FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES HOLDINGS INC
10-K405, 1996-03-29
MORTGAGE BANKERS & LOAN CORRESPONDENTS
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<PAGE>
 
                                 UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                   FORM 10-K

       [X]      ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
                      THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                      For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995

                                       OR

       [ ]      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 1-8993

                   FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES HOLDINGS, INC.
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

          Delaware                                           94-2708455
 (State or other jurisdiction of                         (I.R.S. Employer
  incorporation or organization)                        Identification No.)

80 South Main Street, Hanover, New Hampshire                 03755-2053
  (Address of principal executive offices)                   (Zip Code)

      Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (603) 643-1567

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

    Title of each class                Name of each exchange on which registered
    -------------------                -----------------------------------------

Common Stock, par value $1.00                   New York Stock Exchange
         per share

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

                                      None

  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 
                                             ---   ---              

  Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [ X ]

  The aggregate market value of voting shares (based on the closing price of
those shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the consideration
received for those shares not listed on a national or regional exchange) held by
non-affiliates of the registrant as of March 25, 1996, was $575,521,650.

  As of March 25, 1996, 7,673,622 shares of Common Stock, par value of $1.00 per
share, were outstanding.

                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

              Portions of the registrant's 1995 Annual Report to 
                        Shareholders (Parts II and IV).
  Portions of the registrant's Notice of 1996 Annual Meeting of Shareholders 
              and Proxy Statement dated March 29, 1996 (Part III)
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                     PART I
 
<S>        <C>                                                             <C>
Item 1.    Business.......................................................   1

           a. General.....................................................   1

           b. Insurance Operations........................................   1

           c. Mortgage Origination and Servicing Operations...............   1

           d. Investment Portfolio Management.............................   6

           e. Certain Business Conditions.................................   6

           f. Competition.................................................   6

           g. Regulation..................................................   7

           h. Employees...................................................   7

Item 2.    Properties.....................................................   8

Item 3.    Legal Proceedings..............................................   8

Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders............   8

           a. Executive Officers of the Registrant and its Subsidiaries...   9

                                    PART II

Item 5.    Market for Registrant's Common Equity and
              Related Stockholder Matters.................................  10

Item 6.    Selected Financial Data........................................  10

Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of
              Financial Condition and Results of Operations...............  10

Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data....................  10

Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
              Accounting and Financial Disclosure.........................  10

                                    PART III

Item 10.   Directors and Executive Officers...............................  10

Item 11.   Executive Compensation.........................................  10

Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
              Owners and Management.......................................  11

Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.................  11

                                    PART IV

Item 14.   Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and
              Reports on Form 8-K.........................................  11
</TABLE> 
<PAGE>
 
PART I

Item 1.  Business

GENERAL

  Fund American Enterprises Holdings, Inc., (the "Company"), is a Delaware
corporation which was organized in 1980.  Within this report, the consolidated
organization is referred to as "Fund American."  Fund American's principal
businesses are conducted through White Mountains Holdings, Inc. and its
operating subsidiaries ("White Mountains") and Source One Mortgage Services
Corporation and its subsidiaries ("Source One").  White Mountains is an
insurance holding company principally engaged through its affiliates in the
businesses of property and casualty insurance and financial guaranty insurance.
Source One is one of the nation's largest mortgage banking companies.  Fund
American also owns a passive investment portfolio totaling $415.3 million as of
December 31, 1995.  The Company's principal office is located at 80 South Main
Street, Hanover, New Hampshire, 03755, and its telephone number is (603) 
643-1567.

INSURANCE OPERATIONS

  In 1995 the Company capitalized White Mountains with $250.0 million of assets.
White Mountains was formed to be the holding company for all of Fund American's
insurance operating interests.  As of December 31, 1995 White Mountains'
principle holdings included investments in:  Financial Security Assurance
Holdings Ltd. ("FSA"), a leading Aaa/AAA writer of financial guaranty insurance;
Main Street America Holdings, Inc. ("MSA"), an affiliate of National Grange
Mutual Insurance Company which is a New Hampshire-based property and casualty
insurer; and the wholly-owned subsidiaries described below.

  On December 1, 1995 White Mountains acquired Valley Group, Inc. of Albany,
Oregon, and its subsidiaries (collectively, "Valley") and Charter Group, Inc. of
Dallas, Texas, and its subsidiaries (collectively, "Charter") for $41.7 million
in cash less $3.0 million of purchase price adjustments.  Valley's wholly-owned
subsidiary, Valley Insurance Company, is an "A" rated, Northwest-based property
and casualty company which writes personal and commercial lines.  In 1995 Valley
Insurance Company wrote $73.1 million of gross premiums in Oregon, Washington
and California. Charter's wholly-owned subsidiary, Charter Indemnity Company,
wrote $64.4 million of gross non-standard automobile insurance premiums in Texas
during 1995.

  White Mountains Insurance Company ("WMIC") is a New Hampshire licensed
commercial property and casualty company which commenced its operations in
September 1995 and wrote $250,000 in premiums during the year.  WMIC is expected
to expand its operations to other states as additional state approvals are
obtained.

  All of White Mountains' insurance subsidiaries market their insurance products
principally through independent agents.

MORTGAGE ORIGINATION AND SERVICING OPERATIONS

General

  Source One is one of the largest mortgage banking companies in the United
States.  As of December 31, 1995 Source One had a mortgage loan servicing
portfolio totaling $31.8 billion, including $4.0 billion of loans subserviced
for others, which is serviced on behalf of approximately 320 institutional
investors and numerous other security holders.  As of December 31, 1995 Source
One had 128 retail branch offices in 25 states and originated $2.9 billion in
mortgage loans for the year then ended.

  Source One engages primarily in the business of producing, selling and
servicing residential mortgage loans. Its sources of revenue are net mortgage
servicing revenue, net interest revenue, net gain on sales of mortgages, net
gain on sales of servicing and other revenue (including underwriting and
appraisal fees).  Through subsidiaries, Source One also markets credit-related
insurance products (such as life, disability, health, accidental death and
property and casualty insurance).

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
  Source One was incorporated in 1972 and is the successor to Citizens Mortgage
Corporation which was organized in 1946.  Source One is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Fund American Enterprises, Inc. ("FAE") which is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company.  Source One's principal office is located in
Farmington Hills, Michigan.

Industry Overview

  Mortgage banking is the business of serving as a financial intermediary in
the: (i) origination and purchase of mortgage loans; (ii) holding of such loans
while aggregating sufficient loans to form appropriate mortgage-backed security
pools; (iii) subsequent sale of such loans through pools or directly to
investors; and (iv) ongoing management or servicing of such loans during the
repayment period.  Mortgage bankers generate revenue in each of the four stages
of the mortgage banking process.

  The origination process involves providing competitive mortgage loan rates,
soliciting loan applications, reviewing title and credit matters, and funding
loans at closing.  Mortgage loans are often purchased from the originators
thereof, who may receive a premium for releasing the right to service such
purchased mortgage loans.  The purchase price and any premium paid for servicing
rights are greatly influenced by existing market conditions.

  When interest rates on long-term mortgage loans exceed average interest rates
incurred on total borrowings by Source One, as is generally the case, the
holding of mortgage loans generates net interest income.  In periods when
borrowing rates exceed long-term mortgage lending rates, the holding of mortgage
loans can generate net interest expense.

  Marketing or selling mortgage loans requires matching the needs of the
production market (consisting of homebuyers and homeowners seeking new
mortgages) with the needs of the secondary market for mortgage loans (consisting
of securities broker-dealers, depository institutions, insurance companies,
pension funds and other investors).  Conventional mortgage loans (i.e., those
not guaranteed or insured by agencies of the Federal government) which are
secured by one- to four-family residential properties, and which comply with
applicable requirements, are packaged for direct sale or conversion to a
mortgage-backed security, generally in pools of $1.0 million or more.  Such
mortgage-backed securities are guaranteed by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation ("FHLMC") or the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA").
Mortgage-backed securities are sold by mortgage banking companies primarily to
securities broker-dealers.  Federal Housing Administration ("FHA") insured
mortgage loans and Veterans Administration ("VA") partially guaranteed mortgage
loans are packaged in the form of modified pass-through mortgage-backed
securities guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA")
for sale primarily to securities broker-dealers.  In addition, private entities
may pool mortgage loans in the form of collateralized mortgage obligations or
pass-through certificates, which may or may not qualify as real estate mortgage
investment conduits ("REMICs") under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, and offer the resulting mortgage-backed securities to the public
through securities broker-dealers.  There is also a limited private market for
mortgage loans which have not been pooled or securitized.

  Servicing involves:  (i) collecting principal, interest and funds to be
escrowed for tax and insurance payments from mortgage loan borrowers; (ii)
remitting principal and interest to mortgage loan investors; (iii) paying
property taxes and insurance premiums on mortgaged property; (iv) in some cases,
advancing uncollected payments to mortgage loan investors; (v) administering
delinquent loans; (vi) supervising foreclosures in the event of unremedied
defaults; and (vii) performing all related accounting and reporting activities.
Servicing generates cash income in the form of fees, which represent a
percentage of the declining outstanding principal amount of the loans serviced
and are collected from each mortgage loan payment received plus any late
charges.

Mortgage Loan Production

  Source One produces residential mortgage loans through a system of retail
branch offices, a specialized marketing program, mortgage brokers, and a
correspondent network of banks, thrift institutions and other mortgage lenders.
The existence of these mortgage production sources gives Source One the
flexibility to shift its production between those sources as market conditions
warrant and allows Source One to emphasize the production mode which is most
economically advantageous at the time.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
  Loans produced, whether through origination or purchase, include conventional
residential mortgage loans as well as mortgage loans which are either insured by
the FHA or partially guaranteed by the VA (government loans).  In evaluating
loans purchased through its correspondent network and loans originated through
its broker network, Source One applies the same quality standards as those
required for loans originated by Source One itself.  Source One's quality
control department reviews a random sample of the loans purchased to determine
compliance with Source One's standards.

  It is a policy of Source One to primarily produce fixed rate mortgage loans.
As of December 31, 1995 approximately 6% of Source One's total mortgage loan
servicing portfolio consisted of adjustable rate mortgage loans.

  The following table sets forth selected information regarding Source One's
mortgage loan production:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Year Ended December 31,
                                            --------------------------------------------------- 
Millions                                       1995      1994       1993      1992      1991
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                           <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>   
Loan production by type of loan:                     
 FHA/VA insured                               $1,565    $2,065    $ 3,453    $1,927    $1,641
 Conventional                                  1,287     2,521      7,999     5,664     2,386
                                            ------------------------------------------------- 
Total                                         $2,852    $4,586    $11,452    $7,591    $4,027
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Loan production by origination source:                                              
 Retail branch office originations            $1,347    $2,005    $ 4,922    $3,326    $1,695
 Correspondent network acquisitions            1,157     1,081      2,643     2,578     1,908
 Mortgage broker originations                    196       696      1,708     1,026       290
 Specialized marketing program originations      152       804      2,179       661       134
                                            ------------------------------------------------- 
Total                                         $2,852    $4,586    $11,452    $7,591    $4,027
=============================================================================================
</TABLE>

  Retail Branch Offices. As of December 31, 1995 Source One had 128 retail
branch offices in 25 states. Each office has sales representatives who originate
mortgage loans through contacts with real estate brokers, builders, developers
and others, as well as through direct contact with homebuyers.

  As of December 31, 1995 Source One's retail branch offices were located in the
following states:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
              Number of                Number of                    Number of
State           offices    State         offices      State           offices
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>           <C>          <C>         <C>            <C>           <C>
California           29    Florida             5      Kansas                1
Washington           21    Missouri            4      Maryland              1
Texas                11    Ohio                4      Massachusetts         1
Illinois              7    Kentucky            3      Oregon                1
Nevada                7    New Jersey          2      Rhode Island          1
Arizona               6    Pennsylvania        2      Tennessee             1
Michigan              6    Alaska              1      Virginia              1
New York              6    Arkansas            1
Colorado              5    Iowa                1
</TABLE> 

 
  Mortgage loans originated by Source One are subject to a defined underwriting
process in order to assess each prospective borrower's ability to repay the loan
requested and the adequacy of each property as collateral. In addition, Source
One is subject to the underwriting guidelines of FHA, VA, FHLMC and FNMA, as
well as specific contractual requirements of institutional investors who have
agreed to acquire mortgage loans originated by Source One. Most branch office
originations are referred to regional operating centers for preparation of loan
documentation, evaluation of compliance with Source One's underwriting
conditions and closing of the loans.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
  Correspondent Network. Source One conducts a program through which it agrees
to purchase mortgage loans from a network of banks, thrift institutions and
other mortgage lenders. The funding price for such loans is set by Source One on
a daily basis. In addition, Source One pays a premium for the release of
servicing rights which is negotiated on a case-by-case basis. As of December 31,
1995 there were approximately 200 participants in Source One's correspondent
network, with no single participant or group of affiliated participants
accounting for more than 10% of Source One's total mortgage loan originations.

  Mortgage Brokers. Source One conducts a program through which it closes loans
originated by a network of mortgage brokers. The funding price for such loans is
set by Source One on a daily basis. The originating mortgage broker receives
compensation equivalent to the difference between Source One's pricing schedule
and the closing price. Source One maintains an office to service this network in
West Bloomfield, Michigan. As of December 31, 1995 there were approximately 400
active participants in Source One's mortgage broker network, with no single
broker or group of affiliated brokers accounting for more than 10% of Source
One's total mortgage loan originations.

  Specialized Marketing Program. Source One also generates mortgage loan
originations through affinity programs and by responding to refinancing requests
from the population of loans currently serviced by Source One.

Sales of Loans
 
  Source One sells loans either through mortgage-backed securities issued
pursuant to programs of GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC, or to institutional investors.
Most loans are aggregated in pools of $1.0 million or more, which are purchased
by institutional investors after having been guaranteed by GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC.
During 1995 approximately 46.3%, 34.3% and 9.3% of the principal amount of
Source One's loans were sold in pools through GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC,
respectively. During 1994 approximately 40.9%, 40.6% and 16.5% of the principal
amount of Source One's loans were sold in pools through GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC,
respectively. During 1993 approximately 29.4%, 44.5% and 25.3% of the principal
amount of Source One's loans were sold in pools through GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC,
respectively. Substantially all GNMA securities are sold without recourse to
Source One for loss of principal in the event of a subsequent default by the
mortgage borrower due to the underlying FHA and VA insurance.
 
  Servicing agreements relating to mortgage-backed securities issued pursuant to
the programs of GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC require Source One to advance funds to make
the required payments to investors in the event of a delinquency by the
borrower. Source One expects that it would recover most funds advanced upon cure
of default by the borrower or at foreclosure. However, in connection with VA
partially guaranteed loans and certain conventional loans (which may be
partially insured by private mortgage insurers), funds advanced may not cover
losses due to potential declines in collateral value. In addition, most of
Source One's servicing agreements for mortgage-backed securities typically
require the payment to investors of a full month's interest on each loan
although the loan may be paid off (by optional prepayment or foreclosure) other
than on a month-end basis. In this instance, Source One is obligated to pay the
investor interest at the note rate from the date of the loan payoff through the
end of that calendar month without reimbursement.
 
  Source One, through private placements and public offerings, has also sold
mortgage loans through the issuance of mortgage pass-through certificates.
Source One issued $521.7 million of REMIC certificates through December 31,
1990. Source One is the primary servicer for these REMIC certificates, which
were sold pursuant to five separate trusts that have no recourse provisions.
Source One has not issued any mortgage-backed securities since 1990; however,
Source One may offer additional mortgage-backed securities in the future if
economic and market conditions warrant.
 
  Historically, Source One's sales of loans have generated net gains. However,
if secondary market interest rates decline after Source One obtains a mandatory
forward commitment for a loan, the loan may not close and Source One may incur a
loss from the cost of covering its obligations under such commitment. If
secondary market interest rates increase after Source One commits to an interest
rate for a loan, and Source One has not obtained a forward commitment, Source
One may incur a loss when the loan is subsequently sold. To minimize this risk,
Source One obtains mandatory forward commitments of up to 120 days to sell
mortgage-backed securities with respect to all loans which have been funded and
a substantial portion of loans in process ("pipeline") which it believes will
close.


                                      4
<PAGE>
 
  Source One's risk management function closely monitors the mortgage loan
pipeline to determine appropriate forward commitment coverage on a daily basis.
In addition, the risk management area seeks to reduce counterparty risk by
committing to sell mortgage loans only to approved dealers, with no dealer
having in excess of 20% of current commitments. Source One currently transacts
business with seven approved dealers. 

Loan Servicing

  Source One currently retains the rights to service the majority of the
mortgage loans it produces. In addition, Source One may acquire the rights to
service or subservice a mortgage loan portfolio without originating or acquiring
the underlying mortgage loans. Source One customarily makes such purchases of
servicing rights from banks, thrift institutions and other mortgage lenders. The
fees paid to acquire such servicing rights are negotiated on a case-by-case
basis. During 1995, Source One purchased the rights to service $4.7 billion of
mortgage loans.

  Source One also sells servicing rights when management deems it economically
advantageous. During 1995 Source One sold the rights to service $11.0 billion of
mortgage loans resulting in pretax gains of $40.0 million. During 1994 Source
One sold the rights to service $3.9 billion of mortgage loans and continues to
subservice these loans pursuant to a five-year subservicing agreement.
 
  The following table summarizes the changes in Source One's mortgage loan
servicing portfolio including loans subserviced, interim servicing contracts and
those under contract to acquire, and excluding loans sold but not transferred:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Year Ended December 31,
                                         ---------------------------------------
Billions                                  1995    1994    1993    1992    1991
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                      <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C> 
Balance at beginning of year             $39.6   $38.4   $37.3   $41.0   $35.6
                                         ---------------------------------------
 Mortgage loan production                  2.9     4.6    11.5     7.6     4.0
 Servicing acquisitions                    4.7     3.7     6.4     2.3     6.8
                                         ---------------------------------------
    Total servicing in                     7.6     8.3    17.9     9.9    10.8
                                         ---------------------------------------
 Regular payoffs                           2.3     4.7    13.6    11.5     3.9
 Sales of servicing                       11.0      -       -       -       -
 Principal amortization, servicing                                             
  released and foreclosures                2.1     2.4     3.2     2.1     1.5 
                                         ---------------------------------------
    Total servicing out                   15.4     7.1    16.8    13.6     5.4
                                         ---------------------------------------
Balance at end of year                   $31.8   $39.6   $38.4   $37.3   $41.0
================================================================================
</TABLE> 

  Source One closely monitors the rate of delinquencies and foreclosures
incident to its servicing portfolio. The following table summarizes delinquency
and foreclosure experience with respect to the residential mortgage loans
serviced by Source One:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     December 31,
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                          1995    1994    1993    1992    1991
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C> 
Percent of total residential loans
 serviced:
 Past due:
    31-59 days                            3.99%   3.15%   3.41%   3.26%   3.56%
    60-89 days                             .70     .54     .58     .65     .61
    90 days or more                        .59     .38     .45     .48     .41
                                         ---------------------------------------
    Total delinquencies                   5.28%   4.07%   4.44%   4.39%   4.58%
- -----------------------------------------=======================================
 Foreclosures                              .80%    .77%    .92%    .77%    .74%
================================================================================
</TABLE>

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
Related Activities

  In conjunction with its mortgage origination and servicing activities, Source
One markets certain credit-related insurance products (such as life, disability,
health, accidental death, and property and casualty insurance). Source One acts
as an agent and receives fees based on premium value but does not assume any
insurance risk. Insurance products are sold through (i) solicitation at the time
of mortgage application, (ii) direct mail solicitation by Source One shortly
after mortgage loan closing, (iii) solicitation by direct solicitors and (iv)
resolicitation of Source One's mortgage loan servicing portfolio on an annual
basis. At certain locations, personal solicitation by Source One staff is
permitted by state regulations which determine allowable insurance sales
practices. Total fees recognized under these programs for 1995 were $4.8
million.

INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT

  The Company's passive investment portfolio is primarily managed by a small
group of employees located in Hanover, New Hampshire. FAE's passive investment
portfolio is primarily managed by a small group of its employees located in
Norwich, Vermont. Beginning January 1, 1996 Fund American engaged First
Manhattan Co. to provide discretionary investment advisory services with respect
to a portfolio of investment securities totalling approximately $21.0 at
December 31, 1995. First Manhattan Co. is a registered investment advisor.

  Fund American's philosophy is to invest all assets to maximize their total
return over a three- to five-year time frame. Under this approach, each dollar
of after tax investment income, realized capital gains and unrealized
appreciation is valued equally. Management believes that it should focus its
efforts and the entity's funds on a small number of quality companies selling at
reasonable prices in the marketplace. While such an approach leads to a high
concentration in a few securities, management believes it will provide superior
returns over a three- to five-year horizon. However, management does not believe
that owning a large portfolio of passive investment securities in a taxable
corporation format will maximize shareholder returns over the long-term.
Therefore, Fund American's long-term goal is to reinvest at least a portion of
its investment securities (or proceeds from sales thereof) into operating
businesses in which management has knowledge and experience.

CERTAIN BUSINESS CONDITIONS

  Inflation and changes in market interest rates can have significant effects on
White Mountains' insurance operations. Inflation increases the costs of settling
insurance claims over time. Increases in market interest rates, which often
occur during periods of high inflation, reduce the market value of the insurance
operations' fixed-income investments. Conversely, reductions in market interest
rates increase the market value of White Mountains' fixed- income investments.

  Changes in the economy or prevailing interest rates can also have significant
effects, including material adverse effects, on the mortgage banking business
and Source One.

  Inflation and changes in interest rates can have differing effects on various
aspects of Source One's business, particularly with respect to marketing gains
and losses from the sale of mortgage loans, mortgage loan production, the value
of Source One's servicing portfolio and net interest revenue. Historically,
Source One's loan originations and loan production income have increased in
response to falling interest rates and have decreased during periods of rising
interest rates. Periods of low inflation and falling interest rates tend to
reduce loan servicing income and the value of Source One's mortgage loan
servicing portfolio because prepayments of mortgages increase and the average
life of loan servicing rights is shortened. Conversely, periods of increasing
inflation and rising interest rates tend to increase loan servicing income and
the value of Source One's mortgage loan servicing portfolio because prepayments
of mortgages decline and the average life of loan servicing rights is
lengthened.

COMPETITION

  The principal competitive factors that affect White Mountains' insurance
subsidiaries are: (i) pricing; (ii) underwriting; (iii) quality of claims and
policyholder services; (iv) operating efficiencies; and (v) product
differentiation and availability. The highly competitive environment in the
property and casualty insurance market during the past several years has
intensified due to increased capacity resulting from growing capital supporting
the industry.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
  Perception of financial strength, as reflected in the ratings assigned to an
insurance company, especially by A.M. Best, is also a factor in White Mountains'
insurance subsidiaries' competitive position. In the United States, property and
casualty insurance can be obtained through national and regional companies that
use an agency distribution system, direct writers (who may have an employed
agency force) or brokers, or through self-insurance including the use by
corporations of subsidiary captive insurers. No single company or group of
affiliated companies dominates the insurance industry.
 
  Source One competes nationally and locally for loan production with other
mortgage banks, state and national banks, thrift institutions and insurance
companies. National banks and thrift institutions have substantially more
flexibility in their loan origination programs than Source One, which must
originate loans meeting the standards of the secondary market. Mortgage lenders
compete primarily with respect to price and service. Competition may also occur
on mortgage terms and closing costs. Source One competes, in part, by using its
commissioned sales force to maintain close relationships with real estate
brokers, builders and developers and members of its correspondent and broker
network. In the opinion of management of Source One, no single mortgage lender
dominates the industry.

REGULATION
 
  White Mountains' insurance subsidiaries are subject to regulation and
 supervision of their operations in each of the jurisdictions where they conduct
 business. Regulations vary between jurisdictions but, generally, they provide
 regulatory authorities with broad supervisory, regulatory and administrative
 powers over such matters as licenses, standards of solvency, premium rates,
 policy forms, investments, security deposits, methods of accounting, form and
 content of financial statements, reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment
 expenses, reinsurance, minimum capital and surplus requirements, dividends and
 other distributions to shareholders, periodic examinations and annual and other
 report filings. Over the last several years most states have, and continue to
 implement, laws which establish standards for current, as well as continued,
 state accreditation. In addition, the National Association of Insurance
 Commissioners ("NAIC") has adopted risk-based capital rules for property and
 casualty companies. White Mountains' insurance subsidiaries were adequately
 capitalized under the NAIC's rules as of December 31, 1995.
 
  Source One is subject to the rules and regulations of, and examinations by,
FNMA, FHLMC, GNMA, FHA and VA with respect to the origination, processing,
selling and servicing of mortgage loans. These rules and regulations, among
other things, prohibit discrimination, provide for inspections and appraisals of
properties, require credit reports on prospective borrowers and, in some cases,
establish maximum interest rates, fees and loan amounts. Lenders are required to
submit audited financial statements annually. FNMA and GNMA require the
maintenance of specified net worth levels which vary depending on the amount of
FNMA loans serviced and GNMA mortgage-backed securities issued by Source One.
Mortgage loan origination activities are also subject to fair housing laws, the
Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Federal Truth-in-Lending Act, the Real Estate
Settlement Procedures Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Home Mortgage
Disclosure Act, and regulations promulgated thereunder which, among other
things, prohibit discrimination in residential lending and require disclosure of
certain information to borrowers.
 
  Certain conventional mortgage loans are also subject to state usury statutes;
FHA and VA loans are exempt from the effects of such statutes. There are various
other state laws and regulations affecting Source One's mortgage banking and
insurance operations. Source One's internal audit and quality control
departments monitor compliance with all these laws and regulations.

EMPLOYEES

  As of December 31, 1995 the Company employed 11 persons, FAE employed 1,681
persons (including 1,680 persons at Source One) and White Mountains employed 416
persons (including 231 at Valley and 178 at Charter). None of Fund American's
employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Management believes
that Fund American's employee relations are good.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
Item 2.  Properties

  Fund American leases 8,600 square feet of space at 80 South Main Street,
Hanover, New Hampshire, under a lease expiring in 2006. This space is used as
the principal office for the Company, White Mountains and WMIC. Valley owns a
40,000 square foot office building in Albany, Oregon and leases 6,200 square
feet in Sacramento, California. The lease on Valley's California property
expires in 1998. Charter leases 48,400 square feet in Dallas, Texas, which lease
expires in 1997. Source One owns its principal office in Farmington Hills,
Michigan, which houses the majority of its employees. Source One also owns an
office building in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Fund American leases several other
office facilities and operating equipment under cancelable and noncancelable
agreements. Most of such leases contain renewal clauses.

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

  Various claims have been made against Fund American in the normal course of
its business. In management's opinion, the outcome of such claims will not, in
the aggregate, have a material effect on Fund American's financial position or
results of operations.

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

  There were no matters submitted to a vote of Fund American's shareholders
during the fourth quarter of 1995.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES (as of March 25, 1996)
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                        Executive
                                                                                                          officer
Name                         Position                                                     Age               since
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                          <C>                                                          <C>           <C> 
Terry L. Baxter              President and Secretary of FAE                                50                1994
Dennis P. Beaulieu           Vice President and Secretary                                  48                1995
John J. Byrne                Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer               63                1985
James A. Conrad              President and Chief Executive Officer of Source One           54                1986
K. Thomas Kemp               Executive Vice President                                      55                1991
Michael S. Paquette          Vice President and Controller                                 32                1993
Robert W. Richards           Chairman of Source One                                        53                1986
Allan L. Waters              Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer             38                1990
===================================================================================================================== 
</TABLE>
  All executive officers are elected by the Company's Board of Directors for a
term of one year or until their successors have been elected and have duly
qualified.
 
  Mr. Baxter was elected President and Secretary of FAE in 1994. Prior to
joining Fund American in 1994, Mr. Baxter was Managing Director of the National
Transportation Safety Board from 1990. Prior to that, he was the Assistant
Director of OMB in the Reagan Administration. Mr. Baxter is a director of FAE,
MSA, Source One, White Mountains and WMIC.
 
  Mr. Beaulieu was elected Vice President and Secretary in February 1995 and
also serves as Vice President and Secretary of White Mountains and Chief
Financial Officer of WMIC. Prior to joining Fund American in 1995, Mr. Beaulieu
was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of New Dartmouth Bank. Mr.
Beaulieu is a director of White Mountains and WMIC.
 
  Mr. Byrne has served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer since
1990, as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from 1985 to 1990 and was Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer of Fireman's Fund Insurance Company ("Fireman's
Fund") from 1989 through January 2, 1991. Mr. Byrne is also Chairman of FSA, FAE
and White Mountains.
 
  Mr. Conrad has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Source One
since 1990, as Executive Vice President of its Production Division from 1987 to
1989, and as Corporate Vice President of its Wholesale Division from 1985 to
1987. Mr. Conrad is also a director of Source One.
 
  Mr. Kemp has served as Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary since 1991, was
elected Executive Vice President in 1993 and became a director of the Company in
1994. He is also President and Chief Executive Officer of White Mountains and
WMIC. Mr. Kemp was a Vice President of Fireman's Fund from 1990 to January 2,
1991. Prior to joining Fireman's Fund, Mr. Kemp was President of Resolute
Reinsurance Company. Mr. Kemp is Chairman of Valley, Charter and WMIC. Mr. Kemp
is also a director of FSA, FAE, MSA and White Mountains.
 
  Mr. Paquette was elected Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer in 1993
and was appointed Vice President and Controller in February 1995. Mr. Paquette
is also Vice President and Controller of White Mountains and WMIC. He was
formerly Secretary of FAE from 1990 to 1993 and has been a member of the Fund
American organization since 1989. Mr. Paquette is a director of FAE, White
Mountains and WMIC.
 
  Mr. Richards has served as Chairman of Source One since 1989, as its President
from 1987 to 1989, and as its Executive Vice President from 1985 to 1987.
 
  Mr. Waters was elected Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in
1993. Mr. Waters is also Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of
White Mountains. He was formerly Vice President and Controller of FAE from 1991
to 1993; was Vice President, Controller and Assistant Secretary of the Company
from 1990 to 1991, and was Vice President, Finance of the Company from 1988 to
1990. Mr. Waters is a director of FSA, FAE, Source One, White Mountains and
WMIC.
 

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
PART II

Item 5.  Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

         As of March 25, 1996 there were 606 registered holders of shares of the
Company's Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share ("Shares").

         From 1992 to 1994 the Company did not pay regular cash dividends to
holders of Shares. In the fourth quarter of 1995 the Board of Directors
reinstated a regular quarterly dividend on Shares of $.20. However, the Board of
Directors currently intends to reconsider from time to time the declaration of
regular periodic dividends on Shares with due consideration given to the
financial characteristics of Fund American's remaining invested assets and
operations and the amount and regularity of its cash flows at the time.

         The remaining information called for by this item is reported as
"Quarterly trading range for Shares of common stock" and "Stock Exchange
Information" appearing on pages 66 and 72, respectively, of the Company's 1995
Annual Report to Shareholders, herein incorporated by reference.

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data

         Reported on page 18 of the Company's 1995 Annual Report to
Shareholders, herein incorporated by reference.

Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
         of Operations

         Reported on pages 19 through 31 of the Company's 1995 Annual Report to
Shareholders, herein incorporated by reference.

Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
                                        
         Reported in the consolidated financial statements of Fund American and
the notes thereto and the report thereon of Ernst & Young LLP, independent
auditors, appearing on pages 32 through 63 and 65 of the Company's 1995 Annual
Report to Shareholders, herein incorporated by reference.

Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
         Financial Disclosure

         None.

PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers

a.       Directors (as of March 25, 1996)

         Reported under the caption "Election of Directors" on pages 3 through 5
of the Company's 1996 Proxy Statement, herein incorporated by reference.

b.       Executive Officers (as of March 25, 1996)

         Reported in Part I pursuant to General Instruction G to Form 10-K.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

         Reported under the captions "Compensation of Executive Officers" on
pages 8 through 10, "Reports of the Compensation Committees on Executive
Compensation" on pages 10 though 13, "Shareholder Return Graph" on page 14, and
"Compensation Plans" on pages 15 through 16 of the Company's 1996 Proxy
Statement, herein incorporated by reference.

                                      10
<PAGE>
 
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

         Reported under the caption "Voting Securities and Principal Holders
Thereof" on pages 6 through 7 of the Company's 1996 Proxy Statement, herein
incorporated by reference.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

         Reported under the captions "Certain Transactions" on page 10 and
"Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation in Compensation
Decisions" on page 16 of the Company's 1996 Proxy Statement, herein incorporated
by reference.

PART IV

Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K

a.       (1)  Financial Statements

         The financial statements applicable to the Company and its consolidated
affiliates have been incorporated by reference herein from the Company's 1995
Annual Report to Shareholders as they appear in the Index to Financial
Statements and Financial Statement Schedules shown on page 12 of this report.


         (2)  Financial Statement Schedules

         The financial statement schedules and report of independent auditors
have been filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K as indicated in the
Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules appearing on
page 12 of this report.

b.       Reports on Form 8-K

         On December 1, 1995, the registrant filed Form 8-K announcing that it
had completed its acquisition of Valley and Charter.


                                      11
<PAGE>
 
                    FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES HOLDINGS, INC.
        Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                              Annual           Form
                                                                                              Report           10-K
                                                                                            page(s)*        page(s)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                         <C>             <C> 
Financial statements:
Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 1995 and 1994                                      32
Consolidated income statements for each of the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993       33
Consolidated statements of shareholders' equity for each of the years ended 
  December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993                                                                34
Consolidated statements of cash flows for each of the years ended
  December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993                                                                35
Notes to consolidated financial statements                                                     36-63

Other financial information:
Report of independent auditors                                                                    65
Selected quarterly financial data (unaudited)                                                     66

Financial statement schedules:
III.   Condensed financial information of registrant                                                          13-14
=====================================================================================================================
</TABLE> 
*   The Company's 1995 Annual Report to Shareholders.


All other schedules are omitted as they are not applicable or the information
required is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.

                                      12
<PAGE>
 
                                                                    SCHEDULE III


                    FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES HOLDINGS, INC.
                             (Parent Company Only)

                            CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              December 31,
                                                          ------------------
Millions                                                     1995      1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                       <C>       <C>    
Assets:
   Common equity securities and other investments         $    8.0   $ 148.7
   Short-term investments, at amortized cost                  23.9      58.2
   Cash                                                         -         .1
   Other assets                                               18.9      23.9
   Investments in unconsolidated affiliates, at equity         2.5      69.7
   Investments in wholly-owned subsidiaries                  825.4     679.2
                                                          ------------------
     Total assets                                         $  878.7   $ 979.8
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities:
   Debt                                                   $  115.3   $ 153.8
   Accounts payable and other liabilities                     63.7     164.9
                                                          ------------------
     Total liabilities                                       179.0     318.7
Shareholders' equity                                         699.7     661.1
                                                          ------------------
     Total liabilities and shareholders' equity           $  878.7   $ 979.8
============================================================================ 
</TABLE>

                          CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   Year Ended December 31,
                                                              ------------------------------ 
Millions                                                          1995       1994       1993
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>        <C>   
Revenues                                                      $   28.7   $   14.2   $   11.1
Expenses                                                          68.9       21.2       29.6
                                                              ------------------------------ 
 Pretax operating loss                                           (40.2)      (7.0)     (18.5)
                                                              ------------------------------ 
Net realized investment gains                                     12.6       22.7       68.9
Change in net unrealized investment gains and losses                -          -       (61.3)
                                                              ------------------------------ 
 Net investment gains                                             12.6       22.7        7.6
                                                              ------------------------------ 
Pretax earnings (loss)                                           (27.6)      15.7      (10.9)
Income tax provision (benefit)                                    (8.7)       7.6       14.3
                                                              ------------------------------ 
Parent company only operating income (loss)                      (18.9)       8.1      (25.2)
Equity in operating income of subsidiaries                        37.4       13.0       95.6
Tax benefit from sale of discontinued operations                  66.0         -          - 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt, after tax                    (.4)        -          - 
Cumulative effect of accounting change - purchased mortgage                                 
 servicing, after tax                                               -       (44.3)        - 
                                                              ------------------------------ 
Consolidated net income (loss)                                $   84.1   $  (23.2)  $   70.4
============================================================================================ 
</TABLE>

                                      13
<PAGE>
 
                                                                    SCHEDULE III
                                                                     (continued)

                    FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES HOLDINGS, INC.
                             (Parent Company Only)

                       CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      Year Ended December 31,
                                                                                                --------------------------------- 
Millions                                                                                            1995        1994        1993
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                            <C>         <C>         <C>   
Net income (loss)                                                                               $   84.1    $  (23.2)   $   70.4
Charges (credits) to reconcile net income to net cash from operations:                           
  Tax benefit from sale of discontinued operations                                                 (66.0)         -           -
  Loss on early extinguishment of debt, after tax                                                     .4          -           -
  Cumulative effect of accounting change - purchased mortgage servicing, after tax                    -         44.3          -
  Compensation expense resulting from warrant extension                                             46.2          -           -
  Net investment gains                                                                             (12.6)      (22.7)       (7.6)
  Equity in operating income of wholly-owned subsidiaries                                          (37.4)      (13.0)      (95.6)
  Equity in operating income of unconsolidated affiliates                                           (9.0)       (2.5)
  Dividends and return of capital distributions                                                                         
   received from subsidiaries and unconsolidated affiliates                                        233.3       121.3       114.6
  Changes in current income taxes receivable and payable                                             2.9        35.1       (10.3)
  Deferred income tax (benefit) provision                                                          (13.5)        2.8        21.0
  Other, net                                                                                        (4.1)       10.0         1.9
                                                                                                ---------------------------------  
Net cash provided from operations                                                                  224.3       152.1        94.4
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Cash flows from investing activities:                  
  Net decrease (increase) in short-term investments                                                 34.3        69.6       (28.3)
  Sales and maturities of common equity securities and other investments                            45.1        73.3       216.7
  Purchases of common equity securities and other investments                                      (41.3)      (60.3)     (314.6)
  Purchase of Valley and Charter                                                                   (77.2)         -           -
  Investments in unconsolidated affiliates                                                         (33.8)      (44.0)         -
  Other                                                                                               -           -         (1.7)
                                                                                                ---------------------------------   

Net cash (used for) provided from investing activities                                             (72.9)       38.6      (127.9)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from financing activities:                  
  Decrease in short-term debt                                                                         -           -       (100.0)
  Proceeds from issuances of long-term debt                                                           -           -        178.0
  Repayments of long-term debt                                                                      (7.9)      (23.9)         -
  Redemption of preferred stock                                                                    (75.0)      (82.0)         -
  Proceeds from issuances of common stock from treasury                                              3.3         2.8         2.1
  Purchases of common stock retired                                                                (65.5)      (78.8)      (41.8)
  Dividends paid to shareholders                                                                    (6.4)      (10.8)      (12.2)
                                                                                                ---------------------------------   

Net cash (used for) provided from financing activities                                            (151.5)     (192.7)       26.1
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net decrease in cash during year                                                                     (.1)       (2.0)       (7.4)
Cash balance at beginning of year                                                                     .1         2.1         9.5
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash balance at end of year                                                                     $     -     $     .1    $    2.1
=================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

                                      14
<PAGE>
 
c.  Exhibits

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exhibit
number                                                                      Name
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>           <C> 
 2      --    Distribution Agreement, effective September 24, 1993 among the Company and White River Corporation (incorporated by
              reference to Exhibit (2.1) of the Company's Report on Form 8-K dated December 6, 1993)
 3(i)   --    Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a) of the
              Company's 1993 Annual Report on Form 10-K) 
  (ii)  --    Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(b) of the Company's 1993 Annual
              Report on Form 10-K)                                                                                      
 4      --    Indenture dated January 1, 1993, with The First National Bank of Chicago, as trustee, pursuant to the Company's
              offering of $150 million of medium-term notes (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4) of the Company's Report on
              Form 8-K dated January 15, 1993)
 9      --    Voting Trust Agreement dated September 2, 1994 between the Company, U S West Capital Corporation and First Chicago
              Trust Company of New York (filed pursuant to Exhibit 10(a) herein)
10      --    Material Contracts:
  (a)   --    Credit Agreement dated June 2, 1994 among the Company, Fund American Enterprises, Inc., FFOG, Inc., the banks named
              therein and The Chase Manhattan Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) of the Company's 1994 Annual Report
              on Form 10-K)
  (b)   --    Amendment No. 1 to the Credit Agreement dated June 1, 1995 among the Company, Fund American Enterprises, Inc., FFOG, 
              Inc., the banks named therein and The Chase Manhattan Bank(*)
  (c)   --    Amendment No. 2 to the Credit Agreement dated August 2, 1995 among the Company, Fund American Enterprises, Inc., FFOG,
              Inc., the banks named therein and The Chase Manhattan Bank(*)
  (d)   --    Amendment No. 3 to the Credit Agreement dated August 11, 1995 among the Company, Fund American Enterprises, Inc.,
              FFOG, Inc., the banks named therein and The Chase Manhattan Bank(*)
  (e)   --    Stock Purchase Agreement  dated August 8, 1995 between the Company, Skandia U.S. Holding Corporation, and
              Skandia America Corporation(*)
  (f)   --    Securities Purchase Agreement dated April 10, 1994 between the Company, U S West, Inc., U S West Capital Corporation
              and Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) of the Company's Report on
              Form 8-K dated April 10, 1994)
  (g)   --    Employment Agreement dated February 15, 1995, between the Company and John J. Byrne (incorporated by reference to
              Appendix II of the Company's Notice of 1995 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement)(*)
  (h)   --    Common Stock Warrant Agreement with respect to shares of the Company's Common stock between the Company and John J.
              Byrne (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(v) of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-
              0199))(**)
  (i)   --    Loan Agreement between the Company and its Chairman, John J. Byrne, dated December 30, 1992 (incorporated by reference
              to Exhibit 10(s) of the Company's 1992 Annual Report on Form 10-K)(**) 
  (j)   --    The Company's Retirement Plan for Non-Employee Directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(aa) of the Company's
              1992 Annual Report on Form 10-K)(**)
  (k)   --    The Company's Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended on November 10, 1995(*)(**)
  (l)   --    The Company's Deferred Benefit Plan, as amended on November 10, 1995(*)(**)
  (m)   --    The Company's Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended February 15, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Appendix I of the
              Company's Notice of 1995 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement)(**)
  (n)   --    Source One Mortgage Services Corporation's Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(n) of the
              Company's 1994 Annual Report on Form 10-K)(**) 
  (o)   --    Source Once Mortgage Service Corporation's Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
              10(s) of the Company's 1993 Annual Report on Form 10-K)(**)
</TABLE> 

                                      15
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 

<S>           <C> 
  (p)   --    Source One Mortgage Service Corporation's Amended and Restated Executive Phantom Stock Plan (incorporated by reference
              to Exhibit 10(t) of the Company's 1993 Annual Report on Form 10-K)(**)
  (q)   --    Source One Mortgage Services Corporation's Stock Appreciation Rights Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(u)
              of the Company's 1993 Annual Report on Form 10-K)(**)
  (r)   --    Investment Contract by and between Source One Mortgage Services Corporation and James A. Conrad (incorporated by 
              reference to Exhibit 10(v) of the Company's 1993 Annual Report on Form 10-K)(**)
  (s)   --    Investment Contract by and between Source One Mortgage Services Corporation and Robert W. Richards (incorporated by
              reference to Exhibit 10(w) of the Company's 1993 Annual Report on Form 10-K)(**)
  (t)   --    Credit Agreement, dated December 13, 1993, among the Company and White River Corporation (incorporated by reference to
              Exhibit 10(x) of the Company's 1993 Annual Report on Form 10-K)(**) 
11      --    Statement Re Computation of Per Share Earnings(*)
13      --    Fund American Enterprises Holdings, Inc. 1995 Annual Report to Shareholders. Such report, except portions which are
              expressly incorporated by reference in this report on Form 10-K, is furnished only for the information of the
              Securities and Exchange Commission and is not being "filed" as part hereof(*)
18      --    Letter from Ernst & Young LLP regarding change in accounting principle (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 18 of the
              Company's 1994 Annual Report on Form 10-K)
21      --    Subsidiaries of the Registrant(*)
23      --    Consent of Independent Auditors(*)
24      --    Powers of Attorney(*)   
====================================================================================================================================

</TABLE> 


                                      16
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURES

          Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

                               FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES HOLDINGS, INC.



                               By:         /s/ MICHAEL S. PAQUETTE
                                  ---------------------------------------------
                                              Michael S. Paquette
                                              Vice President and Controller
 
                               Date:  March 25, 1996

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
         Signature                          Title                      Date
         ---------                          -----                      ----
<S>                                <C>                            <C> 
      JOHN J. BYRNE*               Chairman, President and        March 25, 1996
- --------------------------           Chief Executive Officer 
      John J. Byrne               

     HOWARD L. CLARK*              Director                       March 25, 1996
- --------------------------
     Howard L. Clark

   HOWARD L. CLARK, JR.*           Director                       March 25, 1996
- --------------------------
    Howard L. Clark, Jr.

    ROBERT P. COCHRAN*             Director                       March 25, 1996
- --------------------------
    Robert P. Cochran

 GEORGE J. GILLESPIE, III*         Director                       March 25, 1996
- --------------------------
 George J. Gillespie, III

    /s/ K. THOMAS KEMP             Executive Vice President and   March 25, 1996
- --------------------------           Director
      K. Thomas Kemp

    GORDON S. MACKLIN*             Director                       March 25, 1996
- --------------------------
    Gordon S. Macklin

   MICHAEL S. PAQUETTE*            Vice President and Controller  March 25, 1996
- --------------------------
    Michael S. Paquette

     ALLAN L. WATERS*              Senior Vice President and      March 25, 1996
- --------------------------           Chief Financial Officer 
     Allan L. Waters              

     ARTHUR ZANKEL*                Director                       March 25, 1996
- --------------------------
     Arthur Zankel
</TABLE>

*By:    /s/ K. THOMAS KEMP
- -----------------------------------
  K. Thomas Kemp, Attorney-in-Fact

                                      17

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10(b)


                                                        EXECUTION COPY

                                AMENDMENT NO. 1


          AMENDMENT NO. 1 dated as of June 1, 1995 between FUND AMERICAN
ENTERPRISES HOLDINGS, INC., a corporation duly organized and validly existing
under the laws of the State of Delaware, FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES, INC., a
corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of
Delaware, and FFOG, INC., a corporation duly organized and validly existing
under the laws of the State of Delaware and THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK (NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION), a national banking association, as agent for each of the banks
that is a signatory to the Credit Agreement defined below (the "Banks") (in such
                                                                -----           
capacity, together with its successors in such capacity, the "Agent").
                                                              -----   

          The Borrowers, the Banks and the Agent are parties to a Credit
Agreement dated as of June 2, 1994 (as heretofore modified, supplemented,
amended and in effect on the date hereof, the "Credit Agreement"), providing,
                                               ----------------              
subject to the terms and conditions thereof, for extensions of credit to be made
by said Banks to the Borrowers.  The Borrowers, the Banks and the Agent wish to
amend the Credit Agreement in certain respects, and the Banks have consented to
the execution and delivery by the Agent of this Amendment No. 1.  Accordingly,
the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

          Section 1.  Definitions.  Except as otherwise defined in this
                      -----------                                      
Amendment No. 1, terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein as
defined therein.

          Section 2.  Amendment.  Effective upon the execution and delivery
                      ---------                                            
hereof by the Borrowers and the Agent Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement shall
be amended by deleting the definition of Commitment Termination Date and
inserting in place thereof the following definition:

          "Commitment Termination Date" shall mean August 3, 1995, provided
           ---------------------------                                     
     that if such day shall not be a Business Day, the Commitment Termination
     Date shall be the next preceding Business Day.

          Section 3.  Representations and Warranties.  The Borrowers represent
                      ------------------------------                          
and warrant to the Banks and the Agent that the representations and warranties
set forth in Section 8 of the Credit Agreement are true and complete on the date
hereof as if made on and as of the date hereof.

          Section 4.  Miscellaneous.  Except as herein provided, the Credit
                      -------------                                        
Agreement shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.  This Amendment
No. 1 may be executed in counterparts,
<PAGE>
 
which taken together shall constitute one and the same amendatory instrument.
This Amendment No. 1 shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the
law of the State of New York.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment No.
1 to be duly executed as of the day and year first written above.


                              FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES
                                HOLDINGS, INC.


                              By ________________________________
                                   Name
                                   Title:


                              FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES, INC.


                              By _________________________________
                                   Name:
                                   Title:

                              FFOG, INC.


                              By __________________________________
                                   Name
                                   Title:


                              THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK
                               (NATIONAL ASSOCIATION), as Agent


                              By_____________________________________
                                   Name:
                                   Vice President
<PAGE>
 
                                    CONSENT

                           Dated as of May __, 1995

     Re:  Amendment No. 1 to the Credit Agreement dated as of June 2, 1994
                 with FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES HOLDINGS, INC.
                FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES, INC., and FFOG, INC.



          The undersigned, as a Bank under and as defined in the Credit
Agreement dated as of June 2, 1994 (the "Credit Agreement") among Fund American
                                         ----------------                      
Enterprises Holdings, Inc., Fund American Enterprises, Inc., and FFOG, Inc., the
Banks referred to therein and The Chase Manhattan Bank (National Association),
as Agent, hereby consents to the execution and delivery by the Agent on or after
June 1, 1995 of an Amendment No. 1 to the Credit Agreement in the form attached
hereto as Exhibit A in respect of the Credit Agreement; provided, that the
undersigned may withdraw such consent by prior written notice received by the
Agent at any time prior to the execution and delivery by the Agent of said
Amendment No. 1.

          This Consent shall be effective only until June 1, 1995, unless
extended by the undersigned.


 


                              By _________________________
                                   Name:
                                   Title:

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10(c)

                                                        EXECUTION COPY


                                AMENDMENT NO. 2


          AMENDMENT NO. 2 dated as of August 2, 1995 between FUND AMERICAN
ENTERPRISES HOLDINGS, INC., a corporation duly organized and validly existing
under the laws of the State of Delaware, FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES, INC., a
corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of
Delaware, and FFOG, INC., a corporation duly organized and validly existing
under the laws of the State of Delaware and THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK (NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION), a national banking association, as agent for each of the Banks (as
defined in the Credit Agreement referred to below) (in such capacity, together
with its successors in such capacity, the "Agent").
                                           -----   

          The Borrowers, the Banks and the Agent are parties to a Credit
Agreement dated as of June 2, 1994 (as heretofore modified, supplemented and
amended by Amendment No. 1 dated as of June 1, 1995 and in effect on the date
hereof, the "Credit Agreement"), providing, subject to the terms and conditions
             ----------------                                                  
thereof, for extensions of credit to be made by said Banks to the Borrowers.
The Borrowers, the Banks and the Agent wish to amend the Credit Agreement in
certain respects, and the Banks have consented to the execution and delivery by
the Agent of this Amendment No. 2.  Accordingly, the parties hereto hereby agree
as follows:

          Section 1.  Definitions.  Except as otherwise defined in this
                      -----------                                      
Amendment No. 2, terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein as
defined therein.

          Section 2.  Amendment.  Effective upon the execution and delivery
                      ---------                                            
hereof by the Borrowers and the Agent Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement shall
be amended by deleting the definition of Commitment Termination Date and
inserting in place thereof the following definition:

               "Commitment Termination Date" shall mean August 17, 1995,
                ---------------------------                             
     provided that if such day shall not be a Business Day, the Commitment
     Termination Date shall be the next preceding Business Day.

          Section 3.  Representations and Warranties.  The Borrowers represent
                      ------------------------------                          
and warrant to the Banks and the Agent that the representations and warranties
set forth in Section 8 of the Credit Agreement are true and complete on the date
hereof as if made on and as of the date hereof.
<PAGE>
 
          Section 4.  Miscellaneous.  Except as herein provided, the Credit
                      -------------                                        
Agreement shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.  This Amendment
No. 2 may be executed in counterparts, which taken together shall constitute one
and the same amendatory instrument.  This Amendment No. 2 shall be governed by,
and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment No.
2 to be duly executed as of the day and year first written above.


                              FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES
                                HOLDINGS, INC.


                              By ________________________________
                                   Name
                                   Title:


                              FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES, INC.


                              By _________________________________
                                   Name:
                                   Title:

                              FFOG, INC.


                              By __________________________________
                                   Name
                                   Title:


                              THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK
                               (NATIONAL ASSOCIATION), as Agent


                              By_____________________________________
                                   Name:
                                   Vice President

2
<PAGE>
 
                                    CONSENT

                         Dated as of ___________, 1995

     Re:  Amendment No. 2 to the Credit Agreement dated as of June 2, 1994
                 with FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES HOLDINGS, INC.
                FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES, INC., and FFOG, INC.



          The undersigned, as a Bank under and as defined in the Credit
Agreement dated as of June 2, 1994 (as heretofore modified, supplemented and
amended by Amendment No. 1 dated as of June 1, 1995 and in effect on the date
hereof, (the "Credit Agreement") among Fund American Enterprises Holdings, Inc.,
              ----------------                                                  
Fund American Enterprises, Inc., and FFOG, Inc., the Banks referred to therein
and The Chase Manhattan Bank (National Association), as Agent, hereby consents
to the execution and delivery by the Agent on or after August 2, 1995 of an
Amendment No. 2 to the Credit Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A
in respect of the Credit Agreement; provided, that the undersigned may withdraw
such consent by prior written notice received by the Agent at any time prior to
the execution and delivery by the Agent of said Amendment No. 2.

          This Consent shall be effective only until August 2, 1995, unless
extended by the undersigned.


 


                              By _________________________
                                   Name:
                                   Title:



4

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10(d)


                                                                       EXHIBIT A

                                AMENDMENT NO. 3


          AMENDMENT NO. 3 dated as of August 11 1995 between FUND AMERICAN
ENTERPRISES HOLDINGS, INC., a corporation duly organized and validly existing
under the laws of the State of Delaware, FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES, INC., a
corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of
Delaware, and FFOG, INC., a corporation duly organized and validly existing
under the laws of the State of Delaware (collectively the "Borrowers") and THE
                                                           ---------          
CHASE MANHATTAN BANK (NATIONAL ASSOCIATION), a national banking association, as
agent for each of the Banks (as defined in the Credit Agreement referred to
below) (in such capacity, the "Agent").
                               -----   

          The Borrowers, the Banks and the Agent are parties to a Credit
Agreement dated as of June 2, 1994 (as heretofore modified, supplemented and
amended by Amendment No. 1 dated as of June 1, 1995 and by Amendment No. 2 dated
as of August 2, 1995 and as in effect on the date hereof, the "Credit
                                                               ------
Agreement"), providing, subject to the terms and conditions thereof, for
extensions of credit to be made by the Banks to the Borrowers.  The Borrowers,
the Banks and the Agent wish to amend the Credit Agreement in certain respects,
and the Banks have consented to the execution and delivery by the Agent of this
Amendment No. 3.  Accordingly, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

          Section 1.  Definitions.  Except as otherwise defined in this
                      -----------                                      
Amendment No. 3, terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein as
defined therein.

          Section 2.  Amendment.  Effective upon the execution and delivery
                      ---------                                            
hereof by the Borrowers and the Agent:

     (a) Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement shall be amended as follows:

     (i) by deleting the definition of Applicable Margin and inserting in place
thereof the following definition:

          "Applicable Margin" shall mean, with respect to each Type of
           -----------------                                          
Syndicated Loan, for any day, the percentage set forth below which corresponds
to the Borrower's Rating Level for such day:

          Borrower's Rating Level        Percentage
          -----------------------        ----------
               1 through 7               0.2250%
<PAGE>
 
               8 through 10      0.2750%
               11                0.7500%

     (ii) by deleting the definition of Commitment Termination Date and
inserting in place thereof the following definition:

               "Commitment Termination Date" shall mean August 9, 1996, or such
                ---------------------------                                    
     further date as the Commitment Termination Date may be extended to pursuant
     to Section 2.10, provided that if any such day shall not be a Business Day,
     the Commitment Termination Date shall be the next preceding Business Day.

     (iii) by deleting the definition of Facility Fee Rate and inserting in
place thereof the following definition:

          "Facility Fee Rate" shall mean for any day, the percentage set forth
           -----------------                                                  
below which corresponds to the Borrower's Rating Level for such day:

          Borrower's Rating Level             Percentage
          -----------------------             ----------
               1 through 7                        0.1000%
               8 through 10                       0.1250%
               11                                 0.3500%

     (iv) by deleting the definition of Final Maturity Date and inserting in
place thereof the following definition:

               "Final Maturity Date" shall mean the date 3 months following the
                --------------------                                           
     then-applicable Commitment Termination Date.

     (b) A new Section 2.10 shall be inserted in numerical order, to read as
follows:

               Section 2.10.  Extension of Commitment Termination Date.  (a)
                              ----------------------------------------      
     Holdings may, by notice to the Agent (which shall promptly deliver a copy
     to each of the Banks) not less than 60 days and not more than 90 days prior
     to the Commitment Termination Date then in effect hereunder (the "Existing
                                                                       --------
     Commitment Termination Date"), request that the Banks extend the Commitment
     ---------------------------                                                
     Termination Date for an additional 364 days from the Consent Date (as
     defined below).  Each Bank, acting in its sole discretion shall, by notice
     to Holdings and the Agent given on the date (and subject to the proviso
     below, only on the date) 30 days prior to the Existing Commitment
     Termination Date (provided that if such date is not a Business Day, then
     such notice shall be given on the next succeeding Business Day) (the
     "Consent Date"), advise Holdings whether or not such Bank agrees to such
     -------------                                                           
     extension; provided that each Bank that determines not to extend the
     Commitment Termination Date (a "Non-extending Bank") shall notify the Agent
                                     ------------------                         
     (which shall notify Holdings) of such fact promptly after such
     determination
<PAGE>
 
     (but in any event no later than the Consent Date) and any Bank that does
     not advise Holdings on or before the Consent Date shall be deemed to be a
     Non-extending Bank.  The election of any Bank to agree to such extension
     shall not obligate any other Bank to agree.

               (b)  Holdings shall have the right on or before the Existing
     Commitment Termination Date to replace each Non-extending Bank with one or
     more other banks (which may include any Bank, each prior to the Existing
     Commitment Termination Date an "Additional Commitment Bank") with the
                                     --------------------------           
     approval of the Agent (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld),
     each of which Additional Commitment Banks shall have entered into an
     agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Holdings and the Agent
     pursuant to which such Additional Commitment Bank shall, effective as of
     the Existing Commitment Termination Date, undertake a Commitment (if any
     such Additional Commitment Bank is a Bank, its Commitment shall be in
     addition to such Bank's Commitment hereunder on such date).

               (c)  If (and only if) Banks holding Commitments that, together
     with the additional Commitments of the Additional Commitment Banks that
     will be come effective on the Existing Commitment Termination Date,
     aggregate at least 50% of the aggregate amount of the Commitments (not
     including the additional Commitments of the Additional Commitment Banks) on
     the Consent Date shall have agreed to extend the Existing Commitment
     Termination Date, then, effective as of the Existing Commitment Termination
     Date, the Existing Commitment Termination Date shall be extended to the
     date falling 364 days after the Consent Date (provided if such date is not
     a Business Day, then such Commitment Termination Date as so extended shall
     be the next preceding Business Day) and each Additional Commitment Bank
     shall thereupon become a "Bank" for all purposes of this Agreement.

          Notwithstanding the foregoing, the extension of the Existing
     Commitment Termination Date shall not be effective with respect to any Bank
     unless:

                    (i)  no Default shall have occurred and be continuing on
          each of the date of the notice requesting such extension, on the
          Consent Date or on the Existing Commitment Termination Date;

                    (ii) each of the representations and warranties of the
          Borrowers in Section 8 hereof shall be true and correct on and as of
          each of the date of the notice requesting such extension, on the
          Consent Date and on the Existing Commitment Termination Date with the
          same force and effect as if made on and as of each such date (or if
          any such representation or warranty is expressly stated to have been
          made as of a specific date, as of such specific date); and
<PAGE>
 
                    (iii)  each Non-extending Bank shall have been paid in full
          by the Borrowers all amounts owing to such Bank hereunder on or before
          the Existing Commitment Termination Date.

Even if the Existing Commitment Termination Date is extended as aforesaid, the
Commitment of each Non-extending Bank shall terminate on the Existing Commitment
Termination Date.

               (c) Section 9.08(a) shall be amended to read in its entirety as
follows:

               (a)  Minimum Consolidated Tangible Net Worth.  Holdings will not
                    ---------------------------------------                    
     permit Consolidated Tangible Net Worth to be less than $475,000,000 at any
     time.

          Section 3.  Representations and Warranties.  The Borrowers represent
                      ------------------------------                          
and warrant to the Banks and the Agent that the representations and warranties
set forth in Section 8 of the Credit Agreement are true and complete on the date
hereof as if made on and as of the date hereof.

          Section 4.  Miscellaneous.  Except as herein provided, the Credit
                      -------------                                        
Agreement shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.  This Amendment
No. 3 may be executed in counterparts, which taken together shall constitute one
and the same amendatory instrument.  This Amendment No. 3 shall be governed by,
and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment No.
3 to be duly executed as of the day and year first written above.


                              FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES
                                HOLDINGS, INC.


                              By ________________________________
                                   Name
                                   Title:


                              FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES, INC.


                              By _________________________________
                                   Name:
                                   Title:
<PAGE>
 
                              FFOG, INC.


                              By __________________________________
                                   Name
                                   Title:


                              THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK
                               (NATIONAL ASSOCIATION), as Agent


                              By_____________________________________
                                   Name:
                                   Vice President
<PAGE>
 
                                    CONSENT

                          Dated as of August __, 1995

    Re: Amendment No. 3 to the Credit Agreement dated as of June 2, 1994  
                 with FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES HOLDINGS, INC.
                FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES, INC., and FFOG, INC.


          The undersigned, as a Bank under and as defined in the Credit
Agreement dated as of June 2, 1994 as amended by Amendment No. 1 dated as of
June 1, 1995 and by Amendment No. 2, dated as of August 2, 1995 the "Credit
                                                                     ------
Agreement") among Fund American Enterprises Holdings, Inc., Fund American
- ---------                                                                
Enterprises, Inc., and FFOG, Inc., the Banks referred to therein and The Chase
Manhattan Bank (National Association), as Agent, hereby consents to the
execution and delivery by the Agent on or after August 11, 1995 of an Amendment
No. 3 to the Credit Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A in
respect of the Credit Agreement; provided, that the undersigned may withdraw
such consent by prior written notice received by the Agent at any time prior to
the execution and delivery by the Agent of said Amendment No. 3.

          This Consent shall be effective only until August 11, 1995, unless
extended by the undersigned.


 

                              CIBC, INC.

