance of the insurance  subsidiaries of PFS as of September 30,
1995; and, (ii) the best judgment of M&R as to the proper analysis to be applied
based  on the  assumptions  provided  to it by the  management  of PFS as to the
future operating and financial  performance of such insurance  subsidiaries.  In
addition,  with respect to such actuarial analysis,  DLJ assumed that except for
the then  pending  acquisitions  of PFS,  there were no material  changes to the
business  of PFS since such date that would  materially  affect  such  actuarial
analysis.  With  respect  to the pro forma  financial  statements  and pro forma
financial  projections  of Conseco  supplied to DLJ,  DLJ assumed that they were
reasonably prepared on a basis reflecting the best currently available estimates
and  judgments  of the  management  of  Conseco as to the  historical  pro forma
results of Conseco and the future operating and financial performance of PFS and
Conseco.  DLJ did not  assume  any  responsibility  for  making  an  independent
evaluation  of PFS's and  Conseco's  assets or  liabilities  or for  making  any
independent  verification of any of the information  reviewed by DLJ. DLJ relied
as to all legal matters on advice of counsel to PFS.

     The DLJ Opinion is  necessarily  based on economic,  market,  financial and
other  conditions as they existed on, and on the  information  made available to
DLJ as of, the date of the DLJ Opinion.  It should be understood  that, although
subsequent  developments  may  affect  the DLJ  Opinion,  DLJ  does not have any
obligation to update, revise or reaffirm this opinion.

     The DLJ Opinion was based on receipt by the holders of PFS Common  Stock of
Conseco Common Stock with a value of $25.00 per share of PFS Common Stock, based
on the collar provisions outlined in the Merger Agreement.

     The following is a summary of the presentation made by DLJ to the PFS Board
of Directors in connection with rendering its opinion.

     PFS  Public  Market  Valuation  Analysis.  To provide  contextual  data and
comparative market information,  DLJ compared selected share price and operating
and financial  data and ratios for PFS to the  corresponding  data and ratios of
certain publicly traded accident and health insurance companies which DLJ deemed
relevant.  Such comparable companies consisted of: Delphi Financial Group, Inc.,
Guarantee Life  Companies,  Inc.,  John Alden  Financial  Corporation,  PennCorp
Financial  Group,  Inc. and Penn Treaty  American Corp.  (the  "Publicly  Traded
Companies"). Such ratios included, among others, the multiples of stock price to
GAAP  operating  earnings per share ("EPS") for the latest twelve months ("LTM")
ended  September 30, 1996,  estimated  GAAP  operating EPS for 1996 and 1997 (as
estimated by research analysts and compiled by Institutional  Brokers Estimating
Service) and shareholders' equity per share as of September 30, 1996, as well as
the ratios of the aggregate equity market capitalization plus the amount of debt
and preferred stock outstanding  ("Enterprise  Value") to statutory earnings for
the LTM or the last  fiscal  year  ("LFY")  and  Enterprise  Value to  statutory
capital and surplus as of the end of the last fiscal quarter ("LFQ") or the LFY.
Closing prices as of December 6, 1996 were used in this  analysis.  The range of
stock  price as a multiple of LTM GAAP  operating  EPS for the  Publicly  Traded
Companies  was 10.1x to 14.6x.  The ranges of price as a multiple  of  estimated
GAAP operating  earnings for 1996 and 1997 were 9.5x to 13.9x and 7.1x to 12.1x,
respectively. The range of stock price as a multiple of LTM shareholders' equity
per share for the Publicly  Traded  Companies was 0.97x to 1.68x.  The ranges of
Enterprise Value as a multiple of LFY statutory earnings and Enterprise Value as
a multiple of LFY statutory capital and surplus were 26.3x to 41.5x and 1.66x to
5.48x, respectively.  The average multiples of stock price to LTM GAAP operating
EPS and estimated GAAP  operating EPS for 1996 and 1997 for the Publicly  Traded
Companies were 12.9x,  11.9x and 10.1x,  respectively.  The average multiples of
stock price to  shareholders'  equity per share,  Enterprise  Value to statutory
earnings and Enterprise Value to statutory  capital and surplus for the Publicly
Traded  Companies  were  1.38x,  33.9x and 2.91x,  respectively.  This  analysis
indicated  that the total  consideration  to be received by PFS would  result in
multiples of stock price to LTM GAAP operating EPS, estimated GAAP operating EPS
for 1996 and 1997 and shareholders' equity per share and multiples of Enterprise
Value to  statutory  earnings  and  Enterprise  Value to  statutory  capital and
surplus  within or above the  ranges  detailed  above.  The  $25.00 per share in
consideration  which  DLJ  assumed  would be paid by  Conseco  would  result  in
purchase  price  multiples  to PFS's  LTM GAAP  operating  EPS,  estimated  GAAP
operating  EPS for  1996  and  1997 and  shareholders'  equity  per  share as of
September 30, 1996 of 11.4x,  12.3x,  10.6x and 1.56x,  respectively.  This same
consideration  would result in Enterprise Value multiples to PFS's LFY statutory
earnings and LFY statutory capital and surplus of 45.2x and 3.35x, respectively.

                                       36
<PAGE>
   
     PFS Merger  Market  Valuation  Analysis.  DLJ reviewed  publicly  available
information for the following selected transactions involving the acquisition of
accident and health  insurance  companies  since  December  1992 (the  "Selected
Transactions"):  Conseco,  Inc. - Transport Holdings;  Conseco,  Inc. - American
Travellers  Corporation;  Conseco,  Inc. - Capitol American  Financial Corp.; GE
Capital  Corp. - Union  Fidelity  Life  Insurance  Co.;  Trigon BCBS - Mid-South
Insurance  Co.;  Humana,  Inc. - EMPHESYS  Financial  Group;  Torchmark  Corp. -
American  Income  Holdings,  Inc.;  GE Capital Corp. - Harcourt  General,  Inc.;
Veritus,  Inc. - Group  America  Insurance  Co.;  Conseco,  Inc. - Bankers  Life
Holding  Corp.;  and UNUM Corp. - Colonial  Companies,  Inc. In reviewing  these
transactions,  several  factors  were  considered,  including:  (i) the  lack of
publicly available  information for subsidiary and private company  transactions
which represent a significant portion of merger and acquisition  activity within
the  accident  and health  insurance  industry;  and,  (ii) the lack of directly
comparable  transactions.   The  Selected  Transactions  were  not  intended  to
represent   the  complete  list  of  accident  and  health   insurance   company
transactions  which have occurred  over the period  contemplated.  Rather,  such
transactions  included only selected recent transactions  involving accident and
health insurance companies. Such transactions were used in this analysis because
the  companies  involved  were  broadly  deemed  by DLJ to  operate  in  similar
businesses or have similar financial characteristics to PFS.
    

     DLJ reviewed the consideration  paid in the Selected  Transactions in terms
of the price paid for the common stock as a multiple of LTM GAAP  operating  EPS
and  shareholders'  equity per share as of September 30, 1996. DLJ also reviewed
the  consideration  paid in such transactions in terms of the price paid for the
common  stock plus the amount of debt and  preferred  stock  assumed,  repaid or
redeemed  in such  transactions  (the  "Transaction  Value")  as a  multiple  of
statutory  earnings for the LTM or LFY ended prior to the  announcement  of such
transactions and as a multiple of statutory capital and surplus as of the end of
the  LFQ or LFY  ended  prior  to the  announcement  of  such  transactions.  In
analyzing acquisitions of accident and health insurance companies,  the purchase
price paid may be  expressed  as a  multiple  of equity  purchase  price to GAAP
operating EPS and to shareholders'  equity per share and of Transaction Value to
statutory earnings and to statutory capital and surplus.  Variances in multiples
for different  transactions may reflect such  considerations as the consistency,
quality and growth of earnings and the company's  capitalization,  asset quality
and return on  capital.  Since  statutory  earnings  and  statutory  capital and
surplus  do not  reflect  the  cost  of a  company's  debt  or  preferred  stock
financing,  which are  usually at the  holding  company  level  rather  than the
insurance company level,  multiples of statutory  earnings and statutory capital
and surplus are  appropriately  based on a Transaction  Value which includes the
cost of assuming,  repaying or redeeming such debt or preferred stock financing.
Since GAAP operating EPS and shareholders'  equity per share already reflect the
cost of a company's debt or preferred stock financing,  analyses of multiples of
GAAP operating EPS or  shareholders'  equity are based on the price paid for the
company's  common  stock,  which  excludes  the cost of  assuming,  repaying  or
redeeming  such debt or preferred  stock  financing.  Comparing the multiples of
equity  purchase  price to the GAAP operating EPS and  shareholders'  equity per
share of PFS and the multiples of  Transaction  Value to the statutory  earnings
and  statutory  capital  and  surplus  of PFS with the  multiples  paid in other
transactions  indicates  whether the valuation being placed on PFS is within the
range of values paid for other accident and health insurance companies.

     The range of price as a multiple of LTM GAAP operating EPS for the Selected
Transactions  was 10.8x to 23.9x.  The range of stock price as a multiple of LFQ
shareholders' equity per share for the Selected Transactions was 1.17x to 2.80x.
DLJ found ranges of  Transaction  Value as a multiple of LFY statutory  earnings
and of LFY or LFQ  statutory  capital  and surplus of 5.1x to 44.8x and 1.30x to
10.55x, respectively.  The average multiple of stock price to LTM GAAP operating
EPS for the Selected  Transactions  was 13.8x.  The average multiple of price to
LFQ shareholders' equity per share for the Selected  Transactions was 2.19x. The
average multiples of Transaction Value to LFY statutory earnings and Transaction
Value  to LFY or LFQ  statutory  capital  and  surplus  were  17.5x  and  3.05x,
respectively.  The total  consideration  to be received by holders of PFS Common
Stock would result in multiples of equity  purchase  price to LTM GAAP operating
EPS and equity  purchase price to LFQ  shareholders'  equity per share within or
above the  ranges  outlined  above.  This  consideration  would  also  result in
multiples of Transaction  Value to LFY statutory  earnings and Transaction Value
to LFY  statutory  capital and surplus  within the  applicable  ranges  outlined
above.  Based on the  consideration  which DLJ assumed would be paid by Conseco,
the  implied  multiple  of the  price  paid  for PFS  Common  Stock  to LTM GAAP
operating EPS was 11.4x.  Based on the consideration  which DLJ assumed would be
paid by Conseco,  the implied  multiple of the price  assumed to be paid for PFS
Common  Stock to PFS's  shareholders'  equity per share was 1.56x.  Based on the
consideration which DLJ assumed would be paid by Conseco,  the implied multiples
of Transaction  Value to PFS's LFY statutory  earnings and Transaction  Value to
PFS's LFY statutory capital and surplus were 45.2x and 3.35x, respectively.

     DLJ also determined the percentage premium of the offer prices (represented
by the  purchase  price  per  share in cash  transactions  and the  price of the
constituent  securities  multiplied  by  the  exchange  ratio  in  the  case  of
stock-for-stock mergers) over the public market trading prices one day, one week
and one month prior to the announcement date of the Selected  Transactions.  The
ranges of premiums of offer prices to public market  trading prices one day, one
week and one month prior to the announcement date for the Selected  Transactions
were  (10.4%)  to 54.8%,  1.0% to 56.7% and  (6.0%) to 71.9%  respectively.  The
average  premiums of offer prices to public market  trading  prices one day, one
week and one month prior to the announcement date for the Selected  Transactions
were 23.8%, 28.8% and 32.7%,  respectively.  The consideration which DLJ assumed
would be received  by holders of PFS Common  Stock  represented  premiums to the
trading  prices of PFS  Common  Stock one day,  one week and one month  prior to
December 6, 1996 of 35.1%,  35.1% and 49.3%,  respectively.  These  premiums lie
within the ranges outlined above.
                                       37
<PAGE>

     Analysis of PFS Common Stock Trading History. DLJ also examined the history
of the trading prices for PFS Common Stock and the historical  multiple of price
to estimated GAAP  operating EPS as represented by the historical  values of PFS
Common Stock.  Since  December 6, 1995,  the multiple of price to GAAP operating
EPS of PFS Common Stock has moved in a range from 5.5x to 10.7x, with an average
of 7.3x. The consideration which DLJ assumed would be paid by Conseco to holders
of PFS Common Stock  represents a multiple of estimated  1997 GAAP operating EPS
of 10.6x, which lies at the upper end of this range.

   
     Effect of the Acquisition on Conseco's  Historical and Projected  Financial
Position  and  Earnings.  DLJ  analyzed  certain  pro  forma  financial  effects
resulting  from the Merger.  DLJ  analyzed the pro forma effect of the Merger on
Conseco's  operating EPS and on Conseco's  leverage ratios. DLJ has incorporated
estimates of $20 million of expense  savings (the  specific  components of which
were not  identified) as provided by the managements of both PFS and Conseco for
the years 1997 and 1998 in its analysis although DLJ does not express an opinion
as to the likelihood of such expense savings being realized.  The results of the
pro forma merger  analysis are not  necessarily  indicative of future  operating
results or financial position.  Based on this analysis,  Conseco's shareholders'
would  realize EPS  accretion  of 5.1% and 5.2% in 1997 and 1998,  respectively,
versus PFS's projected results on a stand-alone basis. Pro forma for the Merger,
Conseco's ratios of debt to total capitalization and debt and preferred stock to
total  capitalization  as of September 30, 1996 would have been 33.0% and 35.9%,
respectively.
    

     Because  the Merger  Consideration  will be in the form of  Conseco  Common
Stock,  to  provide  comparative  market  information,   DLJ  compared  selected
historical  and  projected  operating  and  financial  ratios of  Conseco to the
corresponding  data and  ratios of  certain  selected  publicly  traded  annuity
companies and accident and health insurance companies which DLJ deemed relevant.
Such  comparable  companies  consisted  of: Equitable  of  Iowa  Cos.,  Liberty
Financial Companies, Inc., Presidential Life Corp., SunAmerica Inc., and Western
National Corp. (the "Selected Annuity  Companies") and of AFLAC, Inc.,  PennCorp
Financial  Group,  Inc.,  Provident  Companies  and UNUM  Corp.  (the  "Selected
Accident and Health Companies").

   
     Such analysis included, among other things, the multiples of stock price to
GAAP  operating  EPS for 1996 and 1997 (as  estimated  by research  analysts and
compiled by Institutional  Brokers  Estimating  Service for the Selected Annuity
Companies  and the  Selected  Accident  and Health  Companies  and  management's
projections for Conseco) and shareholders'  equity per share as of September 30,
1996.  Comparing  the  multiples  of  Conseco's  stock price to  estimated  GAAP
operating EPS and shareholders' equity per share with the multiples at which the
Selected Annuity  Companies and the Selected Accident and Health Companies trade
indicates  whether  Conseco's stock price is within the range of values at which
the Selected  Annuity  Companies and the Selected  Accident and Health Companies
trade. Conseco's estimated GAAP operating EPS and shareholders' equity per share
used in this  analysis  were adjusted to give pro forma effect to: (1) the TOPrS
Offering  completed November 19, 1996; (2) the TruPS Offering completed November
27, 1996; (3) the ATC Merger completed  December 17, 1996; (4) the Series D Call
completed  September 26, 1996; (5) the ALH Transaction  completed  September 30,
1996; (6) the LPG Merger  completed  effective July 1, 1996; (7) the acquisition
of all of the  outstanding  common stock of CCP not previously  owned by Conseco
and related transactions  (including the repayment of borrowings under Conseco's
existing $250.0 million revolving credit  agreement)  completed August 31, 1995;
(8) the  increase  of  Conseco's  ownership  in BLH to  90.4%,  as a  result  of
purchases of common shares of BLH by Conseco and BLH  completed  during 1995 and
the first  three  months of 1996;  (9) the  issuance of 4.37  million  shares of
Conseco preferred redeemable increased dividend equity securities on January 23,
1996;  (10) the BLH Tender Offer  completed on February 28, 1996;  (11) the debt
restructuring  of ALH completed  during the fourth quarter of 1995; (12) the CAF
Merger  completed on March 4, 1997; (13) the THI Merger  completed  December 23,
1996; and, (14) the BLH Transaction completed on December 31, 1996.
    

                                       38
<PAGE>

     The low, average and high multiples of public stock price to estimated 1996
GAAP operating EPS were 11.2x, 13.4x and 19.3x,  respectively,  for the Selected
Annuity  Companies and 13.1x,  15.7x and 17.2x,  respectively,  for the Selected
Accident and Health  Companies.  The multiple of public stock price to Conseco's
estimated 1996 GAAP  operating EPS was 17.0x.  This multiple is greater than the
average multiple of the Selected  Annuity  Companies and the average multiple of
the Selected Accident and Health Companies.  The low, average and high multiples
of public stock price to estimated 1997 GAAP operating EPS were 10.1x, 11.9x and
16.5x,  respectively,  for the Selected Annuity  Companies and 10.9x,  13.3x and
14.8x,  respectively,  for the  Selected  Accident  and  Health  Companies.  The
multiples of public stock price to Conseco's  estimated  1997 GAAP operating EPS
was 12.0x.  This  multiple is greater than the average  multiple of the Selected
Annuity  Companies and less than the average  multiple of the Selected  Accident
and Health Companies.  The low, average and high multiples of public stock price
to shareholders' equity per share as of September 30, 1996 were 1.00x, 1.56x and
2.12x,  respectively,  for the Selected Annuity  Companies and 1.41x,  2.04x and
2.82x,  respectively,  for the  Selected  Accident  and  Health  Companies.  The
multiple of public stock price to Conseco's shareholders' equity per share as of
September  30,  1996 was  1.93x.  This  multiple  is  greater  than the  average
multiple of the Selected  Annuity  Companies and  less than the average multiple
of the Selected Accident and Health Companies.

     Limitations of Opinion.  The summary set forth above does not purport to be
a complete  description of the analyses  performed by DLJ. The  preparation of a
fairness opinion involves various  determinations as to the most appropriate and
relevant  methods of financial  analysis and the application of these methods to
the  particular  circumstances  and,  therefore,  such  opinions are not readily
susceptible to summary  description.  Each of the analyses  conducted by DLJ was
carried out in order to provide a different perspective on the Merger and to add
to the total mix of information  available.  DLJ did not form a conclusion as to
whether any individual analysis, considered in isolation, supported or failed to
support an opinion as to  fairness.  Rather,  in reaching  its  conclusion,  DLJ
considered  the results of the  analyses  in light of each other and  ultimately
reached its opinion  based on the results of all analyses  take as a whole.  DLJ
did not place  particular  reliance or weight on any  individual  analysis,  but
instead  concluded  that  its  analyses,   taken  as  a  whole,   supported  its
determination.  Accordingly,  notwithstanding  the separate  factors  summarized
above,  DLJ believes  that its analyses  must be  considered as a whole and that
selecting  portions of its analyses and the factors  considered  by it,  without
considering  all  analyses  and factors,  may create an  incomplete  view of the
evaluation process underlying its opinion. In performing its analyses,  DLJ made
numerous assumptions with respect to industry performance, business and economic
conditions and other matters.  The analyses performed by DLJ are not necessarily
indicative of actual values or future results,  which may be significantly  more
or less favorable than those suggested by such analyses.

     Engagement  and Fees  Payable to DLJ.  PFS  selected  DLJ as its  financial
advisor because it is a nationally  recognized  investment banking firm that has
substantial  experience  in  transactions  similar to the Merger and is familiar
with PFS, its business and the insurance  industry.  Pursuant to the terms of an
engagement  letter dated  November,  26 1996,  PFS has paid DLJ $350,000 for its
services to date,  including the delivery of the DLJ Opinion.  In addition,  PFS
has agreed to pay DLJ 0.75% of the aggregate amount of consideration received by
PFS shareholders and including in such  consideration  the amount of any debt of
PFS assumed or repaid or preferred  stock  redeemed or remaining  outstanding in
connection with the Merger, less $350,000.  PFS also agreed to reimburse DLJ for
all  out-of-pocket  expenses  (including the reasonable  fees and  out-of-pocket
expenses of counsel)  incurred by DLJ in connection  with its  engagement and to
indemnify  DLJ and  certain  related  persons  against  certain  liabilities  in
connection  with  its  engagement,   including  liabilities  under  the  federal
securities  laws. The terms of the fee  arrangement  with DLJ, which DLJ and PFS
believe are customary in transactions  of this nature,  were negotiated at arm's
length  between  PFS and DLJ and the PFS  Board of  Directors  was aware of such
arrangement,  including the fact that a significant portion of the aggregate fee
payable to DLJ is contingent upon consummation of the Merger.

     DLJ has performed  investment banking and other services for the Conseco in
the past, including  co-managing the TOPrS Offering completed November 19, 1996,
and  has  received   usual  and  customary   compensation   for  such  services.
Additionally,  DLJ has  delivered:  (i) an  opinion as to the  fairness,  from a
financial point of view to the  shareholders of CAF of the  consideration  to be
received by such shareholders in connection with the CAF Merger, (ii) an opinion
as to the fairness, from a financial point of view to the shareholders of ATC of
the  exchange  ratio  applicable  in  connection  with the ATC Merger,  (iii) an
opinion as to the fairness,  from a financial point of view to the  shareholders
of THI of the exchange  ratio  applicable in connection  with the THI Merger and
(iv) an  opinion  as to the  fairness,  from a  financial  point  of view to the
shareholders of LPG of the  consideration to be received by such shareholders in
connection with the LPG Merger.

                                       39
 
<PAGE>   

 

CERTAIN CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER

     As a result of the  Merger,  the  holders of PFS Common  Stock will  become
shareholders  of Conseco.  See  "Comparison of  Shareholders'  Rights." Upon the
consummation of the Merger,  each  outstanding  share of PFS Common Stock (other
than shares of PFS Common Stock held as treasury stock by PFS) will be converted
into the right to receive the Merger  Consideration.  Conseco will apply to have
the  additional  shares of Conseco  Common Stock  issued  pursuant to the Merger
listed on the NYSE,  and the  approval  of such  shares for  listing on the NYSE
(subject to official  notice of issuance) is a condition  to the  obligation  of
Conseco and PFS to effect the Merger. See "The Merger Agreement -- Conditions to
the Merger." After  consummation  of the Merger and without giving effect to the
proposed  acquisition  of  CAF,  the  current  Conseco  shareholders  would  own
approximately __ percent of the shares of Conseco Common Stock then outstanding,
and the current holders of PFS Common Stock would own  approximately ___ percent
of such shares.

     See  "The  Merger  Agreement  --  Treatment  of PFS  Stock  Options"  for a
description  of the  treatment of PFS Stock  Options in the Merger.  Conseco has
agreed  to take all  corporate  action  necessary  to  reserve  for  issuance  a
sufficient  number of shares of Conseco  Common Stock for delivery upon exercise
of PFS Stock Options assumed in accordance with the Merger Agreement.

CONDUCT OF THE BUSINESS OF CONSECO AND PFS AFTER THE MERGER
 
     Conseco's  Board of Directors  and  management  will not be affected by the
Merger. See "Management of Conseco and PFS Upon Consummation of the Merger."

     Following the Merger,  Conseco expects to achieve operating cost savings as
a result of  consolidation  of certain  Conseco and PFS  operations  through the
elimination of redundant  expenses,  reductions in staff and the  achievement of
certain  economies of scale.  There can be no  assurance  that such cost savings
will be realized as anticipated by Conseco.
 
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER
 

     SEVERANCE  BENEFITS.  Pursuant  to the  Merger  Agreement,  if,  after  the
Effective  Time, the employment of employees of PFS is terminated,  the Employee
Severance  Pay Plan of Conseco  shall be  applicable  to such  employees  giving
credit for service to PFS or its  subsidiaries as service to Conseco;  provided,
however,  that employees of PFS or its  subsidiaries who as of December 15, 1996
either (i) had a contract with PFS or one of its subsidiaries which provides for
a greater payment upon termination of employment or (ii) were covered by the PFS
severance policy for officers  described below shall be entitled to the payments
specified by such  contract or policy in lieu of any amounts  under the Employee
Severance Pay Plan of Conseco. In addition,  an aggregate of up to $5 million of
additional  payments  may be paid within 12 months after the  Effective  Time to
employees of PFS in such manner and proportions as shall be determined from time
to time by the current chief executive  officer of PFS after  consultation  with
the Chief Operations Officer of Conseco or his designee.

     PFS has adopted a severance policy for officers of PFS and its subsidiaries
which  provides  generally  for severance  payments  equal to six months of base
salary to  officers  of PFS and for  payments  of one month base salary for each
year of service to officers of PFS's subsidiaries;  provided that such severance
payable to officers of PFS's  subsidiaries shall be equal to not less than three
months,  and not more than six months, of base salary.  In addition,  the Merger
Agreement provides for the termination of the existing employment  agreements of
Messrs. Nauert, Scheper and Brophy,  executive officers of PFS, at the Effective
Time. In  connection  therewith,  at the  Effective  Time (x) Mr. Nauert will be
entitled to receive $4.5 million and (y) Messrs. Scheper and Brophy will each be
entitled to receive amounts equal to the present value,  discounted at an annual
rate of 8%, of an amount  equal to the salary  which would have been  payable to
such officer  during the period from the Effective  Time through August 31, 1998
based on rates of annual  base salary  payable to Messrs.  Scheper and Brophy of
$425,000 and $325,000, respectively. The agreements also provide for the payment
under certain  circumstances  of certain  health  insurance  benefits to Messrs.
Scheper and Brophy until the employee reaches the age of 65.

     In addition to other agreements between PFS or its subsidiaries and certain
of their  officers,  Billy B. Hill,  Jr., an executive  officer of PFS, will, in
addition to the severance pay to which he is entitled under the severance policy
for officers  described above, be engaged under a retainer for legal services of
$15,000 per month for the two years following termination of his employment.

                                       40
<PAGE>   
 
     VESTING OF PFS STOCK  OPTIONS.  In accordance  with the terms of the Merger
Agreement  and the Stock Plans,  all  outstanding  PFS Stock Options will become
immediately  exercisable  in full at the  Effective  Time.  As a result  of such
acceleration,  the  following  executive  officers and  directors of PFS will be
able, at and after the Effective  Time, to  exercise  their  PFS Stock   Options
relating to the following  number of additional  shares of PFS Common Stock that
would not yet  otherwise be  exercisable  but for the Merger:  Mr. Peter Nauert,
393,479 shares; Mr. Van Vleet,  2,154 shares;  Mr. Robert Nauert,  1,274 shares;
Mr. Scheper,  80,556 shares;  Mr. Brophy,  105,416 shares;  Mr. Fischer,  36,698
shares;  Mr. Fiskow,  38,536 shares;  and Mr. Vickers,  61,131 shares.  See "The
Special  Meeting  --  Security   Ownership  of  Certain  Beneficial  Owners  and
Management."  The outstanding PFS Stock Options will be exercisable for the same
aggregate  consideration as would have been payable to exercise them immediately
prior to the Effective Time and for the number of shares of Conseco Common Stock
which the holder would have been  entitled to receive at the  Effective  Time if
such PFS Stock Option had been fully vested and  exercised  for PFS Common Stock
immediately  prior to the Effective Time and otherwise under the Stock Plans and
the underlying stock option agreement.

     EMPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS.  Conseco  has  entered    into    an    Employment
Agreement with Peter W. Nauert which provides for an employment term of one year
commencing at the Effective  Time.  The Employment  Agreement  provides that Mr.
Nauert will provide  advice  concerning  the operation and management of PFS and
its integration  into the business of Conseco and such other executive  services
as the chief  executive  officer  of  Conseco or its  marketing  subsidiary  may
reasonably  request.  Mr.  Nauert  will be  entitled  to an annual  salary of $1
million plus such cash bonuses or other  incentive  compensation as the Board of
Directors  of  Conseco  may  approve  in its sole  discretion.  He will  also be
entitled  to  participate  in  employee  benefit  plans and  insurance  programs
currently  offered by Conseco,  or which it may adopt from time to time, for its
executive management or supervisory personnel. As an inducement to Mr. Nauert to
enter into the Employment  Agreement,  Conseco has agreed to grant Mr. Nauert at
the Effective Time an option to purchase  100,000 shares of Conseco Common Stock
at a purchase  price of $30.125 per share, a price equal to the closing price of
the Conseco Common Stock on December 13, 1996, the trading day immediately prior
to the signing of the Merger Agreement.  Such option,  whether or not Mr. Nauert
is then an employee of Conseco,  shall vest  automatically  on December 15, 1997
and may be exercised at any time prior to the third anniversary of the Effective
Time  (unless  Conseco  and Mr.  Nauert  shall  have  extended  the  term of his
employment  beyond one year,  in which event the option may be  exercised at any
time prior to the tenth  anniversary  of the  Effective  Time).  The  Employment
Agreement may be extended by mutual  agreement on the first  anniversary  of the
Effective  Time, at a salary and on such other terms as are mutually  acceptable
to Conseco and Mr. Nauert, which items shall include a grant to Mr. Nauert of an
option to  purchase  a minimum of 200,000  shares of Conseco  Common  Stock at a
purchase  price  of  $30.125.  Such  option  will  vest in  three  equal  annual
installments  beginning on the first  anniversary  of the Effective Time (if Mr.
Nauert is an employee on such dates) and generally will expire at the earlier of
(i) ten years after the date of grant or (ii)  termination of  employment.  Upon
consummation of the Merger, Mr. Nauert's existing employment  agreement with PFS
will be terminated. Conseco has agreed to pay Mr. Nauert the sum of $4.5 million
in consideration of the termination of the existing employment agreement, and he
has agreed to pay to PFS the principal balance (currently  $650,000) and accrued
interest on the Non-Negotiable Promissory Note from Mr. Nauert to PFS.

                                       41

<PAGE>   

 
     INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS;  INSURANCE. The Merger Agreement
provides that the  certificate of  incorporation  and by-laws of each of PFS and
PFS's subsidiaries  shall contain the provisions with respect to indemnification
PFS and  set  forth  therein  on the  date of the  Merger  Agreement,  and  such
provisions shall not be amended,  repealed or otherwise modified for a period of
six years after the Effective Time in any manner that would adversely affect the
rights  thereunder of  individuals  who at any time prior to the Effective  Time
were directors or officers of PFS or any of its subsidiaries  (the  "Indemnified
Parties")  in  respect  of actions  or  omissions  occurring  at or prior to the
Effective Time (including,  without limitation, the transactions contemplated by
the Merger Agreement), unless such modification is required by law. In addition,
Conseco  has  agreed  to enter  into  indemnification  agreements  covering  the
Indemnified  Parties with respect to claims  arising out of facts or events that
occurred prior to the Effective  Time. The foregoing  provisions are intended to
be for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, each  Indemnified  Party and
the heirs and personal  representatives  of such Indemnified  Party and shall be
binding on all successors and assigns of Conseco.

ACCOUNTING TREATMENT

     Conseco  intends to account  for the Merger  under the  purchase  method of
accounting in accordance with APB Opinion No. 16, "Business Combinations." Under
this method of accounting,  the cost of acquiring all outstanding  shares of PFS
Common Stock and the  assumption  of all  outstanding  PFS Stock Options will be
determined by the value at the Effective  Time of the Merger  Consideration  and
the Conseco Common Stock (or cash) to be issued to holders of PFS Stock Options,
plus the direct costs  associated  with the Merger.  Conseco will  allocate such
cost in  establishing  new  accounting  and reporting  bases for the  underlying
acquired  assets and  liabilities  based on their  estimated  fair values at the
Effective Time.

CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
 
     The  following  is a summary  description  of the  material  United  States
federal income tax  consequences of the Merger to PFS and the PFS  stockholders.
This summary is not a complete description of all of the tax consequences of the
Merger and, in particular,  does not address tax considerations which may affect
the  treatment  of  certain   special   status   taxpayers   such  as  financial
institutions,    broker-dealers,    life   insurance    companies,    tax-exempt
organizations,  investment  companies  and foreign  taxpayers.  In addition,  no
information  is provided  herein  with  respect to the tax  consequences  of the
Merger either under  applicable  foreign,  state or local laws or to persons who
acquire PFS Common  Stock  pursuant to employee  stock  options or  otherwise as
compensation.

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<PAGE>   
 

     The following  discussion is based on the Code, as in effect on the date of
this Proxy  Statement/Prospectus,  without consideration of the particular facts
or circumstances  of any particular  holder of PFS Common Stock. PFS and Conseco
have not sought and will not seek any rulings from the Internal  Revenue Service
with respect to any of the matters discussed herein.

     The  obligation of PFS to effect the Merger is  conditioned  on delivery to
PFS of an opinion dated the date the Merger is closed (the "Closing  Date") from
McDermott,  Will & Emery,  counsel to PFS,  or other  legal  counsel  reasonably
acceptable to PFS and Conseco,  based on certain  representations  to be made by
PFS and Conseco and on  assumptions  set forth in the opinion,  that for federal
income tax  purposes  the Merger will  constitute  a  reorganization  within the
meaning of Sections 368(a)(1)(A) and 368 (a)(2)(E) of the Code and, as a result,
the  stockholders  of PFS will not be  subject  to  federal  income tax on their
receipt,  pursuant to the Merger,  of shares of Conseco Common Stock in exchange
for PFS Common Stock. Such opinion, however, will not be binding on the Internal
Revenue Service.

     Based on such  opinion,  assuming  that the Merger  qualifies  for  federal
income  tax  purposes  as  a  reorganization  within  the  meaning  of  Sections
368(a)(1)(A)  and 368  (a)(2)(E) of the Code,  the material  federal  income tax
consequences of the Merger for the PFS stockholders and PFS will be as follows:

          (i) No gain or loss will be recognized by PFS stockholders upon  their
     exchange of PFS Common Stock for Conseco Common Stock, except that  any PFS
     stockholder  who  receives  cash  proceeds  in  lieu  of a fractional share
     interest in Conseco Common Stock will recognize gain  or  loss equal to the
     difference between such cash proceeds and the stockholder's  tax  basis  in
     the fractional share interest, determined as provided below,  and such gain
     or loss will constitute a capital gain or  loss  if  such stockholder's PFS
     Common Stock is held as a capital asset at the Effective Time;
 
          (ii) The  tax  basis   in   the   Conseco  Common Stock (including any
     fractional share interest deemed received and exchanged for a cash payment)
     received by a PFS stockholder in exchange for PFS Common Stock will be the
     same as such stockholder's tax basis in the PFS Common Stock surrendered in
     exchange therefor; and
 
          (iii) The  holding  period  of the Conseco Common Stock (including any
     fractional share interest deemed received and exchanged for a cash payment)
     received by a PFS  stockholder will include the period during which the PFS
     Common Stock surrendered in exchange therefor was held (provided that such
     PFS Common Stock was held by such PFS stockholder as a capital asset at the
     Effective Time).
 

     THE FOREGOING IS A GENERAL  DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN  MATERIAL  FEDERAL INCOME
TAX  CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER FOR PFS AND PFS STOCKHOLDERS AND IS INCLUDED FOR
GENERAL  INFORMATION  ONLY. THE FOREGOING  DISCUSSION DOES NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT
THE PARTICULAR FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES OF EACH PFS STOCKHOLDER'S  TAX STATUS AND
ATTRIBUTES. ACCORDINGLY, EACH PFS STOCKHOLDER SHOULD CONSULT HIS, HER OR ITS OWN
TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER, INCLUDING THE
APPLICATION  AND  EFFECT  OF  FEDERAL,  STATE,  LOCAL AND OTHER TAX LAWS AND THE
POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN SUCH TAX LAWS.

REGULATORY APPROVALS

     ANTITRUST.  Under the HSR Act and the rules  promulgated  thereunder by the
Federal Trade  Commission (the "FTC"),  the Merger may not be consummated  until
notifications have been given and certain  information has been furnished to the
FTC and the  Antitrust  Division of the  Department  of Justice (the  "Antitrust
Division")  and  specified  waiting  period  requirements  have been  satisfied.
Conseco and PFS filed  notification  and report forms under the HSR Act with the
FTC and the Antitrust  Division on February 18, 1997.  The FTC  confirmed  early
termination of the required waiting period on February 24, 1997. At any

                                       43
<PAGE>   
 
time before or after the consummation of the Merger,  and  notwithstanding  that
the HSR Act waiting period has been  terminated,  the Antitrust  Division of the
FTC could take such action  under the  antitrust  laws as it deems  necessary or
desirable in the public interest,  including  seeking to enjoin the consummation
of the Merger or seeking  divestiture of substantial  assets of Conseco and PFS.
At any time before or after the consummation of the Merger, and  notwithstanding
that the HSR Act waiting period has been  terminated,  any state could take such
action under the antitrust laws as it deems necessary or desirable in the public
interest.  Such action could include  seeking to enjoin the  consummation of the
Merger or seeking  divestiture  of PFS or businesses of Conseco or PFS.  Private
parties  may also seek to take  legal  action  under the  antitrust  laws  under
certain circumstances.

     Conseco and PFS believe that the Merger can be effected in compliance  with
federal and state  antitrust  laws.  However,  there can be no assurance  that a
challenge to the  consummation of the Merger,  on antitrust  grounds will not be
made or that,  if such a challenge  were made,  Conseco and PFS would prevail or
would not be required to accept certain  conditions,  possibly including certain
divestitures, in order to consummate the Merger.

     INSURANCE.  The  consummation of the Merger may require the approval of the
Commissioners  of the  Departments  of  Insurance  of  Illinois,  Oklahoma,  and
Wisconsin (the  jurisdictions in which the insurance  companies owned by PFS are
domiciled).  The  Insurance  Codes  of  such  jurisdictions  contain  provisions
applicable to the  acquisition  of control of a domiciled  insurer,  including a
presumption  of control that arises from the ownership of ten percent or more of
the  voting  securities  of a  domiciled  insurer  or a person  that  controls a
domiciled  insurer.  Appropriate  filings with the Insurance  Commissioners have
been or will be made and it is anticipated,  although there can be no assurance,
that the approval of each of the Insurance Commissioners will be obtained.

NYSE LISTING OF CONSECO COMMON STOCK
 
     Pursuant to the Merger  Agreement,  Conseco is required to use commercially
reasonable efforts to obtain listing on the NYSE of the shares of Conseco Common
Stock to be issued in connection with the Merger. Approval of the listing on the
NYSE of the  shares of  Conseco  Common  Stock to be  issued in the  Merger is a
condition to the  respective  obligations  of PFS and Conseco to consummate  the
Merger.

