OHIO CASUALTY CORP
10-Q, 1999-05-17
FIRE, MARINE & CASUALTY INSURANCE
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<PAGE>     1

==============================================================================
                    SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                       Washington, D. C.   20549

                               FORM 10-Q

[x]   Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities 
      Exchange Act of 1934
      For the quarter ended March 31, 1999.
                            --------------
[  ]  Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities
      Exchange Act of 1934
      For the transition period from                     to                  
                                     -------------------    ------------------
Commission File Number 0-5544

                         OHIO CASUALTY CORPORATION
         (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

            OHIO                                         31-0783294
(State or other jurisdiction              (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
of incorporation or organization)

 136 North Third Street, Hamilton, Ohio                       45025
(Address of principal executive offices)                    (Zip Code)


                               (513) 867-3000
                      (Registrant's telephone number)

         Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

                    Common Shares, Par Value $.125 Each
                              (Title of Class)

                       Common Share Purchase Rights
                              (Title of Class)

   Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports 
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the 
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to 
such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

                                                    Yes      X           No

   The aggregate market value as of May 3, 1999 of the voting stock held by 
non-affiliates of the registrant was $975,799,672.

   On May 3, 1999 there were 30,760,792 shares outstanding.


                                 Page 1 of 16
==============================================================================

<PAGE>     2
<TABLE>
PART I

ITEM 1.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OHIO CASUALTY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
<CAPTION>
                                                  March 31,      December 31,
                                                     1999            1998
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>              <C>
Assets
Investments:
   Fixed maturities:
      Available for sale, at fair value
      (cost:   $2,384,266 and $2,307,734)        $2,460,593      $2,415,904
   Equity securities, at fair value
      (cost:   $237,867 and $245,129)               907,347         924,906
   Short-term investments, at fair value
      (cost:   $67,812 and $262,939)                 67,814         262,863
                                                 -----------     -----------
         Total investments                        3,435,754       3,603,673
Cash                                                 43,578          42,139
Premiums and other receivables, net of 
   allowance for bad debts of $9,039 and 
   $8,739, respectively                             347,922         301,943
Deferred policy acquisition costs                   174,559         176,606
Property and equipment, net of accumulated 
   depreciation of $101,673 and $97,991, 
   respectively                                      87,861          80,065
Reinsurance recoverable                             170,271         186,861
Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of
      $3,094 and $1,031, respectively               305,267         308,206
Other assets                                        123,380         102,771
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Total assets                            $4,688,592      $4,802,264 
============================================================================

Liabilities
Insurance reserves:
   Unearned premiums                             $  693,367      $  668,550
   Losses                                         1,547,714       1,580,599
   Loss adjustment expenses                         368,031         376,340
   Future policy benefits                            20,883          25,518
Note payable                                        255,000         265,000
California Proposition 103 reserve                   48,653          48,043
Deferred income taxes                               125,509         140,730
Other liabilities                                   359,461         376,503
                                                 -----------     -----------
         Total liabilities                        3,418,618       3,481,283

Shareholders' equity
Common stock, $.125  par value                        5,850           5,850
   Authorized:   150,000,000 shares
   Issued:   47,209,172
Additional paid-in capital                            4,312           4,186
Common stock purchase warrants                       21,138          21,138
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
   Unrealized gain on investments, net of 
     applicable income taxes                        484,247         511,816
Retained earnings                                 1,182,255       1,185,349
Treasury stock, at cost:
   (Shares:  16,448,380; 15,535,089)               (427,828)       (407,358)
                                                  ----------      ----------
         Total shareholders' equity               1,269,974       1,320,981
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Total liabilities and shareholders' 
           equity                                $4,688,592      $4,802,264 
============================================================================
</TABLE>
Accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  For 
complete disclosures see Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on pages 
48-61 of the Corporation's 1998 Form 10-K, Item 14.

                                     2

<PAGE>     3
<TABLE>
OHIO CASUALTY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
<CAPTION>                                                    
                                                          Three Months
                                                         Ended March 31,
                                                       1999          1998
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>
Premiums and finance charges earned                 $ 384,545     $ 309,627
Investment income less expenses                        41,809        44,633
Investment gains realized, net                            903         4,082
                                                    ----------    ----------
         Total revenues                               427,257       358,342

Losses and benefits for policyholders                 231,753       188,117
Loss adjustment expenses                               34,061        26,380
General operating expenses                             42,987        28,352
Amortization of goodwill                                3,094             0
California Proposition 103 reserve, 
   including interest                                     611           897
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs      99,969        73,731
                                                    ----------    ----------
         Total expenses                               412,475       317,477

Income from continuing operations
   before income taxes                                 14,782        40,865
Income taxes
   Current                                              2,237         7,457
   Deferred                                               828         2,494
                                                    ----------    ----------
         Total income taxes                             3,065         9,951
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before discontinued operations                  11,717        30,914
Income from discontinued operations net of taxes of
   $(502) and $179, respectively                        1,795           280
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of taxes   (2,255)            0
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income                                          $  11,257     $  31,194
============================================================================
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
   Net change in unrealized gains (losses), net 
     of income tax expense/benefit of $(14,844) 
     and $38,470, respectively                        (27,569)       71,445
                                                    ----------    ----------                                                    
Comprehensive income                                $ (16,312)    $ 102,639
============================================================================
Average shares outstanding - basic                     31,145        33,621

Average shares outstanding - diluted                   31,163        33,663
============================================================================
Earnings per share (basic and diluted):
Income from continuing operations, per share        $    0.38     $    0.92
Income from discontinued operations, per share           0.05          0.01
Effect of change in accounting principle 
   (net of tax)                                         (0.07)         0.00
                                                    ----------    ----------
Net income, per share                               $    0.36     $    0.93

Cash dividends, per share                           $    0.46     $    0.44
============================================================================
</TABLE>
Accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  For 
complete disclosures see Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on pages 
48-61 of the Corporation's 1998 Form 10-K, Item 14.

                                     3

<PAGE>     4
<TABLE>
OHIO CASUALTY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
<CAPTION>

                                                          Common        Accumulated
                                           Additional      stock           other                                    Total
                                  Common    paid-in       purchase     comprehensive     Retained     Treasury   shareholders'
                                  Stock     capital       warrants         income        earnings       stock       equity
<S>                             <C>        <C>          <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>
Balance
January 1, 1998                  $ 5,850    $ 3,923      $      0       $ 454,241      $ 1,158,308  $ (307,493)  $ 1,314,829

Unrealized gain (loss)                                                    109,915                                    109,915
Deferred income tax benefit on
  net unrealized gain (loss)                                              (38,470)                                   (38,470)
Net issuance of treasury
  stock under stock option
  plan and by charitable
  donation (8,276 shares)                       195                                                        193           388
Repurchase of treasury
  stock  (30,000 shares)                                                                                (1,464)       (1,464)
Net income                                                                                  31,194                    31,194
Cash dividends paid
  ($.44 per share)                                                                         (14,797)                  (14,797)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance,
March 31, 1998                   $ 5,850    $ 4,118      $      0       $ 525,686      $ 1,174,705  $ (308,764)  $ 1,401,595
=============================================================================================================================

Balance
January 1, 1999                  $ 5,850    $ 4,186      $ 21,138       $ 511,816      $ 1,185,349  $ (407,358)  $ 1,320,981

Unrealized gain (loss)                                                    (42,413)                                   (42,413)
Deferred income tax benefit on                                           
  net realized gain (loss)                                                 14,844                                     14,844
Net issuance of treasury
  stock under stock option
  plan and by charitable
  donation (9,009 shares)                       126                                                        212           338
Repurchase of treasury
  stock  (517,100 shares)                                                                              (20,682)      (20,682)
Net income                                                                                  11,257                    11,257 
Cash dividends paid
  ($.46 per share)                                                                         (14,351)                  (14,351)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance,
March 31, 1999                   $ 5,850    $ 4,312      $ 21,138       $ 484,247      $ 1,182,255  $ (427,828)  $ 1,269,974
=============================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
Accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  For 
complete disclosures see Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on pages 
48-61 of the Corporation's 1998 Form 10-K, Item 14.

                                                   4

<PAGE>     5
<TABLE>
OHIO CASUALTY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
<CAPTION>
                                                          Three Months
                                                         Ended March 31,
                                                      1999            1998
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>            <C>
Cash flows from:
   Operations
      Net income                                    $  11,257      $  31,194
      Adjustments to reconcile net income to 
       cash from operations:
         Changes in:
            Insurance reserves                        (21,013)           401
            Income taxes                                1,349          3,133
            Premiums and other receivables            (45,979)       (11,822)
            Deferred policy acquisition costs           2,046         (3,648)
            Reinsurance recoverable                    16,589         (9,160)
            Other assets                              (12,399)        13,674
            Other liabilities                         (25,689)        (3,899)
            Amortization of goodwill                    2,939              0  
         Depreciation and amortization                  8,318          3,463
         Investment gains and losses                   (2,103)        (4,042)
         Cumulative effect of an accounting change      2,255              0
         California Proposition 103                       611            896
                                                     ---------      ---------
            Net cash generated (used) by operations   (61,819)        20,190

Investments
   Purchase of investments:
      Fixed income securities - available for sale   (255,146)       (45,155)
      Equity securities                                (6,395)        (2,986)
   Proceeds from sales:
      Fixed income securities - available for sale    140,013         10,426
      Equity securities                                15,146          6,678
   Proceeds from maturities and calls:
      Fixed income securities - available for sale     27,998         39,640
      Equity securities                                 3,000              0
   Property and equipment
      Purchases                                       (11,612)        (4,081)
      Sales                                               135            164
                                                     ---------      ---------
         Net cash from investments                    (86,861)         4,686

Financing
   Note payable                                       (10,000)             0
   Proceeds from exercise of stock options                103              1
   Purchase of treasury stock                         (20,682)        (1,686)
   Dividends paid to shareholders                     (14,351)       (14,797)
                                                    ----------     ----------
         Net cash used in financing activity          (44,930)       (16,482)
                                                                 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents              (193,610)         8,394
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period        305,002        120,055
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period            $ 111,392      $ 128,449      
=============================================================================
</TABLE>
Accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  For 
complete disclosures see Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on pages 
48-61 of the Corporation's 1998 Form 10-K, Item 14.

                                     5

<PAGE>     6

                     OHIO CASUALTY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  (UNAUDITED)

NOTE I - RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

During the quarter, the Corporation adopted Statement of Position 97-3 
"Accounting by Insurance and Other Enterprises for Insurance-Related 
Assessments".  This statement provides guidance on accounting for insurance 
related assessments and required disclosure information.  In accordance with 
SOP 97-3, the Corporation accrued a liability for insurance assessments of 
$2.3 million net of tax.  This was recorded as a change in accounting method.

In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of 
Financial Accounting Standard 133 "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and 
Hedging Activities."  This statement standardizes the accounting for 
derivative instruments by requiring those items to be recognized as assets or 
liabilities with changes in fair value reported in earnings or other 
comprehensive income in the current period.  The Corporation expects the 
adoption of FAS 133 to have an immaterial impact on the financial results due 
to its limited use of derivative instruments.  This statement is effective for 
fiscal quarters of fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999 (January 1, 2000 
for the Corporation).

NOTE II - EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is computed using weighted average number of common 
shares outstanding.  Diluted earnings per share is computed similar to basic 
earnings per share except that the weighted average number of shares 
outstanding is increased to include the number of additional common shares 
that would have been issued if all dilutive outstanding stock options would 
have been exercised.  Basic and diluted earnings per share are summarized as 
follows:

                                                  Three months ended
                                                       March 31
                                                1999                1998
                                                ----                ----
Income from continuing operations             $11,717             $30,914

Weighted average common shares 
outstanding - basic                            31,145              33,621

Basic income from continuing
operations per weighted average share         $   .38             $   .92
==============================================================================
Weighted average common shares outstanding     31,145              33,621

Effect of dilutive securities                      18                  42
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted average common shares
outstanding - diluted                          31,163              33,663

Diluted income from continuing
operations per weighted average share         $   .38             $   .92
==============================================================================

NOTE III - INTERIM ADJUSTMENTS

It is believed that all material adjustments necessary to present a fair 
statement of the results of the interim period covered are reflected in this 
report.  The operating results for the interim periods are not necessarily 
indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.  These statements 
should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto 
in the Corporation's 1998 Form 10-K, Item 14.

                                     6
<PAGE>  7

NOTE IV  -- SEGMENT INFORMATION

In 1998, the Corporation adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard 
131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information."  
This statement supersedes Statement of Financial Accounting Standard 14, 
"Financial Reporting for Segments of a Business Enterprise" and replaces the 
industry segment approach with a management segment approach in identifying 
reportable segments.  The management segment approach focuses on financial 
information that the Corporation's decision makers use to make decisions about 
the operating segments.  The accounting policies of the property and casualty 
segments are based upon statutory accounting practices.  Statutory accounting 
principles differ from generally accepted accounting principles primarily by 
deferred policy acquisition costs, required statutory reserves, assets not 
admitted for statutory reporting, California Proposition 103 reserve and 
deferred federal income taxes.

   The Corporation has determined its reportable segments based upon its 
method of internal reporting which is organized by product line.  The property 
and casualty segments are personal automobile, commercial automobile, 
homeowners, workers' compensation, fidelity and surety, general liability and 
commercial property.  These segments generate revenues by selling a wide 
variety of personal, commercial and surety insurance products.  The 
Corporation also has an all other segment which derives its revenues from 
premium financing, investment income, royalty income and discontinued life 
insurance operations.  The Corporation writes business in over 40 states in 
conjunction with the independent agency system.

   Each segment of the Corporation is managed separately.  The property and 
casualty segments are managed by assessing the performance and profitability 
of the segments through analysis of industry financial measurements including 
loss and loss adjustment expense ratios, combined ratio, premiums written, 
underwriting gain/loss and the effect of catastrophe losses on the segment.  
The following tables present this information by segment as of March 31, 1999 
and 1998 as it is reported internally to management.  Asset information by 
reportable segment is not reported, since the Corporation does not produce 
such information internally. 