                              By _________________________
                                 Name:
                                 Title:

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10(e)


================================================================================

                            STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT


                                  by and among


                   FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES HOLDINGS, INC.,



                       SKANDIA U.S. HOLDING CORPORATION,


                                      and


                          SKANDIA AMERICA CORPORATION



                           dated as of August 8, 1995


================================================================================
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
                                                                        Page
                                                                        ----

ARTICLE I        DEFINITIONS................................             2
                                                                        
   1.1           Definitions................................             2

ARTICLE II       PURCHASE AND SALE OF THE SHARES............            13

   2.1           Purchase and Sale of the Shares............            13
   2.2           The Closing................................            13
   2.3           Deliveries at the Closing..................            13
   2.4           Purchase Price Adjustment..................            14

ARTICLE III      REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE
                 SELLERS....................................            16

    3.1          Organization of the Sellers................            16
    3.2          Authorization, Validity and Enforceability.            17
    3.3          No Conflicts...............................            17
    3.4          Consents and Approvals.....................            18
    3.5          Organization of the Companies..............            18
    3.6          Subsidiaries...............................            19
    3.7          Capitalization.............................            20
    3.8          Title to Shares............................            21
    3.9          Northern County; Charter Indemnity.........            22
   3.10          Corporate Minutes..........................            24
   3.11          Financial Statements.......................            24
   3.12          Liabilities................................            26
   3.13          Absence of Changes.........................            26
   3.14          Legal Proceedings..........................            30
   3.15          Compliance with Laws.......................            31
   3.16          Licenses and Permits.......................            31
   3.17          Regulatory Matters.........................            32
   3.18          Policy Forms and Rates.....................            33
   3.19          Agents and Producers.......................            34
   3.20          Threats of Cancellation....................            34
   3.21          Reserves...................................            34
   3.22          Reinsurance................................            35
   3.23          Contracts..................................            36
   3.24          Property...................................            39
   3.25          Intellectual Property......................            39
   3.26          Investments................................            40
   3.27          Accounts Receivable........................            40
   3.28          Employee Benefit Plans.....................            41
   3.29          Employee Relations.........................            44
   3.30          Officers, Directors and Key Employees......            44
   3.31          Insurance..................................            45
   3.32          Tax Matters................................            45
   3.33          Environmental Matters......................            49

                                       i
<PAGE>

                                                                      Page
                                                                      ----  

   3.34          Bank Accounts..............................            50
   3.35          No Brokers.................................            50
   3.36          Full Disclosure............................            50

ARTICLE IV       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE
                 PURCHASER..................................            51

   4.1           Organization of the Purchaser..............            51
   4.2           Authorization, Validity and Enforceability.            51
   4.3           No Conflicts...............................            51
   4.4           Consents and Approvals.....................            52
   4.5           Legal Proceedings..........................            52
   4.6           Investment Intent..........................            52
   4.7           No Brokers.................................            52

ARTICLE V        COVENANTS..................................            53

   5.1           Conduct of Business........................            53
   5.2           Access to Information; Consultation;
                 Confidentiality............................            54
   5.3           Cooperation and Reasonable Best Efforts....            55
   5.4           Consents and Approvals.....................            56
   5.5           Notification of Certain Matters............            56
   5.6           Public Announcements.......................            57
   5.7           No Solicitation............................            57
   5.8           Interim Financial Statements and
                 Investment Reports.........................            58
   5.9           Tax Matters................................            60
   5.10          338 Elections..............................            64
   5.11          Employee Benefit Matters...................            66
   5.12          Insurance Coverage.........................            69
   5.13          Debt Restructuring.........................            69
   5.14          Intercompany Accounts; Affiliate
                 Agreements.................................            72
   5.15          Corporate Records..........................            73
   5.16          Instruments................................            73
   5.17          Trade Names................................            73
   5.18          Reinsurance Arrangements...................            74
   5.19          Non-Solicitation Covenant..................            75

ARTICLE VI       CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATION
                 OF THE PURCHASER TO CLOSE..................            75

    6.1          Representations, Warranties and Covenants..            75
    6.2          Consents...................................            75
    6.3          No Injunction or Illegality................            76
    6.4          HSR Act....................................            76
    6.5          Opinions of Counsel to the Sellers.........            76
    6.6          Certificates...............................            76
    6.7          Resignation of Directors...................            77

                                       ii
<PAGE>

                                                                      Page
                                                                      ---- 
 
   6.8           Debt Restructuring.........................            77
   6.9           Reinsurance Arrangements...................            77
   6.10          Northern County............................            77
   6.11          Ratings....................................            77
   6.12          Transfer Taxes.............................            77

ARTICLE VII      CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS
                 OF THE SELLERS TO CLOSE....................            77

   7.1           Representations, Warranties and Covenants..            78
   7.2           Consents...................................            78
   7.3           No Injunction or Illegality................            78
   7.4           HSR Act....................................            78
   7.5           Opinion of Counsel to the Purchaser........            78
   7.6           Certificates...............................            78

ARTICLE VIII     INDEMNIFICATION............................            79

   8.1           Survival...................................            79
   8.2           Indemnification............................            79
   8.3           Tax Indemnification........................            82
   8.4           Miscellaneous..............................            86

ARTICLE IX       TERMINATION................................            87

   9.1           Termination of Agreement...................            87
   9.2           Effect of Termination......................            88

ARTICLE X        MISCELLANEOUS..............................            88

  10.1           Notices....................................            88
  10.2           Fees and Expenses..........................            89
  10.3           Specific Performance.......................            89
  10.4           Consent to Jurisdiction; Service of
                 Process....................................            90
  10.5           Entire Agreement; Waivers and Amendments...            90
  10.6           Assignment; Binding Effect.................            90
  10.7           Severability...............................            91
  10.8           No Third Party Beneficiaries...............            91
  10.9           Governing Law..............................            91
  10.10          Interpretation.............................            91
  10.11          Captions...................................            91
  10.12          Counterparts...............................            91

                                      iii
<PAGE>
 
                                    EXHIBITS


A    Form of New Charter Agency Note

B    Form of Northern County Guaranty

C    Form of Charter Indemnity Reinsurance Agreement

D    Form of Release and Discharge

E    Matters Covered by Opinions of Counsel to the Sellers and their Affiliates

F    Matters Covered by Opinion of Counsel to the Purchaser



                                   SCHEDULES

3.4          Consents of the Sellers and Affiliates

3.5          Foreign Qualifications of the Companies

3.6          Subsidiaries

3.7          Capitalization of the Companies

3.9          Northern County

3.13         Interim Changes and Events

3.14         Legal Proceedings of the Sellers and Affiliates

3.16         Licenses and Permits

3.17         Regulatory Matters

3.18         Policy Forms

3.19         Agents and Producers

3.20         Cancellations

3.21         Reserves

3.22         Reinsurance

3.23         Contracts

3.24         Property

3.24A        Liens or Encumbrances

                                       iv
<PAGE>
 
3.25         Intellectual Property

3.26         Investments

3.27         Employee Benefit Plans

3.30         Officers, Directors and Key Employees

3.31         Insurance

3.32         Tax Matters

3.34         Accounts

4.4          Consents of the Purchaser

4.5          Legal Proceedings of the Purchaser

5.14         Intercompany Accounts and Affiliate Agreements

                                       v
<PAGE>
 
                            STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
                            ------------------------


     THIS STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made and entered into
as of August 8, 1995, by and among FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES HOLDINGS, INC., a
Delaware corporation (the "Purchaser"), SKANDIA U.S. HOLDING CORPORATION, a
Delaware corporation ("Skandia U.S."), and SKANDIA AMERICA CORPORATION, a
Delaware corporation ("Skandia America", and collectively together with Skandia
U.S., the "Sellers").


                                R E C I T A L S

     WHEREAS, Skandia U.S. owns all of the issued and outstanding capital stock
of Skandia America; and

     WHEREAS, Skandia America owns all of the issued and outstanding capital
stock of each of (i) Valley Group, Inc., an Oregon corporation ("Valley"), (ii)
Charter Group, Inc., a Texas corporation ("Charter"), and (iii) NCM Management
Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("NCM"); and

     WHEREAS, Charter is the holder of an Amended and Restated Surplus Debenture
Bond due December 31, 2000, in the aggregate principal amount of $3,500,000 (the
"Charter Surplus Note") of Charter Indemnity Company, a Texas stock insurance
company and a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Charter ("Charter Indemnity");
and

     WHEREAS, NCM is the holder of a Surplus Debenture due July 1, 2010, in the
aggregate principal amount of $1,790,000 (the "Northern County Surplus Note") of
Northern County Mutual Insurance Company, a Texas county mutual insurance
company affiliated with the Sellers ("Northern County"); and

     WHEREAS, NCM is also the "holder" of a General Agency Managerial Contract
with Northern County, pursuant to which NCM is the exclusive general agent and
manager of Northern County (as amended and extended to date, the "Northern
County Management Contract"); and
<PAGE>
 
     WHEREAS, the Purchaser wishes to acquire Valley, Charter and NCM
(collectively, the "Companies"), together with their subsidiaries, the Charter
Surplus Note, the Northern County Surplus Note and the Northern County
Management Contract, from the Sellers, and the Sellers wish to sell the
Companies, together with their subsidiaries, the Charter Surplus Note, the
Northern County Surplus Note and the Northern County Management Contract, to the
Purchaser, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein; and

     WHEREAS, concurrently herewith, Skandia Insurance Company Ltd (publ), a
Swedish insurance company ("Skandia Ltd") and the ultimate parent company of the
Sellers and the Companies, is entering into a Parent Support Agreement with the
Purchaser, in order to induce the Purchaser to enter into this Agreement and
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the representations,
warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, and for other good and
valuable consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:


                                   ARTICLE I

                                  DEFINITIONS

     1.1  Definitions.  The following terms when used in this Agreement
          -----------                                                  
(including the Schedules and Exhibits hereto) shall have the following
respective meanings:

     "Affiliate" of a Person means any other Person that directly or indirectly
through one or more intermediaries controls, is controlled by or is under common
control with such Person.  For purposes of this definition and the definition of
"Subsidiary" below, "control" (or "controlled", as the context may require)
shall have the meaning set forth in section 1501(a)(2) of the New York Insurance
Law, as in effect on the date hereof.

     "Affiliate Agreements" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.23.

     "Allocation" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.10(c).

     "Alternative Transaction" and "Alternative Transaction Proposal" have the
respective meanings set forth in Section 5.7.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
     "Basket Amount" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2.

     "Business Day" means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on
which commercial banks in New York City are required or authorized by law to be
closed.

     "C&L" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.11.

     "California Insurance Code" means the California Insurance Code and the
regulations promulgated thereunder.

     "California SAP" means the statutory accounting practices prescribed or
permitted by the California Department of Insurance.

     "Charter" has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

     "Charter Agency" means Charter General Agency, Inc., a Texas corporation
and a direct wholly owned Subsidiary of Charter.

     "Charter Agency/Kennell Note" means the Unsecured Note made by Charter
Agency to Kennell on June 30, 1995, in the principal amount of $5,650,000,
bearing interest at the annual rate of 6.5% and having a final maturity date of
December 31, 1995.  The term "Charter Agency/Kennell Note" shall also be deemed
to include the foregoing Unsecured Note, as amended in accordance with the terms
and provisions hereof.

     "Charter Downstream Note" means the Unsecured Note made by Charter to
Charter Agency on August 26, 1991, in the principal amount of $2,000,000,
bearing interest at the annual rate of 7.5% and having a final maturity date of
August 26, 1996.

     "Charter Financial Statements" means (i) the audited consolidated balance
sheets of Charter and its subsidiaries at December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992 and
the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholder's
equity and cash flows of Charter and its subsidiaries for the periods then
ended, including in each case the related notes and unqualified auditor's report
thereon, and (ii) the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of Charter and its
subsidiaries at March 31, 1995, and the related consolidated statements of
operations, changes in stockholder's equity and cash flows of Charter and its
subsidiaries for the quarterly period then ended.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
     "Charter Indemnity" has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this
Agreement.

     "Charter Indemnity Reinsurance Agreement" has the meaning set forth in
Section 5.18.

     "Charter Intercompany Notes" means the Charter Surplus Note, the Charter
Upstream Note, the Charter Downstream Note and the Charter Agency/Kennell Note,
collectively.

     "Charter Shares" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.

     "Charter Statutory Statements" means the Annual Statements and the
Quarterly Statement of Charter Indemnity as filed with the Texas Department of
Insurance for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992 and for the
quarterly period ended March 31, 1995, in each case including all exhibits,
interrogatories, notes and schedules thereto and any actuarial opinion,
affirmation or certification filed in connection therewith.

     "Charter Subsidiaries" means Charter Agency, L-P Premium, Charter Indemnity
and Monarch, collectively.

     "Charter Surplus Note" has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this
Agreement.

     "Charter Upstream Note" means the Promissory Note made by Charter to
Skandia Direct Operations Corporation (which has since been merged with and into
Skandia America) on December 31, 1993, in the principal amount of $2,000,000,
bearing interest at the annual rate of 5.6%, all payable upon demand.

     "Closing" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.

     "Closing Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.

     "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the
Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder.

     "Companies" has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

     "Consents" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
     "Contracts" means all written or oral contracts, agreements, undertakings,
indentures, notes, debentures, bonds, loans, instruments, leases, mortgages,
commitments or other binding arrangements.

     "Employee" shall mean each current full time or part time employee of the
Companies or the Company Subsidiaries, including any such employee who is on
disability or leave of absence.

     "Environmental Laws" means the Federal Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control
Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Federal Clean Water Act, the Federal Clean
Air Act, the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Hazardous
Materials Transportation Act, the Federal Solid Waste Disposal Act, the Federal
Toxic Substances Control Act, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide
Act, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act, each as amended, and all other
environmental statutes enacted by any Governmental Entity, and any executive
order, ordinances, rules or regulations promulgated under any of the foregoing.

     "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

     "Estimated Tax Payments" means the sum of (i) the estimated Tax payments
made by the Companies and their Subsidiaries (excluding Northern County) with
respect to their federal income Tax for the Taxable Period beginning January 1,
1995, and ending on the Closing Date and (ii) any credits against such Tax that
are attributable to the Companies and/or their Subsidiaries (excluding Northern
County).

     "Executive Officers" means, with respect to any corporation, the chairman
of the board of directors, the chief executive officer, the president, the chief
financial and principal accounting officer, any executive or senior vice
presidents, the corporate secretary and the treasurer of such corporation (and
any other individuals performing comparable functions), and with respect to each
of the Companies and their Subsidiaries, shall also include the vice presidents
thereof.

     "Financial Statements" means the Charter Financial Statements, the NCM
Financial Statements and the Valley Financial Statements, collectively.

     "GAAP" means United States generally accepted accounting principles.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
     "Governmental Entity" means any federal, state, local or foreign
government, political subdivision, legislature, court, agency, department,
bureau, commission or other governmental or regulatory authority, body or
instrumentality, including any insurance or securities regulatory authority and
any industry or other non-governmental self-regulatory organizations.

     "HSR Act" means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976,
as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

     "Indemnified Party" and "Indemnifying Party" have the respective meanings
set forth in Section 8.2.

     "Indemnity Claim" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.3(d).

     "Independent Actuary" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4.

     "Insurance Company" and "Insurance Companies" have the meanings set forth
in Section 3.18.

     "Insurance Permit" means any Permit in any jurisdiction to issue,
underwrite, assume, place, sell or otherwise transact insurance or reinsurance,
or to engage in premium finance activities.

     "Intellectual Property" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.25.

     "Interim Financial Statements" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8.

     "Interim Statutory Statements" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8.

     "Investment Guidelines" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.26.

     "IRS" means the United States Internal Revenue Service.

     "Kennell" means Kennell Premium Services, Inc., a Texas corporation and an
indirect wholly owned Subsidiary of Skandia America.

     "Knowledge" means, with respect to any Person, the actual knowledge (in the
case of the Sellers, after reasonable inquiry of the Executive Officers of each
of the Companies and their Subsidiaries) of the Executive Officers of such
Person.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
     "Liabilities" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.12.

     "Lien or Encumbrance" means any lien, pledge, mortgage, security interest,
claim, lease, charge, option, right, easement, servitude, transfer limit,
restriction or other encumbrance.

     "Losses" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2.

     "L-P Premium" means L-P Premium Funding, Inc., a Texas corporation and a
direct wholly owned Subsidiary of Charter.

     "Material" means material to the business, operations, assets, Properties,
financial condition, results of operations, Insurance Permits or other material
Permits of (i) Valley and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (ii) Charter,
NCM and their Subsidiaries (including Northern County), taken as a whole;
provided, however, that, for purposes hereof, insofar as Charter, NCM and their
- --------  -------                                                              
Subsidiaries (including Northern County) are concerned, any matter, occurrence
or other item individually or in the aggregate involving an amount, or having a
value, of at least $1,000,000 shall be deemed to be so material (and any matter,
occurrence or other item individually and in the aggregate involving an amount,
or having a value, of less than $1,000,000 shall be deemed not to be so
material).

     "Material Adverse Effect" means any material adverse effect on the
business, operations, assets, Properties, financial condition, results of
operations, Insurance Permits or other material Permits of (i) Valley and its
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (ii) Charter, NCM and their Subsidiaries
(including Northern County), taken as a whole; provided, however, that, for
                                               --------  -------           
purposes hereof, insofar as Charter, NCM and their Subsidiaries (including
Northern County) are concerned, any adverse effect thereon individually or in
the aggregate involving an amount, or having a value, of at least $1,000,000
shall be deemed to be such a material adverse effect (and any adverse effect
thereon individually and in the aggregate involving an amount, or having a
value, of less than $1,000,000 shall be deemed not to be such a material adverse
effect).

     "Monarch" means Monarch Premium Funding, Inc., a Texas corporation and a
direct wholly owned Subsidiary of Charter Agency.

     "Monarch Note" means the Promissory Note in Favour of Skandia Capital AB
(Renewal), issued by Monarch to Skandia Capital AB (publ) on May 24, 1995, in
the principal amount of $14,000,000, bearing interest at the rate of 7.8%

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
per annum and having a maturity date of August 22, 1995.  The term "Monarch
Note" shall also be deemed to include any note issued in replacement of the
foregoing Promissory Note in Favour of Skandia Capital AB (publ) in accordance
with the terms and provisions hereof.

     "NCM" has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

     "NCM Shares" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.

     "NCM Financial Statements" means the unaudited balance sheets of NCM at
December 31, 1994 and March 31, 1995, and the related statements of income of
NCM for the year and quarterly period (respectively) then ended.

     "Net Losses" means all losses and loss adjustment expenses (including,
without limitation, incurred but not reported losses), net of ceded reinsurance.

     "New Charter Agency Note" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.

     "1994 Loss Reserves" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4.

     "1996 Loss Reserve Development" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4.

     "1996 Valley Statutory Statement" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4.

     "Northern County", "Northern County Surplus Note" and "Northern County
Management Contract" have the respective meanings set forth in the recitals to
this Agreement.

     "Northern County Guaranty" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.18.

     "Northern County Statutory Statements" means the Annual Statements and the
Quarterly Statement of Northern County as filed with the Texas Department of
Insurance for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992 and for the
quarterly period ended March 31, 1995, in each case including all exhibits,
interrogatories, notes and schedules thereto and any actuarial opinion,
affirmation or certification filed in connection therewith.

     "Notice of Disagreement" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
     "PBGC" means the Pension Benefits Guaranty Corporation.

     "Permits" means all licenses, certificates of authority, permits, orders,
consents, approvals, registrations, authorizations, qualifications and filings
under any federal, state, local or foreign laws or with any Governmental
Entities.

     "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability
company, firm, joint venture, association, joint stock company, trust,
unincorporated organization, Governmental Entity or other entity or
organization.

     "Plan" means "any employee benefit plan" (as that term is defined in
section 3(3) of ERISA), as well as any other formal or informal plan,
arrangement or contract involving direct or indirect compensation, in which any
current or former officers or employees of any of the Companies, their
Subsidiaries or Northern County participate, or to which any of the Companies,
their Subsidiaries or Northern County has any liability or under which any of
the Companies, their Subsidiaries or Northern County has any present or future
obligations or liability on behalf of their respective employees or former
employees or their dependents or beneficiaries, including but not limited to,
each retirement, pension, profit-sharing, thrift, savings, target benefit,
employee stock ownership, cash or deferred, multiple employer, multiemployer or
other similar plan or program, each other deferred or incentive compensation,
bonus, stock option, employee stock purchase, "phantom stock" or stock
appreciation right plan, each other program providing payment or reimbursement
for or of medical, dental or visual care, psychiatric counselling, or vacation,
sick, disability or  severance pay and each other "fringe benefit" plan or
arrangement.

     "Property" means any real, personal or mixed property, whether tangible or
intangible.

     "Prior Bidders" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.7.

     "Purchaser" has the meaning set forth in the first paragraph of this
Agreement.

     "Reinsurance Contracts" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.22.

     "Representatives" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
     "SARC" means Skandia America Reinsurance Corporation, a Delaware stock
insurance company and a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Skandia America.

     "SARC Reinsurance Advance" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.9.

     "Seller's Retirement Plan" shall mean the Skandia Direct Operations
Corporation Retirement Plan.

     "Seller's Defined Contribution Plan" shall mean the Skandia Direct
Operations Employee Savings Plan.

     "Sellers" has the meaning set forth in the first paragraph of this
Agreement.

     "Sellers Group" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.32(a).

     "Shares" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.

     "Short Period Tax" means the consolidated federal income Tax that would be
imposed on the Companies and the Subsidiaries (excluding Northern County) for
their Taxable Period that begins January 1, 1995, and ends on the Closing Date
determined as if: (i) the Companies and their Subsidiaries file a consolidated
federal income Tax Return for such Taxable Period; (ii) such Tax Return includes
only the items of income, gain, loss, deduction, and credit realized by these
corporations during such period (determined on a closing of the books method)
plus items of deduction, loss, or credit that carryover to these corporations
from prior Taxable Periods; and (iii) the items of income, gain, loss, and
deduction attributable to the 338 Elections, if any, and all transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, are disregarded.

     "Skandia America" and "Skandia U.S." have the respective meanings set
forth in the first paragraph of this Agreement.

     "Skandia Ltd" has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

     "Statutory Statements" means the Charter Statutory Statements and the
Valley Statutory Statements, collectively.

     "Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person, any entity controlled by
such Person.  For purposes of this Agreement, Northern County shall be deemed to
be a Subsidiary of NCM except where otherwise indicated herein.

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
     "Successor Plan" shall mean a defined contribution plan qualified under
Code Section 401(a), established no later than January 1, 1996, providing
immediate participation for Employees.

     "Tax" and "Taxes" mean all income, profits, gains, gross receipts, net
worth, premium, value added, ad valorem, sales, use, excise, stamp, transfer,
franchise, withholding, payroll, employment, occupation, workers' compensation,
disability, severance, unemployment insurance, social security and property
taxes, and all other taxes of any kind whatsoever, together with any interest,
penalties and additions thereto imposed by any federal, state, local or foreign
government or any agency or political subdivision of any such government,
including all amounts imposed as a result of being a member of an affiliated or
combined group.

     "Tax Claim" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.3(d).

     "Tax Closing Agreement" means any written and legally binding agreement
with a taxing authority relating to Taxes.

     "Tax Reserve" has the meaning given to such term in Section 3.32(c).

     "Tax Return" means all returns, reports, elections, estimates,
declarations, information statements and other forms and documents (including
all schedules, exhibits, and other attachments thereto) relating to, and
required to be filed in connection with, any Taxes (including estimated Taxes).

     "Tax Ruling" means any written ruling by a taxing authority relating to
Taxes.

     "Tax Settlement Auditor" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.3(d).

     "Taxable Period" means any taxable year or any other period that is treated
as a taxable year (including any taxable period ending on the Closing Date or
beginning on the day following the Closing Date) with respect to which any Tax
may be imposed under any statute, rule, or regulation.

     "Texas Insurance Code" means the Texas Insurance Code and the regulations
promulgated thereunder.

     "Texas SAP" means the statutory accounting practices prescribed or
permitted by the Texas Department of Insurance.

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
     "338 Elections" has the meaning given to such term in Section 5.10(a).

     "338 Tax Cost" means the excess, if any, of (i) the consolidated federal
income Tax that is projected to be incurred by the Sellers Group for its Taxable
Period that includes the Closing Date over (ii) the projected consolidated
federal income Tax that would have been incurred by the Sellers Group for such
Taxable Period if the 338 Elections were not made.  The projected Taxes in both
(i) and (ii) above shall be determined without regard to items of deduction,
loss, and credit that, in the absence of the 338 Elections, would reduce the
taxable income of the Sellers Group below zero.

     "Third Party Claim" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2.

     "Valley" has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

     "Valley Financial Statements" means (i) the audited consolidated balance
sheets of Valley and its subsidiaries at December 31, 1994 and 1993 and the
related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholder's equity and
cash flows of Valley and its subsidiaries for the years then ended, including in
each case the related notes and unqualified auditor's report thereon, and (ii)
the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of Valley and its subsidiaries at March
31, 1995, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in
stockholder's equity and cash flows of Valley and its subsidiaries for the
quarterly period then ended.

     "Valley Insurance" means Valley Insurance Company, a California stock
insurance company and a direct wholly owned Subsidiary of Valley.

     "Valley Shares" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.

     "Valley Statutory Statements" means the Annual Statements and the Quarterly
Statement of Valley Insurance as filed with the California Department of
Insurance for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992 and for the
quarterly period ended March 31, 1995, including in each case all exhibits,
interrogatories, notes and schedules thereto and any actuarial opinion,
affirmation or certification filed in connection therewith.

     "Valley Subsidiaries" means Valley Insurance and Valley Pacific Inc., an
Oregon corporation, collectively.

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
     "WARN" shall mean the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of
1988.


                                   ARTICLE II

                        PURCHASE AND SALE OF THE SHARES

     2.1  Purchase and Sale of the Shares.  (a)  Upon the terms and subject to
          -------------------------------                                     
the conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Purchaser agrees to purchase
from Skandia America, and Skandia America agrees to (and Skandia U.S. agrees to
cause Skandia America to) sell, assign, transfer and deliver to the Purchaser,
all of the outstanding capital stock of Valley (the "Valley Shares"), free and
clear of all Liens or Encumbrances, for a cash purchase price equal to
$37,790,928.

     (b)  Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this
Agreement, the Purchaser agrees to purchase from Skandia America, and Skandia
America agrees to (and Skandia U.S. agrees to cause Skandia America to) sell,
assign, transfer and deliver to the Purchaser, (i) all of the outstanding
capital stock of Charter (the "Charter Shares") and (ii) all of the outstanding
capital stock of NCM (the "NCM Shares"), in each case free and clear of all
Liens or Encumbrances, for an aggregate cash purchase price equal to $3,269,885.

     2.2  The Closing.  Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of all of the
          -----------                                                      
conditions to closing set forth in Articles VI and VII, the closing (the
"Closing") of the purchase and sale of the Valley Shares, the NCM Shares and the
Charter Shares (collectively, the "Shares") hereunder shall take place at the
offices of Dewey Ballantine, 1301 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York at
10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the fifth Business Day after the satisfaction
or waiver of the conditions set forth in Article VI and VII, or at such other
time or place as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties hereto.  The date on
which the Closing occurs is referred to herein as the "Closing Date."

     2.3  Deliveries at the Closing.  At the Closing:
          -------------------------                  

     (a)  Skandia America shall (and Skandia U.S. shall cause Skandia America
to) deliver to the Purchaser certificates representing the Shares, duly endorsed
in blank for transfer or accompanied by stock powers duly endorsed in blank;

     (b)  the Sellers shall deliver to the Purchaser all other documents and
instruments required hereunder to be

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
delivered by the Sellers to the Purchaser at the Closing; and

     (c)  the Purchaser shall (i) pay to Skandia America the aggregate purchase
price for the Shares (as provided in Section 2.1(a) and (b)) by wire transfer of
immediately available funds to an account or accounts designated by Skandia
America in a written notice delivered to the Purchaser not later than two (2)
Business Days prior to the Closing Date, and (ii) deliver to the Sellers all
other documents and instruments required hereunder to be delivered by the
Purchaser to the Sellers at the Closing.

     2.4  Purchase Price Adjustment.  The purchase price for the Valley Shares,
          -------------------------                                            
as provided in Section 2.1(a), shall be subject to post-Closing adjustment as
follows:

     (a)  As promptly as reasonably practicable after it becomes available, the
Purchaser shall deliver to Skandia America a true and complete copy of the
Annual Statement of Valley Insurance as filed with the California Department of
Insurance (or other appropriate insurance regulatory authority) for the year
ended December 31, 1996 (the "1996 Valley Statutory Statement"), together with
any actuarial opinion, affirmation or certification filed in connection
therewith and all work papers and actuarial memoranda used by Valley Insurance
in establishing the 1996 Loss Reserve Development (it being understood that
neither the Purchaser nor Valley Insurance shall be required to prepare any such
work papers or actuarial memoranda outside the ordinary course of business).
The 1996 Valley Statutory Statement will be prepared in conformity with
California SAP (or any other then applicable statutory accounting practices) and
the books and records of Valley Insurance, and will present fairly the statutory
financial position of Valley Insurance as of December 31, 1996 and the statutory
results of operations of Valley Insurance for the period then ended.

     (b)  Following the delivery of the 1996 Valley Statutory Statement to
Skandia America, the Purchaser will cause Valley Insurance to allow the Sellers
to have reasonable access to the books, records and work papers of Valley
Insurance relating to the 1996 Loss Reserve Development referred to below.  In
the event that the Sellers have any disagreement with the 1996 Loss Reserve
Development reflected in the 1996 Valley Statutory Statement, the Sellers shall
give written notice of all such disagreements (a "Notice of Disagreement") to
the Purchaser within twenty (20) Business Days after the delivery of the 1996
Valley Statutory Statement to Skandia America.  Any Notice of Disagreement shall
set forth each item in disagreement, shall provide reasonable specificity as to
the basis for each disagreement, and shall specify the total

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
adjustment to the 1996 Loss Reserve Development proposed by the Sellers as a
result of such items in disagreement.

     (c)  If the Purchaser does not receive a Notice of Disagreement within such
twenty Business Day period, the 1996 Loss Reserve Development reflected in the
1996 Valley Statutory Statement shall be final and binding upon the parties
hereto.  If, on the other hand, the Purchaser receives a Notice of Disagreement
within such period, the parties shall negotiate in good faith to resolve all
disagreements specified therein as promptly as practicable.  If the parties are
unable to resolve all such disagreements within fifteen (15) days of the receipt
by the Purchaser of the Notice of Disagreement, then all unresolved
disagreements shall be submitted to an independent actuarial firm of national
standing and reputation as the parties shall jointly select and retain (the
"Independent Actuary") for resolution in accordance with this Agreement.  In the
event that the parties are unable to jointly select an Independent Actuary, each
of the Purchaser, on the one hand, and the Sellers, on the other hand, shall
select an independent certified public accounting firm of national standing and
reputation, which firms shall jointly select the Independent Actuary for joint
retention by the parties.  The parties shall, and the Purchaser shall cause
Valley Insurance to, cooperate in good faith with the Independent Actuary and
shall give the Independent Actuary access to all books, records, work papers and
other information and documents relating to the items in disagreement as the
Independent Actuary may reasonably request for purposes of such resolution.  The
Independent Actuary shall, within thirty (30) days after its engagement, deliver
to the parties a conclusive written resolution of all disagreements submitted to
it, which written resolution shall be in accordance with this Agreement and
shall be final and binding upon the parties hereto.  The 1996 Loss Reserve
Development reflected in the 1996 Valley Statutory Statement shall be adjusted
accordingly to reflect any such resolution and, as so adjusted, shall be deemed
final for purposes of the purchase price adjustment provided in the next
paragraph.  The Sellers, on the one hand, and the Purchaser, on the other hand,
shall each pay one-half of the fees and expenses of the Independent Actuary.

     (d)  If (i) the aggregate amount of reserves as of December 31, 1996 for
Net Losses, together with the aggregate amount of Net Losses paid during the
period from January 1, 1995 until December 31, 1996, in each case with respect
to insurance and reinsurance business issued, underwritten, assumed or renewed
on or prior to December 31, 1994 (the "1996 Loss Reserve Development") is less
than (ii) the aggregate amount of reserves for Net Losses reflected in the
December 31, 1994 Valley Statutory Statement for such

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
insurance and reinsurance business (the "1994 Loss Reserves"), the Purchaser
shall pay to Skandia America the amount of such deficiency (in an amount not to
exceed $3,000,000).  If the 1996 Loss Reserve Development is greater than the
1994 Loss Reserves, the Sellers will pay to the Purchaser the amount of such
excess (in an amount not to exceed $3,000,000).  All payments under this Section
shall be made not later than twenty (20) Business Days following the Purchaser's
delivery of the 1996 Valley Statutory Statements to Skandia America (or, in the
case of any amounts due as a result of the resolution of any disagreements, not
later than five (5) Business Days following the resolution of all such
disagreements), by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account or
accounts designated by the payee to the payor in the manner specified herein for
delivery of notices.  Any amount payable under this Section 2.4(d) shall
constitute an adjustment to the purchase price paid by the Purchaser for the
Valley Shares.

     (e)  From the Closing Date until December 31, 1996, the Purchaser agrees to
cause Valley Insurance to (i) pay and settle claims with respect to insurance
and reinsurance business issued, underwritten, assumed or renewed by Valley
Insurance on or prior to December 31, 1994, generally in accordance with past
practice, and (ii) establish reserves for Net Losses with respect to such
insurance and reinsurance business in accordance with generally accepted
actuarial standards.

 
                                  ARTICLE III

                 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLERS

     The Sellers hereby jointly and severally represent and warrant to the
Purchaser as follows:

     3.1  Organization of the Sellers.  Each of the Sellers is a corporation
          ---------------------------                                       
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
state or jurisdiction of its incorporation, and has all requisite corporate
power and authority to own, lease and operate its assets and Properties
(including, without limitation, the Shares) and to conduct its business as
currently being conducted, except where the failure to have such corporate power
and authority would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material
Adverse Effect.  Each of the Sellers is duly qualified and in good standing as a
foreign corporation in all jurisdictions in which the nature of its business or
the ownership of its Properties makes such qualification necessary, except where
the failure to be so qualified or in good standing would not, individually or in

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect or a material adverse effect on
the ability of any of the Sellers to execute and deliver this Agreement, perform
its obligations hereunder or consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
Skandia U.S. is a direct wholly owned Subsidiary of Skandia Ltd, and Skandia
America is a direct wholly owned Subsidiary of Skandia U.S.  The Sellers have
heretofore delivered to the Purchaser true and complete copies of the
certificate or articles of incorporation (or other charter or organization
documents), including all amendments thereto, and by-laws, as currently in
effect, of each of the Sellers.

     3.2  Authorization, Validity and Enforceability. Each of the Sellers has
          ------------------------------------------                         
all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this
Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby, including, without limitation, the sale of the
Shares hereunder.  The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by
the Sellers and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby by the
Sellers have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action
on the part of the Sellers and no other corporate proceedings on the part of any
of the Sellers (including any proceedings of stockholders of the Sellers) are
necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated hereby.  This
Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by each of the Sellers and
constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of each of the Sellers,
enforceable against each of the Sellers in accordance with its terms, except as
such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other
similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally and except as rights to
specific enforcement may be limited by the application of equitable principles
(whether such equitable principles are applied in a proceeding at law or in
equity).

     3.3  No Conflicts.  The execution and delivery by the Sellers of this
          ------------                                                    
Agreement, the performance by the Sellers of their obligations hereunder and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby do not and will not
conflict with, result in any breach or violation of, constitute a default under
(or an event which with the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both would
constitute a default under), give rise to any right of termination or
acceleration of any right or obligation of any of the Sellers, the Companies or
the Subsidiaries of any of the Companies (including Northern County) under
(assuming for such purposes that the Consents required under the HSR Act and the
Consents set forth in Schedule 3.4 are duly made, obtained or given, as the case
may be), or result in

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
the creation or imposition of any Lien or Encumbrance upon any assets or
Properties of any of the Companies or the Subsidiaries of any of the Companies
(including Northern County) by reason of the terms of, (a) the certificate or
articles of incorporation, by-laws or other charter or organization documents of
any of the Sellers, the Companies or the Subsidiaries of any of the Companies
(including Northern County), (b) any of the Shares, the Charter Intercompany
Notes, the Northern County Surplus Note, the Monarch Note or the Northern County
Management Contract, (c) any Contract to which any of the Sellers, the Companies
or the Subsidiaries of any of the Companies (including Northern County) is a
party or by or to which any of them or their assets or Properties (including,
without limitation, the Shares, the Charter Intercompany Notes and the Northern
County Surplus Note) may be bound or subject, (d) any applicable order, writ,
judgment, injunction, award, decree, law, statute, ordinance, rule or regulation
or (e) any Insurance Permit or other material Permit of any of them, other than,
in the case of clause (c) only, any conflict, breach, violation, default,
termination or acceleration which would not, individually or in the aggregate
together with all such other conflicts, breaches, violations, defaults,
terminations and accelerations, have a Material Adverse Effect or a material
adverse effect on the ability of any of the Sellers to execute and deliver this
Agreement, perform its obligations hereunder or consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby.

     3.4  Consents and Approvals.  Except as required under the HSR Act and as
          ----------------------                                              
set forth in Schedule 3.4 hereto, no consent, approval, authorization, license
or order of, registration or filing with, or notice to, any federal, state,
local, foreign or other Governmental Entity or any other Person (collectively,
"Consents") is necessary to be obtained, made or given by any of the Sellers,
SARC, the Companies or the Subsidiaries of any of the Companies (including
Northern County) in connection with the execution and delivery by the Sellers of
this Agreement, the performance by the Sellers of their obligations hereunder
and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

     3.5  Organization of the Companies.  Each of the Companies is a corporation
          -----------------------------                                         
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
state of its incorporation, and has all requisite power and authority to own,
lease and operate its assets and Properties (including, in the case of Charter,
the Charter Surplus Note and, in the case of NCM, the Northern County Surplus
Note) and to conduct its business as currently being conducted.  Each of the
Companies is duly qualified and in good standing as a foreign corporation in all
jurisdictions in which the nature

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
of its business or the ownership of its Properties makes such qualification
necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing would
not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.  All such
jurisdictions are listed in Schedule 3.5 hereto.  No other jurisdiction has
claimed, in writing, that any of the Companies is required to hold a Permit
issued by any Governmental Entity therein, and none of the Companies files or is
required to file any Tax Returns, or owns or leases real Property, in any other
jurisdictions.  The Sellers have heretofore delivered to the Purchaser true and
complete copies of the certificate or articles of incorporation (or other
charter or organization documents), including all amendments thereto, and by-
laws, as currently in effect, of each of the Companies.

     3.6  Subsidiaries.  (a)  The Companies have no Subsidiaries other than the
          ------------                                                         
Valley Subsidiaries, the Charter Subsidiaries and Northern County.  Each of the
Valley Subsidiaries and the Charter Subsidiaries is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of
its incorporation, and has all requisite power and authority to own, lease and
operate its assets and Properties and to conduct its business as currently being
conducted.  Each of the Valley Subsidiaries and the Charter Subsidiaries is duly
qualified and in good standing as a foreign corporation in all jurisdictions in
which the nature of its business or the ownership of its Properties makes such
qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good
standing would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse
Effect.  All such jurisdictions are listed in Schedule 3.6 hereto.  No other
jurisdiction has claimed, in writing, that any of the Valley Subsidiaries or the
Charter Subsidiaries is required to hold a Permit issued by any Governmental
Entity therein, and none of the Valley Subsidiaries or the Charter Subsidiaries
files or is required to file any Tax Returns, or owns or leases real Property,
in any other jurisdictions.  Except for the Valley Subsidiaries and the Charter
Subsidiaries and as set forth in Schedule 3.6 hereto, none of the Companies
directly or indirectly owns any interest in any other Person; without limiting
the foregoing, none of the Valley Subsidiaries or the Charter Subsidiaries
directly or indirectly owns any interest in any other Person other than, in the
case of Charter Agency, Monarch.  The Sellers have heretofore delivered to the
Purchaser true and complete copies of the certificate or articles of
incorporation (or other charter or organization documents), including all
amendments thereto, and by-laws, as currently in effect, of each of the Valley
Subsidiaries and the Charter Subsidiaries.

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
     (b)  Schedule 3.6 hereto sets forth the designation, par value and the
number of authorized, issued and outstanding shares of each class or series of
capital stock of each of the Valley Subsidiaries and the Charter Subsidiaries.
Except for the Monarch Note, the Charter Agency/Kennell Note and as set forth in
Schedule 3.6, no preferred stock, bonds, debentures, notes, debt instruments,
evidences of indebtedness or other securities of any kind, of any of the Valley
Subsidiaries or the Charter Subsidiaries are authorized, issued or outstanding.
All of the outstanding capital stock of each of the Valley Subsidiaries and the
Charter Subsidiaries is duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-
assessable.  All of the outstanding capital stock of each of the Valley
Subsidiaries is owned of record and beneficially by Valley, all of the
outstanding capital stock of the Charter Subsidiaries (other than Monarch) is
owned of record and beneficially by Charter, and all of the outstanding capital
stock of Monarch is owned of record and beneficially by Charter Agency, in each
case free and clear of any Lien or Encumbrance.

     (c)  None of the Valley Subsidiaries or the Charter Subsidiaries has issued
any securities in violation of any preemptive or similar rights, and there are
no subscriptions, options, warrants, calls, commitments, preemptive rights or
other rights of any kind (absolute, contingent or otherwise) to purchase or
otherwise receive, nor any securities or instruments of any kind convertible
into or exchangeable for, any capital stock (including, without limitation,
outstanding, authorized but unissued, unauthorized, treasury or other shares
thereof) or other equity interest or any debt security or instrument of any of
the Valley Subsidiaries or the Charter Subsidiaries.  Except as set forth in
Schedule 3.6 or as provided in the HSR Act, the California Insurance Code, the
California General Corporation Law, the Texas Insurance Code or the Texas
Business Corporation Act, there are no restrictions upon the voting or transfer
of, or the declaration or payment of any dividend or distribution on, any shares
of capital stock of any of the Valley Subsidiaries or the Charter Subsidiaries.

     3.7  Capitalization.  (a)  Schedule 3.7 hereto sets forth the designation,
          --------------                                                       
par value and the number of authorized, issued and outstanding shares of each
class or series of capital stock of each of the Companies.  Except for the
Charter Intercompany Notes and as set forth in Schedule 3.7, no preferred stock,
bonds, debentures, notes, debt instruments, evidences of indebtedness or other
securities of any kind, of any of the Companies are authorized, issued or
outstanding.  All of the Shares are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid
and non-assessable, and are owned of record and beneficially by

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
Skandia America, free and clear of any Lien or Encumbrance (other than
restrictions on the transferability of the Shares provided in the California
Insurance Code or the Texas Insurance Code).

     (b)  True and complete copies of the Charter Intercompany Notes and the
Monarch Note (as each of the same may have been amended or modified) have
heretofore been delivered by the Sellers to the Purchaser.  Schedule 3.7 hereto
sets forth the principal, interest and all other amounts outstanding (specifying
accrued and unpaid amounts as of a date not earlier than (10) Business Days
prior hereto) under each of the Charter Intercompany Notes and the Monarch Note.
The Charter Surplus Note is duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-
assessable, and is owned of record and beneficially by Charter, free and clear
of any Lien or Encumbrance.  The Charter Upstream Note is owned of record and
beneficially by Skandia America, the Charter Downstream Note is owned of record
and beneficially by Charter Agency, the Charter Agency/Kennell Note is owned of
record and beneficially by Kennell, and the Monarch Note is owned of record and
beneficially by Skandia Capital AB (publ), in each case free and clear of any
Lien or Encumbrance.  None of the borrowers under the Charter Intercompany Notes
or the Monarch Note is in default thereunder (including, without limitation, in
the payment of principal or interest).

     (c)  None of the Companies has issued any securities in violation of any
preemptive or similar rights and, except for this Agreement, there are no
subscriptions, options, warrants, calls, commitments, preemptive rights or other
rights of any kind (absolute, contingent or otherwise) to purchase or otherwise
receive, nor any securities or instruments of any kind convertible into or
exchangeable for, any capital stock (including, without limitation, outstanding,
authorized but unissued, unauthorized, treasury or other shares thereof) or
other equity interest or any debt security or instrument of the Companies.
Except as set forth in Schedule 3.7 or as provided in the HSR Act, the
California Insurance Code, the California General Corporation Law, the Texas
Insurance Code or the Texas Business Corporation Act, there are no restrictions
upon the voting or transfer of, or the declaration or payment of any dividend or
distribution on, any shares of capital stock of any of the Companies.

     3.8  Title to Shares.  The sale and delivery of the Shares as contemplated
          ---------------                                                      
by this Agreement are not subject to any preemptive right, right of first
refusal or other right or restriction (other than restrictions on
transferability of the Shares provided in the HSR Act, the California Insurance
Code and the Texas Insurance Code).

                                       21
<PAGE>
 
Upon the delivery of the Shares as provided in Section 2.3, the Purchaser will
acquire good and marketable title to each of the Shares, free and clear of any
Lien or Encumbrance (other than any Liens or Encumbrances created by the
Purchaser and any restrictions on transferability of the Shares provided in the
California Insurance Code and the Texas Insurance Code), and will be entitled to
all the rights of a holder of such Shares.

     3.9  Northern County; Charter Indemnity.  (a)  Northern County is a county
          ----------------------------------                                   
mutual insurance company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of the State of Texas, and has all requisite power and authority
to own, lease and operate its assets and Properties and to conduct its business
as currently being conducted.  Northern County is duly licensed as a county
mutual insurance company under Chapter 17 of the Texas Insurance Code to
transact property and casualty insurance anywhere in the State of Texas, and is
not licensed or qualified to do business under any other Texas law or in any
other jurisdiction.  No jurisdiction other than Texas has claimed, in writing,
that Northern County is required to hold a Permit issued by any Governmental
Entity therein, and Northern County neither files nor is required to file any
Tax Returns in any jurisdiction other than Texas.  Northern County has no
Subsidiaries and owns no direct or indirect interest in any other Person.  The
Sellers have heretofore delivered to the Purchaser a true and complete copy of
the charter and any other organization documents, including all amendments
thereto, of Northern County.

     (b)  Except for the Northern County Surplus Note (a true and complete copy
of which has heretofore been delivered by the Sellers to the Purchaser) and the
reinsurance advance from SARC described in Schedule 3.9 (the "SARC Reinsurance
Advance"), no bonds, debentures, notes, debt instruments, evidences of
indebtedness or other securities of any kind of Northern County are authorized,
issued or outstanding.  The Northern County Surplus Note is duly authorized,
validly issued, fully paid, non-assessable and enforceable against Northern
County in accordance with its terms, and is owned of record and beneficially by
NCM, free and clear of any Lien or Encumbrance (other than pursuant to any
Contracts and undertakings specified in Schedule 3.9 and as provided in the
Texas Insurance Code).  Schedule 3.9 contains a true and complete copy of all
Contracts (other than the Northern County Surplus Note itself and this
Agreement) relating, in whole or in part, to the Northern County Surplus Note.
Northern County is not in default under the Northern County Surplus Note
(including, without limitation, in the payment of principal or interest which
has been approved for payment pursuant to the terms

                                       22
<PAGE>
 
thereof), and NCM is not in default under any such Contract or undertaking
relating thereto.

     (c)  The Sellers have heretofore delivered to the Purchaser a true and
complete copy of the Northern County Management Contract, including all
amendments and extensions thereto.  The Northern County Management Contract is
in full force and effect, and constitutes the legal, valid and binding
obligation of each party thereto, enforceable against each such party in
accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar laws affecting creditors'
rights generally and except as rights to specific performance may be limited by
the application of equitable principles (whether such equitable principles are
applied in a proceeding at law or in equity).  Neither Northern County nor NCM
is in default under the Northern County Management Contract, nor does any
condition exist that with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute such
a default thereunder.  By virtue of the Northern County Management Contract, NCM
has the sole and exclusive right and power to manage the business and operations
of Northern County.  Except for the directors of NCM (solely in their capacities
as such) and as specified in Schedule 3.9, NCM is the only Person who performs
services for, or is entitled to compensation from, Northern County.  Assuming
the Texas Insurance Commissioner approves the transactions contemplated hereby,
the Northern County Management Contract will not be terminable or, subject to
Section 6.10, otherwise modified by reason of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement.  Other than the consent of the Board of Directors of Northern
County and as provided in the Texas Insurance Code, there is no limitation or
restriction on, or Consent required for, the assignment or delegation by NCM of
any of its rights, duties, powers or privileges under or in respect of the
Northern County Management Contract.

     (d)  From the date of its incorporation until December 29, 1994, NCM
engaged in no business or activities other than in connection with its
organization.  Since the latter date, NCM has engaged in no business or
activities other than acting as the general managerial agent of Northern County
pursuant to the Northern County Management Contract.

     (e)  All insurance and reinsurance issued, underwritten, assumed or renewed
by Charter Indemnity on or before the date hereof consists solely of (and all
insurance and reinsurance issued, underwritten, assumed or renewed by Charter
Indemnity on or prior to the Closing Date will consist solely of) insurance or
reinsurance of (i) private passenger automobile liability and physical damage
risks and

                                       23
<PAGE>
 
(ii) mobile home and personal dwelling fire property risks, in each case
retroceded by SARC to Charter Indemnity.

     3.10  Corporate Minutes.  The Sellers have heretofore made available to the
           -----------------                                                    
Purchaser true and complete copies, or the complete original, minute books of
each of the Companies and their Subsidiaries (including Northern County).  The
minute books of each of the Companies and their Subsidiaries (including Northern
County) accurately reflect in all material respects all actions taken at
meetings, or by written consent in lieu of meetings, of the stockholders, boards
of directors and all committees of such boards of directors of each of the
Companies and their Subsidiaries (including Northern County), respectively, and
(in the case of Northern County) the policyholders of Northern County, since
January 1, 1990.  Since such date, all material corporate actions taken by the
Companies and their Subsidiaries (including Northern County) have been duly
authorized, and no such corporate actions have been taken in breach or violation
of the certificate or articles of incorporation, by-laws or other charter or
organization documents of any of the Companies or their Subsidiaries (including
Northern County).

     3.11  Financial Statements.  (a)  The Sellers have heretofore delivered to
           --------------------                                                
the Purchaser true and complete copies of the Valley Financial Statements, the
Valley Statutory Statements, the Charter Financial Statements, the Charter
Statutory Statements, the NCM Financial Statements and the Northern County
Statutory Statements.

     (b)  The Valley Financial Statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP
consistently applied throughout the periods involved, were prepared in
accordance with the books and records of Valley and its Subsidiaries, have been
audited by Coopers & Lybrand LLP, certified public accountants ("C&L"), and
present fairly the financial position of Valley and its Subsidiaries at the
respective dates thereof and the results of operations of Valley and its
Subsidiaries for the respective periods then ended (except that the quarterly
Valley Financial Statements have not been audited and do not contain full
footnote disclosures in accordance with GAAP and are subject to normal recurring
year-end audit adjustments).

     (c)  The balance sheets of Valley and the related statements of income and
cash flows included in the Valley Statutory Statements were prepared in
conformity with California SAP consistently applied throughout the periods
involved, were prepared in accordance with the books and records of Valley
Insurance, have been audited by C&L, and present fairly the statutory financial
position of Valley Insurance at the respective dates thereof and the statutory

                                       24
<PAGE>
 
results of operations of Valley Insurance for the respective periods then ended.
The Valley Statutory Statements complied in all material respects with all
applicable laws and were complete and correct in all material respects when
filed, and no material deficiency has been asserted with respect to any of the
Valley Statutory Statements by the California Department of Insurance.

     (d)  The Charter Financial Statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP
consistently applied throughout the periods involved, were prepared in
accordance with the books and records of Charter and its Subsidiaries, have been
audited by C&L, and present fairly the financial position of Charter and its
Subsidiaries at the respective dates thereof and the results of operations of
Charter and its Subsidiaries for the respective periods then ended (except that
the quarterly Charter Financial Statements have not been audited and do not
contain full footnote disclosures in accordance with GAAP and are subject to
normal recurring year-end audit adjustments).

     (e)  The balance sheets of Charter Indemnity and the related statements of
income and cash flows included in the Charter Statutory Statements were prepared
in conformity with Texas SAP consistently applied throughout the periods
involved, were prepared in accordance with the books and records of Charter
Indemnity, have been audited by C&L, and present fairly the statutory financial
position of Charter Indemnity at the respective dates thereof and the statutory
results of operations of Charter Indemnity for the respective periods then
ended.  The Charter Statutory Statements complied in all material respects with
all applicable laws and were complete and correct in all material respects when
filed, and no material deficiency has been asserted with respect to any of the
Charter Statutory Statements by the Texas Department of Insurance.

     (f)  The NCM Financial Statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP
consistently applied throughout the periods involved, were prepared in
accordance with the books and records of NCM, and present fairly the financial
position of NCM at the respective dates thereof and the results of operations of
NCM for the respective periods then ended (except that the quarterly NCM
Financial Statements do not contain full footnote disclosures in accordance with
GAAP and are subject to normal recurring year-end adjustments).  No financial
statements of NCM have been audited.

     (g)  The balance sheets of Northern County and the related statements of
income and cash flows included in the Northern County Statutory Statements were
prepared in conformity with Texas SAP consistently applied throughout

                                       25
<PAGE>
 
the periods involved, were prepared in accordance with the books and records of
Northern County, have been audited by C&L, and present fairly the statutory
financial position of Northern County at the respective dates thereof and the
statutory results of operations of Northern County for the respective periods
then ended.  The Northern County Statutory Statements complied in all material
respects with all applicable laws and were complete and correct in all material
respects when filed, and no material deficiency has been asserted with respect
to any of the Northern County Statutory Statements by the Texas Department of
Insurance.  Northern County has not prepared any GAAP financial statements
during any of the periods covered by the Northern County Statutory Statements.

     3.12  Liabilities.  (a)  Neither Valley nor any of its Subsidiaries has any
           -----------                                                          
direct or indirect debt, obligation, loss, damages, deficiency or other
liability of any nature, whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise
("Liability"), required by GAAP or California SAP to be set forth in a financial
statement other than (i) Liabilities set forth in the Valley Financial
Statements and the balance sheets included in the Valley Statutory Statements
and (ii) Liabilities incurred by Valley and its Subsidiaries since March 31,
1995 in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice.

     (b)  Neither Charter nor any of its Subsidiaries has any Liability required
by GAAP or Texas SAP to be set forth in a financial statement other than (i)
Liabilities set forth in the Charter Financial Statements and the balance sheets
included in the Charter Statutory Statements and (ii) Liabilities incurred by
Charter and its Subsidiaries since March 31, 1995 in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice.

     (c)  NCM does not have any Liability required by GAAP to be set forth in a
financial statement other than (i) Liabilities set forth in the NCM Financial
Statements and (ii) Liabilities incurred by NCM since March 31, 1995 in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice.

     (d)  Northern County does not have any Liability required by Texas SAP to
be set forth in a financial statement other than (i) Liabilities set forth in
the balance sheets included in the Northern County Statutory Statements and (ii)
Liabilities incurred by Northern County since March 31, 1995 in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practice.

     3.13  Absence of Changes.  (a)  Since March 31, 1995, there has been no
           ------------------                                               
material adverse change in the business, operations, assets, Properties,
financial

                                       26
<PAGE>
 
condition, results of operations, Insurance Permits or other material Permits of
(i) Valley and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (ii) Charter, NCM and
their Subsidiaries (including Northern County), taken as a whole; provided,
                                                                  -------- 
however, that, for purposes hereof, insofar as Charter, NCM and their
- -------                                                              
Subsidiaries (including Northern County) are concerned, any adverse change
therein individually or in the aggregate involving an amount, or having a value,
of at least $1,000,000 shall be deemed to be such a material adverse change (and
any adverse change therein individually and in the aggregate involving an
amount, or having a value, of less than $1,000,000 shall be deemed not to be
such a material adverse change).

     (b)  Except as set forth in Schedule 3.13 hereto and for the transactions
contemplated hereby, since March 31, 1995, the Companies and their Subsidiaries
(including Northern County) have operated their businesses only in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practice (except that L-P Premium is an
inactive company and has had no operations in such period or since the date of
its incorporation) and none of the Companies or their Subsidiaries (including
Northern County) has:

               (i)  amended its certificate or articles of incorporation, by-
     laws or other charter or organization document, or merged with or into or
     consolidated with any other Person, subdivided or in any way reclassified
     any shares of its capital stock or changed or agreed to change in any
     manner the rights of its outstanding capital stock;

               (ii)  issued or sold, or issued or sold any options, warrants,
     calls or other rights of any kind to purchase or otherwise receive, or
     issued or sold any securities or instruments convertible into or
     exchangeable for, or entered into any contract or commitment to issue or
     sell, any capital stock or other equity interest or any bonds, debentures,
     notes, debt instruments, evidences of indebtedness or other securities of
     any kind, including, without limitation, any stock appreciation rights;

               (iii)  declared, paid or set aside any sum for any dividends or
     declared or made any other distributions of any kind (whether in cash,
     stock, Property, any combination thereof or otherwise) to its stockholders,
     or made any direct or indirect redemption, retirement, purchase or other
     acquisition of any shares of its capital stock or other equity interests or
     any bonds, debentures, notes, debt instruments, evidences of indebtedness
     or other securities of any kind;

                                       27
<PAGE>
 
          (iv)  incurred any indebtedness for borrowed money or entered into any
     commitment to borrow money or guarantee any Liability for borrowed money;
     or incurred or assumed any Liability or series of related Liabilities in
     excess of $100,000 (other than ordinary course obligations to policyholders
     arising pursuant to the terms of insurance policies issued by Valley
     Insurance, Charter Indemnity or Northern County in the ordinary course of
     business consistent with past practice);

               (v)  made any change in its accounting or reserving methods or
     practices (including, without limitation, any change with respect to
     establishment of reserves for unearned premiums, losses (including incurred
     but not reported losses) and loss adjustment expenses) or made any change
     in depreciation or amortization policies or rates adopted by it;

               (vi)  made any change in its business, underwriting, billing,
     reserving, reinsurance, investment or claims adjustment policies and
     practices or any change in any activity which (A) has had the effect of
     accelerating the recording and billing of premiums or accounts receivable
     or delaying the payment of expenses or the establishment of loss and loss
     adjustment expense and other reserves in connection with the business or
     any material accounts of any of the Companies, their Subsidiaries or
     Northern County or (B) has had the effect of materially altering, modifying
     or changing the historic financial or accounting practices or policies of
     any of the Companies, their Subsidiaries or Northern County, including
     accruals of and reserves for Tax Liabilities;

               (vii)  suffered any damage, destruction, casualty or loss,
     whether or not covered by insurance, affecting any of its Property, the
     total amount of which was or will be greater than $100,000;

               (viii)  allowed the creation of any Lien or Encumbrance on any
     tangible or intangible asset or Property, or any sale, transfer,
     assignment, lease or abandonment of any interest in any tangible or
     intangible asset or Property, other than sales, transfers, assignments and
     leases in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice of
     assets of Property having an aggregate fair market value below $100,000;

               (ix)  entered into any Contract, commitment or transaction
     (including, without limitation, any capital expenditure, capital
     contribution, capital

                                       28
<PAGE>
 
     financing, or purchase, lease, acquisition, sale or disposition of assets
     or Properties) which requires or could require payments in excess of
     $100,000 with respect to any individual Contract, commitment or transaction
     or series of related Contracts, commitments and transactions;

               (x)  terminated, failed to renew, received any written notice
     (that was not subsequently withdrawn) to terminate or fail to renew,
     amended, altered, modified, suffered the occurrence of any default under,
     failed to perform any Liabilities or obligations under, or waived or
     released any rights under, any Contract which is Material;

               (xi)  forgiven or permitted any cancellation of any claim, debt
     or account receivable, other than cancellations in the ordinary course of
     business consistent with past practice of any claim, debt or account
     receivable in an amount below $100,000;

               (xii)  directly or indirectly made any payment, discharge or
     satisfaction of any Liability in excess of $50,000 before the same became
     due in accordance with its terms, other than in the ordinary course of
     business consistent with past practice and as reflected or reserved against
     in the Financial Statements and the Statutory Statements;

               (xiii)  accelerated the collection, or sale to any other Person,
     of any of its receivables, or delayed the payment of any of its payables,
     other than accelerations or delays in the ordinary course of business
     consistent with past practice involving amounts below $100,000;

               (xiv)  except for unrealized gains or losses with respect to
     investment assets (not resulting from any write-down, write-off or change
     in the basis of valuation thereof), made any revaluation of any assets or
     Properties, or write-down or write-off of the value of any assets or
     Properties (including, without limitation, any receivables), in an amount
     in excess of $100,000;

               (xv)  made any loan or advance to any Person,  other than loans
     or advances made in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
     practice in an amount below $10,000;

               (xvi)  made any acquisition of all or any substantial part of the
     assets, Properties, securities or business of any other Person;

                                       29
<PAGE>
 
               (xvii) except in the ordinary course of business consistent with
     past practice, hired any new employees, consultants, agents or other
     representatives or entered into any employment or consulting agreements
     (other than those terminable without severance, without penalty and without
     cause on not more than thirty (30) days notice), or terminated, or made any
     change in the employment terms or conditions of, any officers, directors,
     employees, consultants, agents or other representatives;

               (xviii)  except in the ordinary course of business consistent
     with past practice, increased or agreed to increase any salary, wages,
     bonus, severance, compensation, pension or other benefits payable or to
     become payable, or granted any severance or termination payments or
     benefits, to any of its current or former officers, directors, employees,
     consultants, agents or other representatives;

               (xix)  entered into any collective bargaining agreement or any
     other Contract with any labor union or association representing any
     employee, or been subjected to any strike, picket, work stoppage, work
     slowdown, labor dispute or other labor trouble;

               (xx)  considered or adopted a plan of complete or partial
     liquidation, dissolution, rehabilitation, restructuring, recapitalization,
     demutualization, redomestication or other reorganization; or

               (xxi)  entered into any Contract, commitment or transaction to do
     any of the foregoing.

          3.14  Legal Proceedings.  (a) Except as set forth in Schedule 3.14
                -----------------                                           
hereto, there is no action, suit, claim, proceeding or investigation pending or,
to the Knowledge of the Sellers, threatened against or affecting any of the
Companies or their Subsidiaries (including Northern County), or any of the
directors, officers, employees, assets or Properties of any of them, by or
before any court, other Governmental Entity or arbitrator (other than ordinary
course insurance claims of policyholders arising pursuant to the terms of
insurance policies issued by Valley Insurance, Charter Indemnity or Northern
County in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice).
Except as set forth in Schedule 3.14, there is no outstanding order, writ,
judgment, injunction, award or decree of any court, other Governmental Entity or
arbitrator against or affecting any of the Companies, their Subsidiaries,
Northern County, or any of the directors, officers, employees, assets or
Properties of any of them.

                                       30
<PAGE>
 
          (b)  Except as set forth in Schedule 3.14 hereto, there is no action,
suit, claim, proceeding or investigation pending or, to the Knowledge of the
Sellers, threatened against or affecting any of the Sellers by or before any
court, other Governmental Entity or arbitrator which, individually or in the
aggregate, is reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the ability
of any of the Sellers to execute and deliver this Agreement, perform its
obligations hereunder or consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
Except as set forth in Schedule 3.14 hereto, there is no outstanding order,
writ, judgment, injunction or decree of any court, other Governmental Entity or
arbitrator against or affecting any of the Sellers which, individually or in the
aggregate, is reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the ability
of any of the Sellers to execute and deliver this Agreement perform its
obligations hereunder or consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
          3.15  Compliance with Laws. Each of the Companies and their
                --------------------                                 
Subsidiaries (including Northern County) is in compliance with (a) the terms of
its certificate or articles of incorporation, by-laws or other charter or
organization documents, (b) all applicable laws, statutes, ordinances, rules,
regulations or other legal requirements, whether federal, state, local or
foreign, (c) all applicable orders, writs, judgments, injunctions, awards and
decrees of any court, other Governmental Entity or arbitrator and (d) its
Permits, except in the case of clauses (b) and (c) where the failure to comply
would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.
None of the Sellers, the Companies or their Subsidiaries (including Northern
County) has received notice of any violation by any of the Companies or their
Subsidiaries (including Northern County) of, or default by any of the Companies
or their Subsidiaries (including Northern County) under, its certificate or
articles of incorporation, by-laws or other charter or organization document,
any law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation or other legal requirement, any
order, writ, injunction, award or decree of any court, other Governmental Entity
or arbitrator, or any of its Permits, except for such violations or defaults
which would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse
Effect.

          3.16  Licenses and Permits.  Each of the Companies and their
                --------------------                                  
Subsidiaries (including Northern County) possesses all Permits necessary for the
ownership of its assets and Properties and the conduct of its businesses.
Schedule 3.16 hereto sets forth a true and complete list of all such Permits of
the Companies and their Subsidiaries (including Northern County), including the
jurisdictions in which any such Persons possess Permits to conduct insurance,
insurance

                                       31
<PAGE>
 
agency or brokerage and premium finance businesses.  The Sellers have heretofore
made available to the Purchaser true and complete copies of all such Permits as
currently in effect.  All such Permits are valid and in full force and effect.
There is no action, proceeding, inquiry or investigation pending or, to the
Knowledge of the Sellers, threatened for or contemplating the suspension,
modification, limitation, cancellation, revocation or nonrenewal of any such
Permit, and the Sellers have no Knowledge of any existing fact or circumstance
which (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) is reasonably likely to
result in the suspension, modification, limitation, cancellation, revocation or
nonrenewal of any such Permit.  To the Knowledge of the Sellers, assuming the
insurance regulatory authorities of the States of California and Texas approve
the transactions contemplated hereby, the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby will not result in the suspension, modification,
cancellation, revocation or nonrenewal of any such Permit.  None of the
Companies or their Subsidiaries (including Northern County) is engaged in any
insurance, insurance agency or brokerage or premium finance business in any
jurisdiction in which it is not duly authorized or qualified to transact such
business. Except for compliance with periodic renewal procedures, and assuming
the insurance regulatory authorities of the State of California and Texas
approve the transactions contemplated hereby, no approvals or authorizations are
required to permit the Companies, their Subsidiaries and Northern County to
continue its business as presently conducted, following the Closing.