ABSENCE OF APPRAISAL RIGHTS
 
     Holders of PFS Common Stock will not be entitled to appraisal rights under
the DGCL in connection with the Merger. Holders of Conseco Common Stock will not
be entitled to appraisal rights under the Indiana Business Corporation Law (the
"IBCL") in connection with the Merger. See "Comparison of Shareholders'
Rights -- Dissenters' Rights."
 
                              THE MERGER AGREEMENT
 
     The  following  is a  summary  of  the material   provisions  of the Merger
Agreement,  which is attached as Annex A to this Proxy  Statement/Prospectus and
is incorporated  herein by reference.  This summary is qualified in its entirety
by reference to the Merger  Agreement.  All  stockholders  are urged to read the
Merger Agreement in its entirety.

THE MERGER
 
     The Merger  Agreement  provides that,  subject to satisfaction or waiver of
the terms and  conditions  contained  in the  Merger  Agreement,  including  the
approval of the Merger  Agreement and the Merger by the  stockholders of PFS and
the obtaining of required regulatory approvals, RAC will be merged with and into
PFS, with PFS being the surviving  corporation.  As a result of the Merger,  PFS
would become a wholly owned  subsidiary  of Conseco.  See "--  Conditions to the
Merger" and "-- Termination."

 
                                       44
<PAGE>   
 
EFFECTIVE TIME
 
     The Merger Agreement  provides that,  subject to the satisfaction or waiver
of certain conditions and the requisite approval of the stockholders of PFS, the
Merger  will be  consummated by, and  will  become  effective on the date of,the
filing of the  Certificate of Merger with  the Secretary of State of Delaware or
at such time thereafter as is provided in the Certificate of Merger.  The Merger
Agreement may be terminated  by either  Conseco or PFS if, among other  reasons,
the Merger has not been consummated on or before March 31, 1997 (or May 31, 1997
under  certain  circumstances).  See  "--  Conditions  to the  Merger"  and  "--
Termination."

CONVERSION OF SHARES; EXCHANGE OF STOCK CERTIFICATES; NO FRACTIONAL AMOUNTS
 
     At the Effective Time, pursuant to the Merger Agreement,  each share of PFS
Common Stock issued and  outstanding  immediately  prior to the  Effective  Time
(other than shares held as treasury shares by PFS) will, by virtue of the Merger
and without any action on the part of the holder thereof,  be converted into the
right to receive  (i) if the  Conseco  Share  Price is greater  than or equal to
$28.00 per share and less than or equal to $31.36 per share, .8928 of a share of
Conseco  Common  Stock,  (ii) if the Conseco Share Price is less than $28.00 per
share,  the  fraction  (rounded  to the  nearest  ten-thousandth)  of a share of
Conseco Common Stock determined by dividing $25.00 by the Conseco Share Price or
(iii) if the Conseco Share Price is greater than $31.36 per share,  the fraction
(rounded  to the  nearest  ten-thousandth)  of a share of Conseco  Common  Stock
determined  by dividing  $28.00 by the Conseco Share Price.  The Conseco  Common
Stock to be issued to holders of shares of PFS Common Stock in  accordance  with
the  Merger  and any cash to be paid in lieu of  fractional  shares  of  Conseco
Common Stock are referred to collectively as the "Merger Consideration."

     In the event of any change in Conseco  Common Stock between the date of the
Merger  Agreement  and the  Effective  Time of the Merger by reason of any stock
split, dividend, subdivision, reclassification,  recapitalization,  combination,
exchange of shares or the like, the number and class of shares of Conseco Common
Stock to be issued and delivered in the Merger in exchange for each  outstanding
share  of  PFS  Common  Stock  as  provided  in the  Merger  Agreement  and  the
calculation of all share prices  provided for in the Merger  Agreement  shall be
proportionately adjusted.

     On ________ , 1997,  the last full  trading day for which  information  was
available prior to the mailing of this Proxy  Statement/Prospectus,  the closing
prices  reported for shares of Conseco  Common Stock and PFS Common Stock on the
NYSE were $____ and $_____ per share, respectively. There can be no assurance or
prediction, and neither Conseco nor PFS hereby make any assurance or prediction,
as to the future prices of shares of Conseco Common Stock or PFS Common Stock.

     No fractional  shares of Conseco  Common Stock will be issued in connection
with the Merger.  Each PFS stockholder who otherwise would have been entitled to
receive a fraction of a share of Conseco Common Stock (after taking into account
all Certificates  delivered by such holder) shall receive, in lieu thereof, cash
(without  interest)  in an amount  equal to such  fractional  part of a share of
Conseco Common Stock multiplied by the Conseco Share Price.
 
     Promptly  after the Effective  Time,  the Exchange  Agent will mail to each
record holder of Certificates, which prior thereto represented PFS Common Stock,
a form of letter of transmittal and  instructions  for use in surrendering  such
Certificates  and  receiving  the  consideration  to which such holder  shall be
entitled  pursuant to the Merger  Agreement.  After receipt of such  transmittal
form,  each holder of  Certificates  should  surrender such  Certificates to the
Exchange  Agent  together  with the  letter of  transmittal  duly  executed  and
completed in accordance with the instructions thereto, and each such holder will
be entitled to receive in exchange therefor

                                       45
<PAGE>   
 
certificates for shares of Conseco Common Stock and a check for any cash which
may be payable in lieu of a fractional share of Conseco Common Stock.

     PFS  STOCKHOLDERS  SHOULD NOT FORWARD  THEIR  CERTIFICATES  TO THE EXCHANGE
AGENT UNTIL THEY HAVE RECEIVED A LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND INSTRUCTIONS.
 
     After  the  Effective  Time,  each  outstanding   Certificate  (other  than
Certificates  evidencing  shares of PFS Common Stock held as treasury  shares by
PFS), which prior thereto represented PFS Common Stock, until so surrendered and
exchanged,  will be deemed,  for all  purposes,  to  evidence  only the right to
receive the Merger Consideration that the holder of such Certificate is entitled
to receive pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement.

TREATMENT OF PFS STOCK OPTIONS 
 
     From  and  after  the  Effective  Time,  each  PFS  Stock  Option  shall be
exercisable,  for the same aggregate  consideration payable to exercise such PFS
Stock Option  immediately  prior to the Effective Time, for the number of shares
of Conseco  Common Stock which the holder would have been entitled to receive at
the Effective  Time if such PFS Stock Option had been fully vested and exercised
for shares of PFS Common Stock  immediately  prior to the  Effective  Time,  and
otherwise on the same terms and  conditions as were  applicable  under the Stock
Plans and the underlying stock option agreement;  provided,  that each PFS Stock
Option,  if not  then  vested,  will  vest  in  full  at the  Effective  Time in
accordance with the Stock Plans.

     Conseco has agreed to take all  corporate  action  necessary to reserve for
issuance a sufficient number of shares of Conseco Common Stock for delivery upon
exercise of PFS Stock Options  assumed in accordance  with the Merger  Agreement
and to register such shares of Conseco Common Stock with the Commission pursuant
to a Registration Statement on Form S-8.

TREATMENT OF PFS CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED NOTES
 
     At the Effective  Time, each PFS Convertible  Note shall  automatically  be
convertible  into the number of shares of Conseco  Common Stock which the holder
of such PFS  Convertible  Note would have been entitled to receive in the Merger
if the holder had converted the PFS  Convertible  Note into shares of PFS Common
Stock immediately before the Effective Time.

                                       46

<PAGE>
 
PFS EMPLOYEE MATTERS

     Pursuant to the Merger Agreement,  Conseco will provide severance  benefits
for  certain  persons  who  are  eligible  employees  of PFS  or  any  of  PFS's
subsidiaries  immediately  prior  to the  Effective  Time.  See  "The  Merger  -
Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger - Severance Benefits."

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
 
     The  Merger  Agreement  contains  certain  customary   representations  and
warranties  relating to, among other things,  (1) each of  Conseco's,  RAC's and
PFS's organization and similar corporate matters;  (2) each of Conseco's,  RAC's
and  PFS's capital  structure;  (3)  the  authorization,   execution,  delivery,
performance and  enforceability of the Merger Agreement with respect to Conseco,
RAC and PFS and related matters;  (4) documents filed by each of Conseco and PFS
with the Commission and the accuracy of information  contained therein;  (5) the
absence of material changes with respect to the business of Conseco and PFS; and
(6) compliance with applicable laws.

CERTAIN COVENANTS
 
     The Merger Agreement  contains certain customary  covenants and agreements,
including, without limitation, the following:

     CONDUCT OF BUSINESS.  Pursuant to the Merger Agreement,  Conseco has agreed
that during the period from the date of the Merger Agreement until the Effective
Time,  Conseco shall,  and shall cause its  subsidiaries  to, use all reasonable
efforts to preserve intact their current business organizations,  keep available
the  services  of their  current  officers  and  employees  and  preserve  their
relationships with customers, suppliers, licensors, licensees,  distributors and
others having  business  dealings  with them to the end that their  goodwill and
ongoing businesses shall be unimpaired at the Effective Time.

     Pursuant to the Merger  Agreement,  PFS has agreed that,  during the period
from the date of the  Merger  Agreement  until  the  Effective  Time,  except as
permitted  by the Merger  Agreement,  as set forth on the  Disclosure  Schedules
thereto or as otherwise  consented to in writing by Conseco,  PFS will, and will
cause its subsidiaries  to, act and carry on their respective  businesses in the
ordinary course of business and not (without

 
                                       47
<PAGE>   
 
the prior consent of Conseco),  among other things (1)(A) declare,  set aside or
pay any dividends on, or make any other distributions (whether in cash, stock or
property)  in respect of, any of PFS's  outstanding  capital  stock  (other than
regular quarterly cash dividends not in excess of $0.055 per share of PFS Common
Stock, with usual record and payment dates and in accordance with PFS's dividend
policy);  (B) split,  combine or  reclassify  any of PFS's  outstanding  capital
stock or issue or authorize the issuance of any other  securities in respect of,
in lieu of or in substitution for shares of PFS's outstanding  capital stock; or
(C)  purchase,  redeem or  otherwise  acquire  any  shares of PFS's  outstanding
capital  stock or any rights,  warrants or options to acquire such  shares;  (2)
issue,  sell,  grant,  pledge or  otherwise  encumber  any shares of its capital
stock, any other voting securities,  or any securities  convertible into, or any
rights,  warrants,  or options to acquire,  any such shares  other than upon the
exercise of PFS Stock Options  outstanding on the date of the Merger  Agreement;
(3) amend its Certificate of  Incorporation  or By-laws;  (4) acquire,  form, or
commence operations of any business; (5) sell, mortgage or otherwise encumber or
otherwise  dispose of any of its  properties  or assets that are material to PFS
and its  subsidiaries  taken  as a  whole,  except  in the  ordinary  course  of
business;  (6) incur any  indebtedness  for borrowed money or guarantee any such
indebtedness of another person,  other than  indebtedness  under existing credit
agreements or indebtedness  owing to or guarantees of indebtedness  owing to PFS
or any  subsidiary  of PFS, or make any loans or  advances  to any other  person
(other than PFS or any subsidiary  of PFS) other than routine advances to agents
and employees;  (7) make any tax election or settle or compromise any income tax
liability  that would  reasonably  be  expected  to be  material  to PFS and its
subsidiaries  taken as a whole;  (8)  pay,  discharge,  settle  or  satisfy  any
material claims, liabilities or obligations other than the payment, discharge or
satisfaction,  in the ordinary course of business  consistent with past practice
or in accordance with their terms, of liabilities  reflected or reserved against
in, or contemplated by, the most recent consolidated financial statements of PFS
filed  with  the  Commission  or  incurred  since  the  date of  such  financial
statements in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; (9)
invest its future cash flow, any cash from matured and maturing investments, any
cash  proceeds  from the sale of its assets and  properties,  and any cash funds
currently held by it, in any investments other than cash equivalent assets or in
short-term investments, except (A) as otherwise required by law, (B) as required
to provide cash (in the ordinary  course of business  and  consistent  with past
practice)  to meet its  actual or  anticipated  obligations  or (C) in  publicly
traded  corporate  bonds  that  are  rated  investment  grade  by at  least  two
nationally recognized  statistical rating  organizations;  (10) except as may be
required  by law,  (A) make any  representation  or promise to any  employee  or
former  director,  officer,  or  employee  of PFS or its  subsidiaries  that  is
inconsistent  with the terms of any PFS benefit plan, (B) make any change to the
contracts,  salaries,  wages, or other compensation of any employee or any agent
or consultant of PFS or any subsidiary  other than (i) changes that are required
under  existing  contracts,  (ii) with respect to  employees,  changes which are
routine, in the ordinary course of business,  consistent with past practices and
not in excess of 6%, and (iii) with  respect to agents or  consultants,  changes
which are in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices,
(C) adopt,  enter into, amend,  alter or terminate any existing PFS benefit plan
or any  election  made  pursuant to the  provisions  of any existing PFS benefit
plan, to accelerate  any payments,  obligations or vesting  schedules  under any
existing  PFS benefit  plan,  or (D) approve  any  general or  company-wide  pay
increases  for  employees;  (11)  except in the  ordinary  course  of  business,
materially  modify,   amend  or  terminate  any  material   agreement,   permit,
concession,  franchise,  license  or  similar  instrument  to  which  PFS or any
subsidiary is a party or waive,  release or assign any material rights or claims
thereunder;  or (12) hold any meeting of the PFS Board of Directors or the board
of directors of any  subsidiary or any committee of any such board,  or take any
action by written consent of any such board or committee,  without  providing to
Conseco (A) notice of any such meeting no later than the date notice is given to
the board of  directors  or in  advance  of the date of any  proposed  action by
written  consent  and (B) with such  notice,  except as  provided  in the Merger
Agreement, an agenda of the specific matters to be considered at such meeting or
a copy of the proposed written consent.

     NO SOLICITATION. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, PFS shall not, nor shall
it permit  any of its  subsidiaries  to,  nor shall it  authorize  or permit any
officer,  director or employee of, or any investment  banker,  attorney or other
advisor or  representative  of, PFS or any of its  subsidiaries  to, directly or
indirectly,  (1) solicit,  initiate or encourage the submission of any bona fide
proposal  with  respect to a merger,  consolidation,  share  exchange or similar
transaction  involving  PFS or any  subsidiary of PFS, or any purchase of all or
any  significant  portion of the assets of PFS or any  subsidiary of PFS, or any
equity  interest in PFS or any  subsidiary of PFS,  other than the  transactions
contemplated by the Merger  Agreement (each an "Acquisition  Proposal"),  or (2)
participate in any  discussions  or  negotiations  regarding,  or furnish to any
person any  information  with respect to, or take any other action to facilitate
any inquiries or the making of any proposal that constitutes,  or may reasonably
be  expected  to lead to, any  Acquisition  Proposal.  The  foregoing  shall not
prohibit the PFS Board of Directors from furnishing  information to, or entering
into discussions or
 
                                       48
<PAGE>   
 
negotiations with, any person or entity  that  makes an  unsolicited Acquisition
Proposal  if,  and  only  to  the  extent  that  (1) the PFS Board of Directors,
after  consultation  with   and  based  upon  the  advice  of  outside  counsel,
determines  in good faith that in order for the PFS Board of Directors to comply
with its fiduciary  duties to PFS  stockholders  under  applicable law it should
take  such  action  and (2)  prior  to  taking  such  action,  PFS (A)  provides
reasonable notice to Conseco to the effect that it is taking such action and (B)
receives  from such person or entity an executed  confidentiality  agreement  in
reasonably  customary  form.  The Merger  Agreement  provides that PFS shall (i)
promptly  advise  Conseco orally and in writing of (A) the receipt by it (or any
of the other entities or persons referred to above) after the date of the Merger
Agreement of any  Acquisition  Proposal,  or any inquiry which could lead to any
Acquisition Proposal,  (B) the material terms and conditions of such Acquisition
Proposal  or  inquiry,  and (C) the  identity  of the  person  making  any  such
Acquisition  Proposal or inquiry,  and (ii) keep Conseco  fully  informed of the
status and details of any such Acquisition Proposal or inquiry.  Notwithstanding
the  immediately  preceding  sentence,  PFS  may  delay  providing  any  of  the
information  described in clause (i)(B), (i)(C) or (ii) of such sentence if, and
for so long as, the Board of Directors of PFS, after  consultation  with outside
counsel,  determines  and  continues  to  believe in good faith that in order to
comply with its fiduciary duties to stockholders  under applicable law it should
not provide such information.

     INDEMNIFICATION   OF  DIRECTORS  AND  OFFICERS.   Pursuant  to  the  Merger
Agreement,  Conseco has agreed that the certificate of incorporation and by-laws
of PFS and each of PFS's subsidiaries  shall contain the provisions with respect
to  indemnification  set forth therein on the date of the Merger Agreement,  and
such  provisions  shall not be amended,  repealed or  otherwise  modified  for a
period of six years after the Effective Time in any manner that would  adversely
affect the Indemnified  Parties in respect of actions or omissions  occurring at
or prior to the Effective Time unless such  modification  is required by law. In
addition,  Conseco has agreed to enter into indemnification  agreements with the
Indemnified Parties.

CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
 
     The  respective  obligations  of  Conseco  and PFS to effect the Merger are
subject to the following conditions,  among others: (1) the Merger Agreement and
the Merger shall have been approved and adopted by the  stockholders of PFS; (2)
all required consents, approvals, permits and authorizations to the consummation
of the transactions contemplated hereby by PFS and Conseco shall be obtained, if
necessary,  from (A) the Commissioner of the Illinois,  Oklahoma,  and Wisconsin
Departments  of Insurance and (B) any other  governmental  entity whose consent,
approval,  permission or  authorization is required by reason of a change in law
after the date of the  Merger  Agreement,  unless  the  failure  to obtain  such
consent, approval,  permission or authorization would not reasonably be expected
to have a  material  adverse  effect on the  business,  financial  condition  or
results of operations of PFS and its  subsidiaries,  taken as a whole, or on the
validity or enforceability of the Merger Agreement;  (3) the waiting period (and
any  extension  thereof)  applicable  to the Merger under the HSR Act shall have
been terminated or shall have otherwise  expired;  (4) no temporary  restraining
order, preliminary or permanent injunction or other order issued by any court of
competent  jurisdiction or other legal  restraint or prohibition  preventing the
consummation of the Merger shall be in effect;  (5) the shares of Conseco Common
Stock issuable to PFS's stockholders pursuant to the Merger Agreement shall have
been approved for listing on the NYSE,  subject to official  notice of issuance;
and (6) the  Registration  Statement  shall  have  become  effective  under  the
Securities  Act and shall not be the  subject of any stop  order or  proceedings
seeking a stop order.  If all  governmental  and  regulatory  consents have been
obtained  except  for  insurance  regulatory  approval  for any  life  insurance
subsidiary  which does not constitute a "significant  subsidiary" (as defined in
the Merger  Agreement),  then  Conseco has the option to cause  certain  actions
specified in the Merger Agreement to be taken in order to consummate the Merger.

     The  obligation  of Conseco to effect the Merger is subject to, among other
things,  the  following  additional  conditions:  (1)  the  representations  and
warranties  of PFS  contained in the Merger  Agreement  shall have been true and
correct on the date of the Merger  Agreement  and on the Closing Date (except to
the extent that they  expressly  relate only to an earlier  time,  in which case
they shall have been true and correct as of such earlier time),  other than such
breaches of  representations  and  warranties  which in the aggregate  would not
reasonably  be  expected  to have a  material  adverse  effect on the  business,
financial  condition or results of operations of PFS and its subsidiaries  taken
as a whole;  and (2) PFS shall  have  performed  in all  material  respects  all
obligations  required to be  performed  by it under the Merger  Agreement  at or
prior to the Closing Date.

     The  obligation  of PFS to effect  the Merger is subject  to,  among  other
things,  the  following  additional  conditions:  (1)  the  representations  and
warranties of Conseco and RAC contained in the Merger  Agreement shall have been
true and correct on the date of the Merger  Agreement  and on the  Closing  Date
(except to the extent that they  expressly  relate only to an earlier  time,  in
which case they shall have been true and correct as of such earlier time), other
than such  breaches of  representations  and  warranties  which in the aggregate
would not  reasonably  be  expected  to have a  material  adverse  effect on the
business,  financial  condition  or results  of  operations  of Conseco  and its
subsidiaries  taken as a whole; (2) Conseco and RAC shall have performed in  all
                                       49
<PAGE>   
 
material  respects  all  obligations  required to be performed by them under the
Merger  Agreement  at or prior to the  Effective  Time;  and (3) PFS shall  have
received the opinion dated the Closing Date of McDermott,  Will & Emery, counsel
to PFS, or such other legal counsel reasonably acceptable to PFS and Conseco, to
the effect that the Merger  will be treated as a  reorganization  under  Section
368(a)(2)(E)  of the Code as a result of which the  stockholders of PFS will not
be  subject to federal  income  tax on the  receipt of shares of Conseco  Common
Stock in exchange for shares of PFS Common Stock pursuant to the Merger.

   
     The Merger Agreement provides that each party may waive any inaccuracies in
the representations and warranties of the other party in the Merger Agreement or
any document  delivered  pursuant to the Merger Agreement.  The Merger Agreement
also provides that each party may waive compliance with any of the agreements or
conditions  of the other party,  provided  that no such waiver may be made after
approval by the PFS stockholders which reduces the consideration  payable in the
Merger or adversely affects the rights of the PFS stockholders.
    

TERMINATION

     The Merger Agreement may be terminated and the Merger abandoned at any time
prior to the  Effective  Time,  whether  before or after  approval of the Merger
Agreement and the Merger by PFS's  stockholders at the Special  Meeting:  (1) by
the mutual written consent of Conseco and PFS ; or (2) by Conseco or PFS (A) if,
upon a vote at a duly held meeting of the stockholders of PFS or any adjournment
thereof, any required approval of the stockholders of PFS shall not be obtained;
(B) at any time  after  March  31,  1997,  if the  Merger  shall  not have  been
consummated  by such date,  unless the failure to  consummate  the Merger is the
result of a willful and  material  breach of the Merger  Agreement  by the party
seeking to terminate the Merger Agreement;  provided, however, that either party
may by notice to the other party  extend such date to May 31, 1997 unless  there
is then in  effect a  temporary  restraining  order,  preliminary  or  permanent
injunction or other order issued by a court of competent  jurisdiction  or other
legal restraint or prohibition preventing the consummation of the Merger; (C) if
any  governmental  entity shall have issued an order,  decree or ruling or taken
any other action permanently enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting the
Merger and such order,  decree,  ruling or other  action shall have become final
and nonappealable; or (D) if the PFS Board of Directors shall have exercised its
rights set forth in Section 4.9 of the Merger Agreement  (summarized below under
"-- Right of PFS Board of Directors to Withdraw its Recommendation").

     If the Merger  Agreement  is validly  terminated  as described  above,  the
Merger  Agreement  shall  become  void and have no effect,  except  for  certain
covenants regarding brokers,  confidentiality  and, as described below under "--
Expenses,"  payment  of  expenses,  and  except  that no party  thereto  will be
relieved  of any  liability  for  damages  that such party may have to the other
party by reason of such party's breach of the Merger Agreement.
 
RIGHT OF PFS BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO WITHDRAW ITS RECOMMENDATION
 
     Under  the  Merger  Agreement,  the PFS  Board of  Directors  shall not (1)
withdraw or modify, in a manner materially  adverse to Conseco,  the approval or
recommendation  by the PFS Board of  Directors  of the Merger  Agreement  or the
Merger or (2) enter into any agreement with respect to any Acquisition Proposal,
unless PFS  receives  an  Acquisition  Proposal  and the PFS Board of  Directors
determines in good faith,  following  consultation with outside counsel, that in
order to comply with its fiduciary  duties to stockholders  under applicable law
the PFS Board of Directors  should  withdraw or modify,  in a manner  materially
adverse to Conseco,  its approval or  recommendation  of the Merger Agreement or
the Merger, or enter into an agreement with respect to such Acquisition Proposal
or terminate the Merger Agreement. In the event the PFS Board of Directors takes
any of the foregoing  actions,  PFS shall,  concurrently  with the taking of any
such action, pay to Conseco the fee described in "-- Breakup Fee."

 BREAKUP FEE
 
     PFS has agreed to pay to  Conseco  upon  demand  $8.0  million (a  "Breakup
Fee"),  payable  in  same-day  funds,  if a bona fide  Acquisition  Proposal  is
commenced,  publicly proposed, publicly disclosed or communicated to PFS (or the
willingness  of any  person to make such an  Acquisition  Proposal  is  publicly
disclosed or

                                       50
<PAGE>   
 
communicated to PFS) and the PFS Board of Directors,  in accordance with Section
4.9 of the Merger  Agreement  (summarized  above under "-- Right of PFS Board of
Directors  to Withdraw its  Recommendation"),  withdraws or modifies in a manner
materially  adverse to Conseco  its  approval  or  recommendation  of the Merger
Agreement  or the  Merger,  or enters  into an  agreement  with  respect to such
Acquisition Proposal (other than a confidentiality  agreement as contemplated by
the Merger  Agreement),  or terminates the Merger Agreement;  provided,  however
that no Breakup  Fee shall be payable  if the Merger  Agreement  shall have been
terminated in accordance with certain provisions of the Merger Agreement.

EXPENSES
 
     In the absence of a requirement to pay a Breakup Fee and except as provided
in the following  paragraph,  whether or not the Merger is consummated,  each of
PFS and Conseco will pay its own costs and expenses  incident to preparing  for,
entering into and carrying out the Merger  Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions   contemplated   thereby.

     Unless Conseco is materially in breach of the Merger Agreement or is unable
to satisfy certain closing conditions in the Merger Agreement, PFS has agreed to
pay to Conseco  upon  demand an amount  not to exceed $1  million  to  reimburse
Conseco for its reasonable  out-of-pocket  fees and expenses in connection  with
the Merger or the  consummation of the  transactions  contemplated by the Merger
Agreement,  payable  in  same-day  funds,  if the  requisite  approval  of PFS's
stockholders  for the Merger is not  obtained and all other  closing  conditions
contained in the Merger Agreement have been satisfied or waived or, with respect
to any  condition  not then  satisfied,  it is  substantially  likely  that such
condition  will be  satisfied  on or before May 31, 1997 through the exercise of
commercially  reasonable  efforts to procure the satisfaction  thereof.  See "--
Termination."

MODIFICATION OR AMENDMENT
 
     Subject to the applicable  provisions of the DGCL, at any time prior to the
Effective  Time,  PFS and Conseco may modify or amend the Merger  Agreement,  by
written  agreement  executed and  delivered by their duly  authorized  officers;
provided, however, that after approval of the Merger by the stockholders of PFS,
no amendment may be made which reduces the  consideration  payable in the Merger
or  adversely  affects  the  rights of the PFS's  stockholders  under the Merger
Agreement without the approval of such stockholders.

PFS AFFILIATE REGISTRATION RIGHTS  

     Conseco  has  agreed to  maintain  the  effectiveness  of the  Registration
Statement  subsequent  to the  consummation  of the  Merger  for the  purpose of
resales  of  Conseco  Common  Stock by  persons  who,  at the time the Merger is
submitted to the shareholders of PFS for approval,  were "affiliates" of PFS for
purposes  of Rule 145 under the  Securities  Act,  but shall not  thereafter  be
required  to file  any  post-effective  amendment  thereto.  Conseco  shall  not
otherwise  be  required  to  maintain  the  effectiveness  of  the  Registration
Statement or any other  registration  statement under the Securities Act for the
purposes of resale of Conseco Common Stock by such affiliates.

     Conseco has agreed to indemnify such affiliates, each of their officers and
directors and partners,  and each person  controlling such affiliates within the
meaning of Section 15 of the  Securities  Act,  against  all  expenses,  claims,
losses, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof), including any of
the foregoing incurred in settlement of any litigation, commenced or threatened,
arising out of or based on any untrue statement (or alleged untrue statement) of
a material fact contained in such registration  statement or prospectus,  or any
amendment or supplement thereto, incident to any such registration,  or based on
any omission (or alleged  omission) to state therein a material fact required to
be stated  therein or  necessary  to make the  statements  therein,  in light of
circumstances  in which they were made,  not  misleading,  or any  violation  by
Conseco of the Securities Act or any rule or regulation in connection  with such
registration,  and  reimburse  each  such  person  for any  legal  and any other
expenses   reasonably  incurred  (as  they  are  incurred)  in  connection  with
investigating, preparing or defending any such claim, loss, damage, liability or
action.

STOCKHOLDER LITIGATION

     The Merger  Agreement  provides that PFS shall give Conseco the opportunity
to  participate  in the  defense or  settlement  of any  stockholder  litigation
against PFS and its directors  relating to the transactions  contemplated by the
Merger Agreement;  provided, however, that no such settlement shall be agreed to
without Conseco's consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

                                       51
<PAGE>

                                      

   
        UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF CONSECO


     The  unaudited  pro forma  consolidated  statement of  operations  data for
Conseco  for the year  ended  December  31,  1996,  reflects  certain  pro forma
adjustments for the following transactions,  all of which have already occurred,
as if such  transactions  had  occurred on January 1, 1996:  (i) the issuance of
4.37  million  shares of  Conseco  PRIDES in January  1996;  (ii) the BLH Tender
Offer; (iii) the LPG Merger; (iv) the Series D Call; (v) the ALH Stock Purchase;
(vi) the TOPrS Offering;  (vii) the TruPS Offering;  (viii) the ATC Merger; (ix)
the THI Merger;  (x) the BLH Merger;  and (xi) the CAF Merger. The unaudited pro
forma consolidated  statement of operations data for the year ended December 31,
1996, also reflects pro forma  adjustments for the Merger,  as if the Merger had
occurred on January 1, 1996.

     The  unaudited  pro  forma  consolidated  balance  sheet of  Conseco  as of
December 31, 1996,  gives effect to the  following  transactions  as if each had
occurred on December 31, 1996: (i) the CAF Merger (which has already  occurred);
and (ii) the Merger.

     The pro forma consolidated financial statements are based on the historical
financial statements of Conseco  and PFS and are qualified in their entirety by,
and should be read in conjunction with, these financial statements and the notes
thereto.  The pro forma data are not  necessarily  indicative  of the results of
operations or financial condition of Conseco had these transactions  occurred on
January 1, 1996, nor the results of future operations.  Conseco anticipates cost
savings  and  additional  benefits  as a result of certain  of the  transactions
contemplated in the pro forma financial statements.  Such benefits and any other
changes that might have resulted from management of the combined  companies have
not  been  included  as  adjustments  to the pro  forma  consolidated  financial
statements.  Certain  amounts from the prior periods have been  reclassified  to
conform to the current presentation.

     The  unaudited pro forma  consolidated  financial  statements  reflect cost
allocations for the LPG Merger, the ALH Stock Purchase,  the ATC Merger, the THI
Merger,  the BLH Merger, the CAF Merger and the Merger using estimated values of
the assets and  liabilities  of LPG,  ALH,  ATC, THI, BLH, CAF and PFS as of the
assumed merger dates based on appraisals  and other  studies,  which are not yet
complete.  Accordingly, the final allocations will be different than the amounts
included  in the  accompanying  pro  forma  consolidated  financial  statements.
Although the final allocations will differ, the pro forma consolidated financial
statements  reflect  management's  best  estimate  based on currently  available
information as if the LPG Merger,  the ALH Stock Purchase,  the ATC Merger,  the
THI Merger,  the BLH Merger,  the CAF Merger and the Merger had  occurred on the
assumed merger dates.

                                       52
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                         CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                     for the year ended December 31, 1996
                              (Dollars in millions)
                                   (unaudited)
                                                                      Pro forma                                     
                                                                     adjustments                     LPG       Pro forma
                                                                      reflecting                  historical  adjustments
                                                                       various      Pro forma         at      reflecting  Pro forma
                                                       Conseco          other        Conseco       June 30,     the LPG    Conseco 
                                                     as reported     transactions    subtotals       1996       Merger  subtotals(a)
                                                     -----------     ------------   ---------      --------   ----------  ----------
<S>                                                    <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>         <C>          <C>
Revenues:
     Insurance policy income                           $1,654.2      $   -          $1,654.2       $155.8    $    -       $1,810.0
     Net investment income                              1,302.5                      1,302.5        148.3        7.4 (6)   1,459.6
                                                                                                                 (.2)(7)
                                                                                                                 2.2 (8)
                                                                                                                 (.6)(9)
     Net investment gains                                  30.4                         30.4          2.3        1.9 (6)      34.6
     Fee revenue and other income                          49.8                         49.8          2.6                     52.4
     Restructuring income                                  30.4                         30.4                                  30.4
                                                       --------      -------        --------     --------    -------      --------
            Total revenues                              3,067.3                      3,067.3        309.0       10.7       3,387.0
                                                       --------      -------        --------     --------    -------      --------

Benefits and expenses:
     Insurance policy benefits and change       
       in future policy benefits                        1,195.0                      1,195.0         69.5                  1,264.5
     Interest expense on annuities and financial
       products                                           668.6                        668.6         88.6                    757.2
     Interest expense on notes payable                    108.1         (1.2)(1)       105.3         11.8        (.6)(9)     116.1
                                                                        (1.6)(2)                                 (.4)(10)
     Interest expense on investment borrowings             22.0                         22.0          2.1                     24.1 
     Amortization related to operations                   240.0                        240.0         65.6       (2.4)(11)    310.3
                                                                                                                 7.1 (12)
                                                                                             
     Amortization related to realized gains                36.0                         36.0          0.1        1.8 (13)     37.9 
     Acquisition and merger expenses                         -                                        7.9       (7.9)(14)       -
     Other operating costs and expenses                   304.0                        304.0         35.9                    339.9
                                                       --------      -------        --------     --------    -------      --------
            Total benefits and expenses                 2,573.7         (2.8)        2,570.9        281.5       (2.4)      2,850.0 
                                                       --------      -------        --------     --------    -------      --------

            Income before income taxes, minority
                interest and extraordinary charge         493.6          2.8           496.4         27.5       13.1         537.0
Income tax expense                                        179.8          1.0 (3)       180.8         11.6        5.5 (15)    197.9 
                                                       --------      -------        --------     --------    -------      --------
            Income before  minority interest
                and extraordinary charge                  313.8          1.8           315.6         15.9        7.6         339.1
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries:
     Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable 
       preferred securities of subisidiary trusts           3.6                         3.6                                    3.6
     Equity in earnings                                    22.4           .1 (4)       22.5                                   22.5
     Dividends on preferred stock                           8.9                         8.9                                    8.9  
                                                       --------      -------        --------     --------    -------      --------

            Income before extraordinary charge         $  278.9      $   1.7        $ 280.6      $   15.9    $   7.6      $  304.1
                                                       ========      =======        ========     ========    =======      ========

Earnings per common share and common equivalent share:
     Primary:
         Weighted average shares outstanding              126.8           .9 (5)      127.7                     16.1 (16)    143.8
                                                       ========      =======        ========                 =======      ========
         Income before extraordinary  charge              $2.12                       $2.12                                  $2.05  
                                                       ========                     ========                              ========

     Fully diluted:
         Weighted average shares outstanding              142.5           .9 (5)      143.4                     16.1 (16)    159.5
                                                       ========      =======        ========                 =======      ========
         Income before extraordinary  charge              $1.96                       $1.96                                  $1.91
                                                       ========                     ========                              ========

<FN>
(a) Amounts are carried forward to page 54
</FN>
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the pro forma consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
                                       53
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                      for the year ended December 31, 1996
                              (Dollars in millions)
                                   (unaudited)
                                                                                                                   
                                                            Pro forma                      Pro forma                         
                                            Pro forma      adjustments     Pro forma      adjustments      Pro forma
                                             Conseco     reflecting the     Conseco      reflecting the     Conseco 
                                          subtotals(a)    Series D Call    subtotals   ALH Stock Purchase  subtotals (b)
                                            ---------     ------------    -----------   ---------------    -------- 
<S>                                        <C>           <C>              <C>         <C>                 
Revenues:
 Insurance policy income                   $1,810.0                        $1,810.0        $  -             $1,810.0
 Net investment income                      1,459.6                         1,459.6          0.9 (19)        1,460.2
                                                                                            (0.3)(20)
       
           
  Net realized gains                           34.6                            34.6          2.5 (19)           37.1
  Fee revenue and other income                 52.4                            52.4                             52.4
  Restructuring income                         30.4                            30.4                             30.4
                                           --------                        --------        -----            --------
         Total revenues                     3,387.0                         3,387.0          3.1             3,390.1
                                           --------                        --------        -----            --------

Benefits and expenses:
 Insurance policy benefits and                
   change in future policy benefits         1,264.5                         1,264.5                          1,264.5
 Interest expense on annuities and
   financial products                         757.2                           757.2                            757.2
 Interest expense on notes payable            116.1                           116.1          8.7 (20)          124.2
                                                                                             (.6)(21)
                                                             
 Interest expense on investment
    borrowings                                 24.1                            24.1                             24.1
 Amortization related to operations           310.3                           310.3        (17.3)(19)          310.3
                                                                                             1.1 (19)
                                                                                            16.2 (19)
 Amortization related to realized gains        37.9                            37.9          4.8 (19)           42.7
 Acquisition and merger expenses                 -                                                                -
 Other operating costs and expenses           339.9                           339.9                            339.9
                                           --------                        --------        ------           --------

        Total benefits and expenses         2,850.0                         2,850.0         12.9             2,862.9
                                           --------                        --------        ------           --------

        Income before income taxes, 
            minority interest and 
            extraordinary charge              537.0                           537.0         (9.8)              527.2
Income tax expense                            197.9                           197.9         (1.3)(22)          193.6
                                                                                            (3.0)(22)
                                           --------                        --------        ------           --------
                                                                                    
        Income before minority interest
            and extraordinary charge          339.1                          339.1          (5.5)              333.6

Minority interest in consolidated 
   subsidiaries:
     Company-obligated mandatorily
       redeemable preferred securities
       of subsidiary trusts                     3.6                            3.6                               3.6
     Equity in earnings                        22.5                           22.5         (13.6)(23)            8.9
     Dividends on preferred stock               8.9                            8.9          (1.0)(23)            7.9
                                           --------                         ------       --------           --------

        Income before extraordinary
           charge                          $  304.1                       $  304.1         $  9.1           $  313.2
                                           ========                       ========         ======           ========

