NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES INC /OH/
S-1, 1996-12-23
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<PAGE>
 
  AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON DECEMBER 23, 1996.
                                                       REGISTRATION NO. 333-
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                                  -----------
                                   FORM S-1
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                          THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                                  -----------
                      NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
            (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
         DELAWARE                    6719                    31-1486870
     (State or other          (Primary Standard           (I.R.S. Employer  
     jurisdiction of       Industrial Classification    Identification No.)  
     incorporation or             Code Number)  
      organization)
           
                             ONE NATIONWIDE PLAZA
                             COLUMBUS, OHIO 43215
                                (614) 249-7111
              (Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
       including area code, of Registrant's principal executive offices)
                                  -----------
                                W. SIDNEY DRUEN
                   SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL
                      NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
                             ONE NATIONWIDE PLAZA
                             COLUMBUS, OHIO 43215
                                (614) 249-7640
           (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
                  including area code, of agent for service)
                                  -----------
                                  COPIES TO:
    ALEXANDER M. DYE/MICHAEL GROLL                  JEFF LIEBMANN
LEBOEUF, LAMB, GREENE & MACRAE, L.L.P.            JONATHAN FREEDMAN
         125 WEST 55TH STREET                     DEWEY BALLANTINE
     NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10019-5389           1301 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
                                            NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10019-6092
                                  -----------
  APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF THE PROPOSED SALE OF THE SECURITIES TO
THE PUBLIC: As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes
effective.
 
  If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, check the following box. [_]
 
  If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [_]
 
  If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [_]
 
  If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following. [_]
 
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  PROPOSED
           TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF            MAXIMUM AGGREGATE     AMOUNT OF
        SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED          OFFERING PRICE (1) REGISTRATION FEE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>                <C>
Class A Common Stock, no par value..........    $500,000,000      $151,515.15
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee pursuant
to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933.
                                  -----------
  THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH
SECTION 8(a) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING
PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                               EXPLANATORY NOTE
 
  This Registration Statement contains two forms of Prospectus, one to be used
in connection with an offering of Class A Common Stock in the United States
and Canada (the "U.S. Offering") and one to be used in connection with a
concurrent international offering outside the United States and Canada (the
"International Offering"). The complete Prospectus for the U.S. Offering
follows immediately. Following such Prospectus is an alternate front cover
page, inside front cover page and pages 13, 15 and 17 for the International
Offering as well as a section entitled "Subscription and Sale" which replaces
the section entitled "Underwriting" for the International Offering and an
additional section entitled "Certain United States Federal Tax Considerations
for Non-U.S. Holders of Class A Common Stock." All of the other pages of the
Prospectus for the U.S. Offering are to be used for both the U.S. Offering and
the International Offering.
 
  The complete Prospectus for each of the U.S. and International Offerings in
the form in which it is to be used will be filed with the Commission pursuant
to Rule 424 or in an amendment to this Registration Statement.
<PAGE>
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A         +
+REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE   +
+SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY  +
+OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT        +
+BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR   +
+THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE      +
+SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE    +
+UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF  +
+ANY SUCH STATE.                                                               +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                 SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED DECEMBER 23, 1996
 
                                       Shares
                      Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.
   LOGO                       Class A Common Stock
                                 (no par value)
                                   --------
All  of the      shares of  Class A Common  Stock, no par  value (the "Class  A
 Common  Stock"),  of  Nationwide  Financial Services,  Inc.  (the  "Company")
  offered  hereby are  being sold  by the Company.  Of the      shares  being
   offered,      shares (the "U.S. Shares") are initially being  offered for
    sale  in the  United States and  Canada by  the U.S. Underwriters  (the
     "U.S.  Offering") and       shares (the  "International Shares")  are
      initially being concurrently offered  outside the United States and
       Canada  by  the   Managers  (the  "International  Offering"  and,
        together with  the U.S. Offering, the  "Equity Offerings"). The
         initial public offering  price and the underwriting discounts
          and commissions of the  U.S. Offering and the International
           Offering are identical. See "Underwriting."
 
 Prior to the Equity Offerings, there has  been no public market for the Class
  A Common Stock. It is anticipated that the initial public offering price of
   the Class  A Common Stock  will be between  $    and $    per  share. For
    information  relating  to the  factors  considered  in determining  the
     initial public offering price, see "Underwriting."
 
 After the  Equity  Offerings,  Nationwide  Corporation will  own  all  of the
  outstanding shares  of Class  B Common  Stock, no par  value (the  "Class B
   Common Stock" and,  together with the  Class A Common  Stock, the "Common
    Stock"), of the  Company. The Class  B Common Stock  will represent   %
     (  % if the Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full)
      of the combined voting power of the stockholders of the Company and
       will be  convertible  on a  share for  share basis  into  Class A
        Common  Stock. Except  with  respect to  voting and  conversion
         rights, the  Class A Common Stock is  substantially identical
          to the  Class B Common  Stock. See "Description  of Capital
           Stock."
 
  Shortly following the  Equity Offerings, the Company  expects to consummate
    the public  offering of $300  million aggregate amount of  Senior Notes
       due 2027 (the "Senior  Notes"), and Nationwide Financial Services
         Capital Trust, an affiliate of the Company (the "NFS Trust"),
           expects  to  consummate the  public  offering of  Capital
              Securities with an  aggregate liquidation amount of
                $100 million. See "The Fixed Income Offerings."
                  Such  offerings are being made  pursuant to
                     separate prospectuses.
 
    Up to      U.S. Shares are being reserved for sale at the initial public
   offering price to employees, officers, directors and agents of the Company
      and other members of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise (as defined
                                    herein).
 
  Application is being made for listing of the Class A Common Stock on the New
            York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") under the symbol "NFS."
                                   --------
  FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN CONNECTION
 WITH AN INVESTMENT IN THE CLASS A COMMON STOCK, SEE "RISK FACTORS" ON PAGE 12
                                    HEREIN.
                                   --------
 THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN  APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
   EXCHANGE  COMMISSION  OR ANY  STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION NOR  HAS  THE
     SECURITIES   AND  EXCHANGE   COMMISSION  OR   ANY  STATE   SECURITIES
       COMMISSION  PASSED  UPON  THE  ACCURACY OR  AD-  EQUACY  OF  THIS
         PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO  THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
           OFFENSE.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       Underwriting
                                               Price   Discounts and Proceeds to
                                             to Public  Commissions  Company(1)
                                             --------- ------------- -----------
<S>                                          <C>       <C>           <C>
Per Share...................................   $           $            $
Total (2)...................................   $           $            $
</TABLE>
(1) Before deduction of expenses payable by the Company estimated at $   .
(2) The Company has granted the U.S. Underwriters and the Managers an option,
    exercisable by Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation for 30 days from the
    date of this Prospectus, to purchase a maximum of    additional shares of
    Class A Common Stock to cover over-allotments of shares. If the option is
    exercised in full, the total Price to Public will be $   , Underwriting
    Discounts and Commissions will be $    and Proceeds to Company will be
    $   .
 
                                   --------
  The U.S. Shares are offered by the several U.S. Underwriters when, as and if
issued by the Company, delivered to and accepted by the U.S. Underwriters and
subject to their right to reject orders in whole or in part. It is expected
that the U.S. Shares will be ready for delivery on or about      , 1997,
against payment in immediately available funds.
 
Credit Suisse First Boston                                  Morgan Stanley & Co.
                                                               Incorporated
                              Merrill Lynch & Co.
 
                  The date of this Prospectus is      , 1997.
<PAGE>
 
  IN CONNECTION WITH THE EQUITY OFFERINGS, CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON
CORPORATION, ON BEHALF OF THE U.S. UNDERWRITERS AND THE MANAGERS, MAY OVER-
ALLOT OR EFFECT TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF
THE CLASS A COMMON STOCK AT A LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL
IN THE OPEN MARKET. SUCH TRANSACTIONS MAY BE EFFECTED ON THE NYSE OR
OTHERWISE. SUCH STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
 
  DURING THE EQUITY OFFERINGS, CERTAIN PERSONS AFFILIATED WITH PERSONS
PARTICIPATING IN THE DISTRIBUTION MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS FOR THEIR OWN
ACCOUNTS OR FOR THE ACCOUNTS OF OTHERS IN THE CLASS A COMMON STOCK PURSUANT TO
EXEMPTIONS FROM RULES 10B-6 AND 10B-7 UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934.
 
  FOR NORTH CAROLINA INVESTORS: THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR
DISAPPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE FOR THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA,
NOR HAS THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE RULED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF
THIS DOCUMENT.
 
                               ----------------
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
  The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (together with all
amendments, exhibits, schedules and supplements thereto, the "Registration
Statement") pursuant to the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"), and the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder, for the registration of the Class A Common Stock offered hereby.
This Prospectus, which constitutes a part of the Registration Statement, does
not contain all the information set forth in the Registration Statement,
certain portions of which have been omitted as permitted by the rules and
regulations of the Commission. For further information with respect to the
Company and the Class A Common Stock offered hereby, reference is made to the
Registration Statement, including exhibits thereto and financial statements
and notes filed as a part thereof. Statements made in this Prospectus
concerning the contents of any contract or other document are not necessarily
complete. With respect to each such contract or other document filed with the
Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, reference is made to
the exhibit for a more complete description of the matter involved, and each
such statement shall be deemed qualified in its entirety by such reference.
The Registration Statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto filed by the
Company with the Commission may be inspected at the public reference
facilities maintained by the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024,
Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the regional offices of the Commission located
at Seven World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048 and Citicorp Center, 500
West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such
materials may be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission
at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed
rates. In addition, the Commission maintains a Web site on the Internet at
http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and
other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the
Commission.
 
  As a result of the Equity Offerings, the Company will be subject to the
informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the "Exchange Act"). So long as the Company is subject to the periodic
reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, it will continue to furnish the
reports and other information required thereby to the Commission. The Company
intends to furnish the holders of the Class A Common Stock with annual reports
containing, among other information, audited consolidated financial statements
reported upon by an independent public accounting firm and quarterly reports
for each of the first three quarters of each fiscal year containing unaudited
condensed consolidated financial information. The Company also intends to
furnish such other reports as it may determine or as may be required by law.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
  The following summary is qualified in its entirety by and should be read in
conjunction with the more detailed information and financial statements
appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. The Company was formed in November 1996
as a holding company for Nationwide Life Insurance Company and the other
companies within the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise that offer or distribute
long-term savings and retirement products. The information contained in this
Prospectus gives effect to the acquisition of Nationwide Life and such other
companies by the Company and the other transactions described under "Recent
History." Except as otherwise indicated, consolidated financial statements and
statistical data presented in this Prospectus for the Company (including all
data set forth in the "Actual" column of any table contained herein) consist of
the consolidated financial statements of Nationwide Life and such other
companies and give effect to the transactions described under "Recent History,"
other than the Special Cash Dividends (as defined herein). Except as otherwise
indicated: (i) the information in this Prospectus assumes that the
Underwriters' over-allotment option is not exercised and (ii) all financial
data and ratios presented herein have been prepared using generally accepted
accounting principles ("GAAP"). See "Glossary of Selected Insurance Terms" for
the definitions of certain insurance terms used herein.
 
  As used in this Prospectus, the "Company" means Nationwide Financial
Services, Inc. and, unless the context otherwise requires, its subsidiaries;
"Nationwide Life" means Nationwide Life Insurance Company and Nationwide Life
and Annuity Insurance Company; "Nationwide Corp." means Nationwide Corporation;
"Nationwide Mutual" means Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company; and "Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise" means Nationwide Mutual and its subsidiaries and
affiliates. Nationwide(R) is a registered service mark of Nationwide Mutual,
and The Best of America(R) is a registered service mark of Nationwide Life.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
OVERVIEW
 
  The Company is a leading provider of long-term savings and retirement
products to retail and institutional customers throughout the United States.
The Company offers variable annuities, fixed annuities and life insurance as
well as mutual funds and pension products and administrative services. By
developing and offering a wide variety of products, the Company believes that
it has positioned itself to compete effectively in various stock market and
interest rate environments. The Company markets its products through a broad
spectrum of wholesale and retail distribution channels, including financial
planners, pension plan administrators, securities firms, banks and Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise insurance agents.
 
  The Company is one of the leaders in the development and sale of variable
annuities. For the first nine months of 1996, the Company was the third largest
U.S. writer of individual variable annuity contracts based on sales, according
to The Variable Annuity Research & Data Service ("VARDS"). Its principal
variable annuity series, The Best of America, allows the customer to choose
from 36 investment options, including mutual funds managed by such well-known
firms as Dreyfus, Fidelity, Janus, Neuberger & Berman, Oppenheimer, T. Rowe
Price, Templeton, Twentieth Century, Vanguard and Warburg Pincus, as well as
mutual funds managed by the Company.
 
  The Company is a member of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise, which is
known nationally as a writer of automobile and homeowners' insurance throughout
the United States. The property/casualty insurers within the Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise are the fifth largest property/casualty insurance group in
the United States based on 1995 net premiums written, according to A.M. Best
Company, Inc. ("A.M. Best").
 
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
  In the mid-1970s, to capitalize on anticipated opportunities in the growing
market for long-term savings and retirement products, the Company embarked on a
specific strategy of broadening its distribution channels and product offerings
beyond selling traditional life insurance to the automobile and homeowner
customers of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise. Over a 20-year period, the
Company added financial planners, pension plan administrators, securities firms
and banks as new distribution channels. Such distribution channels in the
aggregate accounted for approximately 93.4% of the Company's sales in 1995.
Currently, the Company administers approximately 15,000 pension plans and has
distribution arrangements with 125 banks and other financial institutions, over
1,000 broker/dealers and over 30,000 registered representatives. The Company
has payroll deduction variable annuity enrollee customers in approximately
6,000 state and local government entities and 1,800 school districts, which
have been obtained principally through sponsorship relationships with the
National Association of Counties and The United States Conference of Mayors and
an exclusive contractual arrangement with The National Education Association of
the United States.
 
  The Company's long-term investment in developing the distribution channels
necessary to reach its target customers and the products required to meet their
demands has resulted in substantial growth. From 1991 to 1995, the Company's
assets grew from $16.8 billion to $37.8 billion, a compound annual growth rate
of 22.5%. During the same period, the Company's net operating income grew from
$82.0 million to $184.8 million, a compound annual growth rate of 22.5%. The
Company's sales of variable annuities grew from $984.0 million in 1991 to $4.40
billion in 1995, a compound annual growth rate of 45.4%. The Company's separate
account assets, which are generated by the sale of variable annuities and
variable universal life insurance, grew from 27.5% of total assets at December
31, 1991 to 49.3% of total assets at December 31, 1995. During this period of
substantial growth, the Company controlled its operating expenses by taking
advantage of economies of scale and by increasing productivity through
investments in technology. From 1991 to 1995, the Company's total assets
increased by 124.9% while operating expenses increased by only 89.5%. As a
result, its ratio of operating expenses to total assets fell from 1.00% in 1991
to 0.84% in 1995.
 
  The Company believes that demographic trends and shifts in attitudes toward
retirement savings will continue to support increased consumer demand for its
products. According to U.S. Census Bureau projections, the number of Americans
between the ages of 45 and 64 will grow from 55.7 million in 1996 to 71.1
million in 2005, making this "preretirement" age group the fastest growing
segment of the U.S. population. The Company believes that Americans
increasingly are supplementing traditional sources of retirement income, such
as employer-provided defined benefit plans and Social Security, with self-
directed investments. Reflecting this shift, industry sales of individual
variable annuity products grew from $17.3 billion in 1991 to $51.5 billion in
1995, a compound annual growth rate of 31.4%, according to VARDS. During the
same period, industry individual variable annuity assets grew from $176 billion
to $401 billion, a compound annual growth rate of 22.9%, according to VARDS.
 
  The Company has three product segments: Variable Annuities, Fixed Annuities
and Life Insurance. The Variable Annuities segment, which accounted for $67.8
million (or 27.3%) of the Company's operating income before income taxes for
the first nine months of 1996, consists of annuity contracts that provide the
customer with the opportunity to invest in mutual funds managed by independent
investment managers and the Company, with investment returns accumulating on a
tax-deferred basis. The Fixed Annuities segment, which accounted for $103.8
million (or 41.7%) of the Company's operating income before income taxes for
the first nine months of 1996, consists of annuity contracts that generate a
return for the customer at a specified interest rate, fixed for a prescribed
period, with returns accumulating on a tax-deferred basis. The Fixed Annuities
segment also includes the fixed option under the Company's variable annuity
contracts, which accounted for 69.0% of the Company's fixed annuity policy
reserves as of December 31, 1995. The Life Insurance segment, which accounted
for $46.2 million (or 18.6%) of the Company's operating income before income
taxes for the first nine months of 1996, consists of insurance products,
including variable life insurance, that provide a death benefit and may also
allow the customer to build cash value on a tax-deferred basis.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
 
BUSINESS STRATEGIES
 
  The Company's objective is to continue its record of profitable growth by
following the strategies set forth below:
 
  Enhance the Company's Leading Position in the Market for Variable
Annuities. The Company believes that the variable annuity business is
attractive because it generates fee income and requires significantly less
capital support than fixed annuities and life insurance. The Company also
believes variable annuities will continue to experience high rates of industry
sales growth and that the Company possesses distinct competitive advantages
that will allow it to continue to benefit from this anticipated growth. Some of
the Company's most important advantages include its innovative product
offerings and strong relationships with independent, well-known fund managers.
For example, the Company's The Best of America IV and The Best of America--
America's Vision individual variable annuity contracts allow the customer to
choose from 36 investment options, including mutual funds managed by a variety
of well-known fund managers and the Company. In the aggregate, the Company's
group variable annuity products offer over 100 underlying investment options.
The Company works closely with its investment managers and product distributors
to adapt the Company's products and services to changes in the retail and
institutional marketplace.
 
  Capture a Growing Share of Sales in all Distribution Channels. The Company's
broad distribution system permits it to offer its products across a wide range
of markets and customers. The Company continually seeks to gain a larger share
of each of its distributor's sales by offering products that are attractive to
its distributors from both a financial perspective and in helping the
distributor build relationships with its customers. In addition to providing
new products to its distributors, the Company seeks to increase sales in each
of its existing distribution channels by cross-selling those products not
currently offered through such channel. The Company also seeks to add new
distributors to its existing channels and regularly evaluates possible new
distribution channels.
 
  Maintain a Diverse Product Portfolio. The Company offers a diverse mix of
annuity, mutual fund and life insurance products which it believes enables it
to grow profitably in a variety of stock market and interest rate environments
to a greater extent than a company that relies more heavily on a single product
segment. The Company emphasizes the sale and development of variable annuities,
which tend to experience higher sales growth when interest rates are falling,
and fixed annuities, which tend to experience higher sales growth when interest
rates are rising. The Company also sells traditional life insurance products
which it believes provide it with a stable source of revenues throughout
changing market conditions.
 
  Emphasize Payroll Deductions and Tax-Qualified and Group Annuities. To
further enable it to grow profitably in a variety of stock market and interest
rate environments, the Company concentrates on the sale of annuities through
payroll deductions and the sale of tax-qualified and group annuities. Annuities
sold through payroll deductions are somewhat insulated from changes in market
conditions because of the recurring nature of their deposits. In 1995, 48.5% of
the Company's total annuity statutory premiums and deposits were attributable
to payroll deductions. Group annuities and tax-qualified annuities are also
somewhat insulated from changes in market conditions because they usually are
provided through employers as a voluntary retirement benefit with a limited
number of competing investment options. In addition, tax-qualified annuities
subject the customer to a tax penalty for early withdrawal. Tax-qualified
annuities accounted for 71.9% and group annuities accounted for 44.1% of the
Company's total annuity statutory premiums and deposits in 1995.
 
  Build on the Company's Brand Strength. The Company believes that the brand
names it uses in connection with its products, such as Nationwide and The Best
of America, are well-known and have a strong reputation in the financial
services market. The Company intends to extend its brand names across markets,
applying The Best of America name across many of its wholesale and retail
distribution channels. The Company believes that, as the numbers of products
and competitors in its markets grow, consumers, distributors, retirement plan
sponsors and other decision makers in the market for long-term savings products
will continue to emphasize nationally known brand names.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
 
  Continue Commitment to Technological Excellence. The Company has made and is
committed to continue making significant investments in information systems to
enable it to offer innovative products, to more effectively cross-sell products
across distribution channels and to offer high quality service. The information
systems that the Company has developed for its variable products are costly to
replicate. The Company believes that these systems provide it with a
significant competitive advantage and impose a barrier to entry for new
competitors.
 
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDER
 
  Following the Equity Offerings, Nationwide Corp. will be the controlling
stockholder of the Company. Upon completion of the Equity Offerings, Nationwide
Corp. will own all of the outstanding shares of the Class B Common Stock,
representing   % of the combined voting power of the capital stock of the
Company (  % if the Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full).
Nationwide Corp. is a member of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise, a
diversified insurance and financial services organization with over 100
insurance and non-insurance subsidiaries and affiliates, offering a wide range
of insurance and investment products and services. Member insurance companies
of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise include Nationwide Mutual, the
controlling company of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise, and Nationwide
Mutual Fire Insurance Company ("Nationwide Mutual Fire"). The Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise had $64.7 billion in total statutory assets as of
September 30, 1996. See "Risk Factors--Control by and Relationship with the
Nationwide Insurance Enterprise; Conflicts of Interest" and "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions."
 
THE FIXED INCOME OFFERINGS
 
  Shortly following the Equity Offerings, the Company expects to consummate the
public offering of $300 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes, and
the NFS Trust expects to consummate the public offering of Capital Securities
with an aggregate liquidation amount of $100 million (collectively, the "Fixed
Income Offerings"). The consummation of the Equity Offerings is not conditioned
on the completion of the Fixed Income Offerings, and there can be no assurance
that either one or both of the Fixed Income Offerings will be consummated. See
"Use of Proceeds" and "The Fixed Income Offerings." The Fixed Income Offerings
are being made pursuant to separate prospectuses.
 
                                ----------------
 
  The Company's executive offices are located at One Nationwide Plaza,
Columbus, Ohio 43215, and its telephone number is (614) 249-7111.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
                              THE EQUITY OFFERINGS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 <C>                                                              <S>
 Class A Common Stock:
  U.S. Offering..................................................     shares
  International Offering.........................................     shares
        Total....................................................     shares
 Class A Common Stock outstanding after the Equity Offerings(1)..     shares
 Class B Common Stock outstanding after the Equity Offerings.....     shares
 Common Stock outstanding after the Equity Offerings(1)..........     shares
 Voting Rights................................................... On all matters submitted
                                                                  to a vote of
                                                                  stockholders, holders of
                                                                  Class A Common Stock are
                                                                  entitled to one vote per
                                                                  share and holders of
                                                                  Class B Common Stock are
                                                                  entitled to ten votes
                                                                  per share. See
                                                                  "Description of Capital
                                                                  Stock."
 Use of Proceeds................................................. Of the $    million
                                                                  estimated net proceeds
                                                                  from the Equity
                                                                  Offerings, the Company
                                                                  will contribute
                                                                  approximately $
                                                                  million to the capital
                                                                  of Nationwide Life and
                                                                  retain the balance for
                                                                  general corporate
                                                                  purposes. The Company
                                                                  expects to contribute
                                                                  all of the net proceeds
                                                                  from the Fixed Income
                                                                  Offerings to the capital
                                                                  of Nationwide Life. See
                                                                  "Use of Proceeds" and
                                                                  "The Fixed Income
                                                                  Offerings."
 Proposed NYSE symbol............................................ NFS
 Dividend policy................................................. The Company currently
                                                                  intends to pay quarterly
                                                                  cash dividends of $
                                                                  per share, subject to
                                                                  declaration by the
                                                                  Company's Board of
                                                                  Directors. The Company
                                                                  anticipates that the
                                                                  first dividend will be
                                                                  declared at the end of
                                                                  the second quarter and
                                                                  paid during the third
                                                                  quarter of 1997. There
                                                                  can be no assurances,
                                                                  however, that this
                                                                  dividend or any
                                                                  dividends will be paid
                                                                  by the Company. See
                                                                  "Dividend Policy."
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Does not include     million shares of Class A Common Stock reserved for
    issuance under the Company's Long-Term Equity Compensation Plan. See
    "Management--Long-Term Equity Compensation Plan."
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
  Potential purchasers of the shares of Class A Common Stock offered hereby
should carefully consider the risk factors set forth herein under "Risk
Factors" commencing on page 12, as well as other information contained in this
Prospectus.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
 
                      SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
  The following table sets forth certain summary consolidated financial data
for the Company. The consolidated income statement data set forth below for the
years ended December 31, 1992 through 1995 and the consolidated balance sheet
data as of December 31, 1992 through 1995 are derived from the consolidated
financial statements of the Company, which have been audited by KPMG Peat
Marwick LLP, independent certified public accountants. The consolidated income
statement data for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, and for
the year ended December 31, 1991, and the consolidated balance sheet data as of
September 30, 1996 and 1995, and as of December 31, 1991, are derived from the
unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company. The Company
believes that such unaudited financial data fairly reflect the consolidated
results of operations and the consolidated financial condition of the Company
for such periods. Segment and Other Data appearing below are unaudited. The
summary consolidated financial data set forth below should be read in
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company and notes
thereto and the other financial information, including "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," included
elsewhere herein. The results of operations for an interim period are not
necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for a full year or any
other interim period.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           AS OF OR FOR THE
                           NINE MONTHS ENDED
                             SEPTEMBER 30,          AS OF OR FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                          --------------------  -----------------------------------------------------
                            1996       1995       1995       1994       1993       1992       1991
                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                      (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
CONSOLIDATED INCOME
 STATEMENT DATA:
Total revenues..........  $ 1,500.9  $ 1,364.3  $ 1,837.0  $ 1,634.1  $ 1,639.3  $ 1,405.6  $ 1,238.5
Total benefits and
 expenses...............    1,248.0    1,142.2    1,555.9    1,393.7    1,363.5    1,289.2    1,130.4
Income before income
 taxes and cumulative
 effect of accounting
 changes................      252.9      222.1      281.2      240.4      275.8      116.4      108.1
Provision for income
 taxes..................       88.7       77.1       96.3       82.5       96.7       32.1       38.2
Cumulative effect of
 accounting changes.....        --         --         --         --        (0.1)       --         --
Net income..............      164.2      145.0      184.9      157.9      179.0       84.3       69.9
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE
 SHEET DATA:
General account assets..  $19,689.2  $18,439.3  $19,163.1  $16,567.8  $15,286.9  $14,320.1  $12,173.3
Separate account
 assets.................   24,673.5   17,039.4   18,591.1   12,087.1    9,006.4    6,081.4    4,615.0
Total assets............   44,362.7   35,478.7   37,754.2   28,654.9   24,293.3   20,401.5   16,788.3
Long-term debt..........        --         --         --         --         --         --         --
Total liabilities.......   42,288.1   33,590.5   35,644.1   27,161.2   22,884.2   19,179.7   15,650.9
Shareholder's
 equity(1)..............    2,074.6    1,888.2    2,110.1    1,493.7    1,409.1    1,221.8    1,137.4
Book value per
 share(2)...............
Adjusted book value per
 share(2)(3)............
SEGMENT AND OTHER DATA:
Operating income (loss)
 before income taxes by
 segment(4):
 Variable Annuities.....  $    67.8  $    40.2  $    50.8  $    24.6  $    10.4  $    13.1  $     9.9
 Fixed Annuities........      103.8      105.6      137.0      139.0      105.9       95.3       72.9
 Life Insurance.........       46.2       50.9       67.6       53.0       49.7       46.1       49.0
 Corporate and
  Other(1)(5)...........       30.8       18.9       27.5       40.3        3.6      (18.7)      (5.3)
Policy reserves by
 segment:
 Variable Annuities(6)..   22,265.1   15,382.6   16,761.8   10,751.1    7,854.8    5,028.2    3,585.1
 Fixed Annuities(6).....   13,220.8   12,425.5   12,784.0   11,247.0   10,154.1    9,659.8    7,952.1
 Life Insurance.........    2,842.0    2,604.2    2,660.5    2,425.2    2,255.0    2,084.8    1,914.0
 Corporate and
  Other(5)..............    3,107.7    2,497.1    2,644.3    2,252.7    2,103.9    1,823.0    1,702.5
Statutory premiums,
 deposits and other
 considerations by
 product segment(7):
 Variable Annuities(8)..    4,959.7    3,011.2    4,399.3    3,821.1    2,414.2    1,561.8      984.0
 Fixed Annuities(8).....    1,134.9    1,385.7    1,864.2    1,308.6    1,300.9    1,637.8    1,922.4
 Life Insurance.........      296.2      253.2      352.4      320.8      279.4      264.7      264.5
 Corporate and
  Other(5)..............      388.2       90.2      182.1      148.5      205.3       91.7       87.0
Net operating
 income(4)..............      160.3      139.6      184.8      168.2      109.7       97.0       82.0
Net operating income per
 share(2)(4)............
Return on average
 shareholder's
 equity(3)(4)...........       11.4%      11.1%      10.9%      11.2%       8.7%       8.9%       9.0%
</TABLE>
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
- --------
(1) The Company has received capital contributions and paid dividends over the
    periods presented as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    FOR THE YEAR ENDED
                             FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED                 DECEMBER 31,
                                   SEPTEMBER 30,         --------------------------------------------
                                 1996          1995       1995     1994      1993     1992     1991
                             ------------  ------------  -------  -------  --------  -------  -------
                                                   (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
    <S>                      <C>           <C>           <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>
    Capital contributions...       $  --         $  --    $  --   $ 200.0  $  100.0   $ 13.5  $ 206.0
    Dividends...............         (2.0)         (8.5)    (8.5)    (1.0)    (10.6)    (4.6)    (6.8)
                             ------------  ------------  -------  -------  --------  -------  -------
    Net contributions.......      $  (2.0)      $  (8.5) $  (8.5) $ 199.0   $  89.4  $   8.9  $ 199.2
                             ============  ============  =======  =======  ========  =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
  The capital contributions and dividends and the related increases and
  decreases to net investment income are recorded in the Corporate and Other
  segment. In addition, on December 31, 1994, the Company transferred $155.0
  million of invested assets from the Corporate and Other segment for the
  purchase of Employers Life Insurance Company of Wausau ("Employers Life").
  The transfer of the $155.0 million is recorded as a direct charge to
  shareholder's equity as discussed in "Management's Discussion and Analysis
  of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." The capital
  contributions, dividends and transfer of invested assets had a direct impact
  on the Company's shareholder's equity and the operating income (loss) before
  income taxes of the Corporate and Other segment.
(2) Based on      million shares outstanding.
(3) Adjusted to exclude net unrealized gains and losses recorded in
    shareholders' equity, including, where applicable, the effect of Statement
    of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115 ("SFAS 115").
(4) Excludes realized gains/(losses) and cumulative effect of accounting
    changes.
(5) The Corporate and Other segment includes net investment income on
    investments not allocated to the three product segments; all realized
    investment gains and losses; investment management fees, other revenues and
    operating expenses of Nationwide mutual funds other than the portion
    allocated to the Variable Annuities and Life Insurance segments;
    commissions and other income earned by the marketing and distribution
    subsidiaries of the Company; and revenues, benefits and expenses associated
    with group annuity contracts issued to Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
    employee and agent benefit plans.
(6) Policy reserves related to the fixed option under the Company's variable
    annuity contracts are included in Fixed Annuities. As of September 30, 1996
    and 1995 and as of December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, such amounts were
    $9.33 billion, $8.45 billion, $8.83 billion, $7.27 billion and $6.19
    billion, respectively.
(7) Statutory data have been derived from the Annual and Quarterly Statements
    of Nationwide Life, as filed with insurance regulatory authorities and
    prepared in accordance with statutory accounting practices.
(8) Statutory premiums, deposits and other considerations related to the fixed
    option under the Company's variable annuity contracts are included in Fixed
    Annuities. For the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995 and for
    the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, such amounts were $894.0
    million, $1.14 billion, $1.57 billion, $1.05 billion and $993.8 million,
    respectively.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
                 SUMMARY PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
  The summary pro forma consolidated financial data for the Company set forth
below give effect to the Equity Offerings, the Special Cash Dividends and the
Fixed Income Offerings as if they had been consummated at the beginning of the
period indicated or, in the case of the balance sheet data, as of the date
indicated. The summary pro forma financial data do not purport to reflect what
the Company's financial position or results of operations would actually have
been if the Equity Offerings, the Special Cash Dividends and the Fixed Income
Offerings had in fact occurred on such dates nor should they be taken as
indicative of the future results of operations of the Company. The pro forma
consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements of the Company and the notes thereto and the other
financial information pertaining to the Company included elsewhere herein. See
"Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data" and "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            FOR THE NINE MONTHS             FOR THE YEAR
                                   ENDED                        ENDED
                             SEPTEMBER 30, 1996           DECEMBER 31, 1995
                          ----------------------------  -------------------------
                            ACTUAL      PRO FORMA(1)    ACTUAL     PRO FORMA(1)
                          ------------  --------------  ---------  --------------
                           (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                       <C>           <C>             <C>        <C>
CONSOLIDATED OPERATING
 DATA:
Net income..............  $      164.2   $      145.5   $   184.9     $   160.0
Net operating in-
 come(2)(3).............         160.3          141.6       184.8         159.9
Net operating income per
 share(2)(3)(4).........
Return on average share-
 holders' equity(3)(5)..          11.4%          13.6%       10.9%         13.2%
<CAPTION>
                          AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                          ----------------------------
                            ACTUAL      PRO FORMA(1)
                          ------------  --------------
                           (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS,
                           EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                       <C>           <C>             <C>        <C>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE
 SHEET DATA:
General account assets..  $   19,689.2   $   19,601.2
Separate account as-
 sets...................      24,673.5       24,673.5
Total assets............      44,362.7       44,274.7
Long-term debt..........           --           300.0
Capital Securities(6)...           --           100.0
Shareholders' equity....       2,074.6        1,586.6
Debt/capital ratio(5)...           N/A           16.0%
Debt and Capital
 Securities/capital ra-
 tio(5).................           N/A           21.4%
Book value per
 share(4)...............
Adjusted book value per
 share(4)(5)............
</TABLE>
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
 
- --------
(1) Pro forma to give effect to (i) the Equity Offerings (assuming net proceeds
    of $   million and the issuance of     shares of Class A Common Stock),
    (ii) the Special Cash Dividends totalling $    million which will have been
    paid by the Company prior to the completion of the Equity Offerings, and
    (iii) the Fixed Income Offerings (assuming net proceeds of $    million).
    Results reflect the deduction of $    million and $    million of pre-tax
    net investment income as a result of the net decrease in invested assets of
    the Company of $    million.
(2) The $300 million aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes is assumed
    to bear interest at a rate of   % per annum for the periods indicated. The
    $100 million aggregate liquidation amount of the Capital Securities is
    assumed to pay cash distributions at a rate of   % per annum for the
    periods indicated. There can be no assurance that these will be the actual
    rates borne by such instruments. An increase of   % per annum in the
    assumed interest rate on the Senior Notes and in the assumed distribution
    rate on the Capital Securities would result in increases of $    million
    and $    million to interest expense for the nine months ended September
    30, 1996 and the year ended December 31, 1995, respectively.
(3) Excludes realized gains/(losses).
(4) Based on      million shares outstanding.
(5) Adjusted to exclude net unrealized gains and losses recorded in
    shareholders' equity in accordance with SFAS 115.
(6) The Capital Securities will be reflected in the Company's consolidated
    financial statements as "Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable capital
    securities of the NFS Trust, holding solely junior subordinated debentures
    of the Company" with a footnote indicating that all of the Common
    Securities of the NFS Trust are owned by the Company, the principal asset
    of which is the junior subordinated debentures (indicating the principal
    amount, interest rate and maturity date thereof), and that the NFS Trust's
    obligations with respect to the Capital Securities are effectively fully
    and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
 
                                 RISK FACTORS
 
  Prospective purchasers of the shares of Class A Common Stock offered hereby
should consider carefully the risk factors set forth below, as well as the
other information set forth in this Prospectus.
 
CONTROL BY AND RELATIONSHIP WITH THE NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE;
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
 
  The Company has two classes of common stock with different voting rights
that enable Nationwide Corp. (the holder of all of the outstanding Class B
Common Stock) to control the Company. On all matters submitted to a
stockholder vote, each share of Class A Common Stock is entitled to one vote
per share and each share of Class B Common Stock is entitled to ten votes per
share. Both classes vote together as a single class on all matters, subject to
certain exceptions described under "Description of Capital Stock." Upon any
transfer of shares of Class B Common Stock to a person other than an affiliate
of Nationwide Mutual, such shares will convert automatically into shares of
Class A Common Stock. See "Description of Capital Stock."
 
  Upon completion of the Equity Offerings, Nationwide Corp. will own all of
the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock representing approximately   %
of the combined voting power of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (  % if
the Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full). For so long as
Nationwide Corp. and its affiliates (excluding the Company and its
subsidiaries) continue beneficially to own shares of Common Stock representing
more than 50% of the combined voting power of the outstanding capital stock of
the Company, Nationwide Corp. will control the Company, will be able to elect
all of the Company's directors and will be able to determine the outcome of
corporate actions requiring stockholder approval, including, among other
things, the adoption of amendments of the Certificate of Incorporation of the
Company (the "Certificate"), the approval of mergers and sales of all or
substantially all of the Company's assets, the incurrence of indebtedness in
excess of specified amounts, the issuance of additional Common Stock or other
equity securities and, with certain specified exceptions, the payment of
dividends with respect to the Common Stock. Pursuant to an intercompany
agreement (the "Intercompany Agreement") among Nationwide Mutual, Nationwide
Corp. and the Company, until such time as Nationwide Corp. and its affiliates
no longer own at least 50% of the combined voting power of the outstanding
capital stock of the Company, the prior written consent of Nationwide Mutual
is required in connection with these and other corporate actions. See "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions--New Agreements with the Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise--Intercompany Agreement."
 
  While other members of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise sell life
insurance, primarily accident and health and group life insurance, the Company
is the principal member that offers variable annuity, fixed annuity and
individual universal, variable and traditional life insurance products.
Nationwide Mutual has informed the Company that it currently intends that the
Company will be its principal affiliate in the U.S. offering such products.
Further, in the Intercompany Agreement, Nationwide Mutual has agreed that the
Company has the exclusive right, subject to certain limited exceptions, to
distribute such products through Nationwide Insurance Enterprise insurance
agents for at least five years following the Equity Offerings. Thereafter, the
Intercompany Agreement provides that Nationwide Mutual will only have the
option to terminate such right on one year's notice if Nationwide Corp. and
its affiliates no longer own at least 50% of the combined voting power of the
outstanding capital stock of the Company. The termination of such right could
have an adverse effect on the Company's ability to distribute certain of its
life insurance products. In 1995, 6.6% of the Company's statutory premiums and
deposits were attributable to products sold by Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
insurance agents. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions--New
Agreements with the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise--Intercompany Agreement--
Nationwide Insurance Enterprise Insurance Agents."
 
  Nationwide Corp. has advised the Company that it currently intends to
maintain a direct or indirect ownership of at least 80% of the combined voting
power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company.   Nationwide
Corp., however, does not have any agreement with the Company not to sell the
Common Stock it holds. The Company has agreed that it will, upon the request
of Nationwide Corp., use its best efforts to effect the registration under
applicable federal and state securities laws of any shares of Common Stock
held by Nationwide Corp. and its affiliates. See "Certain Relationships and
Related Transactions--New Agreements with Nationwide Insurance Enterprise--
Intercompany Agreement--Registration Rights." Notwithstanding the foregoing,
Nationwide Corp. and the Company have agreed that, without the prior written
consent of Credit
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
Suisse First Boston Corporation, they will not offer, sell, contract to sell
or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, or file with the Commission a
registration statement under the Securities Act relating to any additional
shares of Class A Common Stock, or securities convertible into or exchangeable
or exercisable for shares of Class A Common Stock, for a period of 180 days
after the date of this Prospectus. See "Underwriting" and "Shares Eligible for
Future Sale."
 