Private Passenger Auto              1999          1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Net premiums written              $153,148       $125,492
  % Increase(decrease)                22.0%           9.3%
Net premiums earned                131,988        121,670
  % Increase(decrease)                 8.5%           9.8%
Underwriting gain/(loss)      
  (before tax)                      (6,012)        (2,675)
Loss ratio                            64.2%          66.6%
Loss expense ratio                    10.8%          10.8%
Underwriting expense ratio            25.5%          24.0%
Combined ratio                       100.5%         101.4%
Impact of catastrophe 
losses on combined ratio               0.3%           0.2%
                              
CMP, Fire, Inland Marine              1999         1998
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Net premiums written               $74,925       $52,627
  % Increase(decrease)                42.4%         -0.4%
Net premiums earned                 73,793        51,647
  % Increase(decrease)                42.9%          4.4%
Underwriting gain/(loss)
   (before tax)                    (14,195)       (2,198)
Loss ratio                            69.8%         57.0%
Loss expense ratio                     8.0%          3.6%
Underwriting expense ratio            40.8%         42.8%
Combined ratio                       118.6%        103.4%
Impact of catastrophe losses
on combined ratio                      2.1%          1.6%
                             
General Liability                     1999         1998
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Net premiums written               $32,162       $24,083
  % Increase(decrease)                33.5%         -9.0%
Net premiums earned                 30,883        23,943
  % Increase(decrease)                29.0%         -4.8%
Underwriting gain/(loss)      
   (before tax)                      6,105         2,085
Loss ratio                            30.5%         33.6%
Loss expense ratio                     0.1%          9.8%
Underwriting expense ratio            47.7%         47.6%
Combined ratio                        78.3%         91.0%
Impact of catastrophe losses 
on combined ratio                      N/A           N/A

Workers' Compensation                 1999         1998
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Net premiums written               $47,126       $25,190
  % Increase(decrease)                87.1%        -13.5%
Net premiums earned                 50,428        24,665
  % Increase(decrease)               104.5%        -11.7%
Underwriting gain/(loss)
  (before tax)                       5,443        (7,840)
Loss ratio                            48.4%         90.5%
Loss expense ratio                     8.5%          8.7%
Underwriting expense ratio            34.6%         31.9%
Combined ratio                        91.5%        131.1%
Impact of catastrophe losses 
on combined ratio                      N/A           N/A

                                     7

<PAGE>  8

Commercial Auto                       1999         1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Net premiums written               $43,124       $35,571
  % Increase(decrease)                21.2%         -6.2%
Net premiums earned                 42,502        34,456
  % Increase(decrease)                23.4%         -1.1%
Underwriting gain/(loss)            
  (before tax)                      (5,990)         (780)
Loss ratio                            67.1%         58.3%
Loss expense ratio                    12.4%          9.7%
Underwriting expense ratio            34.1%         33.2%
Combined ratio                       113.6%        101.2%
Impact of catastrophe losses          
on combined ratio                      0.2%          0.2%

Homeowners                            1999         1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Net premiums written               $37,478       $40,075
  % Increase(decrease)                -6.5%          4.6%
Net premiums earned                 45,654        44,145
  % Increase(decrease)                 3.4%          5.7%
Underwriting gain/(loss)  
  (before tax)                     (10,603)       (1,050)
Loss ratio                            82.7%         60.4%
Loss expense ratio                     8.8%          6.9%
Underwriting expense ratio            38.7%         38.6%
Combined ratio                       130.2%        105.9%
Impact of catastrophe losses 
on combined ratio                      7.8%          4.3%

Fidelity & Surety                     1999         1998
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Net premiums written                $9,401        $8,764
  % Increase(decrease)                 7.3%          5.2%
Net premiums earned                  9,275         8,840
  % Increase(decrease)                 4.9%          0.3%
Underwriting gain/(loss)         
  (before tax)                       1,812         1,191
Loss ratio                             2.7%         15.0%
Loss expense ratio                     4.6%          5.8%
Underwriting expense ratio            72.2%         66.3%
Combined ratio                        79.5%         87.1%
Impact of catastrophe losses 
on combined ratio                      N/A           N/A

Total Property & Casualty             1999         1998
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Net premiums written              $397,364       $311,802
  % Increase(decrease)                27.4%           1.3%
Net premiums earned                384,523        309,366
  % Increase(decrease)                24.3%           3.6%
Underwriting gain/(loss)         
  (before tax)                     (23,440)       (11,267)
Loss ratio                            61.5%          61.1%
Loss expense ratio                     8.9%           8.5%
Underwriting expense ratio            34.5%          33.8%
Combined ratio                       104.9%         103.4%
Impact of catastrophe losses 
on combined ratio                      1.8%           1.0%

All other                             1999         1998
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues                             $(376)        $1,657
Expenses                             4,973          1,975
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Net income                         $(5,349)         $(318)
                    
Reconciliation of Revenues            1999         1998
- -------------------------------------------------------------
Net premiums earned for
  reportable segments             $384,523       $309,366
Investment income                   42,467         43,230
Realized gains                       1,078          4,236
Miscellaneous income                    43             87
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Total property and casualty 
  revenues (Statutory basis)       428,111        356,919
Property and casualty 
statutory to GAAP adjustment          (478)          (234)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Total revenues property 
and casualty (GAAP basis)          427,633        356,685
Other segment revenues                (376)         1,657
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Total revenues                    $427,257       $358,342
=================================================================

Reconciliation of Underwriting    
gain/(loss) (before tax)              1999            1998
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Property and casualty under-
  writing gain/(loss) (before tax) 
  (Statutory basis)                  (23,440)        (11,267)
Statutory to GAAP adjustment              77           5,307
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Property and casualty under-
  writing gain/(loss) (before tax) 
  (GAAP basis)                       (23,363)        (5,960)
Net investment income                 41,809         44,634
Realized gains                           903          4,082
Other income                          (4,567)        (1,891)
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Income from continuing 
operations before income taxes       $14,782        $40,865
==============================================================

NOTE V - ACQUISITION OF COMMERCIAL LINES BUSINESS

On December 1, 1998, the Corporation acquired substantially all of the 
Commercial Lines Division of Great American Insurance Company ("GAI"), an 
insurance subsidiary of the American Financial Group, Inc.  As part of the 
transaction, the Corporation assumed responsibility for 650 employees of GAI's 
Commercial Lines Division, as well as relationships with 1,700 agents.  The 
major lines of business included in the sale were workers' compensation, 
commercial multi-peril, umbrella and commercial auto.  Four commercial 
operations as well as all California business and all pre-1987 environmental 
claims were excluded from the transaction.
                                     
                                     8
<PAGE>  9

   The transaction was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.  
The following table presents the unaudited quarterly proforma results of 
operations had the acquisition occurred at the beginning of first quarter 
1998.

(Unaudited)                  1999          1998
- ----------------------------------------------------
Revenues                   $427,257      $452,326
Net income                   11,257        32,642
Diluted earnings per share      .36           .97

NOTE VI - RESTRUCTURING CHARGE

During December 1998, the Corporation adopted a plan to restructure its branch 
operations.  To continue in the Corporation's efforts to reduce expenses, 
personal lines business centers will be reduced from five to three locations.  
Underwriting branch locations will be reduced from seventeen to eight 
locations and claims branches will be reduced from thirty-eight to six 
locations.  The Corporation recognized $10,000 in expenses in its income 
statement to reflect one-time charges related to its branch office 
consolidation plan.  These charges consisted solely of future contractual 
lease payments related to abandoned facilities.  The activities under the plan 
are expected to be completed by year-end 1999
                                     
                                     9
<PAGE>  10

ITEM 2.  Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial  Condition 
- -------  and  Results of Operations
         -----------------------------------------------------------------
Property and casualty pre-tax underwriting losses for the quarter ended March 
31, 1999 were $23.4 million, $.75 per share, compared with $6.0 million, $.18 
per share for the same period in 1998.  Gross premiums for the first three 
months of 1999 increased 12.3% for all lines of business excluding the effect 
of $76.5 million in gross premium written from the GAI acquisition.  Commercial 
lines decreased .3% and personal lines increased 21.6% from the same period 
last year excluding the effects of the GAI acquisition.  Property and casualty 
net premiums increased 6.3% for the first quarter of 1999 from the same period 
a year ago excluding $65.8 million related to the GAI acquisition.

Premium from Key Agents grew 9.5% over the same period of 1998.  Key Agents 
work closely with the Corporation to establish goals to increase profitability, 
growth and retention.  Non-key active agents grew 8.2% over 1998.  These 
together with new appointments brings total active agent premium growth to 
11.4% for 1999.

New Jersey is our largest state with 18.8% of total net premiums written 
during the quarter.  Legislation passed in 1992 requires automobile insurers 
operating in the state to accept all risks that meet underwriting guidelines 
regardless of risk concentration.  This leads to a greater risk concentration 
in the state than the Corporation would otherwise accept.  New Jersey also 
requires assessments to be paid for the New Jersey Unsatisfied Claim and 
Judgment Fund (UCJF).  This assessment is based upon estimated future direct 
premium written in that state.  The Corporation has paid $3.4 million in 1999 
for fiscal year 2000 assessment and has paid $3.2 million in 1998.  The 
Corporation anticipates future assessments will not materially affect the 
Corporation's results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

Recently, the New Jersey State Senate passed an auto insurance reform bill 
that mandates a 15% rate reduction for personal auto policies for drivers who 
agree not to sue for "pain and suffering" unless they suffer permanent injury 
in an accident.  The reform bill became effective on March 22, 1999, and all 
new policies and renewal policies written on or after that date reflect the 
15% rate reduction.  Current policyholders electing to cancel their current 
policy and renew with the effects of the rate rollback have so far been 
insignificant.  The anticipated impact on the Corporation is a tradeoff of 
lower premium rates on personal auto policies for presumably lower losses on 
these policies but the degree of offset, if any, is uncertain at present.  As 
of March 31, 1999, the Corporation had personal auto net premium written of 
$46.2 million or 62.0% of total premium that the Corporation writes in New 
Jersey compared with $114.5 million or 53.1% at year-end 1998.  The projected 
impact of this reform bill on the Corporation would have been a decrease in 
premium of $6.9 million and $17.2 million for the periods ended March 31, 1999
and December 31, 1998 respectively.

The combined ratio for the first three months increased 1.5 points to 104.9% 
from 103.4% from the same period last year.  The three-month combined ratio 
for homeowners increased 24.3 points to 130.2% from 105.9% in the same period 
last year.  This increase is due to an increase in non-catastrophe weather 
related losses in 1999 compared with the same period of 1998.  Personal 
automobile, the Corporation's largest line, recorded a 1999 three-month 
combined ratio of 100.5% decreasing from 101.4% in 1998.  Workers' compensation 
combined ratio for the first three months of 1999 decreased 39.6 points to 
91.5% from 131.1% during the same period last year.  The decrease in the 
workers' compensation ratio is due to reserve increases in 1998 from the 
additional development of certain pre-existing claims that have leveled off in 
the first quarter 1999.

The general liability combined ratio decreased during the first quarter 1999 
to 78.3% from 91.0% in 1998.  This reduction is largely due to favorable loss 
development during the first quarter of 1999.  The combined ratio for CMP, 
fire and inland marine increased 15.2 points to 118.6% from 103.4% during 
March 1999.  This increase is due largely to an increase in frequency due to 
non-catastrophe weather related losses as well as adverse development in the 
first quarter of 1999 compared with the same period last year.

The first quarter catastrophe losses were $5.6 million and accounted for 1.8 
points on the combined ratio.  This compares with $3.0 million and 1.0 point 
for the same period in 1998.  The effect of catastrophes on
                                     
                                     10
<PAGE>  11

the Corporation's results cannot be accurately predicted.  Severe weather 
patterns can have a material adverse impact on the Corporation's results.  
During the first quarter of 1999 there were 5 catastrophes compared with 8 
catastrophes in the first quarter of 1998.  The largest catastrophe in each 
quarter was $2.4 million and $1.7 million, respectively, in incurred losses.  
For additional disclosure of catastrophe losses, refer to Item 14, Note 9, 
Losses and Loss Reserves in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
on pages 54 and 55 of the Corporation's 1998 Form 10-K.

For the quarter, property and casualty before tax investment income was $42.5 
million, $1.36 per share, decreasing slightly from $43.2 million, $1.29 per 
share, for the same period last year.  The effective tax rate on investment 
income for the first quarter of 1999 was 25.1% compared with 24.4% for the 
comparable period in 1998. 

Net cash used by operations was $61.8 million for the first three months of 
the year compared with net cash generated of $20.2 million for the same period 
in 1998.  This change is due to a decrease in net income of $19.9 million from 
the same period last year, an increase in agents balances receivable, largely
caused by a shift from a six month billing period to a twelve month billing 
period and payment of $40.0 million for other liabilities assumed from GAI. 
Shareholder dividend payments were $14.4 million in the first three months of 
1999 compared with $14.8 million for the same period of 1998.

In 1995, the Corporation reinsured substantially all of its life insurance and 
related businesses to Great Southern Life Insurance Company.  At December 31, 
1998, Great Southern had assumed 95% of the life insurance policies subject to 
the 1995 agreement.  As a result, the Corporation recognized an additional 
amount of unamortized ceding commission of $1.1 million before tax during the 
fourth quarter of 1998.  There remains approximately $1.1 million in 
unamortized ceding commission.  This will continue to be amortized over the 
remaining life of the underlying policies.  Additional information related to 
the discontinued life insurance operations is included in Item 14, Note 20 
Discontinued Operations on page 60 of the Corporation's 1998 Form 10-K.

Investments in below investment grade securities (Standard and Poor's rating 
below BBB-) and unrated securities are summarized as follows:


                                              March 31,          December 31,
                                                1999                1998
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Below investment grade securities:      
   Carrying value                              $194.5              $207.3
   Amortized cost                               199.5               208.8

Unrated securities:
   Carrying value                              $328.6              $281.8
   Amortized cost                               317.5               264.8

Utilizing ratings provided by other agencies, such as the NAIC, categorizes 
additional unrated securities into below investment grade ratings.  The 
following summarizes the additional unrated securities that are rated in the 
below investment grade category by other rating agencies:

                                              March 31,          December 31,
                                               1999                 1998     
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Below investment grade securities at 
   carrying value                              $194.5              $207.3

Other rating agencies categorizing unrated
   securities as below investment grade           9.7                 7.7
                                               ------              ------
Below investment grade securities at
   carrying value                              $204.2              $215.0
                                     
                                     11
<PAGE>  12

All of the Corporation's below investment grade securities are performing in 
accordance with contractual terms and are making principal and interest 
payments as required.  The securities in the Corporation's below investment 
grade portfolio have been issued by 62 corporate borrowers in approximately 39 
industries.

Investments in below investment grade securities have greater risks than 
investment in investment grade securities.  The risk of default by borrowers
which issue securities rated below investment grade is significantly greater 
because these securities are generally unsecured and often subordinated to 
other debt and these borrowers are often highly leveraged and are more 
sensitive to adverse economic conditions such as a recession or a sharp 
increase in interest rates.  Current liquidity needs are expected to be met by
scheduled bond maturities, even if the below investment grade and unrated
securities are excluded.  Investment grade securities are also subject to
significant adverse risks including the risks of re-leveraging and changes
in control of the issuer.  In most instances, investors are unprotected with
respect to such risks, the effects of which can be substantial.

For further discussion of the Corporation's investments, see Item 1 of the 
Corporation's 1998 Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998.

In 1994, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners developed a risk-
based capital model to establish standards which will compare insurance 
company statutory surplus to required minimum capital based on risks of 
operations and assist regulators in determining solvency requirements.  The 
model is based on four risk factors in two categories:  asset risk consisting 
of investment risk and credit risk; and underwriting risk composed of loss 
reserve and premiums written risks.  Based on current calculations, all of the 
Ohio Casualty Group companies are in excess of the necessary capital to 
conform with the risk-based capital model.

Proposition 103 was passed in the State of California in 1988 in an attempt to
legislate premium rates for that state.  As construed by the California 
Supreme Court, the proposition requires premium rate rollbacks for 1989 
California policyholders while allowing for a "fair" return for insurance 
companies.   Even after considering investment income, total returns in 
California were less than what would be considered "fair" by any reasonable 
standard.  During the fourth quarter of 1994, the State of California assessed
the Corporation $59.9 million for Proposition 103.  In February 1995, 
California revised this billing to $47.3 million due to California Senate Bill
905 which permitted reduction of the rollback due to actual commissions and 
premium taxes paid.  The assessment was revised again in August 1995 to $42.1 
million plus interest.  In December 1997, during Administrative Law hearings, 
the California Department of Insurance filed two revised rollback 
calculations.  These calculations indicated rollback liabilities of either 
$35.9 million or $39.9 million plus interest.