Earnings per common share and common
 equivalent share:
   Primary:
     Weighted average shares outstanding      143.8          12.1 (17)       155.9                            155.9 
                                              =====          ====            =====                            =====
     Income before extraordinary  charge      $2.05                          $1.95 (18)                       $2.01 
                                              =====                          =====                            =====

   Fully diluted:
     Weighted average shares outstanding      159.5                          159.5                            159.5
                                              =====                          =====                            =====
     Income before extraordinary charge       $1.91                          $1.91                            $1.96
                                              =====                          =====                            =====
<FN>
(a)  Amounts have been carried forward from page 53.
(b)  Amounts are carried forward to page 55.
</FN>
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the pro forma consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
                                       54
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                         CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                     for the year ended December 31, 1996
                 (Amounts in millions, except per share amounts)
                                   (unaudited)
                                                                                                                     
                                                                     Pro forma                                                   
                                                                    adjustments                  Pro forma      
                                                                     relating                    adjustments  
                                                        Pro forma     to the       Pro forma     relating to  Pro forma     
                                                         Conseco      TOPrS         Conseco       the TruPS    Conseco     
                                                        subtotals(a) Offering      subtotals      Offering     subtotals(b)
                                                        ---------    --------       --------     ---------    ---------  
<S>                                                    <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>         <C>         
Revenues:
     Insurance policy income                           $1,810.0       $   -         $1,810.0     $    -       $1,810.0     
     Net investment income                              1,460.2                      1,460.2                   1,460.2    


     Net realized gains                                    37.1                         37.1                      37.1    
     Fee revenue and other income                          52.4                         52.4                      52.4         
     Restructuring income                                  30.4                         30.4                      30.4         
                                                       --------      -------        --------     --------     --------   
            Total revenues                              3,390.1                      3,390.1                   3,390.1    
                                                       --------      -------        --------     --------     --------     

Benefits and expenses:
     Insurance policy benefits and change in future
       policy benefits                                  1,264.5                      1,264.5                   1,264.5     
     Interest expense on annuities and financial
       products                                           757.2                        757.2                     757.2      
     Interest expense on notes payable                    124.2        (15.6)(24)      108.6        (18.5)(27)    90.1         

                                                                                             

     Interest expense on investment borrowings             24.1                         24.1                      24.1         
     Amortization related to operations                   310.3                        310.3                     310.3      
                                                                                              
     Amortization related to realized gains                42.7                         42.7                      42.7        
     Other operating costs and expenses                   339.9                        339.9                     339.9      
                                                       --------      -------        --------     --------     --------    
            Total benefits and expenses                 2,862.9        (15.6)        2,847.3        (18.5)     2,828.8     
                                                       --------      -------        --------     --------     --------     

            Income before income taxes, minority
                interest and extraordinary charge         527.2         15.6           542.8         18.5        561.3       
Income tax expense                                        193.6          5.5 (25)      199.1          6.5 (28)   205.6       
                                                       --------      -------        --------      -------     --------    
            Income before  minority interest
                and extraordinary charge                  333.6         10.1           343.7         12.0        355.7      

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries:
     Company - obligated mandatorily
       redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary
       trusts                                               3.6         14.5 (26)       18.1         16.6 (29)    34.7    
     Equity in earnings                                     8.9                          8.9                       8.9
     Dividends on preferred  stock                          7.9                          7.9                       7.9
 
                                                       --------      -------        --------     --------     --------    

            Income before extraordinary charge         $  313.2      $  (4.4)       $  308.8     $   (4.6)    $  304.2    
                                                       ========      =======        ========     ========     ========    

Earnings per common share and common equivalent share:
     Primary:
         Weighted average shares outstanding              155.9                        155.9                     155.9    
                                                       ========                     ========                     =====       
         Income before extraordinary  charge              $2.01                        $1.98                     $1.95       
                                                       ========                     ========                     =====

     Fully diluted:
         Weighted average shares outstanding              159.5                        159.5                     159.5
                                                       ========                      =======                     =====
         Income before extraordinary  charge              $1.96                        $1.94                     $1.91
                                                       ========                      =======                     =====
<FN>
(a)  Amounts have been carried forward from page 54.
(b)  Amounts are carried forward to page 56.
</FN>
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the pro forma consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
                                       55
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                     for the year ended December 31, 1996
                 (Amounts in millions, except per share amounts)
                                   (unaudited)

                                                                                                                                    
                                                            Pro forma                                    
                                                           adjustments                                    
                                  Pro forma                  relating       Pro forma             
                                   Conseco        ATC        to the          Conseco           
                                 subtotals(a)  historical   ATC Merger     subtotals (b)  
                                  ---------   ------------  ----------     ---------   
<S>                              <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>               
Revenues:
 Insurance policy income         $1,810.0       $ 385.6       $     -       $2,195.6     

 Net investment income            1,460.2          46.0            1.4 (30)  1,507.6                         
                                           
       
         

  Net investment gains               37.1           (.2)           (.4)(30)     36.5          
  Fee revenue and other income       52.4                                       52.4                     
  Restructuring income               30.4                                       30.4                      
                                ---------      --------       --------      --------      
         Total revenues           3,390.1         431.4            1.0       3,822.5            
                                ---------      --------       --------      --------      

Benefits and expenses:
 Insurance policy benefits
   and change in future
   policy benefits                1,264.5         262.5                      1,527.0            
 Interest expense 
   on annuities and
   financial products               757.2                                      757.2                       
 Interest expense on
   notes payable                     90.1           7.5            2.0 (31)     94.4                              
                                                                  (5.2)(32)                               
                                                            
  Interest expense on
   investment borrowings             24.1                                       24.1                   
  Amortization related
    to operations                   310.3          23.2          (23.2)(33)    351.7                 
                                                                  28.1 (33)                               
                                                                  13.3 (34)                                 
  Amortization related
    to realized gains                42.7                                      42.7               
  Other operating 
   costs and expenses               339.9          85.7                       425.6                 
                                ---------      --------       --------      -------      
        Total benefits
         and expenses             2,828.8         378.9           15.0      3,222.7            
                                ---------      --------       --------      -------     

        Income before income
            taxes, minority interest
            and extraordinary
            charge                  561.3          52.5          (14.0)       599.8                 
Income tax expense                  205.6          17.7            (.2)(35)   223.1               
                                ---------     ---------       --------      -------      
        Income before 
            minority interest 
            and extraordinary
            charge                  355.7          34.8          (13.8)       376.7                 

Minority interest in consolidated
   subsidiaries:                                                                                                                
   Company - obligated
     mandatorily redeemable
     preferred securities of  
     subsidiary trusts               34.7                                     34.7                                 
   Equity in earnings                 8.9                                      8.9       
   Dividends on preferred stock       7.9                                      7.9                             
                                 --------     ---------       --------      ------      
        Income before 
            extraordinary
            charge               $  304.2      $   34.8       $  (13.8)     $325.2           
                                 ========      ========       ========     =======      







Earnings per common share and 
 common equivalent share:
 Primary:
     Weighted average 
       shares outstanding           155.9                         21.0 (36)   176.9                 
                                     ====                       ======        =====       
     Income before 
       extraordinary  charge        $1.95                                     $1.84                                  
                                    =====                                     =====                                          

 Fully diluted:
     Weighted average shares
       outstanding                  159.5                         28.9 (36)   188.4                
                                     ====                       ======        ====                
     Income before  
       extraordinary charge         $1.91                                     $1.73
                                    =====                                     =====
<FN>
(a) Amounts have been carried forward from page 55.
(b) Amounts are carried forward to page 57.
</FN>
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the pro forma consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
                                       56
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                     for the year ended December 31, 1996
                 (Amounts in millions, except per share amounts)
                                   (unaudited)



                                                            Pro forma
                                                           adjustments
                                  Pro forma                  relating      Pro forma
                                   Conseco        THI        to the         Conseco
                                  subtotals(a) historical   THI Merger     subtotals (b)
                                  ----------  ------------  ----------     ---------
<S>                              <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>
Revenues:
 Insurance policy income         $2,195.6       $ 109.8       $     -       $2,305.4
  Net investment income           1,507.6          39.1           (2.0)(37)  1,544.7
  Net investment gains               36.5            .3            (.3)(37)     36.5
  Fee revenue and other income       52.4           3.1                         55.5
  Restructuring income               30.4                                       30.4
                                ---------      --------       --------      --------
        Total revenues            3,822.5         152.3           (2.3)      3,972.5
                                ---------      --------       --------      --------

Benefits and expenses:
 Insurance policy benefits
   and change in future
   policy benefits                1,527.0          70.5                      1,597.5
 Interest expense
   on annuities and
   financial products               757.2                                      757.2
 Interest expense on
   notes payable                     94.4           8.9           (8.9)(38)    100.8
                                                                   6.4 (38)
  Interest expense on
   investment borrowings             24.1                                       24.1
  Amortization related
    to operations                   351.7           8.5           (8.5)(39)    365.9
                                                                  14.2 (39)
  Amortization related
    to realized gains                42.7                                       42.7
  Loss on sale of long-term
    care business                      -           (1.0)           1.0 (40)       -
  Other operating
   costs and expenses               425.6          29.7                        455.3
                                ---------      --------       --------       -------
        Total benefits
         and expenses             3,222.7         116.6            4.2       3,343.5
                                ---------      --------       --------       -------

        Income before income
            taxes, minority interest
            and extraordinary
            charge                  599.8          35.7           (6.5)        629.0
Income tax expense                  223.1          12.5           (2.3)(41)    233.3
                                ---------     ---------       --------       -------
        Income before
            minority interest
            and extraordinary
            charge                  376.7          23.2           (4.2)        395.7

Minority interest in consolidated
   subsidiaries:
     Company - obligated
       mandatorily redeemable
       preferred securities of
       subsidiary trusts             34.7                                       34.7
     Equity in earnings               8.9                                        8.9
     Dividends on preferred stock     7.9                                        7.9
                                 --------     ---------       --------       -------
        Income before
            extraordinary
            charge               $  325.2      $   23.2       $   (4.2)      $ 344.2
                                 ========      ========       ========       =======










Earnings per common share and
 common equivalent share:
   Primary:
     Weighted average
       shares outstanding           176.9                          9.1 (42)   186.0
                                    =====                       ======        ====
     Income before
       extraordinary  charge        $1.84                                     $1.85
                                    =====                                     =====

   Fully diluted:
     Weighted average shares
       outstanding                  188.4                          9.1 (42)   197.5
                                    =====                       ======         ====
     Income before
       extraordinary charge         $1.73                                     $1.75
                                    =====                                     =====

<FN>
(a)  Amounts have been carried forward from page 56.
(b)  Amounts are carried forward to page 58.
</FN>
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the pro forma consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
                                       57
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                     for the year ended December 31, 1996
                 (Amounts in millions, except per share amounts)
                                   (unaudited)



                                                           Pro forma
                                                          adjustments
                                            Pro forma       relating    Pro forma
                                             Conseco        to the       Conseco
                                            subtotals (a)  BLH Merger   subtotals (b)
                                            ----------     -----------  ---------
<S>                                         <C>            <C>          <C>
Revenues:
  Insurance policy income                  $2,305.4        $    (.1)(43) $2,305.3
  Net investment income                     1,544.7              .1 (43)  1,544.8
  Net investment gains                         36.5             (.1)(43)     36.4
  Fee revenue and other income                 55.5                          55.5
  Restructuring income                         30.4                          30.4
                                           ---------        --------      --------
        Total revenues                      3,972.5             (.1)      3,972.4
                                          ---------        --------      --------

Benefits and expenses:
 Insurance policy benefits
   and change in future
   policy benefits                          1,597.5            (1.8)(43)  1,595.7
 Interest expense
   on annuities and
   financial products                         757.2                         757.2
 Interest expense on
   notes payable                              100.8                         100.8
  Interest expense on
   investment borrowings                       24.1                          24.1
  Amortization related
    to operations                             365.9             1.0 (43)    366.9
  Amortization related
    to realized gains                          42.7                          42.7
  Other operating
   costs and expenses                         455.3             2.0 (43)    457.3
                                          ---------        --------       -------
        Total benefits
         and expenses                       3,343.5             1.2       3,344.7
                                          ---------        --------       -------

        Income before income
            taxes, minority interest
            and extraordinary
            charge                            629.0            (1.3)        627.7
Income tax expense                            233.3             (.2)(44)    233.1
                                          ---------        --------       -------
        Income before
            minority interest
            and extraordinary
            charge                            395.7            (1.1)        394.6

Minority interest in consolidated
   subsidiaries:
     Company - obligated
       mandatorily redeemable
       preferred securities of
       subsidiary trusts                       34.7                          34.7
     Equity in earnings                         8.9            (8.9)(45)       - 
     Dividends on preferred stock               7.9                           7.9
                                           --------        --------       -------
        Income before
            extraordinary charge           $  344.2        $    7.8       $ 352.0
                                           ========        ========       =======















Earnings per common share and
 common equivalent share:
   Primary:
     Weighted average
       shares outstanding                     186.0             3.9 (46)    189.9
                                               ====          ======          ====
     Income before
       extraordinary  charge                  $1.85                         $1.85
                                              =====                         =====

   Fully diluted:
     Weighted average shares
       outstanding                            197.5             3.9 (46)    201.4
                                               ====          ======          ====
     Income before
       extraordinary charge                   $1.75                         $1.75
                                              =====                         =====

<FN>
(a)  Amounts have been carried forward from page 57.
(b)  Amounts are carried forward to page 59.
</FN>
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the pro forma consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
                                       58

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                     for the year ended December 31, 1996
                 (Amounts in millions, except per share amounts)
                                   (unaudited)



                                                            Pro forma     
                                                           adjustments     Pro forma
                                  Pro forma                  relating       Conseco   
                                   Conseco        CAF        to the        before the
                                 subtotals(a)  historical   CAF Merger       Merger (b)
                                  ---------   ------------  ----------     ----------
<S>                              <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>      
Revenues:
     Insurance policy income     $2,305.3       $ 294.5       $     -       $2,599.8 
     Net investment income        1,544.8          56.6           (3.4)(47)  1,598.0 
                                           
     
     Net investment gains            36.4            .2            (.2)(47)     36.4 
     Fee revenue and other income    55.5                                       55.5 
     Restructuring income            30.4                                       30.4 
                                ---------      --------       --------      -------- 
         Total revenues           3,972.4         351.3           (3.6)      4,320.1 
                                ---------      --------       --------      --------

Benefits and expenses:
     Insurance policy benefits
       and change in future
       policy benefits            1,595.7         172.1           (3.0)(48)  1,764.8
     Interest expense 
       on annuities and
       financial products           757.2                                      757.2
     Interest expense on
       notes payable                100.8           2.2           (2.2)(49)    138.7                     
                                                                  37.9 (50)                               
                                                            
     Interest expense on
       investment borrowings         24.1                                       24.1
     Amortization related
       to operations                366.9          23.6          (23.6)(51)    403.1
                                                                  31.1 (51)                               
                                                                   5.1 (52)                                 
     Amortization related
       to realized gains             42.7                                       42.7
     Other operating 
       costs and expenses           457.3          78.6                        535.9
                                ---------      --------       --------      --------
        Total benefits
         and expenses             3,344.7         276.5           45.3       3,666.5
                                ---------      --------       --------      --------

        Income before income
            taxes, minority interest
            and extraordinary
            charge                  627.7          74.8          (48.9)        653.6
Income tax expense                  233.1          26.1          (15.3)(53)    243.9
                                ---------     ---------       --------      --------
        Income before 
            minority interest 
            and extraordinary
            charge                  394.6          48.7          (33.6)        409.7

Minority interest in consolidated
   subsidiaries:                                                                    
     Company - obligated
       mandatorily redeemable
       preferred securities of  
       subsidiary trusts             34.7                                       34.7
   Dividends on preferred stock       7.9                                        7.9
                                 --------     ---------       --------       -------
        Income before 
            extraordinary
            charge               $  352.0      $   48.7       $  (33.6)      $ 367.1
                                 ========      ========       ========       =======











Earnings per common share and 
 common equivalent share:
 Primary:
     Weighted average 
       shares outstanding           189.9                          2.9 (54)   192.8
                                    =====                       ======        =====
     Income before 
       extraordinary  charge        $1.85                                     $1.90
                                    =====                                     =====

 Fully diluted:
     Weighted average shares
       outstanding                  201.4                          2.9 (54)   204.3
                                    =====                       ======        =====
     Income before  
       extraordinary charge         $1.75                                     $1.80
                                    =====                                     =====
<FN>
(a)  Amounts have been carried forward from page 58.
(b)  Amounts are carried forward to page 60.
</FN>
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the pro forma consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>

                                       59

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                         CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                     for the year ended December 31, 1996
                 (Amounts in millions, except per share amounts)
                                   (unaudited)
                                                                                                                     
                                                                                   Pro forma     
                                                       Pro forma                  adjustments    Pro forma
                                                        Conseco                     relating      Conseco   
                                                       before the       PFS         to the        for the   
                                                       Merger (a)    historical      Merger        Merger  
                                                       ----------    ----------    ----------    ---------  
<S>                                                    <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>       
Revenues:
     Insurance policy income                           $2,599.8      $770.9         $  -           $3,370.7
     Net investment income                              1,598.0        74.9           5.6 (66)      1,678.5

     Net investment gains                                  36.4         4.2                            40.6 
     Fee revenue and other income                          55.5        37.9                            93.4     
     Restructuring income                                  30.4                                        30.4     
                                                       --------       ------       ------          --------
            Total revenues                              4,320.1       887.9           5.6           5,213.6
                                                       --------       -----        ------          --------     

Benefits and expenses:
     Insurance policy benefits and change in future
       policy benefits                                  1,764.8       522.7                         2,287.5
     Interest expense on annuities and financial
       products                                           757.2        34.7                           791.9
     Interest expense on notes payable                    138.7         6.5           1.7 (67)        142.5
                                                                                     (4.4)(68)
                                                                   
     Interest expense on investment borrowings             24.1                                        24.1
     Amortization related to operations                   403.1        66.1         (65.5)(69)        472.3
                                                                                     63.3 (69)
                                                                                      (.6)(70)
                                                                                      5.9 (70)
     Amortization related to realized gains                42.7                                        42.7
     Other operating costs and expenses                   535.9       211.7                           747.6
                                                       --------      ------        ------          --------
            Total benefits and expenses                 3,666.5       841.7            .4           4,508.6
                                                       --------      ------        ------          --------

            Income before income taxes, minority
                interest and extraordinary charge         653.6        46.2           5.2             705.0
Income tax expense                                        243.9        15.7           3.7 (71)        263.3
                                                       --------      -------       ------          --------
            Income before  minority interest
                and extraordinary charge                  409.7        30.5           1.5             441.7

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries:
     Company - obligated mandatorily
       redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary
       trusts                                              34.7                                        34.7
     Dividends on preferred  stock                          7.9                                         7.9
                                                       --------      ------         ------         --------

            Income before extraordinary charge         $  367.1     $  30.5         $ 1.5          $  399.1
                                                       ========     =======         ======         ========

Earnings per common share and common equivalent share:
     Primary:
         Weighted average shares outstanding              192.8                       8.7 (72)        201.5
                                                          =====                       ===             =====
         Income before extraordinary  charge              $1.90                                       $1.98    
                                                          =====                                       =====
                                                                                                      
     Fully diluted:
         Weighted average shares outstanding              204.3                      11.7 (72)        216.0
                                                          =====                      ====             =====

         Income before extraordinary  charge              $1.80                                       $1.86
                                                         ======                                       =====
<FN>
(a)  Amounts have been carried forward from page 59.
</FN>
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the pro forma consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>

                                       60
<PAGE>
  

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                         CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                               December 31, 1996
                              (Dollars in millions)
                                   (unaudited)
                                                                                                                      
                                                                                   Pro forma 
                                                                                  adjustments   Pro forma
                                                                                    relating     Conseco 
                                                         Conseco        CAF        to the CAF   before the
                                                       historical    historical      Merger      Merger (a) 
                                                      -----------    ----------   -----------   ------------
<S>                                                  <C>              <C>          <C>           <C>       


Assets
     Investments:
         Actively managed fixed maturity          
           securities at fair value                  $17,307.1        $344.1       $ 364.9 (55)   $18,132.2
                                                                                     116.1 (56)

         Held-to-maturity fixed maturity 
           securities                                       -          364.9        (364.9)(55)          -
         Equity securities at fair value                  99.7           9.3                          109.0
         Mortgage loans                                  356.0                                        356.0
         Credit-tenant loans                             447.1                                        447.1
         Policy loans                                    542.4                                        542.4
         Other invested assets                           259.6                                        259.6
         Short-term investments                          281.6          27.2        (544.5)(57)       308.8
                                                                                     (26.0)(57)
                                                                                     (31.0)(57)
                                                                                     601.5 (58)
         Assets held in separate accounts                337.6                                        337.6
                                                     ---------        ------       -------        ---------   

                Total investments                     19,631.1         745.5         116.1         20,492.7
                                                     
     Accrued investment income                           296.9           8.6                          305.5
     Cost of policies purchased                        2,015.0                       500.0 (59)     2,515.0
                                                                                               
     Cost of policies produced                           544.3         275.6        (275.6)(60)       544.3    
     Reinsurance receivables                             504.2                                        504.2    
     Income taxes                                          8.8                        (8.8)(61)          -      

     Goodwill                                          2,200.8                       205.4 (62)     2,406.2

     Property and equipment                              110.5           4.0                          114.5
     Securities segregated for future redemption      
         of redeemable preferred stock of a
         subsidiary                                       45.6                                         45.6
     Other assets                                        255.5          29.6                          285.1        
                                                     ---------      --------       -------        ---------

                Total assets                         $25,612.7      $1,063.3       $ 537.1        $27,213.1
                                                     =========      ========       =======        =========    


<FN>
(a) Amounts are carried forward to page 62.
</FN>
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the pro forma consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
                                       61
                                   
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                         CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                               December 31, 1996
                              (Dollars in millions)
                                   (unaudited)


                                                             Pro forma   
                                  Pro forma                adjustments   Pro forma
                                   Conseco                    relating    Conseco  
                                  before the      PFS         to the      for the 
                                  Merger (a)   historical      Merger      Merger
                                  ---------   ------------  ----------- -----------
<S>                               <C>           <C>          <C>         <C>       
     

Assets
 Investments:
     Actively managed fixed    
      maturity securities
      at fair value               $18,132.2     $  758.2     $266.1 (73)  $19,156.6
                                                                 .1 (74)                             

     Held-to-maturity 
      fixed maturity 
      securities                         -         266.1     (266.1)(73)         - 
     Equity securities at 
      fair value                      109.0         28.6                      137.6
     Mortgage loans                   356.0          9.9                      365.9
     Credit-tenant loans              447.1                                   447.1
     Policy loans                     542.4         83.1                      625.5
     Other invested assets            259.6         15.0                      274.6
     Short-term investments           308.8         60.5      (42.8)(75)      369.3
                                                               42.8 (76)                    
                                                                                                    
     Assets held in separate
       accounts                       337.6                                   337.6
                                   --------     --------     ------       ---------

            Total investments      20,492.7      1,221.4         .1        21,714.2
                                                            
 Accrued investment income            305.5         16.5                      322.0
 Cost of policies purchased         2,515.0         42.7      (42.7)(77)    2,824.0
                                                              309.0 (77)                                            
 Cost of policies produced            544.3        224.0     (224.0)(78)      544.3
 Reinsurance receivables              504.2        226.6                      730.8
 Income taxes                            -                                       - 
                                                                                                 
 Goodwill                           2,406.2          5.8       (5.8)(80)    2,637.1
                                                              230.9 (80)
 Property and equipment               114.5         27.0                      141.5
 Securities segregated for 
     future redemption of                    
     redeemable preferred
     stock of a
     subsidiary                        45.6                                    45.6
 Other assets                         285.1         59.7                      344.8
                                  ---------     --------  ---------       ---------

            Total assets          $27,213.1     $1,823.7  $   267.5       $29,304.3
                                  =========     ========  =========       =========


<FN>
(a)  Amounts have been carried forward from page 61.
</FN>
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the pro forma consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>

                                       62
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                         CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                               December 31, 1996
                              (Dollars in millions)
                                   (unaudited)

                                                                                                                                    
                                                             Pro forma                              Pro forma      
                                                             adjustments     Pro forma              adjustments     Pro forma
                                                              relating        Conseco                relating        Conseco     
                                    Conseco        CAF       to the CAF      before the    PFS         to the        for the   
                                  historical    historical     Merger          Merger   historical     Merger         Merger
                                  ----------    ----------    --------        --------- ----------   ----------     ----------
<S>                               <C>          <C>           <C>              <C>        <C>            <C>        <C>         
     
Liabilities:
     Insurance liabilities        $19,304.3    $  637.0      $  92.1 (63)   $20,033.4   $1,388.9    $  -           $21,422.3
     Income tax liabilities              -         57.0         86.9 (61)       135.1       15.0      (6.4)(79)        143.7
                                                                (8.8)(61)                                      
     Investment borrowings            383.4                                     383.4                                  383.4
     Amounts due to reinsurers           -                                                  70.9                        70.9
     Other liabilities                709.5        19.0                         728.5       46.1      49.5 (81)        869.9
                                                                                                      34.5 (83)
                                                                                                      11.3 (83)
     Liabilities related 
       to separate accounts           337.6                                     337.6                                  337.6
     Notes payable of Conseco       1,094.9        31.0        (31.0)(64)     1,696.4      114.0     (27.8)(82)      1,825.4
                                                               601.5 (58)                             42.8 (76)
                                                                                                      

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

            Total liabilities      21,829.7       744.0        740.7         23,314.4    1,634.9     103.9          25,053.2
                                   --------    --------      -------        ---------    -------    ------         ---------

Minority interest in consolidated
   subsidiaries:                                                                  
   Company - obligated mandatorily
     redeemable preferred securities
     of subsidiary trusts             600.0                                     600.0                                  600.0
   Preferred stock                     97.0                                      97.0                                   97.0
   Common stock                          .7                                        .7                                     .7
                                   --------    --------      -------        ---------     ------    ------         ---------

Shareholders' equity:
     Preferred stock                  267.1                                     267.1                                  267.1

     Common stock and additional
       paid-in capital              2,029.6        35.6        (35.6)(65)     2,145.3       94.3     (94.3)(84)      2,497.7
                                                               115.7 (65)                            352.4 (84)
                                                                            
                                                                               
     Unrealized appreciation 
       (depreciation) of securities    38.9         4.7         (4.7)(65)        38.9         .2       (.2)(84)         38.9 

     Retained earnings                749.7       279.0       (279.0)(65)       749.7       94.3     (94.3)(84)        749.7

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

        Total shareholders' equity  3,085.3       319.3       (203.6)         3,201.0      188.8     163.6           3,553.4
                                    -------    --------      -------        ---------    -------   -------          --------

          Total liabilities and
            shareholders' equity  $25,612.7    $1,063.3      $ 537.1        $27,213.1   $1,823.7    $267.5         $29,304.3
                                  =========    ========      =======        =========   ========    ======         =========

 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the pro forma consolidated financial statements.

</TABLE>

                                       63
                                      
<PAGE>
                      

                         CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

              NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (unaudited)

     PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS

     Various Other Transactions

     (1)   On January 23, 1996,  Conseco  completed the offering of 4.37 million
           shares of PRIDES. Proceeds from the offering of $257.7 million (after
           underwriting and other associated costs) were used to  repay  amounts
           outstanding  under  a  senior  credit  facility  (the "Conseco Credit
           Facility").

           Each  share of PRIDES  will pay  dividends  at the  annual  rate of 7
           percent of the $61.125  liquidation  preference per share (equivalent
           to an annual  amount of $4.279  per  share),  payable  quarterly.  On
           February 1, 2000,  unless  either  previously  redeemed by Conseco or
           converted  at the option of the  holder,  each  share of PRIDES  will
           mandatorily convert into four shares of Conseco common stock, subject
           to adjustment in certain events.  Shares of PRIDES are not redeemable
           prior to February 1, 1999. During the period February 1, 1999 through
           February 1, 2000,  Conseco  may redeem any or all of the  outstanding
           shares of PRIDES. Upon such redemption,  each holder will receive, in
           exchange  for each share of  PRIDES,  the number of shares of Conseco
           common  stock equal to (A) the sum of (i)  $62.195,  declining  after
           February 1, 1999 to $61.125 , and (ii)  accrued and unpaid  dividends
           divided by (B) the market price of Conseco common stock at such date,
           but in no event less than 3.42 shares of Conseco  Common  Stock.  The
           following  summarizes  the sources and uses of funds  related to this
           transaction (dollars in millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          <S>                                                                                         <C>   
           Sources of funds:
              Gross proceeds from issuance of PRIDES................................................... $267.1
              Underwriting and other transaction expenses (charged to paid-in capital).................   (9.4)
                                                                                                          ---- 

                      Net proceeds.....................................................................  257.7

           Uses of funds:
              Principal repaid on Conseco Credit Facility.............................................. (245.0)
              Payment of accrued interest..............................................................   (2.6)
                                                                                                          ---- 

                      Funds available.................................................................. $ 10.1
                                                                                                        ======
</TABLE>

           Interest expense is adjusted to reflect the repayment of a portion of
           the Conseco Credit  Facility using a portion of the proceeds from the
           issuance of the PRIDES.

     (2)   In March  1996,  BLH  completed a tender  offer  pursuant to which it
           repurchased  $148.3 million principal amount of its 13 percent senior
           subordinated notes for $173.2 million.  The repurchase was made using
           the proceeds from a revolving credit facility of BLH (the "BLH Credit
           Facility")  entered into in February 1996.  Maximum principal amounts
           which could be borrowed  under the  agreement  totaled  $400  million
           (including  a  competitive  bid facility in the  aggregate  principal
           amount  of up to  $100  million).  Amounts  borrowed  under  the  new
           facility  were due in 2001 and  accrued  interest  at a rate of LIBOR
           plus  an  applicable  margin  of  between  50  and 75  basis  points,
           depending  on  BLH's  ratio of  consolidated  net  worth.  Additional
           proceeds  were  borrowed  under the BLH Credit  Facility to repay the
           existing  $110  million  principal  balance due under the bridge loan
           facility and for other corporate purposes.  The following  summarizes
           the sources and uses of funds related to the tender offer and related
           financing transactions:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          <S>                                                                                 <C>    

           Sources of funds:
               Amounts borrowed under the BLH Credit Facility................................   $310.0
                                                                                                ======

           Uses of funds:
               Related to 13 percent senior subordinated notes:
                  Principal tendered.........................................................   $148.3
                  Premium paid in tender offer...............................................     24.8
                  Payment of accrued interest................................................      6.6
               Related to bridge loan facility:
                  Principal repaid ..........................................................    110.0
                  Payment of accrued interest................................................       .5
               Debt issuance costs...........................................................      3.7
               Other corporate purposes, including repayment
                  of amounts borrowed to purchase BLH common stock...........................     16.1
                                                                                               -------

                           Total uses........................................................   $310.0
                                                                                                ======
</TABLE>

                                       64

<PAGE>


                         CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

              NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (unaudited)

           Interest  expense is adjusted to reflect reduced  interest expense on
           the $148.3  million  principal  balance of BLH's senior  subordinated
           notes  which were  tendered,  offset by  interest  expense on amounts
           borrowed under the BLH revolving credit facility.

     (3)   All pro forma adjustments to operations are tax affected based on the
           appropriate rate for the specific item.

     (4)   The minority interests' share of the pro forma adjustments is 
           recognized.

     (5)   Primary and fully diluted weighted average shares outstanding are 
           adjusted to reflect the issuance of the PRIDES.

     LPG Merger

     The  acquisition  of LPG was  accounted  for under the  purchase  method of
accounting  effective July 1, 1996. Under this method, the total cost to acquire
LPG was  allocated to the assets and  liabilities  acquired  based on their fair
values as of the date of the LPG Merger,  with any excess of the total  purchase
cost  over the fair  value of the  assets  acquired  less the fair  value of the
liabilities  assumed recorded as goodwill.  The LPG Merger did not qualify to be
accounted  for  under  the  pooling  of  interests  method  in  accordance  with
Accounting  Principles Board Opinion No. 16,   Business  Combinations  ("APB No.
16"), because of Conseco's  significant common stock repurchases within the last
two years.  In the LPG Merger,  each  outstanding  share of LPG common stock was
converted  into 1.1666 shares of Conseco  common stock.  A total of 32.6 million
shares of Conseco  Common  Stock (or  equivalent  shares) with a value of $586.8
million  were issued to  complete  the LPG Merger.  In  connection  with the LPG
Merger, Conseco assumed notes payable of $253.1 million.

     Adjustments to the pro forma  consolidated  statement of operations to give
effect to the LPG Merger as of January 1, 1996, are summarized below:

     (6)   Net  investment  income and net realized gains of LPG are adjusted to
           include the effect of adjustments to restate the amortized cost basis
           of fixed maturity  securities  and mortgage loans to their  estimated
           fair value.

     (7)   Net investment income is reduced for the lost interest income on cash
           used to pay expenses incurred to complete the LPG Merger.

     (8)   After  the   LPG  Merger, a subsidiary of Conseco provides investment
           advisory  services to LPG.  Investment  advisory fees incurred by LPG
           prior  to  the  LPG  Merger  are  eliminated.  LPG's  pro  forma  net
           investment  income is not reduced to reflect the advisory  fees to be
           paid  under  agreements  with the  subsidiary  of Conseco  since,  in
           accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles,   such
           intercompany  fees are eliminated in consolidation and the subsidiary
           of Conseco will provide such services  without  incurring  additional
           costs.

     (9)   Net  investment  income and  interest  expense on notes  payable  are
           adjusted to reflect the  following  items which were held on June 30,
           1996, and which are eliminated in consolidation after the LPG Merger:
           (i)  actively  managed  fixed  maturity securities of Conseco include
           $6.3 million of LPG notes; and   (ii) actively managed fixed maturity
           securities of LPG include $25.1 million  of  Conseco  notes  and $4.5
           million of notes of a subsidiary of Conseco.

     (10)  Interest  expense on notes  payable of LPG is adjusted as a result of
           restating  notes payable of LPG to their estimated fair value and the
           repayment  of  LPG's  bank  debt,  using  additional  borrowings from
           the  Conseco Credit Facility. 

     (11)  Amortization of the cost of policies produced, the historical cost of
           policies  purchased  and deferred  revenues for policies  sold by LPG
           prior to January 1, 1996, are replaced with the  amortization  of the
           cost of  policies  purchased  (amortized  in  relation  to  estimated
           profits on the policies purchased with interest equal to the contract
           rates primarily ranging from 4.0 percent to 7.0 percent).

     (12)  LPG's historical  amortization of goodwill is eliminated and replaced
           with the amortization of goodwill  recognized in the LPG Merger. Such
           amortization  is recognized  over a 40-year period on a straight-line
           basis.

     (13)  Anticipated  returns,  including realized gains and losses,  from the
           investment of policyholder balances are considered in determining the
           amortization of the cost of policies  purchased.  Amortization of the
           cost of  policies  purchased  is  adjusted  to  reflect  amortization
           related to the pro forma net realized gains of LPG during 1996.


                                       65

<PAGE>


                         CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

              NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (unaudited)

     (14)  Acquisition  and merger  expenses are reduced to eliminate the merger
           costs  incurred by LPG during the six months ended June 30, 1996,  in
           connection with the LPG Merger.

     (15)  Reflects the tax adjustments for all applicable pro forma adjustments
           at the appropriate rate for the specific item.

     (16) Common shares  outstanding  are increased to reflect the shares issued
          in the LPG Merger.

     Transactions related to the Series D Call

     On August 27, 1996, Conseco called for redemption all outstanding shares of
the Series D preferred  stock at a redemption  price plus  accrued  dividends of
$52.916.  Holders of 5,381,437  Series D shares  elected to convert their shares
into  16,882,390  shares of Conseco common stock.  The remaining  6,358 Series D
shares were redeemed for $.3 million in cash.

     Adjustments to give effect to the Series D Call are summarized below:

     (17)  Primary weighted  average shares  outstanding are adjusted to reflect
           the  issuance  of common  stock that each share of Series D preferred
           stock was converted into based on the stock's  conversion  provisions
           (3.1372 shares of Conseco's  common stock for each share of Series D
           preferred  stock  converted).  Such  issuance  had no effect on fully
           diluted  average  shares  outstanding  or fully diluted  earnings per
           share since the Series D preferred  stock was considered to have been
           converted for fully diluted calculations.

     (18)  Primary earnings per share are adjusted to reflect the elimination of
           the  Series  D  preferred  stock  dividends  and  the increase in the
           Conseco common shares outstanding.

     Transactions relating to the ALH Stock Purchase

     On September 30, 1996, Conseco acquired all of the common stock of ALH, not
previously  owned  by  Conseco  or  its  affiliates,  for a  purchase  price  of
approximately  $165  million.   In  addition,  Conseco purchased all outstanding
payment-in-kind preferred stock of ALH, not owned by Conseco. These transactions
were financed using available cash and additional  borrowings  under the Conseco
Credit  Facility and the BLH Credit  Facility.  Hereinafter ALH refers to ALH or
the former subsidiaries of ALH.

     The sources and uses of the financing to  complete  the  ALH Stock Purchase
are summarized below (dollars in millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      <S>                                                                                    <C>    
     Sources of funds:
           Available cash.................................................................     $ 12.6
           Conseco Credit Facility........................................................       25.0
           BLH Credit Facility............................................................      140.0
                                                                                              -------

              Total sources...............................................................     $177.6
                                                                                               ======

     Uses of funds:

           Purchase of all outstanding common stock of ALH, not owned by Conseco*.........     $165.0
           Purchase of all outstanding payment-in-kind preferred stock of ALH,
              not owned by Conseco........................................................       12.6
                                                                                               ------

              Total uses..................................................................     $177.6
                                                                                               ======

</TABLE>

                                       66
<PAGE>


                         CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

              NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (unaudited)
 --------------------

       *Excludes approximately .9  million shares of ALH common stock which were
distributed to Conseco,  the general partner of Conseco Capital Partners II, L.P
("Partnership  II"),  based on the returns earned by the limited partners on the
ALH investment as defined by Partnership II's Partnership Agreement.