  Beneficial ownership of at least 80% of the combined voting power and value
of the outstanding capital stock of the Company is required in order for
Nationwide Mutual to continue to include the Company in its consolidated group
for federal income tax purposes. Either a sale by Nationwide Corp. of some of
its shares of Class B Common Stock to persons other than its affiliates or the
Company's issuance of additional shares of voting stock to persons other than
Nationwide Corp. or its affiliates (except the Company and its subsidiaries)
could cause Nationwide Corp.'s ownership of the combined voting power and
value of the outstanding capital stock of the Company to fall below 80%,
resulting in the loss of the ability of the Company and its domestic
subsidiaries to join with Nationwide Mutual and its domestic subsidiaries in
the filing of a consolidated federal income tax return. Under applicable law,
each member of Nationwide Mutual's consolidated tax group, which includes the
Company and its subsidiaries, is jointly and severally liable for the federal
income tax liability of each other member of the group and is also jointly and
severally liable for pension and benefit funding and termination liabilities
of other group members, and certain benefit plan taxes. If the Company were no
longer included in Nationwide Mutual's consolidated tax group for federal tax
purposes, there is no assurance that the Company's tax position would be as
favorable as it is at present. Additionally, deconsolidation would result in
the payment by the Company of approximately $54.0 million of deferred income
taxes. The Company has recorded this amount as a deferred tax liability and
therefore the payment would have no impact on net income or shareholders'
equity. However, the payment would result in a $54.0 million decrease in
Nationwide Life's statutory surplus. See "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions--New Agreements with the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise--Tax
Sharing Agreement."
 
  By virtue of its control of the Company and the terms of a tax sharing
agreement (the "Tax Sharing Agreement") between the Company and Nationwide
Mutual, Nationwide Mutual effectively will control all of the Company's tax
decisions. Under the Tax Sharing Agreement, Nationwide Mutual will have sole
authority to respond to and conduct all tax proceedings (including tax audits)
relating to the Company, to file all returns on behalf of the Company and to
determine the amount of the Company's liability to (or entitlement to payment
from) Nationwide Corp. under the Tax Sharing Agreement. This arrangement may
result in conflicts of interest between the Company and Nationwide Mutual. For
example, under the Tax Sharing Agreement, Nationwide Mutual may choose to
contest, compromise or settle any adjustment or deficiency proposed by the
relevant tax authority in a manner that may be beneficial to Nationwide Mutual
and detrimental to the Company. Under the Tax Sharing Agreement, however,
Nationwide Mutual is obligated to act in good faith with regard to all persons
included in the applicable returns. See "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions--New Agreements with the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise--Tax
Sharing Agreement."
 
  Pursuant to the Intercompany Agreement, among other things, Nationwide
Mutual has granted to the Company and certain of its subsidiaries a non-
exclusive, non-assignable, revocable license to use the "Nationwide" name and
certain other service marks solely in connection with the Company's annuity,
pension and life insurance businesses and activities related to such
businesses. The Intercompany Agreement provides that, subject to Nationwide
Mutual's right to revoke such license under certain circumstances, such
license will remain in effect for at least five years following the Equity
Offerings. Thereafter, the Intercompany Agreement provides that, subject to
certain exceptions, Nationwide Mutual will only have the option to revoke such
license on one year's notice if Nationwide Corp. and its affiliates no longer
own at least 50% of the combined voting power of the outstanding capital stock
of the Company. Upon the revocation of such license, the Company and any of
its subsidiaries shall change their names to exclude the word "Nationwide" and
shall discontinue the use of the other licensed service marks. The revocation
of such license could have a material adverse effect on the Company's ability
to conduct its business. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions--
New Agreements with the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise--Intercompany
Agreement--License to Use Nationwide Name and Service Marks." Nationwide Life
owns "The Best of America" service mark and does not license such mark from
Nationwide Mutual.
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
  The Company's Board of Directors currently consists of eleven members, seven
of whom serve concurrently on the boards of directors of other companies
within the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise. In addition, a significant number
of officers of the Company also serve as officers of Nationwide Mutual or
other companies within the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise. Service as a
director or officer of both the Company and another company (other than a
subsidiary of the Company) within the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise could
create or appear to create potential conflicts of interest when the director
or officer is faced with decisions that could have different implications for
the Company and such other company. A conflict of interest could also exist
with respect to allocation of the time and attention of persons who are
officers of both the Company and one or more other companies within the
Nationwide Insurance Enterprise. Under Delaware law, directors and officers
have a fiduciary duty to act in good faith and in what they believe to be in
the best interests of the corporation and its stockholders. Such duties
include the duty to refrain from impermissible self-dealing and to deal fairly
with respect to transactions in which such directors or officers, or other
companies with which they are affiliated, have an interest.
 
  The Company has engaged in various transactions, and is party to various
arrangements, with members of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise, certain of
which will continue after the consummation of the Equity Offerings. In the
future, the Company may enter into agreements with members of the Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise that will not be the result of arm's-length negotiations
between independent parties. Conflicts of interest could arise with respect to
transactions involving members of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise, on the
one hand, and the Company, on the other hand. Any such transactions that are
material to the Company will be subject to approval by a vote of disinterested
members of the Company's Board of Directors. In addition, under Ohio insurance
holding company laws, arrangements and agreements between the Company's
insurance subsidiaries and other members of the Nationwide Insurance
Enterprise must be fair and equitable and may be subject to the approval of
the Superintendent of Insurance of the State of Ohio. Finally, the Company's
credit facility requires that any transaction between the Company and any of
its affiliates be on an arm's-length basis on terms at least as favorable to
the Company as could have been obtained from a third party which is not an
affiliate. See "Business--Regulation," "Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity" and "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions."
 
  Nationwide Mutual has informed the Company that it currently intends that
the Company will be its principal affiliate in the U.S. offering variable
annuity, fixed annuity and individual universal, variable and traditional life
insurance products. However, conflicts may exist between the Company and other
members of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise with respect to the allocation
of corporate opportunities among the Company and such other members. The
Certificate provides that members of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise have
no duty to refrain from engaging in the same or similar lines of business as
the Company. The Certificate further provides that in the event a member of
the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise or a director or officer of the Company
who is also a director or officer of another member of the Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or other
matter that may constitute a corporate opportunity of either or both the
Company and another member of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise, such member
of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise, officer or director may allocate such
opportunity among the Company and the other members of the Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise as such member, officer or director deems appropriate
under the circumstances. The Certificate specifies that none of the foregoing
members, officers or directors will be liable to the Company or any
stockholders of the Company for breach of any fiduciary duty by reason of such
action. These provisions may limit the liability of such persons under
Delaware law. See "Description of Capital Stock--Certain Provisions Relating
to Corporate Opportunities."
 
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
  All of the shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding as a result of the
Equity Offerings will be freely tradeable without restriction or further
registration under the Securities Act by persons other than affiliates of the
Company. The shares of Class B Common Stock held by Nationwide Corp. are
deemed "restricted securities" as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act
and may not be resold in the absence of registration under the Securities Act
or pursuant to an exemption from such registration, including the exemptions
contained in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. There can be no assurance that
holders of such "restricted securities" will not
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
seek to sell their shares of Common Stock following the Equity Offerings.
Sales of substantial amounts of Common Stock, or the perception that such
sales could occur, could adversely affect prevailing market prices for the
Class A Common Stock. See "Underwriting" and "Shares Eligible for Future
Sale."
 
  Each share of Class B Common Stock is convertible into one share of Class A
Common Stock at any time and is convertible automatically in certain
circumstances, including upon certain transfers. See "Description of Capital
Stock--Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock--Conversion." There can
be no assurance that shares of Class B Common Stock will not be converted into
Class A Common Stock (which shares would also be "restricted securities") or
that any holder or holders of such "restricted securities" will not seek to
sell their shares following the Equity Offerings whether pursuant to
registration rights or otherwise. The Company has agreed that it will, upon
the request of Nationwide Corp., use its best efforts to effect the
registration under applicable federal and state securities laws of any shares
of Common Stock held by Nationwide Corp. and its affiliates. See "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions--New Agreements with the Nationwide
Enterprise--Intercompany Agreement--Registration Rights."
 
HOLDING COMPANY STRUCTURE; RESTRICTIONS ON DIVIDENDS
 
  As an insurance holding company, the Company's ability to meet debt service
obligations and pay operating expenses and dividends depends primarily on the
receipt of sufficient funds from its principal operating subsidiary,
Nationwide Life. The inability of Nationwide Life to pay dividends to the
Company in an amount sufficient to meet debt service obligations and pay
operating expenses and dividends would have a material adverse effect on the
Company. The payment of dividends by Nationwide Life is subject to
restrictions set forth in the insurance laws and regulations of Ohio, its
domiciliary state. The Ohio insurance laws require Ohio-domiciled life
insurance companies to seek prior regulatory approval to pay a dividend or
distribution of cash or other property if the fair market value thereof,
together with that of other dividends or distributions made in the preceding
12 months, exceeds the greater of (i) 10% of policyholders' surplus as of the
prior December 31 or (ii) the net income of the insurer for the 12-month
period ending as of the prior December 31. The Ohio insurance laws also
require insurers to seek prior regulatory approval for any dividend paid from
other than earned surplus. The payment of dividends by Nationwide Life may
also be subject to restrictions set forth in the insurance laws of New York
that limit the amount of statutory profits on Nationwide Life's participating
policies (measured before dividends to policyholders) that can inure to the
benefit of the Company and its stockholders. The Company currently does not
expect such regulatory requirements to impair its ability to pay operating
expenses and stockholder dividends in the future. The Company can give no
assurance, however, that any dividends will be declared or paid by Nationwide
Life. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources" and "Business--
Regulation--Regulation of Dividends and Other Payments from Insurance
Subsidiaries."
 
REGULATION
 
  The Company's insurance subsidiaries are subject to extensive regulation and
supervision in the jurisdictions in which they do business. Such regulations,
in addition to limiting the amount of dividends and other payments that can be
paid by the Company's insurance subsidiaries without prior approval, impose
restrictions on the amount and type of investments the Company's insurance
subsidiaries may hold. These regulations also affect many other aspects of the
Company's insurance subsidiaries' businesses, including risk-based capital
requirements, the type and amount of required asset valuation reserve accounts
and policy forms. These regulations are primarily intended to protect
policyholders rather than stockholders. The Company cannot predict the effect
that any proposed or future legislation may have on the financial condition or
results of operations of the Company and its insurance subsidiaries. See
"Business--Regulation."
 
RATINGS
 
  Ratings have become an increasingly important factor in establishing the
competitive position of insurance companies. Ratings are important to
maintaining public confidence in the Company and its ability to market its
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
annuity and life insurance products. Rating organizations continually review
the financial performance and condition of insurers, including the Company.
Any lowering of the Company's ratings could have a material adverse effect on
the Company's ability to market its products and could increase the surrender
of the Company's annuity products. Both of these consequences could, depending
upon the extent thereof, have a material adverse effect on the Company's
liquidity and, under certain circumstances, net income. Nationwide Life is
rated "A+" (Superior) by A.M. Best. Based on its financial strength and claims
paying ability, respectively, Nationwide Life is rated "Aa2" (Excellent) by
Moody's Investors Services, Inc. ("Moody's") and "AA+" (Excellent) by Standard
& Poor's Corporation ("S&P"). The foregoing ratings are based upon factors of
concern to policyholders, agents and intermediaries and are not directed
toward the protection of investors. Such ratings are neither a rating of
securities nor a recommendation to buy, hold or sell any security. See
"Business--Ratings."
 
COMPETITION
 
  The Company competes with a large number of other insurers as well as non-
insurance financial services companies, such as banks, broker/dealers and
mutual funds, some of which have greater financial resources, offer
alternative products and, with respect to other insurers, have higher ratings
than the Company. The Company believes that competition in the Company's lines
of business is based on price, product features, commission structure,
perceived financial strength, claims-paying ratings, service and name
recognition. National banks, with their preexisting customer bases for
financial services products, may pose increasing competition in the future to
insurers who sell annuities, including the Company, as a result of the U.S.
Supreme Court's 1994 decision in NationsBank of North Carolina v. Variable
Annuity Life Insurance Company, which permits national banks to sell annuity
products of life insurance companies in certain circumstances.
 
  Several proposals to repeal or modify the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933, as
amended, and the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, have been made
by members of Congress and the Clinton Administration. Currently, the Bank
Holding Company Act restricts banks from being affiliated with insurance
companies. None of these proposals has yet been enacted, and it is not
possible to predict whether any of these proposals will be enacted, or, if
enacted, their potential effect on the Company. See "Business--Competition."
 
SENSITIVITY TO INTEREST RATES
 
  The Company is exposed to risk of disintermediation and reduction in
interest spread or profit margins when interest rates fluctuate. Bond calls,
mortgage prepayments, contract surrenders and withdrawals of annuities and
life insurance policies are influenced by the interest rate environment.
Because the Company's general account investment portfolio consists primarily
of fixed income assets, the investment portfolio market value and the yields
on newly invested and reinvested assets vary depending on interest rates.
Management attempts to mitigate the negative impact of interest rate changes
through asset/liability management, product design, management of crediting
rates, relatively high surrender charges and management of mortality charges
and dividend scales with respect to its in-force life insurance policies, but
there can be no assurance that such attempts will be completely successful.
See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations--Inflation" and "Business--Investments."
 
SALES PRACTICE LITIGATION
 
  In recent years, life insurance companies, including the Company, have been
named as defendants in lawsuits relating to life insurance pricing and sales
practices. There can be no assurance that any future litigation relating to
pricing and sales practices will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company.
 
FEDERAL INCOME TAX LEGISLATION
 
  Current federal income tax laws generally permit the tax-deferred
accumulation of earnings on the premiums paid by the holders of annuities and
life insurance products. Taxes, if any, are payable on the accumulated tax-
deferred earnings when such earnings are actually paid. Congress has, from
time to time,
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
considered possible legislation that would eliminate the deferral of taxation
on the accretion of value within certain annuities and life insurance
products. The 1994 United States Supreme Court ruling in NationsBank of North
Carolina v. Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company that annuities are not
insurance for purposes of the National Bank Act may cause Congress to consider
legislation that would eliminate such tax deferral at least for certain
annuities. Other possible legislation, including a simplified "flat tax"
income tax structure with an exemption from taxation for investment income,
could also adversely affect purchases of annuities and life insurance if such
legislation were to be enacted. There can be no assurance as to whether
legislation will be enacted which would contain provisions with possible
adverse effects on the Company's annuity and life insurance products. See
"Business--Regulation--Potential Tax Legislation."
 
CERTAIN ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS
 
  The Certificate and Bylaws of the Company (the "Bylaws") contain certain
provisions that could impede any merger, consolidation, takeover or other
business combination involving the Company or discourage a potential acquiror
from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of the
Company. Provisions contained in the Certificate, among other things, (i)
divide the Board of Directors of the Company into three classes, which will
serve for staggered three-year terms, (ii) provide that a director of the
Company may be removed only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of
holders of outstanding securities of the Company which represent a majority of
the voting power of all outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company
eligible to vote on such matters, (iii) provide that only the Board of
Directors of the Company, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief
Executive Officer or the President of the Company may call special meetings of
the stockholders, (iv) eliminate the ability of the stockholders to take any
action without a meeting and (v) provide that the stockholders may amend or
repeal any of the foregoing provisions of the Certificate and certain
provisions of the Bylaws only by a vote of holders of outstanding securities
of the Company which represent two-thirds of the combined voting power of the
outstanding capital stock of the Company eligible to vote on such matters. In
addition, the Bylaws establish certain advance notice procedures for
nomination of candidates for election as directors and for stockholders'
proposals to be considered at stockholders' meetings. Nationwide Corp., as
owner of approximately   % of the combined voting power of all classes of
capital stock of the Company, could sell or otherwise dispose of a substantial
portion of its Common Stock holdings and still be able to block any merger,
consolidation, takeover or other business combination. In addition, the
Company is subject to the provisions of Section 203 ("Section 203") of the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "DGCL"). See
"Description of Capital Stock."
 
DILUTION
 
  Purchasers of the shares of Class A Common Stock offered hereby will
experience immediate and substantial dilution in the net tangible book value
of their investment. See "Dilution."
 
NO PRIOR MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK
 
  Prior to the Equity Offerings, there has been no public market for the Class
A Common Stock and there can be no assurance that an active trading market
will develop and continue upon completion of the Equity Offerings or that the
market price for the Class A Common Stock will not decline below the initial
public offering price. The initial public offering price was determined
through negotiations between the Company and Credit Suisse First Boston
Corporation, on behalf of the U.S. Underwriters and the Managers, and may not
be indicative of the market price for the Class A Common Stock following the
Equity Offerings. See "Underwriting."
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
  Based upon an assumed initial public offering price of $   per share, the
net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the Class A Common Stock in the
Equity Offerings (after deduction of underwriting discounts and commissions
and estimated offering expenses payable by the Company in connection
therewith) are estimated to be $   million ($   million if the Underwriters'
over-allotment option is exercised in full). The net proceeds to the Company
from the Fixed Income Offerings (after deduction of underwriting discounts and
commissions or, with respect to the Capital Securities offering, similar
amounts, and estimated offering expenses payable by the Company in connection
therewith) are estimated to be $  . Of the net proceeds from the Equity
Offerings, the Company expects to contribute approximately $   million to the
capital of Nationwide Life. The Company will retain the balance of such net
proceeds for general corporate purposes. The Company expects to contribute all
of the net proceeds from the Fixed Income Offerings to the capital of
Nationwide Life.
 
                                RECENT HISTORY
 
  The Company was formed in November 1996 as a holding company for Nationwide
Life and the other companies within the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise that
offer or distribute long-term savings and retirement products. Prior to the
Equity Offerings, Nationwide Corp. will acquire all of the Class B Common
Stock of the Company in exchange for all of the outstanding capital stock of
Nationwide Life and such other companies. Prior to such exchange, Nationwide
Life (i) will pay on December 31, 1996 a cash dividend of $50.0 million to
Nationwide Corp. (the "1996 Cash Dividend") and (ii) will dividend on January
1, 1997 to Nationwide Corp. the stock of certain of its subsidiaries that do
not operate in the long-term savings and retirement market. Prior to the
consummation of the Equity Offerings, Nationwide Life will pay an additional
cash dividend of $   million to the Company, and the Company will pay an equal
cash dividend to Nationwide Corp. (together with the 1996 Cash Dividend, the
"Special Cash Dividends"). In addition, effective January 1, 1996, Nationwide
Life reinsured all of its accident and health and group life insurance
business to other members of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise. See "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions--Existing Arrangements with the
Nationwide Insurance Enterprise--Organization of the Company" and "--Modified
Coinsurance Agreements."
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
                                CAPITALIZATION
 
  The following table sets forth, as of September 30, 1996, (i) the actual
capitalization of the Company, (ii) the actual capitalization of the Company
as adjusted to give effect to the Equity Offerings (assuming net proceeds of
$  million and issuance of     shares of Class A Common Stock) and the Special
Cash Dividends totalling $  million which will be paid by the Company prior to
the completion of the Equity Offerings and (iii) the adjusted capitalization
of the Company as further adjusted to give effect to the Fixed Income
Offerings (assuming net proceeds of $  million). This table should be read in
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company and the
notes thereto included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                                -----------------------------------------------
                                                                  AS FURTHER
                                   ACTUAL        AS ADJUSTED       ADJUSTED
                                -------------- ---------------- ---------------
                                 (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                             <C>            <C>              <C>
Senior Notes..................  $          --   $          --    $        300.0
Company-obligated mandatorily
 redeemable capital securities
 of the NFS Trust, holding
 solely junior subordinated
 debentures of the
 Company(1)...................             --              --             100.0
Shareholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, no par
   value;     shares
   authorized;
   no shares issued and
   outstanding................             --              --               --
  Class A Common Stock, no par
   value;     shares
   authorized; no shares
   issued and outstanding (
   as adjusted and as further
   adjusted)..................             --
  Class B Common Stock, no par
   value;     shares
   authorized;     shares
   issued and outstanding (
   as adjusted and as further
   adjusted)..................             --
  Additional paid-in capital..           602.5         1,014.5          1,014.5
  Unrealized gains on securi-
   ties available-for-sale,
   net........................           114.5           114.5            114.5
  Retained earnings...........         1,357.6           457.6            457.6
                                --------------  --------------   --------------
  Total shareholders' equity..         2,074.6         1,586.6          1,586.6
                                --------------  --------------   --------------
  Total capitalization........  $      2,074.6  $      1,586.6   $      1,986.6
                                ==============  ==============   ==============
Debt/capital ratio(2).........             N/A             N/A             16.0%
Debt and Capital
 Securities/capital ratio(2)..             N/A             N/A             21.4%
Book value per share..........  $                                $
Adjusted book value per
 share(2).....................  $                                $
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) The Capital Securities will be reflected in the Company's consolidated
    financial statements as "Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable capital
    securities of the NFS Trust, holding solely junior subordinated debentures
    of the Company" with a footnote indicating that all of the Common
    Securities of the NFS Trust are owned by the Company, the principal asset
    of which is the junior subordinated debentures (indicating the principal
    amount, interest rate and maturity date thereof), and that the NFS Trust's
    obligations with respect to the Capital Securities are effectively fully
    and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company.
(2) Adjusted to exclude the effect of SFAS 115.
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
                                DIVIDEND POLICY
 
  The Company currently intends to pay quarterly cash dividends of $     per
share. The Company anticipates that the first dividend will be declared in the
second quarter and paid in the third quarter of 1997. The payment of dividends
is subject to the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors and will
depend upon general business conditions, the effect on claims paying and debt
ratings, legal restrictions on the payment of dividends by its insurance
subsidiaries and other factors the Board of Directors deems relevant.
Additionally, until Nationwide Mutual and its affiliates no longer own at
least 50% of the combined voting power of the outstanding capital stock of the
Company, Nationwide Mutual's prior approval is required for payment by the
Company of dividends exceeding specified amounts. See "Certain Relationships
and Related Transactions--New Agreements with the Nationwide Insurance
Enterprise--Intercompany Agreement." There is no requirement or assurance that
any dividends will be paid. For a discussion of the Company's cash sources and
needs, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
  As an insurance holding company, the Company depends primarily on dividends
and other permitted payments from its principal operating subsidiary,
Nationwide Life, to pay cash dividends to stockholders as well as to meet debt
service requirements and pay operating expenses. Payment of dividends and
other payments by Nationwide Life are subject to restrictions contained in the
Ohio insurance laws and may be subject to restrictions contained in the New
York insurance laws. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources" and
"Business--Regulation--Regulation of Dividends and Other Payments from
Insurance Subsidiaries."
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
                                   DILUTION
 
  As of September 30, 1996, the pro forma net tangible book value of the
Company, after giving effect to the Special Cash Dividends totalling $
million, was $    million, or $    per share of Common Stock. Net tangible
book value per share of Common Stock represents the amount of the Company's
total tangible assets (total assets less deferred policy acquisition costs)
less total liabilities divided by the number of shares of Common Stock
outstanding. After giving effect to the Special Cash Dividends and the sale by
the Company of shares of Class A Common Stock in the Equity Offerings (at an
assumed initial public offering price of $    per share and after deduction of
underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses) and
the application by the Company of the estimated net proceeds therefrom, the
pro forma net tangible book value of the Company as of September 30, 1996
would have been $    million, or $    per share of Common Stock. This amount
represents an immediate increase of $    per share to the existing stockholder
and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of $    per share to new
investors purchasing shares of Class A Common Stock offered hereby at the
assumed initial public offering price. The following table illustrates this
per share dilution:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                <C>    <C>
Assumed initial public offering price per share of Class A Common
 Stock...........................................................         $
  Pro forma net tangible book value per share before the Equity
   Offerings.....................................................  $
  Increase attributable to the Equity Offerings..................
                                                                   ------
Pro forma net tangible book value per share after the Equity Of-
 ferings.........................................................
                                                                          ------
Dilution per share to new investors..............................         $
                                                                          ======
</TABLE>
 
  The following table sets forth on a pro forma basis as of September 30,
1996, after giving effect to the sale by the Company of shares of Class A
Common Stock in the Equity Offerings at an assumed initial public offering
price of $    per share (before deducting estimated underwriting discounts and
commissions), the difference between the number of shares of Common Stock
purchased from the Company, the total consideration paid and the average price
per share paid by the existing stockholder and the new investors.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            SHARES           TOTAL
                                          PURCHASED      CONSIDERATION   AVERAGE
                                        ---------------- --------------   PRICE
                                        NUMBER   PERCENT AMOUNT PERCENT PER SHARE
                                        ------   ------- ------ ------- ---------
<S>                                     <C>      <C>     <C>    <C>     <C>
Existing stockholder...................     (1)       %   $          %    $
New investors..........................
                                         ---     ------   ----  ------
  Total................................          100.0%   $     100.0%
                                         ===     ======   ====  ======
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Consists of shares of Class B Common Stock. See "Description of Capital
    Stock."
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
                     SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
  The following table sets forth certain selected consolidated financial data
for the Company. The consolidated income statement data set forth below for
the years ended December 31, 1992 through 1995 and the consolidated balance
sheet data as of December 31, 1992 through 1995 are derived from the
consolidated financial statements of the Company, which have been audited by
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public accountants. The
consolidated income statement data for the nine months ended September 30,
1996 and 1995, and for the year ended December 31, 1991, and the consolidated
balance sheet data as of September 30, 1996 and 1995, and as of December 31,
1991, are derived from the unaudited consolidated financial statements of the
Company. The Company believes that such unaudited financial data fairly
reflect the consolidated results of operations and the consolidated financial
condition of the Company for such periods. Segment and Other Data appearing
below are unaudited. The selected consolidated financial data set forth below
should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of
the Company and the notes thereto and the other financial information,
including "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations," included elsewhere herein. The results of operations
for an interim period are not necessarily indicative of results that may be
expected for a full year or any other interim period.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           AS OF OR FOR THE
                              NINE MONTHS
                                 ENDED
                             SEPTEMBER 30,        AS OF OR FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                          ------------------- -----------------------------------------------------
                            1996      1995      1995       1994       1993       1992       1991
                          --------- --------- ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                      (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                       <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
CONSOLIDATED INCOME
 STATEMENT DATA:
Revenues:
 Policy charges.........  $   283.3 $   208.1 $   286.6  $   217.2  $   165.5  $   131.3  $   104.2
 Life insurance
  premiums..............      151.0     151.4     199.1      176.7      188.4      200.2      220.4
 Net investment income..    1,009.6     954.5   1,294.0    1,210.8    1,131.2    1,049.4      901.7
 Realized gains/(losses)
  on investments........        4.3       6.5      (1.7)     (16.5)     106.2      (19.4)     (18.4)
 Other income...........       52.7      43.8      59.0       45.9       48.1       44.1       30.6
                          --------- --------- ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
 Total revenues.........    1,500.9   1,364.3   1,837.0    1,634.1    1,639.3    1,405.6    1,238.5
                          --------- --------- ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Benefits and expenses:
 Benefits and claims....      867.6     828.0   1,115.5      992.7      982.2      966.3      880.8
 Policyholder
  dividends.............       31.4      29.4      39.9       38.8       43.0       45.7       47.8
 Amortization of
  deferred policy
  acquisition costs.....       96.8      63.0      82.7       85.6       70.2       49.2       34.1
 Operating expenses.....      252.2     221.8     317.8      276.6      268.2      228.0      167.7
                          --------- --------- ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
 Total benefits and ex-
  penses................    1,248.0   1,142.2   1,555.9    1,393.7    1,363.5    1,289.2    1,130.4
                          --------- --------- ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Income before income
 taxes and cumulative
 effect of accounting
 changes................      252.9     222.1     281.2      240.4      275.8      116.4      108.1
Provision for income
 taxes..................       88.7      77.1      96.3       82.5       96.7       32.1       38.2
Cumulative effect of
 accounting changes.....        --        --        --         --        (0.1)       --         --
                          --------- --------- ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
 Net income.............  $   164.2 $   145.0 $   184.9  $   157.9  $   179.0  $    84.3  $    69.9
                          ========= ========= =========  =========  =========  =========  =========
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE
 SHEET DATA:
General account assets..  $19,689.2 $18,439.3 $19,163.1  $16,567.8  $15,286.9  $14,320.1  $12,173.3
Separate account
 assets.................   24,673.5  17,039.4  18,591.1   12,087.1    9,006.4    6,081.4    4,615.0
Total assets............   44,362.7  35,478.7  37,754.2   28,654.9   24,293.3   20,401.5   16,788.3
Long-term debt..........        --        --        --         --         --         --         --
Total liabilities.......   42,288.1  33,590.5  35,644.1   27,161.2   22,884.2   19,179.7   15,650.9
Shareholder's
 equity(1)..............    2,074.6   1,888.2   2,110.1    1,493.7    1,409.1    1,221.8    1,137.4
Book value per
 share(2)...............
Adjusted book value per
 share(2)(3)............
SEGMENT AND OTHER DATA:
Operating income (loss)
 before income taxes by
 segment(4):
 Variable Annuities.....  $    67.8 $    40.2 $    50.8  $    24.6  $    10.4  $    13.1  $     9.9
 Fixed Annuities........      103.8     105.6     137.0      139.0      105.9       95.3       72.9
 Life Insurance.........       46.2      50.9      67.6       53.0       49.7       46.1       49.0
 Corporate and
  Other(1)(5)...........       30.8      18.9      27.5       40.3        3.6      (18.7)      (5.3)
</TABLE>
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           AS OF OR FOR THE
                              NINE MONTHS
                                 ENDED
                             SEPTEMBER 30,         AS OF OR FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                          --------------------  ---------------------------------------------------
                            1996       1995       1995       1994       1993       1992      1991
                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  --------
                                     (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>
Policy reserves by seg-
 ment:
 Variable Annuities(6)..  $22,265.1  $15,382.6  $16,761.8  $10,751.1  $ 7,854.8  $5,028.2  $3,585.1
 Fixed Annuities(6).....   13,220.8   12,425.5   12,784.0   11,247.0   10,154.1   9,659.8   7,952.1
 Life Insurance.........    2,842.0    2,604.2    2,660.5    2,425.2    2,255.0   2,084.8   1,914.0
 Corporate and
  Other(5)..............    3,107.7    2,497.1    2,644.3    2,252.7    2,103.9   1,823.0   1,702.5
Statutory premiums,
 deposits and other
 considerations by
 product segment(7):
 Variable Annuities(8)..    4,959.7    3,011.2    4,399.3    3,821.1    2,414.2   1,561.8     984.0
 Fixed Annuities(8).....    1,134.9    1,385.7    1,864.2    1,308.6    1,300.9   1,637.8   1,922.4
 Life Insurance.........      296.2      253.2      352.4      320.8      279.4     264.7     264.5
 Corporate and
  Other(5)..............      388.2       90.2      182.1      148.5      205.3      91.7      87.0
Net operating in-
 come(4)................      160.3      139.6      184.8      168.2      109.7      97.0      82.0
Net operating income per
 share (2)(4)...........
Return on average share-
 holder's equity(3)(4)..       11.4%      11.1%      10.9%      11.2%       8.7%      8.9%      9.0%
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) The Company has received capital contributions and paid dividends over the
    periods presented as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               FOR THE
                             NINE MONTHS
                                ENDED
                            SEPTEMBER 30,   FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                            --------------  ------------------------------------
                             1996    1995   1995    1994    1993   1992    1991
                            ------  ------  -----  ------  ------  -----  ------
                                        (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
   <S>                      <C>     <C>     <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>    <C>
   Capital contributions... $  --   $  --   $ --   $200.0  $ 13.5  $13.5  $206.0
   Dividends...............   (2.0)   (8.5)  (8.5)   (1.0)  (10.6)  (4.6)   (6.8)
                            ------  ------  -----  ------  ------  -----  ------
   Net contributions....... $ (2.0) $ (8.5) $(8.5) $199.0  $ 89.4  $ 8.9  $199.2
                            ======  ======  =====  ======  ======  =====  ======
</TABLE>
 
  The capital contributions and dividends and the related increases and
  decreases to net investment income are recorded in the Corporate and Other
  segment. In addition, on December 31, 1994, the Company transferred $155.0
  million of invested assets from the Corporate and Other segment for the
  purchase of Employers Life. The transfer of the $155.0 million is recorded
  as a direct charge to shareholder's equity as discussed in "Management's
  Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
  The capital contributions, dividends and transfer of invested assets had a
  direct impact on the Company's shareholder's equity and the operating income
  (loss) before income taxes of the Corporate and Other segment.
(2) Based on      million shares outstanding.
(3) Adjusted to exclude net unrealized gains and losses recorded in
    shareholders' equity, including, where applicable, the effect of SFAS 115.
(4) Excludes realized gains/(losses) and cumulative effect of accounting
    changes.
(5) The Corporate and Other segment includes net investment income on
    investments not allocated to the three product segments; all realized
    investment gains and losses; investment management fees; other revenues
    and operating expenses of Nationwide mutual funds other than the portion
    allocated to the Variable Annuities and Life Insurance segments;
    commissions and other income earned by the marketing and distribution
    subsidiaries of the Company; and revenues, benefits and expenses
    associated with group annuity contracts issued to Nationwide Insurance
    Enterprise employee and agent benefit plans.
(6) Policy reserves related to the fixed option under the Company's variable
    annuity contracts are included in Fixed Annuities. As of September 30,
    1996 and 1995 and as of December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, such amounts
    were $9.33 billion, $8.45 billion, $8.83 billion, $7.27 billion and $6.19
    billion, respectively.
(7) Statutory data have been derived from the Annual and Quarterly Statements
    of Nationwide Life, as filed with insurance regulatory authorities and
    prepared in accordance with statutory accounting practices.
(8) Statutory premiums, deposits and other considerations related to the fixed
    option under the Company's variable annuity contracts are included in
    Fixed Annuities. For the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995 and
    for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, such amounts were
    $894.0 million, $1.14 billion, $1.57 billion, $1.05 billion and $993.8
    million, respectively.
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
                     PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
  The pro forma consolidated financial data for the Company set forth below
give effect to the Equity Offerings, the Special Cash Dividends and the Fixed
Income Offerings as if they had been consummated at the beginning of the
period indicated or, in the case of the balance sheet data, as of the date
indicated. The pro forma financial data do not purport to reflect what the
Company's financial position or results of operations would actually have been
if the Equity Offerings, the Special Cash Dividends and the Fixed Income
Offerings had in fact occurred on such dates nor should they be taken as
indicative of the future results of operations of the Company. The pro forma
consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements of the Company and the notes thereto and the
other financial information pertaining to the Company included elsewhere
herein. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            FOR THE NINE MONTHS
                                   ENDED                FOR THE YEAR ENDED
                            SEPTEMBER 30, 1996           DECEMBER 31, 1995
                          --------------------------- ---------------------------
                           ACTUAL      PRO FORMA(1)    ACTUAL      PRO FORMA(1)
                          -----------  -------------- -----------  --------------
                           (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                       <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
CONSOLIDATED INCOME
 STATEMENT DATA:
Revenues:
 Policy charges.........  $     283.3    $     283.3  $     286.6    $     286.6
 Life insurance premi-
  ums...................        151.0          151.0        199.1          199.1
 Net investment income..      1,009.6        1,003.9      1,294.0        1,286.3
 Realized gains/(losses)
  on investments........          4.3            4.3         (1.7)          (1.7)
 Other income...........         52.7           52.7         59.0           59.1
                          -----------    -----------  -----------    -----------
  Total revenues........      1,500.9        1,495.2      1,837.0        1,829.4
                          -----------    -----------  -----------    -----------
Benefits and Expenses:
 Benefits and claims....        867.6          867.6      1,115.5        1,115.5
 Policyholder divi-
  dends.................         31.4           31.4         39.9           39.9
 Amortization of de-
  ferred policy acquisi-
  tion costs............         96.8           96.8         82.7           82.7
 Operating expenses.....        252.2          252.2        317.8          317.8
 Interest expense (2)...          --            23.0          --            30.6
                          -----------    -----------  -----------    -----------
  Total benefits and ex-
   penses...............      1,248.0        1,271.0      1,555.9        1,586.5
                          -----------    -----------  -----------    -----------
Income before income
 taxes..................        252.9          224.2        281.2          242.9
Provision for income
 taxes..................         88.7           78.7         96.3           82.9
                          -----------    -----------  -----------    -----------
Net income..............  $     164.2    $     145.5  $     184.9    $     160.0
                          ===========    ===========  ===========    ===========
OTHER DATA:
Net operating in-
 come(2)(3).............  $     160.3    $     141.6  $     184.8    $     159.9
Net operating income per
 share(2)(3)(4).........
Return on average share-
 holders' equity(3)(5)..         11.4%          13.6%        10.9%          13.2%
</TABLE>
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                                                    ----------------------------
                                                      ACTUAL     PRO FORMA(1)
                                                    ------------ ---------------
                                                     (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS,
                                                     EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                 <C>          <C>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
General account assets............................. $   19,689.2  $   19,601.2
Separate account assets............................     24,673.5      24,673.5
Total assets.......................................     44,362.7      44,274.7
Long-term debt.....................................          --          300.0
Capital Securities(6)..............................          --          100.0
Shareholders' equity...............................      2,074.6       1,586.6
Debt/capital ratio(5)..............................          N/A          16.0%
Debt and Capital Securities/capital ratio(5).......          N/A          21.4%
Book value per share(4)............................
Adjusted book value per share(4)(5)................
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Pro forma to give effect to (i) the Equity Offerings (assuming net
    proceeds of $   million and the issuance of         shares of Class A
    Common Stock), (ii) the Special Cash Dividends totalling $    million
    which will have been paid by the Company prior to the completion of the
    Equity Offerings and (iii) the Fixed Income Offerings (assuming net
    proceeds of $    million). Results reflect the deduction of $    million
    and $    million of pre-tax investment income as a result of the net
    decrease in invested assets of the Company of $    million.
(2) The $300 million aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes is assumed
    to bear interest at a rate of   % per annum for the periods indicated. The
    $100 million aggregate liquidation amount of the Capital Securities is
    assumed to pay cash distributions at a rate of  % per annum for the
    periods indicated. There can be no assurance that these will be the actual
    rates borne by such instruments. An increase of   % per annum in the
    assumed interest rate on the Senior Notes and on the assumed distribution
    rate on the Capital Securities would result in increases of $   million
    and $   million to interest expense for the nine months ended September
    30, 1996 and the year ended December 31, 1995, respectively.
(3) Excludes realized gains/(losses).
(4) Based on      million shares outstanding.
(5) Adjusted to exclude net unrealized gains and losses recorded in
    shareholders' equity in accordance with SFAS 115.
(6) The Capital Securities will be reflected in the Company's consolidated
    financial statements as "Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable capital
    securities of the NFS Trust, holding solely junior subordinated debentures
    of the Company" with a footnote indicating that all of the Common
    Securities of the NFS Trust are owned by the Company, the principal asset
    of which is the junior subordinated debentures (including the principal
    amount, interest rate and maturity date thereof), and that the NFS Trust's
    obligations with respect to the Capital Securities are effectively fully
    and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company.
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
INTRODUCTION
 
  The following analysis of consolidated results of operations and financial
condition of the Company should be read in conjunction with "Selected
Consolidated Financial Data," "Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data" and the
Consolidated Financial Statements and related footnotes included elsewhere in
this Prospectus.
 
  The Company was formed in November 1996 as a holding company for Nationwide
Life and the other companies within the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise that
offer or distribute long-term savings and retirement products. The
consolidated financial information discussed below: (i) includes the results
of operations of Nationwide Life and the related marketing and distribution
companies as though they had been consolidated with the Company for all
periods presented; (ii) excludes, for all periods presented, the results of
operations for those subsidiaries of Nationwide Life that Nationwide Life will
dividend to Nationwide Corp. prior to the Equity Offerings; and (iii) reflects
the impact of reinsurance agreements between Nationwide Life and other members
of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise relating to Nationwide Life's accident
and health and group life insurance business as if they were in place for all
periods presented. See "Recent History," "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions--Existing Arrangements with the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise--
Organization of the Company" and "--Modified Coinsurance Agreements."
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  Policy Charges. Policy charges include asset fees, which are primarily
earned from separate account assets generated from sales of variable
annuities; administration fees, which include fees charged per contract on a
variety of the Company's products and premium loads on universal life
insurance products; surrender fees, which are charged as a percentage of
assets withdrawn during a specified period (usually the first seven years) of
annuity and certain life insurance contracts; and cost-of-insurance ("COI")
charges earned on universal life insurance products. For the nine months ended
September 30, 1996, policy charges were $283.3 million, a 36.1% increase from
$208.1 million during the same period in 1995. Policy charges increased 31.9%
in 1995 to $286.6 million, from $217.2 million in 1994. Policy charges in 1994
increased 31.2% from $165.5 million in 1993. Increases in policy charges have
resulted primarily from increases in separate account assets and the resulting
higher levels of asset fees, as well as a moderate increase in all of the fees
discussed above due to the growth in customer accounts.
 