          3.17  Regulatory Matters.  (a)  Except as set forth in Schedule 3.17
                ------------------                                            
hereto, each of the Companies and their Subsidiaries (including Northern County)
has filed all material reports, statements, registrations, applications, filings
or other documents and submissions required to be filed with, or provided to,
the California Department of Insurance, the Texas Department of Insurance or any
other Governmental Entity.  Except as set forth in Schedule 3.17, all such
reports, statements, registrations, applications, filings, documents and
submissions were in compliance in all material respects with all applicable law,
statutes, ordinances, rules or regulations when filed, and no material
deficiencies have been asserted by any Governmental Entity with respect thereto.
Except as set forth in the above-mentioned Schedule 3.14, there is no action,
proceeding, dispute, controversy, inquiry or investigation pending or, to the
Knowledge of the Sellers, threatened by any such Governmental Entity relating to
any of the Companies, their Subsidiaries or Northern County.

          (b)  Except for regular periodic assessments in the ordinary course of
business and except as set forth in

                                       32
<PAGE>
 
the above-mentioned Schedule 3.14, no claim or assessment is pending nor, to the
Knowledge of the Sellers, threatened against any of the Companies, their
Subsidiaries or Northern County by any state insurance guaranty association in
connection with that association's fund relating to insolvent insurers.

          (c)  The Sellers have furnished to the Purchaser true and complete
copies of all annual and quarterly statements filed with or submitted to any
state insurance regulatory authority and all reports of examinations (whether
financial, market conduct or other) issued by any state insurance regulatory
authorities in respect of any of the Companies or their Subsidiaries (including
Northern County) covering, in whole or in part, any period on or after January
1, 1990, together with true and complete copies of all written responses
submitted by or on behalf of any of the Sellers, the Companies or their
Affiliates in respect of any such report of examination.  In addition, the
Sellers have made, or have caused the Companies and their Subsidiaries and
Northern County to make, available to the Purchaser all files of the Sellers,
the Companies or their Subsidiaries (including Northern County) relating to
correspondence with insurance regulatory authorities and other Governmental
Entities.

          3.18  Policy Forms and Rates.  Except as set forth in Schedule 3.18,
                ----------------------                                        
all policies and Contracts of insurance, reinsurance or retrocessional coverage
issued by Valley Insurance, Charter Indemnity, Northern County or any of the
other Companies or their Subsidiaries which is an insurance company (each an
"Insurance Company" and collectively the "Insurance Companies") or which are
being issued by any such Insurance Company are in compliance (and at their
respective dates of issuance were in compliance) with all applicable laws and,
to the extent required under applicable laws, are on forms approved by
applicable insurance regulatory authorities and other Governmental Entities in
the jurisdiction where issued or have been filed with and not objected to by
such regulatory authorities and other Governmental Entities within the period
provided for objection.  Any premium rates with respect to policies and
Contracts of insurance, reinsurance or retrocession currently issued by any of
the Insurance Companies which are required to be filed with or approved by
insurance regulatory authorities or other Governmental Entities have been so
filed or approved and premiums charged conform thereto.  No outstanding policies
or Contracts of insurance, reinsurance or retrocession issued, underwritten,
reinsured or assumed by any of the Insurance Companies entitles the holder
thereof or any other Person to receive any dividends, distributions or other
benefits based on the revenues or

                                       33
<PAGE>
 
earnings of any of the Companies or their Subsidiaries (including Northern
County).

          3.19  Agents and Producers.  Schedule 3.19 hereto lists all agents,
                --------------------                                         
brokers, producers, managing general agents, underwriting managers and other
Persons through whom any of the Insurance Companies has written or sold any
insurance, reinsurance or retrocessional coverage since January 1, 1994, and who
were paid at least $25,000 in commissions by any of the Companies, their
Subsidiaries or Northern County during the year ended December 31, 1994,
including the total amount of commissions paid to such Persons in such year.
Each of the Companies, their Subsidiaries and Northern County generally enjoys
good relations with the Persons listed on Schedule 3.19 as a whole, and also
generally enjoys good relations with its other insurance agents, brokers,
producers and managing general agents as a whole.  To the Knowledge of the
Sellers, all Persons listed on Schedule 3.19 are duly licensed to act as agents,
brokers, producers or managing general agent in the jurisdictions where they
engage in such activities.  Except as set forth in Schedule 3.19, none of the
Companies, their Subsidiaries or Northern County is a party to any fronting or
similar arrangement to write or sell insurance or reinsurance for any other
insurer.

          3.20  Threats of Cancellation.  Except as set forth in Schedule 3.20
                -----------------------                                       
hereto, since January 1, 1995, no policyholder or group of policyholders under a
group policy, or agent, broker, producer or other Person writing, selling or
producing insurance, reinsurance or retrocessional coverage, which, individually
or in the aggregate together with other related policyholders, agents, brokers
and producers, accounted for one percent (1%) or more of the aggregate gross
premiums written by any of the Insurance Companies in the year ended December
31, 1994 has terminated or given written notice of termination of its
relationship with any of the Insurance Companies.  The Sellers have received no
notice that any such policyholder, group of policyholders, agent, broker,
producer or other such Person will or is reasonably likely to terminate such
relationship as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

          3.21  Reserves.  Schedule 3.21 hereto sets forth the respective
                --------                                                 
methodologies used by each of the Insurance Companies in establishing reserves
for claims, losses (including, without limitation, incurred but not reported
losses) and loss adjustment expenses (whether allocated or unallocated) as
reflected in each of the Statutory Statements.  All such reserves reflected in
such Statutory Statements (a) were computed in accordance with commonly accepted
actuarial standards consistently applied and were

                                       34
<PAGE>
 
fairly stated in accordance with sound actuarial principles, (b) were based on
actuarial assumptions which were in accordance with those called for in relevant
policy and contract provisions, and (c) met the requirements of all applicable
insurance laws, rules and regulations.  Such reserves were adequate to cover the
total amount of Liabilities under all outstanding policies and Contracts of
insurance, reinsurance and retrocession as of the dates of such Statutory
Statements (it being understood that no representation or warranty is made
herein to the effect that such reserves will in fact be adequate to cover the
actual amount of such Liabilities that are eventually paid after the date
hereof).  Each of the Insurance Companies owns assets that qualify as admitted
assets under applicable insurance laws in an amount at least equal to the sum of
such reserves plus its minimum statutory capital and surplus as required under
applicable insurance laws, rules and regulations.

          3.22  Reinsurance.  (a)  Schedule 3.22 hereto contains a true and
                -----------                                                
complete list of all Contracts, treaties or arrangements regarding reinsurance,
coinsurance, excess insurance, retrocession, ceding of insurance or assumption
of insurance ("Reinsurance Contracts") to which any of the Insurance Companies
is a party or by or to which any of them are bound or subject, as each such
Reinsurance Contract may have been amended, modified or supplemented.  Each of
the foregoing Reinsurance Contracts is valid and binding in accordance with its
terms, and is in full force and effect. None of the Insurance Companies nor, to
the Knowledge of the Sellers, any other party thereto is in default in any
material respect with respect to any such Reinsurance Contract, nor to the
Knowledge of the Sellers does any condition exist that with notice or lapse of
time or both would constitute such a material default thereunder.  Except as set
forth in Schedule 3.22, no such Reinsurance Contract contains any provision
providing that any such other party thereto may terminate, cancel or commute the
same by reason of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other
provision which would be altered or otherwise become applicable by reason of
such transactions, and no party has given notice of termination, cancellation or
commutation of any such Reinsurance Contract or that it intends to terminate,
cancel or commute any such Reinsurance Contract as a result of the transactions
contemplated hereby.

          (b)  Except as set forth in Schedule 3.22, each of the Insurance
Companies is entitled under applicable law to take full credit in its statutory
financial statements for all amounts recoverable by it pursuant to the
Reinsurance Contracts listed in such Schedule, and all such amounts recoverable
have been properly recorded in the books and records of account of the Insurance
Companies and are

                                       35
<PAGE>
 
properly reflected in the statutory financial statements of the Insurance
Companies (including, without limitation, those included in the Statutory
Statements).  The Sellers have no Knowledge that any such amounts are not fully
collectible in due course, and have no Knowledge of any disputes as to
reinsurance coverage under, or any terms or provisions of, any such Reinsurance
Contract.  To the Knowledge of the Sellers, the financial condition of any other
party to any such Reinsurance Contract is not impaired to the extent that a
default thereunder is reasonably anticipated.

          3.23  Contracts.  (a)  Schedule 3.23 contains a true and complete list
                ---------                                                       
of all of the following Contracts (excluding insurance policies issued by the
Insurance Companies in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice) to which any of the Companies or their Subsidiaries (including
Northern County) is a party or by or to which any of them or their assets or
Properties are or may be bound or subject, as each such Contract may have been
amended, modified or supplemented:

               (i)  all standard forms of agency and brokerage Contracts and all
     material deviations therefrom; and all agency, brokerage or other similar
     insurance sales or marketing Contracts which accounted for one percent (1%)
     or more of the aggregate gross written premiums of any of the Insurance
     Companies for the year ended December 31, 1994 or one percent (1%) or more
     of the aggregate revenues of any other Company or Subsidiary thereof in
     such year;

               (ii)  all Material underwriting management, third party
     administration, managing general agency, profit-sharing or similar
     Contracts (pursuant to which any underwriting, claims settlement or
     distribution authority is delegated);

               (iii)  partnership or joint venture Contracts;

               (iv)  Contracts containing any covenant or provision limiting the
     freedom or ability of any Person to engage in any line of business, engage
     in business in any geographical area or compete with any other Person;

               (v)  Contracts relating to the borrowing of money, or the direct
     or indirect guaranty of any obligation for, or Contract to service the
     repayment of, borrowed money or any other Liability in respect of
     indebtedness for borrowed money of any other Person, including, without
     limitation, any Contract relating to

                                       36
<PAGE>
 
     (A) the maintenance of compensating balances, (B) any lines of credit, (C)
     the advance of any funds to any other Person outside the ordinary course of
     business, (D) the payment for Property, products or services which are not
     conveyed, delivered or rendered to any such party, (E) any obligation to
     keep-well, make-whole or maintain working capital or earnings or perform
     similar requirements, or (F) the guaranty of any lease or other similar
     periodic payments to be made by any such other Person;

               (vi)  all lease, sublease, rental or other Contracts under which
     any of the Companies, their Subsidiaries or Northern County is a lessor or
     lessee of any real Property;

               (vii)  lease, sublease, rental, licensing, use or similar
     Contracts with respect to personal Property used by any of the Companies,
     their Subsidiaries or Northern County in the conduct of its business,
     operations or affairs and providing for annual rental or use payments in
     excess of $25,000;

               (viii)  Contracts for the purchase or sale of materials, supplies
     or equipment (including, without limitation, computer hardware and
     software), or the provision of services (including, without limitation,
     data processing services), involving annual payments of more than $25,000
     or containing any escalation, renegotiation or redetermination provisions,
     which Contracts are not terminable at will without liability, premium or
     penalty;

               (ix)  Contracts for the purchase, acquisition, sale or
     disposition of any assets or Properties outside the ordinary course of
     business or for the grant to any Person (including any of the Companies,
     their Subsidiaries and Northern County) of any option or preferential
     rights to purchase any assets or Properties;

               (x)  Contracts relating to the future disposition or acquisition
     of any investment or any interest in any Person, and all Contracts for the
     purchase of any security outside the ordinary course of business;

               (xi)  Contracts relating to licenses of trademarks, trade names,
     service marks or other similar Property rights;

               (xii)  employment and other Contracts with any current or former
     officer, director, employee,

                                       37
<PAGE>
 
     consultant, agent or other representative providing for compensation or
     other payments of $50,000 or more per annum (the name, position or capacity
     and rate of compensation of each such Person and the expiration date of
     each such Contract being accurately set forth in Schedule 3.23);

               (xiii)  collective bargaining agreements and any other Contracts
     with any labor union or association representing any employee;

               (xiv)  Contracts between or among (A) any of the Companies, their
     Subsidiaries and Northern County, on the one hand, and (B) any of the
     Sellers or their other Affiliates, or any of the officers or directors of
     any of the Sellers, the Companies, their Affiliates and Northern County, on
     the other hand ("Affiliate Agreements");

               (xv)  Contracts under which any of the Companies, their
     Subsidiaries or Northern County agrees to indemnify any Person;

               (xvi)  any powers of attorney granted by any of the Companies,
     their Subsidiaries or Northern County to any Person;

               (xvii)  Contracts pursuant to which there is either a current or
     future obligation or right of any of the Companies, their Subsidiaries or
     Northern County to make payments in excess of $100,000 in any twelve-month
     period (other than Contracts relating to investments of the Insurance
     Companies in the ordinary course of business); or

               (xviii)  any other Contracts which are Material.

          (b)  The Sellers have heretofore delivered or made available to the
Purchaser true and complete copies of all of the written Contracts required to
be set forth in Schedule 3.23 or in any other Schedule hereto.  Each such
Contract is valid and binding in accordance with its terms, and is in full force
and effect.  Except as specified in Schedule 3.23, none of the Companies or
their Subsidiaries (including Northern County) is in default in any material
respect with respect to any such Contract, nor does any condition exist that
with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute such a material default
thereunder.  Except as specified in Schedule 3.23, to the Knowledge of the
Sellers, no other party to any such Contract is in default in any material
respect with respect to any such Contract.  Except as set forth in Schedule
3.23, no such Contract

                                       38
<PAGE>
 
contains any provision providing that any such other party thereto may terminate
or cancel the same by reason of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
or any other provision which would be altered or otherwise become applicable by
reason of such transactions, and no party has given notice of termination or
cancellation of any such Contract or that it intends to terminate or cancel any
such Contract as a result of the transactions contemplated hereby.

          3.24  Property.  Schedule 3.24 contains a true and complete list
                --------                                                  
(designating the relevant owners, lessors and lessees) of (a) all real Property
owned or leased by any of the Companies or their Subsidiaries (including
Northern County) and all buildings and other structures located on such real
Property, and (b) all personal Property owned or leased by any such Person
which, in the case of clause (b) only, is material to any of the Companies or
their Subsidiaries (including Northern County).  The Properties owned or leased
by such Persons are sufficient to conduct the business and operations of such
Persons as currently conducted, and the foregoing personal Properties are in
sound operating condition and repair, normal wear and tear excepted.  Each of
the Companies and their Subsidiaries (including Northern County) has good and
marketable title to all of their respective assets and Properties, in each case
free and clear of any Lien or Encumbrance except (i) for assets and Properties
which have been disposed of in the ordinary course of business since March 31,
1995, (ii) as set forth in Schedule 3.24A and (iii) Liens or Encumbrances which
in the aggregate do not materially detract from the value of the assets or
Properties subject thereto (as carried on the most recent applicable Financial
Statements and financial statements included in the Statutory Statements) or
interfere with the present use of such assets or Properties.

          3.25  Intellectual Property.  Schedule 3.25 contains a true and
                ---------------------                                    
complete list of all trade names, trademarks, service marks, logos, copyrights,
patents, similar rights (including registrations and applications to register or
renew the registration of any of the foregoing), trade secrets, computer
software and other similar intellectual property rights ("Intellectual
Property") material to any of the Companies or their Subsidiaries (including
Northern County) in connection with the conduct of its business (excluding
computer software commercially available to the general public and readily
replaceable at costs not material to any of the Companies or their
Subsidiaries), including (a) whether such Intellectual Property is owned or
licensed thereby and (b) which of the foregoing Persons is the owner or licensee
of such Intellectual Property.  Each of the Companies and their

                                       39
<PAGE>
 
Subsidiaries (including Northern County) owns, or has registered or valid rights
to use, free and clear of any Lien or Encumbrance, all such Intellectual
Properties which are material to such Persons.  None of the Sellers, the
Companies or their Subsidiaries (including Northern County) has received written
notice that, and none of the Sellers have any Knowledge that, any of the
Companies, their Subsidiaries or Northern County is infringing or otherwise in
conflict with the rights of any other Person in respect of Intellectual
Property.  There is no Affiliate of the Sellers having a name including the
words "Valley", "Charter", "NCM", "Northern" or "Northern County" or any
derivation or variation thereof, or substantially resembling or confusingly
similar in whole or in part to, the name of any of the Companies or their
Subsidiaries (including Northern County).

          3.26  Investments.  Schedule 3.26 contains (a) a true and complete
                -----------                                                 
list of all securities and other investments owned by each of the Companies and
their Subsidiaries (including Northern County) as of the end of the most recent
calendar month, including the date of purchase, book value or amortized cost,
market value and carrying value thereof on the books and records of account of
such Persons as of such date and (b) a written statement of the current
investment programs (which contain the investment policies and guidelines) of
each such Person (the "Investment Guidelines").  Except as set forth in Schedule
3.26, none of the securities and other investments owned by such Persons is in
default in the payment of principal or interest or dividends.  All such
securities and other investments substantially comply with the Investment
Guidelines and all insurance laws and regulations of each of the jurisdictions
to which the Companies and their Subsidiaries (including Northern County) are
subject with respect thereto.

          3.27  Accounts Receivable.  The accounts receivable (including,
                -------------------                                      
without limitation, premium receivables) of the Companies and their Subsidiaries
(including Northern County) as reflected in the most recent Financial Statements
and Statutory Statements, to the extent uncollected on the date hereof, and the
accounts receivable reflected on the books and records of account of such
Persons as of the end of the month immediately preceding the date hereof and as
will be reflected at the end of the month immediately preceding the Closing
Date, are and will be valid and existing and represent and will represent monies
due, and each of the Companies and their Subsidiaries (including Northern
County) has established and will establish reserves reasonably considered
adequate for receivables not collectible in the ordinary course of business, and
(subject to the aforesaid reserves) no

                                       40
<PAGE>
 
material amounts are subject to refunds or other adjustments or to any defenses,
rights of setoff, assignments, restrictions, encumbrances or conditions
enforceable by third parties on or affecting them, except for such refunds or
other adjustments arising from policy cancellations in the ordinary course of
business as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse
Effect.

          3.28  Employee Benefit Plans.  (a) Schedule 3.28 contains a true and
                ----------------------                                        
complete list of all Plans.  The Sellers have delivered or made available to the
Purchaser, or will deliver or make available to the Purchaser prior to Closing,
true and complete copies of the following documents, as they may have been
amended to the date hereof, embodying or relating to the Plans: (i) each of the
Plans listed in Schedule 3.28, including all amendments thereto, any related
trust agreements, group annuity contracts, insurance policies or other funding
agreements or arrangements; (ii) the most recent determination letter, if any,
as to qualification under section 401(a) or 403(a) of the Code received from the
IRS with respect to each of the Plans; (iii) the actuarial valuation, if any,
prepared with respect to each of the Plans for the three most recent plan years;
(iv) the current summary plan description, if any, for each of the Plans; and
(v) the annual return/report on Form 5500, 5500-C or 5500-R, if any, for each of
the Plans for the three most recent plan years.

          (b)  Except as shown on Schedule 3.28, since December 31, 1994, none
of the Companies or their Subsidiaries (including Northern County) has adopted,
entered into, or amended any Plan, or made any change in the actuarial methods
or assumptions used in funding any defined benefit pension plan, or made any
change in the assumptions or factors used in determining benefit equivalencies
thereunder, in each case other than as required by the applicable Plan or in
accordance with Contracts expressly identified elsewhere in this Agreement.

          (c)  Except as set forth in Schedule 3.28: (i) the written terms of
each of the Plans and any related trust agreement, group annuity contract,
insurance policy or other funding arrangement are in compliance with the
applicable requirements, if any, of ERISA and the Code, and each of the Plans
has been administered in compliance with such requirements and in accordance
with its terms and the provisions of any applicable collective bargaining
agreements and the terms of each plan may be enforced by the Companies and
Northern County and any changes in plan terms or benefits are and have been
permitted by law, Contract and plan terms; (ii) all contributions which were due
and payable on or before the Closing Date to the Plans have been made in full
and in proper form, and adequate accruals have

                                       41
<PAGE>
 
been provided for in the financial statements of the Companies and their
Subsidiaries (including Northern County) for all other contributions or amounts
as may be required to be paid to the Plans with respect to the periods which
include the Closing Date or ended prior thereto and in the case of any plan
years including the Closing Date, for the portion of such contributions or
amounts, including contributions or amounts required to provide for the payment
of claims for workers' compensation, weekly indemnity, life, hospital, medical,
surgical and dental benefits which arise, within the meaning of any of the
Plans, prior to the Closing Date and are payable under the terms and conditions
thereof; (iii) none of the Companies or their Subsidiaries (including  Northern
County) have made or agreed to make, nor are any of them required (in order to
bring any of the Plans into substantial compliance with the applicable
requirements, if any, of ERISA and the Code) to make, any change in benefits
which would materially increase the costs of maintaining any of the Plans; (iv)
no "disqualified person" or "party in interest" (as defined in section 4975 of
the Code and section 3(14) of ERISA, respectively) with respect to any Plan has
engaged in any "prohibited transaction," as such term is defined in section 4975
of the Code or section 406 of ERISA, for which there was not available an
exemption or which could subject any of the Companies, their Subsidiaries or
Northern County to the tax or penalty imposed under section 4975 of the Code or
Title I of ERISA; (v) each of the Plans for which any of the Companies, their
Subsidiaries or Northern County has claimed a deduction under section 404 of the
Code, as if such Plan were qualified under section 401(a) or 403(a) of the Code,
has received a favorable determination letter from the IRS as to the tax
qualification of such Plan, and such favorable determination has not been
modified, revoked or limited by failure to satisfy any condition thereof or by a
subsequent amendment to, or failure to amend, or by operation of such Plan, and
an application for a determination letter that such Plan satisfies the
requirements of sections 401(a)(4) and 410(b) of the Code has been filed under
the procedures established by IRS Revenue Procedure 93-39, as modified; (vi)
there are no actions, suits, disputes, arbitrations or claims (other than
routine claims for benefits) or legal, administrative or other proceedings or
governmental investigations pending or, to the Knowledge of the Sellers,
threatened against any Plan or against the assets of any Plan; (vii) no Plan and
no employee benefit plan (as that term is defined in section 3(3) of ERISA)
sponsored by a member of a controlled group including any of the Companies or
their Subsidiaries (including Northern County) which is subject to Part III of
Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA or section 412 of the Code has incurred any
"accumulated funding deficiency" (as defined in section 412(a) of the Code),
whether or not waived; (viii) no Plan which is subject to Title IV of ERISA

                                       42
<PAGE>
 
has been terminated and, to the Knowledge of the Sellers, no proceeding has been
initiated to terminate any Plan or to terminate any employee benefit plan (as
that term is defined in section 3(3) of ERISA) sponsored by a member of a
controlled group including any of the Companies or their Subsidiaries (including
Northern County), and each of the Companies and their Subsidiaries (including
Northern County) has paid all premiums (and interest charges and penalties for
late payment), if any, due the PBGC as of the Closing Date with respect to the
Plans and none of the Companies, their Subsidiaries or Northern County has
incurred, or reasonably expects to incur, any liability to the PBGC, to a
"Section 4042 trustee" (within the meaning of section 4042 of ERISA), or any
liability under section 4069 of ERISA, except for required premium payments to
the PBGC; (ix) to the Knowledge of the Sellers, each of the Companies, their
Subsidiaries and Northern County has satisfied any bond coverage requirement of
ERISA and all reporting and disclosure obligations under ERISA and the Code with
respect to each of the Plans and the related trust, group annuity contract,
insurance policy or other funding arrangement; (x) no "reportable event" within
the meaning of section 4043(b)(1)-(9) of ERISA has occurred with respect to any
Plan subject to ERISA (other than those with respect to which the reporting
requirement is waived by rule or regulations promulgated by the PBGC and those
which may result from the transactions contemplated by this Agreement); (xi) no
Plan currently maintained by any of the Companies or their Subsidiaries
(including Northern County), and no other employee benefit plan within the
meaning of section 3(3) of ERISA under which any of the Companies or their
Subsidiaries (including Northern County) has any liabilities or other
obligations is, or was, a "multiple employer plan" within the meaning of section
413(c) of the Code or ERISA or the regulations promulgated thereunder, or a
"multi-employer plan" as defined in section 3(37) of ERISA; (xii) the present
value of all accrued benefits (whether or not vested) under each Plan and each
employee benefit plan (as that term is defined in section 3(3) of ERISA)
sponsored by a member of a controlled group including any of the Sellers, the
Companies or their Subsidiaries (including Northern County) subject to Title IV
of ERISA did not exceed, as of the most recent Plan valuation date, and will not
exceed, as of the Closing Date, the then current fair market value of the assets
of such Plan; (xiii) no Plan is a welfare benefit fund within the meaning of
Code (S) 419(e); and (xiv) the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
(other than Section 5.10) will not increase any benefit or accelerate the
vesting or payment of any benefit. For purposes of determining the present value
of accrued benefits under the Plans and the existence of any "accumulated
funding deficiency" as used in this Section

                                       43
<PAGE>
 
3.27, the actuarial assumptions and methods used under each Plan for the most
recent Plan valuation shall be used.

          3.29  Employee Relations.  No strike, picket, work stoppage, work
                ------------------                                         
slowdown, lockout, labor dispute, material labor arbitration or grievance or
other labor trouble, and no application for certification of a collective
bargaining agent, is pending or, to the Knowledge of the Sellers, threatened
against or affecting any of the Companies or their Subsidiaries (including
Northern County).  No employees of any of the Companies or their Subsidiaries
(including Northern County) are covered by any collective bargaining agreement
or any other Contract with any labor union or association.  Each of the
Companies and their Subsidiaries (including Northern County) has complied in all
material respects with all laws, statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations
relating to the employment and safety of labor, including provisions relating to
wages, hours, benefits, collective bargaining, the payment of social security
and similar Taxes, workers' compensation, civil rights, and all applicable
occupational safety and health acts and regulations.

          3.30  Officers, Directors and Key Employees.  Schedule 3.30 hereto set
                -------------------------------------                           
forth (a) the name and total compensation (payable by any of the Companies or
their Subsidiaries, including Northern County) of each officer and director of
each of the Companies, their Subsidiaries and Northern County and of each other
employee thereof whose total compensation (so payable) for the year ended
December 31, 1994 equaled or exceeded $50,000, or who will receive compensation
for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1995 equal to or in excess of $50,000,
(b) all bonuses and other incentive compensation received by such Persons since
January 1, 1994, and any accrual for such bonuses and incentive compensation,
and (c) all Contracts or commitments by the Companies, their Subsidiaries and
Northern County to increase the compensation or to modify the conditions or
terms of employment of any of their respective officers or directors, or
employees whose total compensation exceeds $50,000 per annum.  To the Knowledge
of the Sellers, none of the officers and directors of any of the Companies,
their Affiliates or Northern County, nor any member of any such Person's
immediately family, is directly or indirectly a party to any Contract or
arrangement with any of the Companies, their Subsidiaries or Northern County
providing for the furnishing of services by, the purchase, acquisition, lease or
rental of Property from, or otherwise requiring payments to any such officer,
director or family member (other than for service in such respective
capacities).

                                       44
<PAGE>
 
          3.31  Insurance.  Schedule 3.31 contains a true and complete list of
                ---------                                                     
all liability, property and casualty, workers compensation, directors and
officers liability, surety bonds (other than appeal bonds with respect to policy
claims in the ordinary course of business), key man or corporate owned life
insurance, vehicular and other insurance policies and Contracts (including the
insurers, types of coverage, expiration dates, annual premiums, coverage limits,
deductibles or self-insured or net retentions and other material terms thereof,
and the aggregate amounts paid thereunder and any pending claim thereunder in
excess of $50,000) that insure the business, operations, directors, officers,
employees, assets, Properties or affairs of any of the Companies or their
Subsidiaries (including Northern County) or are held by or on behalf of any of
them.  All such insurance policies and Contracts are valid and binding in
accordance with their terms and will remain in full force and effect at all
times until the Closing.  To the Knowledge of the Sellers, no party to any such
insurance policy or Contract is in default with respect thereto, nor does any
condition exist that with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute such
a default by any party thereunder.  To the Knowledge of the Sellers, none of the
Companies or their Subsidiaries (including Northern County) has failed to give
any notice or present any claim under any such insurance policy or Contract in
due or timely fashion or as required thereby in a manner which may jeopardize
full recovery thereunder.  To the Knowledge of the Sellers, all such insurance
policies and Contracts provide coverage in amounts and upon terms that are, in
all material respects, reasonable and adequate for Persons having similar
businesses, operations, Properties and locales as those of the Companies and
their Subsidiaries (including Northern County).

          3.32  Tax Matters.  (a)  Skandia U.S. is the "common parent" of an
                -----------                                                 
"affiliated group" of corporations (as those terms are used in section 1504(a)
of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated under section 1502 of the
Code) that includes each of the Companies and their Subsidiaries (excluding
Northern County) (the "Sellers Group").  The Sellers Group was and is eligible
to file a consolidated federal income Tax Return for each Taxable Period ending
on or before the date hereof for which the statute of limitations for the
assessment of an income Tax has not lapsed; and each of the Companies and their
Subsidiaries (excluding Northern County) will be eligible to file a consolidated
federal income Tax Return with the Sellers Group for their Taxable Period ending
on the Closing Date.

          (b)  All material Tax Returns required to be filed with respect to the
Companies and their Subsidiaries for all

                                       45
<PAGE>
 
Taxable Periods ending on or before the date hereof have been timely filed
(taking into account extensions of time to file).  All such Tax Returns: (i)
were prepared in the manner required by applicable law; (ii) are true, correct,
and complete in all material respects; and (iii) reflect the liability for Taxes
of the Companies and their Subsidiaries for the Taxable Periods comprised in
such Tax Returns.  All Taxes shown to be payable on such Tax Returns, and all
assessments of Tax made with respect to such Tax Returns, have been paid when
due.  Except as set forth in Schedule 3.32(b), none of the Companies or their
Subsidiaries is required to file or join in the filing of a consolidated,
combined, unitary or group income, franchise, or premium Tax Return except the
consolidated federal income Tax Return of the Sellers Group.

          (c)  All Taxes of each of the Companies and their Subsidiaries for all
Taxable Periods or portions thereof ending on or before the date of each
Financial Statement and Interim Financial Statement (and, with respect to
Northern County, the Northern County Statutory Statements) have been paid or
adequately provided for in a reserve account, which includes deferred Tax assets
and liabilities (the "Tax Reserve"), set forth on each such statement.  Such
Taxes paid or provided for include those Taxes for which a Company or one of its
Subsidiaries may be liable in its own right or as the transferee of the assets
of, or as successor to, any other corporation, association, partnership, joint
venture, or other entity.  Schedule 3.32(c) lists, for each of the Companies and
their Subsidiaries, each Tax accrued in the Tax Reserve of the Financial
Statement of such corporation dated December 31, 1994, and, with respect to
Northern County, the Northern County Statutory Statement dated December 31,
1994.

          (d)  Each of the Companies and their Subsidiaries has timely withheld
from its employees, customers and other payees (and timely paid) all amounts
required to be withheld and paid by the Tax withholding provisions of applicable
federal, state, local and foreign laws, statutes, rules and regulations
(including, without limitation, income, social security, and employment tax
withholding for all types of compensation, and withholding on payments to non-
United States Persons) for all payments made through the date hereof.

          (e)  Schedule 3.32(e) sets forth, for each Taxable Period ending
during the three-year period beginning January 1, 1992, and ended December 31,
1994, all jurisdictions in which any of the Companies or their Subsidiaries (i)
has filed an income, franchise or premium Tax Return or (ii) has been included
in a consolidated, combined, group, or unitary income, franchise or premium Tax

                                       46
<PAGE>
 
Return.  Except as set forth in Schedule 3.32(e), none of the Companies or their
Subsidiaries has waived or extended any statute of limitations for the
assessment or collection of Taxes of any of the Companies or their Subsidiaries,
and no request for any such waiver or extension is currently pending.

          (f)  To the Knowledge of the Sellers, there is no power of attorney
currently in force granted by or for any of the Companies or their Subsidiaries
with respect to any Taxes.

          (g)  Except for the Tax Allocation Agreement dated January 1, 1990, as
amended, there is no Contract or agreement under which any of the Companies or
their Subsidiaries has, or may at any time in the future have, an obligation to
assume, share, or contribute to the payment of any portion of a Tax (or any
amount calculated with reference to any portion of a Tax) determined on a
consolidated, combined, group, or unitary basis with respect to an affiliated
group or other group of corporations of which any of the Companies or their
Subsidiaries is or was a member.

          (h)  None of the Companies or their Subsidiaries is a party to any
contract, agreement, plan, or arrangement, which, individually or collectively
with respect to any Person, could give rise to the payment of any amount that
would not be deductible by any of the Companies or their Subsidiaries by reason
of section 280G of the Code.

          (i)  To the Knowledge of the Sellers, the Companies and their
Subsidiaries have made all payments of estimated Taxes required to be made under
the Code and any state, local or foreign law.  No penalties or other charges are
or will become due with respect to the late filing of any Tax Return of the
Companies or their Subsidiaries required to be filed on or before the Closing
Date.

          (j)  During the period that they have been members of the Sellers
Group (or affiliated with the Sellers in the case of Northern County), none of
the Companies or their Subsidiaries has received or requested any Tax Ruling or
entered into any Tax Closing Agreement with any taxing authority (foreign or
domestic).

          (k)  No action, suit, proceeding, investigation, arbitration, audit,
claim or assessment is presently pending or, to the Knowledge of the Sellers,
proposed to be asserted or commenced by any taxing authority with regard to any
Taxes that relate to the Companies or their Subsidiaries for which any of them
may be liable.  No issue has arisen in any examination of any of the Companies
or their Subsidiaries by

                                       47
<PAGE>
 
any taxing authority that, if raised with respect to the same or substantially
similar facts arising in any other period not so examined, would result in a
deficiency for such other period, if upheld.

          (l)  No election under any of sections 108, 168, 338, 441, 472, 1017,
1033 or 4977 of the Code (or any predecessor provisions) is in effect with
respect to any of the Companies or their Subsidiaries.  None of the assets of
the Companies or their Subsidiaries is an asset or property that is required to
be treated as being (i) owned by any Person other than the Companies or their
Subsidiaries, as the case may be, pursuant to the provisions of section
168(f)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended and in effect
immediately before the enactment of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, or (ii) tax-
exempt use property within the meaning of section 168(h)(1) of the Code.

          (m)  Except as set forth on Schedule 3.32(m), (i) none of the
Companies or their Subsidiaries is required to make any adjustment pursuant to
section 481 of the Code (or any similar provision of other laws or regulations)
by reason of a change in accounting method or otherwise, (ii) neither the IRS
nor any other taxing authority has proposed any such adjustment or change in
accounting method which proposal is currently pending, and (iii) none of the
Companies or their Subsidiaries has an application pending with any taxing
authority requesting permission for any change in accounting method that relates
to its business or operations.

          (n)  Skandia America is not a "foreign person" within the meaning of
section 1445(f)(3) of the Code and Treasury Regulations section 1.1445-
2(b)(2)(i) (or any corresponding provision of state, local or foreign Tax law).
The Purchaser will not be required to deduct or withhold any amount pursuant to
section 1445 of the Code upon the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby.

          (o)  With respect to the Companies and their Subsidiaries, Schedule
3.32(o) contains a list of all countries, states, provinces, cities,
territories, and other jurisdictions (whether foreign or domestic) in which any
of such Persons is required to file a Tax Return or currently is subject to a
Tax.  There is no unresolved claim by a taxing authority in any jurisdiction
where any of the Companies or their Subsidiaries does not file Tax Returns that
any of them is or may be subject to taxation by such jurisdiction.

          (p)  There are no liens for Taxes (other than for Taxes not yet due
and payable) upon the assets of any of the Companies or their Subsidiaries.

                                       48
<PAGE>
 
          (q)  None of the Companies or their Subsidiaries has disposed of any
property in any transaction currently being accounted for under the installment
method pursuant to section 453 of the Code.

          (r)  None of the Companies or their Subsidiaries has participated in
or cooperated with an "international boycott" within the meaning of section 999
of the Code.  None of the Companies or their Subsidiaries has filed a consent
under section 341(f)(1) of the Code or any comparable provision of state revenue
statutes, or agreed under section 341(f)(3) of the Code to have the provisions
of section 341(f)(2) of the Code applied to the sale of its capital stock.

          (s)  None of the Companies or their Subsidiaries is a partner or a
member of any partnership or joint venture, or any other entity classified as a
partnership for federal income tax purposes.

          (t)  Except as provided in Schedule 3.32(t), the Companies and their
Subsidiaries (excluding Northern County) have no deferred intercompany gains or
losses as defined in Treasury Regulations section 1.1502-13 (nor any gains or
losses treated as deferred intercompany gains or losses for income tax
purposes).

          (u)  Schedule 3.32(u) hereto sets forth the individual tax bases of
the assets of the Companies and their Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1994,
other than the tax bases of the stock of the Companies' Subsidiaries.

          (v)  Except as set forth in Schedule 3.32(v) none of the Companies or
their Subsidiaries is liable under Treasury Regulations section 1.1502-6 for the
federal income Tax of any corporation other than the members of the Sellers
Group or the members of a consolidated return group for which a Company was the
common parent.

          (w)  The Companies and their Subsidiaries have (i) timely paid all
guaranty fund assessments that are due, or claimed or asserted by any insurance
regulatory authority to be due, from such entities or (ii) provided for all such
assessments in the Financial Statements or Interim Financial Statements.

          3.33  Environmental Matters.  To the Knowledge of the Sellers, each of
                ---------------------                                           
the Companies and their Subsidiaries (including Northern County) is in
compliance with all Environmental Laws, the failure to comply with which could
have a Material Adverse Effect.  None of the Sellers, the Companies or their
Subsidiaries (including Northern County) have received notice of any material
violation by any of the

                                       49
<PAGE>
 
Companies or their Subsidiaries (including Northern County) of, or material
default by the same under, any Environmental Law, and the Sellers have no
Knowledge of any existing facts or circumstances that are likely to result in
any such violation or default.  There is no action, suit, claim, proceeding or
investigation pending or, to the Knowledge of the Sellers, threatened against
any of the Companies or their Subsidiaries (including Northern County) that
alleges or would allege any violation of any Environmental Law.

          3.34  Bank Accounts.  Schedule 3.34 contains a true and complete list
                -------------                                                  
of (a) the names and locations of all banks, trust companies, securities brokers
and other financial institutions at which any of the Companies or their
Subsidiaries (including Northern County) has an account or safe deposit box or
maintains a banking, custodial, trading or other similar relationship, (b) a
true and complete list and description of each such account, box and
relationship and (c) the name of every Person authorized to draw thereon or
having access thereto.

          3.35  No Brokers.  No broker, finder or investment banker has been
                ----------                                                  
retained or engaged on behalf of any of the Sellers, the Companies, Northern
County or any Affiliate of any of them or is entitled to any brokerage, finder's
or other fee, compensation or commission from any such Person in connection with
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

          3.36  Full Disclosure.  The Sellers, the Companies and the
                ---------------                                     
Subsidiaries of the Companies (including Northern County) have complied in good
faith with all requests of the Purchaser and its representatives for documents,
papers and information relating to the Companies and their Subsidiaries
(including Northern County) in connection with the transactions contemplated
hereby, and have not knowingly withheld any document, paper or other information
requested by the Purchaser or any of its representatives in connection
therewith.  No representation or warranty by any of the Sellers contained in
this Agreement (including the Exhibits and Schedules hereto), or in any
documents or papers furnished to the Purchaser by or on behalf of any of the
Sellers, the Companies or their Subsidiaries (including Northern County)
pursuant to this Agreement, contains any untrue statement of a material fact by
any of them or omits to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements contained therein by any of them, in light of
the circumstances under which it was made, not false or misleading.

                                       50
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE IV

                REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER

          The Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Sellers as
follows:

          4.1  Organization of the Purchaser.  The Purchaser is a corporation
               -----------------------------                                 
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
State of Delaware and has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute
and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

          4.2  Authorization, Validity and Enforceability. The execution,
               ------------------------------------------                
delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Purchaser and the consummation
of the transactions contemplated hereby by the Purchaser have been duly and
validly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the
Purchaser and no other corporate proceeding on the part of the Purchaser is
necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated hereby.  This
Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Purchaser and constitutes
the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Purchaser, enforceable against
the Purchaser in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be
limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar laws affecting
creditors' rights generally and except as rights to specific enforcement may be
limited by the application of equitable principles (whether such equitable
principles are applied in a proceeding at law or in equity).

          4.3  No Conflicts.  Assuming the Consents contemplated by clauses (a)
               ------------                                                    
through (c) of Section 4.4 are duly made, obtained or given (as the case may
be), the execution and delivery by the Purchaser of this Agreement, the
performance by the Purchaser of its obligations hereunder and the consummation
of the transactions contemplated hereby do not and will not conflict with,
result in any breach or violation of, constitute a default under (or an event
which with the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both would constitute a
default under), (a) the certificate of incorporation, by-laws or other charter
or organization documents of the Purchaser, (b) any Contract to which the
Purchaser is a party or by or to which it or its assets or Properties may be
bound or subject, (c) any applicable order, writ, judgment, injunction, award,
decree, law, statute, ordinance, rule or regulation or (d) any material Permit
of the Purchaser, other than, in the case of 

                                       51
<PAGE>
 
clause (b) only, any conflict, breach, violation or default which would not,
individually or in the aggregate together with all such other conflicts,
breaches, violations or defaults, have a material adverse effect on the ability
of the Purchaser to execute and deliver this Agreement, perform its obligations
hereunder or consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

          4.4  Consents and Approvals.  Except (a) as required under the HSR
               ----------------------                                       
Act, (b) as required under the insurance laws of the States of California,
Oregon and Texas and (c) as set forth in Schedule 4.4 hereto, no Consent of any
Governmental Entity or other Person is necessary to be obtained, made or given
by the Purchaser in connection with the execution and delivery by the Purchaser
of this Agreement, the performance by the Purchaser of its obligations hereunder
and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

          4.5  Legal Proceedings.  Except as set forth in Schedule 4.5 hereto,
               -----------------                                              
there is no action, suit, claim, proceeding or investigation pending or, to the
Knowledge of the Purchaser, threatened against or affecting the Purchaser by or
before any court, other Governmental Entity or arbitrator which, individually or
in the aggregate, is reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the
ability of the Purchaser to execute and deliver this Agreement, perform its
obligations hereunder or consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
Except as set forth in Schedule 4.5, there is no outstanding order, writ,
judgment, injunction, award or decree of any court, other Governmental Entity or
arbitrator against or affecting the Purchaser which, individually or in the
aggregate, is reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the ability
of the Purchaser to execute and deliver this Agreement, perform its obligations
hereunder or consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
          4.6  Investment Intent.  The Shares will be acquired by the Purchaser
               -----------------                                               
for its own account without a view to a distribution or resale thereof, it being
understood that the Purchaser shall have the right to sell or otherwise dispose
of any of the Shares pursuant to a registration or an exemption therefrom under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any applicable state securities
laws.

          4.7  No Brokers.  No broker, finder or investment banker has been
               ----------                                                  
retained or engaged on behalf of the Purchaser or is entitled to any brokerage,
finder's or other fee, compensation or commission from the Purchaser in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                                       52
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE V

                                   COVENANTS

          5.1  Conduct of Business.  (a)  From the date hereof to and including
               -------------------                                             
the Closing Date, the Sellers will cause the Companies and their Subsidiaries
(including Northern County) to (i) conduct their operations in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practice and use their best efforts to
preserve intact their business organizations, goodwill and Permits, to keep
available the services of their officers and employees and to maintain existing
relationships with customers, policyholders, managers, agents, brokers,
distributors, suppliers and others having business dealings with any of them,
(ii) maintain insurance coverages and their books, records and accounts in the
usual manner consistent with prior practice, (iii) comply in all material
respects with all laws, statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations of
Governmental Entities applicable to them, (iv) maintain and keep its Properties
and equipment in good repair, working order and condition, normal wear and tear
excepted, and (v) perform in all material respects its obligations under all
Contracts and commitments to which it is a party or by or to which it is bound
or subject.

          (b)  From the date hereof to and including the Closing Date, the
Sellers will not permit any of the Companies or their Subsidiaries (including
Northern County) to directly or indirectly (i) amend or modify its certificate
or articles of incorporation, by-laws or other charter or organization
documents, (ii) except as expressly required hereby, authorize for issuance,
issue, sell, deliver or agree or commit to issue, sell or deliver (whether
through the issuance or granting of options, warrants, call, commitments,
subscriptions, rights to purchase or otherwise) any stock of any class or series
or any other equity interest, or any bonds, debentures, notes, surplus notes,
debt instruments, evidences of indebtedness or other securities of any kind,
including, without limitation, any stock options or stock appreciation rights,
(iii) split, combine or reclassify any shares of its capital stock, or declare,
pay or set aside any sum for any dividend or other distribution (whether in
cash, stock or Property, any combination thereof or otherwise) in respect of its
capital stock, or redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire (or agree to redeem,
purchase or otherwise acquire) any Common Stock or any of its other securities
or any securities of its Subsidiaries, (iv) adopt a plan of complete or partial
liquidation, dissolution, rehabilitation, merger, consolidation, restructuring,
recapitalization, demutualization, redomestication or other reorganization, (v)
make any material change in any financial reporting,

                                       53
<PAGE>
 
Tax, accounting, actuarial or reserving methods or practices or in the
Investment Guidelines, (vi) make any Tax election or settle or compromise any
federal, state, local or foreign income Tax liability either not in accordance
with past practice or which would have a Material Adverse Effect, (vii) purchase
or sell securities or other investments, or invest or reinvest income and
proceeds in respect thereof, other than in accordance with the Investment
Guidelines and applicable law, (viii) contribute to any Plan amounts in excess
of normal and ordinary contributions, determined in the case of a defined
benefit plan in accordance with the actuarial assumptions and methodologies used
in the most recent formal annual actuarial valuation of the plan, or accelerate
any contribution or payment to or on behalf of any Plan, or accelerate any
payment to be made under any Plan, or adopt a new Plan, amend any Plan or permit
any Plan to enter into any Contract, insurance arrangement or funding obligation
to increase present or future benefits or the present or future cost of
providing benefits, or (ix) without the prior written consent of the Purchaser,
take any of the other actions described in Section 3.13(b) or take any action,
or omit to do any act, that individually or in the aggregate would, or would be
reasonably likely to, result in (A) any of the representations and warranties
set forth in Article III of this Agreement not being true in all material
respects (or, in the case of any such representations or warranties which are
qualified as to materiality, true in all respects) or (B) any of the conditions
set forth in Articles VI and VII not being satisfied or (C) any breach of any
covenant or obligation hereunder or (D) a Material Adverse Effect.

          5.2  Access to Information; Consultation; Confidentiality.  (a)  From
               ----------------------------------------------------            
the date hereof until the Closing, the Sellers will, and will cause each of the
Companies, their Subsidiaries and Northern County to, (i) allow the Purchaser
and its officers, employees, counsel, accountants, consultants and other
authorized representatives ("Representatives") to have reasonable access to the
books, records, Contracts, facilities, management and personnel of the
Companies, their Subsidiaries and Northern County, (ii) furnish promptly to the
Purchaser and its Representatives all information and documents concerning the
Companies, their Subsidiaries and Northern County as the Purchaser or its
Representatives may reasonably request, and (iii) cause the respective officers,
employees and Representatives of the Sellers, the Companies, their Subsidiaries
and Northern County to cooperate in good faith with the Purchaser and its
Representatives in connection with all such access.  In addition, the Sellers
will, and will cause each of the Companies and their Subsidiaries (including
Northern County) to, use reasonable efforts to consult with the Purchaser a
reasonable period of

                                       54
<PAGE>
 
time prior to entering into any transaction or arrangement or taking any action
which is Material, in a manner which will allow the Purchaser a reasonable
opportunity to evaluate and present its views to the Sellers regarding such
transaction, arrangement or action (it being understood that the Sellers, the
Companies and their Subsidiaries shall have the sole authority to make all final
decisions with respect thereto prior to the Closing).  No investigation or
review by the Purchaser or any of its Representatives shall affect or be deemed
to modify any of the representations, warranties, covenants or agreements of the
Sellers under this Agreement or otherwise; it being understood that,
notwithstanding any right of the Purchaser fully to investigate the affairs of
the Companies and their Subsidiaries (including Northern County), and
notwithstanding any knowledge of facts determined or determinable by the
Purchaser pursuant to any such investigation or right of investigation, the
Purchaser has the right to rely fully upon the representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements of the Sellers contained in this Agreement.

          (b)  All information and documents provided under this Section 5.2
shall be kept confidential by the Purchaser and its Representatives, unless any
such information or documents (i) is or becomes generally available to the
public (other than as a result of a disclosure by the Purchaser or any of its
Representatives), (ii) was already known by or available on a non-confidential
basis to the Purchaser prior to being furnished by or on behalf of the Sellers,
the Companies and their Subsidiaries (including Northern County) hereunder, or
(iii) is or becomes available to the Purchaser from a third party not bound by
any contractual obligation to the Sellers, the Companies and their Subsidiaries
(including Northern County) to keep such information confidential.  In the event
of the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1, the Purchaser
will, upon the request of the Sellers, promptly deliver to the Sellers all
written information and documents provided under Section 5.2(a) in the
possession of the Purchaser or any of its personnel, including all copies,
reproductions, summaries, analyses and extracts thereof or based thereon.

          5.3  Cooperation and Reasonable Best Efforts.  Subject to the terms
               ---------------------------------------                       
and conditions hereof, (a) each of the parties hereto shall cooperate with each
other, and the Sellers will cause the Companies, their Subsidiaries and Northern
County to cooperate with the Purchaser, in connection with consummating the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Exhibits hereto (including,
without limitation, the extension of the Northern County Management Contract as
contemplated by Section 6.10 and the subrogation rights of Skandia Ltd contained
in section 4 of

                                       55
<PAGE>
 
the Northern County Guaranty), and (b) each of the parties hereto agrees to, and
the Sellers will cause each of the Companies and their Subsidiaries (including
Northern County), to, use its reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be
taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper
or advisable under applicable laws and regulations to consummate and make
effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including, without
limitation, the foregoing extension of the Northern County Management Contract).
For purposes of this Section 5.3, the covenant of the parties to use their
"reasonable best efforts" shall not require any party to (i) incur any
unreasonable expenses, (ii) agree to materially limit the conduct of its
business or (iii) divest itself of any material assets or Properties, in each
case except as otherwise contemplated hereunder.

          5.4  Consents and Approvals.  As soon as practicable after the
               ----------------------                                   
execution of this Agreement, each of the parties hereto shall, and the Sellers
shall cause the Companies and their Subsidiaries (including Northern County to,
use its reasonable best efforts to obtain any necessary Consents of, and make
any filing with or give any notice to, any Governmental Entities and other
Persons (including, without limitation, the insurance regulatory authorities of
the States of California, Oregon and Texas and, pursuant to the HSR Act, the
Federal Trade Commission and the United States Department of Justice) as are
required to be obtained, made or given by such party to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.  The parties hereto shall cooperate
with one another in exchanging such information and reasonable assistance as may
be required by any such Governmental Entity or as any other party may request in
connection with the foregoing.

          5.5  Notification of Certain Matters.  Each of the Sellers, on the one
               -------------------------------                                  
hand, and the Purchaser, on the other hand, shall give prompt notice to the
other of (a) the occurrence or nonoccurrence of any event, the occurrence or
nonoccurrence of which would be likely to cause any representation or warranty
of the Sellers or the Purchaser, respectively, contained in this Agreement to be
untrue or inaccurate in any material respect (or, in the case of any
representation or warranty which is qualified as to materiality, untrue or
inaccurate in any respect) at or prior to the Closing and (b) any material
failure of any of the Sellers or the Purchaser, respectively, to comply with or
satisfy any covenant, condition or agreement to be complied with or satisfied by
it hereunder; provided, however, that the delivery of any notice pursuant to
              --------  -------                                             
this Section 5.5 shall not cure such failure or limit or otherwise affect the
remedies available hereunder to the parties receiving such notice.  Without
limiting the

                                       56
<PAGE>
 
generality of the foregoing, from the date hereof through the Closing Date, each
of the Sellers, on the one hand, and the Purchaser, on the other hand, shall
promptly notify the other of any action, suit, claim, proceeding or
investigation of the type required to be described in Schedule 3.14 or Schedule
4.5 hereof that is commenced or, to its Knowledge, threatened, and of any
request for additional information or documentary materials by any Governmental
Entity in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

          5.6  Public Announcements.  Each party hereto shall notify the other
               --------------------                                           
parties hereto prior to issuing any press release or making any public statement
pertaining to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, and shall
not issue any such press release or make any such public statement without
obtaining the reasonable approval of the other parties prior thereto, except
that each party will in any event have the right to issue any such release or
statement upon advice of its counsel that such issuance is required in order to
comply with applicable law or stock exchange rules.

          5.7  No Solicitation.  The Sellers, the Companies, their Affiliates
               ---------------                                               
(including Northern County) and their respective officers, directors, employees,
Representatives and agents shall immediately cease any existing discussions,
communications or negotiations, if any, with any Persons ("Prior Bidders"),
other than the Purchaser and its Representatives, conducted heretofore with
respect to any direct or indirect acquisition of all or any material portion of
the assets or Properties of, or any capital stock (including, without
limitation, the Shares) or other equity interest in, any of the Companies and
their Subsidiaries (including Northern County) or any business combination with
any of the Companies, their Subsidiaries or Northern County (whether by merger,
consolidation, bulk or assumption reinsurance, demutualization or otherwise) or
any other transaction inconsistent with consummation of, or similar in whole or
in part to, the transactions contemplated herein, including, without limitation,
any transaction involving a change of control of any of the Sellers (any of the
foregoing, an "Alternative Transaction"), and will not, directly or indirectly,
solicit, encourage, participate in or initiate discussions or negotiations with,
or provide any information or documents to, or otherwise cooperate in any way
with, any Person (other than the Purchaser and its Representatives) concerning
any Alternative Transaction.  The Sellers shall notify the Purchaser orally and
in writing if any proposal relating to an Alternative Transaction (an
"Alternative Transaction Proposal") is received by any of them, the Companies,
their Affiliates or Northern County, or if any inquiry is received by, any
information is requested

                                       57
<PAGE>
 
from, or any discussions or negotiations are sought to be initiated or continued
with, any of the foregoing Persons in connection with an Alternative Transaction
or Alternative Transaction Proposal, immediately after receipt of such
Alternative Transaction Proposal, inquiry, request or other communication.  Such
written notification shall include the identity of the Person making such
Alternative Transaction Proposal, inquiry, request or other communication and
such other information with respect thereto as is reasonably necessary to
apprise the Purchaser of the precise nature of such inquiry, request or other
communication, or the material terms of such Alternative Transaction Proposal,
and all other material information relating thereto.  The Sellers shall use
their best efforts to cause all confidential or proprietary materials relating
to any of the Companies and their Subsidiaries (including Northern County)
previously furnished to Prior Bidders or other Persons in connection with an
Alternative Transaction to be promptly returned to the Sellers.  At the Closing,
the Sellers shall assign to the Purchaser the non-exclusive right to enforce the
rights of the Sellers and their Affiliates under any and all confidentiality
agreements entered into with Prior Bidders and other prospective acquirors of
any of the Companies or their Subsidiaries, upon terms and pursuant to an
instrument in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Purchaser.

          5.8  Interim Financial Statements and Investment Reports.  (a)  From
               ---------------------------------------------------            
the date hereof until the Closing Date, as soon as practicable after they become
available (and in any event within forty-five (45) days after the end of each
calendar quarter or, in the case of monthly financial statements, within twenty
(20) days after the end of each calendar month), the Sellers shall deliver to
the Purchaser true and complete copies of:

          (i) (A) the consolidated balance sheet of Valley and its subsidiaries
     as at the end of each quarterly period ending on or after the date hereof,
     and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholder's
     equity and cash flows of Valley and its subsidiaries for such quarterly
     period and the portion of the fiscal year through the end of such quarterly
     period, (B) the consolidated balance sheet of Charter and its subsidiaries
     as at the end of each quarterly period ending on or after the date hereof,
     and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in
     stockholder's equity and cash flows of Charter and its subsidiaries for
     such quarterly period and the portion of the fiscal year through the end of
     such quarterly period, (C) the balance sheet of NCM as at the end of each
     quarterly period ending on or after the date hereof, and the related
     statements of income,

                                       58
<PAGE>
 
     changes in stockholder's equity and cash flows of NCM for such quarterly
     period and the portion of the fiscal year through the end of such quarterly
     period, (D) the balance sheet of Northern County as at the end of each
     quarterly period ending on or after the date hereof, and the related
     statements of operations and cash flows of Northern County for such
     quarterly period and the portion of the fiscal year through the end of such
     quarterly period and (E) to the extent prepared, all monthly GAAP financial
     statements of the Companies or their Subsidiaries, including Northern
     County (collectively, the "Interim Financial Statements"); and

          (ii) (A) the statutory quarterly statement of each of the Insurance
     Companies as filed with the insurance regulatory authorities in their
     respective states of domicile for each quarterly period ending on or after
     the date hereof, including in each case all exhibits, interrogatories,
     notes and schedules thereto and any actuarial opinion, affirmation or
     certification filed in connection therewith and (B) to the extent prepared,
     all monthly statutory-basis financial statements of the Insurance Companies
     (collectively, the "Interim Statutory Statements").

In addition, during such period, if and when available, the Sellers shall
deliver to the Purchaser true and complete copies of any budgets, business plans
and financial projections, or modifications thereof, prepared by or on behalf of
any of the Sellers or their Affiliates relating to any of the Companies and
their Subsidiaries (including Northern County).

          (b)  The Interim Financial Statements will each be prepared in
accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the periods involved (and
on a basis consistent with the relevant Financial Statements) and in accordance
with the books and records of the Company and its Subsidiaries (if any) to which
it relates, and will present fairly the financial position of such Company and
its Subsidiaries (if any) as at the respective dates thereof and the results of
operations of such Company and its Subsidiaries (if any) for the respective
periods then ended, except that quarterly and monthly Interim Financial
Statements will not be required to contain full footnote disclosures in
accordance with GAAP and may be subject to normal recurring year-end audit
adjustments.  The financial statements included in the Interim Statutory
Statements will each be prepared in conformity with California SAP or Texas SAP,
as appropriate, consistently applied throughout the periods involved (and on a
basis consistent with the financial statements included in the Statutory
Statements) and in accordance with the books and records of the

                                       59
<PAGE>
 
Insurance Company to which they relate, and will present fairly the statutory
financial position of such Insurance Company as at the respective dates thereof
and the statutory results of operations of such Insurance Company for the
respective periods then ended.  The Interim Statutory Statements will comply in
all material respects with all applicable laws and will be complete and correct
in all material respects when filed.

          (c)  From the date hereof until the Closing Date, as soon as
practicable after it becomes available (and in any event within twenty (20) days
after the end of each calendar month, the Sellers shall deliver to the Purchaser
a true and complete list of all purchases, acquisitions, sales and dispositions
during the previous month of investments owned by any of the Companies, their
Subsidiaries and Northern County, and all investments and reinvestments of
income and proceeds in respect thereof, including the dates of such transactions
and the book value or amortized cost, market value and carrying value thereof on
the books and records of account of such Persons as of the end of the previous
month.

          5.9  Tax Matters.  (a)  The Sellers shall, or shall cause the
               -----------                                             
Companies and/or their Subsidiaries to, prepare and file all Tax Returns of or
including the Companies and/or their Subsidiaries that are required to be filed
(with extensions) on or before the Closing Date.  All such Tax Returns will be
made and filed by the Sellers, the Companies, and their Subsidiaries in a manner
consistent with the prior practice of the Sellers, the Companies and their
Subsidiaries.  The Sellers shall prevent the Companies and their Subsidiaries
from making any new tax elections after the execution of this Agreement and
through the Closing Date without obtaining the prior written consent of the
Purchaser.

          (b)  The Sellers shall file a consolidated federal income Tax Return
which includes, and reports the operations from, the Companies and their
Subsidiaries (other than Northern County) for the period beginning January 1,
1995, and ending on the Closing Date, subject to the prior review of the
Purchaser with respect to the proposed treatment of any item in such Tax Return
that affects the Purchaser's liability under Section 8.3(b) of this Agreement.
The Companies and their Subsidiaries (other than Northern County) shall
cooperate with the Sellers and the Purchaser to the extent reasonably necessary
to prepare such Tax Return.  The Purchaser shall, or shall cause the Companies
and/or their Subsidiaries to, file a federal income Tax Return which includes,
and reports the operations from, the Companies and their Subsidiaries (other
than Northern County) for the Taxable Period beginning on the day

                                       60
<PAGE>
 
following the Closing Date.  All Tax Returns referred to in this Section 5.9(b)
shall be prepared by the Purchaser and the Sellers in accordance with Treasury
Regulations section 1.1502-76 based on a closing of the books of the Companies
and their Subsidiaries as of the end of the Closing Date.

          (c)  Other than the Tax Returns covered by section 5.9(b), all Tax
Returns of or including the Companies and their Subsidiaries with respect to Tax
Periods beginning after December 31, 1994 shall be prepared and filed by the
Purchaser, the Companies or their Subsidiaries, as the case may be, provided,
                                                                    -------- 
however, that the filing of any such Tax Return that includes or covers some or
- -------                                                                        
all of the period from January 1, 1995 through the Closing Date shall be subject
to the prior review of the Sellers with respect to the proposed treatment of any
item in such Tax Returns that affects the Sellers' liability under Section
8.3(a).

          (d)  If either party shall disagree with or object to the proposed
treatment of any item in a Tax Return that such party is entitled to review in
accordance with Sections 5.9(b) or (c) of this Agreement, then the parties shall
negotiate in good faith to resolve such disagreement or objection.  If such
matter cannot be resolved by mutual agreement prior to the due date (with
extensions) for the filing of the pertinent Tax Return, then the Tax Return
shall be filed on a timely basis by the party responsible for the filing of such
Tax Return in accordance with Sections 5.9(b) or (c) of this Agreement, and the
other party shall be entitled to submit the matter to the Tax Settlement
Auditor, whose resolution of such matter shall be binding on both parties.

          (e)  As soon as reasonably practicable after the Closing Date (with
respect to the 338 Tax Cost, after the final resolution of the Tax Schedules
pursuant to Section 5.10(c)), the Purchaser shall compute the Short Period Tax,
the Estimated Tax Payments, and the 338 Tax Cost.  The Purchaser's computation
of these items shall be subject to the review and consent of Skandia America,
which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.  If Skandia America reasonably
disputes the Purchaser's computation of the Short Period Tax, the Estimated Tax
Payments, or the 338 Tax Cost (if any), then Skandia America and the Purchaser
shall negotiate in good faith to resolve the dispute.  Any dispute that cannot
be resolved by Skandia America and the Purchaser shall be resolved by the Tax
Settlement Auditor, whose resolution of such dispute shall be binding on both
parties.  The amounts of the Short Period Tax, the Estimated Tax Payments, and
the 338 Tax Cost (if any) as finally determined in accordance with this Section
5.9(e) shall be final and binding on the parties and shall not be revised after
such final determination.

                                       61
<PAGE>
 
          (f)  The Purchaser shall pay to Skandia America the excess, if any, of
the Short Period Tax over the Estimated Tax Payments or Skandia America shall
pay to the Purchaser the excess, if any, of the Estimated Tax Payments over the
Short Period Tax.  The payment required by this Section 5.9(f) shall be paid
within five (5) Business Days after the first to occur of (i) Skandia America's
consent to the Purchaser's computation of the Short Period Tax and the Estimated
Tax Payments and (ii) the final resolution by the Tax Settlement Auditor of any
dispute between the parties concerning the computation of the Short Period Tax
and/or the Estimated Tax Payments.

          (g)  If the Purchaser and Skandia U.S. make the 338 Elections, the
Purchaser shall pay to Skandia America the 338 Tax Cost (if any) within five (5)
Business Days after the filing of the 338 Elections with the IRS.

          (h)  The payments required by Sections 5.9(f) and (g), if any, shall
also include such additional amounts as required to "gross-up" such payments for
any tax liability resulting from such payments being treated as a purchase price
adjustment or otherwise as taxable income to Skandia America.  The determination
of the taxability of such payments shall be made by the parties prior to any
payment and any dispute shall be resolved by the Tax Settlement Auditor.

          (i)  All transfer, sales, use, recordation, stamp or similar Taxes
required to be paid in connection with the transactions contemplated herein,
including the sale and delivery to the Purchaser of the Shares, shall be paid by
the party upon whom such Taxes are imposed by any law or regulation.  At the
Closing, the Sellers shall cause all appropriate stock transfer tax stamps to be
affixed to the certificate or certificates representing the Shares so sold and
delivered.