       The pro forma  adjustments  are  applied to the  historical  consolidated
financial statements of Conseco using the step acquisition method of accounting.
Under this  method,  the total  purchase  cost of the common  stock of ALH,  not
already owned by Conseco,  is allocated to the assets and  liabilities  acquired
based on their  relative  fair  values as of the date of  acquisition,  with any
excess of the total  purchase  cost over the fair value of the  assets  acquired
less the fair value of the liabilities assumed recorded as goodwill.  The values
of  the  assets  and   liabilities  of  ALH  included  in  Conseco's  pro  forma
consolidated  financial  statements  represent the  combination of the following
values:  (1) the portion of ALH's net assets  acquired by Conseco in the initial
acquisition  made  by  Partnership  II is  valued  as of its  acquisition  date,
September 29, 1994; and (2) the portion of ALH's net assets  acquired in the ALH
Stock Purchase is valued as of the assumed date of acquisition.

     Adjustments to give effect to the ALH Stock Purchase are summarized below:

     (19)  As described above, the ALH Stock Purchase is accounted for as a step
           acquisition.  The  accounts  of ALH are  adjusted to reflect the step
           acquisition method of accounting  as if the  ALH  Stock Purchase  was
           completed on the assumed dates of acquisition.  A 19 percent discount
           rate  was  used  to  determine  the  value  of  the  cost of policies
           purchased acquired in the ALH Stock Purchase.

     (20)  Net  investment  income and interest  expense are adjusted to reflect
           the sources of the financing to complete the ALH Stock Purchase  (net
           investment  income is reduced for the lost investment  income on cash
           used in the ALH  Stock Purchase and interest  expense is increased to
           reflect the additional  borrowings  under the Conseco Credit Facility
           and the BLH Credit Facility).

           A change in interest rates of .5 percent on the additional borrowings
           under the Conseco Credit Facility and the BLH Credit Facility used to
           complete the ALH Stock Purchase would  result in: (1) an increase (or
           decrease) in pro forma  interest  expense of $.8 million for the year
           ended December 31,  1996,  and (2)  a  decrease  (or increase) in pro
           forma net income of $.5 million for the same period.

     (21)  Interest  expense  is  adjusted  to  reflect  the fair value of ALH's
           subordinated debentures.

     (22)  All pro forma  adjustments  are tax affected based on the appropriate
           rate for the specific  item. In addition,  tax expense is adjusted to
           reflect  the  reduction  in tax  expense  as a  result  of  Conseco's
           increased ownership of ALH.

     (23)  Minority interest is reduced to eliminate the income  attributable to
           the former  shareholders  of ALH and the  preferred  dividends on the
           payment-in-kind preferred stock of ALH, not owned by Conseco.



                                       67


<PAGE>
                         CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
              NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (unaudited)

     TRANSACTIONS RELATING TO THE TOPrS OFFERING

     On November 19, 1996, a subsidiary  trust of Conseco issued TOPrS having an
aggregate  liquidation  amount of $275 million and a  distribution  rate of 9.16
percent.  The subsidiary  used the proceeds from the sale of such  securities to
purchase subordinated  deferrable interest debentures of Conseco in an aggregate
principal  amount  equivalent to the aggregate  liquidation  amount of the TOPrS
that were issued. The subordinated  deferrable interest debentures bear interest
at a rate of 9.16  percent.  Conseco  used  the  proceeds  from  the sale of the
subordinated deferrable interest debentures to reduce its notes payable.
 
    (24)   Interest expense is  reduced  to  reflect  the  repayment  of  $265.5
           million aggregate principal amount of Conseco's notes payable.

    (25)   The  pro  forma  adjustment  is  tax  affected,  based  on  Conseco's
           effective tax rate of 35 percent.
 
    (26)   Minority interest  is adjusted to  reflect the  distribution (net  of
           the related tax benefit) on the TOPrS.


     TRANSACTIONS RELATING TO THE TruPS OFFERING

     On November  27, 1996,  another  subsidiary  trust of Conseco  issued TruPS
having an aggregate  liquidation  amount of $325 million and a distribution rate
of 8.70  percent.  The  subsidiary  used  the  proceeds  from  the  sale of such
securities to purchase Conseco subordinated  deferrable interest debentures with
an aggregate principal amount equivalent to the aggregate  liquidation amount of
the TruPS that were issued. The subordinated  deferrable  interest debentures of
Conseco bear interest at a rate of 8.70 percent.  Conseco used the proceeds from
the sale of the subordinated  deferrable interest debentures to reduce its notes
payable.

    (27)   Interest  expense  is  reduced  to  reflect  the  repayment of $322.2
           million aggregate principal amount of Conseco's notes payable.

    (28)   The  pro  forma  adjustment  is  tax  affected,  based  on  Conseco's
           effective tax rate of 35 percent.

    (29)   Minority interest is adjusted to reflect the distribution (net of the
           related tax benefit) on the TruPS.

                                       68
                                      
<PAGE>


                         CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
              NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (unaudited)

     Transactions relating to the ATC Merger

     On December 17, 1996,  Conseco  completed the ATC Merger.  Each outstanding
share of ATC common  stock was  exchanged  for 1.1672  shares of Conseco  common
stock.  Conseco issued 21.0 million shares of common stock (including .9 million
common equivalent shares issued in exchange for ATC's outstanding  options) with
a value of $630.9 million.  Conseco also assumed ATC's convertible  subordinated
debentures,  which are  convertible  into 7.9 million  shares of Conseco  Common
Stock with a value of $248.3 million (of which $102.8 million,  representing the
principal amount  outstanding,  is included in notes payable and $145.5 million,
representing the additional  value  attributable to the conversion  feature,  is
included in other liabilities).

     The ATC Merger was  accounted  for under the purchase  method of accounting
effective  December  31, 1996.  Under this  method,  the cost to acquire ATC was
allocated to the assets and  liabilities  acquired based on their fair values as
of the date of the ATC Merger,  with the excess of the total  purchase cost over
the fair value of the assets  acquired  less the fair values of the  liabilities
assumed recorded as goodwill. The ATC Merger did not qualify to be accounted for
under the pooling of interests  method in accordance  with APB No. 16 because an
affiliate of ATC sold a portion of the Conseco  Common Stock received in the ATC
Merger shortly after the consummation of the ATC Merger.

     Adjustments to the pro forma  consolidated  statement of operations to give
effect to the ATC Merger as of January 1, 1996, are summarized below.

     (30)  Net  investment  income and net realized gains of ATC are adjusted to
           include the effect of adjustments to restate the amortized cost basis
           of fixed maturity securities to their estimated fair value.

     (31)  Interest expense is increased to reflect the increase in borrowings 
           under  Conseco's  bank  credit  facilities  used  to  pay expenses of
           approximately $30.4 million incurred to complete the ATC  Merger.

           A change in interest rates of .5 percent on the additional borrowings
           under  Conseco's  bank  credit  facilities  used  to complete the ATC
           Merger would result in: (1) an increase  (or  decrease)  in pro forma
           interest expense of $.2 million for the year ended December 31, 1996;
           and (2)  a  decrease ( or  increase)  in pro  forma net income of $.1
           million for the same period.

     (32)  Interest expense  is  reduced  to  reflect  the  amortization  of the
           liability established at the date of the ATC Merger  representing the
           present  value  of  the   interest   payable  on  ATC's   convertible
           subordinated debentures  to October 1, 1998 (the earliest call date),
           less  the present  value  of the  dividends  that  would  be  paid on
           the Conseco  Common  Stock  that such debentures would be convertible
           into during the same period.
          
                                       69

<PAGE>


                         CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
              NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (unaudited)

     (33)  Amortization  of the  cost  of  policies  produced  and  the  cost of
           policies  purchased  prior to the ATC  Merger  is  replaced  with the
           amortization of the cost of policies purchased (amortized in relation
           to estimated  premiums on the policies  purchased with interest equal
           to the liability rate which averages 5.5 percent).

     (34)  Amortization of goodwill acquired  in  the  ATC  Merger is recognized
           over a 40-year period on a straight-line basis.


     (35)  Reflects  the tax  adjustment for the pro  forma  adjustments  at the
           appropriate rate for the specific item.

     (36)  Common shares outstanding are increased to reflect the Conseco shares
           issued in the ATC Merger.  Fully diluted shares also include  Conseco
           shares  which  will be issued  when  ATC's  convertible  subordinated
           debentures are converted.


                                       70
                                      

<PAGE>


                         CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
              NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (unaudited)

     TRANSACTIONS RELATING TO THE THI MERGER

     On December 23, 1996,  Conseco  completed the THI Merger.  Each outstanding
share of THI common stock was exchanged for 2.8 shares of Conseco  Common Stock.
Conseco issued 4.9 million  shares of common stock  (including .4 million common
equivalent shares issued in exchange for THI's outstanding options and warrants)
with a value of $121.7 million.  In additon,  pursuant to an exchange offer (the
"Exchange Offer"), all of THI's Convertible Notes were exchanged for 4.2 million
shares  of  Conseco  Common  Stock  with a value of $106.2  million  plus a cash
premium of $11.9 million.

     The THI Merger was  accounted  for under the purchase  method of accounting
effective  December  31, 1996.  Under this  method,  the cost to acquire THI was
allocated to the assets and  liabilities  acquired based on their fair values as
of the date of the THI  Merger.  There  was no  goodwill  acquired  with the THI
Merger.  The THI Merger did not qualify to be accounted for under the pooling of
interests  method in accordance  with APB No. 16 because THI was a subsidiary of
another corporation within two years of the transaction.

     Adjustments to the pro forma  consolidated  statement of operations to give
effect to the THI Merger as of January 1, 1996, are summarized below.

     (37)  Net  investment  income and net realized gains of THI are adjusted to
           include the effect of adjustments to restate the amortized cost basis
           of  fixed  maturity  securities to their estimated  fair  value.  Net
           investment income is  further reduced for the lost interest income on
           cash used to repay a portion of THI's bank debt.

     (38)  Interest expense is  reduced to reflect the repayment of bank debt of
           $58.3 million  and the  conversion of the THI Convertible  Notes into
           Conseco common stock pursuant to the Exchange Offer. Interest expense
           is  increased  to  reflect  borrowings   by   Conseco   to:  (i)  pay
           estimated  costs  of approximately $8.5 million to complete  the  THI
           Merger;  and (ii) pay the $11.9  million premium in conjunction  with
           the Exchange Offer.

     (39)  Amortization  of  the  cost  of  policies  produced  and  the cost of
           policies purchased  prior  to the THI Merger  is  replaced  with  the
           amoratization  of  the  cost  of  policies  purchased  (amortized  in
           relation  to  estimated  premiums  on  the  policies  purchased  with
           interest  equal  to  the liability rate which averages 5.5 percent).

     (40)  Effective October 1, 1995,  THI  sold  its  long  term  care business
           to ATC and recognized a pre-tax  loss  of $68.5  million in 1995.  In
           1996, $1.0 million related to this loss  was reversed.  A  pro  forma
           adjustment is made to eliminate any effect of this transaction in the
           pro forma consolidated statement of operations.

     (41)  Reflects  the  tax adjustment  for  the  pro forma adjustments at the
           approximate rate for the specific item.

     (42)  Common shares outstanding are increased to reflect the Conseco shares
           issued in  the THI Merger and  the  conversion of the THI Convertible
           Notes in conjunction with the Exchange Offer.

                                       71
                                       
<PAGE>

                         CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
              NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (unaudited)


    TRANSACTIONS RELATING TO THE BLH MERGER

     On December 31, 1996,  Conseco  completed the BLH Merger.  Each outstanding
share of BLH common stock not already  owned by Conseco was exchanged for 0.7966
shares of Conseco  Common  Stock.  Conseco  issued 3.9 million  shares of common
stock  (including  .1 million  common  equivalent  shares in  exchange for BLH's
outstanding options) with a value of $123.0 million.

     The pro  forma  adjustments  are  applied  to the  historical  consolidated
financial statements of Conseco using the step acquisition method of accounting.
Under this  method,  the total  purchase  cost of the common  stock of BLH,  not
already owned by Conseco,  is allocated to the assets and  liabilities  acquired
based on their  relative  fair  values as of the date of  acquisition,  with any
excess of the total  purchase  cost over the fair value of the  assets  acquired
less the fair value of the liabilities assumed recorded as goodwill.  The values
of  the  assets  and   liabilities  of  BLH  included  in  Conseco's  pro  forma
consolidated  financial  statements  represent the  combination of the following
values:  (1) the portion of BLH's net assets  acquired by Conseco in the initial
acquisition  made by  Partnership  I on October 31,  1992,  is valued as of that
acquisition  date;  (2) the  portion of BLH's net assets  acquired by Conseco on
September 30, 1993, is valued as of that  acquisition  date;  (3) the portion of
BLH's net assets acquired during 1995 and the first quarter of 1996 is valued as
of its  assumed  date of  acquisition;  and (4) the  portion of BLH's net assets
acquired in the BLH Merger is valued at the assumed dates of acquisition.

     Adjustments to give effect to the BLH Merger are summarized below:

     (43) As  described  above,  the  BLH  Merger is accounted   for  as  a step
          acquisition.  The  accounts  of  BLH are adjusted to reflect  the step
          basis method of accounting as  if the BLH Merger was completed on  the
          assumed date of acquisition.  An 18  percent discount rate was used to
          determine the value of the cost of policies purchased acquired  in the
          BLH Merger.

     (44) All pro forma  adjustments  are tax affected based on the  appropriate
          rate for the specific item.

     (45) Minority interest is  reduced to eliminate  the ownership  interest of
          the former shareholders of BLH.

     (46) Common  shares  outstanding  are  increased  to  reflect the shares of
          Conseco common stock  issued in the  BLH Merger.

                                       72

<PAGE>
                         CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
              NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (unaudited)

     Transactions relating to the CAF Merger

     On March 4, 1997, Conseco completed the CAF Merger. CAF was merged with and
became a wholly  owned  subsidiary  of Conseco.  In the CAF Merger,  each of the
approximately  17.7  million  shares  of  CAF  common  stock  and  common  stock
equivalents  was converted  into the right to receive $30.75 in cash plus 0.1647
of a share of Conseco Common Stock. Conseco paid $545 million in cash and issued
2.9 million shares of Conseco Common Stock with a value of approximately  $115.7
million to acquire the CAF common  stock.  In addition,  Conseco  assumed a note
payable of CAF of $31.0 million.  The CAF Merger will be accounted for under the
purchase method of accounting.  Under this method, the total cost to acquire CAF
will be allocated  to the assets and  liabilities  acquired  based on their fair
values as of the date of the CAF Merger,  with any excess of the total  purchase
cost  over the fair  value of the  assets  acquired  less the fair  value of the
liabilities assumed recorded as goodwill.

The cost to acquire CAF is allocated as follows (dollars in millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                                                                                         <C>
Book value of assets acquired based on the assumed date of the
     CAF Merger (December  31, 1996) ...................................................    $319.3
Notes payable of CAF assumed by Conseco at the assumed date
     of the CAF Merger..................................................................      31.0

Increase (decrease) in CAF's net asset value to reflect estimated fair value and
     asset reclassifications at the assumed date of the CAF Merger:
        Actively managed fixed maturity securities......................................     481.0
        Held-to-maturity fixed maturity securities......................................    (364.9)
        Cost of policies purchased (related to the CAF Merger)..........................     500.0
        Cost of policies produced.......................................................    (275.6)
        Goodwill (related to the CAF Merger)............................................     205.4
        Insurance liabilities ..........................................................     (92.1)
        Income taxes....................................................................     (86.9)
                                                                                            ------

             Total estimated fair value adjustments.....................................     366.9
                                                                                           -------
             Total cost to acquire CAF (including notes payable of CAF 
                assumed by Conseco)......................................................   $717.2
                                                                                           ======
</TABLE>

                                       73
<PAGE>
                         CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
              NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (unaudited)

     Adjustments to the pro forma  consolidated  statement of operations to give
effect to the CAF Merger as of January 1, 1996, are summarized below.

     (47) Net  investment  income and  net realized gains of CAF are adjusted to
          include the effect of adjustments  to restate the amortized cost basis
          of fixed maturity securities to their estimated fair value.

     (48) Change  in  policy   benefits  is  reduced  to  reflect  the  purchase
          accounting adjustment made at the assumed date of the CAF Merger. Such
          adjustment  reflects the lower discount rate used to discount  amounts
          of expected  future benefit  payments to correspond to the adjustments
          to restate the amortized cost of fixed  maturity  investments to their
          estimated fair value.

     (49) Interest expense is  reduced to reflect the repayment of notes payable
          of CAF by Conseco at the assumed date of the CAF Merger.

     (50) Interest  expense is increased  to reflect the increase in  borrowings
          under  Conseco's  bank  credit  facilities  used  to  pay expenses  of
          approximately $26.0 million incurred to  complete  the CAF Merger.

          A change in interest rates of .5 percent on the additional  borrowings
          under Conseco's bank credit facilities used to complete the CAF Merger
          would result in: (1) an increase (or  decrease) in pro forma  interest
          expense of $3.0 million for the year ended  December 31, 1996; and (2)
          a  decrease  (or  increase)  in pro forma  net  income of $1.9 million
          for the same period.

     (51) Amortization of the cost of policies produced for policies sold by CAF
          prior to January 1, 1996,  is replaced  with the  amortization  of the
          cost  of  policies  purchased  (amortized  in  relation  to  estimated
          premiums  on  the  policies  purchased  with  interest  equal  to  the
          liability rate which averages 5.5 percent).

     (52) Amortization of goodwill acquired in the CAF Merger is recognized over
          a 40-year period on a straight-line basis.

     (53) Reflects  the tax  adjustment for  the pro  forma  adjustments  at the
          appropriate rate for the specific item. 

     (54) Common  shares outstanding are increased to reflect the  shares issued
          in the CAF Merger.

     Adjustments to the pro forma  consolidated  balance sheet to give effect to
the CAF Merger as of December 31, 1996, are summarized below.

     (55) After the  CAF Merger, all held-to-maturity  securities are classified
          as actively  managed  fixed maturity  securities  consistent  with the
          intention of the new management.

     (56) CAF's fixed maturity securities are restated to estimated fair value.

     (57) Cash is reduced for payments made to complete the CAF Merger.

     (58) Short-term investments and  notes payable of Conseco are increased for
          additional borrowings by Conseco to complete the CAF Merger.

     (59) Cost of policies purchased  reflects the estimated fair value of CAF's
          business in force and  represents  the  portion of the cost to acquire
          CAF that is  allocated  to the value of  the right to  receive  future
          cash flows from the acquired policies.

                                       74

<PAGE>

                         CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
              NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (unaudited)


          The 19 percent discount  rate used to determine such value is the rate
          of  return  required  by  Conseco  to invest  in  the  business  being
          acquired.  In determining such rate of return,  the  following factors
          are considered:

          -    The  magnitude of the risks associated with each of the actuarial
               assumptions used in determining the expected cash flows.

          -    Cost of capital available to fund the acquisition.

          -    The perceived  likelihood of changes in insurance regulations and
               tax laws.

          -    Complexity of the acquired company.

          -    Prices paid (i.e., discount rates used in determining
               valuations) on similar blocks of business sold recently.

          The value  allocated to  the cost of policies  purchased is based on a
          preliminary valuation;  accordingly,  this  allocation may be adjusted
          upon final  determination of such value.  Expected  gross amortization
          of such value using  current  assumptions  and  accretion  of interest
          based on an  interest  rate  equal to the  liability  rate  (such rate
          averages 5.5 percent) for each of the  years in the  five-year  period
          ending December 31, 2001, are as follows (dollars in millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                 Year ending                 Beginning          Gross           Accretion           Net             Ending
                December 31,                  balance       amortization       of interest     amortization         balance
                --------------                -------       ------------       -----------     -------------        -------
                    <S>                       <C>               <C>               <C>             <C>               <C>   
                    1997                      $500.0            $61.3             $27.5           $33.8             $466.2
                    1998                       466.2             56.1              25.6            30.5              435.7
                    1999                       435.7             53.1              24.0            29.1              406.6
                    2000                       406.6             50.3              22.4            27.9              378.7
                    2001                       378.7             47.7              20.8            26.9              351.8
</TABLE>

     (60) CAF's cost of policies  produced is eliminated  since such amounts are
          reflected in the determination of the cost of policies purchased.

     (61) All of the  applicable  pro forma  balance sheet  adjustments  are tax
          affected  at  the   appropriate   rate.  In  addition,   deferred  tax
          liabilities of CAF are netted against deferred tax assets of Conseco.

     (62) Goodwill acquired in the CAF Merger is recognized.

     (63) Additional  insurance  liabilities are recognized to reflect the lower
          discount   rates  used  to  determine  the  present  value  of  future
          obligations, consistent with the lower yields to be earned on invested
          assets as a result of  recognizing  the fair  value of fixed  maturity
          securities.

     (64) Notes payable are reduced to reflect the repayment of notes payable of
          CAF by Conseco at the assumed date of the CAF Merger.

     (65) The prior  shareholders'  equity of CAF is eliminated  in  conjunction
          with the CAF Merger.  Common stock and additional  paid-in  capital is
          increased  by the  value of  Conseco  Common  Stock  issued in the CAF
          Merger.

                                       75
<PAGE>
                         CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
              NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (unaudited)


     TRANSACTIONS RELATING TO THE MERGER

     The Merger will be accounted for under the purchase  method of  accounting.
Under  this  method,  the total cost to acquire  will be allocated to the assets
and  liabilities  acquired  based on  their  fair  values  as of the date of the
Merger,  with any excess of the total  purchase  cost over the fair value of the
assets  acquired  less the fair value of the  liabilities  assumed  recorded  as
goodwill. Conseco believes the Merger will not qualify to be accounted for under
the  pooling  of  interests  method in  accordance  with APB No. 16  because  an
affiliate  of PFS  intends  to sell a portion  of the  Conseco  Common  Stock it
receives in the Merger shortly after the Merger is  consummated.  In the Merger,
each  outstanding  share of PFS Common  Stock is assumed to be  exchanged  for a
fraction of a share of Conseco Common Stock to be determined based on an average
price of Conseco  Common  Stock prior to its  closing  (it is assumed  Conseco's
share price will be  $40.5875,  resulting  in an exchange  ratio of .6899 shares
valued at $28.00).  Conseco will issue an assumed 8.7 million  shares of Conseco
Common  Stock with a value of  approximately  $352.4  million to acquire the PFS
Common  Stock.  In addition,  Conseco will assume:  (i) notes  payable of PFS of
$27.8 million;  and (ii) the PFS  Convertible  Notes,  which will be convertible
into an  assumed  3.0  million  shares of Conseco  Common  Stock with a value of
approximately  $120.7 million.  In addition,  Conseco is expected to incur costs
related  to the  Merger  (including  contract  termination,  relocation,  legal,
accounting and other costs) of approximately $49.5 million.

The cost to acquire PFS is allocated as follows (dollars in millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                                                                                        <C>
Book value of assets acquired based on the assumed date of the
     Merger (December  31, 1996) ...................................................    $188.8
PFS Convertible  Notes assumed by Conseco at the
     assumed date of the Merger.....................................................      86.2
Notes payable assumed by Conseco at the assumed date of the Merger..................      27.8

Increase (decrease) in PFS's net asset value to reflect estimated fair value and
     asset reclassifications at the assumed date of the Merger:
        Actively managed fixed maturity securities..................................     266.2
        Held-to-maturity fixed maturity securities..................................    (266.1)  
        Cost of policies purchased (related to the Merger)..........................     309.0
        Cost of policies produced and cost of policies purchased (historical).......    (266.7)
        Goodwill (related to the Merger)............................................     230.9
        Goodwill (historical).......................................................      (5.8)
        Income taxes................................................................       6.4 
        Other liabilities...........................................................     (60.8)
                                                                                        ------

             Total estimated fair value adjustments.................................     213.1
                                                                                        ------

     Total cost to acquire PFS(including notes payable assumed by Conseco)..........    $515.9
                                                                                        ======
</TABLE>
     Adjustments to the pro forma  consolidated  statement of operations to give
effect to the Merger as of January 1, 1996, are summarized below.

     (66)  Net  investment  income  of PFS is adjusted to include the  effect of
           adjustments to restate  the amortized  cost basis of  fixed  maturity
           securities to their estimated fair value.

     (67) Interest  expense is increased  to reflect the increase in  borrowings
          under Conseco's bank credit facilities used to complete the Merger and
          the issuance of the PFS Convertible  Notes  in  March 1996;  partially
          offset by the repayment of $27.8 million  of  notes  payable of PFS by
          Conseco at the assumed date of the Merger.
           
          A change in interest rates of .5 percent on the additional  borrowings
          under Conseco's  bank credit  facilities used  to  complete the Merger
          would result in: (1) an increase (or  decrease) in pro forma  interest
          expense of $.2 million  for the year ended December 31, 1996, and  (2)
          a decrease (or  increase) in pro forma net income  of $.1 million  for
          the same period.

     (68) Interest  expense  is  reduced  to  reflect  the  amortization  of the
          liability established at the assumed date of the Merger   representing
          the  present  value of  the  interest  payable on the PFS  Convertible
          Notes to April 6,  1999  (the  earliest  call  date), less the present
          value of the  dividends  that  would  be paid  on the  Conseco  Common
          Stock that  such  notes  would  be  convertible into during the   same
          period.
                                       76
<PAGE>


                         CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
              NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (unaudited)

     (69) Amortization of the cost of policies produced and the cost of policies
          purchased prior to the Merger  is  replaced  with  the amortization of
          the cost of policies purchased (amortized  in  relation  to  estimated
          premiums  on  the  policies  purchased  with  interest  equal  to  the
          liability  rate which  averages  5.5  percent).  

     (70) Amortization  of   goodwill   prior   to  the Merger is eliminated and
          replaced  with  amortization  of   goodwill   acquired  in  the Merger
          which is recognized  over a 40-year  period on a straight-line  basis.

     (71) Reflects  the tax  adjustment  for the pro  forma  adjustments  at the
          appropriate rate for the specific item.

     (72) Common shares  outstanding are increased to reflect the Conseco shares
          issued in  the  Merger. Fully  diluted  shares  also  include  Conseco
          shares   which  will  be  issued  when  the  PFS Convertible Notes are
          converted.

     Adjustments to the pro forma  consolidated  balance sheet to give effect to
the Merger as of December 31, 1996, are summarized below.

     (73) After the   Merger,  all held-to-maturity  securities  are  classified
          as actively  managed  fixed maturity securities  consistent  with  the
          intention of the new management.

     (74) PFS's fixed maturity securities are restated to estimated fair value.

     (75) Cash is reduced for payments made to complete the Merger.

     (76) Short-term  investments and notes payable of Conseco are increased for
          additional borrowings by Conseco to complete the Merger.

     (77) PFS's historical cost of policies purchased is eliminated and replaced
          with  the  cost   of   policies  purchased  recognized in  the Merger.
          Cost of policies purchased reflects the estimated  fair value of PFS's
          business   in  force and represents the portion of the cost to acquire
          PFS  that  is  allocated  to the value of the right to receive  future
          cash flows from the acquired policies.

          The 19 percent discount rate used to determine  such value is the rate
          of  return  required  by  Conseco  to invest  in  the  business  being
          acquired.  In determining such rate of return,  the  following factors
          are considered:

           -    The magnitude of the risks associated with each of the actuarial
                assumptions used in determining the expected cash flows.

           -    Cost of capital available to fund the acquisition.

           -    The perceived likelihood of changes in insurance regulations and
                tax laws.

           -    Complexity of the acquired company.

           -    Prices paid (i.e., discount rates used in determining
                valuations) on similar blocks of business sold recently.

          The value  allocated to the cost of  policies  purchased is based on a
          preliminary valuation;  accordingly,  this  allocation may be adjusted
          upon final  determination of such value.  Expected  gross amortization
          of such value using  current  assumptions  and  accretion  of interest
          based on an  interest  rate  equal to  the  liability  rate (such rate
          averages 5.5 percent) for each of the  years in the  five-year  period
          ending December 31, 2001, are as follows (dollars in millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 Year ending                 Beginning          Gross           Accretion           Net             Ending
                December 31,                  balance       amortization       of interest     amortization         balance
                -------------                 -------       ------------       -----------     -------------        -------
                    <S>                       <C>               <C>               <C>             <C>               <C>    
                    1997                      $309.0            $63.6             $17.0           $46.6             $262.4
                    1998                       262.4             57.1              14.5            42.6              219.8
                    1999                       219.8             48.2              12.1            36.1              183.7
                    2000                       183.7             37.5              10.1            27.4              156.3
                    2001                       156.3             29.0               8.6            20.4              135.9
</TABLE>
                                       
                                       77
<PAGE>

                         CONSECO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
              NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (unaudited)

     (78) PFS's cost of policies produced is  eliminated since such  amounts are
          reflected in the determination of the cost of policies purchased.

     (79) All of the  applicable  pro forma  balance sheet  adjustments  are tax
          affected at the appropriate rate.  

     (80) PFS's historical goodwill is eliminated and replaced with the goodwill
          recognized in the Merger.

     (81) A  liability  is  established  for  various   expenses   incurred  and
          liabilities  assumed  in conjunction  with  the Merger including:  (i)
          liabilities assumed related  to unfavorable contracts and leases; (ii)
          direct  acquisition  costs;  (iii) involuntary  termination costs; and
          (iv) relocation costs.

     (82) Notes payable  are reduced to reflect the repayment of  notes  payable
          of PFS by Conseco at the assumed date of the Merger.

     (83) Other  liabilities  are  increased to  reflect  the  additional  value
          attributable to the conversion feature  of the PFS   Convertible Notes
          at  the date of the Merger.   Such  fair value represents the value of
          the  Conseco  Common   Stock which the PFS Convertible   Notes will be
          convertible into after the  Merger.  It is assumed that the holders of
          such notes do not convert into Conseco Common Stock at the time of the
          Merger.

          In addition,  a liability  is  established  representing  the  present
          value of the  interest  payable on such notes  to  April 6, 1999  (the
          earliest call date),  less the present  value of  the  dividends  that
          would be  paid on the  Conseco  Common Stock that  such notes would be
          convertible into during the same period.

     (84) The prior  shareholders'  equity of PFS is eliminated  in  conjunction
          with the   Merger.  Common  stock and additional paid-in capital  is
          increased  by the  value of the  Conseco  Common  Stock  issued in the
          Merger.
    




                                       78



<PAGE>   
 
                       COMPARISON OF SHAREHOLDERS' RIGHTS
 
     The rights of Conseco  shareholders  are governed by Conseco's  Amended and
Restated Articles of Incorporation  (the "Conseco  Articles of  Incorporation"),
its Amended and Restated Code of By-laws (the  "Conseco  By-laws") and the IBCL.
The rights of PFS  stockholders are governed by its Certificate of Incorporation
(the "PFS  Certificate of  Incorporation"),  its By-Laws (the "PFS By-laws") and
the DGCL.  After the Effective Time, the rights of PFS  stockholders  who become
Conseco  shareholders will be governed by the Conseco Articles of Incorporation,
the Conseco  By-laws and the IBCL.  The  following  is a summary of the material
differences  between  the rights of Conseco  shareholders  and the rights of PFS
stockholders.
 
AMENDMENT OF BY-LAWS
 
     Both the  Conseco  By-laws  and the PFS  By-laws may be amended by majority
vote of their respective boards of directors.  The stockholders of PFS may amend
the By-laws of PFS by majority vote, and the stockholders may prescribe that any
By-law made by them may not be altered,  amended or repealed by the PFS Board of
Directors.
 

CERTAIN PROVISIONS RELATING TO ACQUISITIONS

     The  IBCL and the  DGCL  contain  certain  provisions,  including  the ones
described below,  which purport to apply to certain types of share  acquisitions
or corporate transactions.

     BUSINESS  COMBINATIONS.  The Conseco Articles of Incorporation provide that
Conseco may not enter into a "Special Business Combination Transaction" (defined
as a merger  or other  business  combination  transaction  with or  involving  a
beneficial  owner of more than ten percent of Conseco  Common  Stock (a "Related
Person"))  unless (1) the  consideration  to be received per share by holders of
Conseco  Common Stock in such  transaction  is at least equal to the highest per
share  price  paid in order to  acquire  any  shares  of  Conseco  Common  Stock
beneficially  owned by the Related Person or (2) the transaction shall have been
approved  by  two-thirds  of the  Continuing  Directors  (defined to include the
directors  of  Conseco  in office  prior to the date on which a  Related  Person
became such).

   
     In 1990, PFS  distributed  one Right to Acquire  Series A Junior  Preferred
Stock (a "Right") to each holder of its Common Stock. In addition, each share of
PFS Common  Stock  subsequently  issued  automatically  carries with it a Right.
Subject to certain  exceptions,  the Rights  generally  become  exercisable  and
separately  tradeable if a person or group (an "Acquiring  Person") acquires 20%
or more of PFS Common  Stock.  An Acquiring  Person is not deemed to include any
stockholder who, on December 14, 1990,  already owned 20% of the outstanding PFS
Common  Stock.  Upon such an event,  each  holder of Right will be  entitled  to
purchase  one-tenth of a share of Series A Junior  Preferred Stock at a purchase
price of $4.50, subject to certain adjustments.  Such preferred shares, of which
2,000,000 are authorized, would be voting and would be entitled to distributions
that are ten  times  the  distributions  on the PFS  Common  Stock.  Subject  to
exercise of the Rights, in the event of certain business combinations  involving
PFS, a holder of a Right would have the right to receive PFS Common Stock with a
value of ten  times  the  exercise  price of the  Right.  The  terms of the plan
pursuant  to which  the  Rights  were  issued  was  amended  by the PFS Board of
Directors on December 13, 1996 to provide,  among other things, that Conseco was
not an Acquiring Person pursuant to the plan.  As a  result, the Merger is not a
transaction  which will result in the Rights becoming  exercisable or a business
combination pursuant to which the holder of a Right would be entitled to receive
Common Stock.
    

     PFS is  governed  by  Section  203 of the  DGCL.  Section  203 of the  DGCL
provides that a corporation shall not engage in any "business  combination" with
any "interested stockholder" for a period of three years following the time that
such  stockholder  became an  interested  stockholder,  unless (i) prior to such
time,  the board of directors of the  corporation  approved  either the business
combination or the  transaction  which resulted in the  stockholder  becoming an
interested stockholder, (ii) upon consummation of the transaction which resulted
in  the  stockholder   becoming  an  interested   stockholder,   the  interested
stockholder  owned at least 85 percent of the  voting  stock of the  corporation
outstanding  at the time the  transaction  commenced,  excluding for purposes of
determining the number of shares  outstanding  those shares owned (a) by persons
who are  directors  and also  officers  and (b)  employee  stock  plans in which
employee participants do not have the right to determine  confidentially whether
shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange  offer,
or (iii) at or subsequent to such time, the business  combination is approved by
the  board of  directors  and  authorized  at an annual or  special  meeting  of
stockholders,  and not by written  consent,  by the affirmative vote of at least
two-thirds  (2/3) of the  outstanding  voting  stock  which is not  owned by the
interested  stockholder.  A "business  combination"  under the DGCL is generally
defined as any of the following  transactions  involving the  corporation and an
interested  stockholder  thereof:  (i) a merger or  consolidation,  (ii) a sale,
lease, exchange,  mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition of ten percent
or more of the  corporation's  assets,  (iii) an  issuance  or  transfer  of the
corporation's  stock,  (iv) a  transaction  having  the  effect of  directly  or
indirectly increasing the proportionate share of the corporation's stock held by
such interested stockholder or (v) any receipt by such interested stockholder of
the benefit of any loans,  guarantees,  pledges or other financial benefits.  An
"interested  stockholder"  under the DGCL is  generally  defined  as any  person
owning 15 percent or more of the corporation's outstanding voting stock.

     Section  23-1-43-18 of the IBCL provides that a corporation  may not engage
in any "business combination" with any "interested  shareholder" for a period of
five years following the interested  shareholder's share acquisition date unless
the business combination or the purchase of shares made by the interested

 
                                       79
<PAGE>   
 

shareholder is approved by the board of directors of the corporation  before the
interested  shareholder's share acquisition date. A "business combination" under
the IBCL is generally defined as any of the following transactions involving the
corporation   and  an   interested   stockholder   thereof:   (i)  a  merger  or
consolidation,  (ii) a sale, lease,  exchange,  mortgage,  pledge,  transfer, or
other disposition of ten percent or more of corporation's assets or representing
10% or more of the  earning  power or net  income of the  corporation,  (iii) an
issuance or transfer of shares of the  corporation's  stock  representing  5% or
more of the  aggregate  market  value of all of such  corporation's  outstanding
stock, (iv) the adoption of a plan of liquidation or dissolution  proposed by or
under agreement with such interested  shareholder,  (v) a transaction having the
effect of directly  or  indirectly  increasing  the  proportionate  share of the
corporation's stock held by such interested stockholder,  or (vi) any receipt by
such interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans,  advances,  guarantees,
pledges,  or  other  financial  assistance  or any  tax  credits  or  other  tax
advantages.  An "interested  shareholder" under the IBCL is generally defined as
any person  owning 10 percent  or more of the  voting  power of the  outstanding
voting shares of the corporation.

     CONTROL SHARE  ACQUISITIONS.  Chapter  23-1-42 of the IBCL  requires  that,
unless the articles or by-laws of a corporation exempt the corporation therefrom
(which Conseco's  Articles of Incorporation  and By-laws do not), any person who
proposes to acquire or has acquired (a "control share acquisition") ownership of
(or the power to direct the voting of) shares representing one-fifth, one-third,
or a  majority  of the  voting  power of an issuing  public  corporation  in the
election of directors must provide the corporation  with a statement  describing
such acquisition (an "acquiring person  statement").  If the acquiring person so
requests at the time of delivery of such  statement  (and  undertakes to pay the
expenses relating thereto), the corporation shall cause a special meeting of its
shareholders to be called for the purpose of considering the voting rights to be
accorded the shares  acquired in the control  share  acquisition.  The shares so
acquired  shall be accorded the same voting  rights as were accorded such shares
before the control share acquisition only to the extent granted by resolution of
the  shareholders  of such  corporation.  Shares  acquired  in a  control  share
acquisition  as to which no  acquiring  person  statement  has been filed may be
redeemed  by  the   corporation   at  the  fair  value   thereof  under  certain
circumstances.  In the event that shares acquired in a control share acquisition
are accorded  full voting rights and the  acquiring  person has acquired  shares
representing a majority or more of all voting power, the other shareholders will
be  entitled  to  appraisal  rights.  The DGCL  does not  contain  a  comparable
provision.