  Life Insurance Premiums. Life insurance premiums are earned primarily from
traditional life insurance in the Life Insurance segment, but are also earned
from the sale of life-contingent immediate annuities in the Fixed Annuities
segment. Life insurance premiums were $151.0 million for the first nine months
of 1996, a 0.3% decrease from $151.4 million for the first nine months of
1995. The slight decrease in 1996 was due to a $6.4 million decrease in sales
of life-contingent immediate annuities offset by a $6.0 million increase in
traditional life insurance premiums. Life insurance premiums increased 12.7%
in 1995 to $199.1 million from $176.7 million in 1994, which was a 6.2%
decrease from $188.4 million in 1993. The 1995 increase in life insurance
premiums resulted from an increase in traditional life insurance in-force in
the Life Insurance segment and growth in the Fixed Annuities segment. The
decrease in 1994 from 1993 was due primarily to a decrease in sales of life-
contingent immediate annuities.
 
  Net Investment Income. Net investment income includes the gross investment
income earned on investments supporting fixed annuities and certain life
insurance products as well as the yield on the Company's general account
invested assets which are not allocated to product segments. Net investment
income was $1.01 billion for the first nine months of 1996 and $954.5 million
for the first nine months of 1995. Net investment income was $1.29 billion in
1995, $1.21 billion in 1994 and $1.13 billion in 1993. Net investment income
has increased as a result of growth in the Company's general account invested
assets. General account invested assets were $17.92 billion and $17.05 billion
as of September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively. General account invested
assets were $17.83 billion, $15.23 billion and $14.24 billion as of December
31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
  Realized Gains/(Losses) on Investments. Realized gains on investments are
not considered by the Company to be a recurring source of earnings. The
Company makes decisions concerning the sale of invested assets based on a
variety of market, business, tax and other factors. All realized gains and
losses are reported in the Corporate and Other segment. Net realized gains on
investments were $4.3 million and $6.5 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Net realized losses on investments
were $1.7 million in 1995 and $16.5 million in 1994. In 1993, the Company had
$106.2 million of net realized gains on investments, primarily as a result of
the sale of substantially all of its equity securities portfolio.
 
  Other Income. Other income consists of investment management fees earned by
a subsidiary of the Company from the management of Nationwide mutual funds, as
well as commission and other income earned by the Company's marketing and
distribution subsidiaries. Net investment management fees earned on Nationwide
mutual fund assets selected as investment options for variable annuity
products and variable life insurance products are reported in the Variable
Annuities segment and Life Insurance segment, respectively. The Company also
sells its mutual fund products separately, and investment management fees from
these assets are included in the Corporate and Other segment. Other income was
$52.7 million for the first nine months of 1996, a 20.3% increase from $43.8
million for the first nine months of 1995. Other income increased 28.8% to
$59.0 million in 1995 from $45.9 million in 1994, which represented a 4.6%
decrease from $48.1 million in 1993. The increase in other income in 1996 and
1995 resulted primarily from an increase in commission income while the
decrease from 1993 to 1994 resulted from a decrease in commission income.
 
  Benefits and Claims. Benefits and claims consist primarily of interest
credited on fixed annuity products and life insurance benefits in the Life
Insurance segment. Benefits and claims increased 4.8% to $867.6 million for
the nine months ended September 30, 1996 from $828.0 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 1995. The 1996 results include a $13.2 million pre-
tax charge resulting from a reevaluation of reserves on an existing block of
immediate annuities. Benefits and claims increased 12.4% to $1.12 billion in
1995 from $992.7 million in 1994, which was a 1.1% increase from $982.2
million in 1993. The changes in benefits and claims from year to year are
primarily attributable to the changes in interest credited which are discussed
in the Fixed Annuities segment results below. Life insurance benefits have
remained consistent over the periods.
 
  Policyholder Dividends. Policyholder dividends are paid on certain
participating policies, primarily in the Life Insurance segment. Policyholder
dividends were $31.4 million for the first nine months of 1996, a 6.8%
increase over $29.4 million for the first nine months of 1995. Policyholder
dividends increased 2.8% to $39.9 million in 1995 from $38.8 million in 1994,
which was a 9.8% decrease from $43.0 million in 1993. The decrease from 1993
to 1994 was due to a revision in the dividend scale.
 
  Amortization of DAC. Amortization of deferred acquisition costs ("DAC")
results from the capitalization of commissions and other costs of acquiring
new contracts and the amortization of these costs over the estimated life of
the contract. Amortization of DAC was $96.8 million for the first nine months
of 1996, a 53.7% increase from $63.0 million for the first nine months of
1995. Amortization of DAC decreased 3.4% to $82.7 million in 1995 from $85.6
million in 1994, which was a 21.9% increase from $70.2 million in 1993. The
increases in 1996 and 1994 were primarily attributable to growth in all
product segments while the decrease in 1995 resulted from a decrease in the
amortization rate for variable and fixed individual annuities due to lower
than anticipated lapse rates.
 
  Operating Expenses. Operating expenses were $252.2 million for the first
nine months of 1996, a 13.7% increase from $221.8 million for the first nine
months of 1995. Operating expenses increased 14.9% to $317.8 million in 1995
from $276.6 million in 1994, which was a 3.1% increase from $268.2 million in
1993. These increases were primarily due to the increasing number of
individual and group annuity contracts in-force and the related increase in
administrative processing costs. The Company has controlled its operating
expenses by taking advantage of economies of scale and by increasing
productivity through investments in technology. As a result, the ratio of
operating expenses to total assets declined to 0.84% in 1995 from 0.97% in
1994 and 1.10% in 1993.
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
  Federal Income Tax Expenses. Federal income tax expense was $88.7 million
and $77.1 million, representing effective tax rates of 35.1% and 34.7%, for
the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The increase
in the 1996 effective tax rate over the same period in 1995 is the result of a
higher benefit in 1995 from charitable donations of appreciated property.
Federal income tax expense was $96.3 million, $82.5 million and $96.7 million,
representing effective tax rates of 34.3%, 34.3% and 35.1%, for 1995, 1994 and
1993, respectively. The higher effective tax rate for 1993 compared to the
other periods resulted from a change in the federal income tax rate.
 
  Net Operating Income. Net operating income is net income, excluding realized
gains and losses and the cumulative effect of accounting changes. Net
operating income for the first nine months of 1996 was $160.3 million, a 14.8%
increase from $139.6 million for the first nine months of 1995. Excluding the
$13.2 million pre-tax charge in 1996 resulting from a reevaluation of reserves
on an existing block of immediate annuities, net operating income would have
been $168.9 million for the first nine months of 1996, a 21.0% increase over
the first nine months of 1995. The Company's net operating income increased
9.9% to $184.8 million in 1995 from $168.2 million in 1994, which was a 53.3%
increase from $109.7 million in 1993.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS BY PRODUCT SEGMENT
 
  The Company has three product segments: Variable Annuities, Fixed Annuities
and Life Insurance. In addition, the Company reports corporate income and
expenses and investments and related investment income supporting capital not
specifically allocated to its product segments in a Corporate and Other
segment. All information set forth below relating to the Company's Variable
Annuities segment excludes the fixed option under the Company's variable
annuity contracts. Such information is included in the Company's Fixed
Annuities segment.
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
  The table below presents summary financial data for the Company by segment.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             AS OF OR FOR THE         AS OF OR FOR THE
                             NINE MONTHS ENDED           YEAR ENDED
                               SEPTEMBER 30,            DECEMBER 31,
                            ------------------- -------------------------------
                              1996      1995      1995       1994       1993
                            --------- --------- ---------  ---------  ---------
                                          (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                         <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>
REVENUES:
Variable Annuities......... $   198.9 $   138.7 $   189.0  $   132.7  $    94.8
Fixed Annuities............     817.6     781.5   1,052.0      939.9      922.8
Life Insurance.............     322.9     303.7     409.1      383.1      371.1
Corporate and Other........     157.2     133.9     188.6      194.9      144.4
                            --------- --------- ---------  ---------  ---------
  Total operating reve-
   nues....................   1,496.6   1,357.8   1,838.7    1,650.6    1,533.1
Realized gains (losses) on
 investments...............       4.3       6.5      (1.7)     (16.5)     106.2
                            --------- --------- ---------  ---------  ---------
  Total revenues........... $ 1,500.9 $ 1,364.3 $ 1,837.0  $ 1,634.1  $ 1,639.3
                            ========= ========= =========  =========  =========
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
 AND ACCOUNTING CHANGES:
Variable Annuities......... $    67.8 $    40.2 $    50.8  $    24.6  $    10.4
Fixed Annuities............     103.8     105.6     137.0      139.0      105.9
Life Insurance.............      46.2      50.9      67.6       53.0       49.7
Corporate and Other........      30.8      18.9      27.5       40.3        3.6
                            --------- --------- ---------  ---------  ---------
  Total operating income...     248.6     215.6     282.9      256.9      169.6
Realized gains (losses)....       4.3       6.5      (1.7)     (16.5)     106.2
                            --------- --------- ---------  ---------  ---------
  Total income before
   income taxes and
   accounting changes...... $   252.9 $   222.1 $   281.2  $   240.4  $   275.8
                            ========= ========= =========  =========  =========
POLICY RESERVES:
Variable Annuities(1)...... $22,265.1 $15,382.6 $16,761.8  $10,751.1  $ 7,854.8
Fixed Annuities(1).........  13,220.8  12,425.5  12,784.0   11,247.0   10,154.1
Life Insurance.............   2,842.0   2,604.2   2,660.5    2,425.2    2,255.0
Corporate and Other........   3,107.7   2,497.1   2,644.3    2,252.7    2,103.9
                            --------- --------- ---------  ---------  ---------
  Total policy re-
   serves(2)............... $41,435.6 $32,909.4 $34,850.6  $26,676.0  $22,367.8
                            ========= ========= =========  =========  =========
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Policy reserves related to the fixed option under the Company's variable
    annuity contracts are included in Fixed Annuities. As of September 30,
    1996 and 1995 and December 31, 1995, 1994, and 1993, such policy reserves
    represented $9.33 billion, $8.45 billion, $8.83 billion, $7.27 billion and
    $6.19 billion, respectively.
(2) Total policy reserves as presented here differ from the amounts set forth
    in the Company's financial statements because the presented amounts
    exclude accident and health and group life insurance business ceded to
    other members of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise. See "Certain
    Relationships and Related Transactions--Existing Arrangements with the
    Nationwide Insurance Enterprise--Modified Coinsurance Agreements."
 
Variable Annuities
 
  Revenues. Revenues in the Variable Annuities segment consist of policy
charges and other income. Policy charges consist of asset fees, which are
generally a percentage of separate account assets deposited for the purchase
of variable annuities; administration fees, which are generally a specific
dollar amount per contract; and surrender fees, which are charged against
assets withdrawn during a specified period (generally the first seven years)
of variable annuity contracts. The separate account assets generated by the
Variable Annuities segment do not contribute to net investment income of the
Company because the customer receives the investment benefit and bears the
investment risk of these assets. Other income includes net investment
management fees earned on separate account assets held in mutual funds managed
by a subsidiary of the Company.
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
  Revenues were $198.9 million for the first nine months of 1996, a 43.4%
increase from $138.7 million for the first nine months of 1995. Revenues
increased 42.4% to $189.0 million in 1995 from $132.7 million in 1994, which
was a 40.0% increase from $94.8 million in 1993. Revenues have increased
primarily as a result of growth in separate account assets related to this
segment and the corresponding growth in asset fees, which were $183.2 million
and $123.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995,
respectively, and $172.8 million, $120.4 million and $83.4 million in 1995,
1994 and 1993, respectively. Asset fees as a percentage of variable annuity
separate account assets have remained relatively stable during the periods
presented, reflecting minimal changes in the levels of asset fees charged on
most variable annuity products.
 
  Income Before Income Taxes and Accounting Changes. Income before income
taxes and accounting changes was $67.8 million for the first nine months of
1996, a 68.7% increase from $40.2 million for the first nine months of 1995.
Income before income taxes and accounting changes increased 106.5% to $50.8
million in 1995 from $24.6 million in 1994, which was a 136.5% increase from
$10.4 million in 1993. Increases have primarily resulted from growth in
variable annuity separate account assets and the corresponding increases in
asset fees combined with expense levels which have decreased as a percentage
of revenues. Total expenses were $127.6 million and $96.8 million, or 64.2%
and 69.8% of total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and
1995, respectively. Total expenses were $135.4 million, $105.8 million and
$83.1 million, or 71.6%, 79.7% and 87.7% of total revenues, for 1995, 1994 and
1993, respectively. During the period, the Company has controlled its
operating expenses by taking advantage of economies of scale and by increasing
productivity through investments in technology.
 
  Policy Reserves. Variable annuity policy reserves increased 32.8% from
$16.76 billion as of December 31, 1995 to $22.27 billion as of September 30,
1996. Of this increase, $1.72 billion was due to market appreciation of
separate account assets, while $4.96 billion of statutory premiums and
deposits offset by $1.17 billion of withdrawals and policy charges resulted in
the remainder of the increase. Variable annuity policy reserves increased
55.9% to $16.76 billion as of December 31, 1995 from $10.75 billion as of
December 31, 1994, which was a 36.8% increase from $7.86 billion as of
December 31, 1993. Variable annuity policy reserves increased $6.01 billion,
$2.90 billion and $2.83 billion in 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. Market
appreciation accounted for $2.93 billion and $800.0 million of the increases
in 1995 and 1993, respectively. Market depreciation accounted for $84.0
million of the decrease in 1994. Statutory premiums and deposits were $4.40
billion, $3.82 billion, and $2.41 billion, while withdrawals and policy
charges were $1.32 billion, $840.0 million, and $385.0 million, in 1995, 1994,
and 1993, respectively.
 
Fixed Annuities
 
  Revenues. Revenues in the Fixed Annuities segment consist mainly of net
investment income, which is earned on invested assets allocated to support
fixed annuity policy reserves and shareholders' equity allocated to such
segment. Total revenues were $817.6 million and $781.5 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Total revenues were
$1.05 billion, $939.9 million and $922.8 million in 1995, 1994 and 1993,
respectively. Net investment income was $783.8 million and $741.9 million,
reflecting average pre-tax yields on the assets supporting this segment of
8.23% and 8.51%, for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. Net investment income was $1.00 billion, $903.7 million and
$871.7 million, representing average pre-tax yields on the assets supporting
this segment of 8.50%, 8.59% and 8.93%, in 1995, 1994, and 1993, respectively.
The increase in net investment income for each period presented is the result
of the increases in policy reserves discussed below and the corresponding
increase in invested assets.
 
  Interest Credited. Interest credited on account balances was $595.7 million
and $576.8 million, representing average crediting rates of 6.25% and 6.62%,
for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Interest
credited on account balances was $775.7 million, $680.9 million and $673.3
million, representing crediting rates of 6.58%, 6.47% and 6.90%, for 1995,
1994 and 1993, respectively. The differential between net investment income
and interest credited on account balances resulted in spreads of $188.1
million and $165.0 million, or 1.98% and 1.89% annualized, for the nine months
ended September 30, 1996 and 1995,
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
respectively. Spreads were $224.3 million, $222.7 million and $198.3 million,
or 1.92%, 2.12% and 2.03%, in 1995, 1994, and 1993, respectively. Spreads vary
depending on crediting rates offered by competitors, performance of the
investment portfolio and other factors. The higher spread in 1994 is primarily
the result of declining interest rates in late 1993 and early 1994 which
resulted in lower crediting rates.
 
  Income Before Income Taxes and Accounting Changes. Income before income
taxes and accounting changes was $103.8 million during the first nine months
of 1996, a 1.7% decrease from $105.6 million for the first nine months of
1995. Income before income taxes and accounting changes decreased 1.4% to
$137.0 million in 1995 from $139.0 million in 1994, which was a 31.3% increase
from $105.9 million in 1993. The 1996 results include a $13.2 million pre-tax
charge resulting from a reevaluation of reserves on an existing block of
immediate annuities. Excluding this charge, income before income tax and
accounting changes for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 would have
reflected a 10.8% increase over the comparable period in 1995. The increase in
1994 resulted from widening spreads and growth in assets. Narrowing spreads,
offset by asset growth, caused 1995 earnings to decline from 1994.
 
  Policy Reserves. Fixed annuity policy reserves increased 3.4% to $13.22
billion as of September 30, 1996, from $12.78 billion as of December 31, 1995.
Statutory premiums and deposits of $1.14 billion and interest credited of
$595.0 million were offset by $1.29 billion of withdrawals and policy charges.
Policy reserves increased 10.5% to $12.43 billion as of September 30, 1995,
from $11.25 billion as of December 31, 1994. Statutory premiums and deposits
of $1.39 billion and interest credited of $576.8 million were offset by $784.0
million of withdrawals and policy charges. Policy reserves increased 13.6% to
$12.78 billion as of December 31, 1995 from $11.25 billion as of December 31,
1994, which was an 10.8% increase from $10.15 billion as of December 31, 1993.
Statutory premiums and deposits were $1.86 billion, $1.31 billion, and $1.30
billion, while interest credited was $775.7 million, $680.9 million, and
$673.3 million in 1995, 1994, and 1993, respectively. Withdrawals and policy
charges were $1.10 billion, $895.0 million, and $1.48 billion in 1995, 1994
and 1993, respectively. The higher level of withdrawals in 1993 is due to the
termination of one group annuity contract with policy reserves of $675.0
million.
 
Life Insurance
 
  Revenues. Revenues in the Life Insurance segment consist of the life
insurance premiums and policy charges, as well as net investment income. Total
revenues were $322.9 million and $303.7 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Total revenues were $409.1 million,
$383.1 million and $371.1 million for 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. The
increases are attributed to increases in life insurance in-force.
 
  Income Before Income Taxes and Accounting Changes. Income before income
taxes and accounting changes was $46.2 million during the first nine months of
1996, a 9.2% decrease from $50.9 million for the first nine months of 1995.
The decrease is attributable to the increased amount of amortization of
deferred policy acquisition costs due to increased volume and higher general
expenses due to increased sales. Income before income taxes and accounting
changes increased 27.5% to $67.6 million in 1995 from $53.0 million in 1994,
which was a 6.6% increase from $49.7 million in 1993. Growth in income before
income taxes and accounting changes has primarily resulted from growth in
insurance in-force, particularly variable universal life, combined with only
minimal increases in expenses.
 
  Life Insurance In-Force. Life insurance in-force was $35.87 billion and
$31.96 billion as of September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Life insurance
in-force was $33.41 billion, $30.13 billion and $26.81 billion as of December
31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. Nearly two-thirds of the growth of life
insurance in-force is in variable universal life and term insurance policies.
 
Corporate and Other
 
  Revenues. Revenues in the Corporate and Other segment consist of net
investment income on invested assets not allocated to the three product
segments, all realized investment gains and losses, investment management fees
and other revenues earned from Nationwide mutual funds other than the portion
allocated to
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
the Variable Annuities and Life Insurance segments, commissions and other
income earned by the marketing and distribution subsidiaries of the Company
and net investment income and policy charges from group annuity contracts
issued to Nationwide Insurance Enterprise employee and agent benefit plans.
Total revenues excluding realized gains and losses were $157.2 million and
$133.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. The increase in 1996 is the result of an increase in the
investment management fees and commissions earned. Total revenues excluding
realized gains and losses were $188.6 million, $194.9 million and $144.4
million in 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. The decrease in revenues in 1995
is a result of the transfer of $155.0 million of invested assets discussed
below. The increase in revenues in 1994 is due in part to investment income on
a $200.0 million capital contribution received from Nationwide Corp. in
February 1994. Effective December 31, 1994, the Company transferred $155.0
million of invested assets from the Corporate and Other segment for the
purchase of Employers Life. Because Nationwide Life will dividend the common
stock of Employers Life to Nationwide Corp. prior to the consummation of the
Equity Offerings, the transfer of the $155.0 million of invested assets is
recorded as a direct charge to shareholders' equity and the Corporate and
Other segment has $155.0 million less in invested assets as a result of the
transfer. Realized gains were $4.3 million and $6.5 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively. For 1995 and 1994
realized losses were $1.7 million and $16.5 million, compared to realized
gains of $106.2 million in 1993. The higher level of gains in 1993 was due to
realized gains on the sale of substantially the entire equity securities
portfolio of the Company.
 
  Income Before Income Taxes and Accounting Changes. Income before income
taxes and accounting changes excluding realized gains was $30.8 million and
$18.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995. Income
before income taxes and accounting changes excluding realized gains and losses
was $27.5 million, $40.3 million and $3.6 million in 1995, 1994 and 1993,
respectively. The changes between years are primarily attributed to the
changes in revenues discussed above. Interest expense related to the Fixed
Income Offerings will be recorded in the Corporate and Other segment which
will reduce income before taxes for the Corporate and Other segment in periods
after the completion of the Fixed Income Offerings.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
  The Company is an insurance holding company whose principal asset is the
common stock of Nationwide Life. The principal sources of funds for the
Company to pay principal, interest, dividends and operating expenses are
dividends from Nationwide Life and other subsidiaries and payments from
Nationwide Life under the Tax Sharing Agreement.
 
  State insurance laws generally restrict the ability of insurance companies
to pay cash dividends in excess of certain prescribed limitations without
prior approval. The ability of Nationwide Life to pay dividends is subject to
restrictions set forth in the insurance laws and regulations of Ohio, its
domiciliary state. The Ohio insurance laws require life insurance companies to
seek prior regulatory approval to pay a dividend or distribution of cash or
other property if the fair market value thereof, together with that of other
dividends or distributions made in the preceding 12 months, exceeds the
greater of (i) 10% of policyholders' surplus as of the prior December 31 or
(ii) the net income of the insurer for the 12-month period ending as of the
prior December 31. The Ohio insurance laws also require insurers to seek prior
regulatory approval for any dividend paid from other than earned surplus. The
payment of dividends by Nationwide Life may also be subject to restrictions
set forth in the insurance laws of New York that limit the amount of statutory
profits on Nationwide Life's participating policies (measured before dividends
to policyholders) that can inure to the benefit of the Company and its
stockholders. The Company currently does not expect such regulatory
requirements to impair its ability to pay operating expenses and dividends in
the future. However, the Company can give no assurance that dividends will be
declared or paid by the Company. As of September 30, 1996, the maximum amount
of dividends that Nationwide Life was permitted to pay to the Company without
prior regulatory approval was $95.9 million. See "Dividend Policy."
 
  Nationwide Life's principal sources of funds are premiums and other
considerations paid, contract charges earned, net investment income received
and proceeds from investments called, redeemed or sold. The principal
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
uses of these funds are the payment of benefits on annuity contracts and life
insurance policies, operating expenses and the purchase of investments. Net
cash provided by operating activities (reflecting principally (i) premiums and
contract charges collected, less (ii) benefits paid on life insurance
products, plus (iii) income collected on invested assets, less (iv)
commissions and other general expenses paid) was $325.3 million and $133.1
million for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively,
and $183.4 million, $76.6 million and $61.8 million for the years ended
December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. Net cash used by investing
activities (principally reflecting investments purchased less investments
called, redeemed or sold) was $450.9 million and $1.38 billion in the nine
months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively, and $1.82 billion,
$1.17 billion and $877.5 million in the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994
and 1993, respectively.
 
  A primary liquidity concern with respect to life insurance and annuity
products is the risk of early policyholder and contractholder withdrawal. The
Company closely evaluates and manages this risk. The following table
summarizes the Company's annuity policy reserves as of December 31, 1995 and
1994 by the contractholder's ability to withdraw funds.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 AS OF              AS OF
                                           DECEMBER 31, 1995  DECEMBER 31, 1994
                                           -----------------  -----------------
                                             POLICY             POLICY
                                            RESERVES    %      RESERVES    %
                                           -----------------  -----------------
                                                  (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                        <C>        <C>     <C>        <C>
Not subject to discretionary withdrawal..  $  1,087.2    3.4% $  1,007.4    4.2%
Subject to discretionary withdrawal with
 adjustment:
  With market value adjustment...........    27,312.1   84.8    20,263.6   83.5
  At contract value, less surrender
   charge of 5% or more..................       992.1    3.1       554.0    2.3
                                           ---------- ------  ---------- ------
                                             29,391.4   91.3    21,825.0   90.0
Subject to discretionary withdrawal at
 contract value with no surrender charge
 or surrender charge less than 5%........     2,798.7    8.7     2,425.8   10.0
                                           ---------- ------  ---------- ------
    Total annuity policy reserves........   $32,190.1  100.0%  $24,250.8  100.0%
                                           ========== ======  ========== ======
</TABLE>
 
  Life insurance policies are also subject to withdrawal. However, they are
less susceptible to withdrawal than are annuity contracts because
policyholders must generally undergo a new underwriting process and incur new
policy acquisition costs in order to obtain new life insurance policies.
 
  Nationwide Life's principal sources of liquidity to meet unexpected cash
outflows are its portfolio of liquid assets and its net operating cash flow.
See "Business--Investments."
 
  On August 12, 1996, Nationwide Life and Nationwide Mutual entered into a
Revolving Credit Facility (the "Credit Facility") which provides for a $600.0
million loan over a five-year term on a fully revolving basis with a group of
banks led by Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York. The Credit Facility
provides for several and not joint liability with respect to any amount drawn
by either Nationwide Life or Nationwide Mutual. To date, neither Nationwide
Life nor Nationwide Mutual has drawn down any amount under the Credit
Facility. The Credit Facility provides for several borrowing options including
interest at a spread over LIBOR, money market auction, CD or base rate. The
Credit Facility also provides covenants, including, but not limited to,
restrictions on mergers and sale of assets and transactions with affiliates as
well as a negative pledge. In addition, the Credit Facility provides for
customary representations, warranties and events of default. Pursuant to the
terms of the Credit Facility, Nationwide Life may not declare or pay a
dividend if it is, or if the payment thereof would cause it to be, in default
under such facility. Events of default under the Credit Facility include,
among others, the failure of Nationwide Mutual and its affiliates to maintain
beneficial ownership of more than 50% of the combined voting power of
Nationwide Life's outstanding voting stock and the failure of Nationwide Life
to maintain statutory surplus in excess of $875.0 million. Amounts borrowed
under the Credit Facility may be used for, among other things, general
corporate purposes.
 
                                      33
<PAGE>
 
  Given the Company's historic cash flow and current financial results,
management of the Company believes that the cash flow from the operating
activities of the Company over the next year will provide sufficient liquidity
for the operations of the Company, as well as provide sufficient funds to
enable the Company to make dividend payments, as described in "Dividend
Policy," satisfy debt service obligations and pay other operating expenses.
Although the Company currently anticipates that it will be able to make
dividend payments and pay other operating and capital expenses for the
foreseeable future, the Company can give no assurances as to whether the net
cash provided primarily by dividends from Nationwide Life and its other
subsidiaries will provide sufficient funds for the Company to do so.
 
INFLATION
 
  Many of the Company's assets and liabilities are monetary in nature and
sensitive to the interest rate environment which can be affected by inflation.
The Company is exposed to risk of disintermediation and reduction in interest
spread or profit margins when interest rates fluctuate. Bond calls, mortgage
prepayments, contract surrenders and withdrawals of annuities and life
insurance policies are influenced by the interest rate environment. Because
the Company's general account investment portfolio consists primarily of fixed
income assets, the investment portfolio market value and the yields on newly
invested and reinvested assets vary depending on interest rates. Management
attempts to mitigate the negative impact of interest rate changes through
asset/liability management, product design, management of crediting rates,
relatively high surrender charges and management of mortality charges and
dividend scales with respect to its in-force life insurance policies, but
there can be no assurance that such attempts will be completely successful.
Extreme changes in the interest rate environment could cause net interest
margins to fluctuate from historical levels.
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
                                   BUSINESS
 
OVERVIEW
 
  The Company is a leading provider of long-term savings and retirement
products to retail and institutional customers throughout the United States.
The Company offers variable annuities, fixed annuities and life insurance as
well as mutual funds and pension products and administrative services. By
developing and offering a wide variety of products, the Company believes that
it has positioned itself to compete effectively in various stock market and
interest rate environments. The Company markets its products through a broad
spectrum of wholesale and retail distribution channels, including financial
planners, pension plan administrators, securities firms, banks and Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise insurance agents.
 
  The Company is one of the leaders in the development and sale of variable
annuities. For the first nine months of 1996, the Company was the third
largest U.S. writer of individual variable annuity contracts based on sales,
according to VARDS. Its principal variable annuity series, The Best of
America, allows the customer to choose from 36 investment options, including
mutual funds managed by such well-known firms as Dreyfus, Fidelity, Janus,
Neuberger & Berman, Oppenheimer, T. Rowe Price, Templeton, Twentieth Century,
Vanguard and Warburg Pincus, as well as mutual funds managed by the Company.
 
  The Company's long-term investment in developing the distribution channels
necessary to reach its target customers and the products required to meet
their demands has resulted in substantial growth. From 1991 to 1995, the
Company's assets grew from $16.8 billion to $37.8 billion, a compound annual
growth rate of 22.5%. During the same period, the Company's net operating
income grew from $82.0 million to $184.8 million, a compound annual growth
rate of 22.5%. The Company's sales of variable annuities grew from $984.0
million in 1991 to $4.40 billion in 1995, a compound annual growth rate of
45.4%. The Company's separate account assets, which are generated by the sale
of variable annuities and variable universal life insurance, grew from 27.5%
of total assets at December 31, 1991 to 49.3% of total assets at December 31,
1995. During this period of substantial growth, the Company controlled its
operating expenses by taking advantage of economies of scale and by increasing
productivity through investments in technology. From 1991 to 1995, the
Company's total assets increased by 124.9% while operating expenses increased
by only 89.5%. As a result, its ratio of operating expenses to total assets
fell from 1.00% in 1991 to 0.84% in 1995.
 
  The Company believes that demographic trends and shifts in attitudes toward
retirement savings will continue to support increased consumer demand for its
products. According to U.S. Census Bureau projections, the number of Americans
between the ages of 45 and 64 will grow from 55.7 million in 1996 to 71.1
million in 2005, making this "preretirement" age group the fastest growing
segment of the U.S. population. The Company believes that Americans
increasingly are supplementing traditional sources of retirement income, such
as employer-provided defined benefit plans and Social Security, with self-
directed investments. Reflecting this shift, industry sales of individual
variable annuity products grew from $17.3 billion in 1991 to $51.5 billion in
1995, a compound annual growth rate of 31.4%, according to VARDS. During the
same period, industry individual variable annuity assets grew from $176
billion to $401 billion, a compound annual growth rate of 22.9%, according to
VARDS.
 
PRODUCT SEGMENTS
 
  The Company has three product segments: Variable Annuities, Fixed Annuities
and Life Insurance. The Variable Annuities segment, which accounted for $67.8
million (or 27.3%) of the Company's operating income before income taxes for
the first nine months of 1996, consists of annuity contracts that provide the
customer with the opportunity to invest in mutual funds managed by independent
investment managers and the Company, with investment returns accumulating on a
tax-deferred basis. The Fixed Annuities segment, which accounted for $103.8
million (or 41.7%) of the Company's operating income before income taxes for
the first nine months of 1996, consists of annuity contracts that generate a
return for the customer at a specified interest rate, fixed for a prescribed
period, with returns accumulating on a tax-deferred basis. The Fixed Annuities
segment also includes the fixed option under the Company's variable annuity
products, which accounted for 69.0% of the Company's fixed annuity policy
reserves as of December 31, 1995. The Life Insurance segment, which accounted
for $46.2 million (or 18.6%) of the Company's operating income before income
taxes for the first
 
                                      35
<PAGE>
 
nine months of 1996, consists of insurance products, including variable life
insurance products, that provide a death benefit and may also allow the
customer to build cash value on a tax-deferred basis. In addition, the Company
reports corporate income and expenses not specifically allocated to its
product segments in a Corporate and Other segment, which accounted for $30.8
million (or 12.4%) of the Company's operating income before income taxes for
the first nine months of 1996. After giving pro forma effect to the Equity
Offerings, the Special Cash Dividends and the Fixed Income Offerings as if
each had been consummated at January 1, 1996, the Variable Annuities, Fixed
Annuities, Life Insurance and Corporate and Other segments would have
represented 30.9%, 47.3%, 21.1% and 0.7%, respectively, of the Company's
operating income before income taxes for the first nine months of 1996. See
"Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data."
 
Variable Annuities
 
  The Company is one of the leaders in the development and sale of individual
and group variable annuity products. For the first nine months of 1996, the
Company was the third largest U.S. writer of individual variable annuity
contracts based on sales, according to VARDS. The Company believes that
demographic trends and shifts in attitudes toward retirement savings will
continue to support consumer demand for its variable annuity products.
 
  The Company believes that it possesses distinct competitive advantages in
the market for variable annuities. Some of the Company's most important
advantages include its innovative product offerings and strong relationships
with independent, well-known fund managers. For example, the Company's The
Best of America IV and The Best of America--America's Vision individual
variable annuity contracts allow the customer to choose from 36 investment
options, including mutual funds managed by a variety of well-known fund
managers and the Company. In the aggregate, the Company's group variable
annuity products offer over 100 underlying investment options.
 
  The Company distributes its variable annuity products through a broad range
of channels, including broker/dealers, financial planners, banks and
Nationwide Insurance Enterprise insurance agents. See "--Marketing and
Distribution." The Company seeks to capture a growing share of variable
annuity sales in these channels by working closely with its investment
managers and product distributors to adapt the Company's products and services
to changes in the retail and institutional marketplace in order to enhance its
leading position in the market for variable annuities. The Company is
following a strategy of extending The Best of America brand name to more of
its products and distribution channels in an effort to build upon its brand
name recognition.
 
  The wide array of investment options available under the Company's variable
annuity contracts include mutual funds managed by the nationally recognized
money managers set forth below:
 
  AIM Advisors, Inc.                       Oppenheimer Management Corporation
  Banc One Investment Advisers             Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc.
   Corporation                             Putnam Investment Management, Inc.
  Capital Research and Management          SEI Financial Management
   Company                                  Corporation
  Davis Selected Advisors, L.P.            Smith Barney Mutual Funds
  Delaware Management Company,              Management, Inc.
   Inc.                                    Smith Barney Advisers, Inc.
  Evergreen Asset Management Corp.         Strong Capital Management, Inc.
  Fidelity Management & Research           T. Rowe Price-Flemington
   Company                                  International, Inc.
  INVESCO Funds Group, Inc.                Templeton Global Advisors Limited
  Federated Advisers                       Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc.
  J&W Seligman & Co. Incorporated          Tiffany Capital Advisors, Inc. (The
  Janus Capital Corporation                 Dreyfus Socially Responsible
  Lexington Management Corporation          Growth Fund, Inc.)
  Massachusetts Financial Service          Twentieth Century Investors
   Company (MFS(R) Variable                 Research Corporation
   Insurance Trust)                        The Vanguard Group, Inc.
  Miller Anderson & Sherrerd               Van Eck Associates Corporation
  Mellon Equity Associates                 Van Kampen American Capital Asset
   (Dreyfus Stock Index Fund,               Management, Inc.
   Inc.)                                   Warburg Pincus Counsellors, Inc.
  Neuberger & Berman Management            Weiss, Peck & Greer, L.L.C.
   Incorporated
 
                                      36
<PAGE>
 
  The Company believes that the variable annuity business is attractive
because it generates fee income. In addition, because the investment risk on
variable annuities is borne principally by the customer and not the Company,
the variable annuity business requires significantly less capital support than
fixed annuity and traditional life insurance businesses. The Company receives
income from variable annuity contracts primarily in the form of asset and
administration fees. In addition, most of the Company's variable annuity
products provide for a contingent deferred sales charge, also known as a
"surrender charge" or "back-end load," that is assessed against customer
withdrawals in excess of specified amounts made during a specified period,
usually the first seven years of the contract. Surrender charges are intended
to protect the Company from withdrawals early in the contract period, before
the Company has had the opportunity to recover its sales expenses. Generally,
surrender charges on variable annuity products are 7% of assets withdrawn
during the first year, scaling ratably to 0% for the eighth year and each year
thereafter.
 
  The Company's variable annuity products consist almost entirely of flexible
premium deferred variable annuity ("FPVA") contracts. FPVA contracts are
distributed through broker/dealers, financial planners, banks and Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise insurance agents. Such contracts are savings vehicles in
which the customer makes a single deposit or a series of deposits. The
customer has the flexibility to invest in mutual funds managed by independent
investment managers and the Company. Deposits may be made at regular or
irregular intervals and in regular or irregular amounts. The value of the
annuity fluctuates in accordance with the investment experience of the mutual
funds chosen by the customer. The customer is permitted to withdraw all or
part of the accumulated value of the annuity, less a surrender charge for
withdrawals during an initial penalty period of generally seven years. As
specified in the FPVA contract, the customer generally can elect from a number
of payment options that provide either fixed or variable benefit payments.
 
                                      37
<PAGE>
 
  The following table summarizes certain selected unaudited financial data for
the Company's Variable Annuities segment for the periods indicated.
 
                 VARIABLE ANNUITIES SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA(1)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              AS OF OR FOR THE
                                 NINE MONTHS
                                    ENDED              AS OF OR FOR THE
                                SEPTEMBER 30,      YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                              ------------------  ----------------------------
                                1996      1995      1995      1994      1993
                              --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
                                         (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                           <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Policy charges..............  $  206.0  $  142.7  $  196.8  $  137.9  $   96.2
Net investment income and
 other income(2)............      (7.1)     (4.0)     (7.8)     (5.2)     (1.4)
                              --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
  Total revenues............     198.9     138.7     189.0     132.7      94.8
                              --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
Benefits and claims.........       3.6       1.7       2.9       2.3       1.4
Amortization of deferred
 policy acquisition costs...      38.9      22.0      26.3      22.1      15.0
Operating expenses..........      88.6      74.8     109.0      83.7      68.0
                              --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
  Total benefits and
   expenses.................     131.1      98.6     138.2     108.1      84.4
                              --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
    Operating income before
     income taxes...........  $   67.8  $   40.2  $   50.8  $   24.6  $   10.4
                              ========  ========  ========  ========  ========
OTHER DATA:
Statutory premiums, deposits
 and other
 considerations(3)..........  $4,959.7  $3,011.2  $4,399.3  $3,821.1  $2,414.2
Withdrawals.................   1,222.3     835.1   1,071.6     684.8     401.8
Policy reserves at period
 end........................  22,265.1  15,382.6  16,761.8  10,751.1   7,854.8
Ratio of policy
 charges/average policy
 reserves(4)................      1.40%     1.48%     1.44%     1.48%     1.51%
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Excludes the fixed option under the Company's variable annuity contracts
    which is reported in the Company's Fixed Annuities segment.
(2) The Company's method of allocating net investment income results in a
    charge (negative net investment income) to this segment which is
    recognized as net investment income in the Corporate and Other segment.
    The charge relates to non-invested assets which support this segment on a
    statutory basis.
(3) Statutory data have been derived from the Annual and Quarterly Statements
    of Nationwide Life, as filed with insurance regulatory authorities and
    prepared in accordance with statutory accounting practices.
(4) Results for interim periods are annualized.
 
  The Company offers individual variable annuities under The Best of America
brand name. In addition to The Best of America individual variable annuities,
the Company markets employer-sponsored variable annuities to both public
sector employees and teachers for use in connection with plans described under
Sections 457 and 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code (the "IRC"), and to
private sector employees for use in connection with IRC Section 401(k) plans.
These employer-sponsored variable annuities are marketed under several brand
names, including Group Best of America. The Company also markets variable
annuities as "private label" products. Such products are offered through banks
and are also offered to members of The National Education Association of the
United States (the "NEA") under The NEA Valuebuilder brand name.
 
  The Best of America. The Company's principal FPVA contracts are sold under
the brand names The Best of America--America's Vision and The Best of America
IV. These two brand name variable annuities accounted for $2.20 billion (or
50.1%) of the Company's variable annuity sales in 1995, and $9.68 billion (or
57.7%) of the Company's variable annuity policy reserves as of December 31,
1995. The Company's The Best of America--America's Vision product is intended
to appeal to distributors in the market for large initial deposits.
 
                                      38
<PAGE>
 
The contract requires a minimum initial deposit of $15,000. The Company's The
Best of America IV product is intended primarily for the tax-qualified,
payroll deduction market, where initial deposits are often smaller. The Best
of America IV generally pays a lower up-front commission to distributors but
requires only $1,500 as an initial deposit. Both products generate an annual
asset fee and annual administration fees for the Company.
 