In 1998, the Administrative Law Judge finally issued a proposed ruling with a 
rollback liability of $24.4 million plus interest.  Her ruling was sent to the 
California Commissioner of Insurance to be accepted, rejected or modified.  
The Corporation expected the commissioner to rule sometime after the election 
in November, but he has so far failed to do so.  In light of this failure to 
rule, the Corporation consulted extensively with outside counsel to determine 
the range of liability asserted by the Department.  The asserted rollbacks to 
date have ranged from $24.4 million to $61.2 million.  The Administrative Law 
Judge indicates clearly in her ruling that by her calculation the Corporation 
would have lost approximately $1.0 million on 1989 operations if a rollback of 
$24.4 million were imposed.  Given that conclusion, it is clear that any 
assessment greater than $24.4 million would strengthen the Corporation's 
Constitutional argument that this rollback is confiscatory.  Since the 
Corporation does not believe it is possible to pinpoint a specific rollback 
within the California Department of Insurance's asserted range that is the 
most probable, the Corporation has established a contingent liability for 
Proposition 103 rollback at $24.4 million plus simple interest at 10% from May 
8, 1989.  This brings the total reserve to $48.7 million at March 31, 1999.

In December 1992, the Corporation stopped writing business in California due 
to a lack of profitability and a difficult regulatory environment.  In April 
1995, the California Department of Insurance gave final approval for 
withdrawal.  Currently, subsidiary American Fire and Casualty remains in the 
state to wind down the affairs of the group.

                                     12
<PAGE>  13                                     

During the first quarter, Ohio Casualty continued its share repurchase 
program.  The total number of shares acquired during the quarter was 517,100, 
at an average price of $40 per share.  The Company has remaining authorization 
to repurchase 546,812 additional shares.
                                     
The Corporation is proceeding on schedule in its phased approach to convert 
its computer systems to be Year 2000 compliant.  The four phases included in 
this approach are: awareness, planning, execution/testing and compliance.  All 
phases, including awareness, planning, execution/testing and compliance 
verification are complete; however, we continue testing to ensure utmost 
preparedness.

The Corporation began the awareness phase early in the 1990s, recognizing that 
its systems and applications would need significant changes.  From that time 
forward all system development and major enhancements  to existing systems 
took Year 2000 processing requirements into consideration.  This approach 
resulted in some of our systems being converted and compliant long before 
there was any business requirement or exposure to processing problems.

During 1995, the Information Systems Department (I/S) began the planning 
phase.  At that time Year 2000 compliance became a priority project with 
Project Managers assigned specifically for converting our systems to be 
compliant.  A comprehensive inventory of our systems was completed, 
identifying the critical date that each system must be compliant and an action 
plan was put together to outline that the conversion was completed on time.  
The Corporation is currently on schedule with this action plan.

As a result of the planning phase, dedicated staff and resources were assigned 
to work on the Year 2000 project.  This began our execution/testing phase of 
the project which includes addressing the remediation of Year 2000 problems 
identified in the planning phase and logical partition (LPAR) compliance 
testing.  LPAR compliance testing requires an isolated partition within the 
computer that runs independently.  Essentially it can be considered an 
entirely separate computer.  The Corporation's LPAR has a dedicated processor, 
disk and tape storage.  In this environment, data can be migrated forward and 
tested as the internal date in the computer is changed to critical dates in 
1999 and  2000.  This provides an excellent environment to test applications, 
system software and hardware.  This involves individual and integrated 
compliance testing.  The first step verifies that the systems are compliant 
when they run independently.  The second step verifies compliance when they 
are integrated with all other systems with which they interface.  Testing was 
performed throughout 1998 focusing initially on systems critical to the daily 
business operation and followed by all others.  The Corporation has six major 
system areas: commercial lines, claims, auto, personal property, 
management/financial reporting and human resources.  All of these areas are 
required to undergo LPAR compliance testing, and at this time, all have 
completed the LPAR compliance testing.

All systems will undergo integrated testing of the production environment.  In 
1999, contingency plans include compliance reverification of this integrated 
test early in the third quarter 1999 and again early in the fourth quarter 
1999.

As of March 31, 1999, the total amount spent to date for I/S related costs on 
the Year 2000 project is $2.4 million and the Corporation anticipates minimal 
additional I/S related expenses.   These amounts do not include any costs 
associated with efforts made to contact third parties or related to 
contingency planning.  As a result of the Corporation's efforts early in the 
1990s to begin making changes to systems and existing hardware and software, 
the Corporation to date has not had to make an expensive effort to identify 
and remedy its Year 2000 issues and does not anticipate that it will be 
required to make substantial expenditures to address Year 2000 compliance in 
the future. 

During 1997, the Corporation began the compliance phase.  The Year 2000 team 
has identified all significant vendors, suppliers and agents of the 
Corporation and has completed the initial contact to obtain written statements 
of their readiness and commitment to a date for their Year 2000 compliance.  
The Corporation will continue to monitor the Year 2000 status of these 
entities and develop contingency plans to reduce the possible disruption in 
business operations that may result from the failure of third parties with 
which the Corporation has business relationships to address their Year 2000 
issues.  Should a third-party with whom the Corporation transacts business 
have a system failure due to not being Year 2000 compliant, the Corporation 
believes this could result in a delay in processing or reporting transactions 
of the Corporation, or a potential disruption in service to its customers, 
notwithstanding the Corporation's intention 

                                     13
<PAGE>  14
to develop contingency plans to respond to these potential system failures by 
such third parties.  

The Corporation is also addressing non information technology (non-IT) to 
ensure Year 2000 compliance.  The Year 2000 team has completed an assessment 
of the non-IT assets; and, identified the material items that have a risk 
involving the safety of individuals, or that may cause damage to property or 
the environment, or affect revenues.  The team reported on the identified 
non-IT assets in December 1998 to the Corporation's Executive Management Team.  
Remediation and contingency planning is scheduled throughout 1999 with regular 
updates required to be given to the Executive Management Team.

The Corporation is currently assessing the status of Year 2000 readiness of 
the business and assets that it  acquired in the acquisition of substantially 
all the Commercial Lines Division of Great American Insurance Company on 
December 1, 1998.  For a period of at least 24 months from the date of the 
acquisition, GAI will provide computer processing and communication services 
to the Corporation in connection with the acquired business pursuant to an 
Information Systems Agreement.  Thus, the Corporation will be dependent on GAI 
to address and remediate Year 2000 issues with respect to the information 
technology systems utilized for the business being acquired by the 
Corporation.  The failure of GAI to satisfactorily correct a material Year 
2000 problem in the computer processing systems being used to provide services 
to the Corporation in connection with the acquired business could result in a 
material adverse effect on the ability of the Corporation to integrate the 
acquired business and to operate it on a profitable basis.

The failure to correct a material Year 2000 problem could result in an 
interruption in, or a failure of, the normal business operations of the 
Corporation including the disruption or delay in premium or claim processing 
and the disruption in service to its customers.  Also the inability to be Year 
2000 compliant of significant third-party providers of the Corporation could 
result in an interruption in the normal business operations. Due to the 
general uncertainty inherent in the Year 2000 problem, such failures could 
materially and adversely affect the Corporation's financial position, results 
of operations or liquidity. 

The Year 2000 issue is also a concern from an underwriting standpoint regarding 
the extent of liability for coverage under various general liability, property 
and directors and officers liability products and policies.  The Corporation is 
managing this concern by directly providing educational information on Year 
2000 to insureds and agents; adding clarification and exclusionary language to 
certain policies; and by adjusting underwriting practices. The Corporation 
believes that no coverage exists; however, minimal coverage may be interpreted 
to exist under some current liability and product policies. The Corporation has 
historically avoided manufacturing risks which produce computer or computer-
dependent products.

The Insurance Services Office (ISO) recently developed policy language that 
clarifies that there is no coverage for certain Year 2000 occurrences.  The 
liability exclusion has been accepted in over 40 states and a companion filing 
for property has been accepted in at least 20 states at this time.  Several 
states have not adopted or approved the property exclusion form citing 
specifically that there is no coverage under the current property contracts 
and therefore, there is no reason to accept a clarifying endorsement.  The 
Corporation is currently addressing the year 2000 issue by attaching the ISO 
exclusionary language, where approved by regulators, to general liability 
policies with a rating classification the Corporation believes could 
potentially have Year 2000 losses.  The ISO exclusionary language endorsement 
is included on all property policies where approved by regulators.  These 
actions should minimize the Corporation's exposure to Year 2000 losses.

Directors and officers could be held liable if a company in their control 
fails to take necessary actions to address any Year 2000 problems and that 
failure results in a material financial loss to the Company.  The Corporation 
has written directors' and officers' liability policies since 1995, with 
approximately $.5 million in premiums written in 1998.  The Corporation is 
managing its D&O Year 2000 exposure through a combination of underwriting 
guidelines which address Year 2000 issues in the application process and 
reinsurance policies which provide coverage for any loss in excess of $.3 
million.

Management of the Corporation believes it has an effective program in place to 
resolve the Year 2000 issue in a timely manner.  However, since it is not 
possible to anticipate all possible future outcomes, especially when third 
parties are involved, there could be "worst-case scenarios" in which the 
Corporation could experience interruptions in normal business operations.  
These "worst-case scenarios" include: disruption 

                                     14
<PAGE>  15

or delay in premium and claim processing; disruption in service to customers; 
litigation for Year 2000 related claims, adverse affects on the Corporation's 
ability to integrate the acquired business from Great American and loss of 
electrical, water and other utility services which could result in a disruption 
in the Corporation's services.  The amount of potential liability and lost 
revenue cannot be reasonably estimated.

From time to time, the Company may publish forward looking statements relating 
to such matters as anticipated financial performance, business prospects and 
plans, regulatory developments and similar matters.  The statements contained 
in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and 
Results of Operations that are not historical information, are forward looking 
statements.  The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a 
safe harbor under The Securities Act of 1933 and The Securities Exchange Act 
of 1934 for forward-looking statements.  In order to comply with the terms of 
the safe harbor, the Company notes that a variety of factors could cause the 
Company's actual results and experience to differ materially from the 
anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the Company's forward-
looking statements.  The risks and uncertainties that may affect the 
operations, performance, development and results of the Company's business 
include the following: changes in property and casualty reserves; catastrophe 
losses; premium and investment growth; product pricing environment; 
availability of credit; changes in government regulation; performance of 
financial markets; fluctuations in interest rates; availability and pricing of 
reinsurance; litigation and administrative proceedings and general economic 
and market conditions.
                                     
                                     15
<PAGE> 16

PART II

Item 1.   Legal Proceedings - None

Item 2.   Changes in Securities - None

Item 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities - None

Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders -

          At the annual meeting on April 21, 1999, shareholders voted on board 
          of director seats for three year terms.  Those elected were:  

            Arthur Bennert:   For  28,103,879;  against  126,743; 
                              abstentions    277,003
            Catherine Dolan:  For  28,053,210;  against  169,345;  
                              abstentions    285,070
            Lauren Patch:     For  27,961,350;  against  193,691;  
                              abstentions    352,584

          Those directors whose term of office continued after the meeting 
          were:  Jack E. Brown, Wayne Embry, Vaden Fitton, Joseph L. Marcum, 
          Stephen Marcum, Stanley Pontius, Howard L. Sloneker III and Bill 
          Woodall. 

          Jeffery D. Lowe whose term expired in 1999, decided not to run for 
          re-election and resigned from the Board of Directors effective April 
          21, 1999.

Item 5.   Other Information - None

Item 6.   Exhibits and reports on Form 8-K -
          The Corporation filed a Form 8-K on February 16, 1999, to file the 
          Corporation's 1998 financial statements.

          The Corporation filed Form 8-K/A on February 16, 1999, to amend Form 
          8-K filed on December 15, 1998, to include pro forma financial 
          statements required for the GAI acquisition.

          The Corporation filed Form 8-K/A on March 26, 1999, to amend the 8-K 
          filing on February 16, 1999.

          The Corporation filed Form 8-K/A on March 26, 1999, to amend the 8-K 
          filing on December 15, 1998.

          Attached hereto as Exhibit No. 27 is the Financial Data Schedule.

          Attached hereto as Exhibits 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3 are management 
          contracts.

                                 SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the 
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the 
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

                                                 OHIO CASUALTY CORPORATION
                                              --------------------------------
                                                       (Registrant)


May 17, 1999                                  --------------------------------
                                              Barry S. Porter, CFO/Treasurer
                                              (on behalf of Registrant and 
                                              as Principal Accounting Officer)
                                     
                                     16


                                                                 Exhibit 10.1
                           
                           EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
                           --------------------

        THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made to be effective as 
of the Effective Date (as that term is defined in Section 24 hereof) by and 
between The Ohio Casualty Insurance Company (the "Company") and Thomas A. 
Hayes (the "Executive).


                               WITNESSETH:


        WHEREAS, the Company has agreed to employ the Executive as its 
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer to act on behalf of the 
Company, at the compensation hereinafter described; and

        WHEREAS, as a condition for the employment of the Executive, the 
Executive has agreed to enter into this Agreement;

        NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the agreements as 
hereinafter provided, the parties hereto agree as follows, each intending to 
be legally bound thereby:

        Section 1.  Employment and Service.  The Company hereby employs the 
                    ----------------------
Executive as its Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and the 
Executive hereby accepts employment as such by the Company, upon the terms and 
conditions hereinafter set forth.

        Section 2.  Term.  Subject to the provisions of Section 12 hereof, the 
                    ----
initial term of the Executive's employment pursuant to this Agreement shall be 
for a period of thirty-six (36) months, commencing on the Effective Date.  
Thereafter, Executive's employment shall have no term and shall be at will 
(the initial 36-month term and any at will employment extension thereafter 
being referred to as the "Services Period").  

        Subject to the provisions of Section 12 hereof, either party may notify 
the other party in writing of its intention not to continue the employment 
relationship created hereunder after the end of the initial 36-month term, 
which written notice shall be sent in accordance with the provisions of 
Section 15 hereof at least one hundred eighty (180) days prior to the last day 
of the initial 36-month term.

        Section 3.  Compensation.  The Executive will be entitled to the 
                    ------------
compensation described in the administrative guidelines of the compensation 
program for the senior officers of the Company (the "Guidelines"), a copy of 
which is attached hereto as Exhibit 

                                     

<PAGE>  2

A and is incorporated herein by this reference.  If, from time to time and 
at any time during the Services Period, the Guidelines are amended, any and all 
such amendments shall be binding upon the Executive, as if fully re-written 
herein.  Subject to the terms and conditions of the Guidelines, the 
compensation package for the Executive shall be as follows:

        (a)     Initial base salary - $550,000 annually.

        (b)     Annual bonus - (i)    Maximum - 90% ($495,000 based on 
                                      initial $550,000 salary).
                             - (ii)   Target - 60% ($330,000 based on 
                                      initial $550,000 salary).
                             - (iii)  Minimum - 30% ($165,000 based on 
                                      initial $550,000 salary).