     TAKEOVER OFFERS.  Chapter 23-2-3.1 of the IBCL provides that a person shall
not make a takeover offer unless the following  conditions are satisfied:  (1) a
statement  which  consists  of each  document  required  to be  filed  with  the
Commission is filed with the Indiana  securities  commissioner  and delivered to
the  president of the target  company  before making the takeover  offer;  (2) a
consent to  service of process  and the  requisite  filing fee  accompanies  the
statement filed with the Indiana securities commissioner; (3) the takeover offer
is made  to all  offerees  holding  the  same  class  of  equity  securities  on
substantially  equivalent  terms;  (4) a hearing is held within 20 business days
after the statement  described in clause (1) above is filed; and (5) the Indiana
securities  commissioner  shall have approved the takeover  offer.  In addition,
such  section  provides  that no offeror may acquire any equity  security of any
class of a target  company  within  two  years  following  the  conclusion  of a
takeover  offer with  respect to that  class,  unless the holder of such  equity
security is afforded, at the time of that acquisition,  a reasonable opportunity
to dispose of such  securities  to the  offeror  upon  substantially  equivalent
terms.  A "takeover  offer" means an offer to acquire or an  acquisition  of any
equity  security of a target  company  pursuant to a tender  offer or request or
invitation  for tenders if,  after the  acquisition,  the offeror is directly or
indirectly a record or beneficial owner of more than ten percent of any class of
the  outstanding  equity  securities of the target company.  A "target  company"
means an issuer of securities which is organized under the laws of Indiana,  has
its  principal  place of  business  in  Indiana  and has  substantial  assets in
Indiana. The DGCL does not contain a comparable provision.

 

RIGHT TO BRING BUSINESS BEFORE A SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

 
     The  Conseco  Articles  of  Incorporation  and the  Conseco  By-laws do not
contain any  restriction on the ability of shareholders to bring business before
a special meeting of shareholders.

     Holders of the PFS Common Stock representing a majority of the voting power
of all issued  and  outstanding  shares of PFS  Common  Stock may call a special
meeting of  stockholders.  Notice of such meeting must be mailed or delivered to
each stockholder not less than 10 nor more than 60 days prior to such meeting.

                                       80
<PAGE>   
 
The notice  must state the  purpose or  purposes  for which the meeting is to be
held.

SHAREHOLDER ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT
 

     The  Conseco  By-laws and PFS By-laws  specifically  authorize  stockholder
action by  written  consent  of all the  stockholders  entitled  to vote on such
action.

REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS
 
     The Conseco Articles of  Incorporation  provides for the board of directors
to be divided into three classes.  Under the Conseco By-laws,  a director may be
removed,  either for or without cause,  at any special  meeting of  shareholders
called for that  purpose,  by the  affirmative  vote of a majority  in number of
shares of the  shareholders  present in person or by proxy and  entitled to vote
for the election of such director.  The PFS  Certificate of  Incorporation  also
provides for the board of directors to be divided into three classes.  Under the
DGCL,  a director  of PFS may be  removed, only for cause,  by the  holders of a
majority of the outstanding PFS Common Stock.
 
DIRECTOR LIABILITY
 
     The  Conseco  Articles  of  Incorporation  and the  Conseco  By-laws do not
contain a specific exculpatory provision regarding director liability. The IBCL,
however,  provides  that a director  is not  liable  for any  action  taken as a
director,  or any  failure  to take any  action,  unless  (1) the  director  has
breached or failed to perform the duties of the director's  office in compliance
with Section 23-1-35-1 of the IBCL (which requires,  among other things,  that a
director  discharge his or her duties as a director in good faith, with the care
an ordinarily  prudent  person in a like position  would  exercise under similar
circumstances and in a manner the director reasonably believes to be in the best
interests  of the  corporation),  and (2)  the  breach  or  failure  to  perform
constitutes willful misconduct or recklessness.
 
     The PFS Certificate of Incorporation  provides that a director of PFS shall
not be personally  liable to PFS or its  stockholders  for monetary  damages for
breach of fiduciary  duty as a director to the fullest  extent  permitted by the
DGCL.  Under the DGCL, such  provisions may not limit a directors  liability (i)
for any breach of the  director's  duty of  loyalty to PFS or its  stockholders,
(ii) for acts or  omissions  not in good  faith  or  which  involve  intentional
misconduct  or knowing  violation  of law,  (iii) under  Section 174 of the DGCL
(unlawful  payment of  dividends),  or (iv) for any  transaction  from which the
director derived an improper personal benefit.

INDEMNIFICATION
 

     The IBCL grants authorization to Indiana corporations to indemnify officers
and directors  made a party to a proceeding  against  liability  incurred in the
proceeding  if:  (A)  the  individual's  conduct  was in  good  faith;  (B)  the
individual  reasonably believed:  (i) in the case of conduct in the individual's
official capacity with the corporation, that the individual's conduct was in the
corporation's best interests; and (ii) in all other cases, that the individual's
conduct was at least not opposed to the corporation's best interests; and (C) in
the case of any criminal  proceeding,  the individual either: (i) had reasonable
cause to  believe  that the  individual's  conduct  was  lawful;  or (ii) had no
reasonable cause to believe that the individual's conduct was unlawful.
 
     The Conseco  By-laws provide for the  indemnification  of any person made a
party to any action,  suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that he or she is
a  director,  officer or  employee  of  Conseco,  unless it is  adjudged in such
action,  suit or  proceeding  that  such  person  is liable  for  negligence  or
misconduct in the performance of his or her duties. Such  indemnification  shall
be against the reasonable expenses,  including attorneys' fees, incurred by such
person in connection  with the defense of such action,  suit or  proceeding.  In
some  circumstances,  Conseco may reimburse  any such person for the  reasonable
costs of settlement of any such action,  suit or proceeding if a majority of the
members  of the  Board  of  Directors  not  involved  in the  controversy  shall
determine  that it was in the interests of Conseco that such  settlement be made
and that such person was not guilty of negligence or misconduct.

                                       81
<PAGE>   
 
     The PFS Certificate of Incorporation  provides that PFS shall indemnify any
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 PFS) by  reason  of the  fact  that he is or was a  director,  officer,
employee  or agent  of PFS,  or is or was  serving  at the  request  of PFS as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation,  partnership, joint
venture,  trust or other  enterprise,  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 PFS  and,  with  respect  to  any  criminal  action  or
proceeding,  had no reasonable  cause to believe this conduct was unlawful.  PFS
shall also indemnify any such person with respect to any threatened,  pending or
completed  action or suit by or in the right of PFS to procure a judgment in its
favor by reason of the fact of his status 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 PFS and
except that no  indemnification  shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or
matter as to which  such  person  shall have been  adjudged  to be liable to PFS
unless  and only to the  extent  that  the  Court of  Chancery  of the  State 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 the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware
or such other  court shall deem  proper.  To the extent that any such person has
been  successful  on the merits or otherwise  in defense of any action,  suit or
proceeding  referred  to therein  or in  defense  of any claim,  issue or matter
therein, he shall be indemnified  against expenses  (including  attorney's fees)
actually  and  reasonably   incurred  by  him  in  connection   therewith.   Any
indemnification to be made pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation shall be
made by PFS only as authorized in the specific  case upon a  determination  that
indemnification  of the  director,  officer,  employee or agent is proper in the
circumstances because he has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in
the Certificate of Incorporation.  Such  determination  shall be made (i) by the
Board of Directors by a majority  vote of a quorum  consisting  of the directors
who were not parties to such action, suit or proceeding,  or (ii) if such quorum
is not obtainable,  or, even if obtainable,  a quorum of disinterested directors
so directs,  by independent legal counsel in a written opinion,  or (iii) by the
stockholders. Expenses incurred in defending a civil or criminal action, suit or
proceeding  may be paid  by PFS in  advance  of the  final  disposition  of such
action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the
director, officer, employee or agent to repay such amount if it shall ultimately
be determined  that he is not entitled to be  indemnified  by PFS as provided in
the  Certificate  of  Incorporation.  The  indemnification  and  advancement  of
expenses  provided by, or granted  pursuant to, the Certificate of Incorporation
shall  not be  deemed  exclusive  of any other  rights  to which  those  seeking
indemnification  or  advancement  of expenses may be entitled under any statute,
bylaw, agreement,  vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise,
both as to action in his official  capacity and as to action in another capacity
and  as  to  action  in  another   capacity  while  holding  such  office.   The
indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to,
the  Certificate  of  Incorporation   shall,   unless  otherwise  provided  when
authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director,
officer,  employee  or agent  and  shall  inure  to the  benefit  of the  heirs,
executors and  administrators  of such a person. To the fullest extent permitted
by DGCL as the same exists or may hereafter be amended,  a director of PFS shall
not be liable to PFS or its  stockholders  for  monetary  damages  for breach of
fiduciary as a director.

     PFS's  Certificate  of  Incorporation  provides  that PFS may  purchase and
maintain  insurance  on behalf of any person who is or was a director,  officer,
employee  or agent  of PFS,  or is or was  serving  at the  request  of PFS as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation,  partnership, joint
venture,  trust or other enterprise,  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 PFS would have the power to indemnify him against such  liability
under the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation.

     The Conseco  Articles of  Incorporation  and Conseco By-laws do not provide
for the  advancement  of expenses.  However,  under the IBCL a  corporation  may
advance  expenses  if (1) the  director  furnishes  the  corporation  a  written
affirmation  of the  director's  good faith belief that the director has met the
standard of conduct  called for by Section  23-1-37-8 of the IBCL (which  states
that a  corporation  may  indemnify an  individual  made a party to a proceeding
against  liability  incurred in the proceeding if: (A) the individual's  conduct
was in good faith; and (B) the individual  reasonably believed:  (i) in the case
of conduct in the individual's official capacity with the corporation,  that the
individual's  conduct was in its best  interests;  and (ii) in all other  cases,
that the  individual's  conduct was at least not opposed to its best  interests;
and (C) in the case of any criminal  proceeding,  the individual either: (i) had
reasonable cause to believe the individual's  conduct was lawful; or (ii) had no
reasonable  cause to believe the  individual's  conduct was  unlawful),  (2) the
director  furnishes  a  written  undertaking  to  repay  the  advance  if  it is
ultimately  determined  that he or she did not meet such standard of conduct and
(3) a  determination  is made  that the facts  then  known  would  not  preclude
indemnification under Indiana laws.
 
DIVIDENDS AND REPURCHASES

     Under the IBCL, a corporation may make distributions to its shareholders as
long as the corporation's  debts may be paid as they come due, the corporation's
total  assets  exceed the sum of its  liabilities  plus the amount that would be
needed  if the  corporation  were to be  dissolved  and  the  payment  of  these
distributions is consistent with the  corporation's  articles of  incorporation.
Under the DGCL, a  corporation  may pay dividends  and  repurchase  stock out of
surplus or, if there is no  surplus,  out of any net profits for the fiscal year
in which the dividend was declared and/or for the preceding  fiscal year as long
as no payment  reduces  capital below the amount of capital  represented  by all
classes of shares having a preference upon the distribution of assets.

 DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
 
     The  DGCL  provides  that  a   stockholder   is  entitled,   under  certain
circumstances,  to receive payment of the fair value of the stockholder's common
stock if the stockholder dissents from a merger or consolidation.  The DGCL also
permits a corporation  to grant (by inclusion of a provision in its  certificate
of incorporation)

 
                                       82
<PAGE>   
 

appraisal rights in connection with certain other corporate transactions. PFS's
Certificate of Incorporation currently contains no such provision.

      Under the DGCL,  dissenters' rights are not available if the shares of the
Delaware  corporation are (i) listed on a national  securities exchange (such as
the NYSE) or designated as a national  market system  security on an interdealer
quotation system by the National Association of Securities Dealers,  Inc. (e.g.,
quoted on the Nasdaq National  Market) or (ii) held of record by more than 2,000
holders.  Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  dissenters' rights under the DGCL are
available if the stockholders of the Delaware  corporation are to receive in the
merger or consolidation anything other than (i) shares of stock of the surviving
or resulting  corporation,  (ii) shares of stock of any other  corporation which
are listed on a national  securities  exchange or are  designated  as a national
market system security on an interdealer  quotation  system (as described above)
or held of record by more  than  2,000  holders,  and/or  (iii)  cash in lieu of
fractional  shares.  Based  on the  foregoing,  dissenters'  rights  will not be
available to PFS stockholders in connection with the Merger.

     The  IBCL  provides  that  a   shareholder   is  entitled,   under  certain
circumstances,  to receive payment of the fair value of the shareholder's common
stock  if the  shareholder  dissents  from a  merger,  share  exchange,  sale or
exchange of all or substantially all of the  corporation's  property and certain
control share acquisitions (as described under "-- Certain  Provisions  Relating
to  Acquisitions  --  Control  Share  Acquisitions").  The IBCL  also  permits a
corporation   to  grant  (by  inclusion  of  a  provision  in  its  articles  of
incorporation,  bylaws or resolution of the board of directors) appraisal rights
in connection with other corporate actions. Conseco's Articles of Incorporation,
By-laws and resolutions currently contain no such provision.

     Under the IBCL,  dissenters'  rights are not available if the shares of the
Indiana  corporation are (i) registered on a United States  securities  exchange
registered  under the  Exchange  Act  (such as the  NYSE) or (ii)  traded on the
National  Association of Securities  Dealers,  Inc. Automated  Quotations System
Over-the-Counter  Markets -- National Market Issues (such as the Nasdaq National
Market) or a similar market.

DIRECTOR AND OFFICER DISCRETION

     Under Sections  23-1-35-1(d),  (f), and (g) of the IBCL, in discharging his
or her duties to the corporation  and in determining  what he or she believes to
be in the best  interests  of the  corporation,  a director  or officer  may, in
addition to considering the effects of any action on shareholders,  consider the
effects of the action on employees,  suppliers,  customers,  the  communities in
which the  corporation  operates  and any other  factors  that the  director  or
officer considers pertinent.  The DGCL does not contain a comparable  provision,
and,  under  Delaware  law,  the   consideration   that  a  board  may  give  to
nonstockholder  constituencies  is less clear. In considering the best interests
of a corporation,  under Delaware law, directors and officers can generally take
into  consideration  the  interest of  nonstockholders.  However,  the  Delaware
Supreme Court has held that the consideration of  nonstockholder  constituencies
is inappropriate when an active "auction" is in process to sell a company.

     The foregoing  discussion of certain  similarities and material differences
between the rights of Conseco shareholders and the rights of PFS stockholders is
only a summary  of  certain  provisions  and does not  purport  to be a complete
description  of such  similarities  and  differences,  and is  qualified  in its
entirety by  reference to the IBCL and the common law  thereunder,  the DGCL and
the  common  law  thereunder,  and the  full  text of the  Conseco  Articles  of
Incorporation, the Conseco By-laws, the PFS Certificate of Incorporation and the
PFS By-laws.
 
                          MANAGEMENT OF CONSECO AND PFS
                        UPON CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGER
 
     The directors and executive officers of RAC are Stephen C. Hilbert,  Ngaire
E. Cuneo,  Rollin M. Dick,  Donald F. Gongaware and Lawrence W. Inlow,  and such
individuals will be directors and executive officers of PFS upon consummation of
the Merger. Such individuals are also the executive officers of Conseco and will
have the same titles with PFS as they currently have with Conseco. The directors
and  executive  officers of Conseco will continue as the directors and executive
officers of Conseco  upon  consummation  of the  Merger.  For  information  with
respect to the directors and executive officers of Conseco, see Conseco's Annual
Report, which is incorporated herein by reference.

                                       83
<PAGE>   
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
   
     The validity of the Conseco  Common Stock to be issued in  connection  with
the Merger will be passed upon for Conseco by Lawrence W. Inlow,  Executive Vice
President,  General  Counsel and Secretary of Conseco.  Mr. Inlow is a full-time
employee  and  officer of Conseco and owns  directly  and  indirectly  1,556,490
shares of Conseco Common Stock and holds options to purchase 2,813,800 shares of
Conseco Common Stock.

                                    EXPERTS
 
     The consolidated  financial  statements of Conseco at December 31, 1996 and
1995,  and for each of the three years in the period  ended  December  31, 1996,
incorporated  by reference in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus, have been audited
by  Coopers & Lybrand  L.L.P.,  independent  accountants,  as set forth in their
report  thereon  incorporated  by  reference  herein,  and are  incorporated  by
reference in reliance  upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as
experts in accounting and auditing.

     The consolidated financial statements of LPG at December 31, 1995 and 1994,
and  for  each of the  three  years  in the  period  ended  December  31,  1995,
incorporated  by  reference  in this Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  (and which are
included in the Form 8-K dated August 2, 1996 of the Company), have been audited
by  Coopers & Lybrand  L.L.P.,  independent  accountants,  as set forth in their
report  thereon  incorporated  by  reference  herein,  and are  incorporated  by
reference  in reliance  upon such report,  given upon  authority of such firm as
experts in accounting and auditing.

     The consolidated financial statements of PFS at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
and  for  each of the  three  years  in the  period  ended  December  31,  1996,
incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement/ Prospectus, have been audited
by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon
incorporated by reference herein,  and are incorporated by reference in reliance
upon such report given upon the  authority of such firm as experts in accounting
and auditing.
    

 
                            INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
     Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP will be present at the Special Meeting
and  will be  available  to  respond  to  appropriate  questions  and  have  the
opportunity to make a statement if they desire.

                                 OTHER MATTERS
 
     As of the  date of  this  Proxy  Statement/Prospectus,  the  PFS  Board  of
Directors  does not intend to present,  and has not been informed that any other
person intends to present,  any matter for action at the Special Meeting,  other
than as discussed herein.
 
 
                                       84 

<PAGE>


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

                                    ANNEX A


                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER


                          DATED AS OF DECEMBER 15, 1996


                                  By and Among


                                 CONSECO, INC.,


                            ROCK ACQUISITION COMPANY


                                       and


                        PIONEER FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.



- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>


                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               Page
                                                                                                               ----


                                    ARTICLE I
                <S>       <C>                                                                                  <C>    

                  THE MERGER....................................................................................  1
                  1.1      The Merger...........................................................................  1
                  1.2      Closing............................................................................... 1
                  1.3      Effective Time.......................................................................  2
                  1.4      Certificate of Incorporation.........................................................  2
                  1.5      By-Laws..............................................................................  2
                  1.6      Directors............................................................................  2
                  1.7      Officers.............................................................................  2
                  1.8      Conversion of RAC Shares.............................................................  2
                  1.9      Conversion of Shares ................................................................  2
                  1.10     Exchange of Certificates.............................................................  3
                  1.11     Treatment of Convertible Subordinated Notes..........................................  6

                                   ARTICLE II

                  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY.................................................  6
                  2.1      Organization, Standing and Corporate Power...........................................  6
                  2.2      Capital Structure....................................................................  6
                  2.3      Authority; Noncontravention..........................................................  7
                  2.4      SEC Documents........................................................................  8
                  2.5      Absence of Certain Changes or Events.................................................  9
                  2.6      Absence of Changes in Benefit Plans.................................................. 10
                  2.7      Benefit Plans........................................................................ 10
                  2.8      Taxes................................................................................ 11
                  2.9      No Excess Parachute Payments; Section 162(m) of
                           the Code............................................................................. 12
                  2.10     Voting Requirements.................................................................. 12
                  2.11     Compliance with Applicable Laws...................................................... 12
                  2.12     Opinion of Financial Advisor......................................................... 14
                  2.13     Brokers.............................................................................. 14

                                   ARTICLE III

                  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF CONSECO AND RAC............................................. 14
                  3.1      Organization, Standing and Corporate Power........................................... 14
                  3.2      Conseco Capital Structure............................................................ 15
                  3.3      Authority; Noncontravention.......................................................... 15
                  3.4      SEC Documents........................................................................ 17
                  3.5      Absence of Certain Changes or Events................................................. 17
                  3.6      Compliance with Applicable Laws...................................................... 18
                  3.7      No Prior Activities.................................................................. 19
                  3.8      Brokers.............................................................................. 19
                  3.9      Voting Requirements.................................................................. 19


                                                    i

<PAGE>



                                   ARTICLE IV

                  ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS......................................................................... 20
                  4.1      Preparation of Form S-4 and the Proxy Statement;
                           Information Supplied................................................................. 20
                  4.2      Meeting of Stockholders.............................................................. 21
                  4.3      Letter of the Company's Accountants.................................................. 21
                  4.4      Letter of Conseco's Accountants...................................................... 21
                  4.5      Access to Information; Confidentiality............................................... 22
                  4.6      Commercially Reasonable Efforts...................................................... 22
                  4.7      Public Announcements................................................................. 22
                  4.8      Acquisition Proposals................................................................ 22
                  4.9      Fiduciary Duties..................................................................... 23
                  4.10     Consents, Approvals and Filings...................................................... 24
                  4.11     Certain Fees......................................................................... 24
                  4.12     Affiliates and Certain Stockholders.................................................. 25
                  4.13     NYSE Listing......................................................................... 26
                  4.14     Stockholder Litigation............................................................... 26
                  4.15     Indemnification...................................................................... 26
                  4.16     Stock Options ....................................................................... 27
                  4.17     Officers' Certificates Relating to Tax Treatment. ................................... 27
                  4.18     Severance and Other Payments ........................................................ 28
                  4.19     Employment Agreement................................................................. 28
                  4.20     Existing Employment Agreements....................................................... 28

                                    ARTICLE V

                  COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PRIOR TO MERGER..................................... 28
                  5.1      Conduct of Business by the Company................................................... 28
                  5.2      Conduct of Business by Conseco....................................................... 31
                  5.3      Other Actions ....................................................................... 31
                  5.4      Conduct of Business of RAC........................................................... 31

                                   ARTICLE VI

                  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT.......................................................................... 32
                  6.1      Conditions to Each Party's Obligation To Effect
                           the Merger........................................................................... 32
                  6.2      Conditions to Obligations of Conseco and RAC......................................... 33
                  6.3      Conditions to Obligation of the Company.............................................. 34

                                   ARTICLE VII

                  TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER............................................................. 35
                  7.1      Termination.......................................................................... 35
                  7.2      Effect of Termination................................................................ 35
                  7.3      Amendment............................................................................ 36
                  7.4      Extension; Waiver.................................................................... 36
                  7.5      Procedure for Termination, Amendment,   Extension
                           or Waiver............................................................................ 36

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                  SURVIVAL OF PROVISIONS........................................................................ 36
                  8.1      Survival............................................................................. 36


                                                    ii

<PAGE>



                                   ARTICLE IX

                  NOTICES....................................................................................... 36
                  9.1      Notices.............................................................................. 36

                                    ARTICLE X

                  MISCELLANEOUS................................................................................. 37
                  10.1      Entire Agreement.................................................................... 37
                  10.2      Expenses............................................................................ 38
                  10.3      Counterparts ....................................................................... 38
                  10.4      No Third Party Beneficiary.......................................................... 38
                  10.5      Governing Law....................................................................... 38
                  10.6      Assignment; Binding Effect.......................................................... 38
                  10.7      Enforcement..........................................................................38
                  10.8      Headings, Gender, etc............................................................... 38
                  10.9      Invalid Provisions.................................................................. 39


</TABLE>



                                                   iii

<PAGE>



                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

         THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (the "Agreement") is made and entered
into as of December 15, 1996 by and among CONSECO,  INC., an Indiana corporation
("Conseco"),  ROCK ACQUISITION  COMPANY, a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned
subsidiary of Conseco ("RAC"), and PIONEER FINANCIAL SERVICES,  INC., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company").

                                    PREAMBLE

         WHEREAS,  the  respective  Boards of Directors of Conseco,  RAC and the
Company  have  approved  the merger of RAC with and into the  Company,  upon the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein; and

         WHEREAS,   Conseco,   RAC  and  the  Company  desire  to  make  certain
representations,  warranties,  covenants and agreements in connection  with such
merger and also to prescribe various conditions to such merger;

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
set forth in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration,  the
receipt and  sufficiency  of which are hereby  acknowledged,  the parties hereto
agree as follows:


                                    ARTICLE I

                                   THE MERGER

         1.1 The Merger.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
at the Effective Time (as such term is defined in Section 1.3 hereof), RAC shall
be merged with and into the Company (the "Merger"), in a transaction intended to
qualify as a tax-free  reorganization under Section 368(a)(2)(E) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"),  in accordance  with the Delaware
General  Corporation Law (the "DGCL"),  and the separate corporate  existence of
RAC shall cease and the Company  shall  continue  as the  surviving  corporation
under the laws of the State of Delaware (the "Surviving  Corporation")  with all
the rights, privileges, immunities and powers, and subject to all the duties and
liabilities, of a corporation organized under the DGCL.

         1.2 Closing.  Unless this Agreement  shall have been terminated and the
transactions  herein  contemplated shall have been abandoned pursuant to Section
7.1, and subject to the  satisfaction  or waiver of the  conditions set forth in
Article VI, the closing of the Merger  (the  "Closing")  will take place at 9:00
a.m.  on the  second  business  day  following  the date on which the last to be
fulfilled or waived of the conditions set forth in Article VI shall be fulfilled
or waived in accordance with this Agreement (the "Closing Date"),  at the office
of Conseco in Carmel,  Indiana,  unless another date, time or place is agreed to
in writing by the parties hereto.


                                       A-1

<PAGE>




         1.3 Effective  Time. The parties hereto will file with the Secretary of
State of the State of  Delaware  (the  "Delaware  Secretary  of  State")  on the
Closing  Date (or on such  other date as Conseco  and the  Company  may agree) a
certificate of merger executed in accordance with the relevant provisions of the
DGCL and  make all  other  filings  or  recordings  required  under  the DGCL in
connection with the Merger. The Merger shall become effective upon the filing of
the certificate of merger with the Delaware Secretary of State, or at such later
time as is specified in the certificate of merger (the "Effective Time").

         1.4 Certificate of  Incorporation.  The Certificate of Incorporation of
the Company,  as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be the
Certificate  of  Incorporation  of the Surviving  Corporation  until  thereafter
amended as provided by law.

         1.5 By-Laws. The By-Laws of the Company, as in effect immediately prior
to the Effective Time, shall be the By-Laws of the Surviving  Corporation  until
thereafter amended as provided by law.

         1.6      Directors.  The directors of RAC at the Effective Time
shall be the directors of the Surviving Corporation.

         1.7      Officers.  The officers of RAC at the Effective Time
shall be the officers of the Surviving Corporation.

         1.8 Conversion of RAC Shares.  Each share of common stock of RAC issued
and outstanding  immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, by virtue of the
Merger and without any action on the part of the holder  thereof,  be  converted
into and become one validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of common
stock of the Surviving Corporation.

         1.9 Conversion of Shares. (a) Outstanding Shares. Each of the shares of
common  stock,  $1.00 par  value,  of the  Company  (the  "Shares")  issued  and
outstanding  immediately  prior to the Effective Time (other than Shares held as
treasury  shares by the Company)  shall, by virtue of the Merger and without any
action on the part of the holder  thereof,  be converted into a right to receive
(i) if the Conseco  Share Price (as defined  below) is greater  than or equal to
$56.00 per share and less than or equal to $62.72 per share, 0.4464 of a validly
issued,  fully paid and nonassessable share of common stock,  without par value,
of Conseco  ("Conseco  Common  Stock"),  (ii) if the Conseco Share Price is less
than $56.00 per share, the fraction  (rounded to the nearest ten- thousandth) of
a share of Conseco  Common Stock  determined  by dividing  $25.00 by the Conseco
Share  Price or (iii) if the  Conseco  Share  Price is greater  than  $62.72 per
share,  the  fraction  (rounded  to the  nearest  ten-thousandth)  of a share of
Conseco Common Stock  determined by dividing  $28.00 by the Conseco Share Price.
The "Conseco Share Price" shall be equal to the average of the closing prices of
the  Conseco  Common  Stock on the New York Stock  Exchange  ("NYSE")  Composite
Transactions Reporting System,


                                       A-2

<PAGE>



as reported  in The Wall Street  Journal,  for the 10 trading  days  immediately
preceding the second trading day prior to the Effective Time. The Conseco Common
Stock to be issued to holders of Shares in accordance  with this Section and any
cash to be paid in accordance with Section 1.10 in lieu of fractional  shares of
Conseco Common Stock are referred to collectively as the "Merger Consideration".

         (b)  Treasury  Shares.  Each Share issued and  outstanding  immediately
prior to the  Effective  Time  which  is then  held as a  treasury  share by the
Company  immediately  prior to the Effective Time shall, by virtue of the Merger
and without any action on the part of the  Company,  be canceled and retired and
cease to exist, without any conversion thereof.

         (c) Impact of Stock Splits,  etc. In the event of any change in Conseco
Common Stock between the date of this  Agreement  and the Effective  Time of the
Merger   by   reason  of  any  stock   split,   stock   dividend,   subdivision,
reclassification, recapitalization, combination, exchange of shares or the like,
the  number  and class of  shares  of  Conseco  Common  Stock to be  issued  and
delivered  in the Merger in exchange for each  outstanding  Share as provided in
this  Agreement  and the  calculation  of all share prices  provided for in this
Agreement shall be proportionately adjusted.

         (d)  Treatment of Company Stock  Options.  From and after the Effective
Time,  each  outstanding  unexpired  stock option  ("Company  Stock  Option") to
purchase  Shares which has been granted  pursuant to the Company's  Nonqualified
Stock Option Plan, as amended to the date hereof,  or the Company's 1994 Omnibus
Stock  Incentive  Program,  as amended  to the date  hereof  (collectively,  the
"Company  Stock  Plans"),  shall be fully vested and  exercisable,  for the same
aggregate  consideration  payable to exercise such Company Stock Option, for the
number of shares of  Conseco  Common  Stock  which the  holder  would  have been
entitled to receive at the Effective  Time if such Company Stock Option had been
fully vested and exercised for Shares prior to the Effective Time, and otherwise
on the same terms and  conditions  as were  applicable  under the Company  Stock
Plans and the underlying stock option agreement.

         1.10 Exchange of Certificates.  (a) Exchange Agent. As of the Effective
Time, Conseco shall deposit with its transfer agent and registrar (the "Exchange
Agent"), for the benefit of the holders of Shares, certificates representing the
shares of Conseco  Common  Stock to be issued to holders of Shares  pursuant  to
Section 1.9(a) (such certificates,  together with any dividends or distributions
with respect to such certificates, being hereinafter referred to as the "Payment
Fund").

         (b) Exchange  Procedures.  As soon as  practicable  after the Effective
Time,  each holder of an  outstanding  certificate or  certificates  which prior
thereto  represented  Shares shall, upon surrender to the Exchange Agent of such
certificate or  certificates  and acceptance  thereof by the Exchange  Agent, be
entitled to a certificate representing that number of whole shares


                                       A-3

<PAGE>



of Conseco Common Stock (and cash in lieu of fractional shares of Conseco Common
Stock as contemplated by this Section 1.10) which the aggregate number of Shares
previously  represented by such  certificate or certificates  surrendered  shall
have been converted into the right to receive pursuant to Section 1.9(a) of this
Agreement.  The Exchange Agent shall accept such  certificates  upon  compliance
with such  reasonable  terms and  conditions as the Exchange Agent may impose to
effect an orderly exchange thereof in accordance with normal exchange practices.
If the  consideration to be paid in the Merger (or any portion thereof) is to be
delivered  to any person  other  than the  person in whose name the  certificate
representing Shares surrendered in exchange therefor is registered,  it shall be
a condition  to such  exchange  that the  certificate  so  surrendered  shall be
properly  endorsed  or  otherwise  be in proper form for  transfer  and that the
person  requesting such exchange shall pay to the Exchange Agent any transfer or
other taxes required by reason of the payment of such  consideration to a person
other  than the  registered  holder  of the  certificate  surrendered,  or shall
establish to the  satisfaction of the Exchange Agent that such tax has been paid
or is not  applicable.  After the  Effective  Time,  there  shall be no  further
transfer  on the records of the Company or its  transfer  agent of  certificates
representing  Shares and if such  certificates  are presented to the Company for
transfer, they shall be canceled against delivery of the Merger Consideration as
hereinabove provided. Until surrendered as contemplated by this Section 1.10(b),
each  certificate  representing  Shares  (other than  certificates  representing
Shares to be canceled in accordance with Section 1.9(b)), shall be deemed at any
time after the Effective  Time to represent  only the right to receive upon such
surrender the Merger Consideration payable with respect to such Shares,  without
any interest  thereon,  as contemplated by Section 1.9. No interest will be paid
or will accrue on any cash payable as Merger Consideration.

         (c) Letter of Transmittal. Promptly after the Effective Time (but in no
event more than five business days thereafter),  the Surviving Corporation shall
require the Exchange  Agent to mail to each record holder of  certificates  that
immediately  prior to the  Effective  Time  represented  Shares  which have been
converted  pursuant  to  Section  1.9,  a form  of  letter  of  transmittal  and
instructions  for  use in  surrendering  such  certificates  and  receiving  the
consideration  to which such  holder  shall be  entitled  therefor  pursuant  to
Section 1.9.

         (d) Distributions with Respect to Unexchanged Shares.  No
dividends or other  distributions  with  respect to Conseco  Common Stock with a
record  date  after  the  Effective  Time  shall  be paid to the  holder  of any
certificate  that  immediately  prior to the Effective Time  represented  Shares
which have been  converted  pursuant to Section  1.9,  until the  surrender  for
exchange  of such  certificate  in  accordance  with this  Article I.  Following
surrender  for  exchange  of any such  certificate,  there  shall be paid to the
holder of such certificate, without interest, (i) at the time of such surrender,
the amount of dividends or other

                                       A-4

<PAGE>



distributions  with a record date after the Effective Time theretofore paid with
respect to the number of whole  shares of  Conseco  Common  Stock into which the
Shares  represented by such certificate  immediately prior to the Effective Time
were  converted  pursuant to Section  1.9, and (ii) at the  appropriate  payment
date,  the amount of dividends or other  distributions  with a record date after
the  Effective  Time,  but  prior to such  surrender,  and with a  payment  date
subsequent  to such  surrender,  payable  with  respect to such whole  shares of
Conseco Common Stock.

         (e) No Further  Ownership  Rights in Shares.  The Merger  Consideration
paid upon the  surrender  for exchange of  certificates  representing  Shares in
accordance  with the terms of this Article I shall be deemed to have been issued
and paid in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to the Shares theretofore
represented  by  such   certificates,   subject,   however,   to  the  Surviving
Corporation's  obligation  (if  any) to pay any  dividends  or  make  any  other
distributions with a record date prior to the Effective Time which may have been
declared  by the  Company on such  Shares in  accordance  with the terms of this
Agreement or prior to the date of this  Agreement and which remain unpaid at the
Effective Time.

         (f) No Fractional  Shares.  (i) No certificates  or scrip  representing
fractional shares of Conseco Common Stock shall be issued upon the surrender for
exchange  of  certificates   that  immediately   prior  to  the  Effective  Time
represented  Shares which have been converted  pursuant to Section 1.9, and such
fractional  share interests will not entitle the owner thereof to vote or to any
rights of a shareholder of Conseco.

         (ii)  Notwithstanding  any other  provisions  of this  Agreement,  each
holder of Shares who would otherwise have been entitled to receive a fraction of
a share of Conseco  Common  Stock (after  taking into  account all  certificates
delivered  by such  holder)  shall  receive,  in  lieu  thereof,  cash  (without
interest)  in an  amount  equal to such  fractional  part of a share of  Conseco
Common Stock multiplied by the Conseco Share Price.

         (g)  Termination of Payment Fund. Any portion of the Payment Fund which
remains undistributed to the holders of the certificates representing Shares for
120 days after the  Effective  Time shall be delivered to Conseco,  upon demand,
and any holders of Shares who have not theretofore  complied with this Article I
shall thereafter look only to Conseco and only as general  creditors thereof for
payment of their claim for the cash portion of any Merger  Consideration and any
dividends or distributions with respect to Conseco Common Stock.

         (h) No  Liability.  Neither  Conseco  nor the  Exchange  Agent shall be
liable to any person in respect of any cash, shares,  dividends or distributions
payable from the Payment Fund  delivered  to a public  official  pursuant to any
applicable  abandoned  property,  escheat or similar  law.  If any  certificates
representing  Shares shall not have been  surrendered  prior to five years after
the Effective Time (or immediately prior to such


                                       A-5

<PAGE>



earlier date on which any Merger  Consideration  in respect of such  certificate
would otherwise escheat to or become the property of any Governmental Entity (as
defined in Section  2.3)),  any such cash,  shares,  dividends or  distributions
payable  in respect  of such  certificate  shall,  to the  extent  permitted  by
applicable law, become the property of the Surviving Corporation, free and clear
of all claims or interest of any person previously entitled thereto.

         1.11 Treatment of Convertible  Subordinated  Notes.  In accordance with
Section  10.9 of the  Indenture  dated as of March 27, 1996 with  respect to the
Company's  6-1/2%  Convertible  Subordinated  Notes due 2003  (the  "Convertible
Notes"), at the Effective Time each Convertible Note shall automatically  become
convertible  into the number of shares of Conseco  Common Stock which the holder
of such  Convertible  Note would have been  entitled to receive in the Merger if
the holder had converted the Convertible Note into Shares immediately before the
Effective Time.

                                   ARTICLE II

                  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

         The  Company  hereby  represents  and  warrants  to Conseco  and RAC as
follows:

         2.1  Organization,  Standing and Corporate  Power. The Company and each
subsidiary of the Company is a corporation duly organized,  validly existing and
in good standing under the laws of the  jurisdiction in which it is incorporated
and has the requisite  corporate power and authority to carry on its business as
now being  conducted.  The  Company and each  subsidiary  of the Company is duly
qualified  or  licensed  to  do  business  and  is  in  good  standing  in  each
jurisdiction  in which the nature of its business or the ownership or leasing of
its properties makes such qualification or licensing necessary.  The Company has
delivered  to  Conseco  complete  and  correct  copies  of  its  Certificate  of
Incorporation and Bylaws, as amended to the date of this Agreement.