  Group Best of America. These group variable annuity products accounted for
$1.22 billion (or 27.8%) of the Company's variable annuity sales in 1995, and
$2.93 billion (or 17.5%) of the Company's variable annuity policy reserves as
of December 31, 1995. Group Best of America products are typically offered
only on a tax-qualified basis. These products may be structured with a variety
of features which may be arranged in over 600 combinations of front-end loads,
back-end loads and asset-based fees.
 
  Section 457 Contracts. These products accounted for $559.5 million (or
12.7%) of the Company's variable annuity sales in 1995, and $2.98 billion (or
17.8%) of the Company's variable annuity policy reserves as of December 31,
1995. The Company offers a variety of group variable annuity contracts that
are designed primarily for use in conjunction with plans described under IRC
Section 457. Section 457 permits employees of state and local governments to
defer a certain portion of their yearly income and invest such income on a
tax-deferred basis. These contracts typically generate an annual asset fee and
may also generate annual administration fees for the Company.
 
  Private Label Variable Annuities. These products accounted for $368.2
million (or 8.4%) of the Company's variable annuity sales in 1995, and $1.08
billion (or 6.4%) of the Company's variable annuity policy reserves as of
December 31, 1995. The Company has developed several private label variable
annuity products in conjunction with other financial intermediaries, including
Bank One, Fidelity Asset Management Corporation and First Union Bank. These
products allow financial intermediaries to market products with substantially
the same features as The Best of America IV to their own customer bases under
their own brand names. The Company believes these private label products
strengthen the Company's ties to certain significant distributors of the
Company's products. These contracts generate an annual asset fee and may also
generate annual administration fees for the Company.
 
  The NEA Valuebuilder. This product accounted for $44.4 million (or 1.0%) of
the Company's variable annuity sales in 1995, and $93.0 million (or 0.6%) of
the Company's variable annuity account balances as of December 31, 1995. The
Company offers individual variable annuity contracts to the Teacher Market
under Section 403(b) of the IRC. Section 403(b) permits teachers and other
employees of educational organizations to defer a certain portion of their
yearly income and invest such income on a tax-deferred basis. These contracts
generate an annual asset fee and may also generate annual administration fees
for the Company.
 
Fixed Annuities
 
  The Company has sought to maintain its ability to grow profitably in a
variety of market environments. The Company believes that periods of rising
interest rates, that tend to cause lower sales growth in its Variable
Annuities segment, make its fixed annuity products more attractive to
consumers. In addition to providing balance to the Company's variable annuity
business, its fixed annuity business allows the Company to offer a
comprehensive portfolio of savings alternatives to its customers and
distributors as the Company seeks to capture a growing share of sales in all
distribution channels. The Fixed Annuities segment includes the fixed option
under the Company's variable annuity products. Customers who purchase variable
annuities are able to designate some or all of their deposits to fixed options
which, like the Company's fixed annuity contracts, offer a guarantee of
principal and a guaranteed interest rate for a specified period of time. The
Company includes such business in its Fixed Annuities segment because of its
similar characteristics. The fixed option under the Company's variable annuity
products accounted for $1.57 billion (or 84.2%) of the Company's fixed annuity
sales in 1995, and $8.83 billion (or 69.0%) of the Company's fixed annuity
policy reserves of December 31, 1995.
 
  Fixed annuity products are marketed to individuals who choose to allocate
long-term savings to products that provide a guarantee of principal, a stable
net asset value and a guarantee of the interest rate to be credited to the
principal amount for some period of time. The Company's fixed annuity products
are offered both to
 
                                      39
<PAGE>
 
individuals and as group products to employers for use in employee benefit
programs. The Company's individual fixed annuity products are distributed
through its wholesale and retail channels and include single premium deferred
annuity contracts, flexible premium deferred annuity contracts and single
premium immediate annuity contracts. The Company's group fixed annuity
contracts are also distributed through its wholesale and retail channels. The
Company invests fixed annuity customer deposits in its general account
investment portfolio. See "--Investments." Unlike variable annuity assets that
are held in the Company's separate account, the Company bears the investment
risk on assets held in its general account. The Company attempts to earn a
spread by investing a customer's deposits for higher yields than the interest
rate it credits to the customer's fixed annuity contract.
 
  The following table summarizes certain selected unaudited financial data for
the Company's Fixed Annuities segment for the periods indicated.
 
                  FIXED ANNUITIES SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA(1)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              AS OF OR FOR THE
                                 NINE MONTHS
                                    ENDED              AS OF OR FOR THE
                                SEPTEMBER 30,       YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                             ------------------- ------------------------------
                               1996      1995      1995      1994       1993
                             --------- --------- --------- ---------  ---------
                                           (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                          <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Policy charges.............  $    12.4 $    11.9 $    16.4 $    16.1  $    15.8
Life insurance premiums....       21.3      27.7      32.8      20.1       35.3
Net investment income......      783.9     741.9   1,002.8     903.7      871.7
                             --------- --------- --------- ---------  ---------
  Total revenues...........      817.6     781.5   1,052.0     939.9      922.8
                             --------- --------- --------- ---------  ---------
Benefits and claims........      627.2     600.0     805.0     702.1      712.3
Policyholder dividends.....        0.2       0.2       0.2      (1.0)       0.3
Amortization of deferred
 policy acquisition costs..       25.7      19.6      29.5      29.9       28.3
Operating expenses.........       60.7      56.1      80.3      69.9       76.0
                             --------- --------- --------- ---------  ---------
  Total benefits and
   expenses................      713.8     675.9     915.0     800.9      816.9
                             --------- --------- --------- ---------  ---------
    Operating income before
     income taxes..........  $   103.8 $   105.6 $   137.0 $   139.0  $   105.9
                             ========= ========= ========= =========  =========
OTHER DATA:
Statutory premiums,
 deposits and other
 considerations(2).........  $ 1,134.9 $ 1,385.7 $ 1,864.2 $ 1,308.6  $ 1,300.9
Interest credited..........      595.7     576.8     775.7     680.9      673.3
Withdrawals and benefits...    1,023.3     833.3   1,151.6     906.8    1,360.3
Policy reserves at period
 end.......................   13,220.8  12,425.5  12,784.0  11,247.0   10,154.1
Net spread earned (basis
 points)(3)................        198       189       192       212        203
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Includes the fixed option under the Company's variable annuity contracts.
(2) Statutory data have been derived from the Annual and Quarterly Statements
    of Nationwide Life, as filed with insurance regulatory authorities and
    prepared in accordance with statutory accounting practices.
(3) Results for interim periods are annualized.
 
  Fixed Option Under Variable Annuity Contracts. Fixed options under variable
annuity contracts accounted for $1.57 billion (or 84.2%) of the Company's
fixed annuity sales in 1995, and $8.83 billion (or 69.0%) of the Company's
fixed annuity policy reserves as of December 31, 1995. Fixed options are
available to customers who purchase certain of the Company's variable
annuities by designation of some or all of their deposits to such options. A
fixed option offers the customer a guarantee of principal and a guaranteed
interest rate for a specified period of time. The Company reports its fixed
option business in its Fixed Annuities segment because the characteristics of
such business are similar to those of its fixed annuity business. Although the
customer may elect, subject to limitations for certain products, to transfer
balances from the fixed option to other investment
 
                                      40
<PAGE>
 
options, it is the Company's experience that historically few have made such
election. As part of a variable annuity, the Company receives asset and
administrative fees for the fixed option in addition to earning a spread on
the assets supporting the option.
 
  Single Premium Deferred Annuity ("SPDA") Contracts. SPDA contracts accounted
for $61.7 million (or 3.3%) of the Company's fixed annuity sales in 1995, and
$1.42 billion (or 11.1%) of the Company's fixed annuity policy reserves as of
December 31, 1995. SPDA contracts are distributed through broker/dealers,
financial planners, banks and Nationwide Insurance Enterprise insurance
agents. An SPDA contract is a savings vehicle in which the customer makes a
single deposit with the Company. The Company guarantees the customer's
principal and credits the customer's account with earnings at an interest rate
that is stated and fixed for an initial period, typically at least one year.
Thereafter, the Company resets, typically annually, the interest rate credited
to the contract based upon market and other conditions. After a specified
number of years, the customer may elect to take the proceeds of the annuity as
a single payment or as a specified income for life or for a fixed number of
years. No front-end sales charges are imposed for the Company's SPDA
contracts. All such contracts, however, provide for the imposition of certain
surrender charges, which are assessed against withdrawals in excess of
specified amounts and which occur during the surrender charge period. The
surrender charges are typically set within the range of 7% and 0% and
typically decline from year to year, disappearing after seven contract years.
 
  Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity ("FPDA") Contracts. FPDA contracts
accounted for $160.9 million (or 8.6%) of the Company's fixed annuity sales
for 1995, and $1.54 billion (or 12.1%) of the Company's fixed annuity policy
reserves as of December 31, 1995. FPDA contracts are distributed through
broker/dealers, financial planners, banks and Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
insurance agents. FPDA contracts are typically marketed to teachers and
employees of tax-exempt organizations as tax-qualified retirement programs.
Under these contracts, the Company accepts a single deposit or a series of
deposits. Deposits may be paid at intervals which are either regular or
irregular. FPDA contracts contain substantially the same guarantee of
principal and interest rate terms included in the Company's SPDA contracts.
Surrender charges are typically set within the range of 7% and 0% and
typically decline from year to year, disappearing after seven contract years.
 
  Single Premium Immediate Annuity ("SPIA") Contracts. SPIA contracts
accounted for $72.6 million (or 3.9%) of the Company's fixed annuity sales for
1995, and $995.9 million (or 7.8%) of the Company's fixed annuity policy
reserves as of December 31, 1995. The Company's SPIA contracts are offered
through its retail and wholesale distribution channels and are offered as
either direct purchases or as fixed annuity options under the Company's
various individual and group annuity contracts. An SPIA is an annuity that
requires a one-time deposit in exchange for periodic annuity benefit payments.
SPIA contracts are often purchased by persons at or near retirement age who
desire a steady stream of future income.
 
Life Insurance
 
  The Company's Life Insurance segment is composed of a wide range of whole
life, universal life, term life and variable universal life products. In
recent years, the Company has placed particular emphasis within this segment
on the sale of variable life insurance products that offer multiple investment
options. From 1991 to 1995, first year premiums related to the Company's
variable universal life insurance products grew from $15.6 million to $96.6
million, a compound annual growth rate of 57.7%. The Company distributes its
variable universal life insurance products through its wholesale distribution
channels as well as through Nationwide Insurance Enterprise insurance agents.
The Company's target markets for its life insurance products include the
holders of personal automobile and homeowners' insurance policies issued by
the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise and select customers to whom the
accumulation of cash values is of paramount importance. As of September 30,
1996, approximately 10% of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise's 7.7 million
property/casualty policyholders also owned at least one of the Company's life
insurance products. The Company distributes its traditional and universal life
insurance products through Nationwide Insurance Enterprise insurance agents.
See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions--New Agreements with the
Nationwide Insurance Enterprise--Intercompany Agreement--Nationwide Insurance
Enterprise Insurance Agents." During 1995, approximately 57.7% of first year
premiums were provided by Nationwide Insurance Enterprise insurance agents and
approximately 42.3% were provided by the Company's wholesale distribution
channels.
 
                                      41
<PAGE>
 
  The following table summarizes certain selected unaudited financial data for
the Company's Life Insurance segment for the periods indicated.
 
                    LIFE INSURANCE SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                AS OF OR FOR THE
                                  NINE MONTHS
                                     ENDED               AS OF OR FOR THE
                                 SEPTEMBER 30,       YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                              ------------------- -----------------------------
                                1996      1995      1995      1994      1993
                              --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
                                            (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                           <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Policy charges..............  $    62.8 $    52.0 $    71.3 $    60.3 $    52.3
Life insurance premiums.....      129.7     123.7     166.3     156.5     153.0
Net investment income.......      130.1     127.8     171.3     166.3     165.8
Other income................        0.3       0.2       0.2       --        --
                              --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
  Total revenues............      322.9     303.7     409.1     383.1     371.1
                              --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Benefits and claims.........      158.0     149.1     202.0     191.0     184.0
Policyholder dividends......       31.2      29.2      39.7      39.7      42.7
Amortization of deferred
 policy acquisition costs...       32.2      25.5      31.0      29.5      26.9
Operating expenses..........       55.3      49.0      68.8      69.9      67.8
                              --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
  Total benefits and
   expenses.................      276.7     252.8     341.5     330.1     321.4
                              --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
    Operating income before
     income taxes...........  $    46.2 $    50.9 $    67.6 $    53.0 $    49.7
                              ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
OTHER DATA:
First year premiums (sales):
 Traditional life...........  $    24.0 $    22.6 $    31.9 $    32.1 $    33.2
 Universal life/variable
  universal life............       87.0      67.3      95.4      87.2      60.6
Life insurance in force:
 Traditional life...........   18,339.9  16,885.7  17,657.9  16,381.6  15,024.3
 Universal life/variable
  universal life............   17,534.0  15,070.3  15,748.5  13,745.9  11,780.8
</TABLE>
 
  Traditional Life Insurance Products. The Company offers whole life and term
life insurance. Whole life insurance combines a death benefit with a savings
plan that increases gradually in amount over a period of years. The customer
pays a level premium over the customer's expected lifetime. The customer may
borrow against the savings and also has the option of surrendering the policy
and receiving the accumulated cash value rather than the death benefit. Term
life insurance provides only a death benefit without any savings component.
These traditional life insurance products are distributed on a retail basis by
Nationwide Insurance Enterprise insurance agents.
 
  Universal Life and Variable Universal Life Insurance Products. The Company
offers universal life and variable universal life insurance products including
both flexible premium and single premium designs. These products provide life
insurance under which the benefits payable upon death or surrender depend upon
the policyholder's account value. Universal life insurance provides whole life
insurance with flexible premiums and adjustable death benefits. For universal
life, the policyholder's account value is credited based on an adjustable rate
of return set by the Company relating to current interest rates. For variable
universal life, the policyholder's account value is credited with the
investment experience of the mutual funds chosen by the customer. The variable
universal life products also typically include a general account guaranteed
interest investment option. All of the Company's variable universal life
insurance products are marketed under the Company's The Best of America--Life
Planning Series brand name and have the same wide range of investment options
as the Company's variable annuity products. These products are distributed on
a retail basis by Nationwide Insurance Enterprise insurance agents as well as
through wholesale distribution channels by broker/dealers, financial planners
and banks.
 
                                      42
<PAGE>
 
MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION
 
  The Company defines wholesale channels of distribution as channels in which
an unaffiliated company, such as a securities broker/dealer, pension plan
administrator, bank or other financial institution, sells the Company's
products to its own customer base. The Company defines retail channels as
those in which the Company's representatives, such as Nationwide Insurance
Enterprise insurance agents, agents of the Company's sales subsidiaries and
affiliates or individual financial planners, market products directly to a
customer base identified by the Company. The Company provides, through both
its retail and wholesale channels, the means for employers sponsoring tax-
favored retirement plans (such as those described in IRC Sections 401(k),
403(b) and 457) to allow their employees to make contributions to such plans
through payroll deductions. Typically, the Company receives the right from an
employer to market products to employees and arrange to deduct periodic
deposits from the employees' regular paychecks. The Company believes that the
payroll deduction market is characterized by more predictable levels of sales
than other markets because these customers are less likely, even in times of
market volatility, to stop making annuity deposits than customers in other
markets. In addition, the Company believes that payroll deduction access to
customers provides significant insulation from competition by providing the
customer with a convenient, planned method of periodic saving. In both the
Pension Market, where the Company's products are distributed primarily on a
wholesale basis, and in the Public Sector and Teacher Markets, where the
Company's products are distributed primarily on a retail basis, payroll
deduction is the primary method used for collecting premiums and deposits.
 
  The following table summarizes certain selected unaudited financial data for
the Company's distribution channels.
 
             STATUTORY PREMIUMS, DEPOSITS AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
                          BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL (1)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            FOR THE
                          NINE MONTHS
                             ENDED             FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                         SEPTEMBER 30,   ----------------------------------------------
                              1996            1995            1994            1993
                         --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
                            $       %       $       %       $       %       $       %
                         -------- -----  -------- -----  -------- -----  -------- -----
                                            (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                      <C>      <C>    <C>      <C>    <C>      <C>    <C>      <C>
 Wholesale channels:
  Investment dealers.... $2,820.1  41.6% $2,835.4  41.7% $2,279.0  40.7% $1,643.5  39.1%
  Pension market........  1,460.5  21.5   1,573.7  23.1   1,366.5  24.4     726.1  17.3
  Financial
   institutions.........    677.3  10.0     515.4   7.6     324.3   5.8     291.6   7.0
                         -------- -----  -------- -----  -------- -----  -------- -----
   Total wholesale
    channels............  4,957.9  73.1   4,924.5  72.4   3,969.8  70.9   2,661.2  63.4
                         -------- -----  -------- -----  -------- -----  -------- -----
 Retail channels:
  Public sector and
   teacher markets......  1,047.1  15.5   1,244.9  18.3   1,104.4  19.8     977.9  23.3
  Nationwide Insurance
   Enterprise insurance
   agents...............    385.9   5.7     446.5   6.6     376.3   6.7     355.4   8.4
                         -------- -----  -------- -----  -------- -----  -------- -----
   Total retail
    channels............  1,433.0  21.2   1,691.4  24.9   1,480.7  26.5   1,333.3  31.7
                         -------- -----  -------- -----  -------- -----  -------- -----
 Other(2)...............    388.2   5.7     182.1   2.7     148.5   2.6     205.3   4.9
                         -------- -----  -------- -----  -------- -----  -------- -----
  Total statutory
   premiums, deposits
   and other
   considerations....... $6,779.1 100.0% $6,798.0 100.0% $5,599.0 100.0% $4,199.8 100.0%
                         ======== =====  ======== =====  ======== =====  ======== =====
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Statutory data have been derived from the Annual and Quarterly Statements
    of Nationwide Life, as filed with insurance regulatory authorities and
    prepared in accordance with statutory accounting practices.
(2) Statutory premiums, deposits and other considerations from Nationwide
    Insurance Enterprise employee and agent benefit plans.
 
                                      43
<PAGE>
 
Wholesale Channels
 
  Investment Dealers. The Company sells individual and group variable
annuities, fixed annuities and variable life insurance through broker/dealers
in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The Company has access to over
1,000 broker/dealers and over 30,000 registered representatives. Target
markets include retirement planning for individuals, retirement planning for
institutions of higher education and 501(c)(3) hospitals, participant-directed
401(k) plans covering less than 1,000 lives, small business life insurance
(fewer than 500 employees) and IRA rollovers and tax-sheltered annuity
transfers. The Company historically has focused on distributing through mid-
sized regional broker/dealers and financial planning firms. The Company
believes that it has strong broker/dealer relationships based on its diverse
product mix, large selection of fund options and administrative technology. In
addition to such relationships, the Company believes its financial strength
and The Best of America brand name are competitive advantages in this
distribution channel. The Company regularly seeks to add new broker/dealers to
its distribution network.
 
  Pension Market. The Company defines the Pension Market as 401(k) plans
sponsored by employers as part of employee retirement programs. The Company
markets group variable annuities, group fixed annuities and record-keeping
services to these plan sponsors primarily through over 200 regional pension
plan administrators located in 45 states. The Company targets employers having
between 25 and 2,000 employees because it believes that these plan sponsors
tend to require more extensive record-keeping services from pension plan
administrators and therefore tend to become long-term customers. As of
September 30, 1996, 401(k) plans administered by the Company included over
280,000 participants. These participants generally make deposits through
payroll deductions. The Company believes, based on industry survey data, that
it is the third largest administrator of 401(k) plans based on total number of
plans.
 
  Financial Institutions. The Company markets individual variable annuities
(under its brand names and on a private-label basis), individual fixed
annuities and variable universal life insurance through financial
institutions, consisting primarily of banks and their subsidiaries. The
Company seeks to establish marketing relationships with financial institutions
having assets of $500.0 million or more. From January 1, 1991 to September 30,
1996, the number of financial institutions through which the Company
distributes its products increased from 7 to 125. The Company is actively
seeking to increase the number of financial institutions with which it has
distribution arrangements. The Company believes that its expertise in training
financial institution personnel to sell annuities, its breadth of product
offerings, its financial strength and the Nationwide and The Best of America
brand names are competitive advantages in this distribution channel. See
"Certain Relationships and Related Transactions--New Agreement with the
Nationwide Insurance Enterprise--Intercompany Agreement--License to Use
Nationwide Name and Service Marks."
 
Retail Channels
 
  Public Sector and Teacher Markets. The Company markets various products and
services on a retail basis through several subsidiary sales organizations to
both the Public Sector and Teacher Markets. With respect to the Public Sector
Market, the Company markets group variable annuities and fixed annuities to
state and local governments for use in their IRC Section 457 retirement
programs. Section 457 permits employees of state and local government entities
and certain tax-exempt organizations to defer receipt of up to 33% of their
taxable income, not to exceed $7,500 per year, and have such amounts
accumulate on a tax-deferred basis until received. The Company currently
markets such products to, and administers Section 457 retirement programs for,
approximately 6,000 state and local government entities in 49 states. The
Company believes that its existing relationships with state and local
government entities and the Company's sponsorship by such entities as the
National Association of Counties ("NACO") and The United States Conference of
Mayors ("USCM") provide it with distinct competitive advantages in this
market. NACO sponsorship, which began in 1980 and has been renewed three
times, expires on December 31, 2005, and USCM sponsorship, which began in 1979
and has been renewed twice, expires on December 31, 2004.
 
  With respect to the Teacher Market, the Company has an exclusive contractual
arrangement with the NEA to offer and sell certain products to its 2.2 million
members. Under The NEA Valuebuilder brand name, the
 
                                      44
<PAGE>
 
Company markets both qualified and non-qualified (under IRC Section 403(b))
individual variable annuity contracts. The Company also offers IRAs in this
market. The Teacher Market is primarily serviced by the Company's network of
approximately 140 representatives known as Valuebuilder Investment
Professionals. As of September 30, 1996, the Company administers plans for
over 1,800 school districts in 48 states. Section 403(b) permits teachers and
employees of certain tax-exempt organizations to defer receipt of a portion of
their taxable income, not to exceed $9,500 per year, and invest the amount
deferred in tax-deferred annuity products. The Company's marketing approach to
these customers emphasizes educational seminars and other targeted
communication channels such as direct mail. The NEA exclusive contractual
arrangement, which began in 1990, automatically renewed on July 26, 1995 for
an additional 5-year period.
 
  Nationwide Insurance Enterprise Insurance Agents. The Company sells
traditional life, universal life and variable universal life insurance
products and individual annuities through approximately 4,500 licensed
Nationwide Insurance Enterprise insurance agents who primarily target the
holders of personal automobile and homeowners' insurance policies issued by
the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise. As of September 30, 1996, approximately
10% of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprises' 7.7 million property/casualty
policyholders also owned at least one of the Company's life insurance
products. The Nationwide Insurance Enterprise insurance agents sell
exclusively Nationwide Insurance Enterprise products and may not offer
products which compete with those of the Company. See "Certain Relationships
and Related Transactions--New Agreements with Nationwide Insurance
Enterprise--Intercompany Agreement--Nationwide Insurance Enterprise Insurance
Agents."
 
Mutual Funds
 
  Nationwide Mutual Funds. In addition to including Company-managed mutual
funds among the investment options for its variable products, the Company
markets 10 public, open-end mutual funds through banks and Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise insurance agents and directly to Nationwide Insurance
Enterprise employees and their families. These products employ the existing
investment management, shareholder services, accounting and administrative
capabilities developed by the Company to support its variable annuity
products. As of September 30, 1996, these mutual funds had $5.5 billion of
assets under management, of which $3.4 billion related to variable annuities
and variable life insurance and $2.1 billion related to retail mutual fund
customers.
 
CORPORATE AND OTHER SEGMENT
 
  The Corporate and Other segment includes net investment income on
investments not allocated to the three product segments; all realized
investment gains and losses; investment management fees, other revenues and
operating expenses of Nationwide mutual funds other than the portion allocated
to the Variable Annuities and Life Insurance segments; commissions and other
income earned by the marketing and distribution subsidiaries of the Company;
and revenues, benefits and expenses associated with group annuity contracts
issued to Nationwide Insurance Enterprise employee and agent benefit plans.
 
                                      45
<PAGE>
 
  The following table summarizes certain selected unaudited financial data for
the Company's Corporate and Other segment for the periods indicated.
 
                  CORPORATE AND OTHER SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   AS OF OR FOR THE
                                      NINE MONTHS
                                         ENDED            AS OF OR FOR THE
                                     SEPTEMBER 30,    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                   ----------------- --------------------------
                                     1996     1995     1995     1994     1993
                                   -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
                                              (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Net investment income............. $  111.8 $   96.0 $  137.7 $  154.3 $  101.2
Other income(1)...................     45.4     37.9     50.9     40.6     43.2
                                   -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
  Total revenues..................    157.2    133.9    188.6    194.9    144.4
                                   -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Interest credited.................     79.0     77.1    105.6     97.3     84.5
Operating expenses................     47.4     37.9     55.5     57.3     56.3
                                   -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
  Total benefits and expenses.....    126.4    115.0    161.1    154.6    140.8
                                   -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
    Operating income before income
     taxes(1)..................... $   30.8 $   18.9 $   27.5 $   40.3 $    3.6
                                   ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
OTHER DATA(2):
Nationwide mutual fund assets..... $2,068.9 $2,022.3 $2,113.9 $1,665.6 $1,777.1
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Excludes realized gains (losses) on investments.
(2) Excludes mutual funds selected as investment options under the Company's
    variable annuity and variable universal life insurance contracts and
    mutual funds selected as investment options under Nationwide Insurance
    Enterprise employee and agent benefit plans.
 
  Interest expense related to the Fixed Income Offerings will be recorded in
the Corporate and Other segment which will reduce income before taxes for the
Corporate and Other segment in periods after the completion of the Fixed
Income Offerings.
 
LIFE INSURANCE UNDERWRITING
 
  Life insurance policies are individually underwritten based on standardized
underwriting guidelines and procedures. After initial processing, each file is
reviewed and additional information (such as medical examinations, doctors'
statements and special medical tests) is obtained to make an underwriting
decision. The Company follows detailed, uniform underwriting procedures
designed to assess and quantify insurance risks before issuing life insurance
policies to individuals.
 
LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY RESERVES
 
  In accordance with applicable insurance regulations, the Company records in
its statutory financial statements actuarially determined reserves that are
calculated to meet future obligations under outstanding insurance contracts.
The reserves are based on statutorily recognized methods using prescribed
morbidity and mortality tables and interest rates. Reserves include unearned
premiums, premium deposits, claims that have been reported but are not yet
paid, claims that have been incurred but have not been reported and claims in
the process of settlement. The Company's reserves satisfy applicable statutory
requirements.
 
  The reserves reflected in the consolidated financial statements of the
Company are calculated based on GAAP. These reserves are based upon the
Company's best estimates of mortality, persistency, expenses and investment
income with appropriate provisions for adverse statistical deviation and the
use of the net level premium method for all non-interest-sensitive products
and the retrospective deposit method for interest-sensitive products. GAAP
reserves differ from statutory reserves due to the use of different
assumptions regarding mortality and interest rates and the introduction of
lapse assumptions into the GAAP reserve calculation.
 
                                      46
<PAGE>
 
REINSURANCE
 
  The Company follows the customary industry practice of reinsuring ("ceding")
a portion of its life insurance risks with other companies. The Company cedes
insurance principally to reduce net liability on individual risks, to provide
protection against large losses and to obtain greater diversification of
risks. Although reinsurance does not legally discharge the ceding insurer of
its primary liability for the full amount of policies reinsured, it does make
the reinsurer liable to the insurer to the extent of the reinsurance ceded.
The maximum amount of individual ordinary life insurance retained by the
Company on any one life is $500,000. The Company cedes insurance primarily on
an automatic basis, under which risks are ceded to a reinsurer on specific
blocks of business where the underlying risks meet certain predetermined
criteria, and on a facultative basis, under which the reinsurer's prior
approval is required for each risk reinsured. The Company also cedes insurance
on a case-by-case basis particularly where the Company may be writing new
risks or is unwilling to retain the full costs associated with new lines of
business. The Company's principal reinsurers of individual life policies (and
their corresponding A.M. Best ratings) at December 31, 1995 were: American
United Life Insurance Company (A+), Reinsurance Group of America (A+), Lincoln
National Life Insurance Company (A+), Franklin Life Insurance Company (A+),
Business Men's Assurance Company (A), Indianapolis Life Insurance Company (A+)
and Security Life of Denver Insurance Company (A+). See "--Ratings."
 
  Effective January 1, 1996, Nationwide Life reinsured all of its accident and
health and group life insurance business to other members of the Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions--
Existing Agreements with Nationwide Insurance Enterprise--Coinsurance
Agreements."
 
INVESTMENTS
 
General
 
  The Company's assets are divided between separate account and general
account assets. As of September 30, 1996, $24.7 billion (or 56%) of the
Company's total assets were held in separate accounts and $19.7 billion (or
44%) were held in the Company's general account, including $17.9 billion of
general account investments. Separate account assets consist primarily of
deposits from the Company's variable annuity business. Most separate account
assets are invested in various mutual fund options available within the
variable annuity products sold by the Company. The investment risk in the
Company's separate account assets is borne by the Company's customers. General
account assets consist mainly of investments generated by premiums on life
insurance products and deposits in the Company's Fixed Annuities segment. The
Company generates profits on these products, in part, based on the spread
between the yield on general account invested assets and crediting rates on
these products.
 
  The Company's general account investment policies emphasize high credit
quality, diversification across asset classes and individual investment risks,
and a buy and hold strategy. As noted in the table below, the Company's
general account assets are invested primarily in fixed maturity securities and
commercial mortgage loans. The Company has a general policy of diversifying
investments within asset categories. Additionally, the Company's investment
policy provides that fixed maturity investments are limited to purchases of
investment grade securities or unrated securities which, in the opinion of the
Company, should qualify for such rating. The Company monitors its exposure to
individual borrowers, credit risks, industries or property types and
geographic locations. The Company's investments are subject to suitability and
diversification requirements under applicable insurance laws. See "Business--
Regulation." The Investment Committee of the Board of Directors of Nationwide
Life, which is comprised of the Chairman and five outside directors, meets ten
times a year. Such committee approves investment policy and strategy, approves
all mortgage loans and large private placements and reviews and ratifies all
other investments. In relation to the life insurers reporting to the American
Council of Life Insurance ("ACLI"), the Company's general account investment
portfolio has achieved (i) higher net investment yields, (ii) lower bond
default rates and (iii) lower mortgage delinquency rates, in each case in each
of the past five years.
 
                                      47
<PAGE>
 
  The following table summarizes the Company's consolidated invested assets by
asset category as of September 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995.
 
                         CONSOLIDATED INVESTED ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1996   AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995
                            ------------------------- -------------------------
                                           % OF                      % OF
                            CARRYING  GENERAL ACCOUNT CARRYING  GENERAL ACCOUNT
                              VALUE   INVESTED ASSETS   VALUE   INVESTED ASSETS
                            --------- --------------- --------- ---------------
                                           (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                         <C>       <C>             <C>       <C>
Fixed maturities(1):
 Public.................... $ 8,236.2       46.0%     $ 8,609.8       48.3%
 Private...................   3,732.8       20.9        3,891.8       21.8
Mortgage loans, net:
 Commercial................   5,137.6       28.7        4,624.3       25.9
 Residential...............       2.8        --             3.1        --
Real estate, net...........     235.5        1.3          229.4        1.3
Policy loans...............     364.1        2.0          336.4        1.9
Equity securities(1).......      53.0        0.3           37.5        0.2
Other long-term
 investments...............      59.8        0.3           62.0        0.4
Short-term investments.....      98.1        0.5           42.7        0.2
                            ---------      -----      ---------      -----
  Total general account
   invested assets......... $17,919.9      100.0%     $17,837.0      100.0%
                            =========      =====      =========      =====
  Total separate account
   assets.................. $24,673.5                 $18,591.1
                            =========                 =========
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) As of September 30, 1996, all fixed maturities and equity securities are
    classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value.
 
  The Company employs an asset/liability management approach tailored to the
specific requirements of each of its product lines. The Company's general
account investment assets are primarily managed in a number of pools that are
separated by weighted average maturity of the assets in the pools. Each
product line has an investment strategy defined in terms of the percentage of
new investments the Company wishes to have invested in each pool. The
Company's actuaries combine this information with the amount of new
investments needed for each line to arrive at the amount of new investments
needed for each pool by month. The investments acquired for each pool are
shared on a proportional basis by each of the lines requesting investments in
the pool based on their actual investment needs.
 
  The following table summarizes the net investment yield of the Company's
general account invested assets relative to that of the life insurers
reporting to the ACLI.
 
                             NET INVESTMENT YIELD
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       THE           BASIS POINT
YEAR                                                 COMPANY ACLI(1) DIFFERENCE
- ----                                                 ------- ------- -----------
<S>                                                  <C>     <C>     <C>
1991................................................  9.34%   9.09%       25
1992................................................  8.93    8.58        35
1993................................................  8.57    8.04        53
1994................................................  8.37    7.63        74
1995................................................  8.21    7.90        31
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Source: ACLI Statistical Bulletin #96-5 (September 9, 1996) entitled "Rate
    of Investment Income of U.S. Legal Reserve Life Insurance Companies."
 
                                      48
<PAGE>
 
Fixed Maturity Securities
 
  As of September 30, 1996, general account fixed maturity securities were
$11.9 billion (or 67%) of the carrying value of consolidated general account
invested assets. As of such date, public and private fixed maturity securities
constituted $8.2 billion (or 68.9%) and $3.7 billion (or 31.1%), respectively,
of total general account fixed maturity securities. The Company's general
account fixed maturity securities portfolio consists primarily of investment
grade corporate fixed maturity securities, high-quality mortgage-backed
securities and U.S. government and agency obligations.
 
  The following table summarizes the composition of the Company's general
account fixed maturity securities by category as of September 30, 1996.
 
           GENERAL ACCOUNT FIXED MATURITY SECURITIES -- COMPOSITION
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                                                   ----------------------------
                                                    CARRYING
                                                      VALUE        % OF TOTAL
                                                   -------------- -------------
                                                    (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                <C>            <C>
U.S. government/agencies.......................... $        184.8          1.5%
State and political subdivisions..................            1.7          --
Mortgage-backed securities:
 U.S. government/agencies.........................        3,590.1         30.0
 Non-government/agencies..........................            --           --
Corporate.........................................        8,192.4         68.5
                                                   --------------   ----------
  Total........................................... $     11,969.0        100.0%
                                                   ==============   ==========
</TABLE>
 
  The following table sets forth scheduled maturities for the Company's
general account fixed maturity securities as of September 30, 1996.
 
     GENERAL ACCOUNT FIXED MATURITY SECURITIES -- SCHEDULED MATURITIES (1)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                                                   ----------------------------
                                                    CARRYING
                                                      VALUE        % OF TOTAL
                                                   -------------- -------------
                                                    (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                <C>            <C>
Due in one year or less........................... $        399.4          3.3%
Due after one year through five years.............        3,988.1         33.3
Due after five years through 10 years.............        2,738.3         22.9
Due after 10 years................................        1,253.1         10.5
Mortgage-backed securities........................        3,590.1         30.0
                                                   --------------   ----------
  Total fixed maturity securities................. $     11,969.0        100.0%
                                                   ==============   ==========
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) General account fixed maturity securities with call dates are classified
    on their earliest call date.
 
  The average duration and average maturity of the Company's general account
fixed maturity securities as of September 30, 1996 were approximately 3.78 and
8.36 years, respectively. As a result, the market value of the Company's
general account investments may fluctuate significantly in response to changes
in interest rates. In addition, the Company may also be likely to experience
investment losses to the extent its liquidity needs require the disposition of
general account fixed maturity securities in unfavorable interest rate
environments.
 
  The Company's portfolio of general account investment grade fixed maturity
securities is diversified by number and type of issuer. As of September 30,
1996, general account investment grade fixed maturity securities included the
securities of over 554 issuers, with no issuer, other than the U.S. government
or its agencies,
 
                                      49
<PAGE>
 
representing more than 1.0% of the carrying value of general account
investment grade fixed maturity securities. As of September 30, 1996, none of
these investments was classified by the Company as a problem investment or had
been restructured.
 
  Below investment grade fixed maturity securities in the Company's general
account as of September 30, 1996 included the securities of 29 issuers
representing approximately 2% of the carrying value of total fixed maturity
securities. The Company's investment policy provides that fixed maturity
investments are limited to purchases of investment grade securities or unrated
securities which, in the opinion of the Company, should qualify for such
rating. All of the below grade fixed maturity securities held in the Company's
general account as of September 30, 1996 were investment grade securities when
purchased by the Company.
 
  The NAIC assigns securities quality ratings and uniform valuations called
"NAIC Designations" which are used by insurers when preparing their annual
statements. The NAIC assigns designations to publicly traded as well as
privately placed securities. The designations assigned by the NAIC range from
class 1 to class 6, with a designation in class 1 being of the highest
quality. Of the Company's general account fixed maturity securities, 98.0% by
the carrying value were in the highest two NAIC Designations as of September
30, 1996.
 
  The following tables set forth an analysis of the credit quality, as
determined by NAIC Designation, of the Company's general account fixed
maturity securities portfolio and general account public fixed maturity
securities portfolio as of September 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995.
 
          GENERAL ACCOUNT FIXED MATURITY SECURITIES -- CREDIT QUALITY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1996      AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                            ----------------------------  --------------------------
      NAIC            RATING AGENCY          CARRYING                      CARRYING
 DESIGNATION(1) EQUIVALENT DESIGNATION(2)      VALUE        % OF TOTAL       VALUE       % OF TOTAL
 -------------- -------------------------   -------------- -------------  ------------- ------------
                                                          (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
 <C>            <S>                         <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>
 1                      Aaa/Aa/A..          $      8,188.0         68.4%  $     8,659.9        69.3%
 2                      Baa.......                 3,545.8         29.6         3,562.9        28.5
 3                      Ba........                   156.1          1.3           224.1         1.8
 4                      B.........                    75.5          0.1            44.9         0.4
                           Caa and
 5                      lower.....                     3.6          0.1             2.8         --
                        In or near
 6                      default...                     --           --              7.0         --
 Redeemable preferred stock and other.....             --           --              --          --
                                            --------------   ----------   -------------   ---------
    Total.................................  $     11,969.0        100.0%  $    12,501.6       100.0%
                                            ==============   ==========   =============   =========
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) NAIC Designations are assigned no less frequently than annually. Some
    designations for securities shown as of September 30, 1996 have been
    assigned to securities not yet assigned an NAIC Designation in a manner
    approximating equivalent public rating categories.
(2) Comparisons between NAIC and Moody's designations are published by the
    NAIC. In the event no Moody's rating is available, the Company has
    assigned internal ratings corresponding to the public rating.
 
                                      50
<PAGE>
 
      GENERAL ACCOUNT PUBLIC FIXED MATURITY SECURITIES -- CREDIT QUALITY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1996    AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                            --------------------------- -------------------------
      NAIC            RATING AGENCY          CARRYING                    CARRYING
 DESIGNATION(1) EQUIVALENT DESIGNATION(2)      VALUE       % OF TOTAL     VALUE       % OF TOTAL
 -------------- -------------------------   ------------- ------------- ------------ ------------
                                                          (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
 <C>            <S>                         <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>
 1                      Aaa/Aa/A..          $     6,392.2         77.6% $    6,730.2        78.2%
 2                      Baa.......                1,762.2        21.4        1,811.0       21.0
 3                      Ba........                   47.4         0.6           49.0        0.6
 4                      B.........                   34.4         0.4           19.6        0.2
                        Caa and
 5                      lower.....                    --          --             --         --
                        In or near
 6                      default...                    --          --             --         --
 Redeemable preferred stock and other.....            --          --             --         --
                                            -------------   ----------- ------------   ----------
    Total.................................  $     8,236.2        100.0% $    8,609.8       100.0%
                                            =============   =========== ============   ==========
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) NAIC Designations are assigned no less frequently than annually. Some
    designations for securities shown as of September 30, 1996 have been
    assigned to securities not yet assigned an NAIC Designation in a manner
    approximating equivalent public rating categories.
(2) Comparisons between NAIC and Moody's designations are published by the
    NAIC. In the event no Moody's rating is available, the Company has
    assigned internal ratings corresponding to the public rating.
 