        (c)     Long term incentive - The Executive will be eligible 
                                      for an annual long-term incentive 
                                      grant having an expected value of 
                                      80% of the initial base salary 
                                      ($440,000 initially).  The 
                                      incentive vehicles will be 
                                      established under the Guidelines, 
                                      consistent with those provided to 
                                      other senior officers of the 
                                      Company.

        (d) - If the employment of the Executive terminates during 
              the course of an Employment Year (each twelve 
              consecutive calendar month period beginning on the 
              Effective Date)for any reason other than Just Cause 
              termination under Section 12(b) hereof, any Annual 
              bonus or Long term incentive benefits described above 
              shall be prorated for such Employment Year (to the 
              nearest calendar month) and credited to Executive's 
              account or paid as bonus in accordance with the 
              foregoing.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no 
              payments shall be made under this Section if 
              Executive's employment terminates for Just Cause 
              under Section 12(b) hereof.

        Section 4.  Participation in Employee Benefit Programs.  In addition to 
                    ------------------------------------------
the compensation as provided in Section 3 hereof, the Executive shall be 
entitled (a) to participate to the full extent of such Executive's eligibility 
in all of the employee and retirement benefit programs listed on Exhibit B, 
attached hereto and made a part hereof, as such programs may from time to time 
be amended or modified as approved by the Board of Directors of the Company, 
and (b) to such other perquisites as are made available generally to the 
senior officers of the Company, a current 

                                     2
<PAGE>  3

listing of which is contained on Exhibit C, attached hereto and made a part 
hereof.

         Section 5.  Duties.  During and throughout the Services Period, the 
                     ------
Executive shall devote his full working time and efforts to the business and 
affairs of the Company and its Affiliates.  The Executive shall use his best 
efforts to promote the interests of the Company and its Affiliates, and shall 
discharge well and faithfully the duties which may be assigned to him from 
time to time.  During and throughout the Services Period, the Executive shall 
not be engaged in any other business activity, whether or not such business 
activity is pursued for gain, profit or other pecuniary advantage and shall 
not compete, directly or indirectly, with the Company and its Affiliates; 
provided, however, that such restrictions shall not be construed as preventing 
the Executive from investing his personal assets in (a) businesses which do 
not compete or do business with the Company and its Affiliates in such manner 
or form as will not require any services on the part of the Executive in the 
operation or affairs of the businesses in which such investments are made or 
(b) stock or corporate securities as described in the second paragraph of 
Section 7 hereof; and provided further, however, that, the foregoing not-
withstanding, the Executive may engage in any other business activity with the 
prior written consent of the Company, which consent the Company shall not be 
under any obligation to give and shall be given in the Company's sole 
discretion.

        The Executive also may participate in, or serve as a trustee or 
director of, civic and/or charitable entities or activities as he may desire, 
so long as such activities or service do not interfere with the performance of 
his duties hereunder.

        Section 6.  Certain Definitions.  (a) The term "Restricted Competition 
                    -------------------
Period" as used in this Agreement shall have the following meaning or 
meanings:

            (i)     With respect to the Non-Competition Covenants in 
                    Section 7 hereof, the "Restricted Competition 
                    Period" for Great American Insurance Company (or 
                    any Affiliate thereof) shall mean the period of 
                    time during any and all Services Period hereunder 
                    and for a period of two (2) years thereafter; and

            (ii)    With respect to the Non-Competition Covenants 
                    described in Section 7 hereof, with respect to any 
                    property and casualty insurance company (other 
                    than Great American Insurance Company or any 
                    Affiliates thereof), or any other competitor of 
                    Company or its Affiliates, "Restricted Competition 
                    
                                     3
<PAGE>  4                    
                    
                    Period" shall mean the period of time during any 
                    and all Services Period hereunder or for a period 
                    of three (3) years after the Effective Date, 
                    whichever shall be later to occur;

            (iii)   With respect to the Other Prohibitions set forth 
                    in Section 8 hereof, "Restricted Competition 
                    Period" shall mean the period of time during any 
                    and all Services Period hereunder and for a period 
                    of one (1) year thereafter; or for a period of 
                    three (3) years after the Effective Date, 
                    whichever shall be later to occur; and

            (iv)    With respect to Confidential Information set forth 
                    in Section 9 hereof, "Restricted Competition 
                    Period" mans the entire period of time during 
                    which such information retains its confidential or 
                    proprietary nature.

        (b)     The term "Affiliates" as used in this Agreement shall 
                mean any Person which controls, is controlled by or is 
                under common control with another Person.  Control 
                includes the possession, direct or indirect, of the 
                power to direct or cause the direction of the 
                management and policies of a person, whether through 
                the ownership of voting securities, by contract other 
                than a commercial contract for goods or nonmanagement 
                services, or otherwise.  Control shall be presumed to 
                exist if any person, directly or indirectly, owns, 
                controls, holds with the power to vote, or holds 
                proxies representing, ten per cent or more of the 
                voting securities of any other person.  

        (c)     "Person" means any individual, corporation, 
                partnership, association, limited liability company, 
                limited liability partnership, trust, unincorporated 
                organization, Lloyd's company, reciprocal insurer, or 
                any other business organization, or any combination of 
                the foregoing acting in concert.

        Section 7.  Non-Competition Covenants.  During the applicable 
                    -------------------------
Restricted Competition Period described in Section 6 above, the Executive 
shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company:

        (a)     directly or indirectly engage in,

        (b)     assist or have an active interest in (whether as 
                proprietor, partner, investor, shareholder, officer, 
                director or any type of principal whatsoever), or
                                     
                                     4
        
<PAGE>  5        
        
        (c)     enter the employment of or act as agent for, or advisor 
                or consultant to,

any Person including without limitation enterprises involving Persons related 
by blood or marriage to the Executive, which is or is about to become, 
directly or indirectly, engaged in the business of insurance (whether as an 
agent, broker, marketer, underwriter, reinsurer, manager, actuary, director, 
officer, employee, consultant or otherwise) in any and/or all of the lines 
and/or kinds of coverage, and/or any and all of the related businesses and 
services, provided by, or under development by, the Company and its Affiliates 
at any time during the Services Period.

        The foregoing provisions of this Section 7 are not intended to 
prohibit, and shall not prohibit, the Executive from purchasing, for 
investment purposes only, any stock or other corporate security which is 
listed on a national securities exchange or quoted in any national market 
system (except as in this Agreement otherwise provided), so long as such stock 
or other corporate security owned by the Executive does not represent more 
than one percent (1%) of the market value or voting power of the total stock 
or other corporate securities of that class.  

        Section 8. Other Prohibitions.  During the applicable Restricted 
                   ------------------
Competition Period described in Section 6 above, the Executive shall not at 
any time engage in any of the following activities in a manner which is 
inconsistent with his service as the Executive Vice President and Chief 
Operating Officer of the Company, without the prior written consent of the 
Company:

        (a)     request or advise any customer or client of, or any 
                Person having business dealings with the Company and/or 
                any of its Affiliates to withdraw, curtail or cancel 
                such business or business dealings;

        (b)     disclose to any Person the names of customers or 
                clients of, or other Persons having dealings with, the 
                Company and/or any of its Affiliates; or

        (c)     induce or attempt to influence any other employee of 
                the Company and/or  any of its Affiliates to terminate 
                employment.

        Section 9.  Confidential Information.  The Executive recognizes and 
                    ------------------------
acknowledges that the Company's and its Affiliates' trade secrets and 
confidential or proprietary information, including without limitation (a) 
information of the 

                                     5
<PAGE>  6

Company and/or its Affiliates concerning its and/or their insurance operations, 
customers or prospects, terms and conditions of sale and prices, technical 
knowledge relating to customer requirements and knowledge of markets for the 
Company's and/or its Affiliates' products, as such trade secrets or information 
may exist from time to time, and (b) information of third parties similar to 
that described in the foregoing clause (a) of this sentence which has been made 
available to the Company and/or its Affiliates pursuant to a business 
relationship with such third party, are valuable, special and unique assets of 
the Company's and/or its Affiliates' business, access to which and the 
knowledge of which are essential to the performance of the duties of the 
Executive hereunder.  The Executive will not, in whole or in part, disclose 
such trade secrets or confidential or proprietary information to any Person for 
any reason or purpose whatsoever, nor will the Executive make use of any such 
trade secrets or confidential or proprietary information for his own purposes 
or for the benefit of any other Person.

        Section 10.  Scope of Restrictions.  If the scope of any restriction 
                     ---------------------
contained in Sections 6, 7,8 and/or 9 of this Agreement is too broad to permit 
enforcement of any such restriction to its fullest extent, then such 
restriction shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law, and the 
Executive hereby consents and agrees that such scope may be judicially 
modified accordingly in any proceeding brought to enforce such restrictions.

        Section 11.  Injunctive Relief.  The Executive hereby acknowledges and 
                     -----------------
confirms that any restricted activity of the nature referred to in the 
preceding Sections of this Agreement would cause irreparable injury or damage 
to the Company and/or its Affiliates, acknowledges and agrees that the 
remedies at law of the Company for any breach of any of the Executive's 
obligations under this Agreement would be inadequate and agrees that the 
Company shall be entitled to institute and prosecute proceedings in a court of 
competent jurisdiction to obtain temporary and/or permanent injunctive relief 
to enforce any provision hereof, without the necessity of proof of actual 
injury or damage.

        Section 12.  Termination.  (a)  The employment of the Executive by the 
                     -----------
Company and the Executive's corresponding rights and obligations under 
Sections 1 through 8, inclusive, may be terminated by the Executive if the 
duties, responsibilities and/or positions and titles of the Executive are 
materially altered or materially adversely affected by action of the Company 
at any time during the Services Period. 

                                     6

<PAGE>  7

                Upon such termination, the Company shall pay to the Executive 
(y) the compensation and benefits set forth in Sections 3 and 4 hereof for the 
greater of (i) one year or (ii) the remaining term of the then current 
Services Period, and (z) all stock options, if any, then held by Executive 
shall fully vest.  Additionally upon such termination, the provisions of  
Section 9 shall survive and shall be enforceable fully as to the Executive for 
the applicable Restricted Competition Period.

                (b)     The employment of the Executive by the Company and the 
Executive's corresponding rights and obligations under Sections 1 through 5, 
inclusive, may be terminated immediately at any time for just cause by the 
Company by giving written notice to the Executive.  "Just Cause", for purposes 
of this subsection (b), shall mean dishonesty, immoral conduct detrimental to 
the Company, fraud, criminal activity and/or gross negligent performance of 
job responsibilities.  

                Upon termination for Just Cause, Executive shall not be 
entitled to any severance or other compensation or benefits from and after the 
date of termination, and the provisions of Sections 6 through 9, inclusive, 
shall survive and shall be enforceable fully as to the Executive for the 
applicable Restricted Competition Period.

                (c)     The employment of the Executive by the Company and the 
Executive's corresponding rights and obligations under Sections 1 through 5, 
inclusive, may be terminated immediately at any time by the Company for a 
reason other than for Just Cause by giving fourteen (14) days prior written 
notice to the Executive.

                If such termination occurs during the initial 36-month term, 
then the only severance or other compensation or benefits to which the 
Executive is entitled from and after the date of termination is the 
compensation payable to him under (i) Section 3(a) hereof for the balance of 
the remaining 36-month term, payable on the normal bi-weekly schedule and (ii) 
Section 3(d) hereof.  

                In addition, all of Executive's stock options shall be fully 
vested, and he shall also participate in all health insurance, group life 
insurance, long-term incentive plans and other employee benefit programs 
provided by the Company at the time of such termination, in the same manner 
and to the same extent to which the other senior officers of the Company would 
participate upon their termination.

                If such termination occurs during the at will employment 
extension after the initial 36-month term, then his only severance or other 
compensation or benefits from and after 

                                     7
<PAGE>  8

the date of termination will be the compensation payable to him under Section 
3(a) hereof for a period of six (6) months, payable on the normal bi-weekly 
schedule.

                Other than as provided above, upon the occurrence of such 
termination, Executive will be entitled to no other compensation or severance 
benefits from the Company.

                Additionally upon such termination, the provisions of Sections 
6 through 9, inclusive, shall survive and shall be enforceable fully as to the 
Executive for the applicable Restricted Competition Period.

                (d)     If the Executive terminates his employment at the end 
of the initial term, as provided in Section 2, then the Executive shall not be 
entitled to any severance or other compensation or benefits from and after the 
date of termination. However, the provisions of Sections 6 through 9, 
inclusive, shall survive and shall be enforceable fully as to the Executive 
for the applicable Restricted Competition Period.

                If the Company terminates the Executive's employment at the end 
of the initial term, as provided in Section 2, then the only severance or 
other compensation or benefits to which the Executive is entitled from and 
after the date of termination will be the compensation payable to him under 
Section 3(a) hereof for a period of 6 months, payable on the normal bi-weekly 
schedule.  Additionally, the provisions of Sections 6 through 9, inclusive, 
shall survive and shall be enforceable fully as to the Executive for the 
applicable Restricted Competition Period.

                (e)     If the termination of Executive's employment occurs as 
a result of his death or disability (as defined herein), Executive (or his 
legal representative) shall be entitled to the following severance benefits:

                        (i)     If Executive's death or disability occurs 
                                during the initial 36-month period, he or his 
                                legal representative shall be entitled to 
                                those benefits described in subparagraph (c) 
                                of this Section 12 (Termination); and

                        (ii)    If such termination occurs after the 
                                expiration of the initial 36-month period, 
                                such compensation and benefits shall be the 
                                same as those described in subparagraph (d) 
                                of this Section 12 (Termination) in the same 
                                manner as if the Company had terminated 
                                Executive's employment at the end of the 
                                initial term; and

                                     8
<PAGE>  9

                        (iii)   For purposes of this Agreement, Executive 
                                shall be deemed to be "disabled" if he for 
                                any reason, either by sickness or accident, 
                                is unable to perform his duties for Company 
                                on a full-time basis for a period of one 
                                hundred twenty (120) consecutive calendar 
                                days.  For purposes hereof, "full-time basis" 
                                shall be deemed to be a situation in which 
                                Executive must perform at least thirty (30) 
                                office hours of service for Company on a 
                                weekly basis.

                        (iv)    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in 
                                this Section, the compensation payable to the 
                                Executive by the Company in the event of 
                                disability shall be reduced, on a dollar-for-
                                dollar basis, by the amount of any benefits 
                                paid to the Executive under any of the 
                                Company's disability programs.

                (f)     If, upon termination of this Agreement for any reason, 
the Executive is serving as a Director of the Company or any of its 
Affiliates, the Executive shall resign all such directorships effective at the 
same time as the termination of his employment.  If the appropriate 
resignation shall not have been executed and delivered by the Executive to the 
Company and/or its Affiliates within seven (7) days after a request therefor, 
the President of the Company and the Affiliates is hereby authorized and 
directed by the Executive to execute such resignations for and on behalf of 
and in the name of the Executive, as his attorney-in-fact for such purpose.  

                (g)     Upon termination of this Agreement in accordance with 
the terms hereof, the Executive shall forthwith deliver to the Company all 
records, documents, accounts, letters and papers of every type or description 
whatsoever within his possession or control relating to the affairs and 
business of the Company and/or its Affiliates, as well as any other property 
belonging to any of such parties.  