          (j)  To the extent available in the records of the Sellers, the
Companies, or their Subsidiaries, true and complete copies of all Tax Returns
and all schedules thereto (or relevant portions thereof) filed by, on behalf of,
or with respect to each of the Companies and their Subsidiaries with any taxing
authority for all Taxable Periods ending on or before the Closing Date, and all
written communications relating to all such Tax Returns (including revenue
agent's reports, settlement agreements, compromise agreements, and the like),
will be made available to the Purchaser by the Sellers for inspection upon its
request.  After the Closing Date, the Purchaser, on the one hand, and the
Sellers, on the other hand, each shall make available (or cause their respective
Affiliates to make available) to the other, as reasonably requested, and to any
taxing authority, all

                                       62
<PAGE>
 
information, records or documents relating to Taxes of the Companies and their
Subsidiaries for all periods ending on or before the Closing Date, and shall
preserve (or shall cause the Companies and their Subsidiaries to preserve) all
such information, records and documents in accordance with their generally
applicable record retention policy.

          (k)  The Tax Allocation Agreement dated January 1, 1990, as amended,
shall terminate with respect to each Company and its Subsidiaries as of the
Closing Date, and each Company and its Subsidiaries shall thereafter be released
from any liability thereunder.

          (l)  After the Closing, the Seller and the Purchaser shall provide,
and shall cause each of their Affiliates to provide, to the other party and its
Affiliates such information (including access to books and records) relating to
the Companies, their Subsidiaries, and the Sellers as the Sellers or the
Purchaser may reasonably request in order to permit (i) the filing of any Tax
Return, amended Tax Return, or claim for refund; (ii) the determination of any
Tax liability, right to the refund of Taxes, or the amount of any foreign Tax
credit; (iii) the determination of the amount of any payment required under this
Agreement; and (iv) the conduct or defense of any audit, claim, suit, or other
proceeding in respect of Taxes.  The Purchaser and the Sellers shall cooperate
with each other in the conduct of any audit, claim, suit, or other proceeding
involving the Companies and/or their Subsidiaries for any Tax purpose.

          (m)  If a Company or one of its Subsidiaries incurs a net operating
loss that may be carried back and absorbed in a Tax Return of the Sellers Group,
then an election under section 172(b)(2) of the Code shall be made by or on
behalf of such Company or Subsidiary with respect to such net operating loss.
If, for a Taxable Period beginning after the Closing Date, a Company or a
Subsidiary of a Company incurs a capital loss, a general business credit, or
other item (excluding a net operating loss) that must be carried back to a
consolidated federal income Tax Return of the Sellers Group for a Taxable Period
ending before or including the Closing Date, Skandia U.S. shall amend such prior
period Tax Return and claim a refund or credit of Tax attributable to the
carryback of such item.  If the claim for the overpayment of Tax attributable to
the carryback item is allowed to the Sellers Group, the Sellers shall pay the
amount of the reduction in Tax for the prior period (plus interest, if
applicable), less the reasonable costs and expenses incurred by Skandia U.S. in
connection with the preparation of such amended Tax Return, to the Company or
the Subsidiary, as the case may be.  In the event that (i) the Sellers Group
incurs a net operating loss, a

                                       63
<PAGE>
 
capital loss, a general business credit, or other item during a Taxable Period
beginning after the Closing Date; (ii) such item could or should be carried back
to a Taxable Period with respect to which a Company or a Subsidiary previously
received a payment pursuant to this Section 5.9(l); (iii) such net operating
loss, capital loss, general business credit, or other item incurred by the
Sellers Group is reasonably expected to expire unused by any member corporation
of the Sellers Group; and (iv) such item would not have expired unused to a
member of the Sellers Group in the absence of the reduction of Tax attributable
to the previous carryback adjustment attributable to a Company or one of its
Subsidiaries, then such Company or Subsidiary shall pay to the Sellers the
amount of the reduction of Tax for such carryback year that would have been
credited or refunded to the Sellers Group in the absence of the carryback from
the Company or the Subsidiary.  The amount of the payment provided by the
immediately preceding sentence shall not exceed the amount of the payment
previously made by the Sellers to the Company or Subsidiary with respect to such
carryback Taxable Period.

          (n)  The Sellers shall not make or allow to be made an election under
Treasury Regulations section 1.1502-20(g) with respect to the net operating loss
of any Company or one or more of its Subsidiaries.

          (o)  The Sellers shall deliver to the Purchaser all appropriate
additions and revisions to the Schedules described in Section 3.32 as soon as
reasonably practicable after such additions or revisions are required to be
disclosed under the terms of this Agreement.

          (p)  For purposes of this Section 5.9, prior to and including the
Closing Date, the Companies and their Subsidiaries shall be considered
Affiliates of the Sellers, and after the Closing Date the Companies and their
Subsidiaries shall be considered Affiliates of the Purchaser.  The Purchaser or
the Sellers, as the case may be, shall cause their respective Affiliates to
perform any covenant, agreement, obligation or other duty imposed on such
Affiliates under the terms of this Section 5.9.
 
          5.10  338 Elections.  (a)  The Purchaser shall have the right, but not
                -------------                                                   
the obligation, to require Skandia U.S. to join with the Purchaser in making the
elections provided for in section 338(g) and section 338(h)(10) of the Code and
the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder (the "338 Elections") with
respect to the Purchaser's acquisition of the Valley Shares from Skandia
America.  If the Purchaser causes Skandia U.S. to make the 338 Elections, the
Purchaser and Skandia U.S. (and their Affiliates), at the option of the
Purchaser, shall make such other similar

                                       64
<PAGE>
 
elections as may be necessary for state and local income Tax purposes provided
that such elections achieve substantially the same result to the Purchaser and
Skandia U.S. as the 338 Elections achieve for federal income Tax purposes and,
for purposes of this Agreement, the term "338 Elections" shall be deemed to
include any such state and local income Tax elections.

          (b)  The Purchaser shall have the right under Section 5.10(a) to make
the 338 Elections with respect to  Valley and with respect to any one or more of
its Subsidiaries with no obligation to make the 338 Elections with respect to
any other Valley Subsidiaries (if applicable).

          (c)  If the Purchaser preliminarily elects to cause Skandia U.S. to
make the 338 Elections, within five (5) months of the Closing Date the Purchaser
shall provide to Skandia U.S. schedules setting forth (A) the tax basis of each
of the assets of Valley and its Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date (determined
without giving effect to any 338 Elections), (B) the "Adjusted Grossed Up Basis"
of the assets of Valley and its Subsidiaries (as such term is defined in
Treasury Regulations section 1.338(b)-1(c)), (C) the fair market value of the
assets of Valley and its Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date, (D) an allocation
of the Adjusted Grossed Up Basis among such assets pursuant to Treasury
Regulations section 1.338(b)-2T and, if applicable, section 1.338(b)-3T, (E) the
acquisition costs incurred by the Purchaser in connection with the acquisition
of the Valley Shares hereunder as defined in Treasury Regulations section
1.338(h)(10)-1(f)(4) ("Purchaser's Costs"), (F) the modified ADSP (MADSP) (as
such term is defined in Treasury Regulations section 1.338(h)(10)-1(f)), and (G)
an allocation of the MADSP among the assets of Valley and its Subsidiaries in
accordance with Treasury Regulations section 1.338(h)(10)-(1)(f) (the schedules
set forth in clauses (A)-(G), the "Tax Schedules").  The Purchaser shall provide
to Skandia U.S. any information reasonably requested by Skandia U.S. promptly
after receipt of the Tax Schedules to substantiate the Tax Schedules and the
computation thereof.  Within twenty (20) Business days after receipt of the Tax
Schedules, Skandia U.S. shall notify the Purchaser in writing of any objections
to the Purchaser's computation of the Tax Schedules, including a detailed
explanation of the basis for such objections.  If Skandia U.S. fails to so
object in writing to the Tax Schedules within such time, the Tax Schedules shall
be deemed to be final and binding upon the parties with respect to the making of
the 338 Elections.  If Skandia U.S. makes such a timely written objection to the
Tax Schedules, however, then the Purchaser and Skandia U.S. shall negotiate in
good faith to resolve any matters in dispute with respect thereto.  If the
Purchaser and Skandia

                                       65
<PAGE>
 
U.S. are unable to resolve any such matters in dispute within ten (10) Business
Days after the Purchaser's receipt of Skandia U.S.'s written objections to the
Tax Schedules, then the Purchaser and Skandia U.S. shall submit any such
disputed matters to the Tax Settlement Auditor for resolution and the Tax
Settlement Auditor shall resolve any disputed items as soon as practicable after
being retained to resolve such disputed items.  The Tax Schedules will become
final and binding upon agreement by Skandia U.S. and the Purchaser or upon the
resolution of any disputes by the Tax Settlement Auditor.  Upon the final
resolution of the 338 Tax Cost, the Purchaser may elect to have the 338
elections filed, or not filed, in the sole discretion of Purchaser.  If the
Purchaser elects to file the 338 Elections, the Purchaser and Skandia U.S. shall
act in accordance with Tax Schedules in the preparation and filing of all the
Tax Returns and in the course of any tax audit, appeal, or litigation relating
thereto, and each party shall notify the other as soon as reasonably practicable
of any audit adjustment or proposed audit adjustment by any taxing authority
that affects the Tax Schedules.

          (d)  The Purchaser and Skandia U.S. shall comply fully with all filing
and other requirements necessary to effectuate the 338 Elections on a timely
basis and shall cooperate in good faith with each other in the preparation and
timely filing of all Tax Returns required to be filed in connection with the
making of the 338 Elections, including the exchange of information and the joint
preparation, execution, and filing of Form 8023-A (including related schedules).

          (e)  All items of income, gain, loss, and deduction recognized by the
Companies and their Subsidiaries as a result of, and in accordance with, the
deemed asset sale resulting from the making of the 338 Elections shall be
included in the consolidated federal income Tax Return of the Sellers Group for
its Taxable Period that includes the Closing Date.  The consolidated federal
income Tax liability resulting from the 338 Elections shall be timely paid by
the Sellers subject to the Purchaser's obligation to pay Skandia America for the
338 Tax Cost.

              5.11  Employee Benefit Matters.
              ------------------------------ 

          (a)  Retirement Plan.
               --------------- 

          (i)  Employees shall cease to accrue any benefits under the Seller's
Retirement Plan as of the Closing Date or as soon thereafter as may be practical
in accordance with ERISA.

                                       66
<PAGE>
 
          (ii)  The Seller's Retirement Plan shall be amended to: (i) provide
that Employees are fully vested in their accrued benefits attributable to their
service prior to the Closing Date; (ii) preserve any rights to early retirement
benefits for which such an Employee is eligible as of the Closing Date; and
(iii) provide for (subject to the provisions of the Code and ERISA) distribution
of benefits accrued through the date described in (i) above.

          (iii)  The Sellers shall retain all liabilities, including but not
limited to liabilities for benefits, unfunded liabilities and contributions,
under the Seller's Retirement Plan, whether incurred before, on, or after the
Closing Date, except liabilities for contributions with respect to normal costs
accrued or reserved for in the ordinary course of business on the balance sheets
contained in the Interim Financial Statements as of the end of the calendar
month immediately preceding the Closing Date in accordance with GAAP and
actuarial methodologies applied consistently with the practices of the Companies
and their Subsidiaries immediately prior to the date of this Agreement.

          (b)  Defined Contribution Plan.
               ------------------------- 

          (i)  The Seller's Defined Contribution Plan shall be amended to
provide that contributions thereto in respect of Employees shall cease as of the
Closing Date and any rights to contributions on or after the Closing Date shall
be determined in accordance with the terms of the Successor Plan.  No later than
January 1, 1996, the Successor Plan shall include as participants the Employees
(other than any terminated non-vested participants) who were participants in the
Seller's Defined Contribution Plan immediately prior to the Closing Date.  Other
Employees shall become participants in the Successor Plan in accordance with its
terms.

          (ii)  As soon as practicable following December 31, 1995, the Defined
Contribution Plan shall be amended (A) to fully vest the Employees in their
Account Balances and  (B) to distribute all account balances of Employees
(including, as applicable, all employee and employer contributions, all earnings
attributable to such contributions and participant promissory notes), such
balances to be determined as of the first day of the month preceding the
distribution, and such distribution to be made in accordance with procedures
prescribed by the Code, ERISA, and the applicable Plan document(s).

          (iii)  The Sellers shall retain all liabilities, including but not
limited to liabilities for benefits, unfunded liabilities and contributions,
under the Seller's Defined Contribution Plan, whether incurred before, on, or

                                       67
<PAGE>
 
after the Closing Date, except liabilities for contributions with respect to
costs accrued or reserved for in the ordinary course of business on the balance
sheets contained in the Interim Financial Statements as of the end of the
calendar month immediately preceding the Closing Date in accordance with GAAP
applied consistently with the practices of the Companies and their Subsidiaries
immediately prior to the date of this Agreement.

          (c)  Bonuses.  The Companies shall retain all obligations and
               -------                                                 
liabilities for bonuses and incentive payments in connection with the relevant
Employee Benefit Plans in effect immediately prior to the Closing Date and shall
cause the payment of such bonuses or incentive payments, if any, to be made in
accordance with the terms of such Employee Benefit Plans.

          (d)  Welfare Benefits.  With respect to each Employee, the Purchaser
               ----------------                                               
shall cause the Companies to assume the obligation and liability for claims by
any such individual (or his or her covered dependent or COBRA beneficiary) under
employee welfare benefit plans (within the meaning of section 3(1) of ERISA) of
the Companies, whether incurred prior to, on or after the Closing Date;
provided, however, that the Sellers shall cooperate in good faith with the
- --------  -------                                                         
Purchaser to arrange for payment of any claims incurred prior to the Closing
Date to the extent such claims are covered under any insurance policy held by
the Sellers for the purpose of payment of such claims.  The Purchaser shall
cause the Companies to provide for the waiver under the Purchaser's welfare
benefit plans covering Employees on and after the Closing Date of any conditions
to coverage with respect to preexisting medical conditions and shall credit
Employees with any amounts paid prior to the Closing Date in order to satisfy
applicable deductible amounts and co-payment minimums under the corresponding
welfare plans of the Purchaser.

          (e)  Credit.  The Purchaser shall cause the Companies and their
               ------                                                    
Subsidiaries to credit for all purposes under any benefit plans covering the
Employees, including the Successor Plan, the service credited through the
Closing Date under the Parent's or the Seller's benefits plans as if such
service had been rendered to the Purchaser.

          (f)  WARN.  The Purchaser shall cause the Companies and their
               ----                                                    
Subsidiaries to comply with the requirements of WARN and any similar state
notification laws with respect to any loss of employment concerning the Affected
Employees that takes place on or after the Closing Date.

                                       68
<PAGE>
 
          (g)  Third-Party Rights.  No provision of this Section 5.10 shall
               ------------------                                          
create any third-party beneficiary rights in any employee or former employee
(including any beneficiary or dependent thereof) of the Sellers, any of their
Affiliates, or the Companies in respect of continued employment (or resumed
employment) for any specified period of any nature or kind whatsoever, and no
provision of this Section 5.10 shall create such third-party beneficiary rights
in any such persons in respect of any benefits that may be provided, directly or
indirectly, under any employee benefit plan or arrangement, including the
current Plans.

          5.12  Insurance Coverage.  The Sellers will cooperate with the
                ------------------                                      
Purchaser in obtaining, at the expense of the Purchaser or the Companies,
continued or replacement insurance coverage, effective as of the Closing Date,
providing coverage to each of the Companies, their Subsidiaries and Northern
County comparable to that provided by the policies and Contracts listed on
Schedule 3.31 which policies and Contracts are not issued directly to any of the
Companies and their Subsidiaries (including Northern County).  Without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, the Sellers will provide such information, and
cause the Companies, their Subsidiaries and Northern County to complete and
execute such applications, as may be reasonably necessary to arrange for such
continuation or replacement insurance coverage.

          5.13  Debt Restructuring.  The indebtedness of Charter and its
                ------------------                                      
Subsidiaries will be restructured as follows:

          (a)  Prior to the maturity or due date thereof, and before the
Closing, the Sellers will cause the Monarch Note to be replaced with a
promissory note (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Purchaser)
made by Monarch to Skandia Capital AB (publ), (i) in a principal amount no
greater than the principal amount currently outstanding under the Monarch Note,
(ii) providing for payment of such principal in installments not to exceed
$2,400,000, on the first day of each calendar month from January 1, 1995 until
payment in full (no later than June 1, 1996), (iii) bearing interest, payable
monthly together with the foregoing principal installments, on unpaid principal
amounts at an interest rate equal to 6.5% per annum, and (iv) except for any
security for repayment as contemplated in paragraph (c) below, otherwise on
terms no less favorable to Monarch than those contained in the currently
outstanding Monarch Note.

          (b)  Prior to the maturity or due date thereof, and before the
Closing, the Sellers will cause the Charter Agency/Kennell Note to be amended
(pursuant to an instrument

                                       69
<PAGE>
 
in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Purchaser) to (i) extend
its maturity date to September 30, 1996, (ii) provide for payment of $1,000,000
in outstanding principal thereunder on each of July 1, August 1 and September 1,
1996, and (iii) permit any principal outstanding thereunder at maturity to be
discharged by execution and delivery of the New Charter Agency Note as provided
below.  The Charter Agency/Kennell Note shall otherwise continue in effect, if
at all, upon terms identical to those currently in effect.

          (c)  Prior to the Closing, the Sellers shall be entitled to cause
Monarch to advance its available funds to Charter Agency, to the extent
necessary for Charter Agency to pay any premiums or other amounts due under the
100% quota share reinsurance agreements of Northern County which are currently
in effect.  Any such advance (i) shall be made in consideration for the grant by
Charter Agency to Monarch of a security interest in an equal amount of direct
bill premium receivables owned by Charter Agency relating to policies and
contracts of insurance written prior to the Closing Date, as security for the
repayment of such advance,  and (ii) shall be repayable in its original
principal amount, without interest or premium thereon, as and when such direct
bill premium receivables are collected by Charter Agency.  Each of the foregoing
advances and security arrangements shall be undertaken pursuant to written
instruments in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Purchaser.

          In addition, prior to the Closing, the Sellers shall be entitled (A)
to cause Monarch to pledge outstanding premium finance notes (evidencing premium
finance obligations of Northern County policyholders to Monarch) and all other
funds owned by Monarch and the proceeds and products thereof (including amounts
collected thereunder), and (B) to cause Charter Agency to pledge any and all
direct bill premium receivables owned by Charter Agency relating to policies and
contracts of insurance written prior to the Closing Date (other than any of the
same pledged as security for the repayment of advances by Monarch to Charter
Agency as contemplated in the immediately preceding paragraph) and the proceeds
and products thereof (including amounts collected thereunder), in the case of
each of clauses (A) and (B) as security for payment of the following obligations
(in order of priority):

          (1)  commissions, fees, claims payments and other amounts payable to
     or by Charter Agency in its capacity as a managing general agent of
     Northern County, while the Monarch Note, Charter Agency/Kennell Note or New
     Charter Agency Note remain outstanding (it being understood that those
     commissions and fees will be

                                       70
<PAGE>
 
     sufficient, without any additional capital infusions, to pay the reasonably
     anticipated operating costs of Charter Agency);

          (2)  any premiums or other amounts due under the 100% quota share
     reinsurance agreements of Northern County which are currently in effect;

          (3)  any amounts due under the Monarch Note; and

          (4)  any amounts due under the Charter Agency/Kennell Note or the New
     Charter Agency Note.

The foregoing pledge arrangements shall be undertaken pursuant to written
instruments in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Purchaser.  The
Sellers shall bear the fees and expenses of any pledge or collateral agent
related to any such pledge arrangements.  The Purchaser shall be entitled to any
premium finance collectibles, direct bill premium receivables, funds and
proceeds therefrom remaining after satisfaction in full of the Monarch Note, the
Charter Agency/Kennell Note and the New Charter Agency Note.

          (d)  Prior to the Closing, the Sellers will not permit (i) any demand
to be made for payment of principal, prepayment of interest or payment of any
other amounts pursuant to the Monarch Note or any of the Charter Intercompany
Notes, (ii) any payment or other default to occur under the Monarch Note or any
of the Charter Intercompany Notes, (iii) except as contemplated above in this
Section 5.13, any amendment, modification, cancellation or change to the terms
of any of the Charter Intercompany Notes or (iv) any repayment or refunding by
Northern County or Charter Agency of the SARC Reinsurance Advance.  Prior to the
Closing, the Sellers will cause Monarch, Charter Agency and Charter to make all
payments of principal and interest as and when due under the Monarch Note and
each of the Charter Intercompany Notes (to which it is an obligor or party),
respectively, and not to make any other payments in respect thereof.

          (e)  At the Closing:  (i)  the Sellers will cause Charter and Charter
Agency to pay to the respective holders of each of the Charter Intercompany
Notes (to which it is an obligor or party) other than the Charter/Kennell Note,
all accrued and unpaid interest thereunder through the Closing Date; and (ii) in
consideration for the Purchaser's purchase of the NCM Shares (including the
Northern County Management Contract), (A) the Sellers will cause SARC to
transfer its rights and interests in and to the SARC Reinsurance Advance to
Skandia America, which in turn shall (and Skandia U.S. shall cause Skandia
America to) make a capital contribution

                                       71
<PAGE>
 
to Charter of such rights and interests in and to the SARC Reinsurance Advance,
and (B) Skandia America will, and Skandia U.S. will cause Skandia America to,
make a capital contribution to Charter of the Charter Upstream Note, in the case
of each of clauses (A) and (B) without repayment of amounts owed thereon and
pursuant to documentation in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the
Purchaser.

          (f)  The Purchaser will cause the Charter Agency/Kennell Note to
remain in full force and effect from the Closing until September 30, 1996.  In
the event that all principal amounts outstanding under the Charter
Agency/Kennell Note are not satisfied pursuant to the above arrangements on or
before September 30, 1996, the Purchaser will cause Charter Agency to execute
and deliver to Kennell a new promissory note, substantially in the form attached
hereto as Exhibit A (a "New Charter Agency Note"), pursuant to which Charter
Agency will repay to Kennell a third of such remaining principal amount on
September 30 of each of 1997, 1998 and 1999.  Any New Charter Agency Note shall
be deemed to discharge the Charter Agency/Kennell Note, and shall be guaranteed
by Charter pursuant to an instrument of guaranty in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to the Sellers.  There shall be no recourse to any
Person, or the assets or Property of any Person, other than Charter Agency and
Charter in respect of any New Charter Agency Note.  From the Closing until
satisfaction in full of the Monarch Note, the Charter Agency/Kennell Note and
any New Charter Agency Note, the Purchaser will cause each of Monarch and
Charter Agency not to declare, pay or set aside any sum for any dividend or
other distribution, or redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire any capital stock
or other securities of Monarch or Charter Agency.

          (g)  The Sellers hereby represent and warrant to, and covenant and
agree with, the Purchaser that, after giving effect to the Closing, none of the
Companies or their Subsidiaries (including Northern County) will have any
Liability or indebtedness for borrowed or advanced money or funds, other than
pursuant to the Charter Surplus Note, the Northern County Surplus Note, the
Monarch Note and the Charter Agency/Kennell Note as described herein.

          5.14  Intercompany Accounts; Affiliate Agreements.  Except as set
                -------------------------------------------                
forth in Schedule 5.14 hereto and as provided in Section 5.13, the Sellers shall
cause all intercompany accounts receivable or payable (whether or not currently
due or payable) between (a) any of the Companies or their Subsidiaries
(including Northern County), on the one hand, and (b) any of the Sellers or
their other Affiliates, or any of the officers or directors of any of the
Sellers, the Companies, their Affiliates and Northern County, on the other hand,
to be settled in full (without any premium or

                                       72
<PAGE>
 
penalty, and at values mutually agreed upon by the parties hereto) at or prior
to the Closing.  Except as set forth in Schedule 5.14 hereto and as provided in
Section 5.13, all Affiliate Agreements shall be terminated without any further
Liability or obligation thereunder effective at or prior to the Closing, upon
terms and pursuant to instruments reasonably satisfactory to the Purchaser, and
the Sellers will cause each of its Affiliates party to any Affiliate Agreements
(other than the Companies, their Subsidiaries (including Northern County)) to
execute and deliver to the Purchaser, the Companies and their Subsidiaries
(including Northern County) a Release and Discharge with respect thereto, dated
as of the Closing Date and substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit
D.

          5.15  Corporate Records.  At or prior to the Closing, the Sellers
                -----------------                                          
shall deliver to the appropriate Companies all minute books, stock ledgers,
stock books, cancelled or unused stock certificates, corporate seals, books,
records, files, policy forms, stationery, software, data, documents and
Properties of the Companies, their Subsidiaries (including Northern County) that
are in the possession of any of the Sellers or their other Affiliates.

          5.16  Instruments.  Any monies, checks, drafts, money orders, postal
                -----------                                                   
notes and other instruments received after the Closing by any of the Sellers or
their Affiliates (other than the Companies and their Subsidiaries) in payment of
any amounts due any of the Companies or their Subsidiaries shall be forthwith
after receipt by any of the Sellers or such Affiliates thereof be transferred
and delivered by the Sellers and such Affiliates to the appropriate Company or
Subsidiary thereof, and any such instruments made payable to any of the Sellers
or such Affiliates when so delivered shall bear all endorsements required to
effectuate the transfer of the same to the appropriate Company or Subsidiary
thereof.

          5.17  Trade Names.  At all times following the Closing, (a) the
                -----------                                              
Sellers will not, and will not permit their Affiliates to, use any name which
includes the words "Valley", "Charter", "NCM" or "Northern County" or any
derivations or variations thereof, or any name substantially resembling or
confusingly similar in whole or in part to the name of any of the Companies and
their Subsidiaries (including Northern County), in connection with any trade or
business activity and (b) the Purchaser will not, and will not permit their
Affiliates to, use any name which includes the word "Skandia" or any derivations
or variations thereof, or any name substantially resembling or confusingly
similar in whole or in part to the name "Skandia" or the existing Skandia logo
with the likeness of the umbrella, in connection with any trade or business
activity.

                                       73
<PAGE>
 
          5.18  Reinsurance Arrangements.  (a)  The Sellers will cause the 100%
                ------------------------                                       
quota share reinsurance agreements of Northern County which are currently in
effect to remain in full force and effect at all times until the later of
December 31, 1995 or the Closing Date, without any amendment, modification,
                  --                                                       
cancellation or other change thereto which is not approved in writing by the
Purchaser.  Between the date hereof and the Closing Date, the Sellers will not
permit Northern County or Charter Indemnity to enter into any reinsurance,
coinsurance, retrocession, underwriting management, managing general agency or
similar Contracts.

          (b)  At the Closing, the Sellers will cause Skandia Ltd to (i)
unconditionally guarantee the full performance of all liabilities and
obligations of each reinsurer and assuming company, and indemnify Northern
County for the full collectibility of all amounts recoverable, under all
reinsurance agreements of Northern County (whether in force or in run-off)
relating to periods on or prior to the later of December 31, 1995 or the Closing
                                                                  --            
Date (or, in the case of non-affiliate reinsurance, on or prior to the Closing
Date), pursuant to a Guaranty Agreement dated as of the Closing Date
substantially in the form of Exhibit B (the "Northern County Guaranty"), and
(ii) provide excess of loss reinsurance coverage to Charter Indemnity with
respect to insurance business issued, underwritten, assumed or renewed by
Charter Indemnity on or before the Closing Date, pursuant to an Aggregate Excess
of Loss Reinsurance Agreement dated as of the Closing Date substantially in the
form of Exhibit C (the "Charter Indemnity Reinsurance Agreement").

          (c)  The Sellers hereby represent and warrant to, and covenant and
agree with, the Purchaser that (i) after giving effect to the Closing and the
execution of the Northern County Guaranty, Northern County will not retain for
its own account any net liability under any insurance or reinsurance issued,
underwritten, assumed or renewed by it on or prior to the Closing Date and (ii)
after giving effect to the Closing and the execution of the Charter Indemnity
Reinsurance Agreement, subject to the limitations expressly set forth therein,
Charter Indemnity will not have any net liability in respect of any insurance,
reinsurance or retrocession business issued, underwritten, assumed or renewed by
it on or prior to the Closing Date (other than for losses and loss adjustment
expenses incurred prior to the Closing Date, in an aggregate amount not to
exceed the reserves for such losses and loss adjustment expenses held by Charter
Indemnity, and certified to the Purchaser as such, on the Closing Date).

                                       74
<PAGE>
 
          5.19  Non-Solicitation Covenant.  At all times from the Closing Date
                -------------------------                                     
until the third anniversary thereof, (a) the Sellers will not, and will cause
their Affiliates not to, directly or indirectly seek or solicit to employ or
engage any officer or employee of any of the Companies and their Subsidiaries
(including Northern County) who is such on the Closing Date and (b) the
Purchaser will not, and will cause their Affiliates not to, directly or
indirectly solicit to employ or engage any officer or employee of any of the
Sellers and their Subsidiaries (other than the Companies and their Subsidiaries,
including Northern County) who is such on the Closing Date.


                                  ARTICLE VI

                         CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATION
                           OF THE PURCHASER TO CLOSE

          The obligation of the Purchaser to purchase the Shares at the Closing
shall be subject to the  satisfaction of the following conditions at or prior to
the Closing:

          6.1  Representations, Warranties and Covenants.  The representations
               -----------------------------------------                      
and warranties of the Sellers contained in this Agreement which are qualified as
to materiality shall be true and correct in all respects, and those not so
qualified shall be true and correct in all material respects, as of the date of
this Agreement and, except for any such representations and warranties which are
made as of and relate solely to a particular date other than the date hereof, as
of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as though made on and as of
the Closing Date.  Each of the Sellers shall have performed and complied in all
material respects with all covenants and agreements required to be performed or
complied with by such parties hereunder on or prior to the Closing Date.  In
addition, the representations and warranties of Skandia Ltd contained in the
Parent Support Agreement referred to in the recitals to this Agreement shall be
true and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof and as of the
Closing Date with the same force and effect as though made on and as of the
Closing Date.

          6.2  Consents.  All Consents required in connection with the purchase
               --------                                                        
and sale of the Shares and the consummation of the Closing (other than non-
material Consents from third parties which are not Governmental Entities) shall
have been duly obtained, made or given and shall be in full force and effect,
without the imposition upon the Purchaser, the Companies and their Subsidiaries
(including Northern County) of any material condition, restriction or required
undertaking (other than conditions,

                                       75
<PAGE>
 
restrictions or undertakings customarily required by insurance regulatory
authorities in transactions such as the Purchaser's acquisition of the Shares)
not expressly set forth in applicable statutes and regulations.  Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Purchaser shall have obtained the
approvals of the insurance regulatory authorities of the States of California,
Oregon and Texas for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
(including the purchase of the Shares) under all applicable laws and
regulations, and such approvals shall be valid and in full force and effect, and
no such approval shall impose upon the Purchaser or any of the Companies and
their Subsidiaries (including Northern County) any conditions or restrictions
which adversely impair the ability of any of them to conduct their business in
substantially the same manner as such business is now being conducted.

          6.3  No Injunction or Illegality.  No injunction, order, decree or
               ---------------------------                                  
judgment shall have been issued by any Governmental Entity of competent
jurisdiction and be in effect, and no statute, rule or regulation shall have
been enacted or promulgated by any Governmental Entity and be in effect, which
in each case restrains or prohibits the consummation of the purchase and sale of
the Shares.

          6.4  HSR Act.  The required waiting period applicable to the purchase
               -------                                                         
and sale of the Shares under the HSR Act shall have expired or been earlier
terminated.

          6.5  Opinions of Counsel to the Sellers.  The Purchaser shall have
               ----------------------------------                           
received opinions, each dated the Closing Date, of Cadwalader, Wickersham &
Taft, special counsel to the Sellers, and such other counsel of the Sellers
and/or their Affiliates as may be reasonably acceptable to the Purchaser,
substantially to the effect of the matters set forth in Exhibit E hereto.

          6.6  Certificates.  The Sellers shall each have delivered to the
               ------------                                               
Purchaser (a) a copy of the resolutions adopted by its Board of Directors and
(if applicable) stockholders, certified by the corporate Secretaries thereof,
authorizing and approving this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby (including, without limitation, the sale of the Shares), and (b) a
certificate dated the Closing Date, signed by an executive officer thereof,
certifying as to the fulfillment of the conditions set forth in Section 6.1 and
6.11.  Skandia Ltd shall have delivered to the Purchaser (i) a copy of any
corporate resolutions or action on the part of Skandia Ltd, certified by the
corporate secretary thereof, relating to the transactions contemplated hereby
and (ii) a certificate dated the Closing Date, signed by an executive officer

                                       76
<PAGE>
 
thereof, certifying as to the fulfillment of the conditions set forth in the
last sentence of Section 6.1.  In addition, the Sellers and Skandia Ltd shall
have furnished the Purchaser with such other certificates and closing documents
as the Purchaser may reasonably request and as are customary for transactions
such as those contemplated hereby.

          6.7  Resignation of Directors.  All of the directors of the Companies
               ------------------------                                        
and their Subsidiaries (including Northern County) who are designated by the
Purchaser for replacement, shall have delivered to the Purchaser their written
resignations as directors of such companies, and those Persons designated by the
Purchaser as nominees to the Board of Directors of Northern County shall have
been duly elected or appointed to the Northern County Board, in each case
effective upon the Closing.

          6.8  Debt Restructuring.  The intercompany debt restructuring
               ------------------                                      
contemplated by Section 5.13 shall have been consummated in accordance with the
terms thereof.

          6.9  Reinsurance Arrangements.  Skandia Ltd shall have duly executed
               ------------------------                                       
and delivered the Northern County Guaranty and the Charter Indemnity Reinsurance
Agreement.

          6.10  Northern County Management Contract.  The Northern County
                -----------------------------------                      
Management Contract shall have been extended for a period of twenty (20) years,
upon terms no less favorable to NCM than those in effect on the date of this
Agreement (and upon terms otherwise satisfactory to the Purchaser).

          6.11  Ratings.  None of the claims-paying ability ratings assigned by
                -------                                                        
A.M. Best & Co. or Standard & Poor's Corporation to any of the Insurance
Companies, as in effect on the date of this Agreement, shall have been lowered,
on or prior to the Closing Date.

          6.12  Transfer Taxes.  The Sellers shall have caused all appropriate
                --------------                                                
stock transfer Tax stamps to be affixed to the certificate or certificates
representing the Shares so sold and delivered.


                                  ARTICLE VII

                         CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS
                            OF THE SELLERS TO CLOSE

          The obligations of Skandia America to sell the Shares at the Closing
shall be subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions at or prior to
the Closing:

                                       77
<PAGE>
 
          7.1  Representations, Warranties and Covenants.  The representations
               -----------------------------------------                      
and warranties of the Purchaser contained in this Agreement which are qualified
as to materiality shall be true and correct in all respects, and those not so
qualified shall be true and correct in all material respects, as of the date of
this Agreement and, except for any such representations and warranties which are
made as of and relate solely to a particular date other than the date hereof, as
of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as though made on and as of
the Closing Date.  The Purchaser shall have performed and complied in all
material respects with all covenants and agreements required to be performed or
complied with by the Purchaser hereunder on or prior to the Closing Date.

          7.2  Consents.  All Consents required in connection with the purchase
               --------                                                        
and sale of the Shares and the consummation of the Closing (other than non-
material Consents from third parties which are not Governmental Entities) shall
have been duly obtained, made or given and shall be in full force and effect,
without the imposition upon the Sellers of any material condition, restriction
or required undertaking (other than conditions, restrictions or undertakings
customarily required by insurance regulatory authorities in transactions such as
the Purchaser's acquisition of the Shares) not expressly set forth in applicable
statutes and regulations.

          7.3  No Injunction or Illegality.  No injunction, order, decree or
               ---------------------------                                  
judgment shall have been issued by any Governmental Entity of competent
jurisdiction and be in effect, and no statute, rule or regulation shall have
been enacted or promulgated by any Governmental Entity and be in effect, which
in each case restrains or prohibits the consummation of the purchase and sale of
the Shares.

          7.4  HSR Act.  The required waiting period applicable to the purchase
               -------                                                         
and sale of the Shares under the HSR Act shall have expired or been earlier
terminated.

          7.5  Opinion of Counsel to the Purchaser.  The Sellers shall have
               -----------------------------------                         
received the opinion of Dewey Ballantine, special counsel to the Purchaser,
dated the Closing Date, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F.

          7.6  Certificates.  The Purchaser shall have delivered to the Sellers
               ------------                                                    
(a) a copy of the resolutions adopted by its Board of Directors, certified by
the corporate Secretary thereof, authorizing and approving this Agreement and
the transactions contemplated hereby (including, without limitation, the
purchase of the Shares), and (b) a certificate dated the Closing Date, signed by
an

                                       78
<PAGE>
 
executive officer thereof, certifying as to the fulfillment of the conditions
set forth in Section 7.1.


                                  ARTICLE VIII

                                INDEMNIFICATION

          8.1  Survival.  The representations and warranties of the parties
               --------                                                    
contained in this Agreement, or in any Schedule or Exhibit hereto or any
certificate delivered pursuant hereto, shall survive until the third anniversary
of the Closing Date; provided, however, that (a) the representations and
                     --------  -------                                  
warranties set forth in the second and third sentence of Section 3.21
(Reserves), insofar as they relate to the loss and loss adjustment expense
reserves of Northern County and Charter Indemnity, shall expire upon the
Closing, (b) the representations and warranties set forth in Sections 3.28
(Employee Benefit Plans) and 3.32 (Tax Matters) with respect to any Tax shall
survive to the extent set forth in Section 8.4(a), (c) the other representations
and warranties set forth in Section 3.28 (Employee Benefit Plans) shall expire
upon expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, and (d) the
representations and warranties set forth in Sections 3.6(b) (Subsidiaries) (last
two sentences only), 3.7(a) (Capitalization), 3.8 (Title to Shares), 3.9(c) and
(e) (Northern County; Charter Indemnity), 3.24 (Properties) (last sentence
only), and 5.18(c) (Reinsurance Arrangements) shall survive forever.

          8.2  Indemnification.  (a)  The Sellers hereby jointly and severally
               ---------------                                                
agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Purchaser (and its directors,
officers, Affiliates, successors and assigns) from and against any losses,
Liabilities, damages, costs or expenses, including, without limitation,
interest, penalties and reasonable fees and expenses of counsel (collectively,
"Losses"), asserted during the survival periods referred to in Section 8.1,
based upon, arising out of or otherwise resulting from (i) any inaccuracy in any
representation or breach of any warranty of any of the Sellers (without regard
to any qualification as to materiality or Material Adverse Effect) contained in
this Agreement or in any Schedule hereto or certificate delivered pursuant
hereto or (ii) the breach or nonfulfillment of any covenant, agreement or other
obligation of any of the Sellers under this Agreement; provided, however, that,
                                                       --------  -------       
except with respect to any breach of any representation or warranty set forth in
Sections 3.6(b) (Subsidiaries) (last two sentences only), 3.7(a)
(Capitalization), 3.8 (Title to Shares) and 3.9(e) (Charter Indemnity), (A) the
Purchaser (and its directors, officers, Affiliates, successors and assigns)
shall be entitled to indemnification under this Section 8.2 only when the

                                       79
<PAGE>
 
aggregate amount of all such Losses exceeds $1,000,000 (the "Basket Amount"), in
which event the Purchaser (and its directors, officers, Affiliates, successors
and assigns) shall be entitled to indemnification for all such Losses (including
the Basket Amount), and (B) the Purchaser (and its directors, officers,
Affiliates, successors and assigns) shall only be entitled to indemnification
under this Section 8.2 for fees and expenses of the counsel of one such Person
(determined by the Purchaser) arising from Third Party Claims.

          (b)  The Purchaser hereby agrees to indemnify, defend and hold
harmless the Sellers (and their directors, officers, Affiliates, successors and
assigns) from and against any Losses asserted during the survival periods
referred to in Section 8.1, based upon, arising out of or otherwise resulting
from (i) any inaccuracy in any representation or breach of any warranty of the
Purchaser (without regard to any qualification as to materiality) contained in
this Agreement or in any Schedule hereto or certificate delivered pursuant
hereto or (ii) the breach or nonfulfillment of any covenant, agreement or other
obligation of the Purchaser under this Agreement; provided, however, that (A)
                                                  --------  -------          
the Sellers (and their directors, officers, Affiliates, successors and assigns)
shall be entitled to indemnification under this Section 8.2 only when the
aggregate amount of all such Losses exceeds the Basket Amount, in which event
the Sellers shall be entitled to indemnification for all such Losses (including
the Basket Amount), and (B) the Sellers (and their directors, officers,
Affiliates, successors and assigns) shall only be entitled to indemnification
under this Section 8.2 for fees and expenses of the counsel of one such Person
(determined by the Sellers) arising from Third Party Claims.

          (c)  Promptly after the receipt by any party hereto of notice of any
third party claim or the commencement of any third party action, suit or
proceeding subject to indemnification hereunder (a "Third Party Claim"), such
party (the "Indemnified Party") will, if a claim in respect thereto is to be
made against any party obligated to provide indemnification hereunder (the
"Indemnifying Party"), give such Indemnifying Party reasonable written notice of
such Third Party Claim; provided, however, that the failure to provide such
                        --------  -------                                  
notice will not relieve the Indemnifying Party of any of its obligations, or
impair the right of the Indemnified Party to indemnification, pursuant to this
Section 8.2 unless, and only to the extent that, such failure materially
prejudices the Indemnifying Party's opportunity to defend or compromise the
Third Party Claim.  Such Indemnifying Party shall have the right, at its option,
to defend at its own expense and by its own counsel any Third Party Claim,
provided that (i)

                                       80
<PAGE>
 
the Indemnifying Party acknowledges in writing (at the time it elects to assume
such defense) its obligation under this Section 8.2 to indemnify the Indemnified
Party with respect to such Third Party Claim, (ii) such counsel is reasonably
satisfactory to the Indemnified Party, (iii) the Indemnified Party is kept fully
informed of all developments, and is furnished with copies of all documents and
papers, related thereto and is given the right to participate in the defense and
investigation thereof as provided below, and (iv) such counsel proceeds with
diligence and in good faith with respect thereto.  If any Indemnifying Party
shall undertake to defend any Third Party Claim, it shall notify the Indemnified
Party of its intention to do so promptly (and in any event no later than thirty
(30) days) after receipt of notice of the Third Party Claim, and the Indemnified
Party agrees to cooperate in good faith with the Indemnifying Party and its
counsel in the defense of such Third Party Claim.  Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Indemnified Party shall have the right to participate in the
defense and investigation of any Third Party Claim with its own counsel at its
own expense, except that the Indemnifying Party shall bear the expense of such
separate counsel if (A) in the written opinion of counsel to the Indemnified
Party reasonably acceptable to the Indemnifying Party, use of counsel of the
Indemnifying Party's choice would be expected to give rise to a conflict of
interest, (B) there are or may be legal defenses available to the Indemnified
Party that are different from or additional to those available to the
Indemnifying Party, (C) the Indemnifying Party shall not have employed counsel
to represent the Indemnified Party within a reasonable time after notice of the
Third Party Claim is given to the Indemnifying Party or notice that the
Indemnifying Party intends to assume the defense of the Third Party Claim is
given to the Indemnified Party or (D) the Indemnifying Party shall authorize the
Indemnified Party to employ separate counsel at the expense of the Indemnifying
Party.  The Indemnifying Party shall not settle any Third Party Claim without
the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party, which shall not be
unreasonably withheld; provided, however, that an Indemnified Party shall not be
                       --------  -------                                        
required to consent to any settlement involving the imposition of equitable
remedies.

          (d)  Notwithstanding anything in Section 8.1 or this Section 8.2 to
the contrary, the rights and obligations of the parties with respect to the
representations and warranties set forth in Section 3.32 (Tax Matters), and
Section 5.10 (Section 338) the covenants and agreements set forth in Section 5.9
(Tax Matters), and the indemnification for Taxes shall be governed by Section
8.3.

                                       81
<PAGE>
 
          8.3  Tax Indemnification. (a) The Sellers hereby jointly and severally
               -------------------                                              
agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Purchaser, the Companies, and
their Subsidiaries (and their respective officers, directors, employees,
Affiliates, successors, and assigns) from and against:

               (i)  any and all Taxes and any guaranty fund assessments arising
     from or in connection with any inaccuracy in any representation or breach
     of any warranty made in Section 3.32 of this Agreement, for which purpose
     the representations and warranties set forth in Section 3.32 shall be
     deemed to have been made with no exception for items disclosed in the
     Schedules described in Section 3.32 (other than Schedules 3.32 (b) and
     3.32(m);

               (ii)  any and all Taxes arising from or in connection with the
     nonfulfillment by the Sellers of any covenant or agreement relating to
     Taxes that is contained in this Agreement;

               (iii)  any and all Taxes, imposed on the Companies and/or their
     Subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, for any Taxable Period or portion
     thereof ending on or before December 31, 1994, to the extent the aggregate
     amount of such Taxes exceeds the aggregate amount of Taxes accrued in the
     Tax Reserve (without regard to deferred Tax assets and liabilities) set
     forth in the Financial Statements made for the Companies and their
     Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1994 (and, with respect to Northern County,
     the Northern County Statutory Statements dated December 31, 1994);

               (iv)  any and all federal income Tax imposed on the Companies and
     their Subsidiaries (excluding Northern County) for the Taxable Period
     beginning January 1, 1995, and ending on the Closing Date, subject to
     Skandia America's right to receive payment from the Purchaser for (A) the
     excess, if any, of the Short Period Tax over the Estimated Tax Payments and
     (B), if the 338 Elections are made, the 338 Tax Cost.

               (v)  any and all state, local, or foreign (and, with respect to
     Northern County, federal) income or franchise Tax imposed on the Companies
     and their Subsidiaries for the Taxable Period beginning January 1, 1995,
     and ending on the Closing Date in excess of the amount of such Tax imposed
     on the earnings of the Companies and their Subsidiaries generated in the
     ordinary course of their trades or businesses during such period.  Such
     ordinary course earnings and

                                       82
<PAGE>
 
     associated Taxes shall be determined with regard to the 338 Elections (if
     any) but without regard to the other transactions contemplated by this
     Agreement;

               (vi)  any and all Taxes resulting from the Companies or their
     Subsidiaries ceasing to be included in the consolidated federal income Tax
     Return filed by the Sellers Group for its Taxable Period that includes the
     Closing Date, including, without limitation, any Taxes attributable to the
     restoration of a "deferred intercompany transaction" within the meaning of
     Treasury Regulations section 1.1502-13(a)(2), and the recognition of excess
     loss accounts.

               (vii)  any and all federal income Taxes attributable to any
     income or gain recognized as a result of, and in accordance with, the
     making of the 338 Elections (if any), subject to Skandia America's right to
     receive payment from the Purchaser for the 338 Tax Costs;

               (viii)  any and all federal, state, local, and foreign income or
     franchise Taxes incurred in Taxable Periods beginning after December 31,
     1994, but attributable to any item of income or gain of a partnership that
     is properly allocable to a Taxable Period (or portion thereof) ending on or
     before such date;

               (ix)  any and all unpaid federal, state, local, or foreign Taxes
     imposed on a Company or a Subsidiary directly or indirectly, whether
     determined on a separate, consolidated, combined, unitary, or group basis,
     (A) pursuant to Treasury Regulations section 1.1502-6 or any comparable
     provisions of state, local, or foreign law by reason of a Company or a
     Subsidiary having been a member of a consolidated, combined, unitary, or
     group Tax Return for a Taxable Period ending on or before the Closing Date,
     or (B) pursuant to any guaranty, indemnification, or similar agreement made
     on or before the Closing Date relating to the sharing of liability for, or
     payment of, Taxes; or (C) arising out of, resulting from, or attributable
     to any transaction contemplated by this Agreement (including, but not
     limited to, any transaction described or set forth in Sections 5.12, 5.13,
     5.17, and 6.10) other than the 338 Elections;

               (x)  any and all Taxes imposed on the Purchaser, the Companies,
     and/or their Subsidiaries pursuant to sections 1441 and 1442 of the Code
     (concerning withholding of Tax on nonresident aliens and foreign
     corporations), section 1445 (concerning the

                                       83
<PAGE>
 
     imposition of tax on the disposition of United States real property
     interests), and Subchapter A, Chapter 24, of the Code (concerning
     withholding from wages) with respect to any payment made by the Purchaser,
     a Company, or a Subsidiary to one of more of the Sellers pursuant to this
     Agreement or any other agreement made by and between the parties in
     connection with the transactions contemplated herein; and

               (xi)  any reasonable expense (including attorneys' and
     accountants' fees) incurred by the Purchaser, a Company, a Subsidiary, or
     any of their successors or assigns in connection with any Tax described in
     this Section 8.3(a) taking into consideration the provisions of Section
     8.3(c)(iii).

          (b)  The Purchaser agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the
Sellers (and their respective officers, directors, employees, Affiliates,
successors, and assigns) from and against: (i) any federal income Tax imposed on
the Companies or their Subsidiaries for Taxable Periods beginning after the
Closing Date; (ii) any and all Taxes (other than federal income Taxes) imposed
on the Companies and/or their Subsidiaries for Taxable Periods beginning after
December 31, 1994; and (iii) any reasonable expense (including attorneys' and
accountants' fees) incurred by the Sellers or any of their successors or assigns
in connection with any Tax described in this Section 8.3(b) taking into
consideration the provisions of Section 8.3(c)(iii), provided, however, that the
                                                     --------  -------          
Purchaser shall not be liable to the Sellers for a Tax described in either
clause (i) or (ii) hereof to the extent that the Sellers are liable for such Tax
under Section 8.3(a).

          (c)  (i)  Unless otherwise provided herein, any party seeking an
indemnity payment pursuant to this Section 8.3 from another party, shall deliver
to the other party written notice of claim for such indemnity payment, which
notice shall include a detailed calculation of the amount of the requested
indemnity payment (the "Indemnity Claim").  To the extent that the notified
party objects to the computation of the indemnity payment requested, the
notified party shall provide a written objection to the party seeking an
indemnity payment within ten (10) Business Days after receipt of the Indemnity
Claim from the party seeking an indemnity payment, which notice shall include
any objection to the computation of the indemnity amount.  Both parties shall
agree to the calculation of the indemnity payment and both parties shall
negotiate in good faith to resolve any matters in dispute.  If the Sellers and
the Purchaser are unable to resolve any matters in dispute within ten (10)
Business Days after the receipt by the party seeking an indemnity payment of the
other party's objection to the

                                       84
<PAGE>
 
calculation of the indemnity amount, such disputes shall be submitted to the Tax
Settlement Auditor for resolution.  Any amount owing under Section 8.3 shall be
paid before the earlier of (x) in the absence of a dispute with respect to the
calculation of the payment due, ten (10) Business Days after a party receives an
Indemnity Claim, or (y) in the case of a dispute, within five (5) Business Days
after the parties settle any such dispute or receive the Tax Settlement
Auditor's determination with respect to any dispute submitted to the Tax
Settlement Auditor.  The parties shall cooperate with each other and promptly
make available to each other all data and other information as may be reasonably
requested by each party to substantiate any Indemnity Claim.

          (ii)  Each party to this Agreement shall promptly notify the other
party in writing of the commencement of any claim, audit, examination, or other
proposed change or adjustment of which it or any of their Affiliates have been
informed of by any taxing authority which may affect the liability of the other
party under this Section 8.3 (each a "Tax Claim").  Such notice shall describe
the asserted Tax Claim in reasonable detail and shall include copies of any
notices and other documents received from any taxing authority in respect of any
such asserted Tax Claim.

          (iii)  At the Sellers' expense, the Sellers shall have the sole right
to represent the Companies' and their Subsidiaries' interests with respect to
any issue in any tax audit or administrative or court proceeding relating to
Taxes for which the Sellers are responsible hereunder, to employ counsel of
their choice, to settle such issues and take any other actions in their
discretion in connection with such issues; provided, however, that, the Sellers
                                           --------  -------                   
shall not agree to any settlement of an issue without the consent of the
Purchaser, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, to the extent that
such settlement would have an effect on the Purchaser, the Companies or their
Subsidiaries with respect to any Taxes which are the responsibility of the
Purchaser hereunder or with respect to any Taxable Period (or portion thereof)
beginning after December 31, 1994.

          (d)  For any Taxable Period that begins on or before and ends after
the Closing Date (or the date of any Financial Statement, Interim Financial
Statement, or Statutory Financial Statement), for purposes of apportioning a Tax
to the portion of such Taxable Period that ends on the Closing Date (or such
other date), (i) the parties shall treat that date as the last day of such
Taxable Period, and (ii) the Tax for the Taxable Period that is allocable to the
portion of the Taxable Period ending on such date shall be (A), in the case of a
Tax that is not based on income or

                                       85
<PAGE>
 
gross receipts, the total Tax for the Taxable Period multiplied by a fraction,
the numerator of which is the number of days in the Taxable Period ending on
(and including) such date and the denominator of which is the total number of
days in such Taxable Period, and (B), in the case of a Tax that is based on
income or gross receipts, the Tax that would be due with respect to the period
ending on (and including) such date, based on actual operations of the Company
and the Subsidiaries during such period as shown on their permanent books and
records.

          8.4  Miscellaneous.  (a)  All representations and warranties contained
               -------------                                                    
in Section 3.28 (Employee Benefits) and Section 3.32 (Tax Matters) with respect
to any Tax shall survive the Closing and shall terminate and expire on the later
to occur of (i) the lapse of the statute of limitations with respect to the
assessment of such Tax (including any extensions thereof) and (ii) sixty (60)
days after the final administrative or judicial determination thereof, and no
claim may be asserted thereafter with the exception of claims arising out of any
fact, circumstance, action, or proceeding to which the Purchaser shall have
given notice to the Sellers prior to the termination of such period of the
reasonable belief that a misrepresentation or breach of a warranty had occurred
and that a Tax will arise therefrom.

          (b)  For purposes of Section 8.3, all Taxes of the Companies and their
Subsidiaries for all Taxable Periods ending on or before December 31, 1994 shall
be determined without regard to the carryback of any net operating loss, capital
loss, general business credit, or other Tax attribute from a Taxable Period
beginning after December 31, 1994.

          (c)  Any indemnity payment made pursuant to Section 8.2 or Section 8.3
or other payment made pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated by the parties
and their Affiliates on their Tax Returns as an adjustment to the consideration
being provided for the Shares hereunder unless such treatment would be
inconsistent with a judgment which has been rendered in any judicial or
administrative proceeding governing such treatment, in which case the
indemnifying party shall also indemnify the indemnified party for any increase
in liability for Taxes that is imposed on the indemnified party, any Company,
and/or any Subsidiary, which is attributable to the indemnity payment or other
payment made by the indemnifying party being treated as currently taxable.  This
Section 8.4(c) shall not bind the parties, however, with respect to the tax
treatment by the Sellers Group for the Short Period Tax and the 338 Tax Costs.

                                       86
<PAGE>
 
          (d)  For purposes of this Agreement, "Tax Settlement Auditor" shall
mean a nationally recognized accounting firm or a law firm mutually acceptable
to the Purchaser and the Sellers; provided, that, if the Purchaser and the
                                  --------  ----                          
Sellers are unable to agree as to a Tax Settlement Auditor within five (5)
Business Days then each of the Sellers and the Purchaser shall select their own
nationally recognized accounting firm or law firm within an additional three (3)
Business Days, which two firms shall within an additional five (5) Business Days
select a third nationally recognized accounting firm or law firm to act as Tax
Settlement Auditor.  Unless otherwise indicated, the Tax Settlement Auditor's
resolution of any disputed item under this Agreement shall in each case be
reflected in a written report which will be delivered to the Purchaser and the
Sellers (on the same day) as soon as reasonably practicable after the dispute
was submitted to the Tax Settlement Auditor.  The Tax Settlement Auditor's
resolution of any dispute will be final and binding upon the Sellers and the
Purchaser and the Sellers and the Purchaser will each pay one-half of the fees
and expenses of the Tax Settlement Auditor.  The Sellers and the Purchaser will
fully cooperate with the Tax Settlement Auditor to resolve any disputed matters.


                                   ARTICLE IX

                                  TERMINATION

          9.1  Termination of Agreement.  This Agreement may be terminated prior
               ------------------------                                         
to the Closing:

          (a)  by either the Purchaser, on the one hand, or by Skandia U.S., on
     the other hand, upon written notice to the other if, without fault of the
     terminating party, the Closing shall not have occurred on or before
     December 31, 1995; provided, however, that if all conditions to the
                        --------  -------                               
     obligations of the Purchaser to consummate the Closing (as set forth in
     Article VI hereof), other than obtaining requisite Consents of insurance
     regulatory authorities for the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
     have then been satisfied, and the Purchaser is diligently seeking to obtain
     such insurance regulatory Consents, then the right to terminate this
     Agreement pursuant to this clause (a) shall not be available to any party
     hereto, and the obligations hereunder of the parties hereto shall be
     extended, until March 31, 1996; or

          (b)  at any time by mutual agreement in writing of the parties hereto.

                                       87
<PAGE>
 
          9.2  Effect of Termination.  In the event of the termination of this
               ---------------------                                          
Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1, this Agreement shall thereafter become void
and have no effect, and no party hereto shall have any liability or obligation
to any other party hereto in respect of this Agreement, except that the
provisions of Section 5.2(b) (Confidentiality), Section 5.6 (Public
Announcements), Article X (Miscellaneous), this Section 9.2 and, solely for
purposes of the next sentence, Sections 8.2 (Indemnification) and 8.3 (Tax
Indemnification) shall survive any such termination.  Nothing herein shall
relieve any party from liability for any breach of any of its representations,
warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement prior to
termination of this Agreement or any obligations hereunder.


                                   ARTICLE X

                                 MISCELLANEOUS

          10.1  Notices.  Any notices and other communications required to be
                -------                                                      
given pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be effective upon
delivery by hand or upon receipt if sent by certified or registered mail
(postage prepaid and return receipt requested) or by a nationally recognized
overnight courier service (appropriately marked for overnight delivery) or upon
transmission if sent by telex or facsimile (with request for immediate
confirmation of receipt in a manner customary for communications of such
respective type and with physical delivery of the communication being made by
one of the other means specified in this Section 10.1 as promptly as practicable
thereafter).  Notices are to be addressed as follows:

          (a)  If to any of the Sellers to:

               Skandia America Corporation
               One Liberty Plaza
               New York, New York 10006
               Attention: General Counsel
               Telecopy No.: (212) 571-3630

               with a copy to:

               Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft
               100 Maiden Lane
               New York, New York 10038
               Attention: Lou Bevilacqua, Esq.
               Telecopy No.: (212) 504-6666

                                       88
<PAGE>
 
               and

               Skandia Insurance Company Ltd (publ)
               S-103 50 Stockholm
               Sweden 44
               Attention: General Counsel
               Telecopy No.: 46-8-788 16 80

          (b)  If to the Purchaser to:

               Fund American Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
               The 1820 House
               Main Street
               Norwich, Vermont 05055
               Attention: Allan L. Waters
               Telecopy No.: (802) 649-2240

               with a copy to:

               Dewey Ballantine
               1301 Avenue of the Americas
               New York, NY 10019
               Attention:  William W. Rosenblatt, Esq.
               Telecopy No.: (212) 259-6333

or to such other respective addresses as any of the parties hereto shall
designate to the others by like notice, provided that notice of a change of
address shall be effective only upon receipt thereof.

          10.2  Fees and Expenses.  Except as provided herein, each of the
                -----------------                                         
parties hereto shall pay its own respective fees and expenses (including,
without limitation, the fees of any attorneys, accountants, investment bankers
or other Representatives) incurred in connection with this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby, whether or not such transactions are
consummated.

          10.3  Specific Performance.  The Sellers acknowledge and agree that in
                --------------------                                            
the event of any breach or default by the Sellers under this Agreement, the
Purchaser would be irreparably and immediately harmed and could not be made
whole by monetary damages.  It is accordingly agreed that the parties hereto
will (i) waive, in any action, suit or proceeding for specific performance or
other relief referred to in this paragraph, the defense of adequacy of money
damages or a remedy at law, and (ii) be entitled, in addition to any other
remedy to which any of them may be entitled at law or in equity, to compel
specific performance of this Agreement or to obtain a temporary restraining
order, preliminary and permanent injunction or other 

                                       89
<PAGE>
 
equitable relief or remedy, in any action, suit or proceeding instituted in any
state or federal court.

          10.4  Consent to Jurisdiction; Service of Process.  Any action, suit
                -------------------------------------------                   
or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement may be instituted in
any United States Federal court or any state court located in Boston,
Massachusetts, and each party agrees not to assert, by way of motion, as a
defense or otherwise, in any such action, suit or proceeding, any claim it may
now or hereafter have that it is not subject personally to the jurisdiction of
such court, that the action, suit or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient
forum, that the venue of the action, suit or proceeding is improper or that this
Agreement or the subject matter hereof may not be enforced in or by such court.
Each party further irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of such court in any
such action, suit or proceeding, and irrevocably agrees to be bound by any final
judgment rendered thereby in connection with this Agreement from which no appeal
has been taken or is available.  Any and all service of process and any other
notice in any such action, suit or proceeding shall be effective against any
party if given personally or by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid
and return receipt requested, or by personal service on such party.  Nothing
contained herein shall be deemed to affect the right of any party to serve
process in any manner permitted by law or to commence legal proceedings or
otherwise proceed against any other party in any other jurisdiction.

          10.5  Entire Agreement; Waivers and Amendments.  This Agreement
                ----------------------------------------                 
(including the Exhibits and Schedules hereto and the documents and instruments
referred to herein) contains the entire agreement and understanding of the
parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior
written or oral agreements and understandings with respect thereto.  This
Agreement may only be amended or modified, and the terms hereof may only be
waived, by a writing signed by all parties hereto or, in the case of a waiver,
by the party entitled to the benefit of the terms being waived.

          10.6  Assignment; Binding Effect.  This Agreement may not be assigned
                --------------------------                                     
or delegated, in whole or in part, by any party hereto without the prior written
consent of all other parties hereto, except that the Purchaser shall have the
right at any time, without such consent, to assign its right hereunder to
purchase any or all of the Shares to any wholly owned Subsidiary of the
Purchaser (in which event, the Purchaser shall guarantee the performance by such
Subsidiary of the Purchaser's obligation hereunder to purchase such Shares).
Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of 

                                       90
<PAGE>
 
the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

          10.7  Severability.  In the event that any provision of this Agreement
                ------------                                                    
shall be declared invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction
in any jurisdiction, such provision shall, as to such jurisdiction, be
ineffective to the extent declared invalid or unenforceable without affecting
the validity or enforceability of the other provisions of this Agreement, and
the remainder of this Agreement shall remain binding on the parties hereto.
However, in the event that any such provision shall be declared unenforceable
due to its scope, breadth or duration, then it shall be modified to the scope,
breadth or duration permitted by law or Governmental Entities and shall continue
to be fully enforceable as so modified.

          10.8  No Third Party Beneficiaries.  This Agreement is for the benefit
                ----------------------------                                    
of the parties hereto and is not intended to confer upon any other Person any
rights or remedies hereunder.

          10.9  Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by and
                -------------                                          
construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York, without
giving effect to the principles of conflicts of law thereof.

          10.10  Interpretation.  This Agreement is the result of arms-length
                 --------------                                              
negotiations between the parties hereto and has been prepared jointly by the
parties.  In applying and interpreting the provisions of this Agreement, there
shall be no presumption that the Agreement was prepared by any one party or that
the Agreement shall be construed in favor of or against any one party.

          10.11  Captions.  The Article and Section Headings in this Agreement
                 --------                                                     
are inserted for convenience of reference only, and shall not affect the
interpretation of this Agreement.

          10.12  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in two or more
                 ------------                                                
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which
together shall be considered one and the same agreement.

                                       91
<PAGE>
 
          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement as
of the date first written above.


                           FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES
                                HOLDINGS, INC.



                         By:
                            -----------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:



                         SKANDIA U.S. HOLDING CORPORATION



                         By:
                            -----------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         SKANDIA AMERICA CORPORATION



                         By:
                            -----------------------------
                            Name:
                            Title:

                                       92
<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Schedule 4.4
                                                                    ------------



                           CONSENTS OF THE PURCHASER
                           -------------------------



                                      None
<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Schedule 4.5
                                                                    ------------



                       LEGAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE PURCHASER
                       ----------------------------------



                                      None

<PAGE>
 
                                 FUND AMERICAN



                      VOLUNTARY DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN



                           (As Adopted April 9, 1992)
                          (Revised November 10, 1995)
<PAGE>
 
                                FUND AMERICAN

                      VOLUNTARY DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

                            (Adopted April 9, 1992)
                          (Revised November 10, 1995)


                                     INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


   ARTICLE           DESCRIPTION                                PAGE
   -------           -----------                                ----
   <S>               <C>                                        <C>
      I.             PURPOSE OF PLAN..........................   1
     II.             DEFINITIONS..............................   1
    III.             ELIGIBILITY..............................   3
     IV.             PARTICIPATION............................   4
      V.             GENERAL PROVISIONS.......................   5
     VI.             DEFERRED COMPENSATION ACCOUNTS...........   6
    VII.             PARTICIPANTS' RIGHTS UNSECURED...........  12
   VIII.             PAYMENT OF DEFERRED COMPENSATION.........  13
     IX.             VALUATION DATE...........................  16
      X.             DEATH OF PARTICIPANT.....................  16
     XI.             ALIENATION...............................  16
    XII.             TAX WITHHOLDING..........................  16
   XIII.             CONSENT..................................  17
    XIV.             SEVERABILITY.............................  17
     XV.             AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION................  17
    XVI.             CHANGE OF CONTROL........................  19
   XVII.             PLAN ADMINISTRATION......................  21

</TABLE>

                                      (i)
<PAGE>
 
                                 FUND AMERICAN
                     VOLUNTARY DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
                            (Adopted April 9, 1992)
                          (Revised November 10, 1995)


                                   ARTICLE I

                                PURPOSE OF PLAN

1.1  The purpose of this Plan is to provide eligible Directors, Officers and Key
     Employees of Fund American with the opportunity to defer compensation. The
     Plan is also intended to establish a method of attracting and retaining
     persons whose abilities, experience and judgement can contribute to the
     long-term strategic objectives of Fund American.