         2.2 Capital  Structure.  The  authorized  capital  stock of the Company
consists of (i) 30,000,000  Shares and (ii) 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock,
no par value (the "Preferred  Stock").  At the close of business on December 13,
1996: (i) 12,733,467  Shares were issued and outstanding,  1,863,190 Shares were
reserved  for  issuance  pursuant to  outstanding  Company  Stock  Options,  and
4,312,500  Shares were reserved for issuance upon  conversion of the outstanding
Convertible  Notes and (ii) no shares of Preferred  Stock were  outstanding  and
18,909,157  shares of Series A Junior Preferred Stock were reserved for issuance
under the Rights Agreement dated as of December 12, 1990 between the Company and
First Chicago Trust Company of New York (the "Rights Agreement").  Except as set
forth above, at the close of business on December 13, 1996, no shares of capital
stock or other equity securities of


                                       A-6

<PAGE>



the Company were issued,  reserved for issuance or outstanding.  All outstanding
shares of capital  stock of the Company  are, and all shares which may be issued
pursuant to the Company Stock Plan or any outstanding Company Stock Options will
be, when issued, duly authorized,  validly issued,  fully paid and nonassessable
and not subject to preemptive rights. Except for $86,250,000 principal amount of
Convertible  Notes,  no bonds,  debentures,  notes or other  indebtedness of the
Company  or any  subsidiary  of  the  Company  having  the  right  to  vote  (or
convertible into, or exchangeable  for,  securities having the right to vote) on
any matters on which the  stockholders  of the Company or any  subsidiary of the
Company may vote are issued or  outstanding.  Except as disclosed in Section 2.2
of the Disclosure Schedule dated the date hereof and delivered by the Company to
Conseco concurrently herewith (the "Disclosure  Schedule"),  all the outstanding
shares of capital  stock of each  subsidiary  of the Company  have been  validly
issued and are fully paid and nonassessable and are owned by the Company, by one
or more  subsidiaries  of the  Company  or by the  Company  and one or more such
subsidiaries,   free  and  clear  of  all  pledges,   claims,   liens,  charges,
encumbrances   and  security   interests  of  any  kind  or  nature   whatsoever
(collectively,  "Liens")  except as may be provided by law.  Except as set forth
above or in Section 2.2 of the Disclosure Schedule,  neither the Company nor any
subsidiary of the Company has any outstanding option,  warrant,  subscription or
other right,  agreement or commitment  which either (i) obligates the Company or
any subsidiary of the Company to issue, sell or transfer,  repurchase, redeem or
otherwise  acquire or vote any shares of the capital stock of the Company or any
subsidiary of the Company or (ii)  restricts  the transfer of Shares.  Except as
disclosed in Section 2.2 of the Disclosure  Schedule,  no issued and outstanding
Shares are owned by the Company's subsidiaries.

         2.3  Authority;   Noncontravention.   The  Company  has  the  requisite
corporate  power and authority to enter into this Agreement and,  subject to the
approval of its  stockholders as set forth in Section 6.1(a) with respect to the
consummation of the Merger, to consummate the transactions  contemplated by this
Agreement.  The execution and delivery of this  Agreement by the Company and the
consummation by the Company of the  transactions  contemplated  hereby have been
duly  authorized by all necessary  corporate  action on the part of the Company,
subject,  in the case of the Merger,  to the approval of its stockholders as set
forth in Section 6.1(a).  This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by
the Company and, assuming that this Agreement  constitutes the valid and binding
agreement of Conseco, constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Company,
enforceable  against the Company in accordance  with its terms,  except that the
enforcement   thereof   may   be   limited   by  (a)   bankruptcy,   insolvency,
reorganization,  moratorium or similar laws now or hereafter in effect  relating
to creditor's rights generally and (b) general  principles of equity (regardless
of whether  enforceability  is  considered in a proceeding at law or in equity).
Except as disclosed in Section 2.3 of the Disclosure Schedule, the execution and
delivery of this Agreement do not, and the


                                       A-7

<PAGE>



consummation of the  transactions  contemplated by this Agreement and compliance
with the provisions  hereof will not, (i) conflict with any of the provisions of
the  Certificate  of  Incorporation  or Bylaws of the Company or the  comparable
documents of any  subsidiary  of the Company,  (ii) subject to the  governmental
filings and other matters referred to in the following sentence,  conflict with,
result in a breach of or default  (with or without  notice or lapse of time,  or
both)  under,  or  give  rise  to  a  right  of  termination,   cancellation  or
acceleration  of any obligation or loss of a material  benefit under, or require
the consent of any person  under,  any  indenture  or other  agreement,  permit,
concession, franchise, license or similar instrument or undertaking to which the
Company or any of its  subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of
its subsidiaries or any of their assets is bound or affected, (iii) give rise to
any rights under the Rights  Agreement or entitle any holder of rights under the
Rights  Agreement to exercise  such rights or (iv)  subject to the  governmental
filings and other matters referred to in the following sentence,  contravene any
law,  rule or  regulation  of any state or of the United States or any political
subdivision  thereof or  therein,  or any  order,  writ,  judgment,  injunction,
decree,  determination  or award  currently in effect.  No consent,  approval or
authorization  of, or declaration or filing with, or notice to, any governmental
agency or  regulatory  authority (a  "Governmental  Entity")  which has not been
received or made,  is required to be made by the Company or with  respect to the
Company or any of its subsidiaries in connection with the execution and delivery
of this  Agreement  by the  Company or the  consummation  by the  Company of the
transactions  contemplated  hereby,  except  for (i)  the  filing  of  premerger
notification   and  report  forms  under  the   Hart-Scott-   Rodino   Antitrust
Improvements  Act of 1976,  as  amended  (the "HSR  Act"),  with  respect to the
Merger, (ii) the filings and/or notices required under the insurance laws of the
jurisdictions  set forth in Section 2.3 of the  Disclosure  Schedule,  (iii) the
filing with the SEC of (x) a proxy  statement  relating  to the  approval by the
stockholders of the Company of the Merger (such proxy  statement,  as amended or
supplemented  from time to time,  the "Proxy  Statement"),  and (y) such reports
under the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange  Act"), as
may  be  required  in  connection  with  this  Agreement  and  the  transactions
contemplated  by this  Agreement,  (iv) the filing of the  certificate of merger
with the Delaware Secretary of State and appropriate documents with the relevant
authorities  of other  states in which the Company is  qualified to do business,
(v) such other consents,  approvals,  authorizations,  filings or notices as are
set forth in Section  2.3 of the  Disclosure  Schedule  and (vi) any  applicable
filings under state anti-takeover laws.

         2.4 SEC  Documents.  (i) The  Company has filed all  required  reports,
schedules,  forms,  statements and other documents with the SEC since January 1,
1995 (such reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents,  including
the  exhibits  thereto and  documents  incorporated  therein by  reference,  are
hereinafter  referred to as the "SEC  Documents");  (ii) as of their  respective
dates, the SEC Documents complied with the requirements of the


                                       A-8

<PAGE>



Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities  Act"), or the Exchange Act,
as the  case  may be,  and the  rules  and  regulations  of the SEC  promulgated
thereunder applicable to such SEC Documents, and none of the SEC Documents as of
such dates contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state
a material fact required to be stated  therein or necessary in order to make the
statements  therein,  in light of the circumstances  under which they were made,
not misleading;  and (iii) the consolidated  financial statements of the Company
included in the SEC  Documents  comply as to form in all material  respects with
applicable  accounting  requirements  and the published rules and regulations of
the SEC with respect  thereto,  have been prepared in accordance  with generally
accepted accounting  principles applied on a consistent basis during the periods
involved  (except as may be  indicated  in the notes  thereto or, in the case of
unaudited  statements,  as permitted by Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X) and fairly
present,  in all material respects,  the consolidated  financial position of the
Company  and its  consolidated  subsidiaries  as of the  dates  thereof  and the
consolidated  results of their  operations  and cash flows for the periods  then
ended  (subject,  in the  case of  unaudited  quarterly  statements,  to  normal
year-end audit adjustments).

         2.5 Absence of Certain  Changes or Events.  Except as  disclosed in the
SEC Documents  filed and publicly  available prior to the date of this Agreement
(the "Filed SEC Documents") or in Section 2.5 of the Disclosure Schedule,  since
the date of the most recent audited financial  statements  included in the Filed
SEC Documents,  the Company and its  subsidiaries  have conducted their business
only in the ordinary  course,  and there has not been (i) any change which would
have a material adverse effect on the business,  financial  condition or results
of operations  of the Company and its  subsidiaries  taken as a whole,  (ii) any
declaration,  setting  aside or payment of any  dividend  or other  distribution
(whether  in cash,  stock or  property)  with  respect  to any of the  Company's
outstanding  capital stock, (iii) any split,  combination or reclassification of
any of its outstanding capital stock or any issuance or the authorization of any
issuance of any other  securities  in respect of, in lieu of or in  substitution
for  shares of its  outstanding  capital  stock,  (iv) (x) any  granting  by the
Company or any of its subsidiaries to any executive officer or other employee of
the Company or any of its subsidiaries of any increase in  compensation,  except
in the  ordinary  course of business  consistent  with prior  practice or as was
required  under  employment  agreements  or employee,  director or agent benefit
plans in effect as of the date of the most recent audited  financial  statements
included in the Filed SEC  Documents,  (y) any granting by the Company or any of
its subsidiaries to any such executive officer or other employee of any increase
in  severance or  termination  pay,  except in the  ordinary  course of business
consistent  with  prior  practice  or as  was  required  under  any  employment,
severance or termination  agreements in effect as of the date of the most recent
audited  financial  statements  included in the Filed SEC  Documents  or (z) any
entry by the Company or any of its subsidiaries  into any employment,  severance
or termination


                                       A-9

<PAGE>



agreement with any such executive officer or other employee or (v) any change in
accounting  methods,  principles  or  practices  by  the  Company  or any of its
subsidiaries  materially  affecting  its assets,  liability or business,  except
insofar as may have been required by a change in generally  accepted  accounting
principles.

         2.6 Absence of Changes in Benefit  Plans.  Except as  disclosed  in the
Filed SEC Documents or in Section 2.6 of the Disclosure Schedule, since the date
of the most  recent  audited  financial  statements  included  in the  Filed SEC
Documents,  there has not been any adoption or amendment in any material respect
by the Company or any of its subsidiaries of any collective bargaining agreement
or any Benefit  Plan (as defined in Section  2.7).  Except as  disclosed  in the
Filed SEC Documents or in Section 2.6 of the Disclosure Schedule, there exist no
employment,  consulting,  severance,  termination or indemnification  agreements
between  the  Company  or any of its  subsidiaries  and any  current  or  former
employee, officer or director of the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

         2.7 Benefit Plans. (i) Each "employee pension benefit plan" (as defined
in Section  3(2) of the Employee  Retirement  Income  Security  Act of 1974,  as
amended  ("ERISA"))  (hereinafter a "Pension Plan"),  "employee  welfare benefit
plan" (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA)  (hereinafter a "Welfare Plan"), and
each other  plan,  arrangement  or policy  (written  or oral)  relating to stock
options, stock purchases, bonus or incentive compensation, deferred compensation
or  severance,  in each case  maintained  or  contributed  to, or required to be
maintained  or  contributed  to, by the  Company  and its  subsidiaries  for the
benefit of any  present or former  officers,  employees,  agents,  directors  or
independent  contractors  of the  Company  or any of its  subsidiaries  (all the
foregoing  being herein called  "Benefit  Plans") has been  administered  in all
material  respects  in  accordance  with its terms and all  applicable  laws and
regulations. All required contributions to the Benefit Plans have been made. The
Company,  its  subsidiaries  and all the Benefit  Plans are in compliance in all
material  respects with the applicable  provisions of ERISA, the Code, all other
applicable  laws  applicable to the Company's  Benefit Plans and all  applicable
collective bargaining agreements.

         (ii) None of the Company or any other  person or entity  that  together
with the Company is treated as a single employer under Section 414(b),  (c), (m)
or (o) of the Code  (each a  "Commonly  Controlled  Entity")  has  incurred  any
liability  to a  Pension  Plan  covered  by Title IV of  ERISA  (other  than for
contributions not yet due) or to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (other
than for the payment of premiums not yet due) which liability has not been fully
paid as of the date hereof.

         (iii) No Commonly  Controlled  Entity is required to  contribute to any
"multiemployer  plan"  (as  defined  in  Section  4001(a)(3)  of  ERISA)  or has
withdrawn  from any  multiemployer  plan where such  withdrawal  has resulted or
would result in any "withdrawal  liability"  (within the meaning of Section 4201
of ERISA) that has not been fully paid.



                                      A-10

<PAGE>



         2.8      Taxes.  Except as disclosed in Section 2.8 of the
Disclosure Schedule,

         (i) Each of the Company and its  subsidiaries has filed all tax returns
and reports  required to be filed by it or requests for  extensions to file such
returns or reports have been timely filed, granted and have not expired,  except
to the extent that such  failures  to file or to have  extensions  granted  that
remain in effect  individually  and in the  aggregate  would not have a material
adverse effect on the business,  financial condition or results of operations of
the Company and its subsidiaries  taken as a whole. All tax returns filed by the
Company and each of its  subsidiaries  are complete  and accurate  except to the
extent that such failure to be complete  and accurate  would not have a material
adverse effect on the business,  financial condition or results of operations of
the Company and its  subsidiaries  taken as a whole. The Company and each of its
subsidiaries has paid (or the Company has paid on the subsidiaries'  behalf) all
taxes shown as due on such  returns,  and the most recent  financial  statements
contained in the Filed SEC Documents  reflect reserves which are adequate in all
material  respects for all taxes payable by the Company and its subsidiaries for
all  taxable  periods  and  portions  thereof  accrued  through the date of such
financial statements.

         (ii) No  deficiencies  for any taxes have been  proposed,  asserted  or
assessed against the Company or any of its subsidiaries  that are not adequately
reserved for,  except for  deficiencies  that  individually  or in the aggregate
would not have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition or
results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, and,
except as set forth on Section 2.8 of the Disclosure  Schedule,  no requests for
waivers of the time to assess any such taxes have been  granted or are  pending.
The  Federal  income tax  returns of the  Company  and each of its  subsidiaries
consolidated  in such returns have been  examined by and settled with the United
States Internal Revenue Service,  or the statute of limitations on assessment or
collection  of any  Federal  income  taxes  due from the  Company  or any of its
subsidiaries has expired, through such taxable years as are set forth in Section
2.8 of the Disclosure Schedule.

         (iii) As used in this  Agreement,  "taxes"  shall  include all Federal,
state, local and foreign income, property,  premium, sales, excise,  employment,
payroll,  withholding and other taxes,  tariffs or  governmental  charges of any
nature  whatsoever  and any interest,  penalties and additions to taxes relating
thereto.  As used in this  Agreement,  "tax  returns"  shall include any return,
report,  information  return,  or  other  document  (including  any  related  or
supporting  information)  filed or  required  to be filed with any  governmental
agency, department,  commission, board, bureau, or instrumentality in connection
with the determination, assessment, collection, or administration of any taxes.



                                      A-11

<PAGE>



         2.9 No Excess  Parachute  Payments;  Section  162(m)  of the Code.  (i)
Except as disclosed in Section 2.9 of the Disclosure  Schedule,  any amount that
could be received  (whether in cash or property or the vesting of property) as a
result  of  any  of the  transactions  contemplated  by  this  Agreement  by any
employee,  officer or director of the Company or any of its  affiliates who is a
"disqualified  individual"  (as  such  term  is  defined  in  proposed  Treasury
Regulation  Section  1.280G-1)  under any  employment,  severance or termination
agreement,  other  compensation  arrangement or Benefit Plan currently in effect
would not be  characterized  as an "excess  parachute  payment" (as such term is
defined in Section 280G(b)(1) of the Code).

         (ii) Except as disclosed in Section 2.9 of the Disclosure Schedule, the
disallowance  of a  deduction  under  Section  162(m)  of the Code for  employee
remuneration  will not apply to any amount paid or payable by the Company or any
subsidiary of the Company under any contract, Benefit Plan, program, arrangement
or understanding currently in effect.

         2.10 Voting  Requirements.  The  affirmative  vote of a majority of the
votes cast by the holders of the Shares and  Preferred  Shares  entitled to vote
thereon at the  Stockholders  Meeting with respect to the approval of the Merger
is the only vote of the holders of any class or series of the Company's  capital
stock necessary to approve this Agreement and the  transactions  contemplated by
this Agreement.

         2.11 Compliance  with Applicable  Laws. (i) Each of the Company and its
subsidiaries has in effect all Federal,  state,  local and foreign  governmental
approvals, authorizations, certificates, filings, franchises, licenses, notices,
permits and rights  ("Permits")  necessary  for it to own,  lease or operate its
properties and assets and to carry on its business as now  conducted,  and there
has occurred no default under any such Permit.  Except as disclosed in the Filed
SEC Documents and except with respect to matters  covered by Section  2.11(iii),
the Company and its subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with
all applicable statutes, laws, ordinances,  rules, orders and regulations of any
Governmental  Entity.  Except as disclosed in the Filed SEC Documents or Section
2.11 of the  Disclosure  Schedule and except for routine  examinations  by state
Governmental   Entities   charged  with   supervision  of  insurance   companies
("Insurance  Regulators")  and except with respect to matters covered by Section
2.11(iii), as of the date of this Agreement, to the knowledge of the Company, no
investigation by any  Governmental  Entity with respect to the Company or any of
its subsidiaries is pending or threatened.

         (ii) The Annual  Statements  (including  without  limitation the Annual
Statements  of any  separate  accounts)  for the year ended  December  31, 1995,
together  with all exhibits and  schedules  thereto,  and  financial  statements
relating thereto, and any actuarial opinion,  affirmation or certification filed
in connection therewith, and the Quarterly Statements for the periods


                                      A-12

<PAGE>



ended after January 1, 1996,  together with all exhibits and schedules  thereto,
with respect to each  subsidiary  of the Company  that is a regulated  insurance
company  (an  "Insurance  Company"),  in each case as filed with the  applicable
Insurance Regulator of its jurisdiction of domicile, were prepared in conformity
with statutory  accounting  practices  prescribed or permitted by such Insurance
Regulator applied on a consistent basis ("SAP"), present fairly, in all material
respects,  to the extent  required by and in conformity  with SAP, the statutory
financial  condition of such Insurance Company at their respective dates and the
results of  operations,  changes in capital  and  surplus  and cash flow of such
Insurance  Company for each of the periods  then ended,  and were correct in all
material respects when filed and there were no material omissions therefrom when
filed.  No  deficiencies  or violations  material to the financial  condition or
operations  of any  Insurance  Company  have been  asserted  in  writing  by any
Insurance  Regulator  which have not been  cured or  otherwise  resolved  to the
satisfaction  of such  Insurance  Regulator and which have not been disclosed in
writing to Conseco prior to the date of this Agreement.

         (iii)  Except  as set  forth in  Section  2.11(iii)  of the  Disclosure
Schedule, (a) the Company and its subsidiaries  (exclusive of their agents) and,
to the knowledge of the Company (without independent inquiry), their agents have
marketed,  sold and issued  Company  products  in  compliance,  in all  material
respects, with all statutes, laws, ordinances,  rules, orders and regulations of
any  Governmental  Entity  applicable  to the  business  of the  Company and its
subsidiaries  ("Laws") in the  respective  jurisdictions  in which such products
have been  sold,  except  where the  failure  to do so,  individually  or in the
aggregate,  has not had or would not  reasonably be expected to have, a material
adverse effect on the business,  financial condition or results of operations of
the Company  and its  subsidiaries,  taken as a whole,  (b) there are (x) to the
knowledge  of  the  Company,  no  claims  asserted,   (y)  no  actions,   suits,
investigations  or  proceedings  by or before  any  court or other  Governmental
Entity  or (z) no  investigations  by or on behalf of the  Company  (other  than
routine  investigations in connection with the Company's hiring practices) ((x),
(y) and (z) being  collectively  referred  to as  "Actions")  pending or, to the
knowledge of the Company, threatened, against or directly involving the Company,
any of its subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of the Company (without independent
inquiry),  any of its agents that include  allegations that the Company,  any of
its  subsidiaries  or any of its agents were in violation of or failed to comply
with such Laws, and, to the knowledge of the Company, no facts exist which would
reasonably  be  expected  to result in the  filing or  commencement  of any such
Action,  which Actions,  individually or in the aggregate,  would  reasonably be
expected to have a material adverse effect on the business,  financial condition
or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries,  taken as a whole,
and (c) the Company and its  subsidiaries  are in  compliance,  in all  material
respects,  with and have performed,  in all material  respects,  all obligations
required to be performed by each of them under any cease-and-desist or


                                      A-13

<PAGE>



other order issued by any Insurance  Regulator or other  Governmental  Entity to
the Company or any of its subsidiaries or under any written  agreement,  consent
agreement,   memorandum  of  understanding  or  commitment   letter  or  similar
undertaking  entered into between any Insurance  Regulator or other Governmental
Entity and the  Company  or any of its  subsidiaries  ("Regulatory  Agreement"),
which Regulatory  Agreement  remains in effect on the date hereof,  except where
the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, has not had or would not
reasonably  be  expected to have,  a material  adverse  effect on the  business,
financial   condition  or  results  of   operations   of  the  Company  and  its
subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

         2.12     Opinion of Financial Advisor.  The Company has received
the opinion of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corp.
("DLJ"), dated the date hereof, to the effect that, as of such
date, the consideration to be received in the Merger by the
Company's stockholders is fair, from a financial point of view, to
the Company's stockholders.

         2.13 Brokers. Except with respect to DLJ, all negotiations on behalf of
the Company relative to this Agreement and the transactions  contemplated hereby
have  been  carried  out by the  Company  directly  with  Conseco,  without  the
intervention  of any person on behalf of the  Company in such  manner as to give
rise to any valid  claim by any  person  against  Conseco,  the  Company  or any
subsidiary for a finder's fee, brokerage commission, transaction fee, investment
banking fee, or similar  payment.  The Company has provided  Conseco with a true
and complete copy of the agreement  between the Company and DLJ, and the Company
has no other agreements or understandings (written or oral) with respect to such
services.

                                   ARTICLE III

                REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF CONSECO AND RAC

         Conseco and RAC hereby represent and warrant to the Company as follows:

         3.1 Organization,  Standing and Corporate Power.  Each of Conseco,  RAC
and each  Significant  Subsidiary  of  Conseco  (as  hereinafter  defined)  is a
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws
of the jurisdiction in which it is incorporated and has the requisite  corporate
power and  authority  to carry on its business as now being  conducted.  Each of
Conseco,  RAC and each  Significant  Subsidiary of Conseco is duly  qualified or
licensed to do business and is in good  standing in each  jurisdiction  in which
the nature of its business or the ownership or leasing of its  properties  makes
such qualification or licensing necessary.  Conseco has delivered to the Company
complete and correct  copies of its Articles of  Incorporation  and By-laws,  as
amended  to the  date of this  Agreement.  For  purposes  of this  Agreement,  a
"Significant  Subsidiary"  of Conseco means any subsidiary of Conseco that would
constitute  a  Significant  Subsidiary  within  the  meaning  of  Rule  1-02  of
Regulation S-X promulgated under the Exchange Act.


                                      A-14

<PAGE>




         3.2 Conseco Capital Structure.  The authorized capital stock of Conseco
consists of 500,000,000  shares of Conseco Common Stock and 20,000,000 shares of
preferred  stock,  without par value.  At the close of business on December  13,
1996,  (i)  67,001,181  shares of Conseco  Common Stock and 4,369,700  shares of
Preferred  Redeemable  Increased  Dividend  Equity  Securities  of Conseco  (the
"Conseco  PRIDES") were issued and outstanding (net of treasury shares or shares
held by  subsidiaries),  (ii)  13,403,557  shares of Conseco  Common  Stock were
reserved  for issuance  pursuant to  outstanding  options to purchase  shares of
Conseco Common Stock and other benefits  granted under  Conseco's  benefit plans
(the "Conseco Stock Plans") and (iii)  8,739,400  shares of Conseco Common Stock
were reserved for issuance upon conversion of the Conseco PRIDES.  Except (x) as
set forth  above,  (y) for  outstanding  options to  purchase  an  aggregate  of
1,039,690 shares of Bankers Life Holding Corporation under its Stock Option Plan
and with respect to stock units awarded  under the Conseco  Stock Plans,  at the
close of  business  on  December  13,  1996,  and (z) as set  forth in the Filed
Conseco SEC Documents (as defined in Section 3.5), no shares of capital stock or
other  voting  securities  of Conseco  were  issued,  reserved  for  issuance or
outstanding.  All  outstanding  shares of capital  stock of Conseco are, and all
shares which may be issued pursuant to this Agreement will be, when issued, duly
authorized,  validly  issued,  fully paid and  nonassessable  and not subject to
preemptive  rights. The authorized capital stock of RAC consists of 1,000 shares
of capital stock,  $.001 par value,  all of which have been validly issued,  are
fully  paid and  nonassessable  and are owned by  Conseco  free and clear of any
Lien. As of the date of this  Agreement,  no bonds,  debentures,  notes or other
indebtedness  of Conseco or any  Significant  Subsidiary  of Conseco  having the
right to vote (or convertible into, or exchangeable  for,  securities having the
right to vote) on any  matters  on which  the  stockholders  of  Conseco  or any
Significant  Subsidiary of Conseco may vote are issued or  outstanding.  All the
outstanding  shares of capital stock of each  Significant  Subsidiary of Conseco
have been validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable and, except as set
forth in the Filed Conseco SEC Documents,  are owned by Conseco,  free and clear
of all Liens as of the date of this  Agreement.  Except as set forth above or in
the Filed Conseco SEC Documents,  neither Conseco nor any Significant Subsidiary
of Conseco has any  outstanding  option,  warrant,  subscription or other right,
agreement or commitment  which either (i) obligates  Conseco or any  Significant
Subsidiary  of  Conseco  to  issue,  sell or  transfer,  repurchase,  redeem  or
otherwise  acquire  or vote any  shares of the  capital  stock of Conseco or any
Significant  Subsidiary  of Conseco or (ii)  restricts  the  transfer of Conseco
Common Stock.

         3.3  Authority;  Noncontravention.  Conseco and RAC have all  requisite
corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the
transactions  contemplated by this Agreement. The execution and delivery of this
Agreement  by Conseco  and RAC and the  consummation  by Conseco  and RAC of the
transactions  contemplated  by this Agreement  have been duly  authorized by all
necessary corporate action on the part of


                                      A-15

<PAGE>



Conseco and RAC.  This  Agreement  has been duly  executed and delivered by and,
assuming  this  Agreement  constitutes  the valid and binding  agreement  of the
Company,  constitutes  a valid  and  binding  obligation  of  Conseco  and  RAC,
enforceable  against  such party in  accordance  with its terms  except that the
enforcement   thereof   may   be   limited   by  (a)   bankruptcy,   insolvency,
reorganization,  moratorium or similar laws now or hereafter in effect  relating
to creditor's rights generally and (b) general  principles of equity (regardless
of whether  enforceability  is  considered in a proceeding at law or in equity).
The execution and delivery of this Agreement do not, and the consummation of the
transactions  contemplated  by this Agreement and compliance with the provisions
of this  Agreement  will  not (i)  conflict  with any of the  provisions  of the
Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of Conseco, the Certificate of Incorporation
or Bylaws of RAC, or the comparable  documents of any Significant  Subsidiary of
Conseco,  (ii) subject to the governmental filings and other matters referred to
in the following sentence, conflict with, result in a breach of or default (with
or without  notice or lapse of time, or both) under,  or give rise to a right of
termination,  cancellation  or  acceleration  of any  obligation  or  loss  of a
material  benefit  under,  or  require  the  consent of any  person  under,  any
indenture, or other agreement, permit, concession, franchise, license or similar
instrument or undertaking to which Conseco or any of its subsidiaries is a party
or by which Conseco or any of its  subsidiaries  or any of their assets is bound
or affected,  or (iii)  subject to the  governmental  filings and other  matters
referred to in the following sentence, contravene any law, rule or regulation of
any  state or of the  United  States or any  political  subdivision  thereof  or
therein,  or any order, writ,  judgment,  injunction,  decree,  determination or
award  currently  in  effect.  No  consent,  approval  or  authorization  of, or
declaration or filing with, or notice to, any Governmental  Entity which has not
been  received  or made is  required  by or with  respect  to  Conseco or RAC in
connection  with the execution and delivery of this  Agreement by Conseco or RAC
or the  consummation  by  Conseco  or RAC,  as the  case  may be,  of any of the
transactions  contemplated  by this  Agreement,  except  for (i) the  filing  of
premerger  notification  and report  forms under the HSR Act with respect to the
Merger, (ii) the filings and/or notices required under the insurance laws of the
jurisdictions  set forth in Section 2.3 of the  Disclosure  Schedule,  (iii) the
filing with the SEC of the  registration  statement on Form S-4 to be filed with
the SEC by Conseco in  connection  with the issuance of Conseco  Common Stock in
the Merger (the "Form S- 4") and such  reports  under the Exchange Act as may be
required in connection  with this  Agreement and the  transactions  contemplated
hereby, (iv) the filing of the certificate of merger with the Delaware Secretary
of State, and appropriate  documents with the relevant  authorities of the other
states  in which  the  Company  is  qualified  to do  business,  (v) such  other
consents,  approvals,  authorizations,  filings  or  notices as are set forth in
Section 2.3 of the  Disclosure  Schedule and (vi) any  applicable  filings under
state anti-takeover laws.



                                      A-16

<PAGE>



         3.4 SEC Documents. Conseco and its subsidiaries have filed all required
reports,  schedules,  forms,  statements and other  documents with the SEC since
January  1,  1995  (such  documents  and  the  exhibits  thereto  and  documents
incorporated  therein by reference are  hereinafter  referred to as the "Conseco
SEC  Documents").  As of their  respective  dates,  the  Conseco  SEC  Documents
complied with the requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as the
case may be, and the rules and  regulations  of the SEC  promulgated  thereunder
applicable to such Conseco SEC Documents,  and none of the Conseco SEC Documents
as of such dates contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to
state a material  fact  required to be stated  therein or  necessary in order to
make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were
made,  not  misleading.  The  financial  statements  of Conseco  included in the
Conseco SEC Documents comply as to form in all material respects with applicable
accounting  requirements and the published rules and regulations of the SEC with
respect  thereto,  have been  prepared in  accordance  with  generally  accepted
accounting  principles applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved
(except as may be  indicated  in the notes  thereto or, in the case of unaudited
statements, as permitted by Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X) and fairly present, in
all material respects,  the consolidated financial statements of Conseco and its
consolidated  subsidiaries as of the dates thereof and the consolidated  results
of their  operations and cash flows for the periods then ended (subject,  in the
case of unaudited quarterly statements, to normal year-end audit adjustments).

         3.5 Absence of Certain  Changes or Events.  Except as  disclosed in the
Conseco SEC  Documents  filed and publicly  available  prior to the date of this
Agreement (the "Filed Conseco SEC Documents"), since the date of the most recent
audited  financial  statements  included  in the Filed  Conseco  SEC  Documents,
Conseco has conducted its business  only in the ordinary  course,  and there has
not been (i) any  change  which  would  have a  material  adverse  effect on the
business,  financial  condition  or results  of  operations  of Conseco  and its
subsidiaries,  taken as a whole, (ii) any declaration,  setting aside or payment
of any  dividend or  distribution  (whether  in cash,  stock or  property)  with
respect  to  any  of  Conseco's   outstanding  capital  stock  (other  than  the
declaration  of a cash dividend  payable  January 2, 1997 of $.0625 per share on
Conseco  Common  Stock and regular  cash  dividends  on the Conseco  PRIDES,  in
accordance  with usual record and payment dates and in accordance with Conseco's
dividend  policy and  Articles of  Incorporation  at the date of such  payment),
(iii) any  split,  combination  or  reclassification  of any of its  outstanding
capital stock or any issuance or the  authorization of any issuance of any other
securities  in  respect  of,  in lieu of or in  substitution  for  shares of its
capital stock, or (iv) any change in accounting methods, principles or practices
by Conseco materially affecting its assets,  liabilities or business,  except as
may have been required by a change in generally accepted accounting principles.



                                      A-17

<PAGE>



         3.6  Compliance  with  Applicable  Laws.  (i) Each of  Conseco  and its
subsidiaries has in effect all Permits necessary for it to own, lease or operate
its  properties  and assets and to carry on its business as now  conducted,  and
there has occurred no default under any such Permit.  Except as disclosed in the
Filed  Conseco  SEC  Documents  and except  with  respect to matters  covered by
Section 3.6(iii), Conseco and its subsidiaries are in compliance in all material
respects with all  applicable  statutes,  laws,  ordinances,  rules,  orders and
regulations of any Governmental Entity. Except as disclosed in the Filed Conseco
SEC Documents and except for routine  examinations  by Insurance  Regulators and
except with respect to matters  covered by Section  3.6(iii),  as of the date of
this  Agreement,   to  the  knowledge  of  Conseco,   no  investigation  by  any
Governmental  Entity  with  respect  to Conseco  or any of its  subsidiaries  is
pending or threatened.

         (ii) The Annual  Statements  (including  without  limitation the Annual
Statements  of any  separate  accounts)  for the year ended  December  31, 1995,
together with all exhibits and  schedules  thereto,  and any actuarial  opinion,
affirmation or certification  filed in connection  therewith,  and the Quarterly
Statements  for the  periods  ended  after  January 1, 1996,  together  with all
exhibits and schedules thereto,  with respect to each subsidiary of Conseco that
is an Insurance  Company,  in each case as filed with the  applicable  Insurance
Regulator of its  jurisdiction  of domicile,  were prepared in conformity  with,
present  fairly,  in all  material  respects,  to the extent  required by and in
conformity with SAP, the statutory financial condition of such Insurance Company
at their respective dates and the results of operations,  changes in capital and
surplus and cash flow of such  Insurance  Company  for each of the periods  then
ended,  and were correct in all material  respects  when filed and there were no
material omissions  therefrom when filed. No deficiencies or violations material
to the financial  condition or  operations  of any  Insurance  Company have been
asserted  in writing  by any  Insurance  Regulator  which have not been cured or
otherwise  resolved to the  satisfaction  of such Insurance  Regulator and which
have not been  disclosed  in  writing to the  Company  prior to the date of this
Agreement.

         (iii)  Except as set  forth in the Filed  Conseco  SEC  Documents,  (a)
Conseco and its  subsidiaries  (exclusive of their agents) and, to the knowledge
of Conseco (without independent inquiry),  their agents have marketed,  sold and
issued  Conseco  products in  compliance,  in all  material  respects,  with all
statutes,  laws,  ordinances,  rules, orders and regulations of any Governmental
Entity  applicable  to the  business of Conseco and its  subsidiaries  ("Conseco
Laws") in the  respective  jurisdictions  in which such products have been sold,
except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, has not had
or would not  reasonably be expected to have, a material  adverse  effect on the
business,  financial  condition  or results  of  operations  of Conseco  and its
subsidiaries,  taken as a whole,  (b) there are (x) to the knowledge of Conseco,
no claims asserted, (y) no actions,  suits,  investigations or proceedings by or
before any court or other


                                      A-18

<PAGE>



Governmental  Entity or (z) no  investigations by or on behalf of Conseco (other
than routine investigations in connection with Conseco's hiring practices) ((x),
(y) and (z) being collectively  referred to as "Conseco Actions") pending or, to
the knowledge of Conseco,  threatened,  against or involving Conseco, any of its
subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of Conseco (without independent inquiry),  any
of its agents that include allegations that Conseco,  any of its subsidiaries or
any of its agents were in  violation  of or failed to comply  with such  Conseco
Laws, and, to the knowledge of Conseco, no facts exist which would reasonably be
expected to result in the filing or  commencement  of any such  Conseco  Action,
which Conseco  Actions,  individually or in the aggregate,  would  reasonably be
expected to have a material adverse effect on the business,  financial condition
or results of operations of Conseco and its subsidiaries,  taken as a whole, and
(c) Conseco and its  subsidiaries are in compliance,  in all material  respects,
with and have performed,  in all material respects,  all obligations required to
be performed by each of them under any cease-and-desist or other order issued by
any Insurance  Regulator or other  Governmental  Entity to Conseco or any of its
subsidiaries or under any written agreement,  consent  agreement,  memorandum of
understanding or commitment letter or similar  undertaking  entered into between
any Insurance  Regulator or other Governmental  Entity and Conseco or any of its
subsidiaries   ("Conseco  Regulatory   Agreement"),   which  Conseco  Regulatory
Agreement  remains in effect on the date hereof,  except where the failure to do
so,  individually  or in the  aggregate,  has not had or would not reasonably be
expected to have, a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition
or results of operations of Conseco and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

         3.7 No Prior  Activities.  RAC has not  incurred,  and will not  incur,
directly or through any subsidiary,  any liabilities or obligations for borrowed
money  or  otherwise,  except  incidental  liabilities  or  obligations  not for
borrowed  money  incurred  in  connection  with its  organization  and except in
connection  with obtaining  financing in connection  with the Merger.  Except as
contemplated by this Agreement, RAC (i) has not engaged, directly or through any
subsidiary, in any business activities of any type or kind whatsoever,  (ii) has
not entered into any agreements or arrangements  with any person or entity,  and
(iii) is not subject to or bound by any obligation or undertaking.

         3.8 Brokers.  All  negotiations  on behalf of Conseco  relative to this
Agreement  and the  transactions  contemplated  hereby have been  carried out by
Conseco  directly with the Company,  without the  intervention  of any person on
behalf of  Conseco  in such  manner  as to give  rise to any valid  claim by any
person  against  the  Company or any of its  subsidiaries  for a  finder's  fee,
brokerage  commission,  transaction  fee,  investment  banking  fee,  or similar
payment.

         3.9 Voting Requirements.  No authorization or approval by
the holders of any class or series of  Conseco's  capital  stock is necessary to
approve this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.


                                      A-19

<PAGE>



                                   ARTICLE IV

                              ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

         4.1      Preparation of Form S-4 and the Proxy Statement;
Information Supplied.

         (a) As soon as practicable  following the date of this  Agreement,  the
Company and Conseco shall prepare and file with the SEC the Proxy  Statement and
Conseco  shall  prepare  and file with the SEC the Form S-4,  in which the Proxy
Statement  will be  included  as a  prospectus.  Each of the Company and Conseco
shall  use  commercially  reasonable  efforts  to have  the  Form  S-4  declared
effective under the Securities Act as promptly as practicable after such filing.
The  Company  will  use  commercially  reasonable  efforts  to cause  the  Proxy
Statement to be mailed to the Company's  stockholders as promptly as practicable
after the Form S-4 is declared effective under the Securities Act. Conseco shall
also take any action (other than  qualifying to do business in any  jurisdiction
in which it is not now so qualified)  required to be taken under any  applicable
state securities laws in connection with the issuance of Conseco Common Stock in
the Merger and the Company shall furnish all information  concerning the Company
and the holders of the Common Stock as may be reasonably requested in connection
with any such action.