  The Company invests in private fixed maturity securities because of the (i)
generally higher nominal yield available compared to comparably rated public
fixed maturity securities, (ii) more restrictive financial and business
covenants available in private fixed maturity security loan agreements and
(iii) stronger prepayment protection. Although private fixed maturity
securities are not registered with the Commission and generally are less
liquid than public fixed maturity securities, restrictive financial and
business covenants included in private fixed maturity security loan agreements
generally are designed to compensate for the impact of increased liquidity
risk. Substantially all of the private fixed maturity securities that the
Company holds are participations in issues that are also owned by other
investors. In addition, some of the private fixed maturity securities are
rated by nationally recognized rating agencies and substantially all have been
assigned a rating designation by the NAIC.
 
  The following table sets forth an analysis of the credit quality, as
determined by NAIC Designation, of the Company's general account private fixed
maturity securities portfolio as of September 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995.
 
      GENERAL ACCOUNT PRIVATE FIXED MATURITY SECURITIES -- CREDIT QUALITY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1996    AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                            --------------------------- -------------------------
      NAIC            RATING AGENCY          CARRYING                    CARRYING
 DESIGNATION(1) EQUIVALENT DESIGNATION(2)      VALUE       % OF TOTAL     VALUE       % OF TOTAL
 -------------- -------------------------   ------------- ------------- ------------ ------------
                                                          (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
 <C>            <S>                         <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>
 1                      Aaa/Aa/A..          $     1,795.8         48.1% $    1,929.7        49.6%
 2                      Baa.......                1,783.6        47.7        1,751.9       45.0
 3                      Ba........                  108.7         3.0          175.1        4.5
 4                      B.........                   41.1         1.1           25.3        0.6
                           Caa and
 5                      lower.....                    3.6         0.1            2.8        0.1
                        In or near
 6                      default...                    --          --             7.0        0.2
 Redeemable preferred stock and other.....            --          --             --         --
                                            -------------   ----------- ------------   ----------
    Total.................................  $     3,732.8        100.0% $    3,891.8       100.0%
                                            =============   =========== ============   ==========
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) NAIC Designations are assigned no less frequently than annually. Some
    designations for securities shown as of September 30, 1996 have been
    assigned to securities not yet assigned an NAIC Designation in a manner
    approximating equivalent public rating categories.
(2) Comparisons between NAIC and Moody's designations are published by the
    NAIC. In the event no Moody's rating is available, the Company has
    assigned internal ratings corresponding to the public rating.
 
                                      51
<PAGE>
 
  The following table sets forth the bond default rates for the Company and
the life insurers reporting to the ACLI for the periods indicated.
 
                           COMPANY AND LIFE INDUSTRY
                              BOND DEFAULT RATES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                         --------------------------------------
                                          1995    1994    1993    1992    1991
                                         ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
<S>                                      <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
Company.................................   0.04%   0.03%   0.01%   0.03%   0.13%
ACLI....................................   0.09    0.19    0.28    0.60    0.74
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Source: ACLI Statistical Bulletins entitled "Quality Distribution of Bond
    Holdings of U.S. Legal Reserve Life Insurance Companies:" Bulletin #'s 96-
    2, 95-7, 94-5, 93-5 and 92-2, dated May 15, 1996, July 24, 1995, July 28,
    1994, August 3, 1993 and July 17, 1992, respectively.
 
  The Company maintains significant general account investments in mortgage-
backed securities ("MBS"). The Company's general account MBS investments
include residential MBS and commercial MBS. As of September 30, 1996, MBS were
$3.59 billion (or 30.0%) of the carrying value of the general account fixed
maturity securities, all of which were guaranteed by the U.S. government or an
agency of the U.S. government.
 
  The Company believes that general account MBS investments add
diversification, liquidity, credit quality and additional yield to its general
account fixed maturity securities portfolio. The objective of the Company's
general account MBS investments is to provide reasonable cash flow stability
and increased yield. General account MBS investments include collateralized
mortgage obligations ("CMOs") and mortgage-backed pass- through securities.
The Company's general account MBS investments do not include interest-only
securities or principal-only securities or other MBS which may exhibit extreme
market value volatility.
 
  Prepayment risk is an inherent risk of holding MBS. However, the degree of
prepayment risk is particular to the type of MBS held. The Company limits its
exposure to prepayments by purchasing less volatile types of MBS. As of
September 30, 1996, $2.9 billion (or 81.5%) of the carrying value of the
general account MBS portfolio was invested in planned amortization class CMOs
("PACs"). PACs are securities whose cash flows are designed to remain constant
over a variety of mortgage prepayment environments. Other classes in the CMO
security are structured to accept the volatility of mortgage prepayment
changes, thereby insulating the PAC class. Of the remaining general account
MBS portfolio, $2.8 million (or 0.1%) was invested in mortgage-backed pass-
throughs or sequential CMOs. Pass-throughs are securities in which the monthly
cash flows of principal and interest (both scheduled and prepayments)
generated by the underlying mortgages are distributed on a pro rata basis to
the holders of securities. A sequential MBS is structured to divide the CMO
security into sequentially ordered classes. Receipt of principal payments are
made currently on all classes. While these securities are more sensitive to
prepayment risk than PACs, the Company does not consider them highly volatile
securities.
 
                                      52
<PAGE>
 
  The following table sets forth the distribution by investment type of the
Company's general account MBS portfolio as of September 30, 1996.
 
       GENERAL ACCOUNT MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES -- INVESTMENT TYPE(1)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                                                     ---------------------------
                                                      CARRYING
                                                        VALUE       % OF TOTAL
                                                     ------------- -------------
                                                       (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                  <C>           <C>
Accrual............................................. $        40.4          1.1%
PAC.................................................       2,926.2        81.5
Sequential..........................................           2.8         0.1
Scheduled...........................................         143.8         4.0
TAC.................................................          87.1         2.4
VADM................................................         389.8        10.9
                                                     -------------   -----------
  Total............................................. $     3,590.1        100.0%
                                                     =============   ===========
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) All general account mortgage-backed securities are agency-backed.
 
  Pursuant to the Company's investment policies, the Company does not invest
in derivative securities other than MBS.
 
Mortgage Loans
 
  As of September 30, 1996, general account mortgage loans were $5.1 billion
(or 28.7%) of the carrying value of consolidated general account invested
assets. As of such date, commercial mortgage loans constituted substantially
all (99.9%) of total general account mortgage loans with the remainder being
79 residual residential loans originated prior to 1981 with a principal
balance of $2.8 million. These mortgages, substantially all of which are made
on a non-recourse basis, consist primarily of fixed rate mortgages on existing
income-producing properties. As of September 30, 1996, there were two second
mortgages totaling $2.6 million and no construction loans, participating or
convertible mortgages or land development loans. Commitments to fund mortgage
loans of $335.4 million extending into 1997 were outstanding as of the date of
this Prospectus.
 
  The following tables set forth the distribution by property type and region
of the Company's commercial mortgages as of September 30, 1996 and December
31, 1995.
 
                      GENERAL ACCOUNT COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE
                        LOAN PORTFOLIO -- PROPERTY TYPE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1996       AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995
                    ----------------------------- -----------------------------
                                       % OF TOTAL                    % OF TOTAL
                     NUMBER  PRINCIPAL PRINCIPAL   NUMBER  PRINCIPAL PRINCIPAL
                    OF LOANS  BALANCE   BALANCE   OF LOANS  BALANCE   BALANCE
                    -------- --------- ---------- -------- --------- ----------
                                       (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                 <C>      <C>       <C>        <C>      <C>       <C>
Property Type(1):
 Apartment.........   184    $1,186.2     22.8%     159    $  995.8     21.3%
 Retail............   418     2,311.4    44.5       396     2,237.3    47.8
 Office............   143       870.6    16.8       131       785.8    16.8
 Industrial........   178       825.3    15.9       159       660.9    14.1
 Hotel/motel.......     1         0.5     --          2         1.5     --
 Other.............     2         0.4     --          3         0.9     --
                      ---    --------    ------     ---    --------    ------
   Total...........   926    $5,194.4    100.0%     850    $4,682.2    100.0%
                      ===    ========    ======     ===    ========    ======
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) As defined by the ACLI.
 
                                      53
<PAGE>
 
                      GENERAL ACCOUNT COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE
                           LOAN PORTFOLIO -- REGION
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1996       AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995
                         ----------------------------- -----------------------------
                                            % OF TOTAL                    % OF TOTAL
                          NUMBER  PRINCIPAL PRINCIPAL   NUMBER  PRINCIPAL PRINCIPAL
                         OF LOANS  BALANCE   BALANCE   OF LOANS  BALANCE   BALANCE
                         -------- --------- ---------- -------- --------- ----------
                                            (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                      <C>      <C>       <C>        <C>      <C>       <C>
Region(1):
 New England............    34    $  232.5      4.5%      30    $  197.5      4.2%
 Middle Atlantic........    60       357.0     6.9        57       350.0     7.5
 East North Central.....   177     1,018.6    19.6       160       930.9    19.9
 West North Central.....    33       244.5     4.7        36       262.4     5.6
 South Atlantic.........   209     1,068.9    20.6       187       901.4    19.3
 East South Central.....    66       324.5     6.2        63       307.1     6.5
 West South Central.....   104       720.9    13.9        91       618.4    13.2
 Mountain...............    46       223.9     4.3        45       203.8     4.4
 Pacific................   197     1,003.6    19.3       181       910.7    19.4
                           ---    --------    ------     ---    --------    ------
   Total................   926    $5,194.4    100.0%     850    $4,682.2    100.0%
                           ===    ========    ======     ===    ========    ======
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) As defined by the ACLI.
 
  As of September 30, 1996, the Company's largest mortgage loan exposure to
any borrowing group was $88.4 million (or 1.7%) of the Company's general
account mortgage portfolio.
 
  The following table sets forth the composition of the Company's general
account commercial mortgage loan portfolio by loan size as of September 30,
1996 and December 31, 1995.
 
        GENERAL ACCOUNT COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE LOAN PORTFOLIO -- LOAN SIZE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1996       AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995
                         ----------------------------- -----------------------------
                                            % OF TOTAL                    % OF TOTAL
                          NUMBER  PRINCIPAL PRINCIPAL   NUMBER  PRINCIPAL PRINCIPAL
         SIZE            OF LOANS  BALANCE   BALANCE   OF LOANS  BALANCE   BALANCE
         ----            -------- --------- ---------- -------- --------- ----------
                                            (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                      <C>      <C>       <C>        <C>      <C>       <C>
Under $5 million........   525    $1,323.9     25.5%     482    $1,195.4     25.5%
$5 million to $9.9
 million................   265     1,861.5    35.8       251     1,771.3    37.9
$10 million to $19.9
 million................   122     1,589.2    30.6       106     1,387.5    29.6
$20 million to $29.9
 million................     9       217.4     4.2         7       168.4     3.6
Over $30 million........     5       202.4     3.9         4       159.6     3.4
                           ---    --------    ------     ---    --------    ------
  Total.................   926    $5,194.4    100.0%     850    $4,682.2    100.0%
                           ===    ========    ======     ===    ========    ======
</TABLE>
 
  The Company's investment policy with regard to the origination of new
mortgage loans involves a review of the economics of the property being
financed, adherence to guidelines that provide for diversification of the
mortgage portfolio by property type and location, a review of industry lending
practices prevailing from time to time and diversification of the Company's
total general account investment portfolio. Guidelines for new mortgage loans
generally require a loan-to-value ratio of not greater than 75% at the time of
origination.
 
  Substantially all of the general account commercial mortgage loans were
originated by the Company and not purchased from third parties. The Company
originates general account commercial mortgage loans through a national
network of mortgage banking correspondent companies which represent the
Company in many of the major metropolitan areas of the United States.
Typically, a correspondent company is an independent business which has a
staff of experienced specialists in property finance who are highly
knowledgeable about the real
 
                                      54
<PAGE>
 
estate market in the company's local or regional area. The correspondent
company is an expert in the appraisal, underwriting and servicing of
commercial mortgage loans. Typically, the correspondent company is the
Company's one representative through which all mortgage investment
opportunities in the particular market must originate. The correspondent
company presents commercial mortgage loan opportunities to the Company on
property types and with respect to borrowers that meet the Company's stringent
underwriting requirements. After a mortgage loan is made, the correspondent
company services the loans for the Company by, among other things, collecting
all mortgage payments as well as amounts escrowed for the payment of any taxes
and insurance premiums. For its services, the correspondent company receives
from the Company an annual fee generally ranging between .0625% and .125% of
the mortgage balance.
 
  Currently, the Company is represented by 23 correspondent companies that
originate commercial mortgage investment opportunities and service the general
account mortgage loans. In addition, the Company is represented by another 13
companies that service general account mortgage loans but do not originate
mortgage loan investment opportunities.
 
  The general account commercial mortgage loan portfolio includes both
amortizing and balloon loans. The Company defines balloon loans to be
mortgages with periodic installments of principal and interest that do not
fully amortize the loan. The balance is due at a specified date in the future
which represents the end of the loan term.
 
  The following table sets forth the maturity and principal repayment schedule
for the Company's general account mortgage loan portfolio as of September 30,
1996 and December 31, 1995.
 
        GENERAL ACCOUNT MORTGAGE LOAN PORTFOLIO -- SCHEDULED MATURITIES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1996           AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995
                         --------------------------------- ---------------------------------
                             AGGREGATE                         AGGREGATE
                         PRINCIPAL BALANCE      % OF       PRINCIPAL BALANCE      % OF
                            OF MORTGAGE    TOTAL PRINCIPAL    OF MORTGAGE    TOTAL PRINCIPAL
                          LOANS MATURING       BALANCE      LOANS MATURING       BALANCE
                         ----------------- --------------- ----------------- ---------------
                                                (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                      <C>               <C>             <C>               <C>
1996....................     $   82.5            1.6%          $  254.9            5.4%
1997....................        165.9           3.2               210.4           4.5
1998....................        215.9           4.2               230.2           4.9
1999....................        361.4           7.0               347.3           7.4
2000....................        532.8          10.2               564.6          12.1
2001....................        355.4           6.8               367.1           7.8
2002....................        429.3           8.3               439.1           9.4
2003....................        443.0           8.5               303.5           6.5
2004....................        363.0           7.0               369.4           7.9
2005....................        687.8          13.2               694.6          14.8
2006....................        427.6           8.2               103.3           2.2
After 2006..............      1,132.6          21.8               800.9          17.1
                             --------          ------          --------          ------
                             $5,197.2          100.0%          $4,685.3          100.0%
                             ========          ======          ========          ======
</TABLE>
 
  The Company monitors all of the mortgage loans in its general account
mortgage loan portfolio on an ongoing basis and identifies mortgage loans
that, because of certain objective or subjective characteristics, cause
management to conclude that such loans require additional investigation. Among
criteria that cause a loan to be so identified are (i) borrower bankruptcies,
(ii) bankruptcies of major tenants of mortgaged properties, (iii) requests
from borrowers for loan restructuring or relief, (iv) known or suspected cash
flow deficiencies, (v) lateness of payments, (vi) noncompliance with
covenants, (vii) known or suspected loan to value imbalances, (viii) lease
rollovers affecting debt service coverage or property value, (ix) property
vacancy rates, (x) maturing
 
                                      55
<PAGE>
 
loans identified as potential refinancing risks and (xi) other subjective
factors relating to the borrower or the mortgaged property.
 
  The Company and the ACLI define problem mortgage loans as loans which are 60
or more days delinquent and/or are in foreclosure. The following tables set
forth the distribution by property type and region of the Company's commercial
mortgage loans that were delinquent or in the process of foreclosure, compared
to the life insurers reporting to the ACLI, as of December 31, 1995.
 
                COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE LOANS DELINQUENT OR IN THE
                    PROCESS OF FORECLOSURE BY PROPERTY TYPE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995
                         --------------------------------------------------------
                                         COMPANY                     ACLI(1)
                         --------------------------------------- ----------------
                         NUMBER OF PRINCIPAL   DELINQUENCY AND   DELINQUENCY AND
                           LOANS    BALANCE  FORECLOSURE RATE(2) FORECLOSURE RATE
                         --------- --------- ------------------- ----------------
                                          (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                      <C>       <C>       <C>                 <C>
Property Type(3):
 Apartment..............     --      $ --            -- %              0.23%
 Retail.................      5       29.5          0.63               0.43
 Office.................     --        --            --                1.20
 Industrial.............     --        --            --                0.21
 Hotel/motel............     --        --            --                0.14
 Mixed Use..............     --        --            --                0.01
 Other Commercial
  Property..............     --        --            --                0.13
                            ---      -----          ----               ----
  Total.................      5      $29.5          0.63%              2.35%
                            ===      =====          ====               ====
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Source: ACLI Investment Bulletin entitled "Quarterly Survey of Mortgage
    Loan Delinquencies and Foreclosures," Number 1326, dated February 28,
    1996.
(2) Reflects, by individual property types, commercial mortgage loans that are
    delinquent 60 days or more or in the process of foreclosure as a
    percentage of composite total loans.
(3) Property types are defined by the ACLI.
 
                COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE LOANS DELINQUENT OR IN THE
                       PROCESS OF FORECLOSURE BY REGION
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995
                       --------------------------------------------------------
                                       COMPANY                     ACLI(1)
                       --------------------------------------- ----------------
                       NUMBER OF PRINCIPAL   DELINQUENCY AND   DELINQUENCY AND
                         LOANS    BALANCE  FORECLOSURE RATE(2) FORECLOSURE RATE
                       --------- --------- ------------------- ----------------
                                        (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                    <C>       <C>       <C>                 <C>
Region(3):
 New England..........      2      $14.8          0.32%              0.17%
 Middle Atlantic......     --        --            --                0.51
 East North Central...     --        --            --                0.36
 West North Central...     --        --            --                0.04
 South Atlantic.......      2        9.1          0.19               0.34
 East South Central...     --        --            --                0.05
 West South Central...     --        --            --                0.14
 Mountain.............     --        --            --                0.06
 Pacific..............      1        5.6          0.12               0.60
 Other................     --        --            --                0.08
                          ---      -----          ----               ----
  Total...............      5      $29.5          0.63%              2.35%
                          ===      =====          ====               ====
</TABLE>
 
                                      56
<PAGE>
 
- --------
(1) Source: ACLI Investment Bulletin entitled "Quarterly Survey of Mortgage
    Loan Delinquencies and Foreclosures," Number 1326, dated February 28,
    1996.
(2) Reflects, by region, commercial mortgage loans that are delinquent 60 days
    or more or in the process of foreclosure as a percentage of composite
    total loans.
(3) Regions are defined by the ACLI.
 
  In certain situations delinquent mortgages may be restructured or modified.
As of September 30, 1996, the amortized cost of restructured mortgages totaled
$59.4 million, as compared with $66.0 million and $77.0 million as of December
31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
  The following table sets forth the delinquency, foreclosure and restructured
commercial mortgage loan experience for the Company and for the life insurers
reporting to the ACLI for the periods indicated.
 
                    THE COMPANY AND LIFE INSURANCE INDUSTRY
                            PROBLEM LOAN COMPARISON
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     FOR THE YEAR ENDED  FOR THE YEAR ENDED  FOR THE YEAR ENDED  FOR THE YEAR ENDED  FOR THE YEAR ENDED
                      DECEMBER 31, 1995   DECEMBER 31, 1994   DECEMBER 31, 1993   DECEMBER 31, 1992   DECEMBER 31, 1991
                     ------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------------- -------------------
                      COMPANY   ACLI(1)   COMPANY   ACLI(1)   COMPANY   ACLI(1)   COMPANY   ACLI(1)   COMPANY   ACLI(1)
                     --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S>                  <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Delinquent(2)......     0.63%      2.35%    0.48%      3.38%    0.80%      4.54%    1.41%      6.62%    0.92%      5.93%
In foreclosure(3)..    0.63       1.45     0.48       1.80     0.80       2.17     1.41       3.16     0.92       2.87
Restructured(4)....    1.48       8.27     1.95       9.58     1.87       9.35     1.25       7.44     2.11       5.09
                     --------  --------- --------  --------- --------  --------- --------  --------- --------  ---------
 Subtotal..........    2.11      10.62     2.43      12.96     2.67      13.89     2.66      14.06     3.03      11.02
Foreclosed--year to
 date..............    0.74       1.75     1.18       2.52     1.48       3.21     3.33       3.31     1.31       2.29
                     --------  --------- --------  --------- --------  --------- --------  --------- --------  ---------
 Total.............     2.85%     12.37%    3.61%     15.48%    4.15%     17.10%    5.99%     17.37%    4.34%     13.31%
                     ========  ========= ========  ========= ========  ========= ========  ========= ========  =========
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Source: ACLI Investment Bulletins entitled "Quarterly Survey of Mortgage
    Loan Delinquencies and Foreclosures," numbers 1326, 1289, 1253, 1213 and
    1174, dated February 28, 1996, March 9, 1995, March 1, 1994, March 2, 1993
    and March 3, 1992, respectively.
(2) Commercial mortgage loans are classified by the Company and the ACLI as
    delinquent when they are 60 days or more past due.
(3) Delinquent includes loans in foreclosure; therefore, subtotal and total
    lines exclude "In foreclosure" amounts.
(4) Commercial mortgage loans are classified by the Company and the ACLI as
    restructured when they are in good standing, but the basic terms have been
    modified as a result of an actual or anticipated delinquency.
 
  The following table shows credit-related realized and unrealized gains and
losses before taxes on the Company's general account commercial mortgage loans
for the periods indicated. Realized losses on general account commercial
mortgage loans are generally a result of delinquent loans 30 days or more past
due. The following table focuses on credit losses and does not reflect gains
from prepayment penalties of $3.2 million, $6.4 million, $5.2 million, $1.3
million and $3.8 million in 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992 and 1991, respectively.
 
                   GENERAL ACCOUNT COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE LOAN
                        CREDIT-RELATED GAINS AND LOSSES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                   ------------------------------------------
                                    1995    1994     1993     1992     1991
                                   ------  -------  -------  -------  -------
<S>                                <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Realized gains (losses)........... $ (7.1) $ (20.4) $ (28.2) $ (36.1) $ (18.4)
Unrealized gains (losses).........    --       --       --       --       --
                                   ------  -------  -------  -------  -------
  Total........................... $ (7.1) $ (20.4) $ (28.2) $ (36.1) $ (18.4)
                                   ======  =======  =======  =======  =======
Percentage of beginning of year
 portfolio........................   0.17%    0.53%    0.79%    1.12%    0.51%
</TABLE>
 
                                      57
<PAGE>
 
Real Estate
 
  As of September 30, 1996, equity real estate assets were $235.5 million (or
1.3%) of the carrying value of general account invested assets. The equity
real estate category consists of retail, office, industrial and other
properties. Retail properties constitute the largest component of the category
and are primarily grocery store- anchored neighborhood shopping centers.
 
Policy Loans
 
  The Company held $364.1 million of general account policy loans as of
September 30, 1996. Of such policy loans, 57.6% were on traditional life
policies and 42.4% were on universal life policies and annuities. Policy loans
are permitted to the extent of a policy's contractual limits and are
collateralized fully by policy cash values. Loan rates are fixed in the
contracts and range from 5% to 8%. For policies with variable rate provisions,
the loan interest rates were tied to external indices. The weighted average
policy loan interest rate was 7.75% as of September 30, 1996.
 
Equity Securities
 
  As of September 30, 1996, the Company held general account equity securities
of $53.0 million (or 0.03%) of general account consolidated invested assets.
The Company's general account equity security investments consist of a
diversified portfolio primarily of publicly traded common stocks.
 
Other Long-Term Investments
 
  As of September 30, 1996, other long-term investments were $59.8 million (or
0.3%) of the carrying value of general account invested assets. Such
investments primarily consist of joint ventures and limited partnership
interests in real estate.
 
Short-Term Investments
 
  As of September 30, 1996, short-term investments were $98.1 million (or
0.5%) of the carrying value of general account invested assets. Such short-
term investments comprised cash and cash equivalents. The Company invests in
U.S. Treasury bills, commercial paper and certificates of deposit.
 
RATINGS
 
  Ratings have become an increasingly important factor in establishing the
competitive position of insurance companies. Ratings are important to
maintaining public confidence in the Company and its ability to market its
annuity and life insurance products. Rating organizations continually review
the financial performance and condition of insurers, including the Company.
Any lowering of the Company's ratings could have a material adverse effect on
the Company's ability to market its products and could increase the surrender
of the Company's annuity products. Both of these consequences could, depending
upon the extent thereof, have a material adverse effect on the Company's
liquidity and, under certain circumstances, net income. Nationwide Life is
rated "A+" (Superior) by A.M. Best. Based on its financial strength and claims
paying ability, respectively, Nationwide Life is rated "Aa2" (Excellent) by
Moody's and "AA+" (Excellent) by S&P.
 
  A.M. Best's ratings for insurance companies currently range from "A++" to
"F," and some companies are not rated. A.M. Best publications indicate that
"A++" and "A+" ratings are assigned to those companies that in A.M. Best's
opinion have achieved superior overall performance when compared to the norms
of the life insurance industry and generally have demonstrated a strong
ability to meet their policyholder and other contractual obligations.
 
                                      58
<PAGE>
 
  Moody's rating for insurance companies currently range from "Aaa" to "Caa."
S&P ratings for insurance companies range from "AAA" to "CCCq." In evaluating
a company's financial and operating performance, Moody's and S&P review its
profitability, leverage and liquidity as well as its book of business, the
adequacy and soundness of its reinsurance, the quality and estimated market
value of its assets, the adequacy of its policy reserves and the experience
and competency of its management.
 
  The foregoing ratings are based upon factors of concern to policyholders,
agents and intermediaries and are not directed toward the protection of
investors. Such ratings are neither a rating of securities nor a
recommendation to buy, hold or sell any security.
 
COMPETITION
 
  The Company competes with a large number of other insurers and non-insurance
financial services companies, such as banks, broker/dealers and mutual funds,
some of whom have greater financial resources, offer alternative products and,
with respect to other insurers, have higher ratings than the Company. The
Company believes that competition in the Company's lines of business is based
on price, product features, commission structure, perceived financial
strength, claims paying ratings, service and name recognition. National banks,
with their pre-existing customer bases for financial services products, may
pose increasing competition in the future to insurers who sell annuities,
including the Company, as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court's 1994 decision
in NationsBank of North Carolina v. Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company,
which permits national banks to sell annuity products of life insurance
companies in certain circumstances.
 
  Several proposals to repeal or modify the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933, as
amended, and the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, have been made
by members of Congress and the Clinton administration. Currently, the Bank
Holding Company Act restricts banks from being affiliated with insurance
companies. None of these proposals has yet been enacted, and it is not
possible to predict whether any of these proposals will be enacted, or if
enacted, their potential effect on the Company.
 
REGULATION
 
General Regulation at State Level
 
  As an insurance holding company, the Company is subject to regulation by the
states in which its insurance subsidiaries are domiciled and/or transact
business. Most states have enacted legislation that requires each insurance
holding company and each insurance company in an insurance holding company
system to register with the insurance regulatory authority of the insurance
company's state of domicile and, annually, to furnish financial and other
information concerning the operations of companies within the holding company
system that may materially affect the operations, management or financial
condition of the insurers within such system. The Company is subject to the
insurance holding company laws in Ohio. Under such laws, all transactions
within an insurance holding company system affecting insurers must be fair and
equitable and each insurer's policyholder surplus following any such
transaction must be both reasonable in relation to its outstanding liabilities
and adequate for its needs. The Ohio insurance holding company laws also
require prior notice or regulatory approval of the change of control of an
insurer or its holding company and of material intercorporate transfers of
assets within the holding company structure. Generally, under such laws, a
state insurance authority must approve in advance the direct or indirect
acquisition of 10% or more of the voting securities of an insurance company
domiciled in its state.
 
  In addition, the laws of the various states establish regulatory agencies
with broad administrative powers to approve policy forms, grant and revoke
licenses to transact business, regulate trade practices, license agents,
require statutory financial statements and prescribe the type and amount of
investments permitted. In recent years, a number of life and annuity insurers
have been the subject of regulatory proceedings and litigation relating to
alleged improper life insurance pricing and sales practices. Some of these
insurers have incurred or paid substantial amounts in connection with the
resolution of such matters. In addition, state insurance regulatory
 
                                      59
<PAGE>
 
authorities regularly make inquiries, hold investigations and administer
market conduct examinations with respect to insurers' compliance with
applicable insurance laws and regulations. None of the Company's insurance
subsidiaries is the subject of any such investigation by any regulatory
authority or any such market conduct examination in any state at this time.
The Company's subsidiaries continuously monitor sales, marketing and
advertising practices and related activities of their agents and personnel and
provide continuing education and training in an effort to ensure compliance
with applicable insurance laws and regulations.
 
  Insurance companies are required to file detailed annual and quarterly
financial statements with state insurance regulators in each of the states in
which they do business, and their business and accounts are subject to
examination by such agencies at any time. In addition, insurance regulators
periodically examine an insurer's financial condition, adherence to statutory
accounting practices and compliance with insurance department rules and
regulation. Applicable state insurance laws, rather than federal bankruptcy
laws, apply to the liquidation or the restructuring of insurance companies.
 
  As part of their routine regulatory oversight process, state insurance
departments conduct detailed examinations periodically (generally once every
three years) of the books, records and accounts of insurance companies
domiciled in their states. Such examinations are generally conducted in
cooperation with the departments of two or three other states under guidelines
promulgated by the NAIC. Nationwide Life's last examination occurred during
1993 for the three-year period ended December 31, 1992. Final reports of these
examinations have been issued by each of the Ohio, California and Delaware
insurance departments, and none of such reports raised any significant issues
or adjustments.
 
Regulation of Dividends and Other Payments from Insurance Subsidiaries
 
  As an insurance holding company, the Company's ability to meet debt service
obligations and pay operating expenses and dividends depends primarily on the
receipt of sufficient funds from its primary subsidiary, Nationwide Life. The
inability of Nationwide Life to pay dividends to the Company in an amount
sufficient to meet debt service obligations and pay operating expenses and
dividends would have a material adverse effect on the Company. The payment of
dividends by Nationwide Life is subject to restrictions set forth in the
insurance laws and regulations of Ohio, its domiciliary state. The Ohio
insurance laws require life insurance companies to seek prior regulatory
approval to pay a dividend or distribution of cash or other property if the
fair market value thereof, together with that of other dividends or
distributions made in the preceding 12 months, exceeds the greater of (i) 10%
of policyholders' surplus as of the prior December 31 or (ii) the net income
of the insurer for the 12-month period ending as of the prior December 31. The
Ohio insurance laws also require insurers to seek prior regulatory approval
for any dividend paid from other than earned surplus. Earned surplus is
defined under the Ohio insurance laws as the amount equal to the Company's
unassigned funds as set forth in its most recent statutory financial
statements, including net unrealized capital gains and losses or revaluation
of assets. Additionally, following any dividend, an insurer's policyholder
surplus must be reasonable in relation to the insurer's outstanding
liabilities and adequate for its financial needs. The payment of dividends by
Nationwide Life may also be subject to restrictions set forth in the insurance
laws of New York that limit the amount of statutory profits on Nationwide
Life's participating policies (measured before dividends to policyholders)
that can inure to the benefit of the Company and its stockholders. The Company
currently does not expect such regulatory requirements to impair its ability
to pay operating expenses and dividends in the future.
 
NAIC IRIS Ratios
 
  In the 1970s, the NAIC developed a set of financial relationships or "tests"
known as the Insurance Regulatory Information System ("IRIS") that was
designed for early identification of companies which may require special
attention by insurance regulatory authorities. There are separate but similar
tests for property/casualty companies and life and health companies. Insurance
companies submit data annually to the NAIC, which in turn analyzes the data by
utilizing, in the case of life insurance companies, 13 ratios, each with
 
                                      60
<PAGE>
 
defined "usual ranges." An insurance company may fall out of the usual range
for one or more ratios because of specific transactions that are in themselves
immaterial or eliminated at the consolidated level. Generally, an insurance
company will become subject to regulatory scrutiny if it falls outside the
usual ranges of four or more of the ratios, and regulators may then act, if
the company has insufficient capital, to constrain the company's underwriting
capacity. No ratios for the Company's insurance subsidiaries currently fall
outside the usual range for any of the ratios.
 
Risk-Based Capital Requirements
 
  In order to enhance the regulation of insurer solvency, the NAIC has adopted
a model law to implement risk-based capital ("RBC") requirements for life
insurance companies. The requirements are designed to monitor capital adequacy
and to raise the level of protection that statutory surplus provides for
policyholders. The model law measures four major areas of risk facing life
insurers: (i) the risk of loss from asset defaults and asset value
fluctuation; (ii) the risk of loss from adverse mortality and morbidity
experience; (iii) the risk of loss from mismatching of asset and liability
cash flow due to changing interest rates and (iv) business risks. Insurers
having less statutory surplus than required by the RBC model formula will be
subject to varying degrees of regulatory action depending on the level of
capital inadequacy.
 
  The RBC formula provides a mechanism for the calculation of an insurance
company's Authorized Control Level RBC and its total adjusted capital. The
model law sets forth the points at which a superintendent of insurance is
authorized and expected to take regulatory action. The first level is known as
the Company Action Level RBC, which is set at twice the Authorized Control
Level RBC. The second level is the Regulatory Action Level RBC, set at 1.5
times the Authorized Control Level RBC. The third is the Authorized Control
Level RBC, and the fourth is the Mandatory Control Level RBC, set at 70
percent of the Authorized Control Level RBC.
 
  If an insurance company's adjusted capital is higher than the Regulatory
Action Level but below the Company Action Level, the insurance company must
submit to its superintendent of insurance a comprehensive financial plan. If
an insurance company's adjusted capital is higher than the Authorized Control
Level but lower than the Regulatory Action Level, the superintendent of
insurance shall perform such examination or analysis as he or she deems
necessary of the insurer's business and operations and issue any appropriate
corrective orders to address the insurance company's financial problems. If an
insurer's adjusted capital is higher than the Mandatory Control Level but
lower than the Authorized Control Level, the superintendent may place the
insurer under regulatory control. If the insurance company's adjusted capital
falls below the Mandatory Control Level, the superintendent will be required
to place the insurer under regulatory control. Based on the formula adopted by
the NAIC, Nationwide Life exceeded the Company Action Level by a substantial
amount as of December 31, 1995. After giving pro forma effect to the Special
Cash Dividends and the contribution to Nationwide Life by the Company of
proceeds from the Equity Offerings and the Fixed Income Offerings, Nationwide
Life will continue to exceed the Company Action Level by a substantial amount
as of December 31, 1996. See "Use of Proceeds," "Recent History" and "The
Fixed Income Offerings."
 
Assessments Against Insurers
 
  Insurance guaranty association laws exist in all states, the District of
Columbia and Puerto Rico. Insurers doing business in any of these
jurisdictions can be assessed for policyholder losses incurred by insolvent
insurance companies. The amount and timing of any future assessment on the
Company's insurance subsidiaries under these laws cannot be reasonably
estimated and are beyond the control of the Company and its insurance
subsidiaries. Recent regulatory actions against certain large life insurers
encountering financial difficulty have prompted the various state insurance
guaranty associations to begin assessing life insurance companies for the
deemed loss. Most of these laws do provide, however, that an assessment may be
excused or deferred if it would threaten an insurer's solvency and further
provide for annual limits on such assessments. A large part of the assessments
paid by the Company's insurance subsidiaries pursuant to these laws may be
used as credits for a portion of the Company's insurance subsidiaries' premium
taxes. Based on the best information presently available, the Company believes
the total assessments will not be material to its operating results or
financial
 
                                      61
<PAGE>
 
position. For the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and the years ended
December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, the Company paid approximately $1.9 million,
$7.5 million, $5.3 million and $8.6 million, respectively, in assessments
pursuant to state insurance guaranty association laws.
 
General Regulation at Federal Level
 
  Although the federal government generally does not directly regulate the
insurance business, federal initiatives often have an impact on the business
in a variety of ways. Current and proposed federal measures that may
significantly affect the insurance business include limitations on antitrust
immunity, minimum solvency requirements and the removal of barriers
restricting banks from engaging in the insurance and mutual fund business.
 
Securities Laws
 
  Certain of the Company's insurance subsidiaries and certain policies and
contracts offered by them are subject to regulation under the federal
securities laws administered by the Commission and under certain state
securities laws. Certain separate accounts of the Company's insurance
subsidiaries are registered as investment companies under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act"). Separate
account interests under certain variable annuity contracts and variable
insurance policies issued by the Company's insurance subsidiaries are also
registered under the Securities Act. Certain other subsidiaries of the Company
are registered as broker/dealers under the Exchange Act and are members of,
and subject to regulation by, the National Association of Securities Dealers.
 
  Certain of the Company's subsidiaries are investment advisors registered
under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The investment
companies managed by such subsidiaries are registered with the Commission
under the Investment Company Act and the shares of certain of these entities
are qualified for sale in certain states in the United States and the District
of Columbia. A subsidiary of the Company is registered with the Commission as
a transfer agent. Certain subsidiaries of the Company are also subject to the
Commission's net capital rules.
 
  All aspects of the Company's subsidiaries' investment advisory activities
are subject to various federal and state laws and regulations in jurisdictions
in which they conduct business. These laws and regulations are primarily
intended to benefit investment advisory clients and investment company
shareholders and generally grant supervisory agencies broad administrative
powers, including the power to limit or restrict the carrying on of business
for failure to comply with such laws and regulations. In such event, the
possible sanctions which may be imposed include the suspension of individual
employees, limitations on the activities in which the investment advisor may
engage, suspension or revocation of the investment advisor's registration as
an advisor, censure and fines.
 
ERISA Considerations
 
  On December 13, 1993, the United States Supreme Court issued its opinion in
John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company v. Harris Trust and Savings Bank
holding that certain assets in excess of amounts necessary to satisfy
guaranteed obligations held by John Hancock in its general account under a
participating group annuity contract are "plan assets" and therefore subject
to certain fiduciary obligations under the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), which specify that fiduciaries must perform
their duties solely in the interest of ERISA plan participants and
beneficiaries. The Court limited the imposition of ERISA fiduciary obligations
in these instances to assets in an insurer's general account that were not
reserved to pay benefits of guaranteed amounts (i.e., benefits whose value
would not fluctuate in accordance with the insurer's investment experience).
The Secretary of Labor is required to issue proposed regulations not later
than June 30, 1997, providing guidance for the purpose of determining, in
cases where an insurer issues one or more policies backed by the insurer's
general account to or for the benefit of an employee benefit plan, which
assets of the insurer constitute plan assets for purposes of ERISA and the
IRC. Final regulations, after a notice and comment
 
                                      62
<PAGE>
 
period, must be issued by December 31, 1997. The regulations will apply only
with respect to a policy issued by an insurer on or before December 31, 1998.
In the case of such a policy, the regulations will take effect at the end of
the 18-month period following the date such regulations become final.
Generally, no person will be liable under ERISA or the IRC for conduct
occurring prior to the end of such 18-month period, where the basis of a claim
is that insurance company general account assets constitute plan assets. New
policies issued after December 31, 1998 will be subject to the fiduciary
obligations under ERISA. The regulations may provide for the exclusion from
treatment as plan assets of any assets of the insurer with respect to its
operations, products or services.
 
  The regulations should indicate the requirements that must be met in order
to satisfy ERISA's fiduciary standards. A review of Nationwide Life's
procedures with respect to its general account contracts will be required to
ensure compliance with the regulations.
 
Potential Tax Legislation
 
  Congress has from time to time considered possible legislation that would
eliminate the deferral of taxation on the accretion of value within certain
annuities and life insurance products. The 1994 United States Supreme Court
ruling in NationsBank of North Carolina v. Variable Annuity Life Insurance
Company that annuities are not insurance for purposes of the National Bank Act
may cause Congress to consider legislation that would eliminate such tax
deferral at least for certain annuities. Other possible legislation, including
a simplified "flat tax" income tax structure with an exemption from taxation
for investment income, could also adversely affect purchases of life insurance
if such legislation were to be enacted. There can be no assurance as to
whether legislation will be enacted which would contain provisions with
possible adverse effects on the Company's annuity and life insurance products.
 
PROPERTIES
 
  The Company's principal executive offices are located in Columbus, Ohio. The
Company leases its home office complex, consisting of approximately 536,000
square feet, from Nationwide Mutual and its subsidiaries at One Nationwide
Plaza, Two Nationwide Plaza and Three Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio. See
"Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."
 
  The Company believes that its present facilities are adequate for the
anticipated needs of the Company.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
  From time to time the Company is a party to litigation and arbitration
proceedings in the ordinary course of its business. The Company is not a party
to any material pending legal proceedings.
 