1.2  The Committee intends that the Plan be an unfunded non-qualified deferred
     compensation plan maintained primarily for the purpose of providing
     deferred compensation for a select group of management or highly
     compensated employees of Fund American, and that contributions to the Plan
     shall be deductible by Fund American pursuant to Section 404 (a)(5) of the
     Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "IRC").

                                  ARTICLE II
                                  DEFINITIONS

     As used in this Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings
     hereinafter set forth:

2.1  "Base Salary" means the annual salary paid to Fund American Officers and
     Key Employees which is paid bi-weekly (or other regular interval) during
     the calendar year.

2.2  "Beneficiary" means any person(s) or legal entity(ies) designated by the
     Participant or otherwise determined in accordance with ARTICLE V.

2.3  "Board of Directors" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

2.4  "Committee" means the Executive Compensation Committee as initially
     appointed by the Board of Directors and as appointed from time to time by
     written action of the Board of Directors.

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
2.5  "Company" means Fund American Enterprises Holdings, Inc. (formerly The Fund
     American Companies, Inc.), a Delaware corporation, and its successors and
     assigns.

2.6  "Compensation" means, by type, Base Salary, cash bonuses, performance
     units, stock appreciation rights, performance shares, restricted stock,
     Director's Fees, warrants, stock options and other qualifying remuneration
     paid or otherwise payable by Fund American, as determined by the Committee.

2.7  "Deferral Period" means the Plan Year(s) in which the Participant would
     otherwise receive Compensation but for the election made to defer such
     Compensation pursuant to ARTICLE IV.

2.8  "Deferred Compensation" means Compensation deferred pursuant to this Plan.

2.9  "Deferred Compensation Account" means the individual account maintained
     under the Plan for a Participant.

2.10 "Deferred Compensation Election Form" means the standardized election form
     that each Participant must execute in accordance with ARTICLE IV in order
     to participate in the Plan, an example of which is attached hereto as
     EXHIBIT # 1.

2.11 "Director" means a director of the Company who is not an employee of Fund
     American.

2.12 "Director's Fees" means any annual retainer amount plus all fees for
     meetings attended of the Company.

2.13 "Eligible Participant" means Directors, Officers and Key Employees of Fund
     American designated by the Committee as eligible to participate in the
     Plan.

2.14 "FFC Share(s)" means a share(s) of Fund American Enterprises Holdings,
     Inc., common stock ($1.00 par value) as listed on the New York Stock
     Exchange (symbol FFC).

2.15 "Fund American" means the Company, its wholly owned subsidiary, Fund
     American Enterprises, Inc., a Delaware corporation, White Mountains
     Holdings, Inc., White Mountains Insurance Company and other affiliates
     designated by the Committee or the Board of Directors.

2.16 "Investment Option" means an option made available to Participants under
     ARTICLE VI.

2.17 "Investment Option Election" means a Participant election made under
     ARTICLE VI.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
2.18 "Key Employee" means any executive employee or other overtime-exempt
     employee of Fund American that the Committee in its sole discretion decides
     is important to the ongoing business objectives of Fund American.

2.19 "Market Price of FFC Share(s)" means the closing price per share of FFC
     listed on the NYSE composite tape or, if the NYSE is closed for a
     particular day, the closing NYSE price of FFC on the previous day.

2.20 "Officer" means an officer of Fund American as defined in the Corporate By-
     Laws.

2.21 "Participant" for any Plan Year means an Eligible Participant who elects to
     participate in the Plan in accordance with the procedures set forth in
     ARTICLE IV.

2.22 "Plan" means the Fund American Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan as
     embodied herein and as amended from time to time.

2.23 "Plan Year" means the twelve (12) month calendar year beginning January 1
     and ending December 31, or shorter period as the case may be in the year
     the Plan is adopted or terminated.

2.24 "Valuation Date" means the last business day of either a calendar year or
     calendar quarter, as the Committee will determine from time to time.

2.25 Construction. The masculine pronoun shall be deemed to include the
     ------------
     feminine, and the singular number shall be deemed to include the plural
     unless a different meaning is plainly required by the context.


                                  ARTICLE III
                                  ELIGIBILITY

     Each Director who receives Director's Fees, and each Officer and Key
     Employee who receives Compensation as an employee of Fund American, shall
     be eligible to participate in the Plan if selected by the Committee. The
     Committee has total discretion to determine who is eligible to defer
     Compensation on a Plan Year by Plan Year basis.

                                   ARTICLE IV
                                 PARTICIPATION

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
4.1  Election To Participate.  Subject to Sections 4.2, in order to participate
     -----------------------
     in the Plan for a particular Plan Year, an eligible Director, Officer, or
     Key Employee must make a valid election by executing and filing with the
     Committee, before the commencement of such Plan Year, a Deferred
                                                             --------
     Compensation Election Form, an example of which is attached hereto as
     ---------------------
     EXHIBIT # 1.

4.2  (i)  New Participant.  Notwithstanding Section 4.1, but subject to section
     --------------------
     4.2(ii), a newly appointed Director, or newly hired Officer or Key
     Employee, who becomes an Eligible Participant after the first day of the
     Plan Year, may elect to participate in the Plan for such Plan Year with
     respect to future Compensation by filing a Deferred Compensation Election
     Form within fifteen (15) days after his initial date of appointment or
     employment.

     (ii)  365 Day Existing Option Timing Election.  Notwithstanding Section
     ---------------------------------------------
     4.1, and solely for purposes of the transition rule for converting Existing
     Options (see Section 6.9 herein), an election to convert Existing Options
     must be made on a Deferred Compensation Election Form at least 365 calendar
     days prior to the date (the "Trigger Date") on which such Existing
     Option(s) either:

         1)   becomes no longer subject to a risk of forfeiture (e.g. restricted
              stock);
         2)   lapses or is no longer exercisable (e.g. options, warrants, SARs);
              or
         3)   is deemed earned and payable by the Board of Directors (e.g.
              performance shares/units).

4.3  Election Not Revocable.  Except as provided in Section 8.5, a Deferred
     ----------------------
     Compensation Election Form, once executed and filed with the Committee,
     cannot be revoked for such Compensation elected to be deferred pursuant to
     such form.

4.4  Vesting.  A Participant will be vested in his entire Deferred Compensation
     -------
     Account balance at all times and will not be subject to forfeiture for any
     reason.

4.5  New Elections Permitted for Each Year. A Participant is not required to
     -------------------------------------
     defer future Compensation by reason of making an election to defer
     Compensation for current or prior Plan Years. Future Compensation can only
     be deferred by filing a Deferred Compensation Election Form for the
     appropriate Plan Year.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
4.6  Minimum Amounts.  The minimum amount of Compensation which may be deferred
     ---------------
     by an Eligible Participant for any Plan Year is $5,000 for each particular
     type of Compensation. The maximum amount of Compensation which may be
     deferred for any Plan Year is 100% of an Eligible Participant's
     Compensation for such Plan Year.

4.7  Rounding.  Subject to the minimum deferral requirement (Section 4.6), if a
     --------
     Participant elects to defer less than 100% of a particular type of
     Compensation for such Plan Year, such deferral will be limited to even
     dollar amounts rounded to the closest $5,000 increment. In situations where
     the dollar amount of such particular type of Compensation is not yet fixed
     or determinable, Participants can elect to defer a stated percentage (%) of
     such Compensation in 10% increments, subject to rounding to the closest
     $5,000 increment.

                                   ARTICLE V
                              GENERAL PROVISIONS

5.1  No Right to Payment Except as Provided in Plan. No Participant, or other
     ----------------------------------------------
     Eligible Participant or Beneficiary, shall have any right to any payment or
     benefit hereunder except to the extent provided in the Plan.

5.2  Employment Rights.  The employment rights of any Participant or other
     -----------------
     Eligible Participant shall not be enlarged, guaranteed or affected by
     reason of the provisions of the Plan.

5.3  Recipient Under a Disability.  If the Committee determines that any person
     ----------------------------
     to whom a payment is due hereunder is a minor, or is adjudicated
     incompetent by reason of physical or mental disability, the Committee shall
     have the power to cause the payments becoming due to such person to be made
     to the legal guardian for the benefit of the minor or incompetent, without
     responsibility of Fund American or the Committee to see to the application
     of such payment, unless prior to such payment claim is made therefor by a
     duly appointed legal representative. Payments made pursuant to such power
     shall operate as a complete discharge of Fund American and the Committee.

5.4  Designation of Beneficiary.  Each Participant may designate any person(s)
     --------------------------
     or legal entity(ies), including his estate, as his Beneficiary under the
     Plan in writing to the Committee. A Participant may at any time

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
     revoke or change his designation of Beneficiary by writing to the
     Committee. If no person or legal entity shall be designated by a
     Participant as his Beneficiary, or if no designated Beneficiary survives
     him, his estate shall be his Beneficiary.

5.5  Elections.  Any election made or notice given by a Participant pursuant to
     ---------
     the Plan shall be in writing to the Committee, or to such representative as
     may be designated by the Committee for such purpose. Notice shall be deemed
     to have been made or given on the date received by the Committee or its
     designated representative.

5.6  Effect on Other Plans.  No amount of Compensation withheld under the terms
     ---------------------
     of this Plan shall be included as compensation under any tax-qualified plan
     sponsored by Fund American.

5.7  Controlling Law.  The validity of the Plan or any of its provisions shall
     ---------------
     be determined under, and it shall be construed and administered according
     to, the laws of the State of Vermont.

                                  ARTICLE VI
                        DEFERRED COMPENSATION ACCOUNTS

6.1  Accounts.  Upon receipt of a Participant's valid election, the Committee
     --------
     shall establish, as a bookkeeping entry only, a Deferred Compensation
     Account for such Participant. The Committee shall thereafter record to each
     Participant's Deferred Compensation Account for a Plan Year, the amount(s)
     which he elected to defer in accordance with ARTICLE IV, which would have
     otherwise been paid to the Participant during the Plan Year.

6.2  Adjustments To Accounts.  The balance in a Participant's Deferred
     -----------------------
     Compensation Account at any time will be calculated on a daily basis by: i)
     aggregating all current or prior Plan Years Deferred Compensation elected
     pursuant to ARTICLE IV; ii) adding (subtracting) thereto the cumulative
     interest equivalent, whether positive or negative, earned on such Deferred
     Compensation computed in accordance with the rules of Sections 6.3, 6.4 and
     6.5.; and iii) from such total obtained, subtracting the aggregate payments
     made to the Participant in current or prior Plan Years in accordance with
     ARTICLE VIII and ARTICLE X.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
6.3    Investment of Deferred Compensation.  Deferred Compensation shall be
       -----------------------------------
       "theoretically invested" under any Investment Options described below as
       elected by the Participant.

6.4    Prime Rate Investment Option.  Interest equivalents, equal to the product
       ----------------------------
       of: i) Daily Prime Rate; multiplied by ii) the Deferred Compensation
       balance existing as of the end of the previous day in the Prime Rate
       Investment Option, shall be credited each day to a Participant's Deferred
       Compensation Account.

6.4(a) Daily Prime Rate.  Expressed as a percentage, the "Daily Prime Rate" as
       ----------------
       described in Section 6.4 will be calculated by dividing the "base rate"
       of interest announced publicly by Citibank, N.A. in New York, N.Y. (or
       prime or base rate of another large commercial bank selected by the
       Committee), as in effect on the last business day of each month, by 360.

6.5    Phantom Share Investment Option.  Interest equivalents shall be credited
       -------------------------------
       to (subtracted from) amounts in the Phantom Share Investment Option on a
       daily basis. Such daily interest equivalents shall be calculated as
       follows: i) take the aggregate number of Phantom Shares in a
       Participant's Phantom Share Investment Option at the close of business on
       the preceding calendar day; multiplied by ii) the difference between the
           ---------
       FFC Share closing Market Price on the current calendar day, plus
                                             -------
       dividends paid or the FFC Share closing Market Price on the preceding
                                                                   ---------
       calendar day. For purposes of comparability, the above calculation shall
       be adjusted for any stock splits or stock dividends occurring during the
       current calendar day which affects the number of Phantom Shares a
       Participant held on the preceding calendar day.
                               ---------

6.5(a) Phantom Shares Granted to Participant.  Unless the transition rule for
       -------------------------------------
       exchanging existing stock rights applies (pursuant to Section 6.9), and
       subject to the Phantom Share Cumulative Dollar Limitation contained at
       Section 6.10(b), the number of Phantom Shares granted to a Participant
       will be determined by dividing the dollar amount of Deferred Compensation
       allocated to the Phantom Share Investment Option by the Conversion Price.
       Such total amount of Phantom Shares determined will then be rounded to
       the next one-tenth (1/10) Phantom Share.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
6.5(b) Conversion Price.  Other than Compensation being deferred pursuant to
       ----------------
       Section 6.9, the Conversion Price of FFC Shares used to calculate the
       number of Phantom Shares to be added to a Participant's Deferred
       Compensation Account will be the closing Market Price of FFC Shares at
       the end of the business day within the Plan Year where such Deferred
       Compensation would otherwise have been paid to the Participant if he had
       not elected to participate in the Plan.

6.5(c) Dividends Reinvested in Phantom Share Investment Option.  For purposes of
       -------------------------------------------------------
       Section 6.5, dividends "paid or payable" shall mean either in cash or
       property, but shall exclude stock dividends or stock splits, as the case
       may be. Further, dividends paid or declared payable on the preceding day
       will be treated as automatically reinvested in FFC Shares as of the end
       of such day at the closing Market Price of FFC Shares; provided the
       Participant's account held Phantom Shares on the last day the Company
       declares as the date stockholders of record are entitled to receive such
       dividend on FFC Shares (i.e. the "ex-dividend" date).

6.5(d) Other Dilutive and Anti-dilutive Transactions Affecting Phantom Shares.
       ----------------------------------------------------------------------
       In addition to Section 6.5(c), and subject to other provisions in the
       Plan, the Committee has the discretion to make appropriate adjustments to
       a Participant's account invested in the Phantom Share Investment Option
       where a "capital transaction" or "corporate reorganization" has the
       affect of changing the economic equivalent number of Phantom Shares that
       a Participant has been credited under this Plan.

       The Committee shall make an adjustment to each Participant's account so
       affected (if any), either positive or negative as the case may be, to
       ensure that neither unintended economic benefits nor detriments are
       conferred on a Participant solely by reason of such capital transaction
       or corporate reorganization.

6.5(e) Capital Transaction or Corporate Reorganization.  Solely for purposes of
       -----------------------------------------------
       Section 6.5(d), a "capital transaction" or "corporate reorganization"
       shall not be limited to its ordinary meaning if in fact a Participant
       would be conferred an economic benefit or detriment by some other
       corporate transaction which is not literally considered a capital
       transaction or corporate reorganization under common business usage of
       said terms.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
6.6    Equity Fund Investment Option.  Interest equivalents, equal to the
       -----------------------------
       product of: i) the daily published total return for the Oakmark Fund;
       multiplied by ii) the Deferred Compensation balance existing as of the
       end of the previous day in the Equity Fund Investment Option, shall be
       credited each day to a Participant's Deferred Compensation Account.

6.7    Fixed-Income Fund Investment Option.  Interest equivalents, equal to the
       -----------------------------------
       product of: i) the daily published total return for the PIMCo Total
       Return Fund; multiplied by ii) the Deferred Compensation balance existing
       as of the end of the previous day in the Fixed-Income Fund Investment
       Option, shall be credited each day to a Participant's Deferred
       Compensation Account.

6.8    Other Investment Options.  The Committee may make other Investment
       ------------------------
       Options available under the Plan from time to time. Earnings (loss) shall
       be credited to (subtracted from) amounts invested in such other
       Investment Options on a daily basis as determined by the Committee.

6.9    Transition Rule for Converting Existing Rights (or Derivative Rights) to 
       ------------------------------------------------------------------------
       FFC Shares.  For purposes of establishing a Participant's Deferred
       ----------
       Compensation Account, a transition rule shall apply for Participants
       electing to exchange and convert stock options, SARs, warrants and other
       rights to FFC Shares (or derivative rights) granted pursuant to the 1985
       Long-Term Incentive Plan or other contractual agreement between Fund
       American and the Participant (collectively "Existing Options").

6.9(a) Election to Exchange and Convert Existing Options.  Eligible Participants
       -------------------------------------------------
       can, upon written election, choose to exchange and convert their Existing
       Options either for Phantom Shares granted pursuant to this Plan and
       calculated as set forth in the "Phantom Share Conversion Formula"
       contained in Section 6.9(c) or alternatively, or in combination with the
       Phantom Share Conversion Option, elect to exchange and convert Existing
       Options into the Prime Rate Investment Option, calculated as set forth in
       the "Prime Rate Dollar Equivalent Conversion Formula" contained in
       Section 6.9(d). Such conversion privilege is still subject to all other
       provisions of this Plan, including the minimum deferral rules of Article
       IV and Article VIII, the 365 day advance notice requirement in Section
       4.2(ii) and the Phantom Share Cumulative Dollar Limitation in Section
       6.10(b).

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
6.9(b) Conversion Price for Exchanging Existing Options.  Solely for purposes of
       ------------------------------------------------
       Section 6.9, and in addition to the irrevocable election to exchange and
       convert Existing Options pursuant to Section 6.9(a), the Conversion Price
       of FFC Shares used to calculate the number of Phantom Shares to be added
       to a Participant's Deferred Compensation Account will be the closing
       Market Price of FFC Shares at the end of the business day elected by the
       Participant and stated in the Deferred Compensation Election Form filed
       with the Committee. Each Participant must select one of two allowable
       dates to calculate the amount of Compensation being converted into this
       Plan:

            1) the same date the election to irrevocably convert Existing
               Options is made pursuant to Section 6.9(a); or
            2) Depending on the type of Compensation being converted, the
               appropriate "Trigger Date" as the term is defined in Section
               4.2(ii).
6.9(c) Phantom Share Conversion Formula.
       --------------------------------

                          ( [$A - $B] / $A ) x C = D

       Where A = Conversion Price of FFC Shares as defined in Section 6.5(b) 
                 or 6.9(b)
       Where B = Weighted average exercise price for FFC Shares under Existing
                 Options
       Where C = Total FFC Shares Participant could have purchased using 
                 Existing Options
       Where D = Total Phantom Shares issued to Participant in exchange for 
                 Existing Options

6.9(d) Prime Rate Dollar Equivalent Conversion Formula.
       -----------------------------------------------

                               [$A - $B] x C = D

       Where A = Conversion Price of FFC Shares as defined in Section 6.5(b) 
                 or 6.9(b)
       Where B = Weighted average exercise price for FFC Shares under Existing
                 Options
       Where C = Total FFC Shares Participant could have purchased using 
                 Existing Options
       Where D = Total Dollar Equivalent credited to Prime Rate Investment 
                 Option

6.9(e) Legal Rights after Exchanging Existing Options.  Notwithstanding anything
       to the contrary, a Participant who makes an irrevocable election to
       convert Existing Options pursuant to Section 6.9 herein understands

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
       that they are forfeiting all legal rights to such Existing Options that
       they held immediately prior to making the election to convert such
       Existing Options into this Plan.

6.10   Investment Option Election.  Except as provided in this Section 6.10,
       --------------------------
       amounts invested in the Phantom Share Investment Option may not be
       transferred to another Investment Option by the Participant although
       amounts invested in any other Investment Option may be transferred
       annually among any available Investment Option (including a transfer to
       the Phantom Share Investment Option) in accordance with procedures
       established by the Committee. Such transfer election may be made only
       within the 10-business day period commencing on the third business day
       following release of the Company's third quarter financial information.

       The foregoing limitation on transfers of amounts invested in the Phantom
       Share Investment Option has been included in this Plan so that amounts
       invested in the Phantom Share Investment Option shall be excluded from
       the definition of "derivative securities" contained in Rule 16a-1(c) (3)
       (or any successor) issued under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. If
       such rule is withdrawn, amended or reinterpreted so that the foregoing
       limitation is no longer required to disqualify such amounts as derivative
       securities, the foregoing limitation shall be rescinded.

       An Investment Option election shall remain in effect for future Deferred
       Compensation (including amounts deferred in subsequent Plan Years) unless
       and until a new Investment Option Election is filed with the Committee.

6.10(a)Investment Option Allocation.   Subject to the Phantom Share Cumulative
       ----------------------------                                           
       Dollar Limitation contained at Section 6.10(b), each Participant can
       elect to allocate each type of Deferred Compensation for a particular
       Plan Year among the available Investment Options as described in Sections
       6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7 and 6.8. However, if more than one Investment Option
       is selected for a type of Deferred Compensation such allocation cannot be
       less than $5,000 with respect to any one Investment Option so elected.

6.10(b)Phantom Share Cumulative Dollar Limitation.  Notwithstanding a
       ------------------------------------------                    
       Participant's ability to allocate Deferred Compensation among the
       available Investment Options, a Participant's election to invest Deferred

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
       Compensation in the Phantom Share Investment Option may be limited
       (either in whole or in part) as described herein:

       (i)  Without requiring authorization from the Board of Directors, but
            subject to all other provisions in this Plan, a Participant may
            continue to invest Deferred Compensation in the Phantom Share
            Investment Option to the extent the portion of a Participant's
            Deferred Compensation Account balance invested in the Phantom Share
            Investment Option does not have a fair market value which exceeds
            twenty million dollars ($20 million).

       (ii) Unless authorized by the Board of Directors, a Participant is
            precluded from investing additional Deferred Compensation in the
            Phantom Share Investment Option if the portion of a Participant's
            Deferred Compensation Account balance previously invested in the
            Phantom Share Investment Option has a fair market value which
            exceeds twenty million dollars ($20 million).

6.11   Deletion of Investment Options.  Except as provided in Section 15.2, the
       ------------------------------
       Committee cannot delete or alter the terms of an available Investment
       Option without the written permission of those Participants affected by
       such proposed amendment whose Deferred Compensation is invested in such
       Investment Option.

6.12   Effect On Other Plans.  If, because of a Participant's deferral of
       ---------------------
       Compensation under this Plan, a Participant's benefits in any other Fund
       American plan (either qualified or nonqualified) are reduced, Fund
       American shall provide a supplemental credit. Such supplemental credit
       however, shall not be provided through this Plan but through some other
       plan, agreement or other mechanism as the Committee deems appropriate.

                                  ARTICLE VII
                        PARTICIPANTS' RIGHTS UNSECURED

7.1    Unsecured Creditors.  Amounts credited to Deferred Compensation Accounts
       -------------------
       shall be dealt with in all respects as working capital of Fund American,
       therefore the right of a Participant to receive any distribution
       hereunder shall be an unsecured claim against the general assets of Fund
       American.

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
7.2    No Actual Investment Required.  Subject to ARTICLE XVI, no assets of Fund
       -----------------------------
       American shall in any way be held in trust for, or be subject to, any
       prior claim by a Director, an Officer, or a Key Employee, or his
       Beneficiary under the Plan. Further, neither Fund American nor the
       Committee shall have any duty whatsoever to invest any amounts credited
       to any Deferred Compensation Accounts established under the Plan.

                                 ARTICLE VIII
                       PAYMENT OF DEFERRED COMPENSATION

8.1    Commencement of Benefits.  Subject to Section 8.1(a), when, and at the
       ------------------------
       same time, an Eligible Participant elects to defer Compensation for any
       particular Plan Year, he shall also elect on the "Deferred Compensation
       Election Form" to have the portion of his Deferred Compensation Account
       balance attributable to such current Plan Year deferral commence to be
       paid on the first day of the Plan Year following the Plan Year in which
       the earlier event occurs:
           -------

            (i)  upon separation from service due to either termination, normal
                 retirement, death or disability; or

            (ii) upon the date such Participant attains a selected age.

8.1(a) 365 Day Minimum Deferral Period.  Notwithstanding the time elected for
       -------------------------------                                       
       the commencement of benefits pursuant to Section 8.1, commencement of
       benefits will not occur prior to the expiration of a 365 day period
       beginning the day after the date on which an election to defer
       compensation became effective as provided in this Plan.

8.2    Payment Method Election.  At the time the deferral election is filed
       -----------------------                                             
       pursuant to ARTICLE IV, Participants must also elect the method of
       receiving payment of their Deferred Compensation Account balance upon the
       first day of the Plan Year following the expiration of the elected
       deferral period. Each Participant shall elect to receive payment of their
       account either in:

       (i)   one lump sum on the benefit commencement date;

       (ii)  annual installments, with interest, over a specified period
             (determined in accordance with Section 8.3), beginning on the
             commencement date; or

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
       (iii) an annual installment/lump-sum combination where 25%, 50% or 75% of
             the Deferred Compensation Account balance is paid in annual
             installments over a specified period (determined in accordance with
             Section 8.3), beginning on the commencement date, and the remaining
             balance paid in lump-sum, with accrued interest, at the end of the
             elected payment period.

8.2(a) Installment Payout Formula.  If a Participant selects  payment option
       --------------------------                                           
       (ii) or (iii) of Section 8.2, the annual installment amount for a
       particular Plan Year will be computed as follows:

                             $W = ( $X / [Y - Z] )

       Where W =  Installment amount received by Participant in a particular 
                  Plan Year.
       Where X =  Participant's Deferred Compensation Account balance at end 
                  of prior Plan Year.
       Where Y =  Number of years originally elected by Participant for the 
                  payment period.
       Where Z =  Number of years in the elected payment period already elapsed.

8.3    Payment Period Election.  At the time an Eligible Participant elects to
       -----------------------
       be a Participant for any Plan Year, he shall concurrently elect the
       number of years, up to a maximum of fifteen (15), over which his Deferred
       Compensation Account shall be paid out upon the expiration of the
       Deferral Period.

8.3(a) Automatic Payment Period Override.  Notwithstanding the Participant's
       ----------------------------------                                   
       payment period election pursuant to Section 8.3, in the case of
       termination for cause (Section 8.6) or death of Participant (ARTICLE X),
       such payment period election will be automatically changed to the lump-
       sum option contained at Section 8.2(i).

8.4    Payment Denomination.  All payments made to Participants shall be paid
       --------------------
       solely in cash.

8.5    Change of Prior Elections.  Subject to the consent of the Committee, an
       -------------------------                                              
       Eligible Participant may file a request to change his prior election with
       respect to the timing of commencement of benefits (Section 8.1), payment
       method (Section 8.2) and/or payment period (Section 8.3). Such new
       election must be filed with the Committee at least 365 days prior to the
       date on which payment of benefits would commence under either the
       original or the revised election. Only one such request will be approved
       with respect to any Participant.

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
8.6    Termination for Cause.  Notwithstanding the payment period election made
       ---------------------
       under Section 8.3, if a Participant is terminated for cause as determined
       by the Committee, payment of the entire amount remaining in his Deferred
       Compensation Account for all Plan Years shall be made in one lump sum on
       the first day after the end of the Plan Year in which termination
       occurred. Termination for cause shall include gross negligence, willful
       misconduct and fraud against the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

8.7    Hardship Withdrawal.  Subject to the limitation in Section 8.7(a), upon
       -------------------                                                    
       application of any Participant and approval thereof by the Committee, the
       Participant may withdraw, by reason of hardship, part or all of his
       Deferred Compensation Account. "Hardship" shall mean an unanticipated
       emergency situation in the Participant's financial affairs beyond the
       Participant's control, including illness or an accident involving the
       Participant, his dependents or other members of his family, or other
       significant financial emergency, as determined by the Committee in its
       sole discretion.

8.7(a) Section 16 Limitation.  Notwithstanding the Hardship Withdrawal provision
       ---------------------
       contained in Section 8.7 above, such provision is not available for those
       Participants identified by the Committee as "insiders", as defined under
       Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 unless and until
       amounts invested in the Phantom Share Investment Option will be excluded
       from the definition of "derivative securities" contained in Rule 16a-1
       (c)(3) (or any successor) issued under the Securities Exchange Act of
       1934 even if such amounts may be subject to a Hardship Withdrawal.

8.8    Accrued Interest Period.  For purposes of determining the benefits to be
       -----------------------                                                 
       paid to Participants under ARTICLES VIII and X, interest on such Deferred
       Compensation Account balance will continue to accrue through the end of
       November in the Plan Year prior to the Plan Year in which payment of
       benefits will be made. Interest for the month of December in the Plan
       Year prior to the Plan Year in which payment of benefits will be made is
       calculated by using the following formula:

                           [ $X  x  Y% ] x 30 =  $Z

       Where X =  Participant's Deferred Compensation Account balance at 
                  November 30th

       Where Y =  Daily Prime Rate (see Section 6.4(a)) in effect on 
                  November 30th

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
       Where Z =  Additional accrued interest due Participant for the month 
                  of December


                                  ARTICLE IX
                                VALUATION DATE

9.1    Valuation.  As of each Valuation Date, the Deferred Compensation Account
       ---------
       of each Participant shall be valued by the Committee. The current value,
       and the change in value from the prior valuation (whether positive or
       negative), shall be communicated in writing to each Participant within
       forty-five (45) days after such Valuation Date.

9.2    Valuation Dates.  A Valuation Date shall, at a minimum, be four times
       ---------------
       during a Plan Year ending on each of the quarterly periods March 31, June
       30, September 30 and December 31.


                                   ARTICLE X
                             DEATH OF PARTICIPANT

       Notwithstanding the payment period election made under Section 8.3, a
       Participant's estate or designated Beneficiary shall be paid the value of
       his Deferred Compensation Account in one lump sum as of the first day
       after the end of the Plan Year in which his death occurred. Interest on
       such balance shall be determined in accordance with the rules contained
       in Section 8.8.


                                  ARTICLE XI
                                  ALIENATION

       Anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge or other
       encumbrance of any payments or benefits under the Plan shall not be
       permitted or recognized, and to the extent permitted by law, no such
       payments or benefits shall be subject to legal process or attachment for
       the payment of any claim of any person entitled to receive the same.

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE XII
                                TAX WITHHOLDING

12.1   Withholding.  Subject to Sections 12.2 and 12.3, Fund American shall
       -----------                                                         
       deduct from all payments under this Plan the Participant's share of any
       taxes required to be withheld by any Federal, state or local government.
       The Participants and their Beneficiaries, distributees and personal
       representatives will bear any and all Federal, foreign, state, local
       income taxes or any other taxes imposed on Participants on amounts under
       this Plan.

12.2   FICA Taxes.  Pursuant to IRC Section 3121(v), Compensation deferred
       ----------                                                         
       pursuant to this Plan is subject to FICA at the time of deferral rather
       than at the time of distribution to the Participant. Accordingly, all
       Participants who have not yet reached the maximum compensation levels
       subject to FICA at the time Compensation is deferred herein will be
       required to pay (by payroll deduction or check) to Fund American the
       Participant's share of FICA taxes due and payable.

12.3   Taxes Due at Deferral Date Other than FICA Taxes.  If any of the taxes
       ------------------------------------------------                      
       referred to in Section 12.1 are due at the time of deferral, instead of
       at the time of payout, the Participant will be required to pay (by
       payroll deduction or check) to Fund American the Participant's share of
       any such taxes due and payable.

                                 ARTICLE XIII
                                    CONSENT

       By electing to become a Participant, each Director, Officer and Key
       Employee shall be deemed conclusively to have accepted and consented to
       all terms of the Plan and all actions or decisions made by the Company,
       the Board or the Committee with regard to the Plan. Such terms and
       consent shall also apply to, and be binding upon, the Beneficiaries,
       distributees and personal representatives and other successors in
       interest of each Participant.

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE XIV
                                 SEVERABILITY

       In the event any provision of this Plan would serve to invalidate the
       Plan, that provision shall be deemed to be null and void, and the Plan
       shall be construed as if it did not contain the particular provision that
       would make it invalid.


                                  ARTICLE XV
                           AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

15.1   Board May Amend or Terminate.  Subject to Sections 15.2 and 15.3,  the
       ----------------------------                                          
       Board of Directors, may at any time modify or amend any or all of the
       provisions of the Plan or may at any time terminate the Plan.

15.2   (i) Investment Options.  Notwithstanding Section 15.1, the Board of
       ----------------------                                              
       Directors cannot delete or alter the terms of the Investment Options,
       contained herein at Sections 6.4, 6.5, 6.6 and 6.7, without the written
       permission of those Participants, whose Deferred Compensation Account is
       invested in such Investment Option(s), who would be affected by such
       proposed amendment. However, nothing contained herein shall prevent the
       Board of Directors from substituting a new investment option for the
       Phantom Share Investment Option if the common stock of the Company
       (currently FFC Shares) is no longer publicly traded on a nationally
       recognized stock exchange. In the event of such an occurrence, the Board
       of Directors shall have the sole authority to substitute a new Investment
       Option and allow only those Participants affected to transfer their
       Phantom Share account balance to an existing Investment Option if the
       substituted Investment Option is not acceptable to the particular
       Participant.

       (ii) Fiduciary Guidelines.  Notwithstanding Section 15.1 and Section
       -------------------------
       15.2(i), the Board of Directors will not make amendments or terminate the
       Plan if such amendments or termination would reduce a Participant's
       balance in his Deferred Compensation Account. Further, the Board of
       Directors will not make amendments which would in any way eliminate the
       express requirement in Section 16.1

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
       requiring the establishment of a Rabbi Trust in the event of a Change of
       Control if one has not previously been established.

15.3   Termination.  In the event of termination of the Plan, the Committee
       -----------
       shall give written notice to each Participant that the entire balance in
       his Deferred Compensation Account will be distributed in the manner
       initially elected by each Participant pursuant to ARTICLE VIII. Further,
       pursuant to the responsibility vested with the Committee as stated in
       Section 17.1, the Committee will evaluate the advisability of
       establishing a Rabbi Trust--if one does not already exist--in light of
       the circumstances that caused the Board of Directors to terminate the
       Plan.

                                  ARTICLE XVI
                               CHANGE OF CONTROL

16.1   Funding of Trust.  Notwithstanding ARTICLE VII, upon a "Change of
       ----------------
       Control" as defined in Section 16.2, the Board of Directors is required
       to cause the immediate contribution of funds to a trust--if not
       previously established--(i.e. "Rabbi Trust" established in accordance
       with Rev. Proc. 92-64 (or any successor) or other funding mechanism
       approved by the Internal Revenue Service which would not result in Plan
       Participants being in constructive receipt of income) for the benefit of
       each Plan Participant, as beneficiary. The assets of such trust shall at
       all times be subject to the claims of general creditors of Fund American.
       Such contribution will be equal to the balance in each Participant's
       Deferred Compensation Account as of the Change of Control date. Further,
       if the Plan is not terminated upon such Change of Control, Fund American
       will continue to contribute to the trust, on a monthly basis, the amount
       of Compensation being deferred by each Participant after the Change of
       Control.

16.2   Change of Control. For purposes of this Plan, a "Change of Control" shall
       -----------------
       occur if:

       i)  any person or group (within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and
           14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), other than American
           Express Company or the Company, becomes the beneficial owner (within
           the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under such Exchange Act) of thirty-five
           percent (35%) or more of the Company's then outstanding FFC Shares;

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
       ii) As defined in Section 16.3, the "Incumbent Board of Directors", cease
           to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company; or

       iii)the business of the Company for which the Participant's services are
           principally performed is disposed of by the Company pursuant to a
           sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the business
           or business related assets of the Company (including stock of a
           subsidiary of the Company).

16.3   Incumbent Board of Directors.  Incumbent Board of Directors shall mean
       ----------------------------                                          
       those individuals who, as of April 9, 1992, constituted the Board of
       Directors or, alternatively, those members elected or nominated after
       April 9, 1992 who were approved for such election or nomination by a vote
       of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent
       Board of Directors. Further, individuals shall be excluded whose initial
       assumption of office is or was in connection with an actual or threatened
       election contest relating to the election of the directors of the Company
       (as used in rule 14a-11 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).


                                 ARTICLE XVII
                              PLAN ADMINISTRATION

17.1   Committee.  The general administration of the Plan, the decision to
       ---------                                                          
       establish a trust and the responsibility for carrying out its provisions
       shall be placed in the Committee.

17.2   Determinations of the Committee.  Subject to the limitations of the Plan,
       -------------------------------                                          
       the Committee shall from time to time establish rules for the
       administration and interpretation of the Plan and the transaction of its
       business. The determination of the Committee as to any disputed question
       shall be conclusive.

17.3   Majority Vote.  Any act which the Plan authorizes or requires the
       -------------                                                    
       Committee to do may be done by a majority (expressed from time to time by
       a vote at a meeting or in writing without a meeting) and shall constitute
       the action of the Committee, and shall have the same effect for all
       purposes as if assented to by all members of the Committee.

17.4   Authorization of Committee Members.  The members of the Committee may
       authorize one or more of their number to execute or deliver any
       instrument, make any payment, or perform any other act which the Plan
       authorizes or requires the Committee to do.

17.5   Agents.  The Committee may employ or retain agents to perform such
       ------                                                            
       clerical, accounting, and other services as they may require in carrying
       out the provisions of the Plan.

17.6   Costs.  Any and all such costs in administering this Plan will be paid 
       -----
       and incurred by Fund American.

17.7   Notices.  All written notices or elections as required herein shall be
       -------                                                               
       sent either by U.S. mail, overnight carrier service or personal delivery
       to the address below:

                    Fund American Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
                      c/o Fund American Enterprises, Inc.
                          The 1820 House / Main Street
              Norwich  VT   05055  Attention:  Michael S. Paquette

                                       20

<PAGE>
 
                                 FUND AMERICAN



                             DEFERRED BENEFIT PLAN













                         (As Adopted December 31, 1992)
                          (Revised November 10, 1995)
<PAGE>
 
                                 FUND AMERICAN
                             DEFERRED BENEFIT PLAN
                          (Adopted December 31, 1992)
                          (Revised November 10, 1995)


                                     INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

ARTICLE        DESCRIPTION                                              PAGE
- -------        -----------                                              ----
<S>            <C>                                                      <C>
  I.           PURPOSE OF PLAN........................................    1

  II.          DEFINITIONS............................................    1

  III.         ELIGIBILITY............................................    4

  IV.          PARTICIPATION..........................................    4

  V.           GENERAL PROVISIONS.....................................    5

  VI.          DEFERRED BENEFIT ACCOUNTS..............................    6

  VII.         PARTICIPANTS' RIGHTS UNSECURED.........................   12

  VIII.        PAYMENT OF DEFERRED RETIREMENT BENEFITS................   12

  IX.          VALUATION DATE.........................................   15

  X.           DEATH OF PARTICIPANT...................................   15

  XI.          ALIENATION.............................................   15

  XII.         TAX WITHHOLDING........................................   16

  XIII.        CONSENT................................................   16

  XIV.         SEVERABILITY...........................................   17

  XV.          AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION..............................   17

  XVI.         CHANGE OF CONTROL......................................   18

  XVII.        PLAN ADMINISTRATION....................................   19

</TABLE>

                                      (i)
<PAGE>
 
                                 FUND AMERICAN
                             DEFERRED BENEFIT PLAN
                              (December 31, 1992)
                          (Revised November 10, 1995)

                                   ARTICLE I

                                PURPOSE OF PLAN

1.1  The purpose of this Plan is to provide eligible Officers and Key Employees
     of Fund American with deferred retirement benefits. The Plan is also
     intended to establish a method of attracting and retaining persons whose
     abilities, experience and judgement can contribute to the long-term
     strategic objectives of Fund American.

1.2  The Committee intends that the Plan be an unfunded non-qualified deferred
     compensation plan maintained primarily for the purpose of providing
     deferred retirement benefits for a select group of management or highly
     compensated employees of Fund American, and that contributions to the Plan
     shall be deductible by Fund American pursuant to Section 404(a)(5) of the
     Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "IRC").

                                   ARTICLE II

                                  DEFINITIONS

     As used in this Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings 
     hereinafter set forth:

2.1  "Base Salary" means the annual salary paid to Fund American Officers and
     Key Employees which is paid bi-weekly (or other regular interval) during
     the calendar year.

2.2  "Beneficiary" means any person(s) or legal entity(ies) designated by the
     Participant or otherwise determined in accordance with ARTICLE V.

2.3  "Board of Directors" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

2.4  "Cash Incentive Bonus" means the Participant's portion (if any) of Fund
     American's annual cash bonus pool normally awarded by the Board of
     Directors to Fund American employees shortly after the close of the
     calendar year, which is the relevant time frame used to judge such
     performance.

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
2.5  "Committee" means the Executive Compensation Committee as initially
     appointed by the Board of Directors and as appointed from time to time by
     written action of the Board of Directors.

2.6  "Company" means Fund American Enterprises Holdings, Inc. (formerly The Fund
     American Companies, Inc.), a Delaware corporation, and its successors and
     assigns.

2.7  "Compensation" has the same meaning, with one exception, as the definition
     contained in The Fund American Companies, Inc. Retirement Plan (terminated
     10/31/92), e.g. Base Salary and Cash Incentive Bonuses (also overtime pay
     and military pay if applicable). Compensation specifically excludes
     performance units, stock appreciation rights, performance shares,
     restricted stock, warrants, stock options and other qualifying remuneration
     paid or otherwise payable by Fund American. The one difference in the
     definition of Compensation for this Plan is that all annual cash bonuses
     will be includible in Compensation in the year earned rather than paid.

2.8  "Deferral Period" means the total aggregate period of time, expressed in
     Plan Years, for which Deferred Retirement Benefits awarded for a particular
     Plan Year are to be invested in the Plan and not yet deemed payable to the
     Participant or his Beneficiary.

2.9  "Deferred Retirement Benefit" means the retirement benefit, expressed in
     U.S. dollars, deferred pursuant to ARTICLE VI of this Plan.

2.10 "Deferred Benefit Account" means the individual account maintained under
     the Plan for a Participant as determined under ARTICLE VI.

2.11 "Deferred Benefit Election Form" means the standardized election form that
     each Participant must execute in accordance with ARTICLE IV, a copy which
     is attached hereto as EXHIBIT # 1.

2.12 "Director" means a director of the Company who is not an employee of Fund
     American.

2.13 "FFC Share(s)" means a share(s) of Fund American Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
     Common Stock ($1.00 par value) as listed on the New York Stock Exchange
     (symbol FFC).

2.14 "Final Average Pay" has the same meaning as the definition contained in The
     Fund American Companies, Inc. Retirement Plan (terminated 10/31/92), i.e.
     the highest average Compensation of an employee for any five (5)
     consecutive years falling within the ten (10) year period ending on the
     employee's service

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
     separation date, but subject to an overall maximum cap of 135% of the
     average Base Salary for the same applicable five year averaging period.

2.15 "Fund American" means the Company, its wholly owned subsidiary, Fund
     American Enterprises, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and other affiliates
     designated by the Committee or the Board of Directors.

2.16 "Investment Option" means an option made available to Participants pursuant
     to ARTICLE VI.

2.17 "Investment Option Election" means a Participant election made pursuant to
     ARTICLE VI.

2.18 "Key Employee" means any executive employee or other overtime-exempt
     employee of Fund American that the Committee in its sole discretion decides
     is important to the ongoing business objectives of Fund American.

2.19 "Market Price of FFC Share(s)" means the closing price per share of FFC
     listed on the NYSE composite tape or, if the NYSE is closed for a
     particular day, the closing NYSE price of FFC on the previous day.

2.20 "Officer" means an officer of Fund American as defined in the Corporate
     Bylaws.

2.21 "Participant" for any Plan Year means an Officer or Key Employee of Fund
     American designated by the Committee as eligible to participate in the
     Plan.

2.22 "Plan" means the Fund American Deferred Benefit Plan as embodied herein and
     as amended from time to time.

2.23 "Plan Year" means the twelve (12) month calendar year beginning January 1
     and ending December 31, or shorter period as the case may be in the year
     the Plan is adopted or terminated.

2.24 "Valuation Date" means the last business day of either a calendar year or
     calendar quarter, as the Committee will determine from time to time.

2.25 Construction.  The masculine pronoun shall be deemed to include the 
     ------------                              
     feminine, and the singular number shall be deemed to include the plural
     unless a different meaning is plainly required by the context.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE III

                                  ELIGIBILITY

     Each Officer and Key Employee of Fund American shall be eligible to
     participate in the Plan if selected by the Committee.  The Committee has
     total discretion to determine who is eligible to participate on a Plan Year
     by Plan Year basis.


                                   ARTICLE IV

                                 PARTICIPATION

4.1  Election Form.  Subject to Sections 4.2 and 4.3, an eligible Officer
     -------------                              
     or Key Employee should make a valid election by executing and filing with
     the Committee, before the commencement of such Plan Year, a Deferred
                                                                 --------
     Benefit Election Form, a copy of which is attached hereto as EXHIBIT # 1.
     ----------------------

4.2  New Employees.  Notwithstanding Section 4.1, a newly hired Officer
     -------------                               
     or Key Employee who becomes a Participant after the first day of the
     current Plan Year, may file a Deferred Benefit Election Form within fifteen
     (15) days after his initial date of employment with respect to the Deferred
     Retirement Benefit calculated on Compensation not yet earned for the
     remaining portion of the Plan Year.

4.3  Default Elections.  If a Participant fails to file a timely
     -----------------                         
     Deferred Benefit Election Form in accordance with either Section 4.1 or
     4.2, such Participant will forego all opportunity to make an Investment
     Option Election (Section 6.11), a Payment Method Election (Section 8.2) and
     a Payment Period Election (Section 8.3). Accordingly, failure to file a
     timely Deferred Benefit Election Form for a particular Plan Year will
     result in default elections being automatically triggered, which provide
     that:

     (i)   the current Plan Year's calculated Deferred Retirement Benefit will
           be invested solely in the Prime Rate Investment Option.

     (ii)  commencement of benefits will occur upon the first day of the Plan
           Year following the Plan Year in which termination of employment (for
           any reason) occurs.

     (iii) the sole method of benefit payment to Participant will be a lump sum.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
4.4  Election Not Revocable.  Except as provided in Section 8.5, a Deferred
     ----------------------                     
     Benefit Election Form, once executed and filed with the Committee, cannot
     be revoked for such current Plan Year's calculated Deferred Retirement
     Benefit.

4.5  Vesting.  A Participant will be vested in his entire Deferred Benefit 
     -------                                  
     Account balance at all times and will not be subject to forfeiture for 
     any reason.

4.6  Participation in Deferred Compensation Plan Not Required.  A Participant
     --------------------------------------------------------                
     need not also participate in the Fund American Voluntary Deferred
     Compensation Plan in order to participate in this Plan for a particular
     Plan Year.

4.7  New Elections Permitted for each year.  All elections made on a 
     -------------------------------------      
     Deferred Benefit Election Form for a particular Plan Year have no effect
     on, nor are affected by, elections made for future or past Plan Years. Each
     Plan Year elections stand on their own.


                                   ARTICLE V

                               GENERAL PROVISIONS

5.1  No Right To Payment Except as Provided in Plan. No Participant or 
     ----------------------------------------------
     Beneficiary shall have any right to any payment or benefit hereunder except
     to the extent provided in the Plan.

5.2  Employment Rights.  The employment rights of any Participant shall not 
     -----------------                           
     be enlarged, guaranteed or affected by reason of the provisions of the
     Plan.

5.3  Initial Participating Companies.  Initially, no subsidiary other than 
     -------------------------------             
     Fund American Enterprises, Inc. is currently permitted to participate in
     the Plan. However, the Committee can decide at a future date to allow
     inclusion of a new or previously excluded subsidiary(ies).

5.4  Recipient Under a Disability.  If the Committee determines that
     ----------------------------         
     any person to whom a payment is due hereunder is a minor, or is adjudicated
     incompetent by reason of physical or mental disability, the Committee shall
     have the power to cause the payments becoming due to such person to be made
     to the legal guardian for the benefit of the minor or incompetent, without
     responsibility of Fund American or the Committee to see to the application
     of such payment, unless prior to such payment claim is made

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
     therefor by a duly appointed legal representative. Payments made pursuant
     to such power shall operate as a complete discharge of Fund American and
     the Committee.

5.5  Designation of Beneficiary.  Each Participant may designate any 
     --------------------------       
     person(s) or legal entity(ies), including his estate, as his Beneficiary
     under the Plan in writing to the Committee. A Participant may at any time
     revoke or change his designation of Beneficiary by writing to the
     Committee. If no person or legal entity shall be designated by a
     Participant as his Beneficiary, or if no designated Beneficiary survives
     him, his estate shall be his Beneficiary.

5.6  Elections.  Any election made or notice given by a Participant pursuant 
     ---------                              
     to the Plan shall be in writing to the Committee, or to such representative
     as may be designated by the Committee for such purpose. Notice shall be
     deemed to have been made or given on the date received by the Committee or
     its designated representative.

5.7  Controlling Law.  The validity of the Plan or any of its provisions 
     ---------------                           
     shall be determined under, and it shall be construed and administered
     according to, the laws of the State of Vermont.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                           DEFERRED BENEFIT ACCOUNTS

6.1  Accounts.  Upon receipt of a Participant's valid Deferred Benefit 
     --------                                  
     Election Form, the Committee shall establish, as a bookkeeping entry only,
     a Deferred Benefit Account for such Participant. The Committee shall
     thereafter record to each Participant's Deferred Benefit Account, as of the
     first day of the current Plan Year, the Deferred Retirement Benefit amount
     calculated pursuant to Section 6.3.

6.2  Adjustments To Accounts.  The balance in a Participant's Deferred Benefit 
     -----------------------                   
     Account at any time will be calculated on a daily basis by: i) aggregating
     all current or prior Plan Year Deferred Retirement Benefit amounts
     calculated pursuant to Section 6.3; ii) adding (subtracting) thereto the
     cumulative interest equivalent, whether positive or negative, earned on
     such Deferred Retirement Benefit amounts computed in accordance with the
     rules of Sections 6.4, 6.5 and 6.6, 6.7 and 6.8; and iii) from such total
     obtained, subtracting the aggregate payments made to the Participant in
     current or prior Plan Years in accordance with ARTICLE VIII and ARTICLE X.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
6.3    Deferred Retirement Benefit.  A Participant's total Deferred Retirement 
       ---------------------------    
       Benefit amount for the current Plan Year shall be the sum of the
       following components, each of which is considered a separate Deferred
       Retirement Benefit solely for purposes of a Participant making an
       Investment Option Election pursuant to Section 6.11:

       (i) five percent (5%) of a Participant's Base Salary determined as of the
       beginning of a Plan Year, subject to an inflation adjusted, maximum
       annual dollar amount ($9,240 for 1995) as published by the Internal
       Revenue Service for a tax qualified plan commonly referred to as a 401(k)
       plan; and,

       (ii) the excess of: a) the lump sum present value equivalent of the
       normal retirement benefit (i.e. a monthly annuity starting at age 65)
       computed as of the end of the current Plan Year, over b) the lump sum
                                     -------
       present value equivalent of the normal retirement benefit computed as of
       the end of the prior Plan Year.
                      -----
       Solely for purposes of this Section 6.3(ii), the calculation of each Plan
       Year's normal retirement benefit shall employ recognized actuarial
       principles and such other reasonable assumptions deemed necessary by the
       Committee to achieve the stated objective of providing each Participant
       with a retirement benefit which approximates the benefit that a
       Participant would have been entitled under The Fund American Companies,
       Inc. Retirement Plan, but assuming that the mandatory "Top Heavy" rules
       and maximum compensation limits imposed on all qualified plans did not
       exist. Further, the removal of compensation limits does not change the
       definition of Compensation as it is used in calculating Final Average Pay
       as such term is defined in The Fund American Companies, Inc. Retirement
       Plan (i.e. eligible compensation is limited to the lesser of Base Salary
       plus 100% of Cash Incentive Bonuses, or 135% of Base Salary).

6.3(a) Prospective Catch-up Adjustment.  In
       -------------------------------     
       recognition of the fact that the calculation of the Deferred Retirement
       Benefit for a particular Plan Year is based on estimates made as of the
       beginning of a Plan Year as to what a Participant's Compensation will be
       for an entire Plan Year, a prospective catch-up adjustment, either
       positive or negative, shall be made if a Participant's actual
       Compensation differs from estimated Compensation. Accordingly, such
       difference will be considered an additional Deferred

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
       Retirement Benefit or Detriment, as the case may be, but will be taken
       into account solely in determining the Deferred Retirement Benefit amount
       for the Plan Year following the Plan Year to which the adjustment
       relates.

6.4    Investment of Deferred Retirement Benefits. Deferred Retirement Benefit 
       ------------------------------------------  
       amounts shall be "theoretically invested" under any of the Investment
       Options described below, as elected by the Participant.

6.5    Prime Rate Investment Option.  Interest equivalents, equal to the
       ----------------------------           
       product of: i) Daily Prime Rate; multiplied by ii) the portion of the
       Deferred Benefit Account balance existing as of the end of the previous
       day in the Prime Rate Investment Option, shall be credited each day to a
       Participant's Deferred Benefit Account.

6.5(a) Daily Prime Rate.  Expressed as a percentage, the "Daily Prime Rate"
       ----------------                 
       as described in Section 6.5 will be calculated by dividing the "base
       rate" of interest announced publicly by Citibank, N.A. in New York, N.Y.
       (or prime or base rate of another large commercial bank selected by the
       Committee), as in effect on the last business day of each month, by 360.

6.6    Phantom Share Investment Option.  Interest equivalents shall be 
       -------------------------------           
       credited to (subtracted from) amounts in the Phantom Share Investment
       Option on a daily basis. Such daily interest equivalents shall be
       calculated as follows: i) take the aggregate number of Phantom Shares in
       a Participant's Phantom Share Investment Option at the close of business
       on the preceding calendar day; multiplied by ii) the difference between
              ---------
       the FFC Share closing Market Price on the current calendar day, plus
                                                 -------
       dividends paid or payable, as defined in Section 6.6(c), with respect to
       a single FFC Share, and the FFC Share closing Market Price on the
       preceding calendar day. For purposes of comparability, the above
       ---------
       calculation shall be adjusted for any stock splits or stock dividends
       occurring during the current calendar day which affects the number of
                            -------
       Phantom Shares a Participant held on the preceding calendar day.
                                                ---------

6.6(a) Phantom Shares Granted to Participant. Subject to the Phantom Share 
       -------------------------------------  
       Cumulative Dollar Limitation contained at Section 6.11(b), the number of
       Phantom Shares granted to a Participant will be determined by dividing
       the dollar amount of Deferred Retirement Benefit allocated to the Phantom
       Share Investment

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
       Option by the Conversion Price. Such total amount of Phantom Shares
       determined will then be rounded to the next one-tenth (1/10) Phantom
       Share.

6.6(b) Conversion Price.  The Conversion Price of FFC Shares used to calculate 
       ----------------                          
       the number of Phantom Shares to be added to a Participant's Deferred
       Benefit Account as of the beginning of a Plan Year will be the closing
       Market Price of FFC Shares at the end of the last business day of the
       immediately preceding Plan Year.

6.6(c) Dividends Reinvested in Phantom Share Investment Option.
       -------------------------------------------------------
       For purposes of Section 6.6, dividends "paid or payable" shall mean
       either in cash or property, but shall exclude stock dividends or stock
       splits, as the case may be. Further, dividends paid or declared payable
       on the preceding day will be treated as automatically reinvested in FFC
       Shares as of the end of such day at the closing Market Price of FFC
       Shares; provided the Participant's account held Phantom Shares on the
       last day the Company declares as the date stockholders of record are
       entitled to receive such dividend on FFC Shares (i.e. the "ex-dividend"
       date).

6.6(d) Other Dilutive and Anti-dilutive Transactions Affecting Phantom Shares.
       ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 
       In addition to Section 6.6(c), and subject to other provisions in the
       Plan, the Committee has the discretion to make appropriate adjustments to
       a Participant's account invested in the Phantom Share Investment Option
       where a "capital transaction" or "corporate reorganization" has the
       affect of changing the economic equivalent number of Phantom Shares that
       a Participant has been credited under this Plan. The Committee shall make
       an adjustment to the portion of each Participant's Deferred Benefit
       Account invested in the Phantom Share Investment Option so affected (if
       any), either positive or negative as the case may be, to ensure that
       neither unintended economic benefits nor detriments are conferred on a
       Participant solely by reason of such capital transaction or corporate
       reorganization.

6.6(e) Capital Transaction or Corporate Reorganization. Solely for purposes 
       -----------------------------------------------
       of Section 6.6(d), a "capital transaction" or "corporate reorganization"
       shall not be limited to its ordinary meaning if in fact a Participant
       would be conferred an economic benefit or detriment by some other
       corporate transaction

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
       which is not literally considered a capital transaction or corporate
       reorganization under common business usage of said terms.

6.7    Equity Fund Investment Option.  Interest equivalents, equal to the 
       -----------------------------           
       product of: i) the daily published total return for the Oakmark Fund;
       multiplied by ii) the Deferred Compensation balance existing as of the
       end of the previous day in the Equity Fund Investment Option, shall be
       credited each day to a Participant's Deferred Compensation Account.

6.8    Fixed-Income Fund Investment Option. Interest equivalents, equal to 
       -----------------------------------  
       the product of: i) the daily published total return for the PIMCo Total
       Return Fund; multiplied by ii) the Deferred Compensation balance existing
       as of the end of the previous day in the Fixed-Income Fund Investment
       Option, shall be credited each day to a Participant's Deferred
       Compensation Account.

6.9    Other Investment Options.  The Committee may make other Investment 
       ------------------------                    
       Options available under the Plan from time to time. Earnings (loss) shall
       be credited to (subtracted from) amounts invested in such other
       Investment Options on a daily basis as determined by the Committee.

6.10   Converting Accrued & Vested Benefits From Other Fund American 
       -------------------------------------------------------------
       Non-Qualified Plans.  For purposes of establishing a Participant's 
       -------------------                                 
       Deferred Benefit Account, benefits accrued as of December 31, 1992 on
       behalf of Plan Participants who were also participating in one or more of
       the terminated Fund American non-qualified plans (i.e. The Fund American
       Companies, Inc. Retiree Medical Plan, Supplemental Pension Plan and
       Survivor Benefit Plan), shall be transferred as of January 1, 1993 to
       this Plan and invested in accordance with Section 6.11 and the elections
       made by such Participants as indicated on the Deferred Benefit Election
       Form. Such transferred balances shall be considered an additional
       Deferred Retirement Benefit amount for the 1993 Plan Year in addition to
       the Deferred Retirement Benefit calculated pursuant to Section 6.3.

6.11   Investment Option Election.  Except as provided in this Section 6.11,
       --------------------------            
       amounts invested in the Phantom Share Investment Option may not be
       transferred to another Investment Option by the Participant although
       amounts invested in any other Investment Option may be transferred
       annually among any available Investment Option (including a transfer to
       the Phantom Share Investment Option) in accordance with

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
       procedures established by the Committee. Such transfer election may be
       made only within the 10-business day period commencing on the third
       business day following release of the Company's third quarter financial
       information.

          The foregoing limitation on transfers of amounts invested in the
       Phantom Share Investment Option has been included in this Plan so that
       amounts invested in the Phantom Share Investment Option shall be excluded
       from the definition of "derivative securities" contained in Rule 16a-1(c)
       (3) (or any successor) issued under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
       If such rule is withdrawn, amended or reinterpreted so that the foregoing
       limitation is no longer required to disqualify such amounts as derivative
       securities, the foregoing limitation shall be rescinded.

          An Investment Option election shall remain in effect for future
       Deferred Compensation (including amounts deferred in subsequent Plan
       Years) unless and until a new Investment Option Election is filed with
       the Committee.

6.11(a)   Investment Option Allocation.  Subject to the Phantom Share 
          ----------------------------             
       Cumulative Dollar Limitation contained at Section 6.11(b), each
       Participant can elect to allocate each component of a Plan Year's total
       Deferred Retirement Benefit among the available Investment Options as
       described in Sections 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8 and 6.9.

6.11(b)   Phantom Share Cumulative Dollar Limitation. Notwithstanding a 
          ------------------------------------------  
       Participant's ability to allocate Deferred Retirement Benefits for a Plan
       Year among the available Investment Options, a Participant's election to
       invest Deferred Retirement Benefits in the Phantom Share Investment
       Option may be limited (either in whole or in part) as described herein:
       (i) Without requiring authorization from the Board of Directors, but
       subject to all other provisions in this Plan, a Participant may continue
       to invest Deferred Retirement Benefits in the Phantom Share Investment
       Option to the extent the portion of a Participant's Deferred Benefit
       Account balance invested in the Phantom Share Investment Option does not
       have a fair market value which exceeds twenty million dollars ($20
       million).

       (ii) Unless authorized by the Board of Directors, a Participant is
       precluded from investing additional Deferred Retirement Benefits in the
       Phantom Share Investment Option if the portion

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
       of a Participant's Deferred Benefit Account balance previously invested
       in the Phantom Share Investment Option has a fair market value which
       exceeds twenty million dollars ($20 million).

6.12   Deletion of Investment Options.  Except as provided in Section 15.2,
       ------------------------------            
       the Committee cannot delete or alter the terms of an existing Investment
       Option without the written permission of those Participants affected by
       such proposed amendment whose Deferred Retirement Benefits is invested in
       such Investment Option.

                                  ARTICLE VII

                         PARTICIPANTS' RIGHTS UNSECURED

7.1    Unsecured Creditors.  Amounts credited to Deferred Benefit Accounts 
       -------------------                      
       shall be dealt with in all respects as working capital of Fund American,
       therefore the right of a Participant to receive any distribution
       hereunder shall be an unsecured claim against the general assets of Fund
       American.

7.2    No Actual Investment Required.  Subject to ARTICLE XVI, no assets of 
       -----------------------------             
       Fund American shall in any way be held in trust for, or be subject to,
       any prior claim by an Officer or a Key Employee or his Beneficiary under
       the Plan. Further, neither Fund American nor the Committee shall have any
       duty whatsoever to invest any amounts credited to any Deferred Benefit
       Accounts established under the Plan.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                    PAYMENT OF DEFERRED RETIREMENT BENEFITS

8.1    Commencement of Benefits.  Subject to Sections 4.3 and 8.1(a), 
       ------------------------             
       when, and at the same time, an eligible Participant elects to invest
       Deferred Retirement Benefits for any particular Plan Year, he shall also
       elect on the Deferred Retirement Benefits Election Form to have the
       portion of his Deferred Benefit Account balance attributable to such
       current Plan Year commence to be paid on the first day of the Plan Year
       following the Plan Year in which the earlier event occurs:
                                            -------              
         (i)  upon separation from service due to either termination, normal 
              retirement, death or disability; or

         (ii) upon the date such Participant attains a selected age.

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
8.1(a) 365 Day Minimum Deferral Period.  Notwithstanding the time for the
       -------------------------------                                   
       commencement of benefits pursuant to Section 8.1, commencement of
       benefits will not occur prior to the expiration of a 365 day period
       beginning the day after the date on which a Deferred Retirement Benefit
       is awarded as provided in this Plan.

8.2    Payment Method Election.  At the time the Deferred Benefit Election
       -----------------------                                            
       Form is filed pursuant to ARTICLE IV, Participants must also elect the
       method of receiving payment of their Deferred Benefit Account balance
       upon the first day of the Plan Year following the expiration of the
       elected Deferral Period. Each Participant shall elect to receive payment
       of his account either in:

       (i)   one lump sum on the benefit commencement date;

       (ii)  annual installments, with interest, over a specified period
             (determined in accordance with Section 8.3), beginning on the
             commencement date; or

       (iii) an annual installment/lump-sum combination where 25%, 50% or 75% of
             the Deferred Benefit Account balance is paid in annual installments
             over a specified period (determined in accordance with Section
             8.3), beginning on the commencement date, and the remaining balance
             paid in lump-sum, with accrued interest, at the end of the elected
             payment period.