                (h)     Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the 
contrary, nothing shall be construed or interpreted to the effect that 
Executive is surrendering or otherwise forfeiting any benefits that are 
otherwise vested or given to him under law; including, without limitation, any 
and all 401(k) benefits or any other benefits from a qualified plan; any 
health insurance benefits, such as COBRA, any rights to convert life 
insurance, or any other benefits available to Executive in the employee and 
retirement benefit programs listed on Exhibit B.  It is the 

                                     9
<PAGE>  10

intent of the parties, and they do hereby confirm, that severance benefits set 
forth above do not replace, in any manner whatsoever, the benefits payable or 
available to Executive (or his beneficiaries or dependents) upon termination, 
and the Executive is entitled to participate to the same extent that and in the 
same manner in which other senior officers of the Company are entitled to or 
participate in such benefits.

                (i)     The parties recognize that certain incentive plan 
awards may be paid to the Executive in restricted stock of the Company, and 
that the terms of the restricted stock may include forfeiture if the Executive 
leaves the Company during the restriction period.  Notwithstanding anything 
contained in this Agreement, any such incentive plan or any such stock 
restrictions to the contrary, Executive shall not forfeit any incentive plan 
awards which are paid in restricted stock of the Company if the Company 
terminates Executive's employment during the restriction period; unless 
Executive's employment is terminated under Section 12 (b), in which case all 
restricted stock shall be forfeited as of the date of termination.  Moreover, 
if the Employee terminates his employment during the initial 36-month term 
hereof for any reason, then he shall forfeit all restricted stock as of the 
date of termination.

        Section 13.  Reimbursement of Expenses.  The Company shall reimburse to 
                     -------------------------
the Executive all expenses reasonably and properly incurred by the Executive 
in the performance of the Executive's duties under this Agreement.  Such 
reimbursement shall be made within thirty (30) days of the submission by the 
Executive to the Company, of appropriate evidence of such expenditure.  

        Section 14.  Relationship to Prior Employment Arrangements. This 
                     ---------------------------------------------
Agreement shall supersede and take the place of any and all prior employment 
agreements, whether oral or written, between the Company and the Executive, 
including but not limited to the letter agreement dated September 14, 1998.

        Section 15.  Notices.  Any notice required or permitted to be given 
                     -------
under this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing and if hand-delivered 
or sent by certified or registered mail to the residence address of the 
Executive then on file with the Company or to the principal office of the 
Company.

        Section 16.  Benefit.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and 
                     -------
be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns.  Obligations of 
the Executive hereunder may not be delegated, assigned or otherwise 
transferred without the prior written consent of the Company.


                                     10
<PAGE>  11

        Section 17.  Waiver.  Failure to insist upon strict compliance with any 
                     ------
of the terms, covenants or conditions hereof shall not be deemed a waiver of 
any such term, covenant or condition, nor shall any such failure at any one 
time or times be deemed a waiver or relinquishment at any other time or times 
of any right under the terms, covenants or conditions hereof.

        Section 18.  Modifications and Amendments.  No modification or 
                     ----------------------------
amendment hereof shall be effective unless and until the same shall be in a 
writing, duly executed by both parties hereto.

        Section 19.  Headings.  The headings of the various items of this 
                     --------
Agreement have been inserted for convenience only, and interpretations hereof 
shall be based strictly upon the text without reference to such headings.

        Section 20.  Applicable Law and Forum.  This Agreement shall be 
                     ------------------------
governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the 
State of Ohio.  ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING IN RESPECT OF OR ARISING OUT OF 
THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY SHALL BE PROSECUTED AS 
TO ANY ONE OR MORE OF THE PARTIES HERETO AT CINCINNATI, OHIO.  EACH PARTY 
HERETO JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY CONSENTS AND SUBMITS TO THE EXERCISE OF 
JURISDICTION OVER HIS OR ITS PERSON BY ANY COURT SITUATED AT CINCINNATI, OHIO 
AND HAVING JURISDICTION OVER THE SUBJECT MATTER OF ANY ACTION, SUIT OR 
PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR IN RESPECT OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS 
CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.  ADEQUATE NOTICE OF SUCH ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING IN 
ANY SUCH COURT SHALL CONCLUSIVELY BE DEEMED TO HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO ANY ONE OR 
MORE OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGAINST WHOM THE SAME IS INSTITUTED IF GIVEN TO 
SUCH PERSON IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT OR BY ANY 
OTHER MANNER CONSISTENT WITH DUE PROCESS OF LAW.

        Section 21.  Duplicate Originals.  This Agreement may be executed in 
                     -------------------
one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be a duplicate 
original, but all of which taken together, shall be deemed to constitute a 
single instrument.

        Section 22.  Pronouns.  The number and gender of each pronoun used in 
                     --------
this Agreement, if any, shall be construed to mean each such number and gender 
as the context, circumstances or its antecedent may require.

        Section 23.  Entire Agreement.  This Agreement (including each Exhibit 
                     ----------------
hereto) constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto in respect 
of the subject matter of this Agreement and supersedes all prior and 
contemporaneous agreements between the parties hereto in connection with the 
subject matter of this Agreement.

                                     11
<PAGE>  12
        
        Section 24.  Effective Date.  This Employment Agreement shall be 
                     --------------
effective immediately upon the closing of the transactions contemplated by the 
Asset Purchase Agreement dated September 14, 1998, by and among the Company 
and Great American Insurance Company, among others (the date of such closing 
herein referred to as the "Effective Date").  If this closing shall not occur, 
then this Employment Agreement shall not have become effective for any 
purposes whatsoever, shall create no rights or liabilities in either party 
hereto, and shall be deemed to be null and void in all respects.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Employment Agreement has been duly executed on 
behalf of the Company and by the Executive, to be effective as of the 
Effective Date.


WITNESSES:                              THE OHIO CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY


                                        By:                                
- ----------------------------               ---------------------------------
                                           Lauren N. Patch
- ----------------------------               President and Chief Executive


- ----------------------------               ---------------------------------
                                           Thomas A. Hayes
- ----------------------------


                                     12

<PAGE>  13


                                  EXHIBIT A
                                  ---------

                           THE OHIO CASUALTY GROUP
                           -----------------------

                          ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES
                          -------------------------
          COMPENSATION PROGRAM FOR THE SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
          -----------------------------------------------------------



                                     13

<PAGE>  14


                                  EXHIBIT B
                                  ---------

                          [Attach booklet entitled
                       "Your Benefits At Ohio Casualty"]






                                     14

<PAGE>  15


                                  EXHIBIT C
                                  ---------

Current benefits provided to the Company's Senior Officers:

     a.      ACCIDENTAL DEATH AND DISMEMBERMENT COVERAGE - $500,000

     b.      AIR TRAVEL - As a senior officer, you may fly first class.

     c.      MEMBERSHIPS - Company paid memberships to the Hamilton City 
             Club and the Metropolitan Club or the Bankers Club.

     d.      COMPANY CAR PROGRAM - All officers receive a company car.  
             Personal mileage is taxable.  As a senior officer, you will be 
             eligible for an upgrade from the basic program to an automobile 
             of your choice with costs excess of the basic program, being 
             payroll deducted over 2, 3 or 4 years.  You may trade in your 
             vehicle when either your loan obligation is fulfilled or at 
             60,000 miles.  At the time of trade in, any outstanding loan 
             balance shall be due.

     e.      EXECUTIVE HEALTH PHYSICAL - You are entitled under our 1998 
             plan to a benefit valued at $710.

     f.      EXECUTIVE FINANCIAL PLANNING - Maximum reimbursable expense is 
             $2,250 per calendar year.  Additional $1,000 paid two years 
             prior to retirement, year of retirement, and for two years after 
             retirement.

     g.      OFFICE AND OFFICE FURNITURE - Officers are entitled to an 
             office and appropriate wood furniture.

     h.      PARKING SPACE - Home Office, immediate eligibility for a 
             parking space.

     i.      VACATION - Five weeks.  One week may be used as your "Florida 
             Trip".




                                     15

                                                                 Exhibit 10.2
                           
                           EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
                           --------------------

        THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made to be effective as 
of the Effective Date (as that term is defined in Section 24 hereof) by and 
between The Ohio Casualty Insurance Company (the "Company") and John J. 
McGovern (the "Executive).


                               WITNESSETH:


        WHEREAS, the Company has agreed to employ the Executive as a Senior 
Vice President to act on behalf of the Company, at the compensation 
hereinafter described; and

        WHEREAS, as a condition for the employment of the Executive, the 
Executive has agreed to enter into this Agreement;

        NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the agreements as 
hereinafter provided, the parties hereto agree as follows, each intending to 
be legally bound thereby:

        Section 1.  Employment and Service.  The Company hereby employs the 
                    ----------------------
Executive as a Senior Vice President, and the Executive hereby accepts 
employment as such by the Company, upon the terms and conditions hereinafter 
set forth.

        Section 2.  Term.  Subject to the provisions of Section 12 hereof, the 
                    ----
initial term of the Executive's employment pursuant to this Agreement shall be 
for a period of twenty-four (24) months, commencing on the Effective Date.  
Thereafter, Executive's employment shall have no term and shall be at will 
(the initial 24-month term and any at will employment extension thereafter 
being referred to as the "Services Period").  

        Subject to the provisions of Section 12 hereof, either party may notify 
the other party in writing of its intention not to continue the employment 
relationship created hereunder after the end of the initial 24-month term, 
which written notice shall be sent in accordance with the provisions of 
Section 15 hereof at least ninety (90) days prior to the last day of the 
initial 24-month term.

        Section 3.  Compensation.  The Executive will be entitled to the 
                    ------------
benefits which inure to the senior officers of the Company, as described in 
the administrative guidelines of the compensation program for the senior 
officers of the Company (the "Guidelines"), a copy of which is attached hereto 
as Exhibit A and is incorporated herein by this reference.  If, from time to 

                                     
<PAGE>  2

time and at any time during the Services Period, the Guidelines are amended, 
any and all such amendments shall be binding upon the Executive, as if fully 
re-written herein.  Subject to the terms and conditions of the Guidelines, the 
compensation package for the Executive shall be as follows:

         (a)     Initial base salary - $255,000 annually.
  
         (b)     Annual bonus - (i)    Maximum - 75% ($191,250 based on 
                                       initial $255,000 salary).
                              - (ii)   Target - 50% ($127,500 based on 
                                       initial $255,000 salary).
                              - (iii)  Minimum - 25% ($63,750 based on 
                                       initial $255,000 salary).

         (c)     Long term incentive - The Executive will be eligible 
                                       for an annual long-term incentive 
                                       grant having an expected value of 
                                       80% of the initial base salary 
                                       ($204,000 initially).  The 
                                       incentive vehicles will be 
                                       established under the Guidelines, 
                                       consistent with those provided to 
                                       other senior officers of the 
                                       Company.

         (d) - If the employment of the Executive terminates during 
               the course of an Employment Year (each twelve 
               consecutive calendar month period beginning on the 
               Effective Date) for any reason other than Just Cause 
               termination under Section 12(b) hereof, any Annual 
               bonus or Long term incentive benefits described above 
               shall be prorated for such Employment Year (to the 
               nearest calendar month) and credited to Executive's 
               account or paid as bonus in accordance with the 
               foregoing.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no 
               payments shall be made under this Section if 
               Executive's employment terminates for Just Cause 
               under Section 12(b) hereof.

        Section 4.  Participation in Employee Benefit Programs.  In addition to 
                    ------------------------------------------
the compensation as provided in Section 3 hereof, the Executive shall be 
entitled (a) to participate to the full extent of such Executive's eligibility 
in all of the employee and retirement benefit programs listed on Exhibit B, 
attached hereto and made a part hereof, as such programs may from time to time 
be amended or modified as approved by the Board of Directors of the Company, 
and (b) to such other perquisites as are made available generally to the 
senior officers of the Company, a current 

                                     2
<PAGE>  3

listing of which is contained on Exhibit C, attached hereto and made a part 
hereof.

         Section 5.  Duties.  During and throughout the Services Period, the 
                     ------
Executive shall devote his full working time and efforts to the business and 
affairs of the Company and its Affiliates.  The Executive shall use his best 
efforts to promote the interests of the Company and its Affiliates, and shall 
discharge well and faithfully the duties which may be assigned to him from 
time to time.  During and throughout the Services Period, the Executive shall 
not be engaged in any other business activity, whether or not such business 
activity is pursued for gain, profit or other pecuniary advantage and shall 
not compete, directly or indirectly, with the Company and its Affiliates; 
provided, however, that such restrictions shall not be construed as preventing 
the Executive from investing his personal assets in (a) businesses which do 
not compete or do business with the Company and its Affiliates in such manner 
or form as will not require any services on the part of the Executive in the 
operation or affairs of the businesses in which such investments are made or 
(b) stock or corporate securities as described in the second paragraph of 
Section 7 hereof; and provided further, however, that, the foregoing not-
withstanding, the Executive may engage in any other business activity with the 
prior written consent of the Company, which consent the Company shall not be 
under any obligation to give and shall be given in the Company's sole 
discretion.

        The Executive shall perform his duties hereunder principally in 
Raleigh, North Carolina, and the Company agrees not to relocate the Executive 
from Raleigh, North Carolina without the Executive's prior written consent.

        The Executive also may participate in, or serve as a trustee or 
director of, civic and/or charitable entities or activities as he may desire, 
so long as such activities or service do not interfere with the performance of 
his duties hereunder.

        Section 6.  Certain Definitions.  (a) The term "Restricted Competition 
                    -------------------
Period" as used in this Agreement shall have the following meaning or meanings:

           (i)     With respect to the Non-Competition Covenants in 
                   Section 7 hereof, the "Restricted Competition 
                   Period" for Great American Insurance Company (or 
                   any Affiliate thereof) shall mean the period of 
                   time during any and all Services Period hereunder 
                   and for a period of two (2) years thereafter; and

                                     3
<PAGE>  4

           (ii)    With respect to the Non-Competition Covenants 
                   described in Section 7 hereof, with respect to any 
                   property and casualty insurance company (other 
                   than Great American Insurance Company or any 
                   Affiliates thereof), or any other competitor of 
                   Company or its Affiliates, "Restricted Competition 
                   Period" shall mean the period of time during any 
                   and all Services Period hereunder or for a period 
                   of three (3) years after the Effective Date, 
                   whichever shall be later to occur; and

           (iii)   With respect to the Other Prohibitions set forth 
                   in Section 8 hereof, "Restricted Competition 
                   Period" shall mean the period of time during any 
                   and all Services Period hereunder and for a period 
                   of one (1) year thereafter; or for a period of 
                   three (3) years after the Effective Date, 
                   whichever shall be later to occur; and

           (iv)    With respect to Confidential Information set forth 
                   in Section 9 hereof, "Restricted Competition 
                   Period" means the entire period of time during 
                   which such information retains its confidential or 
                   proprietary nature.