  In recent years, life insurance companies, including the Company, have been
named as defendants in lawsuits relating to life insurance pricing and sales
practices. There can be no assurance that any future litigation relating to
pricing and sales practices will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
  As of September 30, 1996, the Company had approximately 3,550 employees.
None of the employees of the Company is covered by a collective bargaining
agreement, and the Company believes that its employee relations are
satisfactory.
 
                                      63
<PAGE>
 
                                  MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
  The following table provides information regarding the executive officers
and directors of the Company. Of such executive officers, Messrs. Gasper,
Brock, Galloway, Karas and Easley work exclusively for the Company. The other
executive officers perform duties for the Company and other members of the
Nationwide Insurance Enterprise.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 NAME                              AGE        POSITION WITH THE COMPANY
 ----                              ---        -------------------------
 <C>                               <C> <S>
 Dimon Richard McFerson(1)........  59 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer--
                                        Nationwide Insurance Enterprise and
                                        Director
                                    53 President and Chief Operating Officer
 Joseph J. Gasper.................     and Director
 Galen R. Barnes..................  49 Executive Vice President
 Richard D. Crabtree..............  55 Executive Vice President
                                    61 Executive Vice President--Law and
 Gordon E. McCutchan..............     Corporate Services and Secretary
                                    50 Executive Vice President--Chief
 Robert A. Oakley.................     Financial Officer
                                    55 Executive Vice President--Chief
 Robert J. Woodward, Jr...........     Investment Officer
                                    49 Senior Vice President--Company
 James E. Brock...................     Operations
                                    54 Senior Vice President and General
 W. Sidney Druen..................     Counsel
                                    62 Senior Vice President--Chief Actuary--
 Harvey S. Galloway, Jr...........     Life and Annuities
                                    54 Senior Vice President--Sales--Financial
 Richard A. Karas.................     Services
 Dennis W. Click..................  58 Vice President and Assistant Secretary
 David A. Diamond.................  41 Vice President--Controller
                                    40 Vice President--Life Marketing and
 Matthew S. Easley................     Administrative Services
 Mark R. Thresher.................  40 Vice President and Treasurer
 Charles L. Fuellgraf, Jr.(1)(2)..  65 Director
 Henry S. Holloway(1)(2)..........  63 Director
 David O. Miller(1)(2)............  58 Director
 James F. Patterson(1)(3).........  54 Director
 Arden L. Shisler(1)(3)...........  54 Director
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Member of Executive Committee.
(2) Member of Compensation Committee.
(3) Member of Audit Committee.
 
  Biographical information for each of the individuals listed in the above
table is set forth below.
 
  DIMON RICHARD MCFERSON has been Chief Executive Officer of the Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise since December 1992. He has been Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer--Nationwide Insurance Enterprise of the Company since
December 1996 and a director of the Company since November 1996. Mr. McFerson
has been a director of Nationwide Life and Nationwide Mutual since April 1988
and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer--Nationwide Insurance Enterprise of
Nationwide Life and Nationwide Mutual since April 1996. Previously he was
elected Chief Executive Officer of Nationwide Life in December 1992, and
President and Chief Executive Officer--Nationwide Insurance Enterprise of
Nationwide Life in December 1993. He was President and General Manager of
Nationwide Mutual from April 1988 to April 1991; President and Chief Operating
Officer of Nationwide Mutual from April 1991 to December 1992; and President
and Chief Executive Officer of Nationwide Mutual from December 1992 to April
1996. Mr. McFerson has been with the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise for 17
years.
 
  JOSEPH J. GASPER has been President and Chief Operating Officer of the
Company since December 1996 and a director of the Company since November 1996.
Mr. Gasper has been President and Chief Operating Officer of Nationwide Life
since April 1996. Previously, he was Executive Vice President--
Property/Casualty Operations of Nationwide Mutual from April 1995 to April
1996. He was Senior Vice President--Property/Casualty Operations of Nationwide
Mutual from September 1993 to April 1995. Prior to that time, Mr. Gasper held
numerous positions within the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise. Mr. Gasper has
been with the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise for 30 years.
 
                                      64
<PAGE>
 
  GALEN R. BARNES has been Executive Vice President of the Company since
December 1996. Mr. Barnes has been President of the Nationwide Insurance
Enterprise since April 1996. Previously, he was President and Chief Operating
Officer of the Wausau Insurance Companies, members of the Nationwide Insurance
Enterprise, from May 1993 to May 1996 and was Senior Vice President of the
Nationwide Insurance Enterprise from May 1993 to April 1996. Prior to that
time, Mr. Barnes held several positions within the Nationwide Insurance
Enterprise. Mr. Barnes has been with the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise for
21 years.
 
  RICHARD D. CRABTREE has been Executive Vice President of the Company since
December 1996. Mr. Crabtree has been director, President and Chief Operating
Officer of Nationwide Mutual, Nationwide Mutual Fire and Nationwide Property
and Casualty Insurance Company since April 1996. Previously, Mr. Crabtree was
Executive Vice President--Property/Casualty Operations of the Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise from April 1995 to April 1996. Prior to that time, Mr.
Crabtree held various positions within the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise.
Mr. Crabtree has been with the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise for 31 years.
 
  GORDON E. MCCUTCHAN has been Executive Vice President--Law and Corporate
Services and Secretary of the Company since December 1996. Mr. McCutchan has
been Executive Vice President--Law and Corporate Services and Secretary of the
Nationwide Insurance Enterprise since September 1994. Previously, he was
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise from November 1989 to September 1994. Prior to that time,
Mr. McCutchan held several positions within the Nationwide Insurance
Enterprise. Mr. McCutchan has been with the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
for 32 years.
 
  ROBERT A. OAKLEY has been Executive Vice President--Chief Financial Officer
of the Company since December 1996. Mr. Oakley has been Executive Vice
President--Chief Financial Officer of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
since April 1995. Previously, he was Senior Vice President--Chief Financial
Officer of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise from October 1993 to April
1995. Prior to that time, Mr. Oakley held several positions within the
Nationwide Insurance Enterprise. Mr. Oakley has been with the Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise for 20 years.
 
  ROBERT J. WOODWARD, JR. has been Executive Vice President--Chief Investment
Officer of the Company since December 1996. Mr. Woodward has been Executive
Vice President--Chief Investment Officer of the Nationwide Insurance
Enterprise since August 1995. Previously, he was Senior Vice President--Fixed
Income Investments of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise from March 1991 to
August 1995. Prior to that time, Mr. Woodward held several positions within
the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise. Mr. Woodward has been with the Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise for 32 years.
 
  JAMES E. BROCK has been Senior Vice President--Company Operations of the
Company since December 1996. Mr. Brock has been Senior Vice President--Life
Company Operations of Nationwide Life since April 1996. Previously, he was
Senior Vice President--Investment Product Operations of Nationwide Life from
November 1990 to April 1996. Prior to that time, Mr. Brock held several
positions within the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise. Mr. Brock has been with
the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise for 27 years.
 
  W. SIDNEY DRUEN has been Senior Vice President and General Counsel of the
Company since December 1996. Mr. Druen has been Senior Vice President and
General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
since September 1994. Previously, he was Vice President, Deputy General
Counsel and Assistant Secretary of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise from
October 1989 to September 1994. Prior to that time, Mr. Druen held several
positions within the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise. Mr. Druen has been with
the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise for 26 years.
 
  HARVEY S. GALLOWAY, JR. has been Senior Vice President--Chief Actuary--Life
and Annuities of the Company since December 1996. Mr. Galloway has been Senior
Vice President--Chief Actuary--Life, Health and Annuities of the Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise since April 1993. Previously, he was Senior Vice
President and Chief Actuary of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise from
January 1983 to April 1993. Prior to that time, Mr. Galloway held several
positions within the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise. Mr. Galloway has been
with the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise for 27 years.
 
                                      65
<PAGE>
 
  RICHARD A. KARAS has been Senior Vice President--Sales--Financial Services
of the Company since December 1996. Mr. Karas has been Senior Vice President--
Sales--Financial Services of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise since March
1993. Previously, he was Vice President--Sales--Financial Services of the
Nationwide Insurance Enterprise from February 1989 to March 1993. Prior to
that time, Mr. Karas held several positions within the Nationwide Insurance
Enterprise. Mr. Karas has been with the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise for 32
years.
 
  DENNIS W. CLICK has been Vice President and Assistant Secretary of the
Company since December 1996. Mr. Click has been Vice President and Assistant
Secretary of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise since August 1994.
Previously, he was Associate Vice President and Assistant Secretary of the
Nationwide Insurance Enterprise from August 1989 to August 1994. Prior to that
time, he held several positions within the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise.
Mr. Click has been with the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise for 36 years.
 
  DAVID A. DIAMOND has been Vice President--Controller of the Company since
December 1996. Mr. Diamond has been Vice President--Enterprise Controller of
Nationwide Insurance Enterprise since August 1996. Previously, he was Vice
President--Controller of Nationwide Life from October 1993 to August 1996.
Prior to that time, Mr. Diamond held several positions within the Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise. Mr. Diamond has been with the Nationwide Insurance
Enterprise for 8 years.
 
  MATTHEW S. EASLEY has been Vice President--Life Marketing and Administrative
Services of the Company since December 1996. Mr. Easley has been Vice
President--Life Marketing and Administrative Services of the Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise since May 1996. Previously, he was Vice President--
Annuity and Pension Actuarial of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise from
August 1989 to May 1996. Prior to that time, Mr. Easley held several positions
within the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise. Mr. Easley has been with the
Nationwide Insurance Enterprise for 14 years.
 
  MARK R. THRESHER has been Vice President and Treasurer of the Company since
December 1996. Mr. Thresher has been Vice President--Controller of Nationwide
Life since August 1996. Previously, he was Vice President and Treasurer of the
Nationwide Insurance Enterprise from June 1996 to August 1996. Prior to
joining the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise, Mr. Thresher served as a partner
with KPMG Peat Marwick LLP since July 1988.
 
  CHARLES L. FUELLGRAF, JR. has been a director of the Company since November
1996. Mr. Fuellgraf has been Chief Executive Officer of Fuellgraf Electric
Company, an electrical contractor, of Butler, Pennsylvania, and Nashville,
Tennessee, since 1986. He is Chairman of the Board of Nationwide
Communications Inc. and Nationwide Development Company and serves on the board
of directors of several members of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise.
 
  HENRY S. HOLLOWAY has been a director of the Company since November 1996.
Mr. Holloway has been a farm owner and operator in Darlington, Maryland since
1959. He is Chairman of the Board of Nationwide Life, Nationwide Life and
Annuity Insurance Company and Nationwide Corp., and he serves on the board of
directors of several members of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise. He is
also a director of the National Cooperative Business Association and the
Forest Hill State Bank.
 
  DAVID O. MILLER has been a director of the Company since November 1996. Mr.
Miller has been a farm owner and land developer since 1962. He is the owner of
The Berry Barn and is a partner of M&M Enterprises in Licking County, Ohio. He
is Chairman of the Board of the Wausau Insurance Companies and he serves on
the board of directors of several members of the Nationwide Insurance
Enterprise. He is also a director of the National Cooperative Business
Association.
 
  JAMES F. PATTERSON has been a director of the Company since November 1996.
Mr. Patterson has operated the Patterson Fruit Farm in Chesterland, Ohio,
since 1964 and has been the President of Patterson Farms, Inc. since December
1991. He is Chairman of the Board of Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance Company
and serves on the board of directors of several members of the Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise. He is also a trustee of The Ohio State University and
serves on the board of directors of the University Hospitals Health System in
Cleveland, Ohio, and Geauga Hospital, Inc. in Chardon, Ohio.
 
                                      66
<PAGE>
 
  ARDEN L. SHISLER has been a director of the Company since November 1996. Mr.
Shisler has been President and Chief Executive Officer of K & B Transport,
Inc., a trucking firm in Dalton, Ohio, since 1962. He is Chairman of the Board
of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and serves on the board of directors of
several members of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise. He is also a director
of the National Cooperative Business Association.
 
  The Company anticipates that prior to completion of the Equity Offerings the
Company's Board of Directors will consist of eleven directors, divided into
three classes. The initial term of the first class will expire at the annual
meeting of shareholders to be held in 1998, the initial term of the second
class will expire in 1999, and the initial term of the third class will expire
in 2000. Officers of the Company are elected annually and serve until their
retirement, resignation or removal.
 
  The Company's Board of Directors will establish prior to completion of the
Equity Offerings an Audit Committee consisting of   directors, none of whom is
an officer or employee of the Company. The Audit Committee recommends to the
Board of Directors the selection of independent certified public accountants
to audit annually the books and records of the Company, reviews the activities
and the reports of the independent certified public accountants and reports
the results of such review to the Board of Directors. The Audit Committee also
considers the adequacy of the Company's internal controls and internal
auditing methods and procedures. The Board of Directors will establish a
Compensation Committee consisting of     directors, none of whom is an officer
or employee of the Company, which, as authorized by the Board of Directors,
will make recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to the
administration of the salaries, bonuses and other compensation to be paid to
the Company's officers. The Board of Directors will establish an Executive
Committee consisting of    directors, which, to the extent authorized by the
Board of Directors, will exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of
Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Company.
 
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
 
  Directors of the Company who are not employees of the Company or its
affiliates will receive an annual retainer of $50,000. The annual retainer
will be paid (i) $25,000 in cash and (ii) in shares of Class A Common Stock
having an aggregate market value of $25,000 when issued by the Company. In
addition, the Company will reimburse directors for reasonable travel expenses
incurred in attending meetings of the Board of Directors and committees
thereof.
 
  In addition, directors of the Company who are not employees of the Company
or its affiliates also receive compensation for service on the boards of
directors of Nationwide Life and Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance
Company. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, Messrs. Fuellgraf,
Holloway, Miller, Patterson and Shisler received $16,758, $23,520, $24,380,
$19,693 and $22,629, respectively, for service to such companies.
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
  The Company was incorporated in November 1996. Pursuant to the Cost Sharing
Agreement, the salaries and benefits of certain of the officers and employees
of the Company and its subsidiaries, including the Named Executive Officers
(as defined below), will be paid by Nationwide Mutual and reimbursed in
accordance with the terms of such agreement. See "Certain Relations and
Related Transactions--Existing Arrangements with the Nationwide Insurance
Enterprise--Cost Sharing Agreement."
 
  The following summary compensation table sets forth information regarding
the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and the other four most highly
compensated executive officers of the Company (collectively, the "Named
Executive Officers") for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 solely for
services rendered to the Company and its subsidiaries.
 
                                      67
<PAGE>
 
                          SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               LONG-TERM
                                  ANNUAL COMPENSATION         COMPENSATION
                             -------------------------------- ------------
                                                 OTHER ANNUAL     LTIP       ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION   SALARY   BONUS     COMPENSATION   PAYOUTS     COMPENSATION
- ---------------------------  -------- -------    ------------ ------------  ------------
<S>                          <C>      <C>        <C>          <C>           <C>
Dimon Richard
 McFerson(1).............    $356,901 $80,080(2)     $ -- (3)   $149,842(4)   $17,688(5)
 Chairman and Chief
  Executive
  Officer--Nationwide
  Insurance Enterprise
Joseph J. Gasper(6)......     231,515     -- (2)       -- (3)        -- (4)     7,261(5)
 President and Chief
  Operating Officer
Harvey S. Galloway, Jr...     247,520  69,901(2)       -- (3)     74,100(4)    11,973(5)
 Senior Vice President--
  Chief Actuary--Life and
  Annuities
James E. Brock...........     217,520  59,621(2)       -- (3)     65,100(4)    10,492(5)
 Senior Vice President--
  Company Operations
Richard A. Karas.........     216,905  52,312(2)       -- (3)     57,750(4)    10,059(5)
 Senior Vice President--
  Sales--Financial
  Services
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Figures in the table represent compensation received by Mr. McFerson
    solely for his services rendered to the Company and its subsidiaries as
    allocated pursuant to a cost sharing agreement. See "Certain Relationships
    and Related Transactions--Existing Arrangements with the Nationwide
    Insurance Enterprise--Cost Sharing Agreement."
(2) Represents the amount received by the Named Executive Officer under the
    Management Incentive Plan in 1996 for the 1995 award year. See "--
    Incentive Plans--Management Incentive Plan." Payout under such plan for
    the 1996 award year is not available as of the date of this Prospectus.
(3) Aggregate perquisites and other personal benefits are less than the lower
    of $50,000 or 10% of combined salary and bonus.
(4) Represents the amount received by the Named Executive Officer under the
    Executive Incentive Plan in 1996 for the award period 1993 to 1995. See
    "--Incentive Plans--Executive Incentive Plan." No payouts were made in
    1996 under the Sustained Performance Incentive Plan. See "--Incentive
    Plans--Sustained Performance Incentive Plan."
(5) Represents contributions made or credited by the Company in 1996 under the
    Nationwide Insurance Enterprise Savings Plan and the DC Supplemental Plan.
    See "--Retirement Plans--Savings Plans."
(6) Represents compensation received by Mr. Gasper solely for his services
    rendered to the Company in 1996 as allocated pursuant to a cost sharing
    agreement. Prior to April 1996, Mr. Gasper was the Executive Vice
    President--Property/Casualty Operations of Nationwide Mutual and received
    compensation from Nationwide Mutual and its property/casualty insurance
    subsidiaries for services rendered to such companies. Such compensation is
    not reflected in the table.
 
INCENTIVE PLANS
 
Sustained Performance Incentive Plan
 
  Nationwide Mutual and certain of its subsidiaries and affiliates, including
the Company, maintain the Sustained Performance Incentive Plan (the "SPIP").
Under the SPIP, payments are made to the Named Executive Officers and other
senior officers of the participating companies in each odd numbered calendar
year based on the achievement of measures tied to the performance of the
Nationwide Insurance Enterprise over the preceding four years. Performance
measures are based on profitability, growth and strategic objectives for the
Nationwide Insurance Enterprise which are established in advance by the boards
of directors of the participating companies. Under the SPIP, the participant
will be granted a target incentive amount that represents a percentage (10% to
20% depending on the participant's position within the participating company)
of the sum of the participant's base salary for the last two years of the
performance cycle. The actual amount received by the
 
                                      68
<PAGE>
 
participant will range from zero to twice the target incentive amount,
depending solely on the achievement of the performance measures.
 
  It is the intent of Nationwide Mutual and its participating subsidiaries and
affiliates that the SPIP be terminated at the close of calendar 1996. If a
payment under the SPIP is made in 1997, covering performance measured for the
period from 1993 to 1996, such payment will be made in cash as provided in the
plan. To facilitate the termination of the SPIP, the performance measurement
period for 1995 to 1998 will be closed at the end of calendar 1996. If a
payment under the SPIP is made in 1997, covering the performance measurement
period which would have ended in 1998, such payment will be made in restricted
stock of the Company, equal in value at the time of the payment to the cash
payment it is replacing.
 
Executive Incentive Plan
 
  Nationwide Mutual and certain of its subsidiaries and affiliates, including
the Company, maintain the Executive Incentive Plan (the "EIP"). Under the EIP,
annual payments are made to the Named Executive Officers and certain other
officers of the participating companies based on the achievement of measures
tied to the performance of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise and the
relevant operating company over the preceding three years. Performance
measures are based on profitability and growth objectives which are
established in advance by the Board of Directors of the participating company.
Under the EIP, the participant will be granted a target incentive amount that
represents a percentage (from 5% to 25% depending on the participant's
position within the participating company) of the participant's base salary.
The actual amount received by the participant will range from zero to twice
the target incentive amount, depending solely on the achievement of the
performance measures.
 
Management Incentive Plan
 
  Nationwide Mutual and certain of its subsidiaries and affiliates, including
the Company, maintain the Management Incentive Plan (the "MIP"). Under the
MIP, annual payments are made to the Named Executive Officers and certain
other management employees of the participating companies based on the
achievement of measures tied to the performance of the Nationwide Insurance
Enterprise, the relevant operating company, the relevant business unit and the
individual participant over the preceding year. Performance measures are based
on profitability, growth, expense management and key strategic objectives
which are established in advance. Under the MIP, the participant will be
granted a target incentive amount that represents a percentage (from 5% to 15%
depending on the participant's position within the participating company) of
the participant's base salary. The actual amount received by the participant
under the MIP will range from zero to twice the target incentive amount,
depending solely on the achievement of the performance measures.
 
PENSION PLANS
 
Retirement Plan
 
  The Nationwide Insurance Enterprise maintains a qualified defined benefit
plan, the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise Retirement Plan (the "Retirement
Plan"). In general, a participating employee's annual retirement benefit under
the Retirement Plan will be equal to the sum of (i) 1.25% of the participant's
Final Average Compensation times years of service (to a maximum of 35 years)
and (ii) 0.50% of the participant's Final Average Compensation in excess of
Social Security Covered Compensation times years of service (to a maximum of
35 years). Final Average Compensation, for the portion of the participant's
benefit which is attributable to service on or after January 1, 1996, is the
average of the highest five consecutive covered compensation amounts of the
participant in the participant's last 10 years of service. For the portion of
a participant's benefit attributable to service prior to January 1, 1996,
Final Average Compensation is the average of the highest 3 consecutive covered
compensation amounts of the participant in the Participant's last 10 years of
service. Covered compensation, for purposes of determining Final Average
Compensation under either method, is calculated on a calendar year basis and
includes compensation from any member of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise.
With respect to Messrs. Gasper, Galloway, Brock and Karas, because each such
officer's compensation is allocated solely to the Company and its
subsidiaries, covered compensation includes the compensation listed under the
headings Salary, Bonus and LTIP Payouts and a portion of the compensation that
is included under the heading Other Annual Compensation shown in the Summary
Compensation Table. Covered
 
                                      69
<PAGE>
 
compensation for Mr. McFerson includes the amounts set forth under such
headings and additional compensation amounts received for services rendered to
other members of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise. Social Security Covered
Compensation means the average of the social security wage bases in effect
during the 35 year period ending with the last day of the year the participant
attains social security retirement age. For employees of Nationwide Mutual and
certain of its subsidiaries and affiliates (including Nationwide Life), the
portion of a participant's benefit attributable to years of service credited
prior to 1996 is also subject to post-retirement increases following the
commencement of benefits or the participant's attainment of age 65, whichever
is later.
 
  A participant becomes fully vested after the completion of five years of
vesting service. The Retirement Plan generally provides for payments to or on
behalf of each vested employee upon such employee's retirement on his or her
normal retirement date or later, although provision is made for payment of
early retirement benefits on a reduced basis commencing at age 55 for those
participants with 15 or more years of vesting service or at age 62 for those
with 5 or more years of vesting service. The normal retirement date under the
Retirement Plan is the later of the date the participant attains age 65 or
completes five years of vesting service. Death benefits are payable to a
participant's spouse or, under certain circumstances, the named beneficiary of
a participant who dies with a vested benefit under the Retirement Plan or
while an employee.
 
Excess and Supplemental Plans
 
  The Nationwide Insurance Enterprise also maintains an unfunded, nonqualified
ERISA excess benefit plan (the "Excess Plan") and a supplemental benefit plan
pursuant to which certain employees may receive a supplemental retirement
benefit (the "Supplemental Plan"). Any employee whose benefits are limited
under the Retirement Plan by reason of limitations under the IRC on the
maximum benefit that may be paid under the Retirement Plan will receive such
benefits under the Excess Plan. Officers who earn in excess of $160,000
annually, and whose benefits under the Retirement Plan are limited by reason
of other limitations under the IRC, may receive benefits under the
Supplemental Plan. Benefits under the Supplemental Plan will be the sum of (i)
1.25% of the participant's Final Average Compensation times years of service
(up to a maximum of 40 years) and (ii) 0.75% of the participant's Final
Average Compensation in excess of Social Security Covered Compensation times
years of service (up to a maximum of 40 years) reduced by benefits accrued
under the Retirement Plan and the Excess Plan.
 
  The chart below indicates the estimated maximum annual retirement benefits
that a hypothetical participant would be entitled to receive under the
Retirement Plan (including payments made under the Excess and Supplemental
Plans as a result of limitations imposed by the IRC and ERISA) computed on a
straight-life annuity basis, if retirement occurred at age 65 and the number
of credited years of service and Final Average Compensation equaled the
amounts indicated. For purposes of the chart, it is assumed that the Final
Average Compensation is the same whether measured over the three-year
averaging period that applies to service accumulated prior to 1996 or the
five-year period that applies to service accumulated after 1995. In actual
operation, the total benefit received under the Retirement Plan (including
payments made under the Excess and Supplemental Plans) would be the total of
the benefit determined based on years of service earned under each method.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  YEARS OF SERVICE
                                    --------------------------------------------
FINAL AVERAGE
COMPENSATION                           15       20       25       30       35
- --------------                      -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S>                                 <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
$125,000........................... $ 30,744 $ 40,992 $ 51,241 $ 61,489 $ 71,737
 150,000...........................   41,898   55,864   69,830   83,795   97,761
 175,000...........................   49,398   65,864   82,330   98,795  115,261
 200,000...........................   56,898   75,864   94,830  113,795  132,761
 225,000...........................   64,398   85,864  107,330  128,795  150,261
 250,000...........................   71,898   95,864  119,830  143,795  167,761
 300,000...........................   86,898  115,864  144,830  173,795  202,761
 400,000...........................  116,898  155,864  194,830  233,795  272,761
 450,000...........................  131,898  175,864  219,830  263,795  307,761
 500,000...........................  146,898  194,864  244,830  293,795  342,761
</TABLE>
 
                                      70
<PAGE>
 
  All Named Executive Officers have a portion of their benefit calculated
based on the post-1995 definition of Final Average Compensation. As of
December 31, 1995, the number of credited years of service under the
Retirement Plan for Messrs. McFerson, Gasper, Galloway, Brock and Karas was 23
years, 29.5 years, 26.5 years, 26.5 years and 31.5 years, respectively. Mr.
McFerson's credited years of service include, pursuant to an agreement with
Nationwide Mutual, 8.17 years in excess of those actually earned through
employment by the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise. The benefit attributable to
those additional years will be paid by Nationwide Mutual (not the Retirement
Plan) and is reduced by the benefit payable under the retirement plan of Mr.
McFerson's previous employer. Each of the Named Executive Officers earned an
additional year of service in 1996 and their benefit for such year and all
future years will be calculated under the new definition of Final Average
Compensation. Covered compensation paid by the Company for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1996 for Messrs. McFerson, Gasper, Galloway, Brock and
Karas was $588,368, $236,458, $392,313, $343,171 and $328,513, respectively.
 
SAVINGS PLANS
 
  The Nationwide Insurance Enterprise maintains the Nationwide Insurance
Enterprise Savings Plan (the "Savings Plan"), a qualified cash or deferred
arrangement plan covering eligible employees of participating companies within
the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise. Under the Savings Plan, participants may
elect to contribute between 1% and 16% of their compensation to accounts
established on their behalf under the Savings Plan in the form of voluntary
salary reductions on a pre-tax basis. The participating companies are
obligated to make matching employer contributions, for the benefit of their
employees, at the rate of 70% of the first 2% of compensation deferred to the
Savings Plan by each employee, and 40% of the next 4% of compensation deferred
by each employee to the Savings Plan. All amounts contributed to the Savings
Plan are invested in one or more funds as designated by the participant.
Normally, a participant receives the value of his or her account upon
termination of employment, although a participant may withdraw all or a part
of the amounts credited to his or her accounts during employment under certain
circumstances, or receive a loan of a portion of his or her account balance.
Under the Savings Plan, a participant is immediately vested in all amounts
credited to his or her account as a result of salary deferrals and earnings on
those deferrals. A participant is vested in amounts attributable to matching
contributions and earnings on those contributions over a period of five years.
 
  The Nationwide Insurance Enterprise also maintains an unfunded, nonqualified
supplemental benefit plan (the "DC Supplemental Plan"), which provides
benefits, equal to employer matching contributions that would have been made
under the Savings Plan for the participants, in the absence of the IRC
limitations on compensation that can be considered and amounts that can be
deferred under the Savings Plan less actual matching contributions to the
Savings Plan. Participants are limited to those officers earning in excess of
$160,000 annually. All benefits under the DC Supplemental Plan are fully
vested.
 
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PROGRAM
 
  The Nationwide Insurance Enterprise maintains a deferred compensation
program (the "Deferred Compensation Program") pursuant to which officers of
participating companies may elect to defer payment of amounts otherwise
payable to such person. Under the Deferred Compensation Program, participants
receive credit for employer matching contributions which were not made under
the Savings Plan or DC Supplemental Plan and any reduction in benefits under
the Retirement Plan, Supplemental Plan or Excess Plan as a result of salary or
other deferrals under the Deferred Compensation Program. An eligible officer
is permitted to enter into a deferral agreement pursuant to which such officer
may annually elect to defer a portion of his or her salary or his or her
incentive compensation earned during the following year. Any such election is
effective prospectively. Amounts deferred under the plan will generally be
payable in annual installments beginning in January of the calendar year
following the calendar year in which the officer terminated employment.
Amounts deferred under the Deferred Compensation Program are credited with
interest. The interest rate is based on the fixed rate option in the Savings
Plan.
 
SEVERANCE PAY PLAN
 
  The Nationwide Insurance Enterprise maintains the Nationwide Salaried
Employees Severance Pay Plan, a program which provides benefits to employees
whose employment is terminated without an offer of replacement
 
                                      71
<PAGE>
 
employment within the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise or with a successor
employer. The benefit provided is a function of years of service completed and
salary, with a maximum benefit of 8 weeks of salary plus an additional week of
salary for each full or partial year of service in excess of 11.
 
DIRECTORS DEFERRED COMPENSATION PROGRAM
 
  Nationwide Life maintains a deferred compensation program applicable to
nonemployee members of its board of directors. Each director who has been re-
elected to the board of directors at least once and has served for at least 3
years on the board of directors is entitled to monthly payments, following
termination of his or her service on the board of directors, of a monthly
amount equal to the monthly director's fees received at the time of his or her
retirement from the board of directors. The number of monthly payments will
equal the number of months the individual served on the board of directors.
Messrs. Fuellgraf, Holloway, Miller, Patterson and Shisler, the non-employee
members of the Board of Directors of the Company, are also directors of
Nationwide Life.
 
LONG-TERM EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN
 
General
 
  The Board of Directors of the Company has adopted, and Nationwide Corp., as
the sole stockholder of the Company, has approved, the Nationwide Financial
Services, Inc. Long-Term Equity Compensation Plan (the "LTEP"). The purpose of
the LTEP is to benefit the stockholders of the Company by encouraging high
levels of performance by selected officers, directors and employees of the
Company and certain of its affiliates, attracting and retaining the services
of such individuals and aligning the interests of such individuals with those
of the stockholders.
 
  The LTEP grants the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the
Company, which will administer the LTEP, flexibility in creating the terms and
restrictions deemed appropriate for particular awards as facts and
circumstances warrant. The LTEP is intended to constitute an unfunded,
unsecured plan for incentive and deferred compensation and is not intended to
be subject to any requirements of ERISA. The LTEP is not qualified under
Section 401(a) of the IRC. The LTEP is intended to satisfy the requirements of
Section 16b-3 of the Exchange Act, and awards under the LTEP which are
performance-based are intended to qualify as "performance-based compensation"
for purposes of Section 162(m) of the IRC.
 
Types of Awards
 
  The LTEP provides for the grant of any or all of the following types of
awards: (i) stock options, including incentive stock options and non-qualified
stock options, for shares of Class A Common Stock; (ii) stock appreciation
rights ("SARs"), either in tandem with stock options or freestanding; (iii)
restricted stock; and (iv) performance awards. Any stock option granted in the
form of an incentive stock option must satisfy the applicable requirements of
Section 422 of the IRC. Awards may be made to the same person on more than one
occasion and may be granted singly, in combination or in tandem as determined
by the Compensation Committee.
 
Term
 
  The LTEP was effective as of    , 1996. No awards may be granted under the
LTEP after    , 2006, and the LTEP may be terminated by the Board of Directors
of the Company prior to such date. In the event of expiration or earlier
termination of the LTEP, the LTEP will remain in effect until such time as all
awards granted thereunder have been satisfied or have expired. No new awards
may by made under the LTEP after its expiration or termination.
 
Administration
 
  The LTEP will be administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors of the Company. The Company intends that each member of the
Compensation Committee shall be a "nonemployee director"
 
                                      72
<PAGE>
 
within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act and an "outside
director" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the IRC. Under the LTEP, the
Compensation Committee will have authority (i) to select the employees,
officers and directors of the Company and its affiliates to receive awards;
(ii) to determine the timing, form, amount or value and terms of grants and
awards, and the terms and conditions, if any, subject to which grants and
awards will be made and become payable under the LTEP, (iii) to construe the
LTEP and to prescribe rules and regulations with respect to the administration
of the LTEP and (iv) to make such other determinations authorized under the
LTEP as the Compensation Committee deems necessary or appropriate.
 
Eligibility
 
  All employees, officers and directors of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
are eligible to participate.
 
Shares Subject to the LTEP
 
  The number of shares of Class A Common Stock which may be issued under the
LTEP, or as to which SARs or other awards may be granted, may not exceed
million.
 
  In the event of any increases or decreases in the number of issued and
outstanding shares of Common Stock pursuant to stock splits, mergers,
reorganizations, recapitalizations, stock dividends or other events described
under the terms of the LTEP, the Compensation Committee shall make appropriate
adjustments to the aggregate number of shares available for issuance under the
LTEP and the number of shares subject to outstanding grants or awards, to the
exercise price per share of outstanding stock options and to the number or
kinds of shares which may be distributed under the LTEP. The terms of stock
options, SARs, restricted stock and performance awards may also be subject to
adjustments by the Compensation Committee to reflect changes in the Company's
capitalization.
 
Stock Options
 
  The Compensation Committee may grant awards in the form of options to
purchase shares of Class A Common Stock. The Compensation Committee shall,
with regard to each stock option, determine the number of shares subject to
the option and the manner and time of the option's exercise; provided,
however, that the maximum number of shares of Class A Common Stock that may be
subject to each of stock options, SARs or restricted stock awards granted
under the LTEP to an individual optionee during any calendar year cannot
exceed 100,000 shares (subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of stock
dividends, stock splits and certain other events). The exercise price of a
stock option may not be less than the fair market value of the Class A Common
Stock on the date the option is granted and in the case of an incentive stock
option will be at least such price as is necessary for the option to qualify
under Section 422 of the IRC. The Committee will designate each option as a
non-qualified or an incentive stock option. The option price upon exercise
may, at the discretion of the Committee, be paid by a participant in cash,
shares of Class A Common Stock, a "cashless exercise" or a combination
thereof.
 
  Prior to the consummation of the Equity Offerings, stock options will be
granted under the LTEP to the following officers of the Company in the
following amounts:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             NUMBER OF SHARES
           EXECUTIVE OFFICER                                 SUBJECT TO OPTION
           -----------------                                 -----------------
           <S>                                               <C>
</TABLE>
  The option exercise price will be equal to       .
 
                                      73
<PAGE>
 
Stock Appreciation Rights
 
  The LTEP also authorizes the Compensation Committee to grant SARs either
independent of, or in connection with, a stock option. If granted with a stock
option, exercise of the SAR will result in the surrender of the right to
purchase the shares under the option to which the SAR was exercised. Upon
exercising an SAR, the holder receives for each share with respect as to which
the SAR is exercised, an amount equal to the difference between the exercise
price and the fair market value of Class A Common Stock on the date of
exercise. Payment of such amount may be made in shares of Class A Common
Stock, cash, or a combination thereof, as determined by the Compensation
Committee.
 
Restricted Stock
 
  The LTEP provides that shares of Class A Common Stock subject to certain
restrictions may be awarded to eligible persons from time to time as
determined by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee will
determine the nature and extent of the restrictions on such shares, the
duration of such restrictions and any circumstance under which restricted
shares will be forfeited by the participant. Subject to such restrictions as
the Compensation Committee shall determine, participants holding shares of
restricted stock may exercise full voting rights with respect to such shares
and may receive dividends payable to holders of such shares.
 
  Prior to the consummation of the Equity Offerings, restricted stock will be
granted under the LTEP to the following officers of the Company in the
following amounts:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            NUMBER OF SHARES
           EXECUTIVE OFFICER                               OF RESTRICTED STOCK
           -----------------                               -------------------
           <S>                                             <C>
</TABLE>
 
Performance Awards
 
  The LTEP permits the Compensation Committee to grant performance units or
shares to eligible persons under the LTEP from time to time. A performance
award will be contingent upon future performance by the Company or any
subsidiary, division or department thereof. The Compensation Committee shall
establish at the time of grant the relevant performance criteria. Performance
periods may overlap and participants may be awarded performance units and
performance shares having different performance criteria. Unless the
Compensation Committee otherwise determines, in the event of a participant's
termination as an employee or director before the end of any relevant
performance period (other than due to death, disability or retirement), the
participant will not be entitled to any performance award related to such
period. Subject to the discretion of the Compensation Committee, participants
who have earned shares of Class A Common Stock in connection with grants of
performance awards may exercise full voting rights with respect to such shares
and may receive dividends payable to holders of such shares. Payment of a
performance award may be made in cash, Class A Common Stock or a combination
thereof, as determined by the Committee.
 
Award Agreements
 
  Each award under the LTEP will be evidenced by an agreement in such form and
containing such provisions consistent with the provisions of the LTEP as the
Compensation Committee from time to time approves. In applicable situations,
such agreements may include provisions to qualify as an incentive stock
option, or providing for the payment of the option price, in whole or in part,
by the delivery of a number of shares of Class A Common Stock (plus cash if
necessary) having a fair market value equal to any option price. Such
agreements may also include provisions relating to (i) vesting, (ii) tax
matters (including provisions covering any applicable employee wage
withholding requirements), and (iii) any other matters not inconsistent with
the terms and
 
                                      74
<PAGE>
 
provisions of the LTEP that the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion
determines. The terms and conditions of award agreements need not to be
identical.
 
Amendment
 
  The Board of Directors of the Company may at any time terminate or amend the
LTEP in any respect; provided, however, that no amendment which requires
stockholder approval in order for the LTEP to comply with Rule 16b-3 under the
Exchange Act shall be effective unless such amendment is approved by the
requisite number of stockholders of the Company entitled to vote thereon. No
amendment or termination of the LTEP shall, without the consent of the
optionee or participant in the LTEP, alter or impair the rights of such person
under any options or other awards theretofore granted under the LTEP.
 
Change of Control
 
  Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control (as defined in the LTEP), (i) the
exercisability and vesting of stock appreciation rights and, subject to
certain limitations, stock options shall be accelerated, (ii) the restrictions
and limitations applicable to any restricted stock shall lapse, (iii) the
target payout opportunities attainable under all outstanding awards of
restricted stock, performance units and performance shares shall be deemed to
have been fully earned for the entire performance period, (iv) the vesting of
restricted stock and performance awards denominated in shares of Class A
Common Stock will be accelerated and (v) within 30 days following the
effective date of the Change in Control, a pro rata amount of any outstanding
performance awards will be paid in cash to participants, based upon an assumed
achievement of all relevant performance goals and upon the portion of the
performance period which has elapsed prior to the Change in Control.
 
                          OWNERSHIP OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
  Prior to the consummation of the Equity Offerings, all of the outstanding
shares of Common Stock of the Company will be owned by Nationwide Corp. After
the Equity Offerings, Nationwide Corp. will own all of the outstanding shares
of the Class B Common Stock and none of the outstanding shares of the Class A
Common Stock. Such shares of the Class B Common Stock will represent    %
(   % if the Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full) of the
combined voting power of the outstanding capital stock of the Company
following the Equity Offerings.
 
                                      75
<PAGE>
 
                CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE
 
Organization of the Company
 
  The Company was formed in November 1996 as a holding company for Nationwide
Life and the other companies within the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise that
offer or distribute long-term savings and retirement products. Prior to the
Equity Offerings, Nationwide Corp. will acquire all of the Class B Common
Stock of the Company in exchange for all of the outstanding capital stock of
Nationwide Life and such other companies. Prior to such exchange, Nationwide
Life (i) will pay on December 31, 1996 a cash dividend of $50.0 million to
Nationwide Corp. and (ii) will dividend on January 1, 1997 to Nationwide Corp.
the stock of certain of its subsidiaries that do not operate in the long-term
savings and retirement market. Prior to the consummation of the Equity
Offerings, Nationwide Life will pay an additional cash dividend of $  million
to the Company, and the Company will pay an equal cash dividend to Nationwide
Corp.
 