8.2(a) Installment Payout Formula. If a Participant selects payment option 
       --------------------------  
       (ii) or (iii) of Section 8.2, the annual installment amount for a
       particular Plan Year will be computed as follows:

                             $W = ( $X / [Y - Z] )

       Where W = Installment amount received by Participant in a particular Plan
                 Year.
       Where X = Participant's Deferred Benefit Account balance at end of the
                 prior Plan Year.
       Where Y = Number of years originally elected by Participant for the
                 payment period.
       Where Z = Number of years in the elected payment period already elapsed.

8.3    Payment Period Election.  At the time an Eligible Participant elects to
       -----------------------
       be a Participant for any Plan Year, he shall concurrently elect on the
       Deferred Benefit Election Form the number of years, up to a

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
       maximum of fifteen (15), over which his Deferred Benefit Account shall be
       paid out upon the expiration of the Deferral Period.

8.3(a) Automatic Payment Period Override.  Notwithstanding the Participant's
       ---------------------------------                                    
       payment period election pursuant to Section 8.3, in the case of
       termination for cause (Section 8.6) or death of the Participant (ARTICLE
       X), such payment period election will be automatically changed to the
       lump-sum option contained at Section 8.2(i).

8.4    Payment Denomination.  All payments made to Participants shall be 
       --------------------      
       paid solely in cash.

8.5    Change of Prior Elections.  Subject to the consent of the Committee, a
       -------------------------                                             
       Participant may file a request to change his prior election with respect
       to the timing of commencement of benefits (Section 8.1), payment method
       (Section 8.2) and/or payment period (Section 8.3). Such new election must
       be filed with the Committee at least 365 days prior to the date on which
       payment of benefits would commence under either the original or the
       revised election. Only one such request will be approved with respect to
       any Participant.

8.6    Termination for Cause.  Notwithstanding the payment period election made
       ---------------------                                                   
       under Section 8.3, if a Participant is terminated for cause as determined
       by the Committee, payment of the entire amount remaining in his Deferred
       Benefit Account for all Plan Years shall be made in one lump sum on the
       first day after the end of the Plan Year in which termination occurred.
       Termination for cause shall include gross negligence, willful misconduct
       and fraud against the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

8.7    Hardship Withdrawal.  Subject to the limitation in Section 8.7(a), upon
       -------------------                                                    
       application of any Participant and approval thereof by the Committee, the
       Participant may withdraw, by reason of hardship, part or all of his
       Deferred Benefit Account. "Hardship" shall mean an unanticipated
       emergency situation in the Participant's financial affairs beyond the
       Participant's control, including illness or an accident involving the
       Participant, his dependents or other members of his family, or other
       significant financial emergency, as determined by the Committee in its
       sole discretion.

8.7(a) Section 16 Limitation.  Notwithstanding the Hardship withdrawal
       ---------------------                                          
       provision contained in Section 8.7 above, such provision is not available
       for those Participants identified by the Committee as "insiders",

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
       as defined under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 unless
       or until amounts invested in the Phantom Share Investment Option will be
       excluded from the definition of "derivative securities" contained in Rule
       16a-1(c)(3) (or any successor) issued under the Securities Exchange Act
       of 1934 even if such amounts may be subject to a Hardship withdrawal.

8.8    Accrued Interest Period.  For purposes of determining the benefits to be
       -----------------------                                                 
       paid to Participants under ARTICLES VIII and X, interest on such Deferred
       Benefit Account balance will continue to accrue through the end of
       November in the Plan Year prior to the Plan Year in which payment of
       benefits will be made. Interest for the month of December in the Plan
       Year prior to the Plan Year in which payment of benefits will be made is
       calculated by using the following formula:

                            [ $X  x  Y% ] x 30 =  $Z
        Where X =  Participant's Deferred Benefit Account balance at 
                   November 30th
        Where Y =  Daily Prime Rate (see Section 6.5(a)) in effect on 
                   November 30th
        Where Z =  Additional accrued interest due Participant for the month of
                   December

                                   ARTICLE IX

                                 VALUATION DATE

9.1    Valuation. Valuation Date, the Deferred Benefit Account balance of each
       ---------                                                              
       Participant shall be valued by the Committee. The current value, and the
       change in value from the prior Valuation Date (whether positive or
       negative), shall be communicated in writing to each Participant within
       forty-five (45) days after such Valuation Date.

9.2    Valuation Dates.  A Valuation Date, shall, at a minimum, be four times
       ---------------                                                       
       during a Plan Year ending on each of the quarterly periods March 31, June
       30, September 30 and December 31.

                                   ARTICLE X

                              DEATH OF PARTICIPANT

       Notwithstanding the payment period election made under Section 8.3, a
       Participant's estate or designated Beneficiary shall be paid the value of
       his Deferred Benefit Account in one lump sum on

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
       the first day after the end of the Plan Year in which his death occurred.
       Interest on such balance shall be determined in accordance with the rules
       contained in Section 8.8.

                                   ARTICLE XI

                                   ALIENATION

       Other than as provided in ARTICLE X, anticipation, alienation, sale,
       transfer, assignment, pledge or other encumbrance of any payments or
       benefits under the Plan shall not be permitted or recognized, and to the
       extent permitted by law, no such payments or benefits shall be subject to
       legal process or attachment for the payment of any claim of any person
       entitled to receive the same.

                                  ARTICLE XII

                                TAX WITHHOLDING

12.1   Withholding.  Subject to Sections 12.2 and 12.3, Fund American shall
       -----------                                                         
       deduct from all payments under this Plan each Participant's share of any
       taxes required to be withheld by any Federal, state or local government.
       The Participants and their Beneficiaries, distributees and personal
       representatives will bear any and all Federal, foreign, state, local
       income taxes or any other taxes imposed on Participants on amounts under
       this Plan.

12.2   FICA Taxes.  Pursuant to IRC Section 3121(v), Compensation deferred
       ----------                                                         
       pursuant to this Plan is subject to FICA at the time of deferral rather
       than at the time of distribution to the Participant. Accordingly, each
       Participant who has not yet reached the maximum compensation levels
       subject to FICA at the time Compensation is deferred herein will be
       required to pay (by payroll deduction or check) to Fund American his
       share of FICA taxes due and payable.

12.3   Taxes Due at Deferral Date Other than FICA Taxes.  If any of the taxes
       ------------------------------------------------                      
       referred to in Section 12.1 are due at the time of deferral, instead of
       at the time of payout, the Participant will be required to pay (by
       payroll deduction or check) to Fund American the Participant's share of
       any such taxes due and payable.

                                  ARTICLE XIII

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
                                    CONSENT

       By electing to become a Participant, each Officer and Key Employee shall
       be deemed conclusively to have accepted and consented to all terms of the
       Plan and all actions or decisions made by the Company, the Board or the
       Committee with regard to the Plan. Such terms and consent shall also
       apply to, and be binding upon, the Beneficiaries, distributees and
       personal representatives and other successors in interest of each
       Participant.

                                  ARTICLE XIV

                                 SEVERABILITY

       In the event any provision of this Plan would serve to invalidate the
       Plan, that provision shall be deemed to be null and void, and the Plan
       shall be construed as if it did not contain the particular provision that
       would make it invalid.

                                  ARTICLE XV

                           AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

15.1   Board May Amend or Terminate.  Subject to Sections 15.2 and 15.3,  the
       ----------------------------                                          
       Board of Directors, may at any time modify or amend any or all of the
       provisions of the Plan or may at any time terminate the Plan.

15.2   (i) Investment Options.  Notwithstanding Section 15.1, the Board of
       ----------------------                                              
       Directors cannot delete or alter the terms of the Investment Options,
       contained herein at Sections 6.5 and 6.6, without the written permission
       of those Participants, whose Deferred Benefit Account is invested in such
       Investment Option(s), who would be affected by such proposed amendment.
       However, nothing contained herein shall prevent the Board of Directors
       from substituting a new investment option for the Phantom Share
       Investment Option if the common stock of the Company (currently FFC
       Shares) is no longer publicly traded on a nationally recognized stock
       exchange. In the event of such an occurrence, the Board of Directors
       shall have the sole authority to substitute a new Investment Option and
       allow only those

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
       Participants affected to transfer their Phantom Share account balance to
       an existing Investment Option if the substituted Investment Option is not
       acceptable to the particular Participant.

       (ii) Fiduciary Guidelines.  Notwithstanding Section 15.1 and 
            -------------------------    
       Section 15.2(i), the Board of Directors will not make amendments or
       terminate the Plan if such amendments or termination would reduce a
       Participant's balance in his Deferred Benefit Account. Further, the Board
       of Directors will not make amendments which would in any way eliminate
       the express requirement in Section 16.1 requiring the establishment of a
       Rabbi Trust in the event of a Change of Control if one has not previously
       been established.

15.3   Termination.  In the event of termination of the Plan, the Committee 
       -----------
       shall give written notice to each Participant that the entire balance in
       his Deferred Benefit Account will be distributed in the manner initially
       elected by each Participant pursuant to ARTICLE VIII. Further, pursuant
       to the responsibility vested with the Committee as stated in 
       Section 17.1, the Committee will evaluate the advisability of 
       establishing a Rabbi Trust--if one does not already exist--in light of 
       the circumstances that caused the Board of Directors to terminate the 
       Plan.

                                  ARTICLE XVI

                               CHANGE OF CONTROL

16.1   Funding of Trust.  Notwithstanding ARTICLE VII, upon a "Change of 
       ----------------           
       Control" as defined in Section 16.2, the Board of Directors is required
       to cause the immediate contribution of funds to a trust--if not
       previously established--(i.e. "Rabbi Trust" established in accordance
       with Rev. Proc. 92-64 (or any successor) or other funding mechanism
       approved by the Internal Revenue Service which would not result in Plan
       Participants being in constructive receipt of income) for the benefit of
       each Plan Participant, as beneficiary. The assets of such trust shall at
       all times be subject to the claims of general creditors of Fund American.
       Such contribution will be equal to the balance in each Participant's
       Deferred Benefit Account as of the Change of Control date. Further, if
       the Plan is not terminated upon such Change of Control, Fund American
       will continue to contribute to the trust, on an annual

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
       basis, an amount of cash equal to the Deferred Retirement Benefit awarded
       to each Participant after the Change of Control.

16.2   Change of Control.  For purposes of this Plan, a "Change of Control"
       -----------------      
       shall occur if:

       i)   any person or group (within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and
            14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), other than
            American Express Company or the Company, becomes the beneficial
            owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under such Exchange Act) of
            thirty-five percent (35%) or more of the Company's then outstanding
            FFC Shares;

       ii)  as defined in Section 16.3, the "Incumbent Board of Directors",
            cease to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of the
            Company; or

       iii) the business of the Company for which the Participant's services are
            principally performed is disposed of by the Company pursuant to a
            sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the
            business or business related assets of the Company (including stock
            of a subsidiary of the Company).

16.3   Incumbent Board of Directors.  Incumbent Board of Directors shall mean
       ----------------------------                                          
       those individuals who, as of April 9, 1992, constituted the Board of
       Directors or, alternatively, those members elected or nominated after
       April 9, 1992 who were approved for such election or nomination by a vote
       of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent
       Board of Directors. Further, individuals shall be excluded whose initial
       assumption of office is or was in connection with an actual or threatened
       election contest relating to the election of the directors of the Company
       (as used in rule 14a-11 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).

                                  ARTICLE XVII

                              PLAN ADMINISTRATION

17.1   Committee.  The general administration of the Plan, the decision to
       ---------                                                          
       establish a trust and the responsibility for carrying out its provisions
       shall be placed in the Committee.

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
17.2   Determinations of the Committee.  Subject to the limitations of the
       -------------------------------                                    
       Plan, the Committee shall from time to time establish rules for the
       administration and interpretation of the Plan and the transaction of its
       business. The determination of the Committee as to any disputed question
       shall be conclusive.

17.3   Majority Vote.  Any act which the Plan authorizes or requires the
       -------------                                                    
       Committee to do may be done by a majority (expressed from time to time by
       a vote at a meeting or in writing without a meeting) and shall constitute
       the action of the Committee, and shall have the same effect for all
       purposes as if assented to by all members of the Committee.

17.4   Authorization of Committee Members.  The members of the Committee may
       ----------------------------------                                   
       authorize one or more of their number to execute or deliver any
       instrument, make any payment, or perform any other act which the Plan
       authorizes or requires the Committee to do.

17.5   Agents.  The Committee may employ or retain agents to perform such
       ------                                                            
       clerical, accounting, and other services as it may require in carrying
       out the provisions of the Plan.

17.6   Any and all such costs in administering this Plan will be paid and
       incurred by Fund American.

17.7   Notices.  All written notices or elections as required herein shall be
       -------                                                               
       sent either by U.S. mail, overnight carrier service or personal delivery
       to the address below:

                    Fund American Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
                      c/o Fund American Enterprises, Inc.
                          The 1820 House/Main Street
           Norwich, VT   05055  Attention:  Mr. Michael S. Paquette

                                       20

<PAGE>
 
                                                                      EXHIBIT 11


                    FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES HOLDINGS, INC.
                 STATEMENT RE COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                               Year Ended December 31,
                                                                           ------------------------------- 
                                                                               1995       1994       1993
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                                                                        <C>        <C>        <C>   
Primary earnings per share:                   
  Per share numerator (in millions):          
     After tax earnings                                                    $   18.5   $   21.1   $    70.4
     Less dividends on preferred stock                                         (3.8)      (9.9)      (12.2)
                                                                           ------------------------------- 
     After tax earnings applicable to common stock                             14.7       11.2        58.2
     Tax benefit from sale of discontinued operations                          66.0         -           -
     Loss on early extinguishment of debt, after tax                            (.4)        -           -
     Cumulative effect of accounting change - 
        purchased mortgage servicing, after tax                                  -       (44.3)         -
                                                                           ------------------------------- 
     Net income (loss) for per share computation                           $   80.3   $  (33.1)  $    58.2
                                                                           =============================== 
  Per share denominator (in thousands):       
     Average common shares outstanding                                        7,794      8,874       9,593
     Dilutive options, warrants and performance shares                          788        531         655
                                                                           ------------------------------- 
     Shares for per share computation                                         8,582      9,405      10,248
                                                                           =============================== 
  Per share earnings (in dollars):            
     After tax earnings                                                    $   1.71   $   1.20   $    5.68
     Tax benefit from sale of discontinued operations                          7.69        -           -
     Loss on early extinguishment of debt, after tax                           (.04)       -           -
     Cumulative effect of accounting change - 
        purchased mortgage servicing, after tax                                 -        (4.71)        -
                                                                           ------------------------------- 
     Net income (loss)                                                     $   9.36   $  (3.51)  $    5.68
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------===============================  
Fully Diluted earnings per share:             
  Per share numerator (in millions):          
     After tax earnings                                                    $   18.5   $   21.1   $    70.4
     Less dividends on preferred stock                                           -        (9.9)      (12.2)
                                                                           ------------------------------- 
     After tax earnings applicable to common stock                             18.5       11.2        58.2
     Tax benefit from sale of discontinued operations                          66.0         -           -
     Loss on early extinguishment of debt, after tax                            (.4)        -           -
     Cumulative effect of accounting change - 
        purchased mortgage servicing, after tax                                  -       (44.3)         -
                                                                           ------------------------------- 
     Net income (loss) for per share computation                           $   84.1   $  (33.1)  $    58.2
                                                                           =============================== 
  Per share denominator (in thousands):       
     Average common shares outstanding                                        7,794      8,874       9,593
     Dilutive options, warrants and performance shares                          788        534         655
     Dilutive preferred stock                                                   607         -           -
                                                                           ------------------------------- 
     Shares for per share computation                                         9,189      9,408      10,248
                                                                           =============================== 
  Per share earnings (in dollars):            
     After tax earnings                                                    $   2.02   $   1.20   $    5.68
     Tax benefit from sale of discontinued operations                          7.18        -           -
     Loss on early extinguishment of debt, after tax                           (.04)       -           -
     Cumulative effect of accounting change - 
        purchased mortgage servicing, after tax                                 -        (4.71)        -
                                                                           ------------------------------- 
     Net income (loss)                                                     $   9.16   $  (3.51)  $    5.68
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------===============================  
</TABLE>

                                      18

<PAGE>
 
                            Fund American Companies
                              1995 Annual Report
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE> 
<S>                                                                     <C>  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Letter from Jack Byrne, Chairman                                        2
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Letter from Tom Kemp, CEO of White Mountains                            4
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The White Mountains Family                                              6
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source One                                                              16
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selected Consolidated Financial Data                                    18
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management's Discussion and Analysis                                    19
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated Financial Statements                                       32
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                              36
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Report on Management's Responsibilities                                 64
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Report of Independent Auditors                                          65
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selected Quarterly Financial Data                                       66
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investments                                                             67
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Directors and Committees                                                68
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chairmen and Officers                                                   70
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate Information                                                   72
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 


                                ---------------
caption: "On the cover" It took a bit of a search, but we found the "WM" of our
White Mountains logo in the hills surrounding Mount Washington, New Hampshire.
(c) William H. Johnson.
<PAGE>
 
CHAIRMAN'S LETTER


Dear Shareholder,

1995 financial results for your enterprise were satisfactory. We ended the year
with a GAAP book value per share of $83.28, up 21%.

1995 was a year we applied a box of Crayolas to the pencil outline of Fund
American. We are pleased with the emerging portrait. As planned, we liquidated
over $200 million of our passive investments this year and redeployed them into
operating businesses. Our insurance operations, headed by Tom Kemp and Morgan
Davis, are taking shape nicely. White Mountains Holdings, a start-up only a year
ago, has become the parent to a nice cluster of successful insurance companies:
Financial Security Assurance, Main Street America, White Mountains Insurance,
and new acquisitions Valley and Charter. In 1996 we will add one more
significant holding, Folksamerica Reinsurance, to this family.

Financial Security Assurance (FSA), which joined us in 1994, exceeded its
challenging new business goal for 1995 while achieving a growth in adjusted book
value per share of 20%. Bob Cochran and his team capped a fine year by
completing the acquisition of municipal bond insurer Capital Guaranty, creating
a $1.5 billion combined enterprise. This places FSA solidly in the top rank of
AAA rated financial-guaranty insurers.

Main Street America turned in a GAAP aftertax ROE of 34% for 1995. CEO Phil
Koerner modestly allows that, "1995 was a good year." $131 million in written
premiums and a 1995 combined ratio of 100.2% increased Main Street America's
value to us in our first year of affiliation.

Morgan Davis has our home state White Mountains Insurance off to a solid start.
The company was licensed in March 1995, appointed 24 independent agents in
September, wrote its first policy in October, and finished the year with
$250,000 in written premiums. The enthusiasm of the agents and the gratifying
response from the New Hampshire marketplace have delighted us.

The fourth quarter acquisition of the Valley Group, which writes $73 million in
property and casualty premiums annually in Washington, Oregon and California,
adds Dan Post to

[PHOTO OF CHAIRMAN APPEARS HERE]

- --------------------------------
caption: John J. Byrne, Chairman

2

<PAGE>
 
our family of experienced insurance managers. As part of the purchase we also
acquired Charter, which writes $64 million of non-standard automobile premiums
in Texas annually, which Dan Post also manages.

White Mountains Holdings now has total assets of $360 million, with a group of
affiliated insurers focused on careful underwriting in good regional or niche
markets, writing over $300 million in annual premiums. I see a long steady
future for our insurance operations under this team of seasoned insurance
professionals - three yards and a cloud of dust.

While Source One achieved above-plan net income of $26 million, they fell short
on originations in a brutally competitive mortgage market, and seriously lagged
on our touchstone measure -- growth in intrinsic business value. For the second
time in two years, we have not completed a sale of Source One after an
expression of interest from a competitor. We believe the time will come when
values return to this industry.

Finally, this is the year Fund American completed a lengthy transformation. In
July we paid off the last portion of preferred stock held by our former parent,
American Express. We had a little ceremony up here in rural New England to
celebrate. We've completed a ten-year journey from initial public offering,
through the fine operations of Fireman's Fund, to the Allianz sale, to a
liquidation period where we returned almost $4 billion to our stakeholders, to
re-emerge as a smaller, more sharply focused regional insurance company and
mortgage company. We appreciate those of you who have made the entire journey
with us, and welcome those who joined along the way.

Thank you for your patience.


Respectfully submitted,

/s/ John J. Byrne

John J. Byrne
Chairman
March 17, 1996

                                                                               3

<PAGE>
 
White Mountains Holdings
Tom Kemp, CEO

Dear Shareholder,

We applied a variety of colors to our portrait in the last year in White
Mountains.  A new idea fifteen months ago, White Mountains has blossomed into a
$360 million company, a major planning and operating unit of Fund American.
Jack reviewed the companies making up White Mountains Holdings in his letter.
In 1996, we plan to add a 50% interest in Folksamerica Reinsurance, acquired for
$79 million.

White Mountains' mission is to become a premier group of regional or niche
property and casualty underwriters which, with prudent operating and financial
leverage, produces for their owners a long-term return equal to 700 basis points
over ten year treasuries (currently 13%, for ease of conversation) after
corporate tax.  We wish each member of our group to be well managed in its own
right, and each underwriting-driven using its own strategy.  We will function as
intelligent owner and capital provider/allocator.

My years of association with Jack Byrne have inculcated a set of insurance
business traditions and operating principles which you will recognize if you
follow our companies.  These principles guide our acquisitions and unify our
affiliates.  For White Mountains I state them as follows:

1. Underwriting comes first.  An insurance enterprise must respect the
   ------------------------                                           
fundamentals of insurance.  There must be a realistic expectation of
underwriting profit on all business written, and demonstrated fulfillment of
that expectation over time, with focused attention to loss ratios and to all of
the professional insurance disciplines.

2. Invest for total return.  Historical insurance accounting has tended to hide
   -----------------------                                                     
unrealized gains and losses in the investment portfolio and to over-reward
reported investment income (interest and dividends).  Regardless of the
accounting, we must invest for the best growth in value over time.  In addition
to investing our bond portfolios for total after tax return, that will mean
prudent investment in equities consistent with leverage and insurance risk
considerations.  (Over the long-term equities are not necessarily any more risky
than the true risks in bonds or other fixed income investments.)

3. Maintain a disciplined balance sheet.  The first concern here is that
   ------------------------------------                                 
insurance liabilities must always be fully recognized.  Loss reserves and,
increasingly, expense reserves must be solid before any other aspect of the
business can be solid.  Pricing, marketing, and underwriting all depend on
informed judgement of ultimate loss costs.

4. Be the low cost operator.  This principle seems to wax and wane in management
   ------------------------                                                     
attention, and in the quality of its management.  Spending more money to provide
a better product or service may confuse or seem to rebut the "low cost"
argument.  Investments in better systems can be expensive (and worse,
ineffective).  However, the business that can produce its product/service at a
lower cost than competitors has an embedded advantage (a moat around its
franchise).

5. Think like owners.  Each of the first four principles are "thinking like
   -----------------                                                       
owners", so, to some degree, this is a catchall, but it has a value all its own.
Yes, there are other "stakeholders" in a business enterprise, and yes, doing
good work (as a business or an individual) requires more than this quarter's
profit.  But thinking like an owner embraces all that without losing the
touchstone of a capitalist economic enterprise.  We should be students of
capital and business (and much else, but business is what this organization is
about).  The short version, in my view, is that the original Adam Smith had it
right...capital will flow according to its own nature; the "invisible hand."  If
we do not earn and deserve our owners' capital, we will not long have it.

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

[PHOTO OF TOM KEMP APPEARS HERE]

caption: Tom Kemp, CEO

4

<PAGE>
 
In the coming year, many of us at White Mountains will be playing new or
expanded roles, and all of us will be working with new colleagues.  For Dan
Post, Stu Olson, Phil Koerner, Bob Cochran, Roger Taylor, Morgan Davis and Carey
Benson some of the associations are new but the current role is clear: be the
hands-on general manager of Valley, NGM/MSA, FSA, White Mountains Insurance and
Charter.  In the pages which follow, our managers will briefly explore some
unique features of our affiliated companies.  I am proud to have assembled them;
I think you will be proud to own them.  We look forward to sharing our futures
with you.


Respectfully submitted,

/s/ K.T. Kemp

K.T. Kemp



In the next few pages, each of our general managers talk about their companies.
Some have been part of the Fund American family for years (Source One), some
were introduced to you last year (FSA, White Mountains Insurance and Main Street
America), and some are new to you this year (Valley and Charter).  While Valley
and Charter are both part of the "Valley Group", we present them separately here
because the businesses are distinct.  Independent as our companies are, you will
discover in their comments a common commitment to service, value and financial
discipline.

                                                                               5

<PAGE>
 
Financial Security Assurance (FSA)
Bob Cochran, President & CEO
Roger Taylor, Managing Director & COO


Founded in 1985, FSA is one of the four major bond insurers that provide
guarantees of principal and interest in the municipal bond and asset-backed
securities markets.  In 1995 we became a bigger, better, stronger company.

Through strong origination activity, growth in the value of our investment
portfolio and our merger with Capital Guaranty Corporation, we increased our
assets to almost $1.5 billion, shareholders' equity to $778 million and total
claims-paying resources to more than $1 billion.

Financial guaranty insurance bridges differences between the needs of investors
and issuers in the municipal bond and asset-backed securities markets.
Investors in FSA-guaranteed securities rely on the guaranty not only for default
protection but also to enhance liquidity, to mitigate the risk of issuer
downgrade and to simplify the investment decision concerning complex securities.

For issuers, FSA's Aaa/AAA guaranty lowers interest costs and broadens the
distribution of securities.  We add additional value through the knowledge and
skill of our underwriters.  Our job is not to only raise a bond issue's rating
to Triple-A.  We also work with issuers and their advisors to find the structure
and execution that best meets the issuer's needs.

INCREASED MUNICIPAL  PRESENCE THROUGH THE CAPITAL GUARANTY MERGER

The merger with Capital Guaranty was greeted enthusiastically in the municipal
bond market.  It brings important benefits to FSA, including increased capital
and claims-paying resources, expanded service capabilities, and improved
liquidity for FSA-insured municipal bonds.

FSA began providing municipal bond insurance in 1990, and our municipal business
has grown substantially since then.  The merger accelerates this growth.  FSA
and Capital Guaranty together captured about 9% of the insured municipal new-
issue market in 1995, and we will build on this base over time.  We are
committed to being a major participant in this market, providing high-quality,
responsive service to all our customers, including issuers, their advisors and
purchasers of FSA-insured municipal bonds.

Conditions in the municipal bond market were mixed in 1995.  The U.S. municipal
new-issue volume of $156 billion was essentially flat with the previous year,
although volume did improve over the course of the year.  The insured portion of
the market actually grew 11% in dollar volume, and insurance penetration rose to
44%, partly as a result of price competition that reduced the cost of insurance.
Industry pricing firmed somewhat toward the end of 1995, a development we
applaud.  Higher prices, even with lower penetration, would improve insurers'
overall returns.  And lower penetration would be healthy for the market as a
whole, creating a wider choice of ratings and yields for institutional
investors.

We are pleased with our results given this environment.  FSA insured more than
twice as many primary-market municipal transactions than in the previous year.
We increased the municipal par amount we originated by 22% to $5.4 billion,
wrote $65.3 million of present value premiums and maintained average returns on
equity in our target range.

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

[PHOTO OF BOB COCHRAN APPEARS HERE]
caption 1: Bob Cochran, President & CEO

[PHOTO OF ROGER TAYLOR APPEARS HERE]
caption 2: Roger Taylor, Managing Director & COO

                                                                               6

<PAGE>
 
A RECORD YEAR IN THE ASSET-BACKED MARKET

To a greater extent than any other bond insurer, FSA balances its involvement in
the municipal and asset-backed businesses.  In 1995 the value of this approach
was obvious, as our asset-backed business led FSA's overall performance.  In
this market, we turned in our finest performance ever, guaranteeing $9.8 billion
of asset-backed obligations to produce $73.9 million of present value premiums,
an 88% increase.

While the U.S. municipal bond market is mature, the asset-backed market still
has significant growth potential.  New U.S. public issues on non-mortgage asset-
backed securities soared to $108 billion in 1995 from only $51 billion as
recently as 1992.  There are also other substantial market sectors, including
residential mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed private placements and
commercial paper, as well as international markets.  With insured penetration of
this market currently at less than 15%, we are optimistic about our asset-backed
business.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

We continue to position FSA to benefit from the expansion of international
financial markets.  To support this effort, we opened representative offices in
Madrid and Paris in 1995.  During the year, we guaranteed a number of
international transactions, including financings in Australia, France and the
United Kingdom.

LOOKING AHEAD

We enter 1996 in a very strong position.  We are the most experienced and
broadly based guarantor in the expanding asset-backed market.  We have a greatly
enhanced profile in the municipal bond market and are positioned for growth
there.  Because of our balanced strategy across these two markets, we have the
most diversified insured portfolio and the broadest opportunities in the
industry.

Just as important, we have the capital resources to take advantage of these
opportunities.  Of the major bond insurers, FSA has the lowest ratio of risk to
capital and, according to Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, the highest margin
of safety for capital adequacy.  As a result, we provide exceptional value for
policyholders and have capital to support further growth.

The guiding principles at FSA are financial strength, stringent underwriting and
customer service.  We will stay focused on these principles as we continue to
build value for all our stakeholders.

                                                                               7

<PAGE>
 
White Mountains Insurance Company
Tom Kemp, Chairman
Morgan Davis, President & CEO


It has been a whirlwind first year for White Mountains Insurance.
Conceptualized, organized, capitalized, licensed, and writing new business all
in a matter of months.

We began by letting our customers teach us how to meet their needs.  As a newly
emerging insurance company we knew it would be important to offer the agents and
their commercial customers a market that could respond to the business that is
indigenous to the territory. To do this we had to listen intently to what was
needed and rely on our past experiences with the New Hampshire marketplace.

We met with more than 75 agents in the state to determine their needs as well as
the needs of their commercial clients.  We were told that to be successful we
must be a generalist, have local knowledge of the territory, operate as a
regional company, avoid class underwriting and make it easy for the agent to do
business. The agents also stressed the importance of developing a good working
relationship between the company and the agency. While these strategies might
seem obvious, it quickly became clear that in New Hampshire our competitors
often overlooked these concerns.  Fortunately, it presents us with opportunities
we can capitalize upon.

Using the information we gained from our personal visits, we were able to start
building our company "brick by brick".  We are acutely aware that every "brick"
is a small business, somebody else's dream.  Protecting those dreams is our
mission.  Our initial accounts consisted of manufacturers and contractors,
historical societies, restaurants, repair garages and other valuable services
based here in New Hampshire.

Having established a foothold in New Hampshire, plans are to expand our
operation into the adjoining states to reach our goal of being recognized as a
premier commercial middle market property and casualty insurance company in New
England.  We believe that the same market opportunities that were discovered in
New Hampshire exist in the surrounding states and we are poised to take
advantage of them.  By the year 2000 we expect to be an important and
significant competitor with a profitable book of business.  White Mountains
Insurance prides itself in living up to its slogan, "Go to the White Mountains,
the 'go-to' company."



AN AGENTS PERSPECTIVE:

"To sum up White Mountains: fresh approach, modern ideas, strong
capitalization."

[TWO PHOTOS APPEAR HERE]

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

caption 1: New Hampshire Governor Steve Merrill (center) joined Tom Kemp and
Morgan Davis at the opening of the White Mountains' principal field office in
Manchester.
caption 2: Sharon G. Bush, Vice President, Tender Corporation describes a
product's packaging to Jim Keck and Jim Wickman, White Mountains Insurance
Company, and Terrence Abbott, President & CEO, A.D. Davis, Inc. Insurance
Agency.  Tender Corporation worked with White Mountains Insurance
representatives to configure its warehouse inventory to maximize the
effectiveness of their sprinkler system.

                                                                               8

<PAGE>
 
AN AGENTS PERSPECTIVE:

"White Mountains combines big company experience with small company enthusiasm."

                                                                               9

<PAGE>
 
Main Street America
Phil Koerner, President & CEO


It is always a pleasure to talk about strong results, so I'm happy to share that
we experienced a good year in 1995.  Our written premiums increased by 6%, our
policyholders' surplus grew by more than 18% and our combined ratio beat
estimated industry averages by over six percentage points.

We also created opportunities to fortify our foundation for future growth.  We
appointed over 100 new agency partners throughout our operating territories.  At
the beginning of the year we began to do business in the state of North
Carolina, and by December we had 13 agency partners and nearly $600,000 in
written premiums.  Throughout 1995 we prepared for a merger with The Mutual
Assurance Company (MACO) of Philadelphia, finalized in January of 1996.  Through
MACO subsidiaries, we are preparing to enter new territories, particularly in
the Southeast, an area of targeted growth for our organization.  As the second-
oldest property insurer in the nation, MACO adds a rich insurance tradition to
our group of companies.

Clearly, we are pleased with what we have achieved this year.  Yet, we prefer to
view our growth in a broader perspective:  To take stock of what we have become
over time, and what we accomplished along the way.

At the Main Street America group, we develop five-year Scenarios.  These
Scenarios are checkpoints for us, as we travel on our journey into the future.
Along the route, we make opportunities to pause and reflect upon our journey
thus far; to re-examine our chosen route; and to always seek more efficient
means of travel.  For us, this year brought the culmination of our 1995
Scenario, and allowed us to take a look at where we are in our progress toward
the new millennium.

We have realized many goals in the past five years, becoming the kind of
organization we wanted to be when we were spinning our dreams in the 1980's.
Our premium writings increased by over 60%, while our policyholders' surplus
doubled.  Our average premium per agency rose $150,000.  Information System &
Services Corporation, our policy processing subsidiary, now provides services to
35 insurance companies.

We purchased Guilderland Reinsurance Company and are establishing an assumed
reinsurance operation as well.  One of the most meaningful events of the past
five years was the mutually-profitable relationship we entered into with Fund
American.  Altogether we met, and in many cases exceeded, our expectations.

This was possible because we preserved those characteristics most important to
us.  For example, we develop relationships carefully and then look for ways to
enrich them.  Recognizing that business will always be personal, we emphasize
relationships as a means to accomplish our goals.  We continue to focus on those
customers around whom we've built our organization - Main Street Americans - and
the independent agents who serve them.

While acquiring more customers, we have retained our emphasis on personal
service.  "We take you personally", developed ten years ago as a service slogan,
has evolved into a description of the way we behave toward co-workers and
customers alike.  And through significant production growth, we continued to
focus on the quality of our underwriting - which is one of the best ways to
ensure that today's production translates into tomorrow's prosperity.  Together,
these attributes brought us success by any set of standards.

[PHOTO OF PHIL KOERNER APPEARS HERE]

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

caption 1: Phil Koerner, President & CEO

                                                                              10

<PAGE>
 
As Irving Berlin once said, "The toughest thing about success is that you've got
to keep on being a success."  We are proud we have had cumulatively successful
results throughout the decade, yet we must avoid wrapping ourselves in a cloak
of false security based upon our past success.  This is particularly important
as we look down the road toward a very challenging remainder of the century.

The next few years will test our mettle as other companies enter our market,
technology evens the playing field among insurers and regulators continue to
exert their influence over the parameters within which we can operate.  Yet, our
2000 Scenario - our next checkpoint - calls for us to have doubled our premium
volume while keeping our manpower steady.  That is a very ambitious plan.
Ambitious plans require a talent for envisioning the future, the ability to
evaluate the shifting sands of the environment, and the clarity to describe
where you want to go to all of the people who will take you there.  Most
importantly, ambitious plans require execution.

We have a consistent record of executing our plans - which has been the key to
our success thus far.  We are well aware that the next several years will
challenge us.  Throughout those years, we will focus on our market and the needs
of our customers, value our relationships, and provide outstanding service.
Furthermore, we are committed to doing our work more intelligently, and engaging
all of the people, resources and tools at our disposal in our quest to become
more productive.  As we do these things well, we will continue to execute our
plans, and move into the next century as a strong, focused and prosperous
insurer.

[PHOTO APPEARS HERE]

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

caption: Main Street America headquarters in Keene, NH

                                                                              11

<PAGE>
 
Valley Insurance Group
Dan Post, President & CEO
Stu Olson, Executive Vice President & COO


We are pleased to introduce you to the Valley Group which also includes Charter,
described separately.  In 1985 the Valley Insurance Company opened its first
office in Albany, Oregon, with a clear vision in mind: to provide quality
insurance products and services to families and family owned businesses through
independent agencies.  The customers receive the best attributes of size -
financial strength and security - and the best elements of service - speed and
innovation - allowing us to underwrite uniformly and operate efficiently.

We feel we do a great job here, because of our belief in our employees.  We have
many Valley employees who have moved and grown throughout our history.  The
experience of Sherri Vandecoevering, an underwriter at Valley, typifies this:
"Valley gave me the support and training to move from a data entry position to a
professional underwriter."  In return, the company has benefited from her many
"million-dollar-months."  In all, seventy Valley employees participated in
accredited accounting and insurance classes this past fall.  Fulfilled employees
lead to satisfied customers.

Excellence in customer service is the cornerstone of Valley's foundation for
success.   One area where Valley's reputation is particularly strong is claims.
Our claims philosophy is to pay all claims promptly and fairly. Every attempt is
made to contact claimants and insureds immediately and to make them aware of our
concern and intention to handle their claims properly.  We tell our claims
staff, "People buy insurance to protect themselves in case of a loss, and its
our job to prove to insureds that their agents placed them with the best
company."  The value of a caring attitude can never be overstated.

Unfortunately 1995 was a year in which we were to be tested in our claims area.
With three unprecedented catastrophes ("cats" to insurance folks) our people
worked around the clock to make our insureds whole.  Our strong relationships
and "pre-cat" agreements with independent adjusters and contractors enabled us
to quickly and effectively serve the needs of our customers.

Here is what one agent wrote us about our performance:

   "During the second and third weeks of January we followed up with all of our
   clients that had claims as a result of the December windstorm.  Our intent
   was to make sure that our clients were properly taken care of and that
   nothing had fallen through the cracks.  We were extremely pleased that there
   were no negative comments and, in many cases, clients expressed appreciation
   for the speedy response and understanding exhibited by Valley.  The claims
   department, and the entire company, deserve a heartfelt 'Well Done' for their
   efforts."

[TWO PHOTOS APPEAR HERE]

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

caption 1: Dan Post, President & CEO
caption 2: Valley employees strengthen their community by supporting local
charities such as the United Way and the YMCA.  Forty-five Valley employees from
our Albany, Oregon headquarters participated in December's blood drive for the
American Red Cross.

                                                                              12

<PAGE>
 
Good service works; actually, its the key to our success.  Valley is rewarded
for its efforts with high customer retention rates.  Over the past two years
Valley has retained 88% of its personal lines customers on a yearly basis.  High
retentions over the long-term lead to lower than average policy acquisition
expense rates and better underwriting results.  Our customers are pleased, and
we are pleased.

In 1995 we found the right partner in White Mountains and Fund American,
consolidated certain functions with Charter, became a service provider to White
Mountains Insurance, and wrote $66.8 million in net premiums.  Unfortunately, we
had painful loss experience.  Rather than make excuses for catastrophes which
are an integral cost of our product, we look forward to 1996 with renewed effort
on underwriting and pricing.  We know that over time our patient, disciplined
strategy is working.

For 1996 we have many things to do.  Although we plan to write 15% more
premiums, losses and expense control will remain our priorities; we will not
sacrifice profit for growth.  In January 1996, we completed the acquisition of
Valley National Insurance Company which is licensed in forty-nine states,
effectively bringing us a national franchise.  Valley National Insurance Company
expands our canvas in this and future years (Fund American, keep those crayons
handy!).

We are proud to join the White Mountains and Fund American family.  The
financial strength and insurance expertise of our new parent is a tremendous
resource.  We are pleased that our focus on personal service and careful
underwriting matches so well with our parent's philosophy.

[PHOTO APPEARS HERE]

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

caption: Julie Hansen, Processing Center Manager, gives the "gift of life" at a
quarterly, Valley-sponsored blood drive.

                                                                              13

<PAGE>
 
The Charter Group
Dan Post, President & CEO
Carey Benson, Senior VP & COO


Charter joined the Valley Group in 1995.  Charter was founded in Dallas, Texas,
in 1971, to provide a brokerage and servicing outlet for non-standard automobile
business written by the Allstate Insurance Company.  Over the years, Charter
broadened its market to include independent agents who also needed access to a
non-standard automobile program.  Today the company writes policies through 750
independent agents across Texas.  As a regional specialist company, Charter has
built its reputation distributing competitive, quality insurance products and
exceptional service to its customers.

At Charter we focus on the automobile insurance needs of drivers with poor
driving records or other characteristics which may lead to higher losses.
Although many insurance companies focus on the standard and preferred risk
markets, there are opportunities available in the non-standard market as well.

One of our operating tenets is to maintain low expenses relative to our
competitors.  The keys for achieving low expenses are:  (1) concentration in the
personal automobile line itself, specifically non-standard automobile, thereby
enjoying the unique service capabilities, efficiencies and operating advantages
that such specialization creates; (2) maintaining a low cost operating
structure; and (3) encouraging our employees to work efficiently, through
emphasis on automated systems and technology.  Although our expense ratio
improved dramatically from 54.7% for 1994, to 25.5% for 1995, we will continue
to focus on improvement (the low in the industry is 22%).  Achieving a low
expense ratio puts us in a favorable competitive position in a price sensitive
market.

An equally important component is our underwriting philosophy and execution.
Charter's underwriting philosophy involves disciplined risk selection and
sophisticated pricing structures.  Classes of risks are defined with clear
underwriting guidelines and pricing methodologies.  Spread of risk is achieved
by a mix of agents, geographic and economic diversity, and concentration
avoidance.  Low loss ratios help us compete profitably on price.

We strive to deliver on the Insurance Promise by providing service beyond our
customers' expectations.  Charter's service standards and service response times
are monitored continuously.  With the implementation of underwriting service
units (self-directed work groups) which began in January 1996, we will more
effectively target agreed-upon goals for customer service, premium production
and underwriting results by individual agencies.

After a difficult 1994, we accomplished a great deal of change and progress this
past year.  We began consolidating functions with Valley where it will be
beneficial, yet strengthened the internal capabilities of our company.  We
reduced our expense ratio to a level that is close to the lowest in the
industry.   We studied and implemented a new rating system and more effective
pricing and commission structures.  We completed significant systems
enhancements.  As a result of these changes our written premium grew by 38% in
1995.  We believe that the long-term opportunities for our non-standard program
are exceptional.

[PHOTO APPEARS HERE]

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

caption: Carey Benson, Senior Vice President & COO

                                                                              14

<PAGE>
 
In 1996 we will focus on our business fundamentals.  If we can continue lowering
the cost of our product, and if we price it properly, we will deliver above
average service and generate above average returns on the capital our
shareholder has entrusted to us.

[TWO PHOTOS APPEAR HERE]

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

Caption 1: Charter Group Facility in Dallas, Texas
Caption 2: Reginald Bibb, Casualty Claims Supervisor and Elsa Kemp, Claims
Adjuster use new technology, implemented in August 1995, to print "on-the-scene"
damage appraisals for customers."

                                                                              15

<PAGE>
 
Source One Mortgage Services Corporation
Jim Conrad, President & CEO
Bob Richards, Chairman

We ended the year with $26 million in net income, but our intrinsic value
dropped with the 200 plus basis point decline in long-term interest rates.  1995
proved to be a volatile operating environment for Source One and the mortgage
banking industry.  It was the second consecutive year we originated fewer loans.
Originations fell from $4.6 billion to $2.9 billion, a decline of 37%.

With significant industry overcapacity and extended irrational pricing, many of
our competitors have elected to exit the mortgage banking business, while others
have opted for scale.  Consolidation is occurring in the industry on the
servicing side very quickly.  As evidence, two years ago there were no $100
billion servicers.  Today there are five.

Production seems to be a mixed bag with consolidation and fragmentation
occurring simultaneously.  This is because the big servicers are building large
production networks to replenish run-off in their portfolios.  The availability
of a large number of wholesalers offering attractively priced products led to
the growth of the independent broker segment of the business.  Brokers tend to
be small and operate in local markets.

To be competitive and profitable in this type environment, Source One is:

   1.  Centralizing as many of the production operation functions as possible.

   2.  Utilizing technology to improve the quality, competitiveness, and speed
       of delivery of our product offerings.

   3.  Committing to continue to lower the per unit cost associated with
       producing and servicing loans.

   4.  Developing a hedging strategy to protect the value of our capitalized
       servicing asset.

[TWO PHOTOS APPEAR HERE]

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

caption 1: Bob Richards, Chairman and Jim Conrad, President & CEO
caption 2: Source One maintains a commitment not only to customer service, but
also to community service.  Here, two Source One employees, John Heflin (left)
and John Clancey (right) participate in "Paint the Town," a charitable event
where people from local companies volunteer to fix up homes in need of repair
around the Detroit area.

                                                                              16

<PAGE>
 
While interest rates continue to take us on a roller-coaster ride, originations
have started the new year on an up-beat.

Source One will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 1996.  During this time,
Source One has fulfilled its mission of "Financing the Future of America's
Homeowners" for millions of people around the country.  Dalbar Inc., a Boston
based research company, recently conducted a nationwide survey which found
Source One to be the mortgage industry's top company in the area of customer
service.  We earned this recognition because of our commitment to customer
satisfaction.  The company is proud of its commitment to equal opportunity
lending, ensuring that every person who has the desire and means to own a home
can qualify for a mortgage.  In 1996 and beyond, Source One will continue to
make the dream of home ownership a reality.

[PHOTO APPEARS HERE]

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

caption: Source One's home office in Farmington Hills, Michigan

                                                                              17
<PAGE>
 
                                 Fund American
                     SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 Year Ended December 31,
                                                                --------------------------------------------------------------------

Millions, except per share amounts                                 1995          1994          1993          1992          1991
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C> 
Income Statement Data:                                                                                                
Revenues                                                         $  222        $  229         $ 251        $  214        $  234
Expenses                                                            226           226           234           191           162
                                                                --------------------------------------------------------------------
Pretax operating earnings (loss)                                     (4)            3            17            23            72
Net investment gains                                                 39            39           124            65           112
                                                                --------------------------------------------------------------------
Pretax earnings                                                      35            42           141            88           184
Income tax provision                                                 17            21            71            34            64
                                                                --------------------------------------------------------------------
After tax earnings                                                   18            21            70            54           120
Gain from sale of discontinued operations, after tax                 66 (a)        --            --             1 (c)     1,306 (c)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt, after tax                      --            --            --            --           (29)(f)
Cumulative effect of accounting changes:                                                                              
   Purchased mortgage servicing, after tax                           --           (44)(b)        --            --            --
   Postretirement benefits, after tax                                --            --            --            (2)(d)        --
   Income taxes                                                      --            --            --           (24)(e)        --
Cumulative effect of transition adjustment for prior                                                                  
  period net unrealized investment losses, after tax                 --            --            --            --           (84)(g)
                                                                --------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss)                                                $   84        $  (23)        $  70        $   29        $1,313
====================================================================================================================================
Primary earnings per share:                                                                                           
     After tax earnings                                          $ 1.71        $ 1.20        $ 5.68        $ 2.71        $ 4.87
     Net income (loss)                                             9.36         (3.51)         5.68           .74         67.14
Fully diluted earnings per share:                                                                                     
     After tax earnings                                            2.02          1.20          5.68          2.70          4.85
     Net income (loss)                                             9.16         (3.51)         5.68           .73         53.14
Cash dividends paid per share of common stock                       .20            --            --            --           .68
Ending Balance Sheet Data:                                                                                            
Total assets                                                     $1,872        $1,807        $3,305        $3,129        $2,964
Short-term debt                                                     445           254         1,537         1,513         1,013
Long-term debt                                                      407           547           601           423           324
Minority interest-- preferred stock of subsidiary                    44           100            --            --            --
Shareholders' equity                                                700 (h)       661 (h)       905 (h)(i)    988 (h)     1,496
Book value per common and equivalent share                        83.28         68.95         77.27 (i)     80.65         75.49
====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
(a)  Reflects the settlement of certain tax liabilities relating to the sale of
     Fireman's Fund Insurance Company ("Fireman's Fund") for less than the
     previously accrued amount.  See Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated
     Financial Statements.
(b)  Reflects the prior years' cumulative effect of a change in Source One's
     methodology used to measure impairment of its purchased mortgage servicing
     rights asset.  See Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial
     Statements.
(c)  Reflects the sale of Fireman's Fund.  See Note 3 of the Notes to
     Consolidated Financial Statements.
(d)  Reflects the prior years' cumulative effect of the adoption of Statement of
     Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for
     Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions."
(e)  Reflects the prior years' cumulative effect of the adoption of SFAS No.
     109, "Accounting for Income Taxes."
(f)  Reflects the repayment during the first quarter of 1991 of all the parent
     company's debt outstanding at December 31, 1990.
(g)  Prior to 1991 such unrealized investment losses were recorded as a direct
     adjustment to shareholders' equity, with no corresponding charge to
     earnings.
(h)  Reflects redemptions of the Company's Voting Preferred Stock Series D, par
     value $1.00 per share (the "Series D Preferred Stock") and repurchases of
     shares of the Company's Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share ("Shares").
     See Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(i)  Reflects the distribution of approximately 74% of the outstanding shares of
     Common Stock of White River Corporation ("White River") to shareholders on
     December 22, 1993.

18
<PAGE>
 
                                 Fund American
                     MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
 
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS       
Years Ended 
December 31, 
1995, 1994 and 
1993                        

Consolidated Results

Fund American reported net income of $84.1 million for the year ended December
31, 1995, which compares to a net loss of $23.2 million for 1994 and net income
of $70.4 million for 1993. The 1995 income statement includes four non-recurring
items: (i) the adoption of SFAS No. 122 as of January 1, 1995 by Source One;
(ii) a $46.2 million pretax charge to compensation expense related to
outstanding employee stock warrants; (iii) a $66.0 million favorable tax
development relating to the sale of a former subsidiary; and (iv) the receipt of
a $9.7 million pretax breakup fee, plus related expenses, from Home Holdings,
Inc. The 1994 net loss includes a $44.3 million after tax charge related to a
change in accounting methodology adopted by Source One.
 
Book value per common and common equivalent share was $83.28 at December 31,
1995, which compares to $68.95 at December 31, 1994. The 1995 favorable tax
development and strong investment portfolio results combined to produce most of
the increase in book value per share from 1994 to 1995.
 
After tax earnings for 1995 were $18.5 million versus $21.1 million and $70.4
million for 1994 and 1993, respectively. The decrease from 1993 to 1994 is
primarily due to $73.4 million of pretax unrealized gains recorded in earnings
for 1993. Under a new accounting standard adopted as of December 31, 1993, Fund
American now records changes in unrealized gains and losses related to its
investment portfolio as a direct adjustment to shareholders' equity with no
credit or charge to net income.
 
Insurance Operations
 
As is further described under "Liquidity and Capital Resources," White Mountains
is acquiring and developing various insurance operating interests. WMIC began
operations in the third quarter of 1995, and White Mountains completed the
acquisitions of Valley and Charter on December 1, 1995.
 
Insurance operating results for the year ended December 31, 1995 included $5.8
million of net earned premiums and $8.2 million of losses and loss adjustment
expenses. Losses and loss adjustment expenses included $3.0 million of reserve
strengthening at Valley for losses incurred prior to the date of acquisition.
 
Losses and loss adjustment expenses are charged against income as incurred.
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses are based on estimates by claims
adjusters, legal counsel and actuarial staff of the ultimate costs of settling
claims, including the effects of inflation and other societal and economic
factors. Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves represent management's
best estimate of ultimate losses and loss adjustment expenses net of estimated
salvage and subrogation recoveries. Such estimates are regularly reviewed and
updated and any adjustments resulting therefrom are reflected in current
operations. The process of estimating loss and loss adjustment expenses involves
a considerable degree of judgement by management and the ultimate amount of
expense to be incurred could be considerably greater than or less than the
amounts currently reflected in the financial statements.

                                                                             19 
 
<PAGE>
 
In the normal course of business, White Mountains' insurance subsidiaries seek
to reduce the loss that may arise from catastrophes or other events that may
cause unfavorable underwriting results by reinsuring certain levels of risk in
various areas of exposure with other insurance enterprises or reinsurers.  White
Mountains' insurance subsidiaries remain contingently liable for risks reinsured
with third parties to the extent that the reinsurer is unable to honor its
obligations under reinsurance contracts at the time of loss.

   Management expects that White Mountains' insurance operations will have a
significantly larger impact on Fund American's reported financial results in
1996 and future years.  See "Liquidity and Capital Resources - White Mountains."


Mortgage Origination and Servicing Operations

Source One adopted SFAS No. 122, "Accounting for Mortgage Servicing Rights," an
amendment to SFAS No. 65, as of January 1, 1995.  SFAS No. 122 requires the
total cost of acquiring mortgage loans, either through loan origination
activities or purchase transactions, to be allocated to the mortgage servicing
rights and the loans based on their relative fair values.  The statement
requires entities to measure impairment on a disaggregated basis by stratifying
the capitalized servicing asset based on one or more predominant risk
characteristics of the underlying loans.  Impairment is recognized through a
valuation allowance for each individual stratum.  The adoption of SFAS No. 122
as it relates to the capitalization of originated mortgage servicing rights
resulted in the recognition of an additional pretax gain on sales of mortgages
of $27.2 million for the year ended December 31, 1995.  The impairment
provisions of SFAS No. 122 resulted in a pretax charge of $28.0 million for the
year.

   In 1994 Source One changed the methodology used to measure impairment of its
purchased mortgage servicing rights asset.  The new accounting methodology
measured the asset's impairment on a disaggregated basis and discounted the
asset's estimated future cash flows using a current market rate.  Prior to 1994
Source One measured the asset's impairment on a disaggregated basis including a
cost of capital charge for estimating the asset's future cash flows.  The
adoption of the new accounting methodology, recorded as a cumulative adjustment
as of January 1, 1994, resulted in a $68.1 million pretax, $44.3 million after
tax, charge to income for 1994.

   Net mortgage servicing revenue was $60.5 million for the year ended December
31, 1995 which compares to $82.4 million in 1994 and $53.5 million in 1993.  The
decrease in net servicing revenue for 1995 compared to 1994 reflects the sale of
$11.0 billion of servicing rights to third parties during 1995, partially offset
by slower amortization of the capitalized mortgage servicing asset due to lower
actual and anticipated mortgage loan prepayments in 1995 compared to 1994.  The
increase in net servicing revenue in 1994 compared to 1993 reflects slower
amortization of the capitalized servicing asset due to the reduced pace of
mortgage loan payoffs in the servicing portfolio during 1994 compared to 1993,
partially offset by lower weighted average net servicing fee rates on newly
originated loans.  A summary of the mortgage loan servicing portfolio activity
follows:

20
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Year Ended December 31,
                                          --------------------------------------
Billions                                      1995       1994       1993
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                           <C>        <C>        <C> 
Beginning balance                           $ 39.6     $ 38.4     $ 37.3
                             
Mortgage loan production                       2.9        4.6       11.5
                             
Servicing acquisitions                         4.7        3.7        6.4
                             
Servicing sales                              (11.0)        --         --
                             
Mortgage loan payoffs                         (2.3)      (4.7)     (13.6)
                             
Servicing released, principal
  amortization and foreclosures               (2.1)      (2.4)      (3.2)
                                          --------------------------------------
Ending balance                              $ 31.8     $ 39.6     $ 38.4
================================================================================
</TABLE>

During 1995 Source One sold the rights to service a total of $11.0 billion of
mortgage loans for net cash proceeds of $181.1 million, resulting in a pretax
gain of $40.0 million.  During 1994 Source One sold the rights to service $3.9
billion of mortgage loans for cash proceeds of $70.2 million and continues to
service these loans pursuant to a subservicing agreement.  A gain of $19.9
million was deferred in 1994 and is being recognized in income over the five-
year life of the subservicing agreement.  For the years ended December 31, 1995
and 1994, the Company recognized $4.2 million and $2.7 million, respectively, of
the deferred gain which is included in net mortgage servicing revenue.  The
mortgage servicing portfolio as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 includes loans
subserviced for others having a principal balance totalling $4.0 billion and
$4.3 billion, respectively.

   Management's intent regarding the 1995 servicing sale was to take advantage
of the substantial increase in the value of servicing rights that was created by
the rise in interest rates during 1994 and to bring servicing and origination
activities into better balance.  Additional sales transactions may occur in the
future when management deems it to be economically advantageous.  However, a
strategy of Source One is to continue to increase the size of the servicing
portfolio in order to take advantage of its low cost servicing operation.
Consistent with that strategy, Source One purchased the rights to service $4.7
billion of mortgage loans in the fourth quarter of 1995.

   Source One estimates the fair values of its mortgage servicing rights by
calculating the present value of the expected future cash flows associated with
such rights.  In making those estimates, Source One incorporates assumptions
that market participants would use in their estimates of future servicing income
and expense and discounts those cash flows using current estimated market rates.
As of December 31, 1995 such discount rates were 10.5% for conventional loans
and 12.0% for insured loans.

   To measure impairment of the mortgage servicing rights, Source One stratifies
its mortgage loan servicing portfolio based on the portfolio's predominant risk
characteristics which have been determined to be prepayment, default and
operational risks.  This results in stratification by interest rate, loan type
(investor) and original term to maturity.  The prepayment assumptions used in
the estimation of fair values are based on market prepayment predictions.  The
fair value of each stratum is computed and compared to its recorded book value
to determine if a valuation allowance, or recovery of a previously established
valuation allowance, is required.

                                                                              21
<PAGE>
 
   The discount rate and prepayment assumptions are significant factors used in
estimating the fair value of Source One's mortgage servicing rights and could be
significantly impacted by changes in interest rates.  Accordingly, it is likely
that management's estimate of the fair value of the capitalized servicing asset
will change from time to time due to changes in interest rates.

   Total mortgage loan production decreased to $2.9 billion for the year ended
December 31, 1995 from $4.6 billion and $11.5 billion in 1994 and 1993,
respectively.  Production related to refinance activity represented
approximately 23%, 50% and 67% of total mortgage loan production for the years
ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.  Mortgage loan payoffs
decreased to $2.3 billion and $4.7 billion for the years ended December 31, 1995
and 1994 from $13.6 billion in 1993.  The decreases in mortgage loan production
and payoffs in 1995 and 1994 reflect increases in market interest rates during
1994 and into the first quarter of 1995, and a corresponding reduction in
industry-wide mortgage loan refinancing activity from 1993 levels.  However,
declining market interest rates for mortgage loans during 1995, particularly
during the third and fourth quarters, and a flattening of the yield curve
resulted in increased fixed rate loan production volumes during the second half
of 1995 as compared to the first half of the year.

   The net gain on sales of mortgages decreased to $24.0 million for the year
ended December 31, 1995 from $29.5 million in 1994 and $34.8 million in 1993.
The 1995 net gain amount includes $27.2 million of gains related to the adoption
of SFAS No. 122.  Intensive price competition during 1995 led to increased
pricing subsidies on originated loans which suppressed gains on sales of
mortgages into the secondary market.  The decrease in 1994 compared to 1993
reflects lower mortgage loan sales volumes due to the reduction in mortgage loan
production and increased pricing subsidies on newly originated loans during the
second half of 1994.

Investment Operations

The total return from Fund American's investment activities is shown below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
                                                                               Year Ended December 31,
                                                                --------------------------------------------------------
Millions                                                                  1995           1994           1993
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                       <C>            <C>            <C>  
Net investment income:                                                                         
     Source One                                                        $  37.7         $ 71.5        $ 117.0
     Other                                                                17.7           18.7           16.5
                                                                --------------------------------------------------------
Total net investment income                                               55.4           90.2          133.5
                                                                --------------------------------------------------------
Net realized investment gains                                             38.8           38.8           50.6
Change in net unrealized investment gains and losses:                                          
     Included in net income                                                 --             --           73.4
     Recorded directly to shareholders' equity                            28.0          (84.3)          69.9
                                                                --------------------------------------------------------
Total net investment gains (losses), before tax                           66.8          (45.5)         193.9
                                                                --------------------------------------------------------
Total net investment return, before tax                                $ 122.2         $ 44.7        $ 327.4
======================================================================================================================== 
</TABLE>

22
<PAGE>
 
Fund American's net investment income is comprised primarily of interest income
earned on mortgage loans originated by Source One. The decrease in Source One's
net investment income from 1994 to 1995 is mainly attributable to decreased
interest income from mortgage loans held for sale related to lower mortgage loan
production combined with lower mortgage interest rates experienced during 1995.
The decrease in Source One's net investment income from 1993 to 1994 is due
primarily to decreased interest income from mortgage loans held for sale related
to lower mortgage production experienced during 1994. The decrease in other net
investment income from 1994 to 1995 resulted from net sales of investment
securities during 1995. The increase in other net investment income from 1993 to
1994 resulted from a second quarter 1994 transfer of $112.0 million of common
equity securities from Source One to its parent, Fund American Enterprises, Inc.
("FAE", a subsidiary of the Company), in exchange for shares of Source One's
common stock held by FAE. Prior to such transfer, the net investment income
relating to the securities transferred was included in net investment income of
Source One. The effects of the securities transfer on other investment income
were partially offset by the Company's 1994 investment sales. Cash basis sales
and maturities of investments, net of purchases and excluding short-term
investments, totalled $154.1 million, $151.9 million and $115.0 million for the
years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.

   Net realized investment gains during 1995, before tax, included $23.9 million
of gains from the sale of American Express Company common stock.  Net realized
investment gains during 1994, before tax, included $22.6 million of gains from
the sale of The Louisiana Land and Exploration Company common stock and $21.7
million of gains from the sale of American Express Company common stock.  Net
realized gains during 1993, before tax, included $14.0 million of gains from the
sale of A. H. Belo common stock and $13.2 million of gains from the sale of San
Juan Basin Royalty Trust units.

   Total investment gains and losses during the three years ended December 31,
1995 have been substantially affected by changes in market prices for crude oil
and natural gas.  At December 31, 1995, 77% of Fund American's portfolio of
common equity securities was invested in the energy, natural resources and
related industries sector.  Fund American believes that the oil and natural gas
industries are highly cyclical and, therefore, anticipates continued volatility
in the value of its investment portfolio in the future.

   Prior to December 31, 1993 unrealized gains and losses from investments held
by Fund American, other than securities held by Source One, were included in net
income.  As of December 31, 1993 Fund American adopted SFAS No. 115, "Accounting
for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities."  Under the provisions of
SFAS No. 115, substantially all of Fund American's portfolio of common equity
securities, fixed maturity investments and other investments are classified as
securities available for sale and are reported at fair value as of the balance
sheet date, with related unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and
reported as a net amount in a separate component of shareholders' equity.
Therefore, for periods beginning after December 31, 1993, all of Fund American's
net unrealized gains and losses are reported as a direct adjustment to
shareholders' equity with no credit or charge to net income.

   A review of certain significant holdings in Fund American's portfolio of
common equity securities at December 31, 1995 follows.  Share or unit and dollar
amounts refer to the aggregate number of shares or units and the aggregate fair
value at December 31, 1995 of Fund American's holdings of each security
discussed.

                                                                             23
<PAGE>
 
   Energy, Natural Resources and Related Industries.  The energy and natural
   ------------------------------------------------                         
resources industries, particularly the crude oil and natural gas industries, are
highly competitive, require significant capital expenditures and are subject to
extensive regulation at both the national and local levels. Fund American
believes that the market prices of securities of companies engaged in those
businesses are relatively volatile due to fluctuations in the prices of crude
oil, natural gas and other natural resources. Fund American's holdings within
the energy, natural resources and related industries sector consist in great
part of large blocks of securities of a small number of issuers. This
concentration may make the value of Fund American's portfolio more volatile than
the value of a more diversified portfolio.

   The Louisiana Land & Exploration Company ("LLX"; 2,928,100 shares; $125.5
million).  LLX is one of the largest independent exploration and production
companies in the nation.  LLX explores for, produces and markets crude oil and
natural gas in the United States and certain foreign countries.  Fund American
believes that LLX's operations are affected by, among other things, changes in
the prices of crude oil and natural gas, general economic conditions and LLX's
ability to successfully produce and replace crude oil and natural gas reserves.
Between January 31, 1996 and March 21, 1996 Fund American sold all 2,928,100
shares of LLX for net cash proceeds of $125.1 million.

   San Juan Basin Royalty Trust ("SJT"; 10,994,876 units; $68.7 million).  SJT
units receive a 75% net overriding royalty interest from certain of Southland
Royalty Company's leasehold and royalty interests in the San Juan Basin of
Northwestern New Mexico.  Fund American believes that changes in crude oil and
natural gas prices and in the level of development and production expenditures
by the operator of SJT may affect the distributions to unitholders of SJT and,
therefore, the market prices of the units of SJT.  In addition, Fund American
believes that the tax and accounting issues involved in owning units in SJT may
make such units unappealing to many investors

   Other Significant Holdings.
   -------------------------- 

   Zurich Reinsurance Centre Holdings, Inc. ("ZRC"; 2,042,572 shares; $62.0
million).  ZRC is one of the largest writers of broker-market property and
casualty reinsurance products in North America.  On January 10, 1996 Fund
American sold all 2,042,572 shares of ZRC for net cash proceeds of $61.8
million.