        (b)   The term "Affiliates" as used in this Agreement shall 
              mean any Person which controls, is controlled by or is 
              under common control with another Person.  Control 
              includes the possession, direct or indirect, of the 
              power to direct or cause the direction of the 
              management and policies of a person, whether through 
              the ownership of voting securities, by contract other 
              than a commercial contract for goods or nonmanagement 
              services, or otherwise.  Control shall be presumed to 
              exist if any person, directly or indirectly, owns, 
              controls, holds with the power to vote, or holds 
              proxies representing, ten per cent or more of the 
              voting securities of any other person.  

        (c)   "Person" means any individual, corporation, 
              partnership, association, limited liability company, 
              limited liability partnership, trust, unincorporated 
              organization, Lloyd's company, reciprocal insurer, or 
              any other business organization, or any combination of 
              the foregoing acting in concert.

        Section 7.  Non-Competition Covenants.  During the applicable 
                    -------------------------
Restricted Competition Period described in Section 6 above, the Executive 
shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company:

                                     4
<PAGE>  5

        (a)     directly or indirectly engage in,

        (b)     assist or have an active interest in (whether as 
                proprietor, partner, investor, shareholder, officer, 
                director or any type of principal whatsoever), or

        (c)     enter the employment of or act as agent for, or advisor 
                or consultant to,

any Person including without limitation enterprises involving Persons related 
by blood or marriage to the Executive, which is or is about to become, 
directly or indirectly, engaged in the business of insurance (whether as an 
agent, broker, marketer, underwriter, reinsurer, manager, actuary, director, 
officer, employee, consultant or otherwise) in any and/or all of the lines 
and/or kinds of coverage, and/or any and all of the related businesses and 
services, provided by, or under development by, the Company and its Affiliates 
at any time during the Services Period.

        The foregoing provisions of this Section 7 are not intended to 
prohibit, and shall not prohibit, the Executive from purchasing, for 
investment purposes only, any stock or other corporate security which is 
listed on a national securities exchange or quoted in any national market 
system (except as in this Agreement otherwise provided), so long as such stock 
or other corporate security owned by the Executive does not represent more 
than one percent (1%) of the market value or voting power of the total stock 
or other corporate securities of that class.  

        The foregoing provisions of this Section 7 also are not intended to 
prohibit, and shall not prohibit, the Executive from acting as an independent 
consultant (but not as an employee, officer, director, agent, broker, 
marketer, underwriter, reinsurer, manager, actuary, or proprietor, partner, 
investor, shareholder or any other type of principal whatsoever) for any 
Person other than Great American Insurance Company (or any Affiliate thereof) 
upon the retirement of the Executive from the Company at the end of the 
initial 24-month term hereof or at any time thereafter.

        Section 8. Other Prohibitions.  During the applicable Restricted 
                   ------------------
Competition Period described in Section 6 above, the Executive shall not at 
any time engage in any of the following activities in a manner which is 
inconsistent with his service as a Senior Vice President of the Company, 
without the prior written consent of the Company:
                                     
                                     5
<PAGE>  6
        
        (a)     request or advise any customer or client of, or any 
                Person having business dealings with the Company and/or 
                any of its Affiliates to withdraw, curtail or cancel 
                such business or business dealings;

        (b)     disclose to any Person the names of customers or 
                clients of, or other Persons having dealings with, the 
                Company and/or any of its Affiliates; or

        (c)     induce or attempt to influence any other employee of 
                the Company and/or  any of its Affiliates to terminate 
                employment.

        Section 9.  Confidential Information.  The Executive recognizes and 
                    ------------------------
acknowledges that the Company's and its Affiliates' trade secrets and 
confidential or proprietary information, including without limitation (a) 
information of the Company and/or its Affiliates concerning its and/or their 
insurance operations, customers or prospects, terms and conditions of sale and 
prices, technical knowledge relating to customer requirements and knowledge of 
markets for the Company's and/or its Affiliates' products, as such trade 
secrets or information may exist from time to time, and (b) information of 
third parties similar to that described in the foregoing clause (a) of this 
sentence which has been made available to the Company and/or its Affiliates 
pursuant to a business relationship with such third party, are valuable, 
special and unique assets of the Company's and/or its Affiliates' business, 
access to which and the knowledge of which are essential to the performance of 
the duties of the Executive hereunder.  The Executive will not, in whole or in 
part, disclose such trade secrets or confidential or proprietary information 
to any Person for any reason or purpose whatsoever, nor will the Executive 
make use of any such trade secrets or confidential or proprietary information 
for his own purposes or for the benefit of any other Person.

        Section 10.  Scope of Restrictions.  If the scope of any restriction 
                     ---------------------
contained in Sections 6, 7,8 and/or 9 of this Agreement is too broad to permit 
enforcement of any such restriction to its fullest extent, then such 
restriction shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law, and the 
Executive hereby consents and agrees that such scope may be judicially 
modified accordingly in any proceeding brought to enforce such restrictions.

        Section 11.  Injunctive Relief.  The Executive hereby acknowledges and 
                     -----------------
confirms that any restricted activity of the nature referred to in the 
preceding Sections of this Agreement would cause irreparable injury or damage 
to the Company and/or its Affiliates, acknowledges and agrees that the 
remedies at law 
                                     6

<PAGE>  7

of the Company for any breach of any of the Executive's obligations under this 
Agreement would be inadequate and agrees that the Company shall be entitled to 
institute and prosecute proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction to 
obtain temporary and/or permanent injunctive relief to enforce any provision 
hereof, without the necessity of proof of actual injury or damage.

        Section 12.  Termination.  (a)  The employment of the Executive by the 
                     -----------
Company and the Executive's corresponding rights and obligations under 
Sections 1 through 8, inclusive, may be terminated by the Executive if the 
duties, responsibilities and/or positions and titles of the Executive are 
materially altered or materially adversely affected by action of the Company 
at any time during the Services Period. 

                Upon such termination, the Company shall pay to the Executive 
(y) the compensation and benefits set forth in Sections 3 and 4 hereof for the 
greater of (i) one year or (ii) the remaining term of the then current 
Services Period, and (z) all stock options, if any, then held by Executive 
shall fully vest.  Additionally upon such termination, the provisions of  
Section 9 shall survive and shall be enforceable fully as to the Executive.

                (b)     The employment of the Executive by the Company and the 
Executive's corresponding rights and obligations under Sections 1 through 5, 
inclusive, may be terminated immediately at any time for just cause by the 
Company by giving written notice to the Executive.  "Just Cause", for purposes 
of this subsection (b), shall mean dishonesty, immoral conduct detrimental to 
the Company, fraud, criminal activity and/or gross negligent performance of 
job responsibilities.  

                Upon termination for Just Cause, Executive shall not be 
entitled to any stock options, severance or other compensation or benefits 
from and after the date of termination, all unexercised stock options shall 
terminate on the date of termination, and the provisions of Sections 6 through 
9, inclusive, shall survive and shall be enforceable fully as to the Executive 
for the applicable Restricted Competition Period.

                (c)     The employment of the Executive by the Company and the 
Executive's corresponding rights and obligations under Sections 1 through 5, 
inclusive, may be terminated immediately at any time by the Company for a 
reason other than for Just Cause by giving fourteen (14) days prior written 
notice to the Executive.

                If such termination occurs during the initial 24-month term, 
then the only severance or other compensation or benefits to which the 
Executive is entitled from and after the date of 

                                     7
<PAGE>  8

termination is the compensation payable to him under (i) Section 3(a) hereof 
for the balance of the remaining 24-month term, payable on the normal bi-weekly 
schedule and (ii) Section 3(d) hereof.  In addition, all of Executive's stock 
options shall vest as of the date of termination, and he shall also participate 
in all health insurance, group life insurance, long-term incentive plans and 
other employee benefit programs provided by the Company at the time of such 
termination, in the same manner and to the same extent to which the other 
senior officers of the Company would participate upon their termination.

                If such termination occurs during the at will employment 
extension after the initial 24-month term, then his only severance or other 
compensation or benefits from and after the date of termination will be the 
compensation payable to him under Section 3(a) hereof for a period of six (6) 
months, payable on the normal bi-weekly schedule. In addition, all of 
Executive's stock options shall vest as of the date of termination.

                Other than as provided above, upon the occurrence of such 
termination, Executive will be entitled to no other compensation or severance 
benefits from the Company.

                Additionally upon such termination, the provisions of Sections 
6 through 9, inclusive, shall survive and shall be enforceable fully as to the 
Executive for the applicable Restricted Competition Period.

                (d)     If the Executive terminates his employment at the end 
of the initial term, as provided in Section 2, then the Executive shall not be 
entitled to any severance or other compensation or benefits from and after the 
date of termination; provided, however, that all stock options provided to him 
shall vest as of the date of termination.  However, the provisions of Sections 
6 through 9, inclusive, shall survive and shall be enforceable fully as to the 
Executive for the applicable Restricted Competition Period.

                If the Company terminates the Executive's employment at the end 
of the initial term, as provided in Section 2, then the only severance or 
other compensation or benefits to which the Executive is entitled from and 
after the date of termination will be the compensation payable to him under 
Section 3(a) hereof for a period of 6 months, payable on the normal bi-weekly 
schedule, and all stock options provided to him shall vest as of the date of 
termination.  Additionally, the provisions of Sections 6 through 9, inclusive, 
shall survive and shall be enforceable fully as to the Executive for the 
applicable Restricted Competition Period.
                                     
                                     8
<PAGE>  9                
                
                (e)     If the termination of Executive's employment occurs as 
a result of his death or disability (as defined herein), Executive (or his 
legal representative) shall be entitled to the following severance benefits:

                       (i)     If Executive's death or disability occurs 
                               during the initial 24-month period, he or his 
                               legal representative shall be entitled to 
                               those benefits described in subparagraph (c) 
                               of this Section 12 (Termination); and

                       (ii)    If such termination occurs after the 
                               expiration of the initial 24-month period, 
                               such compensation and benefits shall be the 
                               same as those described in subparagraph (d) 
                               of this Section 12 (Termination) in the same 
                               manner as if the Company had terminated 
                               Executive's employment at the end of the 
                               initial term; and

                       (iii)   For purposes of this Agreement, Executive 
                               shall be deemed to be "disabled" if he for 
                               any reason, either by sickness or accident, 
                               is unable to perform his duties for Company 
                               on a full-time basis for a period of one 
                               hundred twenty (120) consecutive calendar 
                               days.  For purposes hereof, "full-time basis" 
                               shall be deemed to be a situation in which 
                               Executive must perform at least thirty (30) 
                               office hours of service for Company on a 
                               weekly basis.

                       (iv)    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in 
                               this Section, the compensation payable to the 
                               Executive by the Company in the event of 
                               disability shall be reduced, on a dollar-for-
                               dollar basis, by the amount of any benefits 
                               paid to the Executive under any of the 
                               Company's disability programs.

                (f)     If, upon termination of this Agreement for any reason, 
the Executive is serving as a Director of the Company or any of its 
Affiliates, the Executive shall resign all such directorships effective at the 
same time as the termination of his employment.  If the appropriate 
resignation shall not have been executed and delivered by the Executive to the 
Company and/or its Affiliates within seven (7) days after a request therefor, 
the President of the Company and the Affiliates is hereby authorized and 
directed by the Executive to execute such 

                                     9
<PAGE>  10

resignations for and on behalf of and in the name of the Executive, as his 
attorney-in-fact for such purpose.  

                (g)     Upon termination of this Agreement in accordance with 
the terms hereof, the Executive shall forthwith deliver to the Company all 
records, documents, accounts, letters and papers of every type or description 
whatsoever within his possession or control relating to the affairs and 
business of the Company and/or its Affiliates, as well as any other property 
belonging to any of such parties.  

                (h)     Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the 
contrary, nothing shall be construed or interpreted to the effect that 
Executive is surrendering or otherwise forfeiting any benefits that are 
otherwise vested or given to him under law; including, without limitation, any 
and all 401(k) benefits or any other benefits from a qualified plan; any 
health insurance benefits, such as COBRA, any rights to convert life 
insurance, or any other benefits available to Executive in the employee and 
retirement benefit programs listed on Exhibit B.  It is the intent of the 
parties, and they do hereby confirm, that severance benefits set forth above 
do not replace, in any manner whatsoever, the benefits payable or available to 
Executive (or his beneficiaries or dependents) upon termination, and the 
Executive is entitled to participate to the same extent that and in the same 
manner in which other senior officers of the Company are entitled to or 
participate in such benefits.

                (i)     The parties recognize that certain incentive plan 
awards may be paid to the Executive in restricted stock of the Company, and 
that the terms of the restricted stock may include forfeiture if the Executive 
leaves the Company during the restriction period.  Notwithstanding anything 
contained in this Agreement, any such incentive plan or any such stock 
restrictions to the contrary, Executive shall not forfeit any incentive plan 
                                              ---
awards which are paid in restricted stock of the Company if the Company 
terminates Executive's employment during the restriction period; unless 
                                                                 ------
Executive's employment is terminated under Section 12 (b), in which case all 
restricted stock shall be forfeited as of the date of termination.  Moreover, 
if the Employee terminates his employment during the initial 24-month term 
hereof for any reason, then he shall forfeit all restricted stock as of the 
date of termination.

        Section 13.  Reimbursement of Expenses.  The Company shall reimburse to 
                     -------------------------
the Executive all expenses reasonably and properly incurred by the Executive 
in the performance of the Executive's duties under this Agreement.  Such 
reimbursement shall be made within thirty (30) days of the submission by the 
Executive to the Company, of appropriate evidence of such expenditure.  
                                     
                                     10
<PAGE>  11        
        
        Section 14.  Relationship to Prior Employment Arrangements. This 
                     ---------------------------------------------
Agreement shall supersede and take the place of any and all prior employment 
agreements, whether oral or written, between the Company and the Executive.

        Section 15.  Notices.  Any notice required or permitted to be given 
                     -------
under this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing and if hand-delivered 
or sent by certified or registered mail to the residence address of the 
Executive then on file with the Company or to the principal office of the 
Company.

        Section 16.  Benefit.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and 
                     -------
be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns.  Obligations of 
the Executive hereunder may not be delegated, assigned or otherwise 
transferred without the prior written consent of the Company.

        Section 17.  Waiver.  Failure to insist upon strict compliance with any 
                     ------
of the terms, covenants or conditions hereof shall not be deemed a waiver of 
any such term, covenant or condition, nor shall any such failure at any one 
time or times be deemed a waiver or relinquishment at any other time or times 
of any right under the terms, covenants or conditions hereof.

        Section 18.  Modifications and Amendments.  No modification or 
                     ----------------------------
amendment hereof shall be effective unless and until the same shall be in a 
writing, duly executed by both parties hereto.

        Section 19.  Headings.  The headings of the various items of this 
                     --------
Agreement have been inserted for convenience only, and interpretations hereof 
shall be based strictly upon the text without reference to such headings.

        Section 20.  Applicable Law and Forum.  This Agreement shall be 
                     ------------------------
governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the 
State of Ohio.  ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING IN RESPECT OF OR ARISING OUT OF 
THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY SHALL BE PROSECUTED AS 
TO ANY ONE OR MORE OF THE PARTIES HERETO AT CINCINNATI, OHIO.  EACH PARTY 
HERETO JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY CONSENTS AND SUBMITS TO THE EXERCISE OF 
JURISDICTION OVER HIS OR ITS PERSON BY ANY COURT SITUATED AT CINCINNATI, OHIO 
AND HAVING JURISDICTION OVER THE SUBJECT MATTER OF ANY ACTION, SUIT OR 
PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR IN RESPECT OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS 
CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.  ADEQUATE NOTICE OF SUCH ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING IN 
ANY SUCH COURT SHALL CONCLUSIVELY BE DEEMED TO HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO ANY ONE OR 
MORE OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGAINST WHOM THE SAME IS INSTITUTED IF GIVEN TO 
SUCH PERSON IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS 

                                     11
<PAGE>  12

AGREEMENT OR BY ANY OTHER MANNER CONSISTENT WITH DUE PROCESS OF LAW.