  In addition, effective as of January 1, 1996, Nationwide Life entered into a
100% modified coinsurance agreement with Employers Life pursuant to which all
of Nationwide Life's nonvariable group and wholesale life insurance business
and group and franchise health insurance business was reinsured by Employers
Life. Nationwide Life also entered into a 100% modified coinsurance agreement
with Nationwide Mutual effective as of January 1, 1996, pursuant to which all
of Nationwide Life's individual accident and health insurance business was
reinsured by Nationwide Mutual. See "--Modified Coinsurance Agreements."
 
Federal Income Taxes
 
  Nationwide Mutual and its U.S. subsidiaries, including the Company and its
subsidiaries, file a consolidated federal income tax return. The members of
the consolidated group currently have a tax sharing arrangement which
provides, in effect, for each member to bear essentially the same federal
income tax liability as if separate tax returns were filed. For the nine
months ended September 30, 1996 and the year ended December 31, 1995, the
Company made federal income tax payments under the tax sharing arrangement of
$89.7 million and $58.1 million, respectively.
 
Legal Services
 
  The attorneys in the Office of General Counsel of Nationwide Mutual also
operate as the law firm of Druen, Rath & Dietrich. Pursuant to a partnership
agreement, the firm limits its representation to the members of the Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise. The partnership was formed to assure compliance with
Ohio law that prohibits corporations from practicing law. Through a retainer
arrangement, an annual retainer fee is paid by each member of the Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise based upon an estimate of time spent by each attorney
working on legal matters related to the respective member during the previous
year. W. Sidney Druen, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of the
Company, is the senior partner in such firm, and all attorneys and other
employees of the firm are salaried employees of Nationwide Mutual. The firm
applies all of its retainer fees toward office overhead under a rental and
office expense agreement with Nationwide Mutual. For the nine months ended
September 30, 1996 and the year ended December 31, 1995, the Company paid the
firm $1.5 million and $1.7 million, respectively, for legal services rendered
to the Company which amounts were immediately remitted to Nationwide Mutual.
 
Lease
 
  Pursuant to an arrangement between Nationwide Mutual and its subsidiaries,
the Company leases approximately 563,000 square feet of office space at One
Nationwide Plaza, Two Nationwide Plaza and Three Nationwide Plaza, Columbus,
Ohio, at a current market rate of $19.53 per square foot. Under the
arrangement, the Company determines the amount of office space necessary to
conduct its operations and leases such space from Nationwide Mutual, subject
to availability. For the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and the year
ended December 31, 1995, the Company made payments to Nationwide Mutual and
its subsidiaries totaling $7.8 million and $9.8 million, respectively, under
such arrangement.
 
                                      76
<PAGE>
 
Modified Coinsurance Agreements
 
  Effective as of January 1, 1996, Nationwide Life entered into a 100%
modified coinsurance agreement with Employers Life. Under the agreement,
Nationwide Life cedes to Employers Life, and Employers Life assumes,
Nationwide Life's nonvariable group and wholesale life insurance business and
group and franchise health insurance business and any ceded or assumed
reinsurance applicable to such group business. For the nine months ended
September 30, 1996, Nationwide Life ceded $169.3 million of premium to
Employers Life. Under modified coinsurance, the assets related to the group
business remain with Nationwide Life and there is no reserve transfer between
the two companies.
 
  Effective as of January 1, 1996, Nationwide Life also entered into a 100%
modified coinsurance agreement with Nationwide Mutual. Under the agreement,
Nationwide Life cedes to Nationwide Mutual, and Nationwide Mutual assumes,
Nationwide Life's individual accident and health insurance business and any
ceded or assumed reinsurance applicable to such business. For the nine months
ended September 30, 1996, Nationwide Life ceded $74.1 million of premium to
Nationwide Mutual.
 
Cost Sharing Agreement
 
  Pursuant to a cost sharing agreement among Nationwide Mutual and certain of
its subsidiaries, including Nationwide Life, Nationwide Mutual provides
certain operational and administrative services, such as sales, advertising,
personnel and general management services, to its direct and indirect
subsidiaries (including the Company). All such services are provided at cost,
determined by procedures established in accordance with National Association
of Insurance Commissioners' guidelines. Under such agreement, for the nine
months ended September 30, 1996 and the year ended December 31, 1995, the
Company made payments to Nationwide Mutual totaling $263.7 million and $320.9
million, respectively.
 
Cash Management Agreements
 
  Nationwide Mutual has entered into separate Investment Agency Agreements
with California Cash Management Company ("CCMC") and Nationwide Cash
Management Company ("NCMC"), each an affiliate of the Company. Pursuant to the
terms of such agreements, CCMC and NCMC make, hold and administer short-term
investments (those maturing in one year or less) for Nationwide Mutual and
certain of its affiliates, including Nationwide Life and certain of the
Company's other subsidiaries. Under each agreement, expenses of CCMC or NCMC,
as the case may be, are allocated pro rata among the participants based upon
the participant's ownership percentage of total assets held by CCMC or NCMC.
For the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and the year ended December 31,
1995, the Company paid CCMC and NCMC fees and expenses totaling $374,694 and
$476,615, respectively, under such agreements.
 
Benefit Plans
 
  The Company participates in the common employee benefit programs with
Nationwide Mutual and its subsidiaries. Included in these programs are
accident and health benefits, disability income benefits and life insurance
benefits. The Company ultimately pays for all benefits provided to its
employees under the benefit program plus an administrative processing fee,
reduced by employee contributions. The administrative processing fee paid by
the Company approximated $719,805 and $663,016 for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996 and the year ended December 31, 1995, respectively.
 
 
  The Company also participates, along with Nationwide Mutual and its
subsidiaries and affiliates, in life insurance and health care benefit plans
for qualifying retirees. Such plans are funded in amounts determined at the
discretion of management of the Company based on current and anticipated
future costs. Contributions to the plan by the participating companies are
primarily invested in group annuity contracts of Nationwide Life.
Contributions by the Company approximated $1.2 million  and $1.4 million for
the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and the year ended December 31, 1995,
respectively.
 
                                      77
<PAGE>
 
Repurchase Agreement
 
  Nationwide Life and certain of the Company's other subsidiaries are party to
a master repurchase agreement pursuant to which securities or other financial
instruments are transferred between parties against the transfer of funds by
the transferee for a period of time ending on a specific date or upon the
demand of the transferor.
 
NEW AGREEMENTS WITH THE NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE
 
  Set forth below are descriptions of certain agreements between the Company
and other members of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise that will become
effective upon the consummation of the Equity Offerings.
 
Tax Sharing Agreement
 
  The Company is, and after the Equity Offerings will continue to be, included
in the consolidated United States federal income tax return for which
Nationwide Mutual is the common parent and the Company's tax liability will be
included in the consolidated federal income tax liability of Nationwide
Mutual. The Company also may be included in certain state and local tax
returns of Nationwide Mutual or its subsidiaries.
 
  The Company will enter into the Tax Sharing Agreement with Nationwide Mutual
which will become effective for 1996 and subsequent years, as long as the
Company is included in Nationwide Mutual's consolidated federal income tax
return. It will also be effective for any year in which the Company is
included in a consolidated or combined state or local tax return. Under the
Tax Sharing Agreement, the Company will pay to Nationwide Corp. amounts equal
to the taxes that the Company would otherwise have to pay if the Company were
to file separate federal income, or a separate state or local income or
franchise, tax return (including any amounts determined to be due as a result
of a redetermination of the tax liability of the consolidated or combined
group of which Nationwide Mutual is the common parent arising from any audit
or otherwise) as if the Company were the common parent of an affiliated group
filing a separate consolidated or combined return rather than being included
in Nationwide Mutual's consolidated federal tax return or Nationwide Mutual's
consolidated or combined state or local tax return. The Company will be
responsible for all taxes, including assessments, if any, for prior years with
respect to all other taxes payable by the Company or any of its subsidiaries,
and for all other federal, state and local taxes that may be imposed upon the
Company and that are not addressed in the Tax Sharing Agreement.
 
  By virtue of its control of the Company and the terms of the Tax Sharing
Agreement, Nationwide Mutual effectively will control all of the Company's tax
decisions. Under the Tax Sharing Agreement, Nationwide Mutual will have sole
authority to respond to and conduct all tax proceedings (including tax audits)
relating to the Company, to file all returns on behalf of the Company and to
determine the amount of the Company's liability to (or entitlement to payment
from) Nationwide Corp. under the Tax Sharing Agreement. This arrangement may
result in conflicts of interest between the Company and Nationwide Mutual. For
example, under the Tax Sharing Agreement, Nationwide Mutual may choose to
contest, compromise or settle any adjustment or deficiency proposed by the
relevant tax authority in a manner that may be beneficial to Nationwide Mutual
and detrimental to the Company. Under the Tax Sharing Agreement, however,
Nationwide Mutual is obligated to act in good faith with regard to all persons
included in the applicable returns.
 
Intercompany Agreement
 
  The Company, Nationwide Mutual and Nationwide Corp. will enter into the
Intercompany Agreement, certain provisions of which are summarized below. As
used herein, "Nationwide Mutual" means Nationwide Mutual collectively with its
subsidiaries and affiliates (other than the Company and its subsidiaries).
 
  Nationwide Mutual Consent to Certain Events. The Intercompany Agreement will
provide that until Nationwide Mutual and its affiliates cease to control at
least 50% of the combined voting power of the outstanding capital stock of the
Company, the prior written consent of Nationwide Mutual will be required for:
(i) any consolidation or merger of the Company or any of its subsidiaries with
any person (other than with a
 
                                      78
<PAGE>
 
wholly owned subsidiary); (ii) any sale, lease, exchange or other disposition
or acquisition of assets by the Company or any of its subsidiaries (other than
transactions to which the Company and its subsidiaries are the only parties),
or any series of related dispositions or acquisitions, involving consideration
in excess of $250 million; (iii) any change in the authorized capital stock of
the Company or the creation of any additional class or series of capital stock
of the Company; (iv) any issuance by the Company or any subsidiary of the
Company of any equity securities or rights, warrants or options to purchase
such equity securities, except (a) up to    shares of Class A Common Stock
pursuant to employee and director stock option, profit sharing and other
benefit plans of the Company and its subsidiaries and any options exercisable
therefor, (b) shares of Class A Common Stock issued upon the conversion of any
Class B Common Stock, (c) the issuance of shares of capital stock of a wholly
owned subsidiary of the Company to the Company or another wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company and (d) in the Equity Offerings; (v) the
dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Company; (vi) the amendment of
the Certificate and certain provisions of the Bylaws affecting corporate
governance; (vii) the election, removal or filling of a vacancy in the office
of the Chairman or Chief Executive Officer or President of the Company; (viii)
the declaration of dividends on any class or series of capital stock of the
Company, except dividends not in excess of the most recent regular cash
dividend or any dividend per share not in excess of 15% of the then current
per share market price of the Class A Common Stock; (ix) capital expenditures
or series of related capital expenditures of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries in excess of $250 million during any period of 12 consecutive
months; (x) the creation, incurrence or guaranty by the Company or any of its
subsidiaries of indebtedness for borrowed money in excess of $100 million,
except the Fixed Income Offerings; and (xi) any change in the number of
directors on the Board of Directors of the Company, the determination of
members of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof and the filling of
newly created memberships and vacancies on the Board of Directors or any
committee thereof.
 
  License to Use Nationwide Name and Service Marks. Pursuant to the
Intercompany Agreement, Nationwide Mutual will grant to the Company and
certain of its subsidiaries a non-exclusive, non-assignable, revocable license
to use the "Nationwide" trade name and certain other service marks
specifically identified in the Intercompany Agreement (collectively, the
"Service Marks") solely for the purpose of identifying and advertising the
Company's long-term savings and retirement business and activities related to
such business. The Intercompany Agreement will provide, among other things,
that, subject to Nationwide Mutual's ability to revoke such license in the
circumstances described below, such license will remain in effect for at least
five years following the Equity Offerings. Thereafter, the Intercompany
Agreement provides that, subject to certain exceptions, Nationwide Mutual will
only have the option to revoke such license on one year's notice if Nationwide
Corp. and its affiliates no longer own at least 50% of the combined voting
power of the outstanding capital stock of the Company. In addition, the
Intercompany Agreement will provide that the Company and its subsidiaries will
not, without the prior written consent of Nationwide Mutual, take any action
with respect to (i) any litigation or proceeding involving the Service Marks,
(ii) any change in the Company's names, logos and other identifications that
might reasonably be expected to adversely affect the Service Marks or (iii)
any advertising campaigns or strategies that use the Service Marks or that
refer to any member of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise that are
inconsistent with Nationwide Mutual's guidelines and standards. Nationwide
Mutual has the right to revoke the license under certain circumstances
relating to advertising, promotion or use of the Service Marks in a manner
contrary to Nationwide Mutual guidelines and standards. In addition,
Nationwide Mutual can revoke any of the Company's subsidiaries' use of the
Service Marks if there is a change of control of any such subsidiary of the
Company that is licensed to use the Service Marks. A revocation by Nationwide
Mutual of the license to use the Service Marks could have a material adverse
effect on the Company.
 
  Equity Purchase Rights. The Company will agree that, to the extent permitted
by the NYSE and so long as Nationwide Mutual controls at least 50% of the
combined voting power of the outstanding capital stock of the Company,
Nationwide Corp. may purchase its pro rata share (based on its then current
percentage voting interest in the Company) of any voting equity securities to
be issued by the Company (excluding any such securities offered pursuant to
employee stock options or other benefit plans, divided reinvestment plans and
other offerings other than for cash) (the "Equity Purchase Rights").
 
                                      79
<PAGE>
 
  Registration Rights. The Company will grant to Nationwide Corp. certain
demand and "piggyback" registration rights with respect to shares of Common
Stock owned by it. Nationwide Corp. has the right to request up to two demand
registrations in each calendar year, but not more than four in any five year
period. Nationwide Corp. will also have the right, which it may exercise at
any time and from time to time, to include the shares of Common Stock held by
it in any registration of common equity securities of the Company initiated by
the Company on its own behalf or on behalf of any other stockholders of the
Company. These rights will be subject to certain "blackout" provisions. Such
registration rights will be transferable by Nationwide Corp. The Company will
agree to pay all costs and expenses in connection with each such registration,
except underwriting discounts and commissions applicable to the shares of
Common Stock sold by Nationwide Corp. The Intercompany Agreement will contain
customary terms and provisions with respect to, among other things,
registration procedures and certain rights to indemnification granted by
parties thereunder in connection with the registration of Common Stock on
behalf of Nationwide Mutual.
 
  Indemnification. The Intercompany Agreement will provide that the Company
will indemnify Nationwide Mutual and its respective officers, directors,
employees and agents (collectively, the "Indemnities") against losses based
on, arising out of or resulting from (i) the use of the Service Marks and (ii)
any acts or omissions arising out of performances of the Intercompany
Agreement by the Company and its subsidiaries. In addition, the Company will
agree to indemnify the Indemnitees against certain civil liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act, relating to misstatements in
or omissions from the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a
part and any other registration statement that the Company files under the
Securities Act (other than misstatements or omissions made in reliance on
information relating to and furnished by any member of Nationwide Mutual for
use in the preparation thereof, against which Nationwide Mutual has agreed to
indemnify the Company). Nationwide Mutual also will agree to indemnify the
Company and its subsidiaries and each of their respective officers, directors,
employees and agents against losses based on, arising out of or resulting from
any breach by Nationwide Corp. or Nationwide Mutual of the Intercompany
Agreement and certain other specifically identified matters.
 
  Nationwide Insurance Enterprise Insurance Agents. In the Intercompany
Agreement, Nationwide Mutual will agree to allow the Company to distribute its
variable annuity, fixed annuity and individual universal, variable and
traditional life insurance products through Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
insurance agents. Such right is exclusive to the Company, subject to the
limited right of certain other members of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
to sell such products through the agency force, for at least five years
following the Equity Offerings. Thereafter, the Intercompany Agreement
provides that Nationwide Mutual will only have the option to terminate the
Company's right to distribute products through Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
insurance agents on one year's notice if Nationwide Corp. and its affiliates
no longer own at least 50% of the combined voting power of the outstanding
capital stock of the Company. The termination of such right could have an
adverse effect on the Company's ability to distribute certain of its products.
In 1995, 6.6% of the Company's statutory premiums and deposits were
attributable to products sold by Nationwide Insurance Enterprise insurance
agents.
 
Lease Agreement
 
  The Company will enter into a Lease Agreement with Nationwide Mutual which
will provide that Nationwide Mutual will continue to lease to the Company the
premises currently occupied by the Company on terms consistent with prior
allocation practices. Under the agreement, the Company will determine the
office space necessary to conduct its operations and will lease such space
from Nationwide Mutual, subject to availability. See "--Existing Arrangements
with the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise Lease."
 
                                      80
<PAGE>
 
FUTURE TRANSACTIONS WITH THE NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE
 
  In the future, the Company may enter into agreements with members of the
Nationwide Insurance Enterprise that will not be the result of arm's-length
negotiations between independent parties. Conflicts of interest could arise in
the future with respect to transactions involving members of the Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise, on the one hand, and the Company, on the other hand. Any
such transactions that are material to the Company will be subject to approval
by a vote of disinterested members of the Company's Board of Directors. In
addition, under the Ohio insurance holding company laws, arrangements and
agreements between the Company's insurance subsidiaries and other members of
the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise must be fair and equitable and may be
subject to the approval of the Superintendent of Insurance of the State of
Ohio. The Credit Facility requires that any transaction between the Company
and any of its affiliates be on an arm's-length basis on terms at least
as favorable to the Company as could have been obtained from a third party
which is not an affiliate. See "Business--Regulation."
 
                                      81
<PAGE>
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
AUTHORIZED CAPITAL STOCK
 
  The following statements are subject to and qualified in their entirety by
reference to detailed provisions of the Company's Certificate and Bylaws
(copies of which have been incorporated by reference as exhibits to the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part).
 
  The Company is currently authorized to issue    shares of Class A Common
Stock,    shares of Class B Common Stock and    shares of Preferred Stock. The
shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock are identical in all
respects except for voting rights and certain conversion rights and transfer
restrictions regarding the shares of Class B Common Stock as described below.
 
CLASS A COMMON STOCK AND CLASS B COMMON STOCK
 
Voting
 
  All outstanding shares of Common Stock are fully paid and nonassessable.
Except for the Equity Purchase Rights, holders of Common Stock do not have any
preemptive rights to subscribe for or purchase any additional securities
issued by the Company. No redemption or sinking fund provisions are associated
with the Common Stock. Cumulative voting is not permitted by holders of Common
Stock.
 
  The holders of Class B Common Stock are entitled to ten votes per share. The
holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share. Proposals
submitted to a vote of stockholders will be voted on by holders of Class A
Common Stock and Class B Common Stock voting together as a single class. At
all meetings of the stockholders of the Company, the holders of a majority of
the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock
entitled to vote, represented in person or in proxy, shall constitute a quorum
for the transaction of business; and the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of such common stock at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall
be the act of the stockholders of the Company. The superior voting rights of
the Class B Common Stock might discourage unsolicited merger proposals and
unfriendly tender offers.
 
Transfer
 
  The Certificate does not contain any restrictions on the transfer of shares
of Class A Common Stock. Upon transfer of shares of Class B Common Stock to
any person except to a "Permitted Transferee" (as defined therein), such
shares of Class B Common Stock will be converted into an equal number of
shares of Class A Common Stock. Permitted Transferees include, among others,
Nationwide Mutual and any of its affiliates.
 
Conversion
 
  Class A Common Stock has no conversion rights. Class B Common Stock is
convertible into Class A Common Stock, in whole or in part, at any time and
from time to time at the option of the holder, on the basis of one share of
Class A Common Stock for each share of Class B Common Stock converted. If at
any time after the initial issuance of shares of Class A Common Stock the
number of outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock falls below 5% of the
aggregate number of issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock, then each
outstanding share of Class B Common Stock shall automatically convert into one
share of Class A Common Stock. In the event of a transfer of shares of Class B
Common Stock to any person other than to a Permitted Transferee, each share of
Class B Common Stock so transferred shall be automatically converted into one
share of Class A Common Stock.
 
Dividends
 
  Holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive cash dividends pro rata on a
per share basis if and when such dividends are declared by the Board of
Directors of the Company from funds legally available therefor. In
 
                                      82
<PAGE>
 
the case of any dividend paid other than in cash, holders of Class A Common
Stock and Class B Common Stock are entitled to receive such dividend pro rata
on a per share basis. Dividends paid in Common Stock may be paid in shares of
Class A Common Stock on the Class A Common Stock and in shares of Class B
Common Stock on the Class B Common Stock.
 
Liquidation, Merger or Consolidation
 
  Holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock share with each
other on a ratable basis as a single class in the net assets of the Company
available for distribution in respect of the Common Stock in the event of
liquidation or any payments made on the Common Stock in the event of a merger
or consolidation of the Company.
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
  Under the Certificate, the Company has authority to issue     shares of
Preferred Stock. Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or
more classes with such full, special, limited or no voting powers, and such
designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other
special rights, and qualifications and limitations or restrictions thereof, as
shall be stated and expressed in the Certificate or any amendment thereof or
in any resolution adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company
establishing any class of Preferred Stock. The Board of Directors of the
Company has the authority to issue shares of Preferred Stock without further
action of the stockholders. The ability of the Board of Directors to issue
Preferred Stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible
acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could have the effect of making it
more difficult for a third party to acquire, or of discouraging a third party
from acquiring, a majority of the outstanding voting stock of the Company. No
shares of Preferred Stock are outstanding.
 
CERTAIN CERTIFICATE AND BYLAW PROVISIONS
 
  Certain provisions of the Company's Certificate and Bylaws, summarized in
the following paragraphs, may be considered to have an anti-takeover effect
and may delay, deter or prevent a tender offer, proxy contest or other
takeover attempt that a stockholder might consider to be in such stockholder's
best interest, including such an attempt as might result in payment of a
premium over the market price for shares held by stockholders.
 
Classified Board of Directors
 
  The Certificate provides for the Board of Directors of the Company to be
divided into three classes of directors, with each class as nearly equal in
number as possible, serving staggered three-year terms. As a result,
approximately one-third of the Board of Directors will be elected each year.
The Board of Directors believes that a classified board of directors will help
to assure the continuity and stability of the Board of Directors and the
business strategies and policies of the Company as determined by the Board of
Directors because continuity and stability in the composition of the Board of
Directors and in the policies formulated by it will be enhanced by the
staggered three-year terms.
 
  The classified board provisions could have the effect of discouraging a
third party from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain
control of the Company, even though such an attempt might be beneficial to the
Company and its stockholders. In addition, the classified board provisions
could delay stockholders who do not like the policies of the Board of
Directors from removing a majority of the Board of Directors for two years.
 
Number of Directors; Removal; Filling Vacancies
 
  The Certificate provides that the Board of Directors will consist of three
to fifteen members, the exact number to be fixed from time to time by
resolution adopted by the directors of the Company. The Board of Directors
currently consists of eleven directors. Further, subject to the rights of the
holders of any series of
 
                                      83
<PAGE>
 
Preferred Stock then outstanding, the Certificate authorizes the Board of
Directors to fill newly created directorships. Accordingly, this provision
could prevent a stockholder from obtaining majority representation on the
Board of Directors by permitting the Board of Directors to enlarge the Board
of Directors and fill the new directorships with its own nominees. A director
so elected by the Board of Directors holds office until the next election of
the class for which such director has been chosen and until his successor is
elected and qualified. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of
Preferred Stock then outstanding, the Certificate also provides that directors
may be removed only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of holders of a
majority of the outstanding shares of voting securities. The effect of these
provisions is to preclude a stockholder from removing incumbent directors
without cause and simultaneously gaining control of the Board of Directors by
filling the vacancies created by such removal with its own nominees.
 
Special Meetings of Stockholders
 
  The Bylaws provide that special meetings of stockholders may be called by
the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer or the
President and shall be called by the President or the Secretary at the request
in writing of a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company.
Stockholders are not permitted to call special meetings of stockholders.
 
Advance Notice Requirements for Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations
 
  The Company's Bylaws provide that stockholders seeking to bring business
before a meeting of stockholders, or to nominate candidates for election as
directors at a meeting of stockholders, must provide timely notice thereof in
writing. To be timely, a stockholder's notice must be delivered to, or mailed
and received at, the principal executive office of the Company, not less than
60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the scheduled meeting (or, if a special
meeting, not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the
earlier of (i) the day on which such notice of the date of the meeting was
mailed or (ii) the day on which public disclosure of the date of the special
stockholders' meeting was made). The Bylaws also specify certain requirements
pertaining to the form and substance of a stockholder's notice. These
provisions may preclude some stockholders from making nominations for
directors at an annual or special meeting or from bringing other matters
before the stockholders at a meeting.
 
Class B Common Stock
 
  The superior voting rights of the Class B Common Stock might discourage
unsolicited merger proposals and unfriendly tender offers.
 
No Action by Written Consent of the Stockholders
 
  The Certificate does not allow the stockholders of the Company to take
action by written consent in lieu of a meeting.
 
Delaware Takeover Statute
 
  The Company is subject to the provisions of Section 203. Section 203
prohibits a public Delaware corporation from engaging in a "business
combination" with an "interested stockholder" for a period of three years
after the date of the transaction in which such person became an interested
stockholder unless (i) prior to such date, the board of directors approved
either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the
stockholder becoming an interested stockholder; or (ii) upon the consummation
of the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested
stockholder, the interested stockholder then owned at least 85% of the voting
stock of the corporation, as defined in Section 203; or (iii) subsequent to
such date, the business combination is approved by both the board of directors
and by holders of at least 66 2/3% of the corporation's outstanding voting
stock at an annual or special meeting, excluding shares owned by the
interested stockholder. For these purposes, the term "business combination"
includes mergers, asset or stock sales and other similar transactions with an
"interested stockholder." An "interested stockholder" is a person who,
 
                                      84
<PAGE>
 
together with affiliates and associates, owns (or, within the prior three
years, did own) 15% or more of the corporation's voting stock.
 
Limitation on Liability
 
  The Company's Certificate contains a provision that is designed to limit the
directors' liability to the extent permitted by the DGCL and any amendments
thereto. Specifically, directors will not be held liable to the Company or its
stockholders for an act or omission in such capacity as a director, except for
liability as a result of (i) a breach of the duty of loyalty to the Company or
its stockholders, (ii) acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve
intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) payment of an
improper dividend or improper repurchase of the Company's stock under Section
174 of the DGCL, or (iv) actions or omissions pursuant to which the director
received an improper personal benefit. The principal effect of the limitation
on liability provision is that a stockholder is unable to prosecute an action
for monetary damages against a director of the Company unless the stockholder
can demonstrate one of the specified bases for liability. This provision,
however, does not eliminate or limit director liability arising in connection
with causes of action brought under the federal securities laws. The Company's
Certificate does not eliminate its directors' duty of care. The inclusion of
this provision in the Company's Certificate may, however, discourage or deter
stockholders or management from bringing a lawsuit against directors for a
breach of their fiduciary duties, even though such an action, if successful,
might otherwise have benefited the Company and its stockholders. This
provision should not affect the availability of equitable remedies such as
injunction or rescission based upon a director's breach of the duty of care.
 
Indemnification
 
  The Company's Bylaws also provide that the Company will indemnify its
directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. The
Company is generally required to indemnify its directors and officers for all
judgments, fines, settlements, legal fees and other expenses incurred in
connection with pending or threatened legal proceedings because of the
director's or officer's position with the Company or another entity that the
director or officer serves at the Company's request, subject to certain
conditions, and to advance funds to its directors and officers to enable them
to defend against such proceedings. To receive indemnification, the director
or officer must have been successful in the legal proceeding or acted in good
faith and in what was reasonably believed to be a lawful manner in the
Company's best interest.
 
Certificate Provisions Relating to Corporate Opportunities
 
  The Certificate provides that except as Nationwide Mutual may otherwise
agree in writing and except as set forth in the Intercompany Agreement:
 
    (i) neither Nationwide Mutual nor any member of the Nationwide Insurance
  Enterprise (other than the Company) shall have a duty to refrain from
  engaging directly or indirectly in the same or similar business activities
  or lines of business as the Company; and
 
    (ii) neither Nationwide Mutual nor any Member of the Nationwide Insurance
  Enterprise (other than the Company), nor any officer or director of
  Nationwide Mutual (except as provided below), will be liable to the Company
  or to its stockholders for breach of any fiduciary duty by reason of any
  such activities or of such person's participation thereon.
 
  The Certificate also provides that if Nationwide Mutual or any member of the
Nationwide Insurance Enterprise (other than the Company) acquires knowledge of
a potential transaction or matter which may be a corporate opportunity both
for Nationwide Mutual or such member and for the Company, neither Nationwide
Mutual nor such member shall have a duty to communicate or offer such
corporate opportunity to the Company and shall not be liable to the Company or
its stockholders for breach of fiduciary duty as a stockholder of the Company
or controlling person of a stockholder by reason of the fact that Nationwide
Mutual or such member pursues or acquires such opportunity for itself, directs
such corporate opportunity to another person or does not communicate
information regarding such corporate opportunity to the Company.
 
                                      85
<PAGE>
 
  Further, the Certificate provides that in the event that a director, officer
or agent of the Company who is also a director, officer or agent of Nationwide
Mutual or any of its subsidiaries acquires knowledge of a potential
transaction or matter that may be a corporate opportunity for the Company,
Nationwide Mutual or other members of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
(whether such potential transaction or matter is proposed by a third party or
is conceived of by such director, officer or agent of the Company), such
director, officer or agent shall be entitled to offer such corporate
opportunity to the Company, Nationwide Mutual or such member as such director,
officer or agent deems appropriate under the circumstances in his or her sole
discretion, and no such director, officer or agent shall be liable to the
Company or its stockholders for breach of any fiduciary duty or duty of
loyalty or failure to act in (or not opposed to) the best interests of the
Company or the derivation of any improper personal benefit by reason of the
fact that (i) such director, officer or agent offered such corporate
opportunity to Nationwide Mutual or such member (rather than the Company) or
did not communicate information regarding such corporate opportunity to the
Company or (ii) Nationwide Mutual or such member pursues or acquires such
corporate opportunity for itself or directs such corporate opportunity to
another person or does not communicate information regarding such corporate
opportunity to the Company. The enforceability of the provisions discussed
above under the DGCL has not been established and counsel to the Company has
not delivered an opinion as to the enforceability of such provisions. These
provisions of the Certificate may eliminate certain rights that might have
been available to stockholders under the DGCL had such provisions not been
included in the Certificate.
 
  The Company's Board of Directors currently consists of eleven members, seven
of whom serve concurrently on the boards of directors of other companies
within the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise. In addition, a significant number
of officers of the Company will also be officers of Nationwide Mutual or other
companies within the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise.
 
  The foregoing provisions of the Certificate shall expire on the date that
Nationwide Mutual ceases to beneficially own Common Stock representing at
least 50% of the voting power of the outstanding shares of Common Stock.
 
LISTINGS
 
  Application is being made for listing the Class A Common Stock on the NYSE
under the symbol "NFS."
 
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
 
      will serve as transfer agent and registrar for the Class A Common Stock.
 
                                      86
<PAGE>
 
                          THE FIXED INCOME OFFERINGS
 
  Shortly following the Equity Offerings, the Company expects to consummate
the public offering of $300 million aggregate principal amount of Senior
Notes, and an affiliate of the Company expects to consummate the public
offering of Capital Securities with an aggregate liquidation amount of $100
million. The Capital Securities will be issued by the NFS Trust, all of whose
common trust securities will be held by the Company. The principal asset of
such trust will be a junior subordinated debenture to be issued by the
Company. See "Capitalization."
 
  The Senior Notes will rank pari passu with all other senior unsubordinated
indebtedness of the Company. The Senior Notes may be redeemed by the Company
in whole or in part prior to their final maturity upon the terms and at the
redemption prices specified in the prospectus relating to the offering of the
Senior Notes. The Senior Notes are not entitled to the benefit of any sinking
fund.
 
  The consummation of the Equity Offerings is not conditioned on the
completion of the offering of the Senior Notes or the Capital Securities.
There can be no assurance that any of such securities will be issued.
 
  The Fixed Income Offerings are being made pursuant to separate prospectuses.
 
                        SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
  All of the shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding as a result of the
Equity Offerings will be freely tradeable without restriction or further
registration under the Securities Act by persons other than affiliates of the
Company. The shares of Class B Common Stock held by Nationwide Corp. are
deemed "restricted securities" as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act
and may not be resold in the absence of registration under the Securities Act
or pursuant to an exemption from such registration including the exemptions
contained in Rule 144 under the Securities Act.
 
  In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, a person (or persons
whose shares are aggregated), including affiliates of the Company who have
beneficially owned "restricted securities" for at least two years, may resell
within any three-month period a number of such shares that does not exceed the
greater of one percent of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock or
the reported average weekly trading volume of the Class A Common Stock on all
national securities exchanges during the four calendar weeks preceding such
sale. Sales under Rule 144 are also subject to certain manner-of-sale
provisions, notice requirements and the availability of current public
information about the Company. A person who is not deemed to be an affiliate
of the Company at any time during the 90 days preceding a sale, and who has
beneficially owned "restricted securities" for at least three years, may
resell such shares under Rule 144 without regard to the volume limitations,
manner-of-sale provisions or notice requirements. As defined in Rule 144, an
"affiliate" of an issuer is a person that directly, or indirectly through the
use of one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is in
common control with, such issuer. Nationwide Corp., as the holder of all of
the Class B Common Stock, is an "affiliate" of the Company for this purpose.
Sales of "restricted securities" by affiliates, even after a three-year
holding period, must continue to be made in brokers' transactions subject to
the volume limitations described above. The foregoing summary of Rule 144 is
not intended to be a complete description of that rule. Each share of Class B
Common Stock is convertible into one share of Class A Common Stock at any time
and is convertible automatically in certain circumstances, including upon
certain transfers. See "Description of Capital Stock--Class A Common Stock and
Class B Common Stock--Conversion." There can be no assurance that shares of
Class B Common Stock will not be converted into Class A Common Stock (which
shares would also be "restricted securities"), or that any holder or holders
of such "restricted securities" will not seek to sell their shares following
the offerings whether pursuant to registration rights or otherwise. Nationwide
Corp. has certain registration rights. See "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions--New Agreements with the Nationwide Enterprise--Intercompany
Agreement--Registration Rights."
 
 
                                      87
<PAGE>
 
  Nationwide Corp. and the Company have agreed that, without the prior written
consent of Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, they will not offer, sell,
contract to sell or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, or file with
the Commission a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to
any additional shares of Class A Common Stock, or securities convertible into
or exchangeable or exercisable for shares of Class A Common Stock, for a
period of 180 days after the date of this Prospectus, except for the shares of
Class A Common Stock being reserved for sale at the initial public offering
price to the employees, directors and agents of the Company and the Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise as described in this Prospectus.
 
  Prior to the Equity Offerings, there has been no public market for the Class
A Common Stock and no prediction can be made as to the effect, if any, that
future sales, or the availability of shares for future sales, will have on the
market price prevailing from time to time. Sales of substantial amounts of
Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock, or the perception that such
sales could occur, could adversely affect prevailing market prices for the
Class A Common Stock.
 
                                      88
<PAGE>
 
                                 UNDERWRITING
 
  Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in an Underwriting
Agreement dated    , 1997 (the "U.S. Underwriting Agreement"), the
Underwriters named below (the "U.S. Underwriters"), for whom Credit Suisse
First Boston Corporation, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated are acting as representatives (the
"Representatives") have severally but not jointly agreed to purchase from the
Company the following respective numbers of shares of Class A Common Stock:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Number of
        Underwriter                                                  U.S. Shares
        -----------                                                  -----------
   <S>                                                               <C>
   Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation...........................
   Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated................................
   Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
            Incorporated............................................
                                                                         ---
     Total..........................................................
                                                                         ===
</TABLE>
 
  The U.S. Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the U.S.
Underwriters are subject to certain conditions precedent and that the U.S.
Underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the U.S. Shares offered
hereby (other than those shares covered by the over-allotment option described
below) if any are purchased. The U.S. Underwriting Agreement provides that, in
the event of a default by a U.S. Underwriter, in certain circumstances the
purchase commitments of non-defaulting U.S. Underwriters may be increased or
the U.S. Underwriting Agreement may be terminated.
 
  The Company has entered into a Subscription Agreement dated    , 1997 (the
"Subscription Agreement") with the Managers of the International Offering (the
"Managers" and, together with the U.S. Underwriters, the "Underwriters")
providing for the concurrent offer and sale of the International Shares
outside the United States and Canada. The closing of the U.S. Offering is a
condition to the closing of the International Offering and vice versa.
 
  The Company has granted to the U.S. Underwriters and the Managers an option,
exercisable by Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation on behalf of the U.S.
Underwriters and the Managers, expiring at the close of business on the 30th
day after the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to     additional shares
of Class A Common Stock (the "Option Shares") at the initial public offering
price less the underwriting discounts and commissions, all as set forth on the
cover page of this Prospectus. Such option may be exercised only to cover
over-allotments in the sale of the shares of Class A Common Stock. To the
extent that such option is exercised, each U.S. Underwriter and each Manager
will become obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase
approximately the same percentage of the Option Shares as the number of U.S.
Shares set forth next to such U.S. Underwriter's name in the preceding table
and as the number set forth next to such Manager's name in the corresponding
table in the prospectus relating to the International Shares bears to the sum
of the total number of shares of Class A Common Stock in such tables.
 
  The Company has been advised by the Representatives that the U.S.
Underwriters propose to offer the U.S. Shares in the United States and Canada
to the public initially at the public offering price set forth on the cover
page of this Prospectus and, through the Representatives, to certain dealers
at such price less a concession of $    per share, and the U.S. Underwriters
and such dealers may allow a discount of $   per share on sales to certain
other dealers. After the initial public offering, the public offering price
and concession and discount to dealers may be changed by the Representatives.
 
                                      89
<PAGE>
 
  The public offering price, the aggregate underwriting discounts and
commissions per share and the per share discount to dealers for the U.S.
Offering and the concurrent International Offering will be identical. Pursuant
to an Agreement between the U.S. Underwriters and the Managers (the
"Intersyndicate Agreement") relating to the Offerings, changes in the public
offering price, concession and discount to dealers will be made only upon the
mutual agreement of Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, as representative
of the U.S. Underwriters, and CS First Boston Limited ("CSFBL") on behalf of
the Managers.
 
  Pursuant to the Intersyndicate Agreement, each of the U.S. Underwriters has
agreed that, as part of the distribution of the U.S. Shares and subject to
certain exceptions, it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell,
directly or indirectly, any Class A Common Stock or distribute any prospectus
relating to the Class A Common Stock to any person outside the United States
or Canada or to any other dealer who does not so agree. Each of the Managers
has agreed or will agree that, as part of the distribution of the
International Shares and subject to certain exceptions, it has not offered or
sold, and will not offer or sell, directly or indirectly, any shares of Class
A Common Stock or distribute any prospectus relating to the Class A Common
Stock in the United States or Canada or to any other dealer who does not so
agree. The foregoing limitations do not apply to stabilization transactions or
to transactions between the U.S. Underwriters and the Managers pursuant to the
Intersyndicate Agreement. As used herein, "United States" means the United
States of America (including the States and the District of Columbia), its
territories, possessions and other areas subject to its jurisdiction, "Canada"
means Canada, its provinces, territories, possessions and other areas subject
to its jurisdiction, and an offer or sale shall be in the United States or
Canada if it is made to (i) any individual resident in the United States or
Canada or (ii) any corporation, partnership, pension profit-sharing or other
trust or other entity (including any such entity acting as an investment
adviser with discretionary authority) whose office most directly involved with
the purchase is located in the United States or Canada.
 
  Pursuant to the Intersyndicate Agreement, sales may be made between the U.S.
Underwriters and the Managers of such number of shares of Class A Common Stock
as may be mutually agreed upon. The price of any shares so sold will be the
public offering price, less such amount as may be mutually agreed upon by
Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, as representative of the U.S.
Underwriters, and CSFBL, on behalf of the Managers, but not exceeding the
selling concession applicable to such shares. To the extent there are sales
between the U.S. Underwriters and the Managers pursuant to the Intersyndicate
Agreement, the number of shares of Class A Common Stock initially available
for sale by the U.S. Underwriters or by the Managers may be more or less than
the amount appearing on the cover page of the Prospectus. Neither the U.S.
Underwriters nor the Managers are obligated to purchase from the other any
unsold shares of Class A Common Stock.
 
  The Company has agreed that, without the prior written consent of Credit
Suisse First Boston Corporation, it will not offer, sell, contract to sell or
otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, or file with the Commission a
registration statement under the Securities Act relating to any additional
shares of Class A Common Stock, or securities convertible into or exchangeable
or exercisable for shares of Class A Common Stock, for a period of 180 days
after the date of this Prospectus.
 
  The Company has agreed to indemnify the U.S. Underwriters and the Managers
against certain liabilities, including civil liabilities under the Securities
Act, or to contribute to payments which the U.S. Underwriters and the Managers
may be required to make in respect thereof.
 
  Application is being made for listing of the Class A Common Stock on the
NYSE under the symbol "NFS." The U.S. Underwriters will undertake to the NYSE
that the Class A Common Stock will be sold to ensure that NYSE distribution
standards will be met requiring that sales in the United States will be made
in lots of 100 or more shares of Class A Common Stock to a sufficient number
of persons to establish a minimum of 2,000 round lot beneficial holders after
the U.S. Offering.
 
  The Representatives have informed the Company that they do not expect sales
to any accounts over which the U.S. Underwriters exercise discretionary
authority to exceed 5% of the shares offered in the Offerings.
 
                                      90
<PAGE>
 
  At the request of the Company, up to a maximum of    shares of Class A
Common Stock are being reserved for sale at the initial public offering price
as set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus to the employees, officers,
directors and agents of the Company and other members of the Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise. The number of shares of Class A Common Stock available
for sale to the general public will be reduced to the extent such persons
purchase such reserved shares. Any shares not so purchased will be offered by
the U.S. Underwriters to the general public on the same basis as the other
shares of Class A Common Stock offered hereby.
 
  Prior to the Offerings, there has been no public market for the Class A
Common Stock. The initial public offering price for the Class A Common Stock
will be determined by negotiations between the Company and Credit Suisse First
Boston Corporation on behalf of the U.S. Underwriters and the Managers. Among
the factors considered in determining the initial public offering price will
be the history of and prospects for the Company and the sectors in which it
operates, the past and present operating results of the Company and the trends
of such results, the general conditions of the securities markets at the time
of the offering and the prices of similar securities of comparable companies.
 
  From time to time, Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation has provided
investment banking services to the Company, Nationwide Life and other members
of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise, for which it has received customary
compensation. It is expected that Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation will
continue to provide such services in the future. The Representatives also are
acting as representatives of the underwriters of the Fixed Income Offerings.
 
                                      91
<PAGE>
 
                         NOTICE TO CANADIAN RESIDENTS
 
RESALE RESTRICTIONS
 
  The distribution of the Class A Common Stock in Canada is being made only on
a private placement basis exempt from the requirement that the Company prepare
and file a prospectus with the securities regulatory authorities in each
province where trades of Class A Common Stock are effected. Accordingly, any
resale of Class A Common Stock in Canada must be made in accordance with
applicable securities laws which will vary depending on the relevant
jurisdiction, and which may require resales to be made in accordance with
available statutory exemptions or pursuant to a discretionary exemption
granted by the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authority. Purchasers
are advised to seek legal advice prior to any resale of Class A Common Stock.
 
REPRESENTATIONS OF PURCHASERS
 
  Each purchaser of Class A Common Stock in Canada who receives a purchase
confirmation will be deemed to represent to the Company and the dealer from
whom such purchase confirmation is received that (i) such purchaser is
entitled under applicable provincial securities laws to purchase such Class A
Common Stock without the benefit of a prospectus qualified under such
securities laws, (ii) where required by law, that such purchaser is purchasing
as principal and not as agent, and (iii) such purchaser has reviewed the text
above under "Resale Restrictions."
 
RIGHTS OF ACTION AND ENFORCEMENT
 
  The securities being offered are those of a foreign issuer and Ontario
purchasers will not receive the contractual right of action prescribed by
section 32 of the Regulation under the Securities Act (Ontario). As a result,
Ontario purchasers must rely on other remedies that may be available,
including common law rights of action for damages or rescission or rights of
action under the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities
laws.
 
  All of the issuer's directors and officers as well as the experts named
herein may be located outside of Canada and, as a result, it may not be
possible for Ontario purchasers to effect service of process within Canada
upon the issuer or such persons. All or a substantial portion of the assets of
the Company and such persons may be located outside of Canada and, as a
result, it may not be possible to satisfy a judgment against the Company or
such persons in Canada or to enforce a judgment obtained in Canadian courts
against such issuer or persons outside of Canada.
 
NOTICE TO BRITISH COLUMBIA RESIDENTS
 
  A purchaser of Class A Common Stock to whom the Securities Act (British
Columbia) applies is advised that such purchaser is required to file within
the British Columbia Securities Commission a report within ten days of the
sale of any Class A Common Stock acquired by such purchaser pursuant to this
offering. Such report must be in the form attached to British Columbia
Securities Commission Blanket Order BOR #95/17, a copy of which may be
obtained from the Company. Only one such report must be filed in respect of
Class A Common Stock acquired on the same date and under the same prospectus
exemption.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
  The validity of the Class A Common Stock offered hereby will be passed upon
for the Company by LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P., a limited liability
partnership including professional corporations, New York, New York. Certain
other legal matters will be passed upon for the Company by W. Sidney Druen,
Esq., Senior Vice President and General Counsel. Certain legal matters
relating to the Equity Offerings will be passed upon for the Underwriters by
Dewey Ballantine, New York, New York.
 
 
                                      92
<PAGE>
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
  The consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules of
the Company and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and for
each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1995 included
herein and elsewhere in this Registration Statement have been included herein
and elsewhere in this Registration Statement in reliance on the report of KPMG
Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public accountants, appearing
elsewhere herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting
and auditing.
 
                                      93
<PAGE>
 
                     GLOSSARY OF SELECTED INSURANCE TERMS
 
ANNUITY..........................  A contract that provides for a fixed or
                                   variable periodic payment made from a
                                   stated or contingent date and continued for
                                   a specific period, such as for a number of
                                   years (certain period) or for life (life
                                   contingent), either immediately or after a
                                   stated accumulation period.
 
ASSET VALUATION RESERVE; AVR.....  The asset valuation reserve adopted by the
                                   NAIC in 1991. AVR appears as a liability on
                                   a life insurer's statutory financial
                                   statements. AVR establishes statutory
                                   reserves for debt securities, common
                                   stocks, preferred stocks, mortgage loans,
                                   equity real estate, joint ventures and
                                   other invested assets. AVR generally
                                   captures all realized and unrealized gains
                                   and losses on such assets, other than those
                                   resulting from changes in interest rates.
                                   AVR has no effect on financial statements
                                   prepared in conformity with GAAP.
 
CASH VALUE.......................  The amount of cash that may be realized by
                                   the owner of a life insurance policy or
                                   annuity contract with a life insurance
                                   company upon lapse or surrender of the
                                   policy or contract prior to its maturity.
 
CEDE, CEDING COMPANY.............  When a company reinsures all or a portion
                                   of its risk with another, it "cedes"
                                   business and is referred to as the "ceding
                                   company."
 
COINSURANCE......................  A form of reinsurance whereby the reinsurer
                                   assumes an agreed portion of risk insured
                                   by the ceding insurer and shares premium
                                   revenues and losses in proportion to the
                                   agreed portion.
 
CREDITING RATES..................  Interest rates applied to life insurance
                                   policies and annuity contracts, whether
                                   contractually guaranteed or currently
                                   declared for a specified period.
 
DEFERRED ANNUITY.................  An annuity that (i) can be paid either with
                                   a single premium or a series of
                                   installments and (ii) includes a schedule
                                   of periodic income benefit to commence
                                   after an accumulation period.
 
DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION        Commissions and other selling expenses that
COSTS............................  vary with and are directly related to the
                                   production of business. These acquisition
                                   costs are deferred and amortized in
                                   conformity with GAAP.
 
GENERAL ACCOUNT..................  All an insurer's assets other than those
                                   allocated to a separate account. The
                                   insurer bears the investment risk on the
                                   invested assets of the general account.
 
GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING
PRINCIPLES; GAAP.................  United States generally accepted accounting
                                   principles as defined by the American
                                   Institute of Certified Public Accountants
                                   and the Financial Accounting Standards
                                   Board.
 
                                      94
<PAGE>
 
IMMEDIATE ANNUITY................
                                   An annuity that begins payment immediately
                                   after issuance.
 
IN FORCE.........................  The total face amount of insurance coverage
                                   under contracts that have not expired.
 
INSURANCE GUARANTY                 Associations created in all states, the
ASSOCIATIONS.....................  District of Columbia and Puerto Rico by
                                   law, to cover funding shortfalls in paying
                                   claims of insolvent life insurance
                                   companies. These associations obtain funds
                                   by post-insolvency assessments of life
                                   insurance companies operating in a
                                   particular state in proportion to their
                                   business written in that state.
 
INSURANCE PREMIUM................  The amount that a policyholder is charged,
                                   in reflecting the expectation of loss or
                                   risk. The insurance company assumes the
                                   risks of the insured (length of life, state
                                   of health or liability exposure) in
                                   exchange for a premium payment. Premiums
                                   are calculated by combining expectation of
                                   loss and expense and profit loadings.
 
INTEREST MAINTENANCE RESERVE;      The interest maintenance reserve adopted by
IMR..............................  the NAIC in 1991. IMR appears as a
                                   liability on a life insurer's statutory
                                   financial statements and applies to all
                                   types of fixed income investments (bonds,
                                   preferred stocks, mortgage-backed
                                   securities and mortgage loans). IMR
                                   captures the net gains or losses from
                                   changes in the overall level of interest
                                   rates that are realized upon the sale of
                                   investments prior to maturity and amortizes
                                   these net realized gains into income over
                                   the remaining life of each investment sold.
                                   IMR has no effect on financial statements
                                   prepared in conformity with GAAP.
 
MORBIDITY RATE...................  The relative incidence of disability due to
                                   disease or physical impairment.
 
MORTALITY RATE...................  The relative incidence of death of life
                                   insureds or annuitants.
 
NAIC.............................  The National Association of Insurance
                                   Commissioners, an association of the chief
                                   insurance supervisory officials of each
                                   state, territory and possession of the
                                   United States.
 
PERSISTENCY......................  Percentage of life insurance policies or
                                   annuity contracts remaining in force until
                                   completion of the term for which the policy
                                   or contract was written.
 
POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS.........  Agents' and brokers' commissions, premiums,
                                   taxes, marketing, underwriting and other
                                   direct expenses related to the production
                                   of business. Such costs that vary with and
                                   are directly related to the production of
                                   business are deferred and amortized to
                                   achieve a matching of revenues and expenses
                                   when reported in financial statements
                                   prepared in conformity with GAAP.
 
POLICY RESERVES; RESERVES........  Liabilities established by insurers to
                                   reflect the present value of claims
                                   payments and the related expenses that the
                                   insurer will ultimately be required to pay
                                   in respect of insurance it has written.
 
                                      95
<PAGE>
 
REINSURANCE......................
                                   The practice whereby one party, called the
                                   reinsurer or assuming company, in
                                   consideration of a premium paid to such
                                   party, agrees to indemnify another party,
                                   called the ceding company. Reinsurance
                                   provides a primary insurer with three major
                                   benefits: it reduces net liability on
                                   individual risks; it helps to protect
                                   against catastrophic losses; and it helps
                                   to maintain acceptable surplus and reserve
                                   ratios. Reinsurance provides a primary
                                   insurer with additional underwriting
                                   capacity in that the primary insurer can
                                   accept larger risks and can expand the
                                   volume of business it writes without
                                   increasing its capital base. Reinsurance
                                   may be on an assumption basis, which
                                   effectively transfers to the reinsurer all
                                   rights and obligations on the business
                                   reinsured. Reinsurance may be a coinsurance
                                   basis, which means that the reinsurer
                                   accepts a stated proportion of all policy
                                   risks. Reinsurance may be on an excess or
                                   stop loss basis, which means that the
                                   reinsurer is responsible for any benefits
                                   in excess of a stated amount.
 
RISK-BASED CAPITAL                 Regulatory and rating agency targeted
REQUIREMENTS.....................  surplus based on the relationship of
                                   statutory capital and surplus, with certain
                                   adjustments, to the sum of stated
                                   percentages of each element of a specified
                                   list of Company risk exposures.
 
SEPARATE ACCOUNTS................  Investment accounts maintained by an
                                   insurer to which funds have been allocated
                                   for certain policies under provisions of
                                   relevant state insurance law. The
                                   investments in each separate account are
                                   maintained separately from those in other
                                   separate accounts and the general account.
                                   The investment results of the separate
                                   account assets are passed through directly
                                   to the separate account policyholders, so
                                   that an insurer derives management and
                                   other fees from, but bears no investment
                                   risk on, these assets, except the risk on a
                                   small number of products that returns on
                                   separate account assets will not meet the
                                   relatively low minimum rate guaranteed on
                                   these products.
 
SINGLE PREMIUM DEFERRED
ANNUITIES; SPDA'S................  Annuities that require a one-time lump sum
                                   payment of consideration upon the issuance
                                   of the contract with benefit payments
                                   commencing at some future date following an
                                   accumulation period.
 
STATUTORY ACCOUNTING PRACTICES...  Those accounting practices prescribed or
                                   permitted by an insurer's domiciliary state
                                   insurance regulator for purposes of
                                   financial reporting to regulators.
 
SURRENDERS AND WITHDRAWALS.......  Surrenders of life insurance policies and
                                   annuity contracts for their entire net cash
                                   surrender values and withdrawals of a
                                   portion of such values.
 
TERM LIFE INSURANCE..............  Life insurance offering protection during a
                                   certain number of years, but expiring
                                   without policy cash value if the insured
                                   survives the stated period. Most term
                                   policies provide for guaranteed
                                   continuation of coverage for life at
                                   increased premium rates.
 
                                      96
<PAGE>
 
UNIVERSAL LIFE INSURANCE.........
                                   Life insurance under which (i) premiums are
                                   generally flexible, (ii) the level of death
                                   benefits may be adjusted and (iii) expenses
                                   and other charges are specifically
                                   disclosed to a purchaser. This policy is
                                   sometimes referred to as unbundled life
                                   insurance because its three basic elements
                                   (investment earnings, cost of protection
                                   and expense charges) are separately
                                   identified both in the policy and in an
                                   annual report to the policyholder.
 
VARIABLE ANNUITY.................  Annuity in which premium payments are used
                                   to purchase accumulation units. The value
                                   of a unit fluctuates in accordance with the
                                   investment experience of a separate
                                   account; variable annuity contracts
                                   typically include a general account
                                   guaranteed interest investment option. At
                                   the time of the payment of benefits to the
                                   annuitant, the annuitant can generally
                                   elect from a number of payment options
                                   which provide either fixed or variable
                                   benefit payments.
 
VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE..........  Life insurance under which the benefits
                                   payable upon death or surrender vary to
                                   reflect the investment experience of the
                                   separate account supporting such policies;
                                   variable life insurance policies typically
                                   include a general account guaranteed
                                   interest investment option.
 
WHOLE LIFE INSURANCE.............
                                   Permanent life insurance offering
                                   guaranteed death benefits and guaranteed
                                   cash values.
 
 
                                      97
<PAGE>
 
              NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           ----
<S>                                                                        <C>
AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Independent Auditors' Report.............................................   F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1995 and 1994................   F-3
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 1995,
 1994 and 1993...........................................................   F-4
Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's Equity for the Years Ended
 December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993........................................   F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31,
 1995, 1994 and 1993.....................................................   F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...............................   F-7
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 1996......................  F-26
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 1996 and 1995...........................................................  F-27
Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's Equity for the Nine Months Ended
 September 30, 1996 and 1995.............................................  F-28
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September
 30, 1996 and 1995.......................................................  F-29
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...............................  F-30
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
 
WHEN THE TRANSACTIONS REFERRED TO IN NOTE 1 OF THE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS HAVE BEEN CONSUMMATED, WE WILL BE IN A POSITION TO RENDER
THE FOLLOWING REPORT.
 
                                          KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
 
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
The Board of Directors
Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.:
 
  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Nationwide
Financial Services, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1994,
and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholder's equity and
cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31,
1995. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Nationwide
Financial Services, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1994,
and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years
in the three-year period ended December 31, 1995, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
 
  As discussed in note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company
was formed in November 1996 as a holding company for Nationwide Life Insurance
Company and the other companies within the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
that offer or distribute long-term savings and retirement products. The
consolidated financial statements are presented as if these companies were
consolidated for all periods presented.
 
  In 1994, the Company adopted the provisions of the Financial Accounting
Standards Board's Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 115,
Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities. In 1993, the
Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes
and SFAS No. 106, Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than
Pensions.
 
 
 
Columbus, Ohio
January  , 1997
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
 
              NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                           DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994
                                (000'S OMITTED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1995        1994
                                                         ----------- ----------
<S>                                                      <C>         <C>
                         ASSETS
Investments (notes 5, 8 and 9):
  Securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
    Fixed maturity securities (cost $11,872,870 in 1995;
     $7,327,585 in 1994)................................ $12,495,878  7,074,261
    Equity securities (cost $31,234 in 1995; $23,053 in
     1994)..............................................      37,570     29,415
  Fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity, at
   amortized cost (fair value $5,989 in 1995; $3,233,408
   in 1994).............................................       5,720  3,309,034
  Mortgage loans on real estate, net....................   4,627,387  4,081,794
  Real estate, net......................................     229,442    242,243
  Policy loans..........................................     336,356    310,644
  Other long-term investments...........................      61,989     57,350
  Short-term investments (note 13)......................      42,671    134,330
                                                         ----------- ----------
                                                          17,837,013 15,239,071
                                                         ----------- ----------
Cash....................................................      10,055      4,610
Accrued investment income...............................     212,963    196,074
Deferred policy acquisition costs.......................   1,020,356    995,560
Other assets............................................      82,661    132,420
Assets held in Separate Accounts (note 8)...............  18,591,108 12,087,117
                                                         ----------- ----------
                                                         $37,754,156 28,654,852
                                                         =========== ==========
          LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Future policy benefits and claims (notes 6 and 8)....... $16,113,359 14,450,286
Policyholders' dividend accumulations...................     348,027    335,388
Other policyholder funds................................      65,297     63,763
Accrued Federal income tax (note 7):
  Current...............................................      36,980      4,401
  Deferred..............................................     237,247         79
                                                         ----------- ----------
                                                             274,227      4,480
                                                         ----------- ----------
Other liabilities.......................................     252,085    220,119
Liabilities related to Separate Accounts (note 8).......  18,591,108 12,087,117
                                                         ----------- ----------
                                                          35,644,103 27,161,153
                                                         ----------- ----------
Commitments and contingencies (notes 9 and 15)
Shareholder's equity (notes 2, 3, 4, 5, 12 and 13):
  Class A common shares, no par value. Authorized
   shares,
   no shares issued and outstanding.....................         --         --
  Class B common shares, no par value. Authorized
   shares,
   no shares issued and outstanding.....................         --         --
  Additional paid-in capital............................     602,468    602,468
  Retained earnings.....................................   1,188,804  1,003,057
  Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-
   sale, net............................................     318,781   (111,826)
                                                         ----------- ----------
                                                           2,110,053  1,493,699
                                                         ----------- ----------
                                                         $37,754,156 28,654,852
                                                         =========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
 
              NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993
                                (000'S OMITTED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 1995       1994       1993
                                              ----------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                           <C>         <C>        <C>
Revenues (note 16):
  Investment product and universal life
   insurance product policy charges.......... $  286,534    217,245    165,454
  Traditional life insurance premiums........    199,106    176,658    188,385
  Net investment income (note 5).............  1,294,033  1,210,811  1,131,244
  Realized gains (losses) on investments
   (notes 5 and 13)..........................     (1,724)   (16,527)   106,190
  Other income...............................     59,089     45,897     48,053
                                              ----------  ---------  ---------
                                               1,837,038  1,634,084  1,639,326
                                              ----------  ---------  ---------
Benefits and expenses:
  Benefits and claims........................  1,115,493    992,667    982,158
  Provision for policyholders' dividends on
   participating policies
   (note 12).................................     39,937     38,754     43,025
  Amortization of deferred policy acquisition
   costs.....................................     82,695     85,568     70,220
  Other operating expenses...................    317,743    276,632    268,167
                                              ----------  ---------  ---------
                                               1,555,868  1,393,621  1,363,570
                                              ----------  ---------  ---------
    Income before Federal income tax expense
     and cumulative effect of changes in
     accounting principles...................    281,170    240,463    275,756
                                              ----------  ---------  ---------
Federal income tax expense (note 7):
  Current....................................     89,400     77,009     56,140
  Deferred...................................      6,914      5,507     40,537
                                              ----------  ---------  ---------
                                                  96,314     82,516     96,677
                                              ----------  ---------  ---------
    Income before cumulative effect of
     changes in accounting principles........    184,856    157,947    179,079
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting
 principles, net (note 4)....................        --         --         (98)
                                              ----------  ---------  ---------
    Net income............................... $  184,856    157,947    178,981
                                              ==========  =========  =========
</TABLE>
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
 
              NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993
                                (000'S OMITTED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 UNREALIZED
                                                               GAINS (LOSSES)
                         CLASS A CLASS B ADDITIONAL            ON SECURITIES      TOTAL
                         COMMON  COMMON   PAID-IN   RETAINED   AVAILABLE-FOR- SHAREHOLDER'S
                         SHARES  SHARES   CAPITAL   EARNINGS     SALE, NET       EQUITY
                         ------- ------- ---------- ---------  -------------- -------------
<S>                      <C>     <C>     <C>        <C>        <C>            <C>
1993:
  Balance, beginning of
   year.................  $--      --     307,468     826,060       88,238      1,221,766
  Capital
   contributions........   --      --     100,000         --           --         100,000
  Dividends paid to
   shareholder..........   --      --      (5,000)     (5,565)         --         (10,565)
  Net income............   --      --         --      178,981          --         178,981
  Unrealized losses on
   equity securities,
   net..................   --      --         --          --       (81,513)       (81,513)
  Other.................   --      --         --          398          --             398
                          ----     ---    -------   ---------     --------      ---------
  Balance, end of year..  $--      --     402,468     999,874        6,725      1,409,067
                          ====     ===    =======   =========     ========      =========
1994:
  Balance, beginning of
   year.................   --      --     402,468     999,874        6,725      1,409,067
  Capital contribution..   --      --     200,000         --           --         200,000
  Dividends paid to
   shareholder..........   --      --         --       (1,000)         --          (1,000)
  Net income............   --      --         --      157,947          --         157,947
  Adjustment for change
   in accounting for
   certain investments
   in debt and equity
   securities, net (note
   4)...................   --      --         --          --       212,553        212,553
  Unrealized losses on
   securities available-
   for-sale, net........   --      --         --          --      (331,104)      (331,104)
  Other (note 13).......   --      --         --     (153,764)         --        (153,764)
                          ----     ---    -------   ---------     --------      ---------
  Balance, end of year..  $--      --     602,468   1,003,057     (111,826)     1,493,699
                          ====     ===    =======   =========     ========      =========
1995:
  Balance, beginning of
   year.................   --      --     602,468   1,003,057     (111,826)     1,493,699
  Dividends paid to
   shareholder..........   --      --         --       (8,450)         --          (8,450)
  Net income............   --      --         --      184,856          --         184,856
  Unrealized gains on
   securities available-
   for-sale, net........   --      --         --          --       430,607        430,607
  Other.................   --      --         --        9,341          --           9,341
                          ----     ---    -------   ---------     --------      ---------
  Balance, end of year..  $--      --     602,468   1,188,804      318,781      2,110,053
                          ====     ===    =======   =========     ========      =========
</TABLE>
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
 
              NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993
                                (000'S OMITTED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              1995         1994        1993
                                           -----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                        <C>          <C>         <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income.............................. $   184,856     157,947     178,981
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to
   net cash provided by operating
   activities:
    Capitalization of deferred policy
     acquisition costs....................    (321,327)   (242,431)   (180,977)
    Amortization of deferred policy
     acquisition costs....................      82,695      85,568      70,220
    Amortization and depreciation.........      13,189       5,383      12,080
    Realized losses (gains) on invested
     assets, net..........................       3,250      16,094    (106,259)
    Deferred Federal income tax expense...       5,305       6,190       7,676
    Increase in accrued investment
     income...............................     (16,889)    (12,918)     (4,626)
    Decrease (increase) in other assets...      47,801     (52,119)      2,912
    Increase in policy liabilities........     113,980      98,212      34,283
    Increase in policyholders' dividend
     accumulations........................      12,639      15,298      17,256
    Increase (decrease) in accrued Federal
     income tax payable...................      32,579      (3,927)     13,106
    Increase in other liabilities.........      31,966       6,856      21,729
    Other, net............................      (6,597)     (3,537)     (4,622)
                                           -----------  ----------  ----------
      Net cash provided by operating
       activities.........................     183,447      76,616      61,759
                                           -----------  ----------  ----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Proceeds from maturity of securities
   available-for-sale.....................     634,553     544,843         --
  Proceeds from sale of securities
   available-for-sale.....................     150,453     268,987     268,332
  Proceeds from maturity of fixed maturity
   securities held-to-maturity............     564,450     491,862   1,072,706
  Proceeds from sale of fixed maturity
   securities.............................         --          --       28,507
  Proceeds from repayments of mortgage
   loans on real estate...................     207,832     190,574     141,825
  Proceeds from sale of real estate.......      48,331      46,713      23,587
  Proceeds from repayments of policy loans
   and sale of other invested assets......      53,587     120,506      53,302
  Cost of securities available-for-sale
   acquired...............................  (1,998,165) (1,858,036)    (46,945)
  Cost of fixed maturity securities held-
   to-maturity acquired...................    (599,356)   (410,379) (1,865,566)
  Cost of mortgage loans on real estate
   acquired...............................    (796,026)   (497,349)   (467,886)
  Cost of real estate acquired............     (10,928)     (6,385)     (8,826)
  Policy loans issued and other invested
   assets acquired........................     (75,910)    (65,302)    (76,490)
                                           -----------  ----------  ----------
      Net cash used in investing
       activities.........................  (1,821,179) (1,173,966)   (877,454)
                                           -----------  ----------  ----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds from capital contributions.....         --      200,000     100,000
  Dividends paid to shareholder...........      (8,450)     (1,000)    (10,565)
  Proceeds from affiliated companies......       9,341       1,236         398
  Distributions to affiliated companies...         --     (155,000)        --
  Increase in investment product and
   universal life insurance product
   account balances.......................   2,809,385   3,547,976   2,130,791
  Decrease in investment product and
   universal life insurance product
   account balances.......................  (1,258,758) (2,412,595) (1,396,726)
                                           -----------  ----------  ----------
      Net cash provided by financing
       activities.........................   1,551,518   1,180,617     823,898
                                           -----------  ----------  ----------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash
 equivalents..............................     (86,214)     83,267       8,203
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of
 year.....................................     138,940      55,673      47,470
                                           -----------  ----------  ----------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year.... $    52,726     138,940      55,673
                                           ===========  ==========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
 
             NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993
                                (000'S OMITTED)
 
(1) ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
 
  Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. (NFS) is an insurance holding company
which was formed in November 1996 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of
Nationwide Corporation (Nationwide Corp.). The consolidated financial
statements represent the results of Nationwide Life Insurance Company (NLIC)
and subsidiaries (excluding certain subsidiaries and lines of business as
discussed below) and three marketing and distribution companies as if they
were consolidated with NFS for all periods presented. This presentation is
based on Nationwide Corp.'s contribution of the common stock of those entities
to NFS on January 1, 1997 in anticipation of the initial public offering of
common stock of NFS described more fully in note 2 in exchange for all of the
shares of Class B common stock of NFS. NFS had no operating activity and had
no assets or liabilities as of December 31, 1995. NFS and the other companies
whose results are included in the consolidated financial statements are
collectively referred to as "the Company."
 
  Immediately preceding the contribution of NLIC's outstanding shares of
common stock from Nationwide Corp. to NFS, NLIC will dividend the outstanding
shares of common stock of West Coast Life Insurance Company, Employers Life
Insurance Company of Wausau (ELICW) and National Casualty Company to
Nationwide Corp. Accordingly, the accompanying consolidated financial
statements do not reflect the assets, liabilities, results of operations and
cash flows of those previously wholly owned subsidiaries of NLIC.
 
  During 1996, in anticipation of the restructuring described above, NLIC
entered into two reinsurance agreements whereby all of NLIC's accident and
health and group life insurance business was ceded to Nationwide Mutual
Insurance Company (NMIC), an affiliate, and ELICW effective January 1, 1996.
Accordingly, the accompanying consolidated financial statements present the
results of operations as if these reinsurance agreements were in place for all
periods presented. See note 13.
 
  In addition, as part of the restructuring described above, NLIC anticipates
obtaining regulatory approval to make distributions to NFS which will then
make distributions to Nationwide Corp. in amounts approximating $      in
total.
 
  The three marketing and distribution companies to be contributed by
Nationwide Corp. to NFS are: Public Employees Benefit Services Corporation
(PEBSCO), NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services, Inc. (NEAVIS) and Nationwide
Financial Institution Distributors Agency, Inc. (NFIDA).
 
  The Company is a leading provider of long-term savings and retirement
products to retail and institutional customers and is subject to competition
from other financial services providers throughout the United States. The
Company is subject to regulation by the Insurance Departments of states in
which it is licensed, and undergoes periodic examinations by those
departments.
 
  The following is a description of the most significant risks facing life
insurers and how the Company mitigates those risks:
 
    Legal/Regulatory Risk is the risk that changes in the legal or regulatory
  environment in which an insurer operates will create additional expenses
  not anticipated by the insurer in pricing its products. That is, regulatory
  initiatives, new legal theories or insurance company insolvencies through
  guaranty fund assessments may create costs for the insurer beyond those
  currently recorded in the consolidated financial statements. The Company
  mitigates this risk by offering a wide range of products and by operating
  throughout the United States, thus reducing its exposure to any single
  product or jurisdiction, and also by employing underwriting practices which
  identify and minimize the adverse impact of this risk.
 
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
 
             NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
    Credit Risk is the risk that issuers of securities owned by the Company
  or mortgagors on mortgage loans on real estate owned by the Company will
  default or that other parties, including reinsurers, which owe the Company
  money, will not pay. The Company minimizes this risk by adhering to a
  conservative investment strategy, by maintaining reinsurance and credit and
  collection policies and by providing for any amounts deemed uncollectible.
 
    Interest Rate Risk is the risk that interest rates will change and cause
  a decrease in the value of an insurer's investments. This change in rates
  may cause certain interest-sensitive products to become uncompetitive or
  may cause disintermediation. The Company mitigates this risk by charging
  fees for non-conformance with certain policy provisions, by offering
  products that transfer this risk to the purchaser, and/or by attempting to
  match the maturity schedule of its assets with the expected payouts of its
  liabilities. To the extent that liabilities come due more quickly than
  assets mature, an insurer would have to borrow funds or sell assets prior
  to maturity and potentially recognize a gain or loss.
 
(2) INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING
 
  The Company is currently planning an initial public offering of its Class A
common stock (the Equity Offering) during the first quarter of 1997. After the
Equity Offering, Nationwide Corp. will continue to own all of the shares of
Class B common stock, which will represent approximately  % of the voting
stock of the Company.
 
  Shortly after the Equity Offering, the Company expects to consummate the
public offering of $300,000 of senior notes due 2027. In addition, Nationwide
Financial Services Capital Trust, an affiliate of the Company, expects to
consummate the public offering of $100,000 of capital securities (collectively
referred to as the Fixed Income Offerings).
 
(3) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  The significant accounting policies followed by the Company that materially
affect financial reporting are summarized below. The accompanying consolidated
financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles (GAAP) which differ from statutory accounting practices
prescribed or permitted by regulatory authorities. Annual Statements for NLIC
and Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company (NLAIC), filed with the
Department of Insurance of the State of Ohio (the Department), are prepared on
the basis of accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Department.
Prescribed statutory accounting practices include a variety of publications of
the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), as well as state
laws, regulations and general administrative rules. Permitted statutory
accounting practices encompass all accounting practices not so prescribed. The
Company has no material permitted statutory accounting practices.
 
  In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required
to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets
and liabilities and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of
the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses for the reporting period. Actual results could differ
significantly from those estimates.
 
  The most significant estimates include those used in determining deferred
policy acquisition costs, valuation allowances for mortgage loans on real
estate and real estate investments and the liability for future policy
benefits and claims. Although some variability is inherent in these estimates,
management believes the amounts provided are adequate.
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
 
             NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
 (a) Consolidation Policy
 
  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of NFS and its
wholly owned subsidiaries, NLIC, PEBSCO, NEAVIS and NFIDA. All significant
intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
 
 (b) Valuation of Investments and Related Gains and Losses
 
  The Company is required to classify its fixed maturity securities and equity
securities as either held-to-maturity, available-for-sale or trading. Fixed
maturity securities are classified as held-to-maturity when the Company has
the positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity and are
stated at amortized cost. Fixed maturity securities not classified as held-to-
maturity and all equity securities are classified as available-for-sale and
are stated at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of
adjustments to deferred policy acquisition costs and deferred Federal income
tax, reported as a separate component of shareholder's equity. The adjustment
to deferred policy acquisition costs represents the change in amortization of
deferred policy acquisition costs that would have been required as a charge or
credit to operations had such unrealized amounts been realized. The Company
has no fixed maturity securities classified as trading as of December 31, 1995
or 1994.
 
  Mortgage loans on real estate are carried at the unpaid principal balance
less valuation allowances. The Company provides valuation allowances for
impairments of mortgage loans on real estate based on a review by portfolio
managers. The measurement of impaired loans is based on the present value of
expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate
or, as a practical expedient, at the fair value of the collateral, if the loan
is collateral dependent. Loans in foreclosure and loans considered to be
impaired are placed on non-accrual status. Interest received on non-accrual
status mortgage loans on real estate is included in interest income in the
period received.
 
  Real estate is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and valuation
allowances. Other long-term investments are carried on the equity basis,
adjusted for valuation allowances.
 
  Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are determined on the
basis of specific security identification. Estimates for valuation allowances
and other than temporary declines are included in realized gains and losses on
investments.
 
  In March 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 121--Accounting for the
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of
(SFAS 121). SFAS 121 requires impairment losses to be recorded on long-lived
assets used in operations when indicators of impairment are present and the
undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less
than the assets' carrying amount. SFAS 121 also addresses the accounting for
long-lived assets that are expected to be disposed of. The statement is
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1995 and earlier
application is permitted. Previously issued consolidated financial statements
shall not be restated. The Company will adopt SFAS 121 in 1996 and the impact
on the consolidated financial statements is not expected to be material.
 
 (c) Revenues and Benefits
 
  Investment Products and Universal Life Insurance Products: Investment
products consist primarily of individual and group variable and fixed
annuities, annuities without life contingencies and guaranteed investment
contracts. Universal life insurance products include universal life insurance,
variable universal life insurance and other interest-sensitive life insurance
policies. Revenues for investment products and universal life insurance
products consist of asset fees, cost of insurance, policy administration and
surrender charges that have been
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
 
             NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
earned and assessed against policy account balances during the period. Policy
benefits and claims that are charged to expense include interest credited to
policy account balances and benefits and claims incurred in the period in
excess of related policy account balances.
 
  Traditional Life Insurance Products: Traditional life insurance products
include those products with fixed and guaranteed premiums and benefits and
consist primarily of whole life insurance, limited-payment life insurance,
term life insurance and certain annuities with life contingencies. Premiums
for traditional life insurance products are recognized as revenue when due.
Benefits and expenses are associated with earned premiums so as to result in
recognition of profits over the life of the contract. This association is
accomplished by the provision for future policy benefits and the deferral and
amortization of policy acquisition costs.
 
 (d) Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
 
  The costs of acquiring new business, principally commissions, certain
expenses of the policy issue and underwriting department and certain variable
agency expenses have been deferred. For investment products and universal life
insurance products, deferred policy acquisition costs are being amortized with
interest over the lives of the policies in relation to the present value of
estimated future gross profits from projected interest margins, asset fees,
cost of insurance, policy administration and surrender charges. For years in
which gross profits are negative, deferred policy acquisition costs are
amortized based on the present value of gross revenues. For traditional life
insurance products, these deferred policy acquisition costs are predominantly
being amortized with interest over the premium paying period of the related
policies in proportion to the ratio of actual annual premium revenue to the
anticipated total premium revenue. Such anticipated premium revenue was
estimated using the same assumptions as were used for computing liabilities
for future policy benefits. Deferred policy acquisition costs are adjusted to
reflect the impact of unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturity securities
available-for-sale as described in note 3(b).
 
 (e) Separate Accounts
 
  Separate Account assets and liabilities represent contractholders' funds
which have been segregated into accounts with specific investment objectives.
The investment income and gains or losses of these accounts accrue directly to
the contractholders. The activity of the Separate Accounts is not reflected in
the consolidated statements of income and cash flows except for the fees the
Company receives.
 
 (f) Future Policy Benefits
 
  Future policy benefits for investment products in the accumulation phase,
universal life insurance and variable universal life insurance policies have
been calculated based on participants' contributions plus interest credited
less applicable contract charges.
 
  Future policy benefits for traditional life insurance policies have been
calculated using a net level premium method based on estimates of mortality,
morbidity, investment yields and withdrawals which were used or which were
being experienced at the time the policies were issued, rather than the
assumptions prescribed by state regulatory authorities. See note 6.
 
 (g) Participating Business
 
  Participating business represents approximately 54% (55% in 1994 and 57% in
1993) of the Company's ordinary life insurance in force, 79% (79% in 1994 and
80% in 1993) of the number of ordinary life insurance policies in force, and
47% (51% in 1994 and 56% in 1993) of life insurance premiums. The provision
for policyholder dividends is based on current dividend scales. Future
dividends are provided for ratably in future policy benefits based on dividend
scales in effect at the time the policies were issued.
 
                                     F-10
<PAGE>
 
             NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
 (h) Federal Income Tax
 
  The Company files a consolidated Federal income tax return with NMIC, the
majority shareholder of Nationwide Corp. The members of the consolidated tax
return group have a tax sharing arrangement which provides, in effect, for
each member to bear essentially the same Federal income tax liability as if
separate tax returns were filed.
 
  In 1993, the Company adopted SFAS No. 109--Accounting for Income Taxes,
which required a change from the deferred method of accounting for income tax
of APB Opinion 11 to the asset and liability method of accounting for income
tax. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities
are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences
between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and
liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit
carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted
tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those
temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Under this
method, the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax
rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce the deferred tax
assets to the amounts expected to be realized.
 
  The Company has reported the cumulative effect of the change in method of
accounting for income tax in the 1993 consolidated statement of income. See
note 4.
 
 (i) Reinsurance Ceded
 
  Reinsurance premiums ceded and reinsurance recoveries on benefits and claims
incurred are deducted from the respective income and expense accounts. Assets
and liabilities related to reinsurance ceded are reported on a gross basis.
 
 (j) Cash Equivalents
 
  For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company
considers all short-term investments with original maturities of three months
or less to be cash equivalents.
 
(4) CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
 
  Effective January 1, 1994, the Company changed its method of accounting for
certain investments in debt and equity securities in connection with the
issuance of SFAS No. 115--Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and
Equity Securities. As of January 1, 1994, the Company classified fixed
maturity securities with amortized cost and fair value of $6,299,665 and
$6,721,714, respectively, as available-for-sale and recorded the securities at
fair value. Previously, these securities were recorded at amortized cost. The
effect as of January 1, 1994 has been recorded as a direct credit to
shareholder's equity as follows:
 
<TABLE>
     <S>                                                              <C>
     Excess of fair value over amortized cost of fixed maturity
      securities
      available-for-sale............................................. $422,049
     Adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs.................  (95,044)
     Deferred Federal income tax..................................... (114,452)
                                                                      --------
                                                                      $212,553
                                                                      ========
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-11
<PAGE>
 
             NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  During 1993, the Company adopted accounting principles in connection with
the issuance of two accounting standards by the FASB. The effect as of January
1, 1993, the date of adoption, has been recognized in the 1993 consolidated
statement of income as the cumulative effect of changes in accounting
principles, as follows:
 
<TABLE>
     <S>                                                               <C>
     Asset/liability method of recognizing income tax (note 3(h))..... $18,750
     Accrual method of recognizing postretirement benefits other than
      pensions
      