Expenses

Compensation and benefits expense increased to $111.6 million in 1995 from $69.2
million in 1994 and $63.5 million in 1993.  Compensation expense for 1995
includes a $46.2 million pretax charge related to an extension of the expiration
date of outstanding employee stock warrants.  Additionally, Source One nets
mortgage loan origination fees, less certain direct costs, against compensation
and benefits expense.  The high amount of originations experienced by Source One
during 1993 resulted in significantly more origination fees offsetting
compensation and benefits expense for those years than in 1994 and 1995.
Excluding the effects of the 1995 warrant extension and mortgage loan
origination fees, compensation and benefits expense was $82.9 million, $98.8
million and $137.8 million for each of the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994
and 1993, respectively.  The declines in compensation and benefits expense
reflect significant reductions in production-related personnel at Source One
since 1993.

24
<PAGE>
 
   General expenses of $60.3 million for 1995 compare to 1994 and 1993 amounts
of $77.7 million and $67.5 million, respectively.  The increase in general
expenses from 1993 to 1994 is due to the expansion of Source One's mortgage loan
production network throughout 1993 and early 1994.  Efforts to reduce Source
One's operating expenses in response to the contraction in mortgage originations
began to take effect in late 1994 and continued through 1995.

   Interest expense decreased to $45.8 million in 1995 which compares to $78.8
million for 1994 and $103.1 million for 1993.  The decreases are primarily the
result of a decrease in total average indebtedness outstanding at Source One.
Source One's average inventory of mortgage loans held for sale, which decreased
from 1993 through 1995 as a result of lower mortgage loan production, is funded
mainly with debt.

   Source One's provision for mortgage loan losses, included in general
expenses, was $7.0 million in 1995 which compares to $8.2 million for 1994 and
$3.7 million for 1993.  The increase from 1993 to 1994 is primarily due to
charge-offs of certain commercial real estate owned properties and higher
average loss volumes relating to certain California residential mortgage loans.

Income Taxes

The income tax provision related to pretax earnings for 1995, 1994 and 1993
represents an effective tax rate of 47.3%, 49.3% and 50.1%, respectively.  The
tax provision for 1993 includes $13.0 million of current income tax relating to
taxable capital gains triggered by the distribution of approximately 74% of the
shares of common stock of White River ("White River Shares") to shareholders on
December 22, 1993.  Such gains were not recognized for financial reporting
purposes pursuant to generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").  The
1993 provision also includes $4.7 million of deferred income tax reflecting a
tax reserve established on White River's books of record as of December 22,
1993, the date of the distribution.  Such reserve offset White River's deferred
tax asset calculated on a stand-alone basis as of that date.

   Fund American has recorded a net deferred Federal income tax asset of $24.8
million as of December 31, 1995.  The deferred tax asset includes a $38.2
million net asset related to various operating items partially offset by a $13.4
million net liability related to net unrealized gains on investment securities.

   On January 2, 1991 the Company sold Fireman's Fund to Allianz of America,
Inc.  The $1.3 billion gain from the sale as reported in 1991 included a $75.0
million tax benefit related to the Company's estimated tax loss from the sale.
Since 1991 the Company has carried an estimated reserve related to tax matters
affecting the amount of the deductible tax loss from the sale and other tax
matters.  The conclusion in 1995 of Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") audits of
Fund American's Federal income tax returns for all taxable periods ending on or
prior to October 23, 1985 (the date of Fund American's initial public offering
of Shares) resolved certain of the tax matters affecting the amount of the
Company's deductible tax loss from the sale of Fireman's Fund and the Company
has, therefore, re-estimated its tax reserve.  As a result of the reserve re-
estimation, the Company included in its 1995 income statement an additional
$66.0 million income tax benefit from the sale.  The amount of tax benefit from
the sale of Fireman's Fund ultimately realized by the Company may be
significantly more or less than the Company's current estimate due to possible
changes in or new interpretations of tax rules, possible amendments to Fund
American's 1990 or prior years' Federal income tax returns, the results of
further IRS audits and other matters affecting the amount of the deductible tax
loss from the sale.

                                                                             25
<PAGE>
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES   

Since the sale of Fireman's Fund, Fund American has been gradually liquidating
its portfolio of passive investment securities. Management's primary strategic
goal is to either: (i) reinvest Fund American's passive investments, together
with other resources available to Fund American, into operating businesses in
which management has knowledge and experience (if appropriate opportunities can
be found); or (ii) return excess capital to shareholders through additional
repurchases of Shares. Management believes that this strategy will, over time,
further enhance shareholder value. As is further described below, the formation
and capitalization White Mountains embodies this strategy.
 
 
Parent Company
 
The primary sources of cash inflows for the Company are investment income, sales
of investment securities and dividends received from its operating subsidiaries.
 
     In June 1994 the Company entered into a revolving credit agreement with a
syndicate of banks. Under the agreement, through August 9, 1996 the Company and
certain of its subsidiaries may borrow up to $75.0 million at short-term market
interest rates. The credit agreement contains certain customary covenants,
including a $475.0 million minimum tangible net worth requirement and a minimum
financial asset coverage requirement. At December 31, 1995 and 1994 the Company
had no borrowings outstanding under the agreement.
 
     During 1993 the Company issued $150.0 million in principal amount of 
medium-term notes for net cash proceeds of $148.0 million after related costs.
Proceeds from the issuance of the notes were used to repay an existing revolving
credit facility and for general corporate purposes. During 1995 and 1994 the
Company repurchased $8.8 million and $25.0 million, respectively, in principal
amount of the notes due February 2003. At December 31, 1995 the remaining
outstanding notes had an average maturity of 7.41 years and an average yield to
maturity of 7.82%.
 
     In August 1994 the Company redeemed 22,778 shares of the Series D Preferred
Stock for $82.0 million. In July 1995 the Company redeemed the remaining 20,833
shares of the Series D Preferred Stock outstanding for $75.0 million. The
redemption price for the shares of Series D Preferred Stock redeemed was equal
to the stock's liquidation preference. The annual dividend rate on the Series D
Preferred Stock was 7.75% through July 1994 and 8.75% from August 1994 through
July 1995.
 
     During 1995, 1994 and 1993 the Company repurchased 877,868 Shares,
1,128,057 Shares and 536,247 Shares, respectively, for $65.5 million, $78.8
million and $41.8 million, respectively. All such repurchased Shares have been
retired. The repurchases of Shares represent a return of excess capital to the
Company's shareholders.
 
     During 1993 and 1994 the Company did not pay regular cash dividends to
holders of Shares. In the fourth quarter 1995 the Board reinstated regular
periodic dividends on Shares of $.20 per quarter. The Board currently intends to
reconsider from time to time the declaration of regular periodic dividends on
Shares with due consideration given to the financial characteristics of Fund
American's remaining invested assets and operations and the amount and
regularity of its cash flows at the time. There can be no assurance, therefore,
as to whether or when the Board will declare additional dividends on Shares.
 
26 
<PAGE>
 
     On December 22, 1993 the Company distributed approximately 74% of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock of White River to its shareholders. White
River commenced operations on September 24, 1993, concurrent with the purchase
and transfer of selected assets and the assumption of certain liabilities from
Fund American. The assets sold or otherwise transferred by Fund American to
White River included primarily $84.0 million of common equity securities, $147.1
million of securities classified as other investments and $25.8 million of 
short-term investments. White River's initial capitalization consisted of a 
$50.0 million demand note payable to Fund American, $7.0 million of redeemable
preferred stock and $200.0 million of common shareholder's equity. Of the
1,014,750 White River Shares retained by Fund American, 295,932 have been
reserved by Fund American for delivery upon exercise of existing employee stock
options and warrants.
 
     Pursuant to the terms of a December 1993 credit agreement among the Company
and White River, the Company provided White River with a $50.0 million term note
(the "Term Note") and a $40.0 million revolving credit facility (the
"Revolver"). The credit agreement granted White River the right to use certain
of its investment securities to repay its borrowings under the Term Note and the
Revolver.
 
     On June 29, 1995 White River repaid $35.1 million in principal amount on
the Revolver with (i) 930,000 shares of common stock of Mid Ocean Limited ("Mid
Ocean Shares") and (ii) options to acquire an additional 388,140 Mid Ocean
Shares through November 2002. On July 3, 1995, White River repaid the remaining
$4.9 million principal balance on the Revolver and $5.0 million in principal
amount on the Term Note in exchange for certain common equity securities. On
August 31, 1995, White River repaid the remaining $45.0 million principal
balance on the Term Note with 1,525,424 shares of common stock of Zurich
Reinsurance Centre Holdings, Inc.
 
     On March 11, 1996 Fund American entered into a definitive agreement to
purchase for $50.0 million 3,144,827 shares of Common Stock of Travelers-Aetna
Property Casualty Corp ("TAPCC"). Fund American's investment will initially
represent a .87% interest in TAPCC. Fund American expects the transaction to
close near the end of the first quarter of 1996. Upon the closing John J. Byrne,
Fund American's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will become a director of
TAPCC. Fund American intends to fund the investment in TAPCC using proceeds from
sales of short-term investments.
 
White Mountains
 
     In 1995 the Company capitalized White Mountains with $250.0 million of
assets. White Mountains was formed to be the holding company for all of Fund
American's insurance operating interests. As of December 31, 1995 White
Mountains' principal holdings included: 100% ownership of Valley, Charter and
WMIC; a 21.0% interest in FSA; and a 33.1% interest in MSA.
 
     Under the insurance laws of the various states under which White Mountains'
insurance subsidiaries are incorporated or licensed to write business, an
insurer is restricted with respect to the amount of dividends it may pay without
prior approval by state regulatory authorities. Accordingly, there is no
assurance that dividends may be paid by White Mountains' insurance operating
subsidiaries in the future.

                                                                           27 
 
<PAGE>
 
     FSA. In May 1994 the Company purchased 2,000,000 shares of FSA Common Stock
from U S WEST Capital Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of U S WEST, Inc. The
purchase was part of an initial public offering of 8,082,385 shares of FSA's
Common Stock at the initial offering price of $20.00 per share. At that time the
Company's Chairman, John J. Byrne, also became Chairman of FSA. FSA conducts
operations principally through Financial Security Assurance Inc., a wholly-owned
monoline financial guarantee insurance subsidiary with Aaa/AAA claims-paying
ratings. FSA is principally engaged in guaranteeing municipal bonds and
residential mortgage and other asset-backed securities.

     Following receipt of regulatory approvals, in September 1994 the Company
acquired various fixed price options and shares of convertible preferred stock
which, in total, give Fund American the right to acquire up to 4,560,607
additional shares of FSA Common Stock for aggregate consideration of $125.7
million. All shares of and rights to FSA Common Stock owned or acquired by the
Company as described above are subject to certain restrictions on transfer,
voting provisions and other limitations and requirements set forth in a
Shareholders' Agreement, a Registration Rights Agreement and a Voting Trust
Agreement. In 1995 the Company purchased an additional 460,200 shares of FSA
Common Stock on the open market for $8.8 million. As of December 31, 1995 Fund
American's economic and voting interests in FSA were 21.0% and 19.0%,
respectively. In December 1995 and January 1996 the Company transferred all of
its interests in FSA to White Mountains.
 
     MSA. In December 1994 the Company purchased a 33.2% interest in MSA for
$25.0 million in cash. MSA shares in 40% of National Grange Mutual Insurance
Company's business through a reinsurance agreement. In December 1995 the Company
transferred all of its interest in MSA to White Mountains.
 
     Valley and Charter. On December 1, 1995 White Mountains acquired Valley and
Charter for $41.7 million in cash less $3.0 million of purchase price
adjustments. Valley's wholly owned subsidiary, Valley Insurance Company, is an
"A" rated, Northwest-based property and casualty company which writes personal
and commercial lines through independent agents. In 1995 Valley Insurance
Company wrote $73.1 million of gross premiums in Oregon, Washington and
California. Charter's wholly owned subsidiary, Charter Indemnity Company, wrote
$64.4 million of gross non-standard automobile insurance premiums in Texas
during 1995.
 
     In November 1995 Charter issued two notes totalling $20.2 million with
interest rates of 6.5%. The notes are due in 1996 and are collateralized by
certain assets of Charter.
 
     WMIC. WMIC is a New Hampshire licensed commercial property and casualty
insurance company which commenced its operations in September 1995 and wrote
$250,000 in premiums during the year. WMIC is expected to expand its operations
to other states as additional state approvals are obtained.

28 
<PAGE>
 
Folksamerica. On March 11, 1996 Fund American announced that it had reached
definitive agreement to purchase for $79.4 million a 50% interest in
Folksamerica Holding Company, Inc. ("Folksamerica"), parent company of
Folksamerica Reinsurance Company. The proceeds from Fund American's investment
will be used by Folksamerica to complete its previously announced acquisition of
Christiania General Insurance Corporation of New York ("Christiania") for $88.0
million. Consummation of both transactions is subject to state insurance
regulatory and Federal antitrust approvals. Fund American believes that it will
receive the requisite approvals to proceed with the Folksamerica transaction,
however, there is no assurance that such approvals will be ultimately be
obtained.
 
Folksamerica is a multi-line broker-market reinsurance company which in 1995 had
net written premiums of $159.7 million. At December 31, 1995, Folksamerica had
$75.5 million of shareholders' equity and total capitalization of $151.0
million. Christiania had net written premiums in 1995 of $123.2 million and
shareholders' equity of $128.0 million at December 31, 1995. On a pro forma
basis giving effect to the investment by Fund American and the acquisition of
Christiania, Folksamerica will have approximately $220.0 million of statutory
policyholders' surplus, making it the nation's 16th largest broker-market
reinsurer.
 
Fund American's investment in Folksamerica will include (i) 6,920,000 shares of
ten-year 6.5% voting preferred stock having a liquidation preference of $79.4
million and (ii) ten-year warrants to purchase up to 6,920,000 shares of
Folksamerica Common Stock for $11.47 per share. Folksamerica's book value per
share at December 31, 1995 was $10.91.
 
Fund American expects to assign the purchase of the Folksamerica investment to
White Mountains. White Mountains intends to fund the Folksamerica investment
using proceeds from sales of investment securities and an additional $25.0
million capital contribution from the Company.
 
Upon consummation of the investment, Fund American expects to include
Folksamerica's financial results in Fund American's consolidated financial
statements. This will have a material effect on Fund American's financial
statements. Folksamerica's consolidated financial statements, pro forma for the
completion of Fund American's investment and the acquisition of Christiania,
include total assets of $1,024.4 million as of December 31, 1995 and total
revenues of $324.9 million for the year then ended.
 
Source One
 
Source One's investments, mortgage loans held for sale and mortgage loan
servicing portfolio provide a liquidity reserve since they may be sold to meet
liquidity needs.
 
In 1995 Source One sold the rights to service $11.0 billion of mortgage loans to
third parties for net cash proceeds of $181.1 million. The proceeds were used by
Source One to retire debt and to repurchase shares of its common stock from FAE.
 
In March 1995 Source One consolidated its three then existing credit facilities
into a single credit facility in the amount of $500.0 million. The new facility
can be increased at Source One's option with bank concurrence up to $1.0
billion. Borrowings under the new facility, which matures in March 1998, are
secured primarily by Source One's mortgage loans receivable and mortgage loan
servicing portfolio. As of December 31, 1995 no borrowings were outstanding
under the new facility. As of December 31, 1994 there was $195.0 million
outstanding under the previous three credit facilities.

                                                                           29
<PAGE>
 
     Source One's secured credit agreements contain covenants which limit its
ability to pay dividends or make distributions on its capital in excess of
existing preferred stock dividend requirements. These covenants also require
Source One to maintain a certain level of total tangible net worth and a certain
ratio of debt to total tangible net worth. Source One is currently in compliance
with all such covenants.

     In August 1995 Source One entered into a $60.0 million unsecured revolving
credit facility which expires in July 1996.
 
     Source One also has a revolving credit agreement under which it can borrow
up to $10.0 million. As of December 31, 1995 and 1994 there was $4.5 million and
$3.8 million outstanding under this agreement, respectively.
 
     Source One has a $650.0 million domestic and Euro commercial paper program.
The weighted average number of days to maturity of commercial paper outstanding
at December 31, 1995 was 19 days. As of December 31, 1995 and 1994 Source One
had $256.6 million and $26.1 million of commercial paper outstanding,
respectively.
 
     In 1986 Source One issued $125.0 million of 8.25% debentures due November
1, 1996. During 1995 Source One repurchased and retired $50.4 million in
principal amount of these debentures.
 
     In 1989 Source One issued $40.0 million of medium-term notes due in 1996
and having a total weighted average interest rate of 9.65%. In 1991 Source One
issued $160.0 million of 8.875% medium-term notes due in 2001. INFLATION During
1995 Source One repurchased and retired in principal amount $10.3 million 
medium-term notes that were due in 1996 and $21.6 million of medium-term notes
that were due in 2001.
 
     In 1992 Source One issued $100.0 million of 9% debentures due in 2012 under
terms of a $250.0 million shelf registration statement. The proceeds from
issuance were used for general corporate purposes.
 
     In March 1994 Source One issued 4,000,000 shares of 8.42% perpetual
Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A ("Source One Preferred Stock"), having a
liquidation preference of $25.00 per share, for net cash proceeds of $96.9
million. The Source One Preferred Stock is not redeemable prior to May 1, 1999.
 
     On December 8, 1995 Source One exchanged and retired 2,239,061 shares of
Source One Preferred Stock for $56.0 million in principal amount of 9.375%
subordinated interest deferrable debentures (the "Subordinated Debentures"). The
Subordinated Debentures are due on December 31, 2025. The Subordinated
Debentures are redeemable at the option of Source One, in whole or part, at any
time on or after May 1, 1999.
 
     FAE announced on December 26, 1995 that it had entered into a letter of
intent with Mellon Mortgage Company ("Mellon") contemplating the sale of Source
One for an aggregate price equal to Source One's adjusted book value as of the
closing date plus a premium of $65.0 million, and the assumption of all Source
One's existing debt and preferred stock. On March 6, 1996 FAE announced that its
discussions with Mellon were proceeding more slowly that had been anticipated
and that Mellon had subsequently revised the scope and other terms of the
originally announced Source One transaction. FAE is continuing discussions with
Mellon and other parties. There can be no assurance that any transaction will be
negotiated or consummated.

30
<PAGE>

INFLATION 

Inflation can have significant effects on White Mountains' insurance operations.
Inflation increases the costs of settling insurance claims over time. Increases
in market interest rates, which often occur during periods of high inflation,
reduce the market value of the insurance operations' fixed-income investments.
Conversely, reductions in market interest rates increase the market value of
White Mountains' fixed-income investments.
 
     Inflation affects Source One most significantly in the area of loan
originations. As noted above, interest rates normally increase during periods of
high inflation and decrease during periods of low inflation. Historically,
Source One's loan originations have increased in response to falling interest
rates and have decreased during periods of rising interest rates. However,
higher interest rate environments typically enhance the value of Source One's
mortgage loan servicing portfolio due to related declines in refinancing
activity. Lower interest rates generally result in higher payoffs and,
therefore, typically reduce the value of the mortgage loan servicing portfolio.

                                                                             31
<PAGE>
 
                                 Fund American
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                                                          December 31,
                                                                                   ------------------------------------------------
Dollars in millions                                                                            1995                       1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                      <C>                         <C>  
Assets                                                                                                
Common equity securities, at fair value (cost $232.1 and $294.2)                         $    274.5                  $   332.4
Fixed maturity investments, at fair value (cost $109.8 and $102.2)                            110.7                      102.2
Other investments (cost $86.7 and $61.4)                                                       95.9                       55.1
Short-term investments, at amortized cost (which approximated fair value)                     103.6                      119.2
                                                                                   ------------------------------------------------
     Total investments                                                                        584.7                      608.9
Cash                                                                                            2.7                        1.5
Capitalized mortgage servicing, net of accumulated amortization                               397.1                      530.5
Mortgage loans held for sale                                                                  381.0                      210.5
Pool loan purchases                                                                           119.0                      163.9
Mortgage claims receivable and real estate acquired,                                           
  less allowance for mortgage loan losses of $13.5 and $13.4                                   45.4                       49.8      
Insurance premiums receivable                                                                  45.3                         --
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates                                                       96.2                       69.7
Goodwill                                                                                       24.6                       28.0
Other assets                                                                                  175.9                      144.5
                                                                                   ------------------------------------------------
     Total assets                                                                        $  1,871.9                  $ 1,807.3
===================================================================================================================================
Liabilities                                                                                           
Short-term debt                                                                          $    445.4                  $   254.1
Long-term debt                                                                                407.3                      547.0
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves                                                      44.1                         --
Unearned insurance premiums                                                                    35.0                         --
Accounts payable and other liabilities                                                        196.4                      245.1
                                                                                   ------------------------------------------------
     Total liabilities                                                                      1,128.2                    1,046.2
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minority interest -- preferred stock of subsidiary                                             44.0                      100.0
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholders' equity                                                                                  
Preferred stock -- authorized 10,000,000 shares,                                                       
  Series D voting preferred stock, issued 0 and 20,833 shares                                    --                       75.0
Common stock -- authorized 125,000,000 shares,                                                         
  issued 32,719,279 and 33,597,147 shares                                                      32.7                       33.6
Common paid-in surplus                                                                        375.5                      338.1
Retained earnings                                                                           1,124.6                    1,098.2
Common stock in treasury, at cost: 25,034,939 and 25,187,210 shares                          (871.0)                    (878.5)
Net unrealized investment gains                                                                37.9                       19.7
Loan for common stock issued                                                                     --                      (25.0)
                                                                                   ------------------------------------------------
     Total shareholders' equity                                                               699.7                      661.1
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Total liabilities, minority interest and shareholders' equity                       $  1,871.9                  $ 1,807.3
===================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.      

32
<PAGE>
 
                                 Fund American
                        CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                                           Year Ended December 31,
                                                                             ----------------------------------------
Millions, except per share amounts                                                  1995          1994           1993
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                              <C>          <C>            <C> 
Revenues:                                                                                               
Mortgage servicing revenue                                                       $ 141.9      $  169.3       $  187.1
Amortization of mortgage servicing                                                  81.4          86.9          133.6
                                                                             ----------------------------------------
   Net mortgage servicing revenue                                                   60.5          82.4           53.5
Gain on sales of mortgage servicing                                                 40.0            --             --
Net gain on sales of mortgages                                                      24.0          29.5           34.8
Other mortgage operations revenue                                                   16.4          23.9           29.2
Insurance premiums earned                                                            5.8            --             --
Net investment income                                                               55.4          90.2          133.5
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates                                      9.4           2.5             --
Other revenue                                                                       10.8            --             --
                                                                             ----------------------------------------
     Total revenues                                                                222.3         228.5          251.0
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses:                                                                                               
Compensation and benefits                                                          111.6          69.2           63.5
General expenses                                                                    60.3          77.7           67.5
Interest expense                                                                    45.8          78.8          103.1
Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses                                        8.2            --             --
                                                                             ----------------------------------------
     Total expenses                                                                225.9         225.7          234.1
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pretax operating earnings (loss)                                                    (3.6)          2.8           16.9
                                                                             ----------------------------------------
Net realized investment gains                                                       38.8          38.8           50.6
Change in net unrealized investment gains and losses                                  --            --           73.4
                                                                             ----------------------------------------
Net investment gains                                                                38.8          38.8          124.0
                                                                             ----------------------------------------
Pretax earnings                                                                     35.2          41.6          140.9
Income tax provision                                                                16.7          20.5           70.5
                                                                             ----------------------------------------
After tax earnings                                                                  18.5          21.1           70.4
Tax benefit from sale of discontinued operations                                    66.0            --             --
Loss on early extinguishment of debt, after tax                                      (.4)           --             --
Cumulative effect of accounting change - 
   purchased mortgage servicing, after tax                                            --         (44.3)            --
                                                                             ----------------------------------------
Net income (loss)                                                                   84.1         (23.2)          70.4
Less dividends on preferred stock                                                    3.8           9.9           12.2
                                                                             ----------------------------------------
     Net income (loss) applicable to common stock                                $  80.3      $  (33.1)      $   58.2
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------========================================
Primary earnings per share:                                                                             
After tax earnings                                                               $  1.71      $   1.20       $   5.68
Tax benefit from sale of discontinued operations                                    7.69            --             --
Loss on early extinguishment of debt, after tax                                     (.04)           --             --
Cumulative effect of accounting change                                                --         (4.71)            --
                                                                             ----------------------------------------
     Net income (loss)                                                           $  9.36      $  (3.51)      $   5.68
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------========================================
Fully diluted earnings per share:                                                                       
After tax earnings                                                               $  2.02      $   1.20       $   5.68
Tax benefit from sale of discontinued operations                                    7.18            --             --
Loss on early extinguishment of debt, after tax                                     (.04)           --             --
Cumulative effect of accounting change                                                --         (4.71)            --
                                                                             ----------------------------------------
    Net income (loss)                                                            $  9.16      $  (3.51)      $   5.68
=====================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                                                              33
<PAGE>
 
                                 Fund American
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                   Net  
                                                                        Common                              unrealized    Loan for
                                                                     stock and                     Common   investment      common
                                                       Preferred       paid-in      Retained     stock in        gains       stock
Millions                                       Total       stock       surplus      earnings     treasury     (losses)      issued
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                           <C>        <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>
                                                                                                                       
Balances at January 1, 1993                   $988.3       $157.0     $390.1       $1,375.2      $(886.2)       $(24.0))   $(23.8)
                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                     
Net income                                      70.4           --         --           70.4           --            --         --
Dividends to preferred stockholders            (12.2)          --         --          (12.2)          --            --         --
Distribution of subsidiary to common                                                                                 
   stockholders                               (146.9)          --         --         (146.9)                          
Purchases of common stock retired              (41.8)          --       (5.9)         (35.9)          --            --         --
Stock options exercised and
   performance shares awarded                    2.0           --         --             .7          1.3            --         --
Change in net unrealized investment
 gains and losses, after tax                    23.7           --         --             --           --          23.7         --
Cumulative effect of change in
   accounting for investment
   securities, after tax                        22.1           --         --          (52.7)          --          74.8         --
Other                                            (.6)          --         --             --           --            --        (.6)
                                        --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balances at December 31, 1993                  905.0        157.0      384.2        1,198.6       (884.9)         74.5      (24.4)

Net loss                                       (23.2)          --         --          (23.2)          --            --         --
Dividends to preferred stockholders             (9.4)          --         --           (9.4)          --            --         -- 
Redemption of preferred stock                  (82.0)       (82.0)        --             --           --            --         -- 
Purchases of common stock retired              (78.8)          --      (12.5)         (66.3)          --            --         -- 
Stock warrants exercised                         4.9           --         --           (1.5)         6.4            --         --
Change in net unrealized investment
 gains and losses, after tax                   (54.8)          --         --             --           --         (54.8)        --
Other                                            (.6)          --         --             --           --            --        (.6)
                                        --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balances at December 31, 1994                  661.1         75.0      371.7        1,098.2       (878.5)         19.7      (25.0)

Net income                                      84.1           --         --           84.1           --            --         --
Dividends to stockholders                       (4.8)          --         --           (4.8)          --            --         --
Redemption of preferred stock                  (75.0)       (75.0)        --             --           --            --         --
Purchases of common stock retired              (65.4)          --       (9.7)         (55.7)          --            --         --
Stock options and warrants exercised            10.3           --         --            2.8          7.5            --         --
Extension of outstanding stock warrants         46.2           --       46.2             --           --            --         --
Change in net unrealized investment
 gains and losses, after tax                    18.2           --         --             --           --          18.2         --
Repayment of loan for common stock
  issued                                        25.0           --         --             --           --            --       25.0
                                        --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balances at December 31, 1995                 $699.7      $    --     $408.2       $1,124.6      $(871.0)       $ 37.9     $   --
===================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

34
<PAGE>

 
                                 Fund American
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                                                   Year Ended December 31,
                                                                                   -------------------------------------------------

Millions                                                                                      1995                1994        1993
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                      <C>                 <C>         <C> 
Net income (loss)                                                                        $    84.1           $   (23.2)  $    70.4
Charges (credits) to reconcile net income (loss) to cash flows from operations:
     Tax benefit from saleof discontinued operations                                         (66.0)                 --          --
     Loss on early extinguishment of debt, after tax                                            .4                  --          --
     Cumulative effect of accounting change - purchased mortgage                               
        servicing, after tax                                                                   --                 44.3          --
     Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates                                          (9.4)               (2.5)         --
     Compensation expense resulting from warrant extension                                    46.2                  --          --
     Net investment gains                                                                    (38.8)              (38.8)     (124.0)
     (Increase) decrease in mortgage loans held for sale                                    (170.5)            1,088.0      (182.4)
     Gain on sales of mortgage servicing                                                     (40.0)                 --          --
     Depreciation and amortization                                                            86.4                99.2       142.3
     Capitalized excess mortgage servicing income                                             (7.4)              (16.7)      (58.1)
     Change in current income taxes receivable and payable                                    24.4                22.6        21.2
     Deferred income tax (benefit) provision                                                  (9.5)               (1.4)       37.2
     Change in other assets                                                                   (4.9)               24.8       (26.9)
     Change in accounts payable and other liabilities                                         35.9                (7.3)      (26.1)
     Other, net                                                                                7.3                 4.9         9.7
                                                                                   -------------------------------------------------

Net cash (used for) provided from operating activities                                       (61.8)            1,193.9      (136.7)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from investing activities:                                                                 
     Net decrease (increase) in short-term investments                                        15.6               133.3       (10.2)
     Sales and maturities common stocks and other investments                                204.5               338.2       360.4
     Sales and maturities of fixed maturity investments                                       62.1                  --          --
     Purchases of common stocks and other investments                                        (63.7)             (137.8)     (241.8)
     Purchases of fixed maturity investments                                                 (48.8)              (48.5)       (3.6)
     Purchase of Valley and Charter                                                          (42.2)                 --          --
     Investments in unconsolidated affiliates                                                (33.0)              (44.0)         --
     Collections on mortgage origination and servicing                                       192.7               232.3       213.3
     Additions to purchased mortgage servicing                                               (82.1)              (90.1)      (72.2
     Originated mortgage servicing                                                           (31.2)                 --          --
     Proceeds from sales of mortgage servicing                                               181.1                70.2          --
     Additions to other mortgage origination and servicing assets                           (150.4)             (242.8)     (255.9)
     Sales (purchases) of fixed assets, net                                                     .4                (3.6)      (11.2)
                                                                                   -------------------------------------------------

Net cash provided from  (used for) investing activities                                      205.0               207.2       (21.2)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
     Net issuances (repayments) of short-term debt                                            96.5            (1,314.5)       21.5
     Repayments of long-term debt                                                            (93.7)              (23.9)         --
     Proceeds from issuances of long-term debt                                                  --                  --       178.0
     Proceeds from issuances of preferred stock by subsidiary                                   --                96.9          --
     Redemptions of preferred stock                                                          (75.0)              (82.0)         --
     Purchases of common stock retired                                                       (65.5)              (78.8)      (41.8)
     Cash dividends paid to shareholders                                                      (6.4)              (10.8)      (12.7)
     Other                                                                                     2.1                 2.8         2.1
                                                                                   -------------------------------------------------

Net cash (used for) provided from financing activities                                       142.0)           (1,410.3)      147.1)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in  cash during year                                                   1.2                (9.2)      (10.8 
Cash balance at beginning of year                                                              1.5                10.7        21.5
                                                                                   -------------------------------------------------

Cash balance at end of year                                                              $     2.7           $     1.5   $    10.7
===================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.                    
                                                                            35
<PAGE>
 
                                   Fund American
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies  

Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the
Company and its subsidiaries. Fund American's principal businesses are conducted
through White Mountains and Source One. White Mountains is an insurance holding
company principally engaged through its affiliates in the businesses of property
and casualty insurance and financial guaranty insurance. Source One is one of
the largest mortgage banking companies in the United States.
 
     The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. All
significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The
financial statements include all adjustments considered necessary by management
to fairly present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows
of Fund American. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain
amounts in the prior year financial statements have been reclassified to conform
with the current year presentation.

 
Investment securities

As of December 31, 1993 Fund American adopted SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for
Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities." Under the provisions of SFAS
No. 115, substantially all of Fund American's portfolio of common equity
securities, fixed maturity investments and other investments are classified as
securities available for sale and are reported at fair value as of the balance
sheet date, with related unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and
reported as a net amount in a separate component of shareholders' equity. Prior
to December 31, 1993 unrealized gains and losses from investments held by Fund
American, other than securities held by Source One, were included in net income.
 
     Other investments may include: non-redeemable preferred and common equity
securities having no established public market value and carried at internally
appraised fair value; securities which, due to restrictions regarding resale,
are carried at a discount to the quoted market value for similar unrestricted
securities; investment partnership interests accounted for using the equity
method; mortgage loans held for investment; residual interests in real estate
mortgage investment conduits ("REMICs") and interest rate principal contracts.
Mortgage loans held for investment are stated at the lower of cost or fair
value, determined on an individual loan basis at the time the permanent
investment decisions were made. REMICs are classified as held to maturity and
are carried at amortized cost using a method which approximates the effective
yield method of amortization. Interest rate floor contracts are considered held
for purposes other than trading and are carried at fair value with unrealized
gains and losses reported in other income.
 
     Short-term investments are carried at amortized cost which approximated
fair value as of December 31, 1995 and 1994. Short-term mortgage-backed
securities are classified as trading securities and are stated at fair value
with unrealized gains and losses, if any, reported in income.

36
<PAGE>
 
   Related discounts, if any, are accreted to income over the anticipated life
of the investment.

   Realized gains and losses resulting from sales of investment securities or
from other than temporary impairments of value are accounted for using the
specific identification method.

Insurance operations

Premiums are taken into income as earned on a daily pro rata basis over the
terms of the policies.  Unearned premiums represent the portion of premiums
applicable to future insurance coverage provided by policies in force.  White
Mountains' insurance subsidiaries insure property and liability risks in Oregon,
California, Washington, Texas and New Hampshire.

   Policy acquisition costs include commissions and other costs which vary with
and are primarily related to the acquisition of new and renewal insurance
policies.  Policy acquisition costs are deferred and amortized over the terms of
the applicable policies.

   Losses and loss adjustment expenses are charged against income as incurred.
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses are based on estimates by claims
adjusters, legal counsel and actuarial staff of the ultimate costs of settling
claims, including the effects of inflation and other societal and economic
factors.  Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves represent
management's best estimate of ultimate losses and loss adjustment expenses net
of estimated salvage and subrogation recoveries.  Such estimates are regularly
reviewed and updated and any adjustments resulting therefrom are reflected in
current operations.  The process of estimating loss and loss adjustment expenses
involves a considerable degree of judgement by management and the ultimate
amount of expense to be incurred could be considerably greater than or less than
the amounts currently reflected in the financial statements.

   In the normal course of business, White Mountains' insurance subsidiaries
seek to reduce the loss that may arise from catastrophes or other events that
may cause unfavorable underwriting results by reinsuring certain levels of risk
in various areas of exposure with other insurance enterprises or reinsurers.
White Mountains' insurance subsidiaries remain contingently liable for risks
reinsured with third parties to the extent that the reinsurer is unable to honor
its obligations under reinsurance contracts at the time of loss.

   Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with
the claim liability associated with the reinsured policy.  Reinsurance premiums,
commissions, expense reimbursements and reserves related to reinsured business
are accounted for on a basis consistent with those used in accounting for the
original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts.  Premiums
ceded to other companies have been reported as a reduction of premiums written.
Amounts applicable to reinsurance ceded for unearned premium reserves, and loss
and loss adjustment expense reserves, (i.e., prepaid reinsurance premiums and
reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, respectively) are not material and
have been included as a component of other assets.  Expense allowances received
in connection with reinsurance ceded have been accounted for as a reduction of
the related policy acquisition costs and are deferred and amortized accordingly.


                                                                              37
<PAGE>



Mortgage origination and servicing

Fund American acquired Source One in 1986.  The purchase price in excess of the
estimated fair value of the net assets acquired was allocated to goodwill and is
being amortized over 20 years.

   Mortgage loans held for sale are stated at the lower of aggregate cost or
fair value.

   Conventional mortgage loans are placed on a non-accrual basis when delinquent
90 days or more as to interest or principal.  Interest on delinquent Federal
Housing Administration ("FHA") insured loans is accrued at the insured rate
beginning on the sixty-first day of delinquency.  Interest on delinquent
Veterans Administration ("VA") guaranteed loans is accrued at the loan rate
during the period of delinquency.

   Gains and losses from sales of mortgage loans are recognized when the
proceeds are received.  Loan origination fees, net of certain direct costs, have
been deferred and are recognized as income when the related mortgage loans are
sold.  Discounts from the origination of mortgage loans held for sale are
deferred and recognized as adjustments to gains or losses on sales.

   Capitalized mortgage servicing includes certain costs incurred in the
origination and acquisition of mortgage servicing rights which are deferred and
amortized over the expected life of the loan.  The total cost of acquiring
mortgage loans, either through origination activities or purchase transactions,
is allocated between the mortgage servicing rights and the loans based on their
relative fair values.  The fair values of mortgage servicing rights are
estimated by calculating the present value of the expected future cash flows
associated with such rights, incorporating assumptions that market participants
would use in their estimates of future servicing income and expense.  A current
market rate is used to discount estimated future cash flows.  Impairment of
mortgage servicing rights is measured on a disaggregated basis by stratifying
the mortgage servicing rights based on one or more predominant risk
characteristics of the underlying loans.  Impairment is recognized through a
valuation allowance for each individual stratum.

   Capitalized mortgage servicing also includes the present value of future
servicing revenue in excess of normal servicing revenue on loans sold with
servicing retained. Such "excess servicing" is deferred and amortized using a
method that relates the anticipated net servicing revenue to total projected net
servicing revenue to be received over the expected life of the loan.  Impairment
tests for excess servicing are performed on a disaggregated basis.  The original
discount rate is used to discount excess servicing future cash flows.

   Pool loan purchases, which are carried at cost, represent FHA insured, VA
guaranteed and conventional loans which were either delinquent or in the process
of foreclosure at the time they were purchased from Government National Mortgage
Association ("GNMA"),  Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA") or Federal
Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC) mortgage-backed security pools which
Source One services or, to a lesser degree, from private investors.  Interest is
accrued on these purchased loans at a rate based on expected recoveries.

   Mortgage claims receivable represent claims filed primarily with FHA and VA.
These receivables are carried at cost less an estimated allowance for amounts
which are not fully recoverable from the claims filed with the underlying
mortgage insuring agencies.

38
<PAGE>
 
   Real estate acquired is stated at the lower of net realizable value or the
recorded balance satisfied at the date of acquisition, as determined on an
individual property basis.  Costs related to holding the properties are charged
to expense as incurred.

   The allowance for mortgage loan losses is based on an analysis of the
mortgage loan servicing portfolio and, in management's judgment, is adequate to
provide for estimated losses.

   Mortgage servicing revenue represents fees earned for servicing real estate
mortgage loans owned by investors and late charge income.  The servicing fees
are calculated based on the outstanding principal balances of the loans serviced
and are recognized together with late charge income when received.

   Source One adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 122, "Accounting for Mortgage
Servicing Rights," an amendment to SFAS No. 65, as of January 1, 1995.  SFAS No.
122 requires the total cost of acquiring mortgage loans, either through loan
origination activities or purchase transactions, to be allocated to the mortgage
servicing rights and the loans based on their relative fair values.  The
statement requires entities to measure impairment on a disaggregated basis by
stratifying the mortgage servicing rights based on one or more predominant risk
characteristics of the underlying loans.  Impairment is recognized through a
valuation allowance for each individual stratum.  In accordance with SFAS No.
122, prior year financial statements have not been restated.

Earnings per share

For purposes of earnings per share, common stock equivalents include stock
options, warrants and non-cash performance shares.  The Series D Preferred Stock
is not a common stock equivalent.

   Primary earnings per share amounts are based on the weighted average number
of common shares and dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding.  In the
calculation, income is adjusted for preferred stock dividends.  The weighted
average shares used in the primary computation were 8,581,456; 9,405,093 and
10,247,746 for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.

   Fully diluted earnings per share amounts are based on the weighted average
number of common shares outstanding, assuming full dilution.  Income is adjusted
for preferred stock dividends when the preferred shares are anti-dilutive.  The
weighted average shares used in the fully diluted computation were 9,189,054;
9,408,785 and 10,247,746 for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993,
respectively.

Future application of accounting standard

SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation," was issued in October
1995.  That standard requires significantly more disclosure regarding all
employee stock options and encourages companies to recognize compensation
expense for stock-based awards based on the fair value of such awards on the
date of grant.  Alternatively, companies may continue following existing
accounting standards provided that disclosures are made regarding the net income
and earnings per share impact as if the value recognition and measurement
criteria of SFAS No. 123 had been adopted.  The disclosure requirements of the
standard are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1995.  Fund
American does not expect to adopt the recognition and measurement criteria of
SFAS No. 123 and expects to provide the requisite pro forma information and
additional disclosures in 1996 as permitted by the new standard.

                                                                            39
<PAGE>
 
   Fund American accounts for its stock options outstanding in accordance with
Accounting Principles Board Opinion ("APB") No. 25 , "Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees, and accordingly, recognizes compensation and benefits
expense for stock option grants to the extent that the fair value of the stock
exceeds the exercise price of the option at the measurement date.

2.  Insurance Operations
 
Insurance operations acquired and formed in 1995
On December 1, 1995 White Mountains acquired Valley and Charter for $41.7
million in cash less $3.0 million of purchase price adjustments. Valley's wholly
owned subsidiary, Valley Insurance Company, is an "A" rated, Northwest-based
property and casualty company which writes personal and commercial lines through
independent agents. In 1995 Valley Insurance Company wrote $73.1 million of
gross premiums in Oregon, Washington and California. Charter's wholly owned
subsidiary, Charter Indemnity Company, wrote $64.4 million of gross non-standard
automobile insurance premiums in Texas during 1995. The purchase price paid for
Valley and Charter was $.9 million less than the aggregate book value and
estimated fair value of the net assets of the companies on the date of
acquisition. The resulting negative goodwill is being amortized to income on a
straight-line basis over five years.
 
   WMIC, a New Hampshire licensed commercial property and casualty insurance
company, commenced its operations in September 1995 and wrote $250,000 in direct
premiums during the year. WMIC is expected to expand its operations to other
states as additional state approvals are obtained.
 
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserve activity
 
The following table summarizes White Mountains' insurance subsidiaries' loss and
loss adjustment expense reserve activity for the year ended December 31, 1995:
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   Loss and loss
                                                              adjustment expense
Millions                                                                reserves
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance as of December 31, 1994                                         $    --
Reserves acquired through the purchase of Valley and Charter               39.9
Estimated losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred                      5.2
Reserve strengthening for periods' losses and loss adjustment expenses      3.0
Losses and loss adjustment expenses paid                                   (4.0)
                                                                        --------
Balance as of December 31, 1995                                           $44.1
================================================================================

Additional insurance operations information

Under the insurance laws of the various states under which White Mountains'
insurance subsidiaries are incorporated or licensed to write business, an
insurer is restricted with respect to the amount of dividends it may pay without
prior approval by state regulatory authorities.  Accordingly, there is no
assurance that dividends may be paid by White Mountains' insurance operating
subsidiaries in the future.

   Total policyholders surplus of White Mountains' insurance operating
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 was $58.5 million.

40
<PAGE>
 
3.  Tax Benefit From Sale of Subsidiary


On January 2, 1991 the Company sold Fireman's Fund to Allianz of America, Inc.
The $1.3 billion gain from the sale as reported in 1991 included a $75.0 million
tax benefit related to the Company's estimated tax loss from the sale.  Since
1991 the Company has carried an estimated reserve related to tax matters
affecting the amount of the deductible tax loss from the sale and other tax
matters.

   The conclusion in 1995 of IRS audits of Fund American's Federal income tax
returns for all taxable periods ending on or prior to October 23, 1985 (the date
of Fund American's initial public offering of Shares) resolved certain of the
tax matters affecting the amount of the Company's deductible tax loss from the
sale of Fireman's Fund and the Company has, therefore, re-estimated its tax
reserve.  As a result of the reserve re-estimation, the Company included in its
1995 income statement an additional $66.0 million income tax benefit from the
sale.

   The amount of tax benefit from the sale of Fireman's Fund ultimately realized
by the Company may be significantly more or less than the Company's current
estimate due to possible changes in or new interpretations of tax rules,
possible amendments to Fund American's 1990 or prior years' Federal income tax
returns, the results of further IRS audits and other matters affecting the
amount of the deductible tax loss from the sale.

4.  Investment Securities
Net investment income consisted of the following:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Year Ended December 31,
                                                  ------------------------------
Millions                                            1995       1994       1993
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                             <C>        <C>        <C>  
Interest income:
     Mortgage loans held for sale               $   35.9   $   66.6   $   88.0
     Short-term investments                          6.6        7.8        6.4
     Other                                           5.7        5.3       24.3
                                                  ------------------------------
Total interest income                               48.2       79.7      118.7
Dividend and royalty trust income                    7.5       11.1       15.2
Less investment expenses and other                   (.3)       (.6)       (.4)
                                                  ------------------------------
Net investment income, before tax               $   55.4   $   90.2   $  133.5
================================================================================
</TABLE> 
Net realized investment gains and changes in net unrealized investment losses
 were as follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Year Ended December 31,
                                                  ------------------------------
Millions                                            1995       1994       1993
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                             <C>        <C>        <C> 
Gross realized investment gains                 $   46.3   $   67.0   $   63.0 
Gross realized investment losses                    (7.5)     (28.2)     (12.4)
                                                  ------------------------------
Net realized investment gains                       38.8       38.8       50.6
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)
  Included in net income                              --         --       73.4
 
  Recorded directly to shareholders' equity         28.0      (84.3)      69.9
                                                  ------------------------------
 Total net investment gains (losses),           
  before tax                                    $   66.8   $  (45.5)  $  193.9
================================================================================
</TABLE>
                                                                              41
<PAGE>
 
Proceeds from sales of investments, excluding short-term investments, totalled
$252.1 million, $340.3 million and $356.3 million for the years ended December
31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.

   The components of ending net unrealized investment gains and losses were as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------
                                                December 31,
                                             -----------------
Millions                                      1995       1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>        <C> 
Unrealized gains                           $  60.6    $  47.3
Unrealized losses                             (2.3)     (17.0)
                                             -----------------
Total net unrealized investment gains,     
 before tax                                $  58.3    $  30.3
==============================================================
</TABLE>

The cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized investment gains and losses, and
carrying values of fixed maturity investments as of December 31, 1995 and 1994
were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         December 31, 1995
                                               ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Cost or               Gross                       Gross
                                               amortized          unrealized                  unrealized     Carrying
Millions                                            cost               gains                      losses        value
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>                <C>                         <C>            <C>   
U S West, Inc. redeemable preferred stock      $ 48.8                     --                          --       $ 48.8
                                                                                      
State and municipal obligations                  33.3                     .1                         (.1)        33.3
                                                                                      
U. S. Government and agency obligations          23.5                     .7                          --         24.2
                                                                                      
Aggregate of holdings less than $10 million       4.2                     .2                          --          4.4
                                               ----------------------------------------------------------------------
     Total fixed maturity investments          $109.8                    1.0                         (.1)      $110.7
- -----------------------------------------------======================================================================

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         December 31, 1995
                                               ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Cost or               Gross                       Gross
                                               amortized          unrealized                  unrealized     Carrying
Millions                                            cost               gains                      losses        value
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>                <C>                         <C>            <C>   
White River Corporation term note                $  50.0                  --                          --       $ 50.0
                                                                                             
U S West, Inc. redeemable preferred stock           48.6                  --                          --         48.6
                                                                                             
Aggregate of holdings less than $10 million          3.6                  --                          --          3.6
                                               ----------------------------------------------------------------------
     Total fixed maturity investments             $102.2                  --                          --       $102.2
=====================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

The cost or amortized cost and carrying value of fixed maturity investments at
December 31, 1995 and 1994 are shown below by contractual maturity.  Actual
maturities could differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the
right to call or prepay certain obligations with or without call or prepayment
penalties.

42
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                December 31,
                             --------------------------------------------------
                                     1995                          1994
                             ---------------------         --------------------
                               Cost or                       Cost or
                             amortized    Carrying         amortized   Carrying
Millions                          cost       value              cost      value
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                          <C>          <C>              <C>         <C> 
Due in one year or less         $  3.0      $  3.0            $ 50.0     $ 50.0
                                        
Due after one year through              
 five years                       16.7        17.2                --         --
                                        
Due after five years                    
 through ten years                60.0        60.1              52.2       52.2 
                                        
Due after ten years               30.1        30.4                --         --
                             ---------------------         --------------------
     Total                      $109.8     $110.7            $102.2     $102.2
===============================================================================
</TABLE>
Non-cash exchanges of investment securities totalling $90.4 million and $.3
million during 1995 and 1994, respectively, are not reflected in the
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

5.  Mortgage Origination and Servicing                                       

Source One services loans throughout the United States. Source One's portfolio
of mortgage loans serviced, including loans subserviced, interim servicing
contracts and those under contract to acquire and excluding loans sold but not
transferred, totalled $31.8 billion and $39.6 billion as of December 31, 1995
and 1994, respectively. The servicing portfolio included GNMA guaranteed
mortgage-backed securities of $10.7 billion and $11.9 billion as of December 31,
1995 and 1994, respectively. The following table summarizes the mortgage loan
servicing portfolio:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 Weighted average
                                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             Outstanding                                                                                 Remaining
                               principal               Loan                                           Net              contractual
                                 balance            balance               Interest              servicing                     life
                              (millions)        (thousands)                   rate               fee rate                 (months)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>                <C>                       <C>                   <C>                    <C> 
Loan Type:
     Residential:
        Conventional             $16,291               $ 73                   8.37%                  .411%                     229
        FHA                        7,606                 49                   8.67                   .433                      271
        VA                         3,814                 49                   8.43                   .432                      256
     Commercial                       81                709                   7.51                   .155                      171
                             ----------- 
                                  27,792                 61                   8.46                   .419                      245
Subservicing                       4,039
                             -----------
Total servicing portfolio        $31,831
==================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

The servicing fee rates in the preceding table are shown after deducting
applicable guarantee fees.  Guarantee fees, when applicable, range from six
basis points for governmental loans to approximately 30 basis points for certain
conventional loans.  Certain loans sold to private investors have no guarantee
fees.

                                                                             43
<PAGE>
 
   The following tables summarize Source One's mortgage loan servicing portfolio
by interest rate range and by location of property:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          December 31, 1995                             December 31, 1994
                              ------------------------------------------         ------------------------------------
 
                                              Aggregate         Weighted                     Aggregate       Weighted
                              Number          principal          average         Number      principal        average
Interest rate                     of            balance         interest             of        balance       interest
range                          loans         (millions)             rate          loans     (millions)           rate
- -----------------             ------------------------------------------         ------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>            <C>                <C>              <C>        <C>              <C>
5.99% and lower                2,674            $   114             5.51%         6,597        $   318           5.37%
6.00% - 6.49%                  8,208                434             6.19         11,887            800           6.21
6.50% - 6.99%                 25,192              2,077             6.69         37,415          3,339           6.71
7.00% - 7.49%                 64,052              4,573             7.16         89,649          7,316           7.16
7.50% - 7.99%                 84,899              6,745             7.63         93,328          7,748           7.61
8.00% - 8.49%                 60,843              4,315             8.10         57,323          4,220           8.09
8.50% - 8.99%                 80,936              4,217             8.60         78,998          4,465           8.60
9.00% - 9.49%                 38,939              2,234             9.08         36,115          2,168           9.08
9.50% - 9.99%                 57,131              3,185             9.60         59,174          3,383           9.60
10% and above                 71,177              3,937            10.55         72,942          4,160          10.52
                              -------------------------                          ---------------------                 
Total                        494,051            $31,831             8.33%       543,428        $37,917           8.14%
=====================================================================================================================
</TABLE> 

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          December 31, 1995                                December 31, 1994
                              ------------------------------------------         ------------------------------------
                                              Aggregate         Weighted                     Aggregate       Weighted
                              Number          principal          average         Number      principal        average
Interest rate                     of            balance         interest             of        balance       interest
range                          loans         (millions)             rate          loans     (millions)           rate
- -----------------             ------------------------------------------         ------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>            <C>                <C>              <C>        <C>              <C>
California                    73,865            $ 6,668             20.9%        79,621        $ 7,195          19.0%
New York                      45,830              2,803              8.8         35,214          2,611           6.9
Washington                    30,064              2,386              7.5         42,584          3,502           9.2
Texas                         28,841              1,705              5.4         26,411          1,863           4.9
Florida                       28,123              1,502              4.7         29,955          1,842           4.9
Michigan                      30,235              1,308              4.1         33,174          1,865           4.9
Illinois                      18,486              1,291              4.1         20,984          1,580           4.2
New Jersey                    15,201              1,056              3.3         18,075          1,331           3.5
Arizona                       15,751                949              3.0         17,570          1,104           2.9
Massachusetts                 12,822                875              2.7         14,416          1,005           2.6
Other                        194,833             11,288             35.5        225,424         14,019          37.0
                              ------------------------------------------         ------------------------------------
Total                        494,051            $31,831            100.0%       543,428        $37,917         100.0%
=====================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

The tables above include $4,039 million and $4,294 million outstanding principal
balance of loans subserviced for others as of December 31, 1995 and 1994,
respectively.  The tables exclude $1,651 million outstanding principal balance
of interim servicing as of December 31, 1994.

   Escrow funds of approximately $236.0 million and $277.9 million as of
December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively, relating to mortgages serviced and
subserviced, were held in non-interest bearing accounts at non-affiliated banks
and are not included in the consolidated financial statements.

44
<PAGE>
 
   Source One has in force an errors and omissions policy in the amount of $20.0
million.  Primary fidelity coverage up to a limit of $35.0 million is provided
under a Fund American master policy for which Source One pays a portion of the
premium.


6.  Capitalized Servicing

Source One estimates the fair values of its mortgage servicing rights by
calculating the present value of the expected future cash flows associated with
such rights. In making those estimates, Source One incorporates assumptions that
market participants would use in their estimates of future servicing income and
expense and discounts those cash flows using current estimated market rates. As
of December 31, 1995 such discount rates were 10.5% for conventional loans and
12.0% for insured loans.
 
   To measure impairment of the mortgage servicing rights, Source One stratifies
its mortgage loan servicing portfolio based on the portfolio's predominant risk
characteristics which have been determined to be prepayment, default and
operational risks. This results in stratification by interest rate, loan type
(investor) and original term to maturity. The prepayment assumptions used in the
estimation of fair values are based on market prepayment predictions. The fair
value of each stratum is computed and compared to its recorded book value to
determine if a valuation allowance, or recovery of a previously established
valuation allowance, is required.
 
    The discount rate and prepayment assumptions are significant factors used in
estimating the fair value of Source One's mortgage servicing rights and could be
significantly impacted by changes in interest rates. Accordingly, it is likely
that management's estimate of the fair value of the capitalized servicing asset
will change from time to time due to changes in interest rates.
 
    The following table summarizes the fair value of mortgage servicing rights
and certain characteristics of Source One's servicing portfolio related to such
mortgage servicing rights as of December 31, 1995:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             Fair value                             
                            of mortgage         Principal           Weighted     Weighted   Weighted   
                              servicing           balance            average      average    average 
                                 rights      serviced (a)           interest     maturity    service 
Loan type                    (millions)        (millions)               rate     (months)        fee             
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>              <C>                    <C>          <C>        <C>  
Insured                          $172.0           $ 8,872              8.77%          259        44%               
Conventional                      193.4            13,354              8.45           231       .34                
Adjustable Rate                    21.6             1,297              8.06           309       .43                
                            ----------------------------- 
Total                            $387.0           $23,523              8.55%          246       .38%                
====================================================================================================
</TABLE> 


(a) Excludes $4,039 million of related to originations not subservicing and
    $4,269 million capitalized prior to the of mortgage servicing rights
    adoption of SFAS No. 122.

The adoption of SFAS No. 122 as it relates to the capitalization of originated
mortgage servicing rights resulted in the recognition of an additional pretax
gain on sales of mortgages of $27.2 million for the year ended December 31,
1995. The impairment provisions of SFAS No. 122 resulted in a pretax charge of
$28.0 million for the year.

                                                                           45
<PAGE>
 
   In 1994 Source One adopted an accounting methodology that measured impairment
of the purchased mortgage servicing rights asset on a disaggregated basis by
discounting estimated future cash flows using a current market rate.  Prior to
1994 Source One measured impairment of the purchased mortgage servicing rights
asset on a disaggregated basis including a cost of capital charge for estimating
future cash flows.  The adoption of the new accounting methodology, recorded as
a cumulative adjustment as of January 1, 1994, resulted in a $68.1 million
pretax, $44.3 million after tax, charge to income for 1994.

   Source One estimates the fair value of its capitalized excess servicing asset
by discounting the anticipated future cash flows over the estimated life of the
related loans.  Source One uses interest only ("I/O") strip interest rates as
quoted by market participants to determine the appropriate discount rates and
prepayment speed assumption rates that are based on interest rates, loan types
and original term to maturity.  The discount rate used to capitalize excess
servicing for 1995 was 12.0%; ranged from 8.0% to 10.0% for the year ended
December 31, 1994; and was 8.0% for the year ended December 31, 1993.  For the
years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, the weighted average discount
rates inherent in the carrying amount of the capitalized excess servicing asset
were 10.03%, 9.12% and 9.03%, respectively.

   The following table summarizes changes in Source One's capitalized servicing
asset:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                            Deferred
                                                                                             gain on         Total
                                         Purchased   Originated       Excess   Valuation     sale of   capitalized
Millions                                 servicing    servicing    servicing   allowance   servicing     servicing
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                      <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Balances at
   January 1, 1993                         $ 551.3       $   --       $ 73.4    $     --     $    --       $ 624.7         
Additions                                    117.5           --         58.1          --          --         175.6         
Scheduled amortization                       (90.1)          --        (11.5)         --          --        (101.6)        
Impairment and                                                                                                             
 unscheduled amortization                     (8.5)          --        (23.5)         --          --         (32.0)        
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balances at                                                                                                                
   December 31, 1993                         570.2           --         96.5          --          --         666.7         
Cumulative effect of                                                                                                       
   accounting change                         (68.1)          --           --          --          --         (68.1)        
Additions                                     69.7           --         16.7          --       (19.9)         66.5
Scheduled amortization                       (61.7)          --        (12.1)         --         2.7         (71.1)
Impairment and                                                                             
 unscheduled amortization                    (12.8)          --          (.4)         --          --         (13.2)
Sales                                        (21.7)          --        (28.6)         --          --         (50.3)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balances at                                                                                
   December 31, 1994                         475.6           --         72.1          --       (17.2)        530.5
Additions                                     64.2         31.2          7.4          --          --         102.8
Scheduled amortization                       (43.9)        (1.4)        (7.5)         --         4.2         (48.6)
Impairment and unscheduled                                                                 
   amortization                                 --           --          (.5)      (28.0)         --         (28.5)
Sales                                       (132.4)          --        (26.7)         --          --        (159.1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balances at                                                                                
   December 31, 1995                       $ 363.5        $29.8       $ 44.8      $(28.0)     $(13.0)      $ 397.1
==================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

46
<PAGE>
 
During 1995 Source One sold the rights to service $10,973 million of mortgage
loans for net proceeds of $199.1 million, resulting in a pretax gain of $40.0
million.  During 1994 Source One sold the rights to service $3,868 million of
mortgage loans for net proceeds of $70.2 million and continues to service these
loans pursuant to a subservicing agreement.  A gain of $19.9 million was
deferred in 1994 and is being recognized in income over the five-year life of
the subservicing agreement.


7.  Mortgage Loans Held For Sale and Pool Loan Purchases

The following tables summarize Source One's mortgage loans held for sale and
 pool loan purchases:
 
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       December 31,
                                               --------------------------
Millions                                           1995            1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>               <C> 
Adjustable rate mortgage
 loans, weighted average                       
  interest rates of 6.55%
   and 7.66%                                   $   17.6          $  46.4 
 
Fixed rate 5 year through
 20 year mortgage loans,                           
  weighted average
   interest rates of 7.47%
   and 8.81%                                       59.5             34.0 
 
Fixed rate 30 year
 mortgage loans, weighted                        
 average
  interest rates of 7.89%
   and 9.27%                                      303.0            131.3 
                                               -------------------------- 
Total principal amount                            380.1            211.7 
Net premiums (discounts)                             .9             (1.2)
                                               -------------------------- 
Total mortgage loans held   
 for sale                                      $  381.0          $ 210.5 
=========================================================================
</TABLE> 

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Principal balance 
                                         (millions)          Number of loans  
                                    -------------------      ---------------
December 31,                          1995        1994         1995    1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>          <C>          <C>      <C>  
Loan type:  FHA                     $ 77.6       $102.8        1,433   1,850
 
            VA                        32.5         41.9          545     719
 
            Conventional               8.9         19.2          106     224
                                    ---------------------------------------- 
Total pool loan purchases           $119.0       $163.9        2,084   2,793
============================================================================
</TABLE> 

8.  Debt           

Short-term debt
Short-term debt outstanding consisted of the following:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              December 31,
                                                      -------------------------
Millions                                                  1995          1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                     <C>          <C> 
Parent Company:
 Loan guarantee                                         $   --       $  30.0
                                                     -------------------------- 
Charter:
 Notes payable and obligations under capital leases       20.8            --
   
                                                     -------------------------- 
 
Source One:
  Commercial paper                                       256.6          26.1
 
  Credit agreement borrowings                             64.5         198.8
   
 
  Debentures due in 1996                                  74.6            --
 
  Medium term notes due in 1996                           29.7            --
   
 
  Less net discounts                                       (.8)          (.8)
                                                     -------------------------- 
     Total Source One                                    424.6         224.1
                                                     -------------------------- 
Total short-term debt                                    445.4         254.1
===============================================================================
</TABLE> 
                                                                              47
<PAGE>
 
The weighted average interest rates of short-term debt outstanding during 1995
and 1994 were as follows:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Year Ended December 31,
                                                  -----------------------   
                                                   1995             1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parent Company:
  <S>                                             <C>              <C>   
  Revolving credit facility                        6.57%            5.11%
 
  Loan guarantee                                   5.36%            5.36%
 
Charter:
 
  Notes payable                                    6.50%               --
 
Source One:
 
  Commercial paper                                 6.04%            3.92%
 
  Credit agreements and bid loans                  6.91%            5.03%
================================================================================
</TABLE>

In June 1994 the Company entered into a revolving credit agreement with a
syndicate of banks.  Under the agreement, through August 9, 1996 the Company and
certain of its subsidiaries may borrow up to $75.0 million at short-term market
interest rates.  The credit agreement contains certain customary covenants,
including a $475.0 million minimum tangible net worth requirement and a minimum
financial asset coverage requirement.  At December 31, 1995 and 1994 the Company
had no borrowings outstanding under the agreement.

   In August 1993 the Company sold a $30.0 million principal amount secured loan
receivable from the Company's Chairman to a third party.  The Company had
guaranteed repayment of the loan and, therefore, in accordance with GAAP, had
reflected the guarantee of the loan as indebtedness on the balance sheet.  The
loan matured and was repaid on October 23, 1995.
 
   In November 1995 Charter issued two notes totalling $20.2 million.  The notes
are due in 1996 and are collateralized by certain assets of Charter.

   Source One has a $650.0 million domestic and Euro commercial paper program.
The weighted average number of days to maturity of commercial paper outstanding
at December 31, 1995 was 19 days.

   In March 1995 Source One consolidated its three then existing credit
facilities into a single credit facility in the amount of $500.0 million.  The
new facility can be increased at Source One's option with bank concurrence up to
$1.0 billion.  Borrowings under the new facility, which matures in March 1998,
are secured primarily by Source One's mortgage loans receivable and mortgage
loan servicing portfolio.  As of December 31, 1995 no borrowings were
outstanding under the new facility.  As of December 31, 1994 there was $195.0
million outstanding under the previous three credit facilities.

   Source One's secured credit agreements contain covenants which limit its
ability to pay dividends or make distributions on its capital in excess of
existing preferred stock dividend requirements.  These covenants also require
Source One to maintain a certain level of total tangible net worth and a certain
ratio of debt to total tangible net worth.  Source One is currently in
compliance with all such covenants.

   In August 1995 Source One entered into a $60.0 million unsecured revolving
credit facility which expires in July 1996.

   Under the credit agreements described above, Source One receives interest
expense credits as a result of holding escrow and custodial funds in trust
accounts at non-affiliated banks.