        Section 21.  Duplicate Originals.  This Agreement may be executed in 
                     -------------------
one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be a duplicate 
original, but all of which taken together, shall be deemed to constitute a 
single instrument.

        Section 22.  Pronouns.  The number and gender of each pronoun used in 
                     --------
this Agreement, if any, shall be construed to mean each such number and gender 
as the context, circumstances or its antecedent may require.

        Section 23.  Entire Agreement.  This Agreement (including each Exhibit 
                     ----------------
hereto) constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto in respect 
of the subject matter of this Agreement and supersedes all prior and 
contemporaneous agreements between the parties hereto in connection with the 
subject matter of this Agreement.

        Section 24.  Effective Date.  This Employment Agreement shall be 
                     --------------
effective immediately upon the closing of the transactions contemplated by the 
Asset Purchase Agreement dated September 14, 1998, by and among the Company 
and Great American Insurance Company, among others (the date of such closing 
herein referred to as the "Effective Date").  If this closing shall not occur, 
then this Employment Agreement shall not have become effective for any 
purposes whatsoever, shall create no rights or liabilities in either party 
hereto, and shall be deemed to be null and void in all respects.


                                     
                                     
                                     12
<PAGE>  13        
        
        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Employment Agreement has been duly executed on 
behalf of the Company and by the Executive, to be effective as of the 
Effective Date.


                                         THE OHIO CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY
WITNESSES:                                                        

                                         By
- ----------------------------               ----------------------------------
                                           Lauren N. Patch
- ----------------------------               President and Chief Executive
                                           Officer
- ----------------------------

- ----------------------------               ----------------------------------
                                           John J. McGovern







                                     13
<PAGE>  14


                                  EXHIBIT A
                                  ---------

                           THE OHIO CASUALTY GROUP
                           -----------------------

                          ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES
                          -------------------------
          COMPENSATION PROGRAM FOR THE SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
          -----------------------------------------------------------




                                     14
<PAGE>  15


                                  EXHIBIT B
                                  ---------

                         [Attach booklet entitled
                     "Your Benefits At Ohio Casualty"]




                                     15

<PAGE>  16


                                  EXHIBIT C
                                  ---------

Current benefits provided to the Company's Senior Officers:

     a.      ACCIDENTAL DEATH AND DISMEMBERMENT COVERAGE - $500,000

     b.      AIR TRAVEL - As a senior officer, you may fly first class.

     c.      MEMBERSHIPS - Company paid memberships to the Hamilton City 
             Club and the Metropolitan Club or the Bankers Club.

     d.      COMPANY CAR PROGRAM - All officers receive a company car.  
             Personal mileage is taxable.  As a senior officer, you will be 
             eligible for an upgrade from the basic program to an automobile 
             of your choice with costs excess of the basic program, being 
             payroll deducted over 2, 3 or 4 years.  You may trade in your 
             vehicle when either your loan obligation is fulfilled or at 
             60,000 miles.  At the time of trade in, any outstanding loan 
             balance shall be due.

     e.      EXECUTIVE HEALTH PHYSICAL - You are entitled under our 1998 
             plan to a benefit valued at $710.

     f.      EXECUTIVE FINANCIAL PLANNING - Maximum reimbursable expense is 
             $2,250 per calendar year.  Additional $1,000 paid two years 
             prior to retirement, year of retirement, and for two years after 
             retirement.

     g.      OFFICE AND OFFICE FURNITURE - Officers are entitled to an 
             office and appropriate wood furniture.

     h.      PARKING SPACE - Home Office, immediate eligibility for a 
             parking space.

     i.      VACATION - Five weeks.  One week may be used as your "Florida 
             Trip".

 

                                     16

                                                                 Exhibit 10.3
                             
                             EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
                             --------------------

        THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made to be effective as 
of the Effective Date (as that term is defined in Section 24 hereof) by and 
between The Ohio Casualty Insurance Company (the "Company") and Jerry S. 
Runnels (the "Executive).


                                 WITNESSETH:


        WHEREAS, the Company has agreed to employ the Executive as a Senior 
Vice President to act on behalf of the Company, at the compensation 
hereinafter described; and

        WHEREAS, as a condition for the employment of the Executive, the 
Executive has agreed to enter into this Agreement;

        NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the agreements as 
hereinafter provided, the parties hereto agree as follows, each intending to 
be legally bound thereby:

        Section 1.  Employment and Service.  The Company hereby employs the 
                    ----------------------
Executive as a Senior Vice President, and the Executive hereby accepts 
employment as such by the Company, upon the terms and conditions hereinafter 
set forth.

        Section 2.  Term.  Subject to the provisions of Section 12 hereof, the 
                    ----
initial term of the Executive's employment pursuant to this Agreement shall be 
for a period of thirty-six (36) months, commencing on the Effective Date.  
Thereafter, Executive's employment shall have no term and shall be at will 
(the initial 36-month term and any at will employment extension thereafter 
being referred to as the "Services Period").  

        Subject to the provisions of Section 12 hereof, either party may notify 
the other party in writing of its intention not to continue the employment 
relationship created hereunder after the end of the initial 36-month term, 
which written notice shall be sent in accordance with the provisions of 
Section 15 hereof at least ninety (90) days prior to the last day of the 
initial 36-month term.

        Section 3.  Compensation.  The Executive will be entitled to the 
                    ------------
benefits which inure to the senior officers of the Company, as described in 
the administrative guidelines of the compensation program for the senior 
officers of the Company (the "Guidelines"), a copy of which is attached hereto 
as Exhibit A and is incorporated herein by this reference.  If, from time to 
                                     
                                    
<PAGE>  2
time and at any time during the Services Period, the Guidelines are amended, 
any and all such amendments shall be binding upon the Executive, as if fully 
re-written herein.  Subject to the terms and conditions of the Guidelines, the 
compensation package for the Executive shall be as follows:

        (a)     Initial base salary - $240,000 annually.

        (b)     Annual bonus - (i)    Maximum - 75% ($180,000 based on 
                                      initial $240,000 salary).
                             - (ii)   Target - 50% ($120,000 based on 
                                      initial $240,000 salary).
                             - (iii)  Minimum - 25% ($60,000 based on 
                                      initial $240,000 salary).

        (c)     Long term incentive - The Executive will be eligible 
                                      for an annual long-term incentive 
                                      grant having an expected value of 
                                      80% of the initial base salary 
                                      ($192,000 initially).  The 
                                      incentive vehicles will be 
                                      established under the Guidelines, 
                                      consistent with those provided to 
                                      other senior officers of the Company.

        (d) - If the employment of the Executive terminates during 
              the course of an Employment Year (each twelve 
              consecutive calendar month period beginning on the 
              Effective Date) for any reason other than Just Cause 
              termination under Section 12(b) hereof, any Annual 
              bonus or Long term incentive benefits described above 
              shall be prorated for such Employment Year (to the 
              nearest calendar month) and credited to Executive's 
              account or paid as bonus in accordance with the 
              foregoing.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no 
              payments shall be made under this Section if 
              Executive's employment terminates for Just Cause 
              under Section 12(b) hereof.

        Section 4.  Participation in Employee Benefit Programs.  In addition to 
                    ------------------------------------------
the compensation as provided in Section 3 hereof, the Executive shall be 
entitled (a) to participate to the full extent of such Executive's eligibility 
in all of the employee and retirement benefit programs listed on Exhibit B, 
attached hereto and made a part hereof, as such programs may from time to time 
be amended or modified as approved by the Board of Directors of the Company, 
and (b) to such other perquisites as are made available generally to the 
senior officers of the Company, a current 
                                     
                                     2

<PAGE>  3
listing of which is contained on Exhibit C, attached hereto and made a part 
hereof.

         Section 5.  Duties.  During and throughout the Services Period, the 
                     ------
Executive shall devote his full working time and efforts to the business and 
affairs of the Company and its Affiliates.  The Executive shall use his best 
efforts to promote the interests of the Company and its Affiliates, and shall 
discharge well and faithfully the duties which may be assigned to him from 
time to time.  During and throughout the Services Period, the Executive shall 
not be engaged in any other business activity, whether or not such business 
activity is pursued for gain, profit or other pecuniary advantage and shall 
not compete, directly or indirectly, with the Company and its Affiliates; 
provided, however, that such restrictions shall not be construed as preventing 
the Executive from investing his personal assets in (a) businesses which do 
not compete or do business with the Company and its Affiliates in such manner 
or form as will not require any services on the part of the Executive in the 
operation or affairs of the businesses in which such investments are made or 
(b) stock or corporate securities as described in the second paragraph of 
Section 7 hereof; and provided further, however, that, the foregoing not-
withstanding, the Executive may engage in any other business activity with the 
prior written consent of the Company, which consent the Company shall not be 
under any obligation to give and shall be given in the Company's sole 
discretion.

        The Executive also may participate in, or serve as a trustee or 
director of, civic and/or charitable entities or activities as he may desire, 
so long as such activities or service do not interfere with the performance of 
his duties hereunder.

        Section 6.  Certain Definitions.  (a) The term "Restricted Competition 
                    -------------------
Period" as used in this Agreement shall have the following meaning or 
meanings:

             (i)     With respect to the Non-Competition Covenants in 
                     Section 7 hereof, the "Restricted Competition 
                     Period" for Great American Insurance Company (or 
                     any Affiliate thereof) shall mean the period of 
                     time during any and all Services Period hereunder 
                     and for a period of two (2) years thereafter; and

             (ii)    With respect to the Non-Competition Covenants 
                     described in Section 7 hereof, with respect to any 
                     property and casualty insurance company (other 
                     than Great American Insurance Company or any 
                     Affiliates thereof), or any other competitor of 
                     Company or its Affiliates, "Restricted Competition 
                     
                                     3
                     
<PAGE>  4                     
                     Period" shall mean the period of time during any 
                     and all Services Period hereunder or for a period 
                     of three (3) years after the Effective Date, 
                     whichever shall be later to occur;

             (iii)   With respect to the Other Prohibitions set forth 
                     in Section 8 hereof, "Restricted Competition 
                     Period" shall mean the period of time during any 
                     and all Services Period hereunder and for a period 
                     of one (1) year thereafter; or for a period of 
                     three (3) years after the Effective Date, 
                     whichever shall be later to occur; and

             (iv)    With respect to Confidential Information set forth 
                     in Section 9 hereof, "Restricted Competition 
                     Period" means the entire period of time during 
                     which such information retains its confidential or 
                     proprietary nature.

        (b)     The term "Affiliates" as used in this Agreement shall 
                mean any Person which controls, is controlled by or is 
                under common control with another Person.  Control 
                includes the possession, direct or indirect, of the 
                power to direct or cause the direction of the 
                management and policies of a person, whether through 
                the ownership of voting securities, by contract other 
                than a commercial contract for goods or nonmanagement 
                services, or otherwise.  Control shall be presumed to 
                exist if any person, directly or indirectly, owns, 
                controls, holds with the power to vote, or holds 
                proxies representing, ten per cent or more of the 
                voting securities of any other person.  

        (c)     "Person" means any individual, corporation, 
                partnership, association, limited liability company, 
                limited liability partnership, trust, unincorporated 
                organization, Lloyd's company, reciprocal insurer, or 
                any other business organization, or any combination of 
                the foregoing acting in concert.

        Section 7.  Non-Competition Covenants.  During the applicable 
                    -------------------------
Restricted Competition Period described in Section 6 above, the Executive 
shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company:

        (a)     directly or indirectly engage in,

        (b)     assist or have an active interest in (whether as 
                proprietor, partner, investor, shareholder, officer, 
                director or any type of principal whatsoever), or

                                     4
<PAGE>  5

        (c)     enter the employment of or act as agent for, or advisor 
                or consultant to,

any Person including without limitation enterprises involving Persons related 
by blood or marriage to the Executive, which is or is about to become, 
directly or indirectly, engaged in the business of insurance (whether as an 
agent, broker, marketer, underwriter, reinsurer, manager, actuary, director, 
officer, employee, consultant or otherwise) in any and/or all of the lines 
and/or kinds of coverage, and/or any and all of the related businesses and 
services, provided by, or under development by, the Company and its Affiliates 
at any time during the Services Period.

        The foregoing provisions of this Section 7 are not intended to 
prohibit, and shall not prohibit, the Executive from purchasing, for 
investment purposes only, any stock or other corporate security which is 
listed on a national securities exchange or quoted in any national market 
system (except as in this Agreement otherwise provided), so long as such stock 
or other corporate security owned by the Executive does not represent more 
than one percent (1%) of the market value or voting power of the total stock 
or other corporate securities of that class.  

        Section 8. Other Prohibitions.  During the applicable Restricted 
                   ------------------
Competition Period described in Section 6 above, the Executive shall not at 
any time engage in any of the following activities in a manner which is 
inconsistent with his service as a Senior Vice President of the Company, 
without the prior written consent of the Company:

        (a)     request or advise any customer or client of, or any 
                Person having business dealings with the Company and/or 
                any of its Affiliates to withdraw, curtail or cancel 
                such business or business dealings;

        (b)     disclose to any Person the names of customers or 
                clients of, or other Persons having dealings with, 
                the Company and/or any of its Affiliates; or

        (c)     induce or attempt to influence any other employee of 
                the Company and/or  any of its Affiliates to terminate 
                employment.

        Section 9.  Confidential Information.  The Executive recognizes and 
                    ------------------------
acknowledges that the Company's and its Affiliates' trade secrets and 
confidential or proprietary information, including without limitation (a) 
information of the 

                                     5
<PAGE>  6
Company and/or its Affiliates concerning its and/or their insurance operations, 
customers or prospects, terms and conditions of sale and prices, technical 
knowledge relating to customer requirements and knowledge of markets for the 
Company's and/or its Affiliates' products, as such trade secrets or information 
may exist from time to time, and (b) information of third parties similar to 
that described in the foregoing clause (a) of this sentence which has been made 
available to the Company and/or its Affiliates pursuant to a business 
relationship with such third party, are valuable, special and unique assets of 
the Company's and/or its Affiliates' business, access to which and the 
knowledge of which are essential to the performance of the duties of the 
Executive hereunder.  The Executive will not, in whole or in part, disclose 
such trade secrets or confidential or proprietary information to any Person for 
any reason or purpose whatsoever, nor will the Executive make use of any such 
trade secrets or confidential or proprietary information for his own purposes 
or for the benefit of any other Person.

        Section 10.  Scope of Restrictions.  If the scope of any restriction 
                     ---------------------
contained in Sections 6, 7,8 and/or 9 of this Agreement is too broad to permit 
enforcement of any such restriction to its fullest extent, then such 
restriction shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law, and the 
Executive hereby consents and agrees that such scope may be judicially 
modified accordingly in any proceeding brought to enforce such restrictions.