         (b) The Company agrees that none of the  information  supplied or to be
supplied by the Company specifically for inclusion or incorporation by reference
in (i) the Form S-4, as then amended or supplemented, will, at the time the Form
S-4 is filed with the SEC, at any time it is amended or  supplemented  or at the
time it becomes effective under the Securities Act, contain any untrue statement
of a material  fact or omit to state any  material  fact  required  to be stated
therein or necessary to make the  statements  therein not misleading or (ii) the
Proxy  Statement  will,  at  the  date  it is  first  mailed  to  the  Company's
stockholders or at the time of the  Stockholders  Meeting (as defined in Section
4.2),  contain  any untrue  statement  of a  material  fact or omit to state any
material  fact  required to be stated  therein or necessary in order to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not
misleading.  The Company agrees that the Proxy  Statement will comply as to form
in all material respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules
and  regulations   thereunder,   except  with  respect  to  statements  made  or
incorporated  by reference  therein based on information  supplied by Conseco or
RAC  specifically  for  inclusion  or  incorporation  by  reference in the Proxy
Statement.

         (c)  Conseco  agrees  that none of the  information  supplied  or to be
supplied  by Conseco or RAC  specifically  for  inclusion  or  incorporation  by
reference  in (i) the Form S-4 will,  at the time the Form S-4 is filed with the
SEC,  at any  time it is  amended  or  supplemented  or at the  time it  becomes
effective under the Securities Act,  contain any untrue  statement of a material
fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or


                                      A-20

<PAGE>



necessary  to make the  statements  therein  not  misleading  or (ii) the  Proxy
Statement will, at the date it is first mailed to the Company's  stockholders or
at the time of the Stockholders Meeting (as defined in Section 4.2), contain any
untrue  statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required
to be stated  therein or necessary in order to make the statements  therein,  in
light of the  circumstances  under which they are made, not misleading.  Conseco
agrees that the Form S-4 will comply as to form in all  material  respects  with
the requirements of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder,  except with respect to statements made or incorporated by reference
based on  information  supplied by the Company  specifically  for  inclusion  or
incorporation by reference therein.

         4.2 Meeting of Stockholders. The Company will take all action necessary
in accordance  with  applicable  law and its  Certificate of  Incorporation  and
By-laws to convene a meeting of its stockholders (the "Stockholders Meeting") to
consider  and vote upon the  approval  of the  Merger.  Subject to  Section  4.9
hereof,  the Company  will,  through its Board of  Directors,  recommend  to its
stockholders  approval of this  Agreement and the Merger.  Without  limiting the
generality of the foregoing,  the Company  agrees that,  subject to its right to
terminate this Agreement  pursuant to Section 4.9, its  obligations  pursuant to
the  first  sentence  of this  Section  4.2  shall  not be  affected  by (i) the
commencement, public proposal, public disclosure or communication to the Company
of any  Acquisition  Proposal (as defined in Section 4.8) or (ii) the withdrawal
or  modification  by the Board of  Directors  of the Company of its  approval or
recommendation   of  this  Agreement  or  the  Merger.   The  Company  will  use
commercially reasonable efforts to hold the Stockholders Meeting and (subject to
Section 4.9 hereof) to obtain the favorable vote of its  stockholders as soon as
practicable after the date hereof.

         4.3  Letter  of  the  Company's  Accountants.  The  Company  shall  use
commercially  reasonable efforts to cause to be delivered to Conseco a letter of
Ernst & Young LLP, the Company's  independent public  accountants,  dated a date
within two  business  days  before  the date on which the Form S-4 shall  become
effective  and a letter of Ernst & Young LLP,  dated a date within two  business
days before the  Closing  Date,  addressed  to  Conseco,  in form and  substance
reasonably  satisfactory  to Conseco and  customary in scope and  substance  for
letters  delivered  by  independent   public   accountants  in  connection  with
registration statements similar to the Form S-4.

         4.4 Letter of Conseco's  Accountants.  Conseco  shall use  commercially
reasonable efforts to cause to be delivered to the Company a letter of Coopers &
Lybrand L.L.P.,  Conseco's  independent public accountants,  dated a date within
two business  days before the date on which the Form S-4 shall become  effective
and a letter of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.,  dated a date within two business days
before the Closing Date,  each  addressed to the Company,  in form and substance
reasonably  satisfactory to the Company and customary in scope and substance for
letters  delivered  by  independent   public   accountants  in  connection  with
registration statements similar to the Form S-4.


                                      A-21
<PAGE>




         4.5 Access to Information;  Confidentiality.  Upon  reasonable  notice,
each of the Company and Conseco  shall,  and shall cause each of its  respective
subsidiaries  to,  afford to the other  party  and to the  officers,  employees,
counsel,  financial  advisors  and other  representatives  of such  other  party
reasonable  access during normal  business  hours during the period prior to the
Effective Time to all its properties, books, contracts,  commitments,  personnel
and records and, during such period,  each of the Company and Conseco shall, and
shall  cause each of its  respective  subsidiaries  to,  furnish as  promptly as
practicable  to the  other  party  such  information  concerning  its  business,
properties,  financial  condition,  operations and personnel as such other party
may from time to time  reasonably  request.  Except as required by law,  Conseco
will  hold,  and  will  cause  its  respective  directors,  officers,  partners,
employees,  accountants,  counsel,  financial advisors and other representatives
and affiliates to hold, any nonpublic  information  obtained from the Company in
confidence to the extent required by, and in accordance  with, the provisions of
the letter  dated  November  14,  1996,  between  Conseco and the  Company  (the
"Confidentiality Agreement").  Except as required by law, the Company will hold,
and will  cause  its  directors,  officers,  partners,  employees,  accountants,
counsel,  financial advisors and other  representatives  and affiliates to hold,
any  nonpublic  information  obtained  from Conseco in  confidence to the extent
required by, and in accordance with, the Confidentiality Agreement.

         4.6 Commercially  Reasonable Efforts. Upon the terms and subject to the
conditions and other agreements set forth in this Agreement, each of the parties
agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all
actions,  and to do, or cause to be done,  and to assist and cooperate  with the
other parties in doing, all things necessary,  proper or advisable to consummate
and make effective,  in the most expeditious manner practicable,  the Merger and
the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

         4.7 Public Announcements. Conseco and the Company will consult and make
a good faith  effort to agree with each other before  issuing,  and provide each
other the  opportunity  to review and comment  upon,  any press release or other
public  statements  with  respect  to  the  transactions  contemplated  by  this
Agreement,  including the Merger,  and shall not issue any such press release or
make any such  public  statement  prior to such  consultation,  except as may be
required by  applicable  law,  court process or by  obligations  pursuant to any
listing agreement with any national securities exchange.

         4.8 Acquisition  Proposals.  The Company shall not, nor shall it permit
any of its  subsidiaries  to,  nor shall it  authorize  or permit  any  officer,
director or employee of, or any investment banker,  attorney or other advisor or
representative  of,  the  Company or any of its  subsidiaries  to,  directly  or
indirectly, (i) solicit, initiate or encourage the submission of any Acquisition
Proposal (as hereinafter defined) or (ii) participate in any


                                      A-22

<PAGE>



discussions or negotiations  regarding, or furnish to any person any information
with respect to, or take any other  action to  facilitate  any  inquiries or the
making of any proposal that  constitutes,  or may reasonably be expected to lead
to, any Acquisition Proposal;  provided, however, that nothing contained in this
Section 4.8 shall prohibit the Board of Directors of the Company from furnishing
information to, or entering into discussions or negotiations with, any person or
entity that makes an unsolicited Acquisition Proposal if, and only to the extent
that (A) the Board of  Directors  of the Company,  after  consultation  with and
based upon the advice of outside counsel, determines in good faith that in order
for the Board of Directors of the Company to comply with its fiduciary duties to
stockholders  under  applicable  law it should take such action and (B) prior to
taking such action, the Company (x) provides reasonable notice to Conseco to the
effect that it is taking such action and (y) receives from such person or entity
an  executed   confidentiality   agreement   in   reasonably   customary   form.
Notwithstanding  anything in this  Agreement to the contrary,  the Company shall
(i) promptly  advise  Conseco orally and in writing of (A) the receipt by it (or
any of the other entities or persons referred to above) after the date hereof of
any  Acquisition  Proposal,  or any inquiry which could lead to any  Acquisition
Proposal,  (B) the material terms and conditions of such Acquisition Proposal or
inquiry, and (C) the identity of the person making any such Acquisition Proposal
or inquiry,  and (ii) keep Conseco  fully  informed of the status and details of
any such  Acquisition  Proposal  or  inquiry.  Notwithstanding  the  immediately
preceding  sentence,  the Company  may delay  providing  any of the  information
described  in clause (i) (B),  (i) (C) or (ii) of such  sentence  if, and for so
long as, the Board of Directors of the Company,  after consultation with outside
counsel,  determines  and  continues  to  believe in good faith that in order to
comply with its fiduciary duties to stockholders  under applicable law it should
not provide  such  information.  For  purposes of this  Agreement,  "Acquisition
Proposal" means any bona fide proposal with respect to a merger,  consolidation,
share exchange or similar transaction involving the Company or any subsidiary of
the Company,  or any purchase of all or any significant portion of the assets of
the Company or any  subsidiary  of the  Company,  or any equity  interest in the
Company  or  any  subsidiary  of  the  Company,   other  than  the  transactions
contemplated hereby.

         4.9 Fiduciary  Duties.  The Board of Directors of the Company shall not
(i) withdraw or modify,  in a manner  materially  adverse to Conseco or RAC, the
approval or  recommendation  by such Board of Directors of this Agreement or the
Merger,  or (ii)  enter  into any  agreement  with  respect  to any  Acquisition
Proposal,  unless the Company receives an Acquisition  Proposal and the Board of
Directors of the Company determines in good faith,  following  consultation with
outside  counsel,  that  in  order  to  comply  with  its  fiduciary  duties  to
stockholders  under  applicable  law the Board of Directors  should  withdraw or
modify,  in a manner  materially  adverse  to Conseco or RAC,  its  approval  or
recommendation of this Agreement or the Merger, or enter into an


                                      A-23

<PAGE>



agreement with respect to such Acquisition Proposal or terminate this Agreement.
In the event the Board of  Directors of the Company  takes any of the  foregoing
actions, the Company shall, concurrently with the taking of any such action, pay
to  Conseco  the  Section  4.11 Fee  pursuant  to Section  4.11.  Subject to the
provisions of the first sentence of this Section 4.9, nothing  contained in this
Section  4.9 shall  prohibit  the  Company  from  taking and  disclosing  to its
stockholders  a position  contemplated  by Rule 14e-2(a)  promulgated  under the
Exchange Act or from making any disclosure to the Company's  stockholders which,
in the good faith  reasonable  judgment of the Board of Directors of the Company
after  consultation  with outside counsel,  should be made under applicable law.
Notwithstanding  anything  contained in this Agreement to the contrary,  (x) any
action  by the  Board of  Directors  permitted  by this  Section  4.9  shall not
constitute a breach of this  Agreement by the Company and (y) a  "stop-look-and-
listen" communication with respect to the Merger or this Agreement of the nature
contemplated  in Rule  14d-9  under the  Exchange  Act made by the  Company as a
result of an  Acquisition  Proposal  shall in no event be deemed a withdrawal or
modification  by the  Board of  Directors  of the  Company  of its  approval  or
recommendation of this Agreement or the Merger.

         4.10 Consents, Approvals and Filings. The Company and Conseco will make
and cause their respective  subsidiaries to make all necessary filings,  as soon
as practicable, including, without limitation, those required under the HSR Act,
the  Securities  Act, the Exchange Act, and applicable  state  insurance laws in
order to facilitate prompt consummation of the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.  In addition,  the Company and Conseco will each
use commercially  reasonable  efforts,  and will cooperate fully with each other
(i) to comply as  promptly as  practicable  with all  governmental  requirements
applicable  to the  Merger  and  the  other  transactions  contemplated  by this
Agreement and (ii) to obtain as promptly as practicable  all necessary  permits,
orders or other  consents of  Governmental  Entities  and  consents of all third
parties necessary for the consummation of the Merger and the other  transactions
contemplated  by this  Agreement.  Each of the  Company  and  Conseco  shall use
commercially  reasonable  efforts  to  promptly  provide  such  information  and
communications  to  Governmental  Entities  as such  Governmental  Entities  may
reasonably request.  Each of the parties shall provide to the other party copies
of all  applications in advance of filing or submission of such  applications to
Governmental  Entities in  connection  with this  Agreement  and shall make such
revisions thereto as reasonably  requested by such other party. Each party shall
provide  to  the  other  party  the  opportunity  to  attend  all  meetings  and
participate in all material conversations with Governmental Entities.

         4.11  Certain  Fees.  (a) The Company  shall pay to Conseco upon demand
$8.0 million (the "Section 4.11 Fee"), payable in same-day funds, if a bona fide
Acquisition  Proposal is commenced,  publicly  proposed,  publicly  disclosed or
communicated  to the Company (or the  willingness  of any person to make such an
Acquisition Proposal


                                      A-24

<PAGE>



is publicly disclosed or communicated to the Company) and the Board of Directors
of the Company,  in  accordance  with  Section  4.9,  withdraws or modifies in a
manner  materially  adverse to Conseco its  approval or  recommendation  of this
Agreement  or the  Merger or  enters  into an  agreement  with  respect  to such
Acquisition Proposal (other than a confidentiality  agreement as contemplated by
Section 4.8), or terminates this Agreement;  provided, however, that no such fee
shall be payable if this Agreement shall have been terminated in accordance with
any of the provisions of Section 7.1 (other than Section 7.1(b)(iv)).

         (b) Unless  Conseco is  materially  in breach of this  Agreement  or is
unable to satisfy the condition of Section 6.3(a) hereof,  the Company shall pay
to Conseco upon demand an amount, not to exceed $1,000,000, to reimburse Conseco
for its  Expenses (as such term is defined in  subparagraph  (c) of this Section
4.11),  payable in same-day  funds,  if the requisite  approval of the Company's
stockholders  for the  Merger  is not  obtained  (other  than the  circumstances
specified  in Section  4.11(a)  hereof) and all other  conditions  contained  in
Section 6.1 of this  Agreement have been  satisfied,  waived or, with respect to
any condition not then satisfied, it is substantially likely that such condition
will  be  satisfied  on  or  before  May  31,  1997,  through  the  exercise  of
commercially reasonable efforts to procure the satisfaction thereof.

         (c) For  purposes  of this  Section  4.11,  "Expenses"  shall  mean all
documented, reasonable out-of-pocket fees and expenses incurred or paid by or on
behalf  of  Conseco  to third  parties  in  connection  with the  Merger  or the
consummation  of  any  of  the  transactions  contemplated  by  this  Agreement,
including  all  printing  costs and  reasonable  fees and  expenses  of counsel,
investment banking firms, accountants, experts and consultants.

         4.12  Affiliates and Certain  Stockholders.  Prior to the Closing Date,
the Company shall deliver to Conseco a letter  identifying  all persons who are,
at the time the Merger is  submitted  for  approval to the  stockholders  of the
Company,  "affiliates"  of the  Company  for  purposes  of Rule  145  under  the
Securities Act. The Company shall use commercially  reasonable  efforts to cause
each such person to deliver to Conseco on or prior to the Closing Date a written
agreement  substantially  in the form  attached  as Exhibit A to the  Disclosure
Schedule. Conseco shall maintain the effectiveness of the Form S-4 subsequent to
the  Closing  Date for the  purpose of resales of Conseco  Common  Stock by such
affiliates,  but shall not  thereafter  be required  to file any  post-effective
amendment  thereto in accordance  with Item 512(a) of  Regulation  S-K under the
Securities Act. Subject to the remainder of this Section 4.12, Conseco shall not
otherwise be required to maintain the effectiveness of the Form S-4 or any other
registration  statement  under the  Securities Act for the purposes of resale of
Conseco  Common  Stock  by such  affiliates  and the  certificates  representing
Conseco  Common  Stock  received by such  affiliates  in the Merger shall bear a
customary  legend  regarding  applicable  Securities  Act  restrictions  and the
provisions of this Section 4.12.



                                      A-25

<PAGE>



         In the case of the Form S-4 to be  maintained  effective  following the
Closing  Date with  respect to affiliate  resales in  accordance  with the third
sentence of this Section 4.12,  Conseco shall (i) provide to such affiliate such
reasonable number of copies of the registration statement,  the prospectus,  and
such  other  documents  as the  affiliates  may  reasonably  request in order to
facilitate the public offering of such securities; (ii) pay all expenses of such
registration other than underwriting or sales  commissions;  and (iii) indemnify
such  affiliates,  each of their  officers and directors and partners,  and each
person  controlling  such  affiliates  within  the  meaning of Section 15 of the
Securities Act, against all expenses, claims, losses, damages or liabilities (or
actions  in  respect  thereof),  including  any of  the  foregoing  incurred  in
settlement of any litigation,  commenced or threatened,  arising out of or based
on any untrue  statement  (or  alleged  untrue  statement)  of a  material  fact
contained in such  registration  statement or  prospectus,  or any  amendment or
supplement thereto, incident to any such registration,  or based on any omission
(or alleged  omission) to state  therein a material  fact  required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements  therein,  in light of circumstances
in which they were made,  not  misleading,  or any  violation  by Conseco of the
Securities Act or any rule or regulation in connection  with such  registration,
and reimburse each such person for any legal and any other  expenses  reasonably
incurred (as they are incurred) in connection with  investigating,  preparing or
defending any such claim, loss, damage, liability or action.

         4.13 NYSE Listing. Conseco shall use commercially reasonable efforts to
cause  the  shares of  Conseco  Common  Stock to be  issued in the  Merger to be
approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance,  prior
to the Closing Date.

         4.14  Stockholder  Litigation.  The  Company  shall  give  Conseco  the
opportunity  to  participate  in the defense or  settlement  of any  stockholder
litigation  against the Company and its directors  relating to the  transactions
contemplated by this Agreement; provided, however, that no such settlement shall
be agreed to without Conseco's consent,  which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld.

         4.15 Indemnification.  (a) The certificate of incorporation and by-laws
of the  Company  and  each  of the  Company's  subsidiaries  shall  contain  the
provisions with respect to indemnification set forth therein on the date of this
Agreement,  and such  provisions  shall not be amended,  repealed  or  otherwise
modified for a period of six years after the  Effective  Time in any manner that
would  adversely  affect the rights  thereunder of  individuals  who at any time
prior to the Effective  Time were directors or officers of the Company or any of
its subsidiaries (the "Indemnified  Parties") in respect of actions or omissions
occurring at or prior to the Effective Time (including,  without limitation, the
transactions  contemplated  by this  Agreement),  unless  such  modification  is
required by law.



                                      A-26

<PAGE>



         (b)  On  or  before  the  Effective  Time,  Conseco  shall  enter  into
indemnification  agreements  as set  forth  in  Section  4.15 of the  Disclosure
Schedule.

         (c) The  provisions  of this  Section  4.15 are  intended to be for the
benefit of, and shall be enforceable  by, each  Indemnified  Party and the heirs
and personal  representatives  of such Indemnified Party and shall be binding on
all successors and assigns of Conseco and the Company.

         4.16 Stock Options.  (a) As soon as  practicable  following the date of
this Agreement,  the Board of Directors of the Company (or, if appropriate,  any
committee  administering  a Company Stock Plan) shall adopt such  resolutions or
take such  actions as may be  required  to adjust  the terms of all  outstanding
Company  Stock  Options in  accordance  with Section  1.9(d) and shall make such
other changes to the Company Stock Plan as it deems  appropriate  to give effect
to  the  Merger  (subject  to  the  approval  of  Conseco,  which  shall  not be
unreasonably withheld). The parties agree that after the date hereof, except for
the Company Stock Options outstanding on the date hereof and any changes thereto
described  in or  contemplated  by this  Agreement  and  except  as set forth in
Section 4.16 of the Disclosure Schedule, no options, warrants or other rights of
any kind to  purchase  capital  stock of the  Company  shall be granted or made,
under the Company Stock Plan or otherwise, and no amendment,  repricing or other
change to the outstanding Company Stock Options shall be made, without the prior
written consent of Conseco, and any such grant, issuance,  amendment,  repricing
or other change without  Conseco's consent shall be null, void and unenforceable
against Conseco.

         (b) Conseco  shall take all corporate  action  necessary to reserve and
maintain  as  reserved  for  issuance a  sufficient  number of shares of Conseco
Common  Stock for  delivery  upon  exercise  of the  Company  Stock  Options and
warrants.  Prior to the Effective Time,  Conseco shall have filed a registration
statement on Form S- 8 (or any successor form) or another  appropriate form with
respect to the shares of  Conseco  Common  Stock  subject to the  Company  Stock
Options and shall use its best  efforts to maintain  the  effectiveness  of such
registration  statement or  registration  statements  (and  maintain the current
status of the  prospectus  or  prospectuses  contained  therein)  for so long as
Company Stock Options remain outstanding.

         4.17 Officers'  Certificates  Relating to Tax Treatment.  Conseco shall
provide to the Tax Opinion  Provider (as defined in Section  6.3(c)  hereof),  a
certificate  in the form  agreed to by  Conseco,  which  agreement  shall not be
unreasonably withheld, dated the Closing Date and signed on behalf of Conseco by
the chief  executive  officer and the chief  financial  officer of Conseco.  The
Company  shall  provide to the Tax Opinion  Provider a  certificate  in the form
agreed to by the Company,  which agreement  shall not be unreasonably  withheld,
dated  the  Closing  Date and  signed  on  behalf  of the  Company  by the chief
executive officer and the chief financial officer of the Company.


                                      A-27

<PAGE>




         4.18 Severance and Other  Payments.  If, after the Effective  Time, the
employment of employees of the Company is terminated, the Employee Severance Pay
Plan of Conseco shall be applicable to such employees  giving credit for service
to the Company as service to Conseco;  provided,  however, that employees who as
of the date of this Agreement either (i) have a contract with the Company or one
of its  subsidiaries  which provides for a greater  payment upon  termination of
employment  or (ii) are covered by the Company's  severance  policy for officers
shall be entitled to the payments  specified by such  contract or policy in lieu
of any amounts under the Employee Severance Pay Plan of Conseco. Section 4.18 of
the  Disclosure  Schedule  identifies  all  contracts  and Benefit  Plans of the
Company or any of its  subsidiaries  which obligate the Company to make payments
to any employee upon termination of employment.  In addition, an aggregate of up
to $5 million of additional  payments may be paid within twelve months after the
Closing Date to employees of the Company in such manner and in such  proportions
as  shall  be  determined  from  time  to time by the  Company's  present  chief
executive  officer  after  consultation  with the Chief  Operations  Officer  of
Conseco or his designee.

         4.19 Employment Agreement.  The Company shall enter into the employment
agreement  with Peter W.  Nauert  described  in Section  4.19 of the  Disclosure
Schedule. Such employment agreement shall be subject to the approval of Conseco,
which shall not be unreasonably withheld.

         4.20 Existing Employment Agreements. The existing employment agreements
between the Company and Thomas J. Brophy and Charles R.  Scheper,  respectively,
will be terminated at the Effective Time and such  individuals  will be entitled
to receive from the Company on the Closing Date an amount equal to the aggregate
of  the  remaining  amounts  payable  under  such  employment  agreements.   The
employment  agreement between the Company and Peter W. Nauert will be terminated
at the  Effective  Time and Mr.  Nauert will be entitled to receive $4.5 million
from the Company on the Closing Date.

                                    ARTICLE V

               COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PRIOR TO
                                     MERGER

         5.1 Conduct of Business by the Company.  Except as contemplated by this
Agreement or as set forth in Section 5.1 of the Disclosure Schedule,  during the
period from the date of this Agreement to the Effective Time, the Company shall,
and  shall  cause  its  subsidiaries  to,  act and  carry  on  their  respective
businesses  in the  ordinary  course of business  and, to the extent  consistent
therewith,  use  reasonable  efforts to preserve  intact their current  business
organizations,  keep  available  the services of their  current key officers and
employees  and  preserve  the  goodwill of those  engaged in  material  business
relationships   with  them.   In   addition,   the   Company   agrees  to  allow
representatives  of Conseco to have access to the management and other personnel
of


                                      A-28

<PAGE>



the Company so that Conseco can be fully informed at all times as to significant
executive,  legal, financial,  marketing and other operational matters involving
the  Company,  its  subsidiaries  or  their  businesses.  Without  limiting  the
generality of the  foregoing,  during the period from the date of this Agreement
to the  Effective  Time,  the Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its
subsidiaries to, without the prior consent of Conseco:

                  (i) (x) declare,  set aside or pay any  dividends  on, or make
         any other distributions (whether in cash, stock or property) in respect
         of, any of the Company's  outstanding capital stock (other than regular
         quarterly cash dividends not in excess of $0.055 per Share,  with usual
         record and payment dates and in accordance  with the Company's  present
         dividend  policy),   (y)  split,  combine  or  reclassify  any  of  its
         outstanding  capital  stock or issue or  authorize  the issuance of any
         other  securities  in  respect  of, in lieu of or in  substitution  for
         shares of its  outstanding  capital stock,  or (z) purchase,  redeem or
         otherwise  acquire  any  shares  of  outstanding  capital  stock or any
         rights, warrants or options to acquire any such shares;

                  (ii) issue,  sell,  grant,  pledge or  otherwise  encumber any
         shares  of its  capital  stock,  any  other  voting  securities  or any
         securities  convertible  into,  or any  rights,  warrants or options to
         acquire, any such shares,  voting securities or convertible  securities
         other than upon the exercise of Company  Stock Options  outstanding  on
         the  date of this  Agreement  or as set  forth in  Section  4.16 of the
         Disclosure Schedule;

                  (iii) amend its certificate of incorporation, by-laws or
         other comparable charter or organizational documents;

                  (iv) acquire,  form or commence the operations of any business
         or any corporation,  partnership,  joint venture,  association or other
         business organization or division thereof;

                  (v) sell,  mortgage  or  otherwise  encumber or subject to any
         Lien or otherwise  dispose of any of its  properties or assets that are
         material to the Company and its subsidiaries  taken as a whole,  except
         in the ordinary course of business;

                  (vi)(x) incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or guarantee
         any such indebtedness of another person,  other than indebtedness under
         any  credit  agreement  in  effect  on the  date of this  Agreement  or
         indebtedness  owing  to or  guarantees  of  indebtedness  owing  to the
         Company  or any  direct  or  indirect  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of the
         Company or (y) make any loans or  advances to any other  person,  other
         than  to  the  Company,  or to  any  direct  or  indirect  wholly-owned
         subsidiary of the Company and other than routine advances to agents and
         employees;



                                      A-29

<PAGE>



                  (vii) make any tax election or settle or compromise any income
         tax liability  that would  reasonably be expected to be material to the
         Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole;

                  (viii) pay, discharge,  settle or satisfy any material claims,
         liabilities or obligations (absolute,  accrued, asserted or unasserted,
         contingent  or  otherwise),   other  than  the  payment,  discharge  or
         satisfaction,  in the ordinary course of business  consistent with past
         practice or in accordance with their terms, of liabilities reflected or
         reserved against in, or contemplated  by, the most recent  consolidated
         financial  statements (or the notes thereto) of the Company included in
         the Filed SEC  Documents or incurred  since the date of such  financial
         statements  in the  ordinary  course of business  consistent  with past
         practice;

                  (ix)  invest its future cash flow,  any cash from  matured and
         maturing investments, any cash proceeds from the sale of its assets and
         properties, and any cash funds currently held by it, in any investments
         other  than  cash  equivalent  assets  or  in  short-term   investments
         (consisting   of  United   States   government   issued  or  guaranteed
         securities,  or  commercial  paper  rated  A-1 or P-1),  except  (i) as
         otherwise  required by law,  (ii) as  required to provide  cash (in the
         ordinary  course of business and consistent with past practice) to meet
         its  actual  or  anticipated   obligations  or  (iii)   publicly-traded
         corporate  bonds  that are  rated  investment  grade  by at  least  two
         nationally recognized statistical rating organizations;

                  (x)      except as may be required by law,

                           (i)  make  any  representation  or  promise,  oral or
                  written,  to any  employee  or  former  director,  officer  or
                  employee   of  the   Company  or  any   subsidiary   which  is
                  inconsistent with the terms of any Benefit Plan;

                           (ii) make any  change  to,  or amend in any way,  the
                  contracts,  salaries,  wages,  or  other  compensation  of any
                  employee  or any agent or  consultant  of the  Company  or any
                  subsidiary  other  than (a)  changes  or  amendments  that are
                  required under existing  contracts,  (b)  individual,  routine
                  changes  with  respect  to  employees  that  are  made  in the
                  ordinary  course of business and consistent with past practice
                  and do not exceed 6% or (c) changes  with respect to agents or
                  consultants  that are made in the ordinary  course of business
                  and consistent with past practice;

                           (iii) adopt,  enter into, amend,  alter or terminate,
                  partially or completely, any Benefit Plan or any election made
                  pursuant to the  provisions of any Benefit Plan, to accelerate
                  any  payments,  obligations  or  vesting  schedules  under any
                  Benefit Plan; or


                                      A-30

<PAGE>





                           (iv) approve any general or company-wide pay
                  increases for employees;

                  (xi) except in the  ordinary  course of  business,  materially
         modify, amend or terminate any material agreement,  permit, concession,
         franchise,  license or similar  instrument  to which the Company or any
         subsidiary is a party or waive,  release or assign any material  rights
         or claims thereunder;

                  (xii)  hold  any  meeting  of the  board of  directors  of the
         Company or any  subsidiary or any committee of any such board,  or take
         any action by written  consent of any such board or committee,  without
         providing  to Conseco (i) notice of any such  meeting no later than the
         date  notice is given to the board of  directors  or in  advance of the
         date of any  proposed  action  by  written  consent  and (ii) with such
         notice,  an agenda of the specific matters intended to be considered at
         such meeting or a copy of the proposed written consent,  unless, in the
         reasonable  good faith  judgment  of the  President  or Chairman of the
         Company,  providing prior notice of any agenda item or any item of such
         written consent will prejudice the ability of the board of directors or
         any  committee of the board of directors  to discharge  its duties,  in
         which case such item may be omitted from the agenda or written  consent
         provided to Conseco; or

                  (xiii) authorize any of, or commit or agree to take any
         of, the foregoing actions.

         5.2 Conduct of Business by Conseco.  During the period from the date of
this  Agreement  to the  Effective  Time,  Conseco  shall,  and shall  cause its
subsidiaries  to, use all  reasonable  efforts to preserve  intact their current
business  organizations,  keep available the services of their current  officers
and  employees  and preserve  their  relationships  with  customers,  suppliers,
licensors, licensees, distributors and others having business dealings with them
to the end that their goodwill and ongoing businesses shall be unimpaired at the
Effective Time.

         5.3 Other  Actions.  The Company and Conseco  shall not,  and shall not
permit any of their  respective  subsidiaries to, take any action that would, or
that could  reasonably be expected to, result in (i) any of the  representations
and warranties of such party set forth in this Agreement  becoming untrue in any
material  respect  or (ii) any of the  conditions  of the  Merger  set  forth in
Article VI not being satisfied.

         5.4 Conduct of Business of RAC. During the period from the date of this
Agreement to the Effective  Time,  RAC shall not engage in any activities of any
nature except as provided in or contemplated by this Agreement.



                                      A- 31

<PAGE>



                                   ARTICLE VI

                              CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

         6.1      Conditions to Each Party's Obligation To Effect the Merger.
The  respective  obligation of each party to effect the Merger is subject to the
satisfaction  or  waiver  on or  prior  to the  Closing  Date  of the  following
conditions:  

                  (a) Stockholder Approval.  This Agreement and the Merger shall
         have  been  approved  and  adopted  by  the  affirmative  vote  of  the
         stockholders of the Company in the manner  contemplated in Section 2.10
         hereof.

                  (b)  Governmental  and  Regulatory   Consents.   All  required
         consents,  approvals, permits and authorizations to the consummation of
         the transactions  contemplated  hereby by the Company,  Conseco and RAC
         shall be  obtained,  in each case without the  material  abrogation  or
         diminishment  of the  authority  or  license of any  Insurance  Company
         subsidiary of the Company or the imposition of significant restrictions
         upon the  transactions  contemplated  hereby,  from  (i) the  Insurance
         Regulators  in the  jurisdictions  set forth in  Section  6.1(b) of the
         Disclosure  Schedule,  and (ii) any  other  Governmental  Entity  whose
         consent, approval, permission or authorization is required by reason of
         a change in law after the date of this Agreement, unless the failure to
         obtain such consent,  approval,  permission or authorization  would not
         reasonably  be  expected  to  have a  material  adverse  effect  on the
         business,  financial  condition or results of operations of the Company
         and  its  subsidiaries,  taken  as a  whole,  or  on  the  validity  or
         enforceability of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the
         event that all governmental and regulatory  consents required hereunder
         shall have been obtained except the approval of the Insurance Regulator
         of  any  life  insurance  subsidiary  of the  Company  which  does  not
         constitute a "significant  subsidiary" (within the meaning of Rule 1-02
         of Regulation S-X of the SEC) of the Company (a  "Non-Significant  Life
         Subsidiary")  to the transfer of control of such  Non-Significant  Life
         Subsidiary, then, subject to Article VII hereof, at any time thereafter
         at the option of Conseco,  the parties  shall take one of the following
         actions  with  respect  to such  Non-Significant  Life  Subsidiary  and
         otherwise  proceed to  consummate  the Merger in  accordance  with this
         Agreement:  (a) place  into  escrow,  pursuant  to an escrow  agreement
         reasonably acceptable to the parties, the outstanding shares of capital
         stock of such  Non-Significant  Life Subsidiary;  such escrow agreement
         shall   contain    customary    provisions    concerning   duties   and
         responsibilities  of the  escrow  agent  and  payment  of the  fees and
         expenses  of the  escrow  agent  and  shall  provide  that (i)  pending
         transfer of control of the Non-Significant  Life Subsidiary to Conseco,
         its  current  Board of  Directors  shall  retain  all power to vote its
         shares of capital  stock and to direct its  business  not  inconsistent
         with this Agreement, (ii) promptly following


                                      A-32

<PAGE>



         receipt of the  approval  of the  Insurance  Regulator,  control of the
         capital  stock  of  such   Non-Significant  Life  Subsidiary  shall  be
         transferred  to Conseco and (iii) at any time  following  June 30, 1997
         and prior to receipt of the Insurance Regulator's approval, Conseco may
         elect  to  terminate  the  escrow   agreement,   in  which  event  such
         Non-Significant  Life Subsidiary  shall be liquidated and dissolved and
         the  proceeds  thereof  shall be paid to  Conseco;  (b) cause such Non-
         Significant  Life  Subsidiary to surrender its certificate of authority
         to do business in its state of domicile; (c) cause such Non-Significant
         Life  Subsidiary  to  commence  proceedings  for  its  liquidation  and
         dissolution;  (d) enter into an agreement  for the sale and transfer of
         the Non-significant  Life Subsidiary to a third party; or (e) take such
         other action as may be mutually agreeable to the Company and Conseco.

                  (c) HSR Act. The waiting  period (and any  extension  thereof)
         applicable  to the Merger under the HSR Act shall have been  terminated
         or shall have otherwise expired.

                  (d) No  Injunctions or  Restraints.  No temporary  restraining
         order, preliminary or permanent injunction or other order issued by any
         court of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition
         preventing the consummation of the Merger shall be in effect; provided,
         however,   that  the  parties   invoking  this   condition   shall  use
         commercially  reasonable  efforts to have any such order or  injunction
         vacated.

                  (e) NYSE Listing.  The shares of Conseco Common Stock issuable
         to the Company's  stockholders  pursuant to this  Agreement  shall have
         been  approved for listing on the NYSE,  subject to official  notice of
         issuance.

                  (f) Form S-4. The Form S-4 shall have become  effective  under
         the  Securities  Act and shall not be the  subject of any stop order or
         proceedings seeking a stop order.

         6.2      Conditions to Obligations of Conseco and RAC.  The
obligations  of Conseco and RAC to effect the Merger are further  subject to the
following conditions:

                  (a)      Representations and Warranties.  The       
         representations  and  warranties  of  the  Company  contained  in  this
         Agreement  shall  have  been  true  and  correct  on the  date  of this
         Agreement  and as of the Closing  Date  (except to the extent that they
         expressly relate only to an earlier time, in which case they shall have
         been true and  correct as of such  earlier  time and except for actions
         contemplated   by  this   Agreement),   other  than  such  breaches  of
         representations  and  warranties  which  in  the  aggregate  would  not
         reasonably  be  expected  to  have a  material  adverse  effect  on the
         business,  financial  condition or results of operations of the Company
         and its subsidiaries taken as a whole. The Company shall


                                      A-33

<PAGE>



         have  delivered to Conseco a certificate  dated as of the Closing Date,
         signed by its Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial  Officer,
         in their capacities as officers of the Company, to the effect set forth
         in this Section 6.2(a).

                  (b)      Performance of Obligations of the Company.  The
         Company shall have performed in all material  respects all  obligations
         required to be performed by it under this  Agreement at or prior to the
         Closing Date and shall not have willfully or intentionally (i) breached
         any of its  representations  or  warranties  herein  or (ii)  failed to
         perform or satisfy any of its obligations or covenants  hereunder,  and
         Conseco shall have received a certificate  dated as of the Closing Date
         signed on behalf of the Company by its Chief Executive  Officer and its
         Chief Financial Officer to such effect.