48
<PAGE>
 
   Source One also has a revolving credit agreement under which it can borrow up
to $10.0 million.  As of December 31, 1995 and 1994 there was $4.5 million and
$3.8 million outstanding under this agreement, respectively.



Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt outstanding consisted of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 December 31,
                                                             ------------------ 
Millions                                                       1995       1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C> 
Parent Company:
  Medium-term notes                                           $116.2     $125.0
  Less net discounts                                             (.9)      (1.2)
                                                             ------------------                                           
       Total Parent Company                                    115.3      123.8
                                                             ------------------  
Source One:
  Debentures, 8.25% due in 1996                                   --      125.0
  Medium-term notes, 9.65% due in 1996                            --       40.0
  Medium-term notes, 8.875% due in 2001                        138.4      160.0
  Debentures, 9% due in 2012                                   100.0      100.0
  Subordinate debentures, 9.375% due 2025                       56.0         --
  Less net discounts                                            (2.4)      (1.8)
                                                             ------------------- 
       Total Source One                                        292.0      423.2
                                                             ------------------  
Total long-term debt                                          $407.3     $547.0
================================================================================
</TABLE>

During 1993 the Company issued $150.0 million in principal amount of medium-term
notes for net cash proceeds of $148.0 million after related costs.  Proceeds
from the issuance of the notes were used to repay an existing revolving credit
facility and for general corporate purposes.  During 1995 and 1994 the Company
repurchased $8.8 million and $25.0 million, respectively, in principal amount of
the notes due February 2003.  At December 31, 1995 the remaining outstanding
notes had an average maturity of 7.41 years and an average yield to maturity of
7.82%.

   In 1986 Source One issued $125.0 million of 8.25% debentures due November 1,
1996.  During 1995 Source One repurchased and retired $50.4 million in principal
amount of these debentures.

   In 1989 Source One issued $40.0 million of medium-term notes due in 1996 and
having a total weighted average interest rate of 9.65%.  In 1991 Source One
issued $160.0 million of 8.875% medium-term notes due in 2001.  During 1995
Source One repurchased and retired in principal amount $10.3 million of medium-
term notes that were due in 1996 and $21.6 million of medium-term notes that
were due in 2001.

   In 1992 Source One issued $100.0 million of 9% debentures due in 2012 under
terms of a $250.0 million shelf registration statement.  The proceeds from
issuance were used for general corporate purposes.

   On December 8, 1995 Source One exchanged and retired 2,239,061 shares of
Source One Preferred Stock for $56.0 million in principal amount of 9.375%
Subordinated Debentures.  The Subordinated Debentures are due on December 31,
2025.  The Subordinated Debentures are redeemable at the option of Source One,
in whole or part, at any time on or after May 1, 1999.  The non-cash portion of
the exchange of Subordinated Debentures for Source One Preferred Stock is not
reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

                                                                              49
<PAGE>
 
   Total interest paid by Fund American for both short-term and long-term debt
was $47.9 million, $80.1 million and $98.1 million in 1995, 1994 and 1993,
respectively.

9.  Income Taxes   

The Company and its qualifying subsidiaries file a consolidated Federal income
tax return. The Federal income tax provision is computed on the consolidated
taxable income of the Company and those subsidiaries. 

       The total income tax provision (benefit) consisted of the following: 

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Year Ended December 31,
                                                  ------------------------------
Millions                                             1995       1994      1993
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>        <C>       <C>   
Tax on pretax earnings:
  Federal                                          $ 16.6     $ 20.2    $ 67.8
  State and local                                      .1         .3       2.7
                                                  ------------------------------
Income tax provision on pretax earnings              16.7       20.5      70.5
Tax benefit from sale of discontinued operations    (66.0)        --        --
Tax benefit from loss on early extinguishment 
 of debt                                              (.2)        --        --
Tax on cumulative effect of accounting change -   
  purchased mortgage servicing                         --      (23.8)       -- 
                                                  ------------------------------
Total income tax provision (benefit)               $(49.5)    $ (3.3)   $ 70.5
- --------------------------------------------------==============================
 
Net income tax payments (recoveries)               $  2.6     $  (.7)   $ 12.0
- --------------------------------------------------==============================
Tax provision (benefit) recorded directly to
  shareholders' equity related to:
   
  Exercises of employee stock options 
    and warrants                                  $    .2     $ (2.0)   $ (4.7)
                       
  Changes in net unrealized                                                    
   investment gains and losses                    $   9.8     $(29.5)   $ 24.1 
================================================================================
</TABLE> 

The components of the income tax provision on pretax earnings follow:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Year Ended December 31,
                                                  ------------------------------
Millions                                             1995       1994      1993
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>         <C>       <C>     
Current provision                                 $  26.4     $ 21.9    $ 33.3
Deferred provision (benefit)                         (9.7)      (1.4)     37.2
                   
  Total income tax provision on pretax earnings   $  16.7     $ 20.5    $ 70.5
================================================================================
</TABLE>

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences
between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting
purposes and the amounts used for income tax return purposes.  Significant
components of Fund American's net deferred Federal income tax asset follow:

50
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 December 31,
                                                         -----------------------
Millions                                                     1995         1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                         <C>          <C>  
Deferred tax assets related to:
 Capitalized mortgage servicing                             $ 13.7       $ 18.7
 Employee compensation and benefit accruals                   30.3         12.2
 Allowance for mortgage loan losses                            4.8          4.7
 Other items                                                  12.5          6.1
                                                         -----------------------
    Total deferred tax assets                                 61.3         41.7
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred tax liabilities related to:
 Purchase accounting adjustments                              10.2         11.2
 Net unrealized investment gains                              13.4          2.5
 Equity in earnings of affiliates                              4.0           .8
 Other items                                                   8.9          5.8
                                                         -----------------------
   Total deferred tax liabilities                             36.5         20.3
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net deferred Federal income tax asset                       $ 24.8       $ 21.4
================================================================================
</TABLE> 
A reconciliation of taxes calculated using the 35% Federal statutory rate to the
income tax provision on pretax earnings follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Year Ended December 31,
                                                   -----------------------------
Millions                                              1995      1994      1993
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>       <C>       <C>  
Tax provision at Federal statutory rate             $ 12.3    $ 14.6    $ 49.3
Differences in taxes resulting from:
  Minority interest dividends                          2.7       2.3        --
  Purchase accounting adjustments                       .7        .7        .8
  State and local income taxes                          --        .2       1.8
  White River Distribution                              --        --      17.7
  Dividends received deduction                        (1.9)     (2.2)     (2.7)
  Tax reserve adjustments                              2.3       4.6       2.4
  Other                                                 .6        .3       1.2
                                                   -----------------------------
Total income tax provision on pretax earnings       $ 16.7    $ 20.5    $ 70.5
================================================================================
</TABLE>

In December 1993 the Company distributed to its shareholders approximately 74%
of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of White River. The $17.7 million
income tax provision resulting from the distribution includes $13.0 million of
current tax related to taxable capital gains triggered by the distribution which
were not recognized for financial reporting purposes pursuant to GAAP. The
provision also includes a $4.7 million tax reserve established on White River's
books of record as of December 22, 1993, the date of the distribution. Such
reserve offsets White River's deferred tax asset calculated on a stand-alone
basis as of that date.

                                                                              51
<PAGE>
 
       Sections 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "IRC"), impose limitations on the use of certain tax benefits by a
corporation that undergoes a more than 50% ownership change.  The tax benefits
which may be limited include loss carryforwards and built-in losses and
deductions existing on the date of ownership change.  The annual limitation for
the utilization of such benefits during a five-year post-change period is
generally calculated by multiplying the value of the corporation (as defined by
the IRC) at the time of the ownership change by an interest rate (a long-term
tax-exempt bond rate defined by the IRC).  While regulatory guidance on the
subject is not complete, the Company believes that it had an ownership change
during 1992 so as to make the Section 382 and 383 limitations applicable to Fund
American.  Fund American believes that the imposition of such limitations will
not have a material adverse effect on its financial position or results of
operations.

10.  Retirement and Post-Retirement Plans  

In 1993 the Company established the Fund American Deferred Benefit Plan (the
"Deferred Benefit Plan"), a nonqualified defined contribution plan for a select
group of management employees for the purpose of providing retirement and
postretirement benefits. The amount of annual contributions to the Deferred
Benefit Plan are determined using actuarial assumptions; however, participants
in the Deferred Benefit Plan may choose between various investment options for
their plan balances. At December 31, 1995 the Company's liability to
participants pursuant to the Deferred Benefit Plan was $1.9 million.
 
       In 1993 the Company also established the Fund American Voluntary Deferred
Compensation Plan (the "Deferred Compensation Plan"), a nonqualified plan for a
select group of management employees for the purpose of deferring current
compensation. Pursuant to the Deferred Compensation Plan, participants may defer
all or a portion of qualifying remuneration payable by Fund American.
Participants in the Deferred Compensation Plan may choose between various
investment options for their plan balances. At December 31, 1995 the Company's
liability to participants pursuant to the Deferred Compensation Plan was $16.5
million.
 
        Source One established its defined benefit pension plan as of July 1,
1986 for the benefit of its employees. Benefits under the Source One plan are
based on years of service and each employee's highest average eligible
compensation over five consecutive years in his or her last ten years of
employment. Funding of retirement costs complies with the minimum funding
requirements specified by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. Cash
contributions made by Source One to the plan for the years ended December 31,
1995, 1994 and 1993 totalled $1.7 million, $1.1 million and $1.9 million,
respectively.
 
         Source One also has a supplemental pension plan which is a
nonqualified, unfunded benefit plan designed to provide supplementary retirement
benefits for employees whose pensionable compensation exceeds statutory limits.
 
52
<PAGE>
 
       The following table sets forth the pension cost and actuarial assumptions
used in determining the funded status of Source One's qualified defined benefit
pension plan:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Year Ended December 31,
                                                --------------------------------
Dollars in millions                                 1995       1994      1993
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>        <C>        <C>  
Pension cost for period:
Service cost for period                            $ 1.4      $ 1.6      $ 1.4
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation        1.4        1.3        1.2
Actual return on plan assets                        (3.8)       1.0       (1.3)
Net amortization and deferral                        2.6       (1.5)        .9
                                                --------------------------------
Total pension cost                                 $ 1.6      $ 2.4      $ 2.2
- ------------------------------------------------================================
Funded status at end of period:
Actuarial present value of benefit obligation:                                  
 Accumulated benefit obligation, including
  vested benefits of $15.1, $11.0 and $11.3        $17.2      $12.6      $13.0 
 Effect of projected future salary increases         6.8        5.1        5.3
                                                --------------------------------
Total projected benefit obligation                  24.0       17.7       18.3
Plan assets at fair value                           18.1       13.1       13.3
                                                --------------------------------
Projected benefit obligation in excess of                                      
 plan assets                                         5.9        4.6        5.0 
Aggregate of items not yet charged                                              
 to earnings                                        (4.2)      (2.7)      (4.4) 
                                                --------------------------------
Pension cost accrued at end of period              $ 1.7      $ 1.9      $  .6
- -----------------------------------------------=================================
Actuarial assumptions:
Discount rate                                        7.0%       8.0%       7.0%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels       6.0%       6.0%       6.0%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets     8.0%       8.0%       8.0%
================================================================================
</TABLE>

Total accrued postretirement benefit costs included in accounts payable and
other liabilities for Source One employees was $3.3 million and $3.2 million at
December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

        Through December 1, 1995 substantially all the employees of Valley and
Charter were covered under a defined benefit pension plan sponsored for the
former parent of Valley and Charter.  Coverage for employees under that plan was
terminated as of December 31, 1995.  Valley established a new defined
contribution plan for the benefit of substantially all Valley and Charter
employees as of January 1, 1996.  The new plan provides Valley and Charter
employees with full credit for prior service.
 
11. Employee Stock Plans

At the Company's 1995 Annual Meeting shareholders approved certain amendments to
the Fund American Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "Incentive Plan"). The Incentive
Plan provides for granting to executive officers and other key employees of the
Company (and certain of its subsidiaries) various types of stock-based incentive
awards including stock options and performance shares. At December 31, 1995,
500,000 Shares remained available for grants under the Incentive Plan.
 
    Stock options are rights to purchase a specified number of Shares at or
above the fair market value of Shares at the time an option is granted. Stock
options generally vest over a four-year period and expire no later than ten
years after the date on which they are granted.
 
                                                                              53
<PAGE>
 
    Performance shares are conditional grants of a specified maximum number of
Shares or an equivalent amount of cash. The grants are generally payable,
subject to the attainment of a specified return on equity, at the end of three-
to five-year periods or as otherwise determined by the Human Resources Committee
(the "Committee") of the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board"). The
Committee consists solely of non-management directors.
 
     The following table details the transactions applicable to non-qualified
stock options to acquire Shares:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Number        Exercise price
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>            <C>   
Balance at January 1, 1993                          114,125        $25.75-$56.41
 Exercised during 1993                              107,000        $25.75-$59.87
                                                --------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 1993 and 1994                 7,125        $24.82-$32.60
 Exercised during 1995                                4,125               $24.82
                                                --------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 1995                          3,000        $27.13-$32.60
================================================================================
</TABLE>

All Fund American stock options outstanding at December 31, 1995 were fully
vested and exercisable.

    Pursuant to the Incentive Plan 57,428 and 56,000 performance shares were
granted in 1995 and 1993, respectively. No performance shares were granted in
1994. During 1993, 75,375 performance shares were cancelled and 205,375
performance shares were paid, of which 27,672 were paid in the form of Shares
and the remainder in cash. No performance shares were cancelled or paid during
1994 and 1995. At December 31, 1995, 181,678 performance shares were
outstanding. Of the performance shares outstanding at December 31, 1995, 68,250
are valued as being equivalent to one Fund American Share plus one-half share of
Common Stock of White River. The remaining 113,428 performance shares
outstanding at December 31, 1995 are valued as being equivalent to one Fund
American Share. The financial goal for full payment of the performance shares is
the achievement of a 13% to 15% annual return on equity measured over the
applicable performance periods.

    In 1985 the Company's Chairman purchased warrants from American Express
Company ("American Express") entitling him to buy 1,700,000 Shares for $25.75
per Share. Warrants to purchase 420,000 Shares, 130,000 Shares and 150,000
Shares were exercised by the Chairman during 1992, 1994 and 1995, respectively,
leaving warrants to purchase 1,000,000 Shares outstanding at December 31, 1995.
Pursuant to a proposal approved by shareholders at the Company's 1995 Annual
Meeting, the expiration date with respect to the warrants outstanding at
December 31, 1995 was extended from January 2, 1996 to January 2, 2002. In
accordance with APB No. 25, the warrant extension resulted in a $46.2 million
pretax charge to compensation expense which was recorded in the second quarter
of 1995.

    Pursuant to certain anti-dilution adjustments related to the distribution of
White River Shares to the Company's shareholders, the Chairman received in 1993
warrants entitling him to purchase 640,000 White River Shares for $8.18 per
share, and the exercise price for the Chairman's warrants to purchase Shares was
reduced to $21.66 per Share. The Chairman exercised all the White River warrants
on November 19, 1993.

54
<PAGE>
 
        Source One has various long-term incentive plans which provide for the
granting, to key senior management employees of Source One, stock-based and cash
incentive awards.  Awards made pursuant to the plans are payable upon the
achievement of specified financial goals over multi-year periods.
 
        Source One also has a qualified employee stock plan.  Contributions to
this plan are determined at the discretion of Source One's Board of Directors.

12.  Minority Interest -Preferred Stock of Subsidiary


In March 1994 Source One issued 4,000,000 shares of 8.42% Source One Preferred
Stock, having a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share, for net cash
proceeds of $96.9 million.  On December 8, 1995 Source One exchanged and retired
2,239,061 shares of Source One Preferred Stock for $56.0 million in principal
amount of Subordinated Debentures.  The Source One Preferred Stock is not
redeemable prior to May 1, 1999.  In consolidation, dividends on the Source One
Preferred Stock are included as a component of interest expense.

13.  Shareholders' Equity

Series D and E Preferred Stock 

Through July 31, 1994 the Series D Preferred Stock had an annual dividend rate
of 7.75% and was initially redeemable for cash or, at the Company's option, for
Shares (based on the then current market value of Shares) on July 31, 1994. On
August 1, 1994, the Company redeemed 22,778 shares of the Series D Preferred
Stock for $82.0 million, an amount equal to the stock's liquidation preference.
In accordance with the terms of the Series D Preferred Stock, the annual
dividend rate for the remaining 20,833 shares of the Series D Preferred Stock
outstanding was increased to 8.75% and the stock's term was extended to July 31,
1995. On July 31, 1995 the Company redeemed all 20,833 remaining shares of the
Series D Preferred Stock for $75.0 million of cash, an amount equal to the
stock's liquidation preference.
 
 
Common Share Repurchases
 
During 1995, 1994 and 1993 the Company repurchased 877,868 Shares, 1,128,057
Shares and 536,247 Shares, respectively, for $65.5 million, $78.8 million and
$41.8 million, respectively. All such repurchased Shares have been retired. At
December 31, 1995 the Company had outstanding authorization to purchase an
additional 372,132 Shares.
 
 
Loan for Common Stock Issued

On December 30, 1992, pursuant to a request from the Board, the Company's
Chairman agreed to an early exercise of stock options and warrants to purchase
1,000,000 Shares. The Board's request reflected concerns regarding proposed tax
legislation which could have limited or eliminated the Company's tax benefits
from certain employee stock options and warrants exercised in 1993 and
thereafter. To encourage exercise of the stock options and warrants, the Company
provided a $30.0 million 4% secured loan to the Chairman. The loan was reported
on the December 31, 1994 balance sheet in other assets, ($4.3million), and
shareholders' equity ($25.0 million). The non-recourse loan was fully repaid on
its maturity date, October 23, 1995.

                                                                              55
<PAGE>
 
     As approved by shareholders at the 1995 Annual Meeting, the Company entered
into a five-year employment contract (the "Agreement") with the Company's
Chairman, John J. Byrne. The Agreement provided the Chairman with the right to
receive from the Company a guarantee of a loan obtained from a third party, in
an amount up to $15.0 million, upon the maturity of his existing loan with the
Company. In accordance with the Agreement, in October 1995 the Company
guaranteed a $15.0 million loan from a third party to the Chairman. The new loan
is recourse to the Chairman's net worth and has a term ending December 31, 1999,
a market interest rate and otherwise standard commercial terms. The Company was
not required to provide collateral protection for its guarantee of the loan and,
accordingly, the loan guarantee is not recorded on the balance sheet.

Common stock dividends
 
     During 1993 and 1994 the Company did not pay regular cash dividends to
holders of Shares. In the fourth quarter 1995 the Board reinstated regular
periodic dividends on Shares of $.20 per quarter. The Board currently intends to
reconsider from time to time the declaration of regular periodic dividends on
Shares with due consideration given to the financial characteristics of Fund
American's remaining invested assets and operations and the amount and
regularity of its cash flows at the time.

14.  Shareholders' Rights Plan
 
The Board adopted in 1987, and in 1988 and 1993 amended, a Shareholders' Rights
Plan under which rights to purchase preferred stock were distributed to
shareholders at the rate of one right for each Share (the "Rights"). Each Right
entitles the holder to purchase one one-thousandth of a share of the Company's
Series A Cumulative Participating Preferred Stock ("Series A Preferred").
 
     The Rights enable the holders to acquire additional equity in either the
Company or an "Acquiring Person," and are exercisable if an unrelated person or
group (other than American Express or a wholly-owned subsidiary thereof, any
subsidiary of the Company, any employee benefit plan of the Company or its
subsidiaries or certain affiliates of the Company and certain persons who
inadvertently and temporarily cross the 25% threshold) acquires beneficial
ownership of 25% or more of the outstanding Shares (such a 25% or more
beneficial owner is deemed an "Acquiring Person"). Thereafter, the Rights would
trade separately from Shares and separate certificates representing the Rights
would be issued. The terms of the Series A Preferred are such that each one one-
thousandth of a share would be entitled to participate in dividends and to vote
on an equivalent basis with one whole Share, along with other preferential
dividend rights and preferential distribution rights in liquidation.
 
     Upon the existence of an Acquiring Person, the Rights would entitle each
holder of a Right to purchase, at the exercise price, that number of one one-
thousandth of a share of Series A Preferred equivalent to the number of Shares
which, at the time of the transaction, would have a market value of twice the
exercise price. If certain acquisitions of the Company occur, a similar right to
purchase securities of the Company or the entity acquiring the Company at a
discount would arise.
 
     Any Rights that are beneficially owned by an Acquiring Person (or any
affiliate or associate of an Acquiring Person) are null and void and any holder
of any such Right (including any subsequent holder) will be unable to exercise
or transfer any such Right. At any time after a person becomes an Acquiring
Person, the Board may mandatorily exchange all or some of the Rights for
consideration per Right equal to one-half of the

56
<PAGE>
 
securities issuable upon the exercise of one Right pursuant to the terms of the
Rights Agreement (or the common share equivalent) and without payment of the
exercise price. The Rights, which do not have the right to vote or receive
dividends, expire November 25, 1997 and may be redeemed by the Company at a
price of $.01 per Right at any time prior to the earlier of (i) such time as a
person becomes an Acquiring Person or (ii) the expiration date. Under certain
circumstances, the Board may redeem the Rights only if a majority of the
disinterested directors (as defined in the Shareholders' Rights Plan) agrees
that the redemption is in the best interests of the Company and its
shareholders.
 
     In 1987 the Company reserved 600,000 of its authorized preferred shares as
Series A Preferred for issuance pursuant to the Shareholders' Rights Plan.
 
15.  Industry Segments

Revenues, pretax earnings and ending identifiable assets for Fund American's
industry segments are shown below:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Year Ended December 31,
                                         -------------------------------------------------------
Millions                                  1995                      1994                  1993
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                      <C>                      <C>                   <C> 
Revenues:
Mortgage operations                      $  178.6                 $  207.2              $  234.5                               
Insurance operations                          8.6                       --                    --
Other                                        35.1                     21.3                  16.5                               
                                         -------------------------------------------------------
Total                                    $  222.3                 $  228.5              $  251.0                               
- -----------------------------------------=======================================================
Pretax earnings:                                                                                                                 
Mortgage operations                      $   43.3                 $    5.3              $   62.2                               
Insurance operations                         (4.8)                      --                    --
Other                                        (3.3)                    36.3                  78.7                               
Total                                    $   35.2                 $   41.6              $  140.9                               
- -----------------------------------------======================================================= 
Ending assets:                                                                                                                   
Mortgage operations                      $1,135.0                 $1,210.0              $2,647.2                               
Insurance operations                        363.1                       --                    --
Other                                       373.8                    597.3                 657.8                               
                                         -------------------------------------------------------
Total                                    $1,871.9                 $1,807.3              $3,305.0                                
================================================================================================ 
</TABLE> 

16.  Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates 

Investment in FSA

Fund American owned 2,460,200 and 2,000,000 shares of FSA Common Stock at
December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively. This represented approximately 7.8%
and 7.7%, respectively, of the total FSA shares outstanding at those times. Fund
American had voting rights to an additional 3,893,940 FSA shares at December 31,
1995 and 1994, raising Fund American's voting control of FSA to approximately
19.0% and 21.0%, respectively. At December 31, 1995 and 1994 Fund American also
owned various fixed price options and shares of convertible preferred stock
which, in total, give Fund American the right to acquire up to 4,560,607
additional shares of FSA Common Stock for aggregate consideration of $125.7
million. As of December 31, 1995 and 1994, Fund American's economic interest in
FSA was 21.0% and 23.4.%, respectively.
 
     Fund American's investment in FSA is accounted for using the equity method.
The following table summarizes financial information for FSA:

                                                                         57
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Millions                                                              1995                              1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                  <C>                               <C>  
Balance sheet data:
Total investments                                                    $1,110.7                          $   747.2                    
Total assets                                                          1,490.3                            1,074.3                    
Unearned premium reserve, net                                           330.3                              212.9                    
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserve, net                            50.2                               35.6                    
Preferred shareholder's equity                                            0.7                                0.7                    
Common shareholders' equity                                             777.2                              544.7                    
Income statement data:                                                                                                              
Gross premiums written                                               $  110.7                          $   106.4                    
Net premiums written                                                     77.6                               77.8                    
Net premiums earned                                                      69.3                               65.8                    
Net investment income                                                    49.0                               46.6                    
Net income                                                               55.0                               60.4                    
Amounts recorded by Fund American:                                                                                                  
Investment in FSA                                                    $   62.5                          $    44.4                    
Equity in earnings of FSA (a)                                             5.4                                2.5                    
Equity in net unrealized investment gains (losses)                                                                                  
 of FSA, before tax (b)                                                   4.8                               (1.9)
=================================================================================================================
</TABLE> 

(a) Recorded net of related amortization of goodwill
(b) Recorded directly to shareholders' equity

At December 31, 1995 and 1994 Fund American's consolidated retained earnings
included $4.6 million and $2.3 million, respectively, of undistributed earnings
of FSA.



Investment in MSA

At December 31, 1995 and 1994 Fund American owned 90,606 shares of MSA Common
Stock.  This represented approximately 33.1% and 33.2%, respectively, of the
total MSA shares outstanding at those times.  Fund American's investment in MSA
is accounted for using the equity method.  The following table summarizes
financial information for MSA:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Millions                                                              1995                              1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                  <C>                               <C>
Balance sheet data:
Total investments                                                    $  240.8                          $  189.6
Total assets                                                            309.6                             258.1
Unearned premium reserve, net                                            58.4                              55.2
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves, net                          116.2                             115.0
Shareholders' equity                                                     92.0                              69.8
Income statement data:
Net premiums written                                                 $  130.9                          $   97.2
Net premiums earned                                                     127.7                              73.4
Net investment income                                                    15.0                               8.3
Net income                                                               12.4                               3.5
Amounts recorded by Fund American:
Investment in MSA                                                    $   33.7                          $   25.3
Equity in earnings of MSA (a)                                             4.0                                --
Equity in net unrealized investment gains of MSA,
   before tax (b)                                                         3.2                                --
=================================================================================================================
</TABLE> 
(a) Recorded net of related amortization of goodwill
(b) Recorded directly to shareholders' equity

58
<PAGE>
 
At December 31, 1995 Fund American's consolidated retained earnings included
$4.6 million of undistributed earnings of MSA.
 
17.  Financial Instruments With Off-Balance Sheet Risk         

Fund American has only limited involvement with derivative financial instruments
and does not use derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. Fund
American's use of derivative financial instruments is primarily limited to (i)
commitments to extend credit, (ii) mandatory forward commitments, (iii) interest
rate floors and (iv) to achieve a fixed interest rate on existing variable rate
obligations.

     Source One is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk
in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers
and to reduce its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. These financial
instruments primarily include commitments to extend credit and mandatory forward
commitments. Those instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit
and market interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the
consolidated balance sheets. The contract or notional amounts of those
instruments reflect the extent of risk Source One has related to the
instruments.
 
     Source One's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the
other party for commitments to extend credit (mortgage loan pipeline) is
represented by the contractual notional amount of those commitments. Source
One's mortgage loan pipeline for locked commitments totalled $221.9 million and
$147.5 million at December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Fixed rate
commitments result in Source One having market interest rate risk as well as
credit risk. Variable rate commitments result in only credit risk. The amount of
collateral required upon extension of credit is based on management's credit
evaluation of the mortgagor and consists of the mortgagor's residential
property. Source One obtains mandatory forward commitments of up to 120 days to
sell mortgage-backed securities to hedge the market interest rate risk
associated with the portion of the mortgage loan pipeline that is expected to
close and all mortgage loans receivable. At December 31, 1995 and 1994 Source
One had $561.0 million and $351.2 million, respectively, of mandatory forward
commitments outstanding. If secondary market interest rates decline after Source
One commits to an interest rate for a loan, the loan may not close and Source
One may incur a loss from the cost of covering its obligations under a related
mandatory forward commitment. If secondary market interest rates increase after
Source One commits to an interest rate for a loan and Source One has not
obtained a forward commitment, Source One may incur a loss when the loan is
subsequently sold.
 
     Source One's risk management function closely monitors the mortgage loan
pipeline and mortgage loans receivable balance to determine appropriate forward
commitment coverage on a daily basis in order to manage the risk inherent in
these off-balance-sheet financial instruments. In addition, the risk management
area seeks to reduce counterparty risk by committing to sell mortgage loans only
to approved dealers with no dealer having in excess of 20% of current
commitments. Source One currently transacts business with seven approved
dealers.
 
                                                                           59
<PAGE>
 
     Source One sells loans through mortgage-backed securities issued pursuant
to programs of GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC or through institutional investors. Most
loans are aggregated in pools of $1.0 million or more which are purchased by
institutional investors after having been guaranteed by GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC.
Substantially all GNMA securities are sold by Source One without recourse for
loss of principal in the event of a subsequent default by the mortgagor due to
the FHA and VA insurance underlying such securities. Prior to December 1992,
substantially all conventional securities were sold with recourse to Source One,
to the extent of insufficient proceeds from private mortgage insurance,
foreclosure and other recoveries. Since December 1992 all conventional loans
have been sold without recourse to Source One.
 
     Servicing agreements relating to mortgage-backed securities issued pursuant
to programs of GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC require Source One to advance funds to make
the required payments in the event of a delinquency by the borrower. Source One
expects that it would recover most funds advanced upon cure of default by the
borrower or foreclosure. However, funds advanced in connection with VA partially
guaranteed loans and certain conventional loans (which are at most partially
insured by private mortgage insurers) may not be fully recovered due to
potential declines in collateral value. In addition, most of Source One's
servicing agreements for mortgage-backed securities typically require the
payment to investors of a full month's interest on each loan although the loan
may be paid off (by optional prepayment or foreclosure) other than on a month-
end basis. In this instance, Source One is obligated to pay the investor
interest at the note rate from the date of loan payoff through the end of the
calendar month without reimbursement.
 
     As of December 31, 1995 and 1994 Source One serviced approximately $10.7
billion and $11.9 billion of GNMA loans (without substantial recourse),
respectively, and $3.5 billion and $3.7 billion of conventional loans (with
recourse), respectively.
 
     To cover loan losses that may result from these servicing arrangements and
other losses, Source One has provided an allowance for loan losses of $13.5
million and $13.4 million on the consolidated balance sheets at December 31,
1995 and 1994, respectively. Source One's management believes the allowance for
loan losses is adequate to cover unreimbursed foreclosure advances and principal
losses. During 1995 Source One modified the methodology used to estimate the
allowance for loan losses to more accurately reflect Source One's loss
experience. This change reduced the amount that would have been computed under
the prior methodology.
 
     Source One enters into interest rate floor contracts to reduce the
sensitivity of its earnings to changes in market interest rates. The interest
rate floor contracts derive their value from the ten-year constant maturity
treasury yield index. The floor yields range from 5.47% to 5.85%. To the extent
that market interest rates increase, the value of the floors declines. However,
Source One is not exposed to losses in excess of its initial investment in the
floors. The interest rate floor contracts are carried at fair value with
unrealized gains and losses recorded in other mortgage operations revenue on the
consolidated income statements. As of December 31, 1995 the carrying value of
Source One's open interest rate floor contracts totaled $3.5 million with a
total notional principal amount of $500.0 million. The floors have terms ranging
from one to five years.

60
<PAGE>
 
          White Mountains' insurance subsidiaries extend credit to their
policyholders in the normal course of business, perform credit evaluations and
maintain allowances for potential credit losses. Concentration of credit risk
with respect to receivables is limited due to the large number of policyholders
and their dispersion across a multi-state area.

18.  Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The estimated fair values for Fund American's financial instruments have been
determined by using appropriate market information and valuation methodologies.
Considerable judgement is required to develop the estimates of fair value.
Therefore, the estimates provided herein are not necessarily indicative of the
amounts that could be realized in a current market exchange.  Carrying value
approximates fair value for common equity securities, fixed maturity
investments, short-term investments, cash, other financial assets and other
financial liabilities.  For each other class of financial instrument for which
it is practicable to estimate fair value, the following methods and assumptions
were used to estimate such value:

          Other Investments.  The fair values of mortgage loans held for
investment are estimated using quoted market prices for securities backed by
similar loans, adjusting for differences in loan characteristics.  Fair values
of REMICs are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses reflecting I/O strip
and LIBOR interest rates, and Prepayment Speed Assumption ("PSA") rates, taking
into consideration the characteristics of the related collateral.  For interest
rate floor contracts, fair value is estimated based on quoted market prices for
those or similar investments and equals carrying value.  For all other
securities classified as other investments fair values have been determined
using quoted market values or internal appraisal techniques.

          Capitalized Excess Mortgage Servicing.  Fair value is estimated by
discounting the annual anticipated net revenue to be received over the life of
the related loans, discounted using quoted I/O strip interest rates and PSA
rates.

          Mortgage Loans Held for Sale.  Fair values are estimated using quoted
market prices for securities backed by similar loans and adjusting for
differences in loan characteristics.

          Pool Loan Purchases.  Fair values are estimated using (i) discounted
cash flow analyses reflecting Source One's short-term incremental borrowing rate
or (ii) quoted market prices for securities backed by similar loans.

          Loans in Foreclosure and Mortgage Claims Receivable.  Fair values are
estimated by discounting anticipated future cash flows using Source One's short-
term incremental borrowing rate.

          Loan For Common Stock Issued.  Fair value is estimated by discounting
future cash flows using market interest rates for similar types of borrowing
arrangements.

          Debt.  Fair value is estimated by discounting future cash flows using
incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.  For
subordinated debentures, fair value is based on quoted market prices.

                                                                           61
<PAGE>
 
          Off-Balance-Sheet Financial Instruments.  Fair value for commitments
to sell mortgage loans is based on current settlement values for those
commitments.  Fair value for commitments to extend credit is based on current
quoted market prices for securities backed by similar loans, adjusting for loan
characteristics.

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of Fund American's financial
instruments were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       December 31, 1995      December 31, 1994
                                      --------------------    ------------------
                                      Carrying       Fair       Carrying   Fair
Millions                                amount      value         amount  value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>           <C>       <C>         <C> 
                                                              
Financial assets:                                             
Common equity securities                    $274.5  $274.5        $332.4  $332.4
Fixed maturity investments                   110.7   110.7         102.2   102.2
Other investments                             95.9    96.5          55.1    54.1
Short-term investments                       103.6   103.6         119.2   119.2
Cash                                           2.7     2.7           1.5     1.5
Capitalized excess mortgage servicing         44.7    46.0          72.1    98.3
Mortgage loans held for sale                 381.0   391.5         210.5   211.4
Pool loan purchases                          119.0   122.3         163.9   164.9
Loans in foreclosure and                                      
 mortgage claims receivable, net (a)          29.6    29.0          33.3    32.4
Employee loan receivable                        --      --          29.3    28.9
Other                                         25.7    25.7          27.5    27.5
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial liabilities:                                        
Short-term debt                              445.4   449.0         254.1   254.1
Long-term debt                               407.3   450.8         547.0   528.8
Other                                         12.4    12.4          38.4    38.4
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Off-balance-sheet financial instruments:                      
Mandatory forward commitments                   --   562.4            --   349.0
Commitments to extend credit expected           
 to close                                       --   226.6            --   147.8
================================================================================
</TABLE>
(a)  Excludes $15.8 million and $16.5 million of real estate owned in 1995 and
     1994, respectively.

          Other financial assets includes investment income receivable, accounts
receivable from securities sales and White River Shares held for delivery upon
exercise of existing employee stock options.  Other financial liabilities
includes accrued interest payable, accounts payable on securities purchases,
dividends payable to shareholders and liability for existing employee stock
options to purchase White River Shares.

          The estimated fair value amounts for Fund American's financial
instruments have been determined using available market information and
valuation methodologies.  Such estimates provided herein are not necessarily
indicative of the amounts that would be potentially realized in a current market
exchange.

          It is not practicable without incurring excessive costs to estimate
the fair value of conventional loans sold with recourse, which is an off-
balance-sheet financial instrument representing Source One's obligation to
repurchase loans sold that subsequently default.

62
<PAGE>
 
19.  Related Party Transactions
 
In December 1993 BYRNE & sons, l.p. ("BYRNE & sons"), a partnership in which the
Company's Chairman, John J. Byrne, is the sole general partner, made its initial
investment in the Merastar Partners Limited Partnership and the Southern
Heritage Limited Partnership (the "Partnerships"). The Partnerships are involved
in various property and casualty insurance ventures. Shortly after making its
initial investment, BYRNE & sons offered one-third of its interest in the
Partnerships to Fund American on equal terms and conditions. In May 1994 Fund
American accepted the offer and paid BYRNE & sons an amount equal to one-third
of BYRNE & sons' cost for the Partnerships plus interest at a 6.0% annual rate.
 
   For corporate travel purposes Fund American leases aircraft owned by
Haverford Transportation Inc. ("HTI"). Mr. Byrne and K. Thomas Kemp, Executive
Vice President of the Company, are the sole shareholders of HTI. Fund American
believes that its arrangement with HTI is on terms that are more favorable to
Fund American than would generally be available if secured through an
arrangement with an unaffiliated third party.
 
   Through December 22, 1993 White River was a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company. The Company currently owns 1,014,750 White River Shares, or
approximately 20.7% of the outstanding White River Shares of which 295,932
shares, or 6.0% of the outstanding White River Shares have been reserved by Fund
American for delivery upon exercise of existing employee stock options and
warrants. White River had outstanding a $50 million term note and a $40 million
revolving loan payable to the Company which were repaid on various dates during
1995. Gordon S. Macklin, a director of the Company, is the non-executive
Chairman of White River.
 
   American Express and its former affiliate Lehman Brothers Inc. have from time
to time provided various services to Fund American including investment banking
services, brokerage services, underwriting of debt and equity securities and
financial consulting services. In addition, Source One has from time to time
sold certain mortgage loans to subsidiaries of American Express. American
Express formerly owned all outstanding shares of the Series D Preferred Stock.
Howard L. Clark, a director of the Company, was formerly Chairman of American
Express and Howard L. Clark, Jr., a director of the Company, is Vice Chairman of
Lehman Brothers Inc.
 
   George J. Gillespie, III, a director of the Company, is a Partner of Cravath,
Swaine & Moore, which has been retained by Fund American from time to time to
perform legal services.
 
   Arthur Zankel, a director of the Company, is a General Partner of First
Manhattan Co., which has been retained by Fund American from time to time to
perform discretionary investment management services, non-discretionary
investment advisory services and brokerage services.
 
   Fund American believes that all the above transactions were on terms that
were reasonable and competitive. Additional transactions of this nature may be
expected to take place in the ordinary course of business in the future.

                                                                             63
<PAGE>
 
                                 Fund American
                    REPORT ON MANAGEMENT'S RESPONSIBILITIES



  The financial information included in this annual report, including the
audited consolidated financial statements, has been prepared by the management
of Fund American.  The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and, where necessary,
include amounts based on informed estimates and judgments.  In those instances
where there is no single specified accounting principle or standard, management
makes a choice from reasonable, accepted alternatives which are believed to be
most appropriate under the circumstances.  Financial information presented
elsewhere in this annual report is consistent with that shown in the financial
statements.

  Fund American maintains internal financial and accounting controls designed to
provide reasonable and cost effective assurance that assets are safeguarded from
loss or unauthorized use, that transactions are recorded in accordance with
management's policies and that financial records are reliable for preparing
financial statements.  The internal controls structure is documented by written
policies and procedures which are communicated to all appropriate personnel and
is updated as necessary.  Fund American's business ethics policies require
adherence to the highest ethical standards in the conduct of its business.
Compliance with these controls, policies and procedures is continuously
maintained and monitored by management.

  Ernst & Young LLP provides an objective, independent review and evaluation of
the structure of internal controls to the extent they consider necessary in
their audit of Fund American's consolidated financial statements.  Ernst & Young
also evaluates and reports on the adequacy of and adherence to these internal
controls, policies and procedures.  In addition,  Management reviews all
recommendations of the independent auditors concerning the structure of internal
controls and responds to such recommendations with corrective actions, as
appropriate.

  The Audit Committee of the Board is comprised of all non-management directors
and has general responsibility for the oversight and surveillance of the
accounting, reporting and financial control practices of Fund American.  The
Audit Committee, which reports to the full Board, annually reviews the
effectiveness of the independent auditors, Fund American's internal auditors and
management with respect to the financial reporting process and the adequacy of
internal controls.  Both the internal auditors and the independent auditors
have, at all times, free access to the Audit Committee, without members of
management present, to discuss the results of their audits, the adequacy of
internal controls and any other matter that they believe should be brought to
the attention of the Audit Committee.



<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>                              <C> 
John J. Byrne                             Allan L. Waters                  Michael S. Paquette
Chairman of the Board, President          Senior Vice President            Vice President and 
   and Chief Executive Officer              and Chief Financial Officer      Controller   
</TABLE>

64
<PAGE>
 
                                 Fund American
                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



Board of Directors and Shareholders
Fund American Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Fund American
Enterprises Holdings, Inc.,  as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the related
consolidated income statements and statements of shareholders' equity and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995.  These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.

  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Fund American
Enterprises Holdings, Inc. at December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the consolidated
results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 1995, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.

  As discussed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, in 1995 the
Company changed its method of accounting for originated mortgage servicing
rights, in 1994 the Company changed its methodology used to measure impairment
of purchased mortgage servicing rights and in 1993 the Company changed its
method of accounting for certain investment securities.



New York, New York
February 13, 1996

                                                                            65
<PAGE>
 
                                 Fund American
                       SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
                                  (Unaudited)


Selected quarterly financial data for 1995 and 1994 is shown in the following
table.  The quarterly financial data includes, in the opinion of management, all
recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results of
operations for the interim periods.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               1995 Three Months Ended (a)                        1994 Three Months Ended
                                      ------------------------------------------        --------------------------------------------
Millions, except per share amounts    Dec. 31    Sept. 30    June 30    Mar. 31         Dec. 31    Sept. 30    June 30    Mar. 31
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>             <C>        <C>         <C>        <C> 
Revenues                              $ 53.6     $ 48.6      $ 43.3     $ 76.8          $ 41.4     $ 44.4      $ 71.7     $ 71.0
Expenses                                52.8       42.9        86.8       43.4            52.0       56.4        59.7       57.6
                                      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pretax operating earnings (loss)          .8        5.7       (43.5)      33.4           (10.6)     (12.0)       12.0       13.4
Net investment gains (losses)            7.0        4.4        10.4       17.0            (4.2)      20.6        20.9        1.5
                                      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pretax earnings (loss)                   7.8       10.1       (33.1)      50.4           (14.8)       8.6        32.9       14.9
Income tax provision (benefit)           5.4        3.5       (10.6)      18.4            (2.7)       4.3        13.0        5.9
                                      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After tax earnings (loss)                2.4        6.6       (22.5)      32.0           (12.1)       4.3        19.9        9.0
Tax benefit from sale of 
 discontinued operations                   -          -        66.0          -               -          -           -          -
Loss on early extinguishment 
 of debt, after tax                        -          -         (.2)       (.2)              -          -           -          - 
Cumulative effect of accounting 
 change-purchased mortgage 
 servicing, after tax                      -          -           -          -               -          -           -      (44.3)
                                      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss)                      $ 2.4     $  6.6      $ 43.3     $ 31.8          $(12.1)    $  4.3      $ 19.9     $(35.3)
- --------------------------------------==============================================================================================
Primary earnings per share:
   After tax earnings (loss)           $ .29     $  .75      $(2.95)    $ 3.43          $(1.64)    $  .24      $ 1.72     $  .60
   Net income (loss)                     .29        .75        5.08       3.41           (1.64)       .24        1.72      (3.86)
Fully diluted earnings per share:          
   After tax earnings (loss)             .29        .75       (2.44)      3.23           (1.64)       .24        1.62        .60
   Net income (loss)                     .29        .75        4.68       3.22           (1.64)       .24        1.62      (3.86)
====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE> 
(a)  The quarterly amounts for the three month periods ended June 30 and March
     31, 1995, have been restated to reflect the adoption as of January 1, 1995,
     of SFAS No. 122. Prior to restatement, net income for the three month
     periods ended June 30 and March 31, 1995, was $48.2 million and $26.9
     million, respectively.
 
The quarterly trading range for Shares of common stock during 1995 and 1994 is
presented below:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    1995                           1994
                                                                         -------------------------       --------------------------
                                                                           High              Low           High               Low
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                      <C>               <C>           <C>              <C> 
Quarter ended:                                                                                                            
     December 31                                                         $  75             $  66 1/4     $  79 1/4        $  70 1/2
     September 30                                                           76                68 1/4        78 3/8           69 3/4
     June 30                                                                72 5/8            68 3/8        70 3/8           60 1/2
     March 31                                                               76                71 3/4        77               64 3/4
===================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

66
<PAGE>
 
                                 Fund American
                                  INVESTMENTS
                                  (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
Common Equity Securities
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                        December 31, 1995
                                                                     -------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                                                                      Percent
                                                                                                                     of total
                                                                         Shares                            Fair          fair
Shares and units in thousands, dollars in millions                     or units            Cost           value         value
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                    <C>               <C>             <C>            <C>   
Energy, natural resources and related industries:
     The Louisiana Land and Exploration Company                           2,928          $ 97.9          $125.5         45.7%
     San Juan Basin Royalty Trust                                        10,995            56.7            68.7         25.0
     Aggregate of holdings less than $10.0 million                                         14.1            16.1          5.9
                                                                     --------------------------------------------------------  
          Total energy, natural resources and related industries                          168.7           210.3         76.6
All other:
     Zurich Reinsurance Centre Holdings, Inc.                             2,043            60.4            62.0         22.6
     Aggregate of holdings less than $10.0 million                                          3.0             2.2           .8
                                                                     --------------------------------------------------------  
          Total common equity securities                                                 $232.1          $274.5        100.0%
=============================================================================================================================
<CAPTION>  
 
Fixed Maturity Investments
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      December 31, 1995
                                                                                            --------------------------------- 
                                                                                                Cost or
                                                                                              amortized                 Fair
Millions                                                                                           cost                value
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                           <C>                    <C>  
U S West, Inc. redeemable preferred stock                                                       $  48.8              $  48.8
State and municipal obligations                                                                    33.3                 33.3
U. S. Government and agency obligations                                                            23.5                 24.2
Aggregate of holdings less than $10.0 million                                                       4.2                  4.4
                                                                                            ---------------------------------  
          Total fixed maturity investments                                                      $ 109.8              $ 110.7
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION> 
 
Other Investments
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      December 31, 1995
                                                                                            --------------------------------- 
                                                                                                Cost or
                                                                                              amortized             Carrying
Millions                                                                                           cost                value
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                           <C>                    <C>  
Mid Ocean Limited restricted common shares and options                                         $  24.7               $  30.5
White River Corporation restricted common shares                                                  21.1                  25.6
Mortgage loans held for investment                                                                24.3                  24.3
Aggregate of holdings less than $10.0 million                                                     16.6                  15.5
                                                                                            --------------------------------- 
          Total other investments                                                              $  86.7               $  95.9
=============================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

                                                                              67
<PAGE>
 
                                 Fund American
                              BOARD OF DIRECTORS



Class I (terms ending in 1998):


   Howard L. Clark                   Former Chairman - American Express Company
 
   K. Thomas Kemp                    Executive Vice President

   Gordon S. Macklin                 Chairman - White River Corporation

 

Class II (terms ending in 1996):


   George J. Gillespie, III          Partner - Cravath, Swaine & Moore

   John J. Byrne                     Chairman, President and CEO

 
 
Class III (terms ending in 1997):


   Howard L. Clark, Jr.              Vice Chairman - Lehman Brothers Inc.

   Robert P. Cochran                 President and CEO - Financial Security 
                                        Assurance Holdings Ltd.

   Arthur Zankel                     Co-Managing Partner - First Manhattan Co.

68
<PAGE>
 
                                 Fund American

                            COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD



Audit Committee of the Board of Directors
 
The Audit Committee, consisting of all non-management directors, has general
responsibility for the oversight and surveillance of the accounting, reporting
and financial control practices of Fund American. The Audit Committee annually
reviews the qualifications of the independent auditors, makes recommendations to
the Board as to their selection, and reviews the plan, fees and results of their
audit.


                                             Howard L. Clark, Jr., Chairman



Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors

The Human Resources Committee, consisting of all non-management directors,
oversees Fund American's compensation and benefit policies and programs,
including administration of the Incentive Plan, the Deferred Compensation Plan
and the Deferred Benefit Plan. The Human Resources Committee also sets the
annual salaries and bonuses for elected officers and certain other key
employees.
 

                                             Gordon S. Macklin, Chairman


                                                                              69
<PAGE>
 
                                 Fund American
                             CHAIRMEN AND OFFICERS




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

                                   CORPORATE


Fund American Enterprises Holdings, Inc.   (Hanover, New Hampshire)
<TABLE>
      <S>                          <C>                             <C>                     <C>  
      John J. Byrne               Chairman, President and CEO      K. Thomas Kemp          Executive VP
                                  
      Dennis P. Beaulieu          VP and Secretary                 Michael S. Paquette     VP and Controller
                                                             
      Reid T. Campbell            Assistant Controller             Allan L. Waters         Senior VP and CFO
 
</TABLE>

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

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 MORTGAGE ORIGINATION AND SERVICING OPERATIONS


Fund American Enterprises, Inc.   (Norwich, Vermont)
<TABLE> 
     <S>                          <C>                              <C>                    <C> 
     John J. Byrne                Chairman                         Terry L. Baxter         President and Secretary
</TABLE> 

Source One Mortgage Services Corporation   (Farmington Hills, Michigan)
<TABLE> 
     <S>                          <C>                              <C>                     <C> 
     Robert W. Richards           Chairman                         James A. Conrad         President and CEO

     Michael C. Allemang          Executive VP and CFO             Robert R. Densmore      Executive VP and Secretary
</TABLE> 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

70
<PAGE>
 
                                 Fund American
                             CHAIRMEN AND OFFICERS
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                             INSURANCE OPERATIONS


White Mountains Holdings, Inc.   (Hanover, New Hampshire)

   <S>                      <C>                           <C>                   <C> 
   John J. Byrne            Chairman                      K. Thomas Kemp        President and CEO
                                                                             
   Dennis P. Beaulieu       VP and Secretary              Michael S. Paquette   VP and Controller
                                                                             
   Reid T. Campbell         Assistant Controller          Allan L. Waters       Senior VP and CFO
                            
   Morgan W. Davis          Senior VP and COO
 
Valley Group, Inc.   (Albany, Oregon)

   K. Thomas Kemp           Chairman                      Daniel A. Post        President and CEO
                                                                             
   Kenneth R. Hisel         Senior VP                     Stuart E. Olson       Executive VP, COO and CFO
                            
   Phillip L. Kloek         Senior VP

Charter Group, Inc.   (Dallas, Texas)

   K. Thomas Kemp           Chairman                      Daniel A. Post        President and CEO
                            
   Carey D. Benson          Senior VP and COO
 
White Mountains Insurance Company   (Hanover, New Hampshire)

   K. Thomas Kemp           Chairman                      Morgan W. Davis       President and CEO
                                                                               
   Dennis P. Beaulieu       Senior VP, CFO and Treasurer  Michael S. Paquette   VP and Controller
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

                                                                              71
<PAGE>
 
                                 Fund American
                             CORPORATE INFORMATION



Principal Offices

Fund American Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
White Mountains Holdings, Inc.
80 South Main Street
Hanover, New Hampshire  03755-2053
(603) 643-1567

Fund American Enterprises, Inc.
The 1820 House, Main Street
Norwich, Vermont 05055-0850
(802) 649-3633

Form 10-K

The financial statements contained in this report, in the opinion of management,
substantially conform with or exceed the financial statement information
required in the "Form 10-K, Annual Report" to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission no later than April 1, 1996.  Certain supplemental
information appears in the Form 10-K which is not disclosed within this
document.  Copies of the Form 10-K are available without charge upon written
request to the Corporate Secretary's office at the Hanover, New Hampshire
address.

Transfer Agent and Registrar for Common Stock

First Chicago Trust Company of New York
P.O. Box 2532
Mail Suite 4690
Jersey City, New Jersey 07303-2532

Shareholders may obtain information about transfer requirements, replacement
dividend checks, duplicate 1099 forms and changes of address by calling the
Transfer Agent's Telephone Response Center at (201) 324-1644. Please be prepared
to provide your tax identification or social security number, description of
securities and address of record. Other inquiries concerning your shareholder
account should be addressed in writing to the Transfer Agent and Registrar.

Stock Exchange Information

The Company's Common Stock (symbol FFC) is listed on the New York Stock
Exchange.

Annual Meeting

The 1996 Annual Meeting of shareholders will be held on Thursday, May 16, 1996,
at Byrne Hall, Amos Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, Hanover, New
Hampshire and will commence at 9:00 a.m.


Independent Auditors

Ernst & Young LLP
787 Seventh Avenue
New York, New York  10019-6018

Shareholder Inquiries

Written shareholder inquiries should be sent to the Corporate Secretary at the
Hanover, New Hampshire address.  Written inquiries from the investment community
should be directed to the Investor Relations Department, c/o Fund American
Enterprises, Inc., at the Norwich, Vermont address.

Matching Gifts Program

Fund American encourages its employees and its Board to support higher education
and charitable organizations through the Fund American Matching Gifts Program.
Employee gifts to accredited, four-year institutions of higher education located
in the United States are matched on the basis of $2 for every dollar with an
annual maximum of $4,000 per employee.  Community or charitable gifts are
matched on the basis of $1 for every dollar with an annual maximum of $4,000 per
individual.

  Fund American's Social Responsibility Committee also sponsors employees who
contribute their time or expertise to organizations they believe in by
supplementing their devotion to the organization with a cash donation.
Supplemental endorsement requests are considered on a case by case basis.


72
<PAGE>
 




                      [LOGO OR FUND AMERICAN APPEARS HERE]

<PAGE>
 
                                                                      EXHIBIT 21


                         SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
                            AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995



FULL NAME OF SUBSIDIARY                               PLACE OF INCORPORATION
- -----------------------                               ----------------------


CHARTER INDEMNITY COMPANY                             TEXAS, USA

FFOG, INC.                                            DELAWARE, USA

FUND AMERICAN CASUALTY REINSURANCE, LTD.              ISLANDS OF BERMUDA

FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES, INC.                       DELAWARE, USA

SOURCE ONE MORTGAGE SERVICES
   CORPORATION and subsidiaries                       DELAWARE, USA

VALLEY INSURANCE COMPANY                              CALIFORNIA, USA

WHITE MOUNTAINS HOLDINGS, INC.                        NEW HAMPSHIRE, USA

WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE COMPANY                     NEW HAMPSHIRE, USA

                                      19

<PAGE>
 
                                                                      EXHIBIT 23


                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


     We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Annual Report (Form
10-K) of Fund American Enterprises Holdings, Inc., of our report dated February
13, 1996, included in the 1995 Annual Report to Shareholders of Fund American
Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

     Our audits also included the financial statement schedules of Fund American
Enterprises Holdings, Inc. listed in Item 14(a).  These schedules are the
responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an
opinion based on our audits.  In our opinion, the financial statement schedules
referred to above, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements
taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects the information set
forth therein.

     We further consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements (Form S-8, No. 33-5297, Form S-3, No. 33-54006, and Form S-3, No. 33-
54749) pertaining to the Long-Term Incentive Plan, Medium-Term Notes Series A
and Common Stock Warrants of Fund American Enterprises Holdings, Inc. of our
report dated February 13, 1996, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements and financial statement schedules of Fund American Enterprises
Holdings, Inc. included or incorporated by reference in the Annual Report (Form
10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1995.



                                              ERNST & YOUNG LLP

New York, New York
March 25, 1996


                                      20

<PAGE>
 
 
                   FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES HOLDINGS, INC.
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


        KNOW ALL MEN by these presents, that John J. Byrne does hereby make,
constitute and appoint K. Thomas Kemp the true and lawful attorney-in-fact of
the undersigned, with full power of substitution and revocation, for and in the
name, place and stead of the undersigned, to execute and deliver the Annual
Report on Form 10-K, and any and all amendments thereto, such Form 10-K and each
such amendment to be in such form and to contain such terms and provisions as
said attorney or substitute shall deem necessary or desirable; giving and
granting unto said attorney, or to such person or persons as in any case may be
appointed pursuant to the power of substitution herein given, full power and
authority to do and perform any and every act and thing whatsoever requisite,
necessary or, in the opinion of said attorney or substitute, able to be done in
and about the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the
undersigned might or could do if personally present, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorney or such substitute shall lawfully do or cause
to be done by virtue hereof.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed these presents
this 21st day of February, 1996.



/s/ John J. Byrne
- ------------------------
John J. Byrne
<PAGE>
 
 
 
                   FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES HOLDINGS, INC.
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


        KNOW ALL MEN by these presents, that Howard L. Clark does hereby make,
constitute and appoint K. Thomas Kemp the true and lawful attorney-in-fact of
the undersigned, with full power of substitution and revocation, for and in the
name, place and stead of the undersigned, to execute and deliver the Annual
Report on Form 10-K, and any and all amendments thereto; such Form 10-K and each
such amendment to be in such form and to contain such terms and provisions as
said attorney or substitute shall deem necessary or desirable; giving and
granting unto said attorney, or to such person or persons as in any case may be
appointed pursuant to the power of substitution herein given, full power and
authority to do and perform any and every act and thing whatsoever requisite,
necessary or, in the opinion of said attorney or substitute, able to be done in
and about the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the
undersigned might or could do if personally present, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorney or such substitute shall lawfully do or cause
to be done by virtue hereof.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed these presents
this 21st day of February, 1996.



/s/ Howard L. Clark
- ------------------------
Howard L. Clark

<PAGE>
 
 
 
                   FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES HOLDINGS, INC.
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


        KNOW ALL MEN by these presents, that Howard L. Clark, Jr. does hereby
make, constitute and appoint K. Thomas Kemp the true and lawful attorney-in-fact
of the undersigned, with full power of substitution and revocation, for and in
the name, place and stead of the undersigned, to execute and deliver the Annual
Report on Form 10-K, and any and all amendments thereto; such Form 10-K and each
such amendment to be in such form and to contain such terms and provisions as
said attorney or substitute shall deem necessary or desirable; giving and
granting unto said attorney, or to such person or persons as in any case may be
appointed pursuant to the power of substitution herein given, full power and
authority to do and perform any and every act and thing whatsoever requisite,
necessary or, in the opinion of said attorney or substitute, able to be done in
and about the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the
undersigned might or could do if personally present, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorney or such substitute shall lawfully do or cause
to be done by virtue hereof.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed these presents
this 21st day of February, 1996.



/s/ Howard L. Clark, Jr.
- ------------------------
Howard L. Clark, Jr.

<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
                   FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES HOLDINGS, INC.
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


        KNOW ALL MEN by these presents, that Robert P. Cochran does hereby make,
constitute and appoint K. Thomas Kemp the true and lawful attorney-in-fact of
the undersigned, with full power of substitution and revocation, for and in the
name, place and stead of the undersigned, to execute and deliver the Annual
Report on Form 10-K, and any and all amendments thereto; such Form 10-K and each
such amendment to be in such form and to contain such terms and provisions as
said attorney or substitute shall deem necessary or desirable; giving and
granting unto said attorney, or to such person or persons as in any case may be
appointed pursuant to the power of substitution herein given, full power and
authority to do and perform any and every act and thing whatsoever requisite,
necessary or, in the opinion of said attorney or substitute, able to be done in
and about the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the
undersigned might or could do if personally present, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorney or such substitute shall lawfully do or cause
to be done by virtue hereof.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed these presents
this 21st day of February, 1996.



/s/ Robert P. Cochran
- ------------------------
Robert P. Cochran


<PAGE>
 
                   FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES HOLDINGS, INC.
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


        KNOW ALL MEN by these presents, that George J. Gillespie III does hereby
make, constitute and appoint K. Thomas Kemp the true and lawful attorney-in-fact
of the undersigned, with full power of substitution and revocation, for and in
the name, place and stead of the undersigned, to execute and deliver the Annual
Report on Form 10-K, and any and all amendments thereto; such Form 10-K and each
such amendment to be in such form and to contain such terms and provisions as
said attorney or substitute shall deem necessary or desirable; giving and
granting unto said attorney, or to such person or persons as in any case may be
appointed pursuant to the power of substitution herein given, full power and
authority to do and perform any and every act and thing whatsoever requisite,
necessary or, in the opinion of said attorney or substitute, able to be done in
and about the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the
undersigned might or could do if personally present, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorney or such substitute shall lawfully do or cause
to be done by virtue hereof.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed these presents
this 21st day of February, 1996.



/s/ George J. Gillespie III
- ----------------------------
George J. Gillespie III


<PAGE>
 
 
                   FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES HOLDINGS, INC.
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


        KNOW ALL MEN by these presents, that Gordon S. Macklin does hereby make,
constitute and appoint K. Thomas Kemp the true and lawful attorney-in-fact of
the undersigned, with full power of substitution and revocation, for and in the
name, place and stead of the undersigned, to execute and deliver the Annual
Report on Form 10-K, and any and all amendments thereto; such Form 10-K and each
such amendment to be in such form and to contain such terms and provisions as
said attorney or substitute shall deem necessary or desirable; giving and
granting unto said attorney, or to such person or persons as in any case may be
appointed pursuant to the power of substitution herein given, full power and
authority to do and perform any and every act and thing whatsoever requisite,
necessary or, in the opinion of said attorney or substitute, able to be done in
and about the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the
undersigned might or could do if personally present, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorney or such substitute shall lawfully do or cause
to be done by virtue hereof.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed these presents
this 21st day of February, 1996.



/s/  Gordon S. Macklin
- ------------------------
 Gordon S. Macklin


<PAGE>
 
 
                   FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES HOLDINGS, INC.
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


        KNOW ALL MEN by these presents, that Michael S. Paquette does hereby
make, constitute and appoint K. Thomas Kemp the true and lawful attorney-in-fact
of the undersigned, with full power of substitution and revocation, for and in
the name, place and stead of the undersigned, to execute and deliver the Annual
Report on Form 10-K, and any and all amendments thereto; such Form 10-K and each
such amendment to be in such form and to contain such terms and provisions as
said attorney or substitute shall deem necessary or desirable; giving and
granting unto said attorney, or to such person or persons as in any case may be
appointed pursuant to the power of substitution herein given, full power and
authority to do and perform any and every act and thing whatsoever requisite,
necessary or, in the opinion of said attorney or substitute, able to be done in
and about the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the
undersigned might or could do if personally present, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorney or such substitute shall lawfully do or cause
to be done by virtue hereof.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed these presents
this 21st day of February, 1996.



/s/  Michael S. Paquette
- ------------------------
 Michael S. Paquette


<PAGE>
 
 
                   FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES HOLDINGS, INC.
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


        KNOW ALL MEN by these presents, that Allan L. Waters does hereby make,
constitute and appoint K. Thomas Kemp the true and lawful attorney-in-fact of
the undersigned, with full power of substitution and revocation, for and in the
name, place and stead of the undersigned, to execute and deliver the Annual
Report on Form 10-K, and any and all amendments thereto; such Form 10-K and each
such amendment to be in such form and to contain such terms and provisions as
said attorney or substitute shall deem necessary or desirable; giving and
granting unto said attorney, or to such person or persons as in any case may be
appointed pursuant to the power of substitution herein given, full power and
authority to do and perform any and every act and thing whatsoever requisite,
necessary or, in the opinion of said attorney or substitute, able to be done in
and about the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the
undersigned might or could do if personally present, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorney or such substitute shall lawfully do or cause
to be done by virtue hereof.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed these presents
this 21st day of February, 1996.



/s/  Allan L. Waters
- ------------------------
 Allan L. Waters


<PAGE>
 
                     FUND AMERICAN ENTERPRISES HOLDINGS, INC.
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


        KNOW ALL MEN by these presents, that Arthur Zankel does hereby make,
constitute and appoint K. Thomas Kemp the true and lawful attorney-in-fact of
the undersigned, with full power of substitution and revocation, for and in the
name, place and stead of the undersigned, to execute and deliver the Annual
Report on Form 10-K, and any and all amendments thereto; such Form 10-K and each
such amendment to be in such form and to contain such terms and provisions as
said attorney or substitute shall deem necessary or desirable; giving and
granting unto said attorney, or to such person or persons as in any case may be
appointed pursuant to the power of substitution herein given, full power and
authority to do and perform any and every act and thing whatsoever requisite,
necessary or, in the opinion of said attorney or substitute, able to be done in
and about the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the
undersigned might or could do if personally present, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorney or such substitute shall lawfully do or cause
to be done by virtue hereof.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed these presents
this 21st day of February, 1996.



/s/ Arthur Zankel
- ------------------------
Arthur Zankel



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<PAGE>
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