        Section 11.  Injunctive Relief.  The Executive hereby acknowledges and 
                     -----------------
confirms that any restricted activity of the nature referred to in the 
preceding Sections of this Agreement would cause irreparable injury or damage 
to the Company and/or its Affiliates, acknowledges and agrees that the 
remedies at law of the Company for any breach of any of the Executive's 
obligations under this Agreement would be inadequate and agrees that the 
Company shall be entitled to institute and prosecute proceedings in a court of 
competent jurisdiction to obtain temporary and/or permanent injunctive relief 
to enforce any provision hereof, without the necessity of proof of actual 
injury or damage.

        Section 12.  Termination.  (a)  The employment of the Executive by the 
                     -----------
Company and the Executive's corresponding rights and obligations under 
Sections 1 through 8, inclusive, may be terminated by the Executive if the 
duties, responsibilities and/or positions and titles of the Executive are 
materially altered or materially adversely affected by action of the Company 
at any time during the Services Period. 
                                     
                                     6

<PAGE>  7
                Upon such termination, the Company shall pay to the Executive 
(y) the compensation and benefits set forth in Sections 3 and 4 hereof for the 
greater of (i) one year or (ii) the remaining term of the then current 
Services Period, and (z) all stock options, if any, then held by Executive 
shall remain in force and shall vest in accordance with the vesting schedule 
then in effect.  Additionally upon such termination, the provisions of Section 
9 shall survive and shall be enforceable fully as to the Executive for the 
applicable Restricted Competition Period.

                (b)     The employment of the Executive by the Company and the 
Executive's corresponding rights and obligations under Sections 1 through 5, 
inclusive, may be terminated immediately at any time for just cause by the 
Company by giving written notice to the Executive.  "Just Cause", for purposes 
of this subsection (b), shall mean dishonesty, immoral conduct detrimental to 
the Company, fraud, criminal activity and/or gross negligent performance of 
job responsibilities.  

                Upon termination for Just Cause, Executive shall not be 
entitled to any stock options, severance or other compensation or benefits 
from and after the date of termination, and the provisions of Sections 6 
through 9, inclusive, shall survive and shall be enforceable fully as to the 
Executive for the applicable Restricted Competition Period.

                (c)     The employment of the Executive by the Company and the 
Executive's corresponding rights and obligations under Sections 1 through 5, 
inclusive, may be terminated immediately at any time by the Company for a 
reason other than for Just Cause by giving fourteen (14) days prior written 
notice to the Executive.

                If such termination occurs during the initial 36-month term, 
then the only severance or other compensation or benefits to which the 
Executive is entitled from and after the date of termination is the 
compensation payable to him under (i) Section 3(a) hereof for the balance of 
the remaining 36-month term, payable on the normal bi-weekly schedule and (ii) 
Section 3(d) hereof.  

                In addition, all of Executive's stock options shall remain in 
force and shall vest in accordance with the vesting schedule then in effect, 
and he shall also participate in all health insurance, group life insurance, 
long-term incentive plans and other employee benefit programs provided by the 
Company at the time of such termination, in the same manner and to the same 
extent to which the other senior officers of the Company would participate 
upon their termination.
                                     
                                     7
<PAGE>  8

                If such termination occurs during the at will employment 
extension after the initial 36-month term, then his only severance or other 
compensation or benefits from and after the date of termination will be the 
compensation payable to him under Section 3(a) hereof for a period of six (6) 
months, payable on the normal bi-weekly schedule.  Additionally, his stock 
options shall remain in force and shall vest in accordance with the vesting 
schedule then in effect.

                Other than as provided above, upon the occurrence of such 
termination, Executive will be entitled to no other compensation or severance 
benefits from the Company.

                Additionally upon such termination, the provisions of Sections 
6 through 9, inclusive, shall survive and shall be enforceable fully as to the 
Executive for the applicable Restricted Competition Period.

                (d)     If the Executive terminates his employment at the end 
of the initial term, as provided in Section 2, then the Executive shall not be 
entitled to any severance or other compensation or benefits from and after the 
date of termination. However, the provisions of Sections 6 through 9, 
inclusive, shall survive and shall be enforceable fully as to the Executive 
for the applicable Restricted Competition Period.

                If the Company terminates the Executive's employment at the end 
of the initial term, as provided in Section 2, then the only severance or 
other compensation or benefits to which the Executive is entitled from and 
after the date of termination will be the compensation payable to him under 
Section 3(a) hereof for a period of 6 months, payable on the normal bi-weekly 
schedule.  Additionally, the provisions of Sections 6 through 9, inclusive, 
shall survive and shall be enforceable fully as to the Executive for the 
applicable Restricted Competition Period.

                Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section to the 
contrary, upon termination of employment under this Section 12(d), Executive's 
stock options shall remain in force and shall vest in accordance with the 
vesting schedule then in effect.

                (e)     If the termination of Executive's employment occurs as 
a result of his death or disability (as defined herein), Executive (or his 
legal representative) shall be entitled to the following severance benefits:

                        (i)     If Executive's death or disability occurs 
                                during the initial 36-month period, he or his 
                                legal representative shall be entitled to 
                                     
                                     8
<PAGE>  9
                                those benefits described in subparagraph (c) of 
                                this Section 12 (Termination); and

                        (ii)    If such termination occurs after the 
                                expiration of the initial 36-month period, 
                                such compensation and benefits shall be the 
                                same as those described in subparagraph (d) 
                                of this Section 12 (Termination) in the same 
                                manner as if the Company had terminated 
                                Executive's employment at the end of the 
                                initial term; and

                        (iii)   For purposes of this Agreement, Executive 
                                shall be deemed to be "disabled" if he for 
                                any reason, either by sickness or accident, 
                                is unable to perform his duties for Company 
                                on a full-time basis for a period of one 
                                hundred twenty (120) consecutive calendar 
                                days.  For purposes hereof, "full-time basis" 
                                shall be deemed to be a situation in which 
                                Executive must perform at least thirty (30) 
                                office hours of service for Company on a 
                                weekly basis.

                        (iv)    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in 
                                this Section, the compensation payable to the 
                                Executive by the Company in the event of 
                                disability shall be reduced, on a dollar-for-
                                dollar basis, by the amount of any benefits 
                                paid to the Executive under any of the 
                                Company's disability programs.

                (f)     If, upon termination of this Agreement for any reason, 
the Executive is serving as a Director of the Company or any of its 
Affiliates, the Executive shall resign all such directorships effective at the 
same time as the termination of his employment.  If the appropriate 
resignation shall not have been executed and delivered by the Executive to the 
Company and/or its Affiliates within seven (7) days after a request therefor, 
the President of the Company and the Affiliates is hereby authorized and 
directed by the Executive to execute such resignations for and on behalf of 
and in the name of the Executive, as his attorney-in-fact for such purpose.  

                (g)     Upon termination of this Agreement in accordance with 
the terms hereof, the Executive shall forthwith deliver to the Company all 
records, documents, accounts, letters and papers of every type or description 
whatsoever within his possession or control relating to the affairs and 
business of the Company 

                                     9
<PAGE>  10
and/or its Affiliates, as well as any other property belonging to any of such 
parties.  

                (h)     Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the 
contrary, nothing shall be construed or interpreted to the effect that 
Executive is surrendering or otherwise forfeiting any benefits that are 
otherwise vested or given to him under law; including, without limitation, any 
and all 401(k) benefits or any other benefits from a qualified plan; any 
health insurance benefits, such as COBRA, any rights to convert life 
insurance, or any other benefits available to Executive in the employee and 
retirement benefit programs listed on Exhibit B.  It is the intent of the 
parties, and they do hereby confirm, that severance benefits set forth above 
do not replace, in any manner whatsoever, the benefits payable or available to 
Executive (or his beneficiaries or dependents) upon termination, and the 
Executive is entitled to participate to the same extent that and in the same 
manner in which other senior officers of the Company are entitled to or 
participate in such benefits.

                (i)     The parties recognize that certain incentive plan 
awards may be paid to the Executive in restricted stock of the Company, and 
that the terms of the restricted stock may include forfeiture if the Executive 
leaves the Company during the restriction period.  Notwithstanding anything 
contained in this Agreement, any such incentive plan or any such stock 
restrictions to the contrary, Executive shall not forfeit any incentive plan 
                                              ---
awards which are paid in restricted stock of the Company if the Company 
terminates Executive's employment during the restriction period; unless 
                                                                 ------
Executive's employment is terminated under Section 12 (b), in which case all 
restricted stock shall be forfeited as of the date of termination.  Moreover, 
if the Employee terminates his employment during the initial 36-month term 
hereof for any reason, then he shall forfeit all restricted stock as of the 
date of termination.

        Section 13.  Reimbursement of Expenses.  The Company shall reimburse to 
                     -------------------------
the Executive all expenses reasonably and properly incurred by the Executive 
in the performance of the Executive's duties under this Agreement.  Such 
reimbursement shall be made within thirty (30) days of the submission by the 
Executive to the Company, of appropriate evidence of such expenditure.  

        Section 14.  Relationship to Prior Employment Arrangements. This 
                     ---------------------------------------------
Agreement shall supersede and take the place of any and all prior employment 
agreements, whether oral or written, between the Company and the Executive.

        Section 15.  Notices.  Any notice required or permitted to be given 
                     -------
under this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing 

                                     10
<PAGE>  11
and if hand-delivered or sent by certified or registered mail to the residence 
address of the Executive then on file with the Company or to the principal 
office of the Company.

        Section 16.  Benefit.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and 
                     -------
be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns.  Obligations of 
the Executive hereunder may not be delegated, assigned or otherwise 
transferred without the prior written consent of the Company.

        Section 17.  Waiver.  Failure to insist upon strict compliance with any 
                     ------
of the terms, covenants or conditions hereof shall not be deemed a waiver of 
any such term, covenant or condition, nor shall any such failure at any one 
time or times be deemed a waiver or relinquishment at any other time or times 
of any right under the terms, covenants or conditions hereof.

        Section 18.  Modifications and Amendments.  No modification or 
                     ----------------------------
amendment hereof shall be effective unless and until the same shall be in a 
writing, duly executed by both parties hereto.

        Section 19.  Headings.  The headings of the various items of this 
                     --------
Agreement have been inserted for convenience only, and interpretations hereof 
shall be based strictly upon the text without reference to such headings.

        Section 20.  Applicable Law and Forum.  This Agreement shall be 
                     ------------------------
governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the 
State of Ohio.  ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING IN RESPECT OF OR ARISING OUT OF 
THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY SHALL BE PROSECUTED AS 
TO ANY ONE OR MORE OF THE PARTIES HERETO AT CINCINNATI, OHIO.  EACH PARTY 
HERETO JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY CONSENTS AND SUBMITS TO THE EXERCISE OF 
JURISDICTION OVER HIS OR ITS PERSON BY ANY COURT SITUATED AT CINCINNATI, OHIO 
AND HAVING JURISDICTION OVER THE SUBJECT MATTER OF ANY ACTION, SUIT OR 
PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR IN RESPECT OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS 
CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.  ADEQUATE NOTICE OF SUCH ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING IN 
ANY SUCH COURT SHALL CONCLUSIVELY BE DEEMED TO HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO ANY ONE OR 
MORE OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGAINST WHOM THE SAME IS INSTITUTED IF GIVEN TO 
SUCH PERSON IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT OR BY ANY 
OTHER MANNER CONSISTENT WITH DUE PROCESS OF LAW.

        Section 21.  Duplicate Originals.  This Agreement may be executed in 
                     -------------------
one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be a duplicate 
original, but all of which taken together, shall be deemed to constitute a 
single instrument.
                                     
                                     11
<PAGE>  12

        Section 22.  Pronouns.  The number and gender of each pronoun used in 
                     --------
this Agreement, if any, shall be construed to mean each such number and gender 
as the context, circumstances or its antecedent may require.

        Section 23.  Entire Agreement.  This Agreement (including each Exhibit 
                     ----------------
hereto) constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto in respect 
of the subject matter of this Agreement and supersedes all prior and 
contemporaneous agreements between the parties hereto in connection with the 
subject matter of this Agreement.

        Section 24.  Effective Date.  This Employment Agreement shall be 
                     --------------
effective immediately upon the closing of the transactions contemplated by the 
Asset Purchase Agreement dated September 14, 1998, by and among the Company 
and Great American Insurance Company, among others (the date of such closing 
herein referred to as the "Effective Date").  If this closing shall not occur, 
then this Employment Agreement shall not have become effective for any 
purposes whatsoever, shall create no rights or liabilities in either party 
hereto, and shall be deemed to be null and void in all respects.

                                     12

<PAGE>  13
        
        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Employment Agreement has been duly executed on 
behalf of the Company and by the Executive, to be effective as of the 
Effective Date.


                                          THE OHIO CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY
WITNESSES:                                                        


                                        
                                         By
- -------------------------                   ---------------------------------
                                            Lauren N. Patch
                                            President and Chief Executive
                                            Officer
- -------------------------


- -------------------------                   ----------------------------------
                                            Jerry S. Runnels


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


                                     13
<PAGE>  14

                                 EXHIBIT A
                                 ---------

                          THE OHIO CASUALTY GROUP
                          -----------------------

                          ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES
                          -------------------------
          COMPENSATION PROGRAM FOR THE SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
          -----------------------------------------------------------





                                     14


<PAGE>  15

                                 EXHIBIT B
                                 ---------

                          [Attach booklet entitled
                      "Your Benefits At Ohio Casualty"]






                                     15

<PAGE>  16


                                  EXHIBIT C
                                  ---------

Current benefits provided to the Company's Senior Officers:

     a.      ACCIDENTAL DEATH AND DISMEMBERMENT COVERAGE - $500,000

     b.      AIR TRAVEL - As a senior officer, you may fly first class.

     c.      MEMBERSHIPS - Company paid memberships to the Hamilton 
             City Club and the Metropolitan Club or the Bankers Club.

     d.      COMPANY CAR PROGRAM - All officers receive a company car.  
             Personal mileage is taxable.  As a senior officer, you will be 
             eligible for an upgrade from the basic program to an automobile 
             of your choice with costs excess of the basic program, being 
             payroll deducted over 2, 3 or 4 years.  You may trade in your 
             vehicle when either your loan obligation is fulfilled or at 
             60,000 miles.  At the time of trade in, any outstanding loan 
             balance shall be due.

     e.      EXECUTIVE HEALTH PHYSICAL - You are entitled under our 1998 
             plan to a benefit valued at $710.

     f.      EXECUTIVE FINANCIAL PLANNING - Maximum reimbursable expense is 
             $2,250 per calendar year.  Additional $1,000 paid two years 
             prior to retirement, year of retirement, and for two years after 
             retirement.

     g.      OFFICE AND OFFICE FURNITURE - Officers are entitled to an 
             office and appropriate wood furniture.

     h.      PARKING SPACE - Home Office, immediate eligibility for a 
             parking space.

     i.      VACATION - Four weeks.  One week may be used as your "Florida 
             Trip".


                                     16

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<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1999
<DEBT-HELD-FOR-SALE>                        2528407459
<DEBT-CARRYING-VALUE>                       2528407459
<DEBT-MARKET-VALUE>                         2528407459
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                                0
                                          0
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                                   384544897
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