           6.3      Conditions to Obligation of the Company.  The obligation
of the  Company  to  effect  the  Merger is  further  subject  to the  following
conditions:

                  (a)  Representations  and Warranties.  The representations and
         warranties  of Conseco and RAC contained in this  Agreement  shall have
         been  true  and  correct  on the date of this  Agreement  and as of the
         Closing Date (except to the extent that they  expressly  relate only to
         an earlier time, in which case they shall have been true and correct as
         of such earlier time), other than such breaches of representations  and
         warranties  which in the aggregate  would not reasonably be expected to
         have a material adverse effect on the business,  financial condition or
         results of operations of Conseco and its subsidiaries taken as a whole.
         Conseco shall have  delivered to the Company a certificate  dated as of
         the Closing Date,  signed by its Chief Executive  Officer and its Chief
         Financial Officer,  in their capacities as officers of Conseco,  to the
         effect set forth in this Section 6.3(a).

                  (b)  Performance of  Obligations  of Conseco.  Conseco and RAC
         shall have performed in all material respects all obligations  required
         to be performed by them under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing
         Date and shall not have willfully or intentionally  (i) breached any of
         their representations or warranties herein or (ii) failed to perform or
         satisfy  any of  their  obligations  or  covenants  hereunder,  and the
         Company shall have received a certificate  dated as of the Closing Date
         signed on behalf of  Conseco  by its Chief  Executive  Officer  and its
         Chief Financial Officer to such effect.

                  (c) Opinion of Counsel.  The Company  shall have  received the
         opinion dated the Closing Date of McDermott,  Will & Emery,  counsel to
         the Company,  or such other legal counsel reasonably  acceptable to the
         Company and Conseco (the "Tax Opinion Provider") to the effect that the
         Merger will be treated as a reorganization  under Section  368(a)(2)(E)
         of the


                                      A-34

<PAGE>



         Code as a result of which the  stockholders  of the Company will not be
         subject  to  federal  income  tax on the  receipt  of shares of Conseco
         Common Stock in exchange for Shares pursuant to the Merger.

                                   ARTICLE VII

                        TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER

         7.1 Termination.  This Agreement may be terminated and abandoned at any
time prior to the Effective  Time,  whether  before or after approval of matters
presented in connection with the Merger by the stockholders of the Company:

                  (a)      by mutual written consent of Conseco and the
         Company; or

                  (b)      by either Conseco or the Company:

                           (i)  if,  upon a vote  at a  duly  held  Stockholders
                  Meeting or any adjournment  thereof,  any required approval of
                  the stockholders of the Company shall not have been obtained;

                           (ii) at any time after March 31, 1997,  if the Merger
                  shall not have  been  consummated  by such  date,  unless  the
                  failure  to  consummate  the Merger is the result of a willful
                  and material  breach of this Agreement by the party seeking to
                  terminate this Agreement; provided, however, that either party
                  may by notice to the other  extend  such date to May 31,  1997
                  unless the condition to closing set forth in Section 6.1(d) is
                  not satisfied as of March 31, 1997;

                           (iii) if any Governmental Entity shall have issued an
                  order,  decree or ruling or taken any other action permanently
                  enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting the Merger and
                  such order,  decree,  ruling or other action shall have become
                  final and nonappealable; or

                           (iv) if the Board of Directors  of the Company  shall
                  have  exercised  its rights  set forth in Section  4.9 of this
                  Agreement.

         7.2  Effect  of  Termination.  In the  event  of  termination  of  this
Agreement  by either the  Company or Conseco as provided  in Section  7.1,  this
Agreement shall forthwith become void and have no effect,  without any liability
or  obligation on the part of Conseco,  RAC or the Company,  other than the last
two sentences of Section 4.5 and Sections 2.13, 3.8, 4.11, 7.2 and 10.2. Nothing
contained in this Section shall  relieve any party from any liability  resulting
from any  material  breach  of the  representations,  warranties,  covenants  or
agreements set forth in this Agreement.



                                      A-35

<PAGE>



         7.3 Amendment. Subject to the applicable provisions of the DGCL, at any
time prior to the Effective  Time,  the parties  hereto may modify or amend this
Agreement,  by written  agreement  executed  and  delivered  by duly  authorized
officers of the respective parties;  provided,  however,  that after approval of
the Merger by the stockholders of the Company,  no amendment shall be made which
reduces the consideration  payable in the Merger or adversely affects the rights
of  the  Company's   stockholders   hereunder   without  the  approval  of  such
stockholders.  This  Agreement  may not be amended  except by an  instrument  in
writing signed on behalf of each of the parties.

         7.4 Extension;  Waiver.  At any time prior to the Effective  Time, each
party may (a) extend the time for the  performance of any of the  obligations or
other acts of the other party, (b) waive any inaccuracies in the representations
and warranties of the other party contained in this Agreement or in any document
delivered  pursuant  to this  Agreement  or (c)  subject to Section  7.3,  waive
compliance with any of the agreements or conditions of the other party contained
in this Agreement. Any agreement on the part of a party to any such extension or
waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an  instrument  in writing  signed on
behalf of such party.  The failure of any party to this  Agreement to assert any
of its rights under this Agreement or otherwise shall not constitute a waiver of
such rights.

         7.5  Procedure  for  Termination,  Amendment,  Extension  or Waiver.  A
termination  of this  Agreement  pursuant to Section  7.1, an  amendment of this
Agreement  pursuant to Section 7.3 or an extension or waiver pursuant to Section
7.4 shall, in order to be effective,  require in the case of Conseco, RAC or the
Company, action by its Board of Directors or the duly authorized designee of its
Board of Directors.


                                  ARTICLE VIII

                             SURVIVAL OF PROVISIONS

         8.1 Survival. The representations and warranties  respectively required
to be  made  by the  Company,  Conseco  and  RAC in  this  Agreement,  or in any
certificate,  respectively,  delivered  by the  Company or Conseco  pursuant  to
Section 6.2 or Section 6.3 hereof will not survive the Closing.


                                   ARTICLE IX

                                     NOTICES

         9.1 Notices.  All notices and other communications under this Agreement
must be in  writing  and will be deemed to have  been duly  given if  delivered,
telecopied or mailed, by certified mail, return receipt  requested,  first-class
postage prepaid, to the parties at the following addresses:


                                      A-36

<PAGE>




         If to the Company, to:

                  Pioneer Financial Services, Inc.
                  1750 East Golf Road
                  Schaumburg, Illinois 60173

                  Attention:  Billy B. Hill, Jr.
                  Telephone:  (847) 413-7077
                  Telecopy:   (847) 413-7194

         with a copy to:

                  McDermott, Will & Emery
                  227 West Monroe Street
                  Chicago, Illinois  60606

                  Attention:  Stanley H. Meadows, P.C.
                  Telephone:  (312) 984-7570
                  Telecopy:   (312) 984-3669

         If to Conseco or RAC, to:

                  Conseco, Inc.
                  11825 N. Pennsylvania Street
                  Carmel, Indiana  46032

                  Attention:  Lawrence W. Inlow
                  Telephone:  (317) 817-6163
                  Telecopy:   (317) 817-6327

All notices and other communications  required or permitted under this Agreement
that are addressed as provided in this Article IX will, if delivered personally,
be deemed  given upon  delivery,  will,  if  delivered  by  telecopy,  be deemed
delivered when confirmed and will, if delivered by mail in the manner  described
above,  be deemed given on the third  Business Day after the day it is deposited
in a regular  depository of the United States mail.  Any party from time to time
may  change  its  address  for the  purpose of notices to that party by giving a
similar  notice  specifying a new address,  but no such notice will be deemed to
have been given until it is actually  received by the party sought to be charged
with the contents thereof.


                                    ARTICLE X

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

         10.1 Entire  Agreement.  Except for documents  executed by the Company,
Conseco and RAC pursuant hereto, this Agreement supersedes all prior discussions
and  agreements  between the parties with respect to the subject  matter of this
Agreement,  and this Agreement  (including the exhibits  hereto,  the Disclosure
Schedule,  the Conseco  Disclosure  Schedule  and other  documents  delivered in
connection herewith) and the Confidentiality


                                      A-37

<PAGE>



Agreement  contain the sole and entire agreement between the parties hereto with
respect to the subject matter hereof.  The parties agree that any item disclosed
in any section of the  Disclosure  Schedule or the Conseco  Disclosure  Schedule
shall  be  deemed  to  be  disclosed   for  all  purposes  of  this   Agreement,
notwithstanding  the fact that such item was not  disclosed in any other section
of the Disclosure Schedule or the Conseco Disclosure Schedule.

         10.2 Expenses.  Except as otherwise expressly provided in Section 4.11,
whether or not the Merger is consummated,  each of the Company,  Conseco and RAC
will pay its own costs and expenses incident to preparing for, entering into and
carrying  out  this  Agreement  and  the   consummation   of  the   transactions
contemplated hereby.

         10.3  Counterparts.  This  Agreement  may be  executed  in one or  more
counterparts,  each of which will be deemed an  original,  but all of which will
constitute one and the same  instrument  and shall become  effective when one or
more  counterparts  have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the
other parties.

         10.4 No Third Party  Beneficiary.  Except as otherwise provided herein,
the terms and provisions of this  Agreement are intended  solely for the benefit
of the parties hereto, and their respective successors or assigns, and it is not
the intention of the parties to confer  third-party  beneficiary rights upon any
other person.

         10.5 Governing  Law. This Agreement  shall be governed by and construed
in  accordance  with the laws of the State of Delaware,  regardless  of the laws
that might  otherwise  govern under  applicable  principles of conflicts of laws
thereof.

         10.6 Assignment;  Binding Effect. Neither this Agreement nor any of the
rights,  interests or  obligations  under this Agreement  shall be assigned,  in
whole or in part, by operation of law or otherwise by any of the parties without
the prior written consent of the other parties,  and any such assignment that is
not consented to shall be null and void. Subject to the preceding sentence, this
Agreement will be binding upon,  inure to the benefit of and be enforceable  by,
the parties and their respective successors and assigns.

         10.7 Enforcement. The parties agree that irreparable damage would occur
in the event that any of the  provisions of this Agreement were not performed in
accordance  with  their  specific  terms  or  were  otherwise  breached.  It  is
accordingly  agreed that the  parties  shall be  entitled  to an  injunction  or
injunctions to prevent  breaches of this  Agreement and to enforce  specifically
the terms and provisions of this Agreement,  this being in addition to any other
remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity.

         10.8  Headings, Gender, etc.  The headings used in this Agreement have 
been inserted for convenience and do not constitute


                                      A-38

<PAGE>


matter to be construed or interpreted in connection with this Agreement.  Unless
the context of this Agreement  otherwise  requires,  (a) words of any gender are
deemed to include  each other  gender;  (b) words  using the  singular or plural
number also include the plural or singular number,  respectively;  (c) the terms
"hereof," "herein," "hereby," "hereto," and derivative or similar words refer to
this  entire  Agreement;  (d) the  terms  "Article"  or  "Section"  refer to the
specified Article or Section of this Agreement;  (e) all references to "dollars"
or "$" refer to  currency  of the  United  States of  America;  and (f) the term
"person"  shall  include  any natural  person,  corporation,  limited  liability
company, general partnership,  limited partnership, or other entity, enterprise,
authority or business organization.

         10.9 Invalid Provisions.  If any provision of this Agreement is held to
be illegal,  invalid,  or unenforceable  under any present or future law, and if
the rights or  obligations  of the Company or Conseco under this  Agreement will
not be materially  and adversely  affected  thereby,  (a) such provision will be
fully  severable;  (b) this  Agreement will be construed and enforced as if such
illegal,  invalid, or unenforceable provision had never comprised a part hereof;
and (c) the remaining provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and
effect  and will not be  affected  by the  illegal,  invalid,  or  unenforceable
provision or by its severance herefrom.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered
by the duly authorized officers of Conseco and the Company,  effective as of the
date first written above.

                                          CONSECO, INC.



                                          By:    /s/ STEPHEN C. HILBERT
                                                 -----------------------
                                                 Stephen C. Hilbert,
                                                 Chairman of the Board


                                          ROCK ACQUISITION COMPANY



                                          By:    /s/ STEPHEN C. HILBERT
                                                 -----------------------
                                                 Stephen C. Hilbert, President


                                          PIONEER FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.



                                          By:    /s/ PETER W. NAUERT
                                                 ----------------------
                                                 Peter W. Nauert,
                                                 Chairman of the Board


                                      A-39

<PAGE>

                                    ANNEX B


                          Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette
              Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation
            277 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10172, (212) 892-3000


                                                          December 15, 1996
Board of Directors
Pioneer Financial Services, Inc.
1750 Golf Road
Schaumburg, IL 60173


Dear Sirs:

       You have requested our opinion as to the fairness from a financial  point
of view to the shareholders of Pioneer Financial Services,  Inc. (the "Company")
of the consideration to be received by such  shareholders  pursuant to the terms
of the  Agreement  and  Plan of  Merger,  dated as of  December  15,  1996  (the
"Agreement"),  by and among Conseco, Inc. ("Conseco"),  Rock Acquisition Company
("Acquisition  Sub"),  a  wholly-owned  subsidiary of Conseco,  and the Company,
pursuant to which the  Acquisition  Sub will be merged (the  "Merger")  with and
into the Company,  whereby the Company will become a wholly-owned  subsidiary of
Conseco.

       Pursuant to the  Agreement,  each share of common stock,  par value $1.00
per share,  of the Company  ("Company  Common Stock") will be converted into the
right to receive, subject to certain exceptions, shares of common stock, without
par value, of Conseco ("Conseco Common Stock"),  as follows:  (i) if the Conseco
Share Price (as defined  below) is greater than or equal to $56.00 per share and
less than or equal to $62.72  per  share,  0.4464 of a share of  Conseco  Common
Stock;  (ii) if the  Conseco  Share  Price is less than  $56.00 per  share,  the
fraction of a share of Conseco Common Stock determined by dividing $25.00 by the
Conseco Share Price; or, (iii) if the Conseco Share Price is greater than $62.72
per  share,  the  fraction  of a share of Conseco  Common  Stock  determined  by
dividing  $28.00 by the  Conseco  Share  Price  (such  fraction  as set forth in
clauses (i) through (iii) above, the "Exchange Ratio").  The Conseco Share Price
is defined as the average of the closing  prices of Conseco Common Stock for the
ten  trading  days  immediately  preceding  the second  trading day prior to the
consummation of the Merger.

       In arriving at our opinion, we have reviewed the Agreement dated December
15, 1996 and the exhibits  thereto.  We have also  reviewed  financial and other
information  that was  publicly  available or furnished to us by the Company and
Conseco, including information provided during discussions with their respective
managements.  Included in the information  provided during  discussions with the
respective  managements were certain financial  projections of the Company which
were pro forma for  certain  pending  transactions  of the Company for the years
ending December 31, 1996 through December 31, 1997 prepared by the management of
the Company, an actuarial analysis of the insurance  subsidiaries of the Company
as of September 30, 1995 prepared for the Company by a consulting actuarial firm
and  certain  pro forma  financial  statements  of  Conseco  for the year  ended
December

                                      B-1

<PAGE>


Board of Directors
Pioneer Financial Services, Inc.
PAGE 2
                                             December 15, 1996



31,  1995 and the nine months  ended  September  30, 1996 and certain  financial
projections  of Conseco  which are pro forma for certain  pending  and  recently
completed  transactions  of  Conseco,  for the years  ending  December  31, 1996
through December 31, 2005 prepared by the management of Conseco. In addition, we
have compared  certain  financial and securities data of the Company and Conseco
with various other  companies  whose  securities  are traded in public  markets,
reviewed the historical  stock prices and trading  volumes of the Company Common
Stock and Conseco  Common  Stock,  reviewed  prices and premiums paid in certain
other business combinations and conducted such other financial studies, analyses
and  investigations  as we deemed  appropriate for purposes of this opinion.  We
were not  requested  to, nor did we,  solicit the interest of any other party in
acquiring the Company.

       In rendering  our opinion,  we have relied upon and assumed the accuracy,
completeness and fairness of all of the financial and other information that was
available to us from public sources,  that was provided to us by the Company and
Conseco or their  representatives,  or that was  otherwise  reviewed by us. With
respect to the pro forma financial projections of the Company supplied to us, we
have assumed that they have been reasonably  prepared on a basis  reflecting the
best  currently  available  estimates  and  judgments of the  management  of the
Company as to the future  operating  and financial  performance  of the Company.
With respect to the  actuarial  analysis of the  insurance  subsidiaries  of the
Company  supplied to us, we have  assumed that it was  reasonably  prepared on a
basis  reflecting:  (i)  the  best  available  estimates  and  judgments  of the
management of the Company as to the future  operating and financial  performance
of the insurance subsidiaries of the Company as of September 30, 1995; and, (ii)
the best judgment of the consulting  actuarial firm as to the proper analysis to
be applied  based on the  assumptions  provided to it by the  management  of the
Company as to the future  operating and financial  performance of such insurance
subsidiaries.  In addition,  with respect to such  actuarial  analysis,  we have
assumed that,  except for the pending  acquisitions  of the Company,  there have
been no material  changes to the  business  of the Company  since such date that
would materially affect such actuarial  analysis.  With respect to the pro forma
financial statements and pro forma financial  projections of Conseco supplied to
us,  we  have  assumed  that  they  have  been  reasonably  prepared  on a basis
reflecting  the  best  currently   available  estimates  and  judgments  of  the
management of Conseco as to the  historical pro forma results of Conseco and the
future operating and financial  performance of the Company and Conseco.  We have
not assumed  any  responsibility  for making an  independent  evaluation  of the
Company's  and Conseco's  assets or  liabilities  or for making any  independent
verification of any of the information  reviewed by us. We have relied as to all
legal matters on advice of counsel to the Company.

                                      
                                      B-2


<PAGE>

Board of Directors
Pioneer Financial Services, Inc.
Page 3
                                          December 15, 1996


       Our opinion is necessarily based on economic, market, financial and other
conditions as they exist on, and on the information  made available to us as of,
the date of this  letter.  It should be  understood  that,  although  subsequent
developments  may affect this opinion,  we do not have any obligation to update,
revise or reaffirm this opinion.  We are  expressing no opinion herein as to the
prices at which  Conseco  Common  Stock  will  actually  trade at any time.  Our
opinion  does not  constitute  a  recommendation  to any  member of the Board of
Directors  of the Company or  shareholder  as to how such member or  shareholder
should vote on the proposed transaction.

       Donaldson,  Lufkin & Jenrette Securities  Corporation ("DLJ"), as part of
its  investment  banking  services,  is  regularly  engaged in the  valuation of
businesses   and   securities   in  connection   with   mergers,   acquisitions,
underwritings,  sales and  distributions  of  listed  and  unlisted  securities,
private placements and valuations for estate,  corporate and other purposes. DLJ
has performed investment banking and other services for the Conseco in the past,
including  co-managing  Conseco's offering of tax-deductible  preferred stock in
November  1996,  and has  received  usual and  customary  compensation  for such
services.  Additionally,  DLJ has delivered:  (i) an opinion as to the fairness,
from a financial point of view to the shareholders of Capitol American Financial
Corporation  ("Capitol  American") of the  consideration  to be received by such
shareholders in connection  with the merger of Capitol  American with and into a
wholly-owned  subsidiary of Conseco, (ii) an opinion as to the fairness,  from a
financial point of view to the shareholders of American  Travellers  Corporation
("American Travellers") of the consideration to be received by such shareholders
in  connection  with the merger of American  Travellers  with and into  Conseco,
(iii) an  opinion  as to the  fairness,  from a  financial  point of view to the
shareholders of Transport Holdings Inc. ("Transport") of the consideration to be
received by such  shareholders  in connection  with the merger of Transport with
and into Conseco, and (iv) an opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point
of view to the  shareholders of Life Partners Group,  Inc. ("Life  Partners") of
the  consideration  to be received by such  shareholders  in connection with the
merger of Life Partners with and into a wholly-owned subsidiary of Conseco.

       Based upon the foregoing and such other factors as we deem  relevant,  we
are of the  opinion  that the  Exchange  Ratio is fair to the holders of Company
Common Stock from a financial point of view.

                                             Very truly yours,
                                             DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE
                                             SECURITIES CORPORATION

                                          By:/S/MARK K. GORMLEY
                                             -----------------------
                                             Mark K. Gormley
                                             Managing Director



                                      B-3

<PAGE>
                    (Alternative Page for Resale Prospectus)

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 

<TABLE>
   
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         PAGE
                                                                                         -----
<S>                                                                                      <C>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION.................................................................      ii  
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE.......................................      iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS.....................................................................      v
SUMMARY...............................................................................      1
  General.............................................................................      1
  The Companies.......................................................................      1
  The Special Meeting.................................................................      2  
  The Merger; The Merger Agreement....................................................      4 
  Selected Historical Financial Information of Conseco................................      10
  Selected Historical Financial Information of LPG....................................      12 
  Selected Historical Financial Information of PFS....................................      14
  Summary Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information of Conseco...........      16
  Comparative Unaudited Per Share Data of Conseco and PFS.............................      19
  Market Price Information............................................................      20
INFORMATION CONCERNING CONSECO AND RAC................................................      21
  Background..........................................................................      21
  Operating Segments..................................................................      22
  General Information Concerning Conseco and RAC......................................      24
INFORMATION CONCERNING PFS............................................................      25
THE SPECIAL MEETING...................................................................      26
  General.............................................................................      26
  Matters to be Considered at the Special Meeting.....................................      26
  Voting at the Special Meeting; Record Date; Quorum..................................      26
  Proxies; Revocation of Proxies......................................................      29
THE MERGER............................................................................      30
  Background of the Merger............................................................      30
  Conseco's Reasons for the Merger....................................................      33
  PFS's  Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the PFS Board of Directors.........      34
  Opinion of Financial Advisor to PFS.................................................      35
  Certain Consequences of the Merger..................................................      40
  Conduct of the Business of Conseco and PFS after the Merger.........................      40
  Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger..........................................      40
  Accounting Treatment................................................................      42
  Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences.............................................      42
  Regulatory Approvals................................................................      43
</TABLE>

 
                                        ALT - v
<PAGE>   
 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         PAGE
                                                                                         -----
<S>                                                                                        <C>
  NYSE Listing of Conseco Common Stock................................................      44
  Absence of Appraisal Rights.........................................................      44  
THE MERGER AGREEMENT..................................................................      44  
  The Merger..........................................................................      44
  Effective Time......................................................................      45
  Conversion of Shares; Exchange of Stock Certificates; No Fractional Amounts.........      45
  Treatment of PFS Stock Options......................................................      46
  Treatment of PFS Convertible Subordinated Notes.....................................      46
  PFS Employee Matters................................................................      47
  Representations and Warranties......................................................      47
  Certain Covenants...................................................................      47
  Conditions to the Merger............................................................      49
  Termination.........................................................................      50
  Right of PFS Board of Directors to Withdraw Its Recommendation......................      50
  Breakup Fee.........................................................................      50
  Expenses............................................................................      51
  Modification or Amendment...........................................................      51
  PFS Affiliate Registration Rights...................................................      51
  Stockholder Litigation..............................................................      51
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF CONSECO......................      52
COMPARISON OF SHAREHOLDERS' RIGHTS....................................................      79
  Amendment of By-laws................................................................      79
  Certain Provisions Relating to Acquisitions.........................................      79
  Right to Bring Business Before a Special Meeting of Shareholders....................      80
  Shareholder Action by Written Consent...............................................      81
  Removal of Directors................................................................      81
  Director Liability..................................................................      81
  Indemnification.....................................................................      81
  Dividends and Repurchases...........................................................      82
  Dissenters' Rights..................................................................      82
  Director and Officer Discretion.....................................................      83
MANAGEMENT OF CONSECO AND PFS UPON CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGER.........................      83
LEGAL MATTERS.........................................................................      84
EXPERTS...............................................................................      84
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS..................................................................      84
OTHER MATTERS.........................................................................      84
SELLING STOCKHOLDERS..................................................................      85
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION..................................................................      86
Annex A -- Agreement and Plan of Merger...............................................     A-1
Annex B -- Opinion of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation.............     B-1
</TABLE>

    
 
                                       ALT - vi
<PAGE>



                     [Alternate Page for Resale Prospectus]

                              SELLING STOCKHOLDERS

         The  following  table sets forth the names of persons  who, at the time
the  Merger  is  submitted  to  the  stockholders  of  PFS  for  approval,  were
"affiliates"  of PFS for  purposes  of Rule 145  under the  Securities  Act (the
"Affiliates"),  the aggregate number of shares of PFS Common Stock  beneficially
owned by each  Affiliate  as of the date  hereof,  and the  aggregate  number of
shares  of  Conseco   Common  Stock  that  each  Affiliate  may  (following  the
consummation   of  the   Merger)   offer  and  sell   pursuant   to  this  Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.

                     Number of Shares          Number of
Name of Affiliate   Beneficially Owned     Shares Registered
- -----------------   ------------------     -----------------
























                                       85

                                  
<PAGE>



                     [Alternate Page for Resale Prospectus]

                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

         Following  consummation  of the  Merger,  the shares of Conseco  Common
Stock  received by the Affiliates in the Merger may be sold from time to time to
purchasers directly by any of the Affiliates.  Alternatively, the Affiliates may
sell the shares of Conseco Common Stock in one or more  transactions  (which may
involve one or more block  transactions)  on the NYSE, in separately  negotiated
transactions,  or in a combination of such  transactions.  Each sale may be made
either at market  prices  prevailing  at the time of such sale or at  negotiated
prices;  some or all of the shares of Conseco  Common  Stock may be sold through
brokers  acting on behalf of the  Affiliates  or to  dealers  for resale by such
dealers;  and in connection with such sales, such brokers or dealers may receive
compensation in the form of discounts or commissions from Affiliates  and/or the
purchasers  of such  shares  for whom  they may act as  broker  or agent  (which
discounts or commissions  are not  anticipated to exceed those  customary in the
types of transactions  involved).  However, any securities covered by this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus  which  qualify  for sale  pursuant  to Rule 144  under the
Securities  Act may be sold under Rule 144 rather  than  pursuant  to this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.  All expenses of registration  incurred in connection with
this  offering are being borne by Conseco,  but all  brokerage  commissions  and
other  expenses  incurred by an individual  Affiliate will be borne by each such
Affiliate. Conseco will not receive any of the proceeds from such sales.

         The Affiliates and any dealer  participating in the distribution of any
of the shares of Conseco Common Stock or any broker executing  selling orders on
behalf of the Affiliates may be deemed to be  "underwriters"  within the meaning
of the  Securities  Act,  in which event any profit on the sale of any or all of
the shares of Conseco  Common  Stock by them and any  discounts  or  commissions
received  by any such  brokers  or  dealers  may be  deemed  to be  underwriting
discounts and commissions under the Securities Act.

         Any broker or dealer  participating  in any  distribution  of shares of
Conseco  Common Stock in  connection  with this  offering may be deemed to be an
"underwriter"  within the meaning of the  Securities Act and will be required to
deliver a copy of this Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  to any person who  purchases
any of the shares of Conseco Common Stock from or through such broker or dealer.

         In order to comply  with the  securities  laws of  certain  states,  if
applicable,  the  shares of  Conseco  Common  Stock  will be sold  only  through
registered or licensed brokers or dealers.  In addition,  in certain states, the
shares of Conseco Common Stock may not be sold unless they have been  registered
or qualified for sale in such state or an exemption  from such  registration  or
qualification requirement is available and is complied with.




                                       86

 
<PAGE>   
 
                                    PART II.
 
                   INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
     The Indiana Corporation Law grants authorization to Indiana corporations to
indemnify officers and directors for their conduct if such conduct was in good
faith and was in the corporation's best interests or, in the case of directors,
was not opposed to such best interests, and permits the purchase of insurance in
this regard. In addition, the shareholders of a corporation may approve the
inclusion of other or additional indemnification provisions in the articles of
incorporation and by-laws.
 
     The By-laws of Conseco provides for the  indemnification of any person made
a party to any  action,  suit or  proceeding  by reason of the fact that he is a
director,  officer or employee of Conseco, unless it is adjudged in such action,
suit or  proceeding  that such person is liable for  negligence or misconduct in
the  performance  of his  duties.  Such  indemnification  shall be  against  the
reasonable  expenses,  including  attorneys'  fees,  incurred  by such person in
connection  with  the  defense  of  such  action,  suit or  proceeding.  In some
circumstances, Conseco may reimburse any such person for the reasonable costs of
settlement  of any such action,  suit or proceeding if a majority of the members
of the Board of Directors not involved in the  controversy  shall determine that
it was in the  interests of Conseco that such  settlement  be made and that such
person was not guilty of negligence or misconduct.

     The above discussion of Conseco's By-laws and the Indiana Corporation Law
is not intended to be exhaustive and is qualified in its entirety by such
By-laws and the Indiana Corporation Law.
 
     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission,
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
and is therefore unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person thereof in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by a director,
officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by it is against
public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the
final adjudication of such issue.
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   
 
   
ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
 
     (a) Exhibits
 

<TABLE>
    <S>      <C>    <C>
    2(a)       --   Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of December 15, 1996 by and among
                    Conseco, Inc., Rock Acquisition Company and Pioneer Financial Services,
                    Inc. (included as Annex A to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus (schedules
                    omitted -- the Registrant agrees to furnish a copy of any schedule to 
                    the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") upon request)).*
    5          --   Opinion of Lawrence W. Inlow, General Counsel to Conseco, Inc., as to the
                    validity of the issuance of the securities registered hereby.**
    8          --   Opinion of McDermott, Will & Emery as to certain tax matters.***
    23(a)      --   Consent of Lawrence W. Inlow, General Counsel to Conseco, Inc. (included in
                    the opinion filed as Exhibit 5 to the Registration Statement).*
    23(b)      --   Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. with respect to the financial statements
                    of the Registrant.*
    23(c)      --   Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. with respect to the financial statements
                    of Life Partners Group, Inc.*
    23(d)      --   Consent of Ernst & Young LLP with respect to the financial statements of Pioneer
                    Financial Services, Inc.* 
    23(e)      --   Consent of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation.**
    23(f)      --   Consent of McDermott, Will & Emery (included in the opinion filed as Exhibit 8
                    to the Registration Statement).***
    24(a)      --   Powers of Attorney of Stephen C. Hilbert, Rollin M. Dick, 
                    Donald F. Gongaware,  Dennis E. Murray, Sr., Ngaire E. Cuneo, David R. Decatur,
                    M. Phil Hathaway and James D. Massey.**
    99(a)      --   Opinion of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation (included as
                    Annex B to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus).**
    99(b)      --   Form of proxy card for PFS.*
</TABLE>

 
- -------------------------
  * Filed herewith.
 ** Filed previously.
*** To be filed by amendment.
    

     (b) Financial Statement Schedules -- Inapplicable.
 
ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS.
 
     (a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in the registration
statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time
shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
     (b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes as follows:
 
          (1) that prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered
     hereunder through use of a prospectus which is a part of this registration
     statement, by any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within
     the meaning of Rule 145(c), the issuer undertakes that such reoffering
     prospectus will contain the information called for by the applicable
     registration form with respect to reofferings by
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   
 
     persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the information
     called for by the other items of the applicable form.
 
          (2) That every prospectus: (i) that is filed pursuant to paragraph (1)
     immediately preceding, or (ii) that purports to meet the requirements of
     Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act and is used in connection with an
     offering of securities subject to Rule 415, will be filed as a part of an
     amendment to the registration statement and will not be used until such
     amendment is effective, and that, for purposes of determining any liability
     under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment, shall
     be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
     offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
     deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
     (c) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for
information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to
Item 4, 10(b), 11 or 13 of this form, within one business day of receipt of such
request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or other
equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents filed
subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the date
of responding to the request.
 
     (d) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a
post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the
company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and
included in the registration statement when it became effective.
 
     (e) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
 
          (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
     made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement;
 
             (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
        Securities Act of 1933;
 
             (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
        the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent
        post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
        aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
        in the Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any
        increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total
        dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was
        registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated
        maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed
        with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the
        changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the
        maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of
        Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement; and
 
             (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan
        of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement
        or any material change to such information in the Registration
        Statement.
 
          (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
     Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a
     new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and
     the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
     initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
          (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
     any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
     termination of the offering.

     (f) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to deliver or cause to be
delivered with the prospectus, to each person to whom the prospectus is sent or
given, the latest annual report to security holders that is incorporated by
reference in the prospectus and furnished pursuant to and meeting the
requirements of Rule 14a-3 or Rule 14c-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934; and, where interim financial information required to be presented by
Article 3 of Regulation S-X are not set forth in the prospectus, to deliver, or
cause to be delivered to each person to whom the prospectus is sent or given,
the latest quarterly report that is specifically incorporated by reference in
the prospectus to provide such interim financial information.
 
     (g) See Part II -- Item 20.
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>   
 
                                   SIGNATURES

   
     Pursuant to the  requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
has duly caused this Amendment  No. 1 to Registration  Statement to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned,  thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Carmel
and the State of Indiana, on the 24th day of March, 1997.

                                          CONSECO, INC.
 
                                          By: /s/ STEPHEN C. HILBERT
 
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Stephen C. Hilbert, Chairman of the
                                              Board, President and Chief
                                              Executive Officer
 
     Pursuant  to  the   requirements  of  the  Securities  Act  of  1933,  this
Amendment  No. 1 to  Registration  Statement  has been  signed by the  following
persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          SIGNATURE                                TITLE                           DATE
- ------------------------------   -----------------------------------------   -----------------
<S>                              <C>                                         <C>
*                                Director, Chairman of the Board,             March 24, 1997
- ------------------------------   President and Chief Executive Officer
Stephen C. Hilbert               (Principal Executive Officer of the
                                 Registrant)
*                                Director, Executive Vice President and       March 24, 1997
- ------------------------------   Chief Financial Officer (Principal
Rollin M. Dick                   Financial and Accounting Officer of the
                                 Registrant)
*                                Director                                     March 24, 1997
- ------------------------------
Ngaire E. Cuneo
*                                Director                                     March 24, 1997
- ------------------------------
David R. Decatur
*                                Director                                     March 24, 1997
- ------------------------------
M. Phil Hathaway
*                                Director                                     March 24, 1997
- ------------------------------
Donald F. Gongaware
*                                Director                                     March 24, 1997
- ------------------------------
James D. Massey
*                                Director                                     March 24, 1997
- ------------------------------
Dennis E. Murray, Sr.


- ------------------------------   Director
John M. Mutz                      

*By: /s/ KARL W. KINDIG
     -------------------------
     Karl W. Kindig,
     Attorney-in-Fact
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-4

   

                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(b)





   
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration  statement
of Conseco,  Inc. on Form S-4 (File No.  333-20811),  of our reports dated March
14, 1997 on our audits of the  consolidated  financial  statements and financial
statement  schedules of Conseco,  Inc. and  subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996
and 1995, and for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994,  included in
the Annual  Report on Form 10-K.  We also  consent to the  reference to our firm
under the caption "Experts."




                                   /s/ COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
                                   ----------------------------

                                   COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.



Indianapolis, Indiana
March 25, 1997
    
                                   

   


                                                                  EXHIBIT 23(c)





                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



   
     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration  statement
of Conseco,  Inc. on Form S-4 (File No.  333-20811),  of our reports dated March
27, 1996 on our audits of the  consolidated  financial  statements and financial
statement schedules of Life Partners Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December
31, 1995 and 1994,  and for the years ended  December  31,  1995,  1994 and 1993
included in the  Current  Report on Form 8-K of Conseco,  Inc.  dated  August 2,
1996. We also consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts."


                                        /s/ COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
                                        ----------------------------

                                        COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.


Denver, Colorado
March 25, 1997
    




                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(d)


   
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS





     We  consent  to the  reference  to our firm  under the  headings  "Selected
Historical   Financial   Information   of  PFS"  and   "Experts"  in  the  Proxy
Statement/Prospectus  that is made part of  Amendment  No. 1 to the Registration
Statement on Form S-4 (No.  333-20811) of Conseco,  Inc. for the registration of
shares of its common stock and to the  incorporation by reference therein of our
report  dated  March  21,  1997,  with  respect  to the  consolidated  financial
statements and financial statement schedules of Pioneer Financial Services, Inc.
and  subsidiaries  included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1996, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



                                      /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
                                      ---------------------
                                      ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Chicago, Illinois
March 21, 1997
    



                        PIONEER FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
P           Proxy Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors of
                Pioneer Financial Services, Inc. for a Special Meeting
R               of Stockholders to be held on May ___, 1997
                            at 10:00 a.m. local time

O
        The undersigned Stockholder of Pioneer Financial Services, Inc. ("PFS")
X       hereby   appoints ________ and __________, and each of them, the 
        lawful attorneys and proxies of the undersigned, with full powers of
Y       substitution, to vote all shares of Common Stock, $1.00 par value
        per share, of PFS (the "PFS Common Stock") which the undersigned
        is entitled to vote at the Special Meeting of Stockholders to be held
        on May __, and any adjournments thereof.
                                                        ______________
                                                       | SEE REVERSE |
       CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON REVERSE SIDE      |    SIDE     |
                                                       |_____________|





    Please mark
/X/ votes as in   
    this example.


<TABLE>
<S><C>
    The PFS Board of Directors recommends that the stockholders of PFS vote FOR the authorization and adoption of the
    Merger Agreement (as defined below) and the transactions contemplated thereby (including, without limitation,
    the Merger (as defined below)).  In the absence of specific instructions, proxies will be voted for the
    authorization and adoption of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby (including without
    limitation, the Merger) and in the discretion of the proxy holders as to any other matters.

                                                                                              FOR   AGAINST  ABSTAIN
    1.  Approval of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of December 15, 1996
       (the "Merger Agreement"), by and between PFS, Rock Acquisition Company and Conseco,
       Inc., an Indiana corporation ("Conseco"), and the transactions contemplated thereby
       (including, without limitation, the Merger) pursuant to which, among other things,
       (i) PFS will be merged with and into Rock Acquisition Company (the "Merger"), with
       PFS surviving the Merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Conseco, and (ii) each
       outstanding share of PFS Common Stock (other than shares of PFS Common Stock held
       as treasury shares by PFS) shall be converted into the right to receive the Merger
       Consideration (as defined in the Merger Agreement).

    2. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement 
       thereof.

                                                                MARK HERE
                                                               FOR ADDRESS    /  /
                                                                CHANGE AND
                                                               NOTE AT LEFT

                                        Note:  Please sign exactly as name appears hereon.  Joint
                                        owners should each sign.  When signing as attorney, 
                                        executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give
                                        full title as such.


Signature:                                     Date:                         Signature:                        Date:
</TABLE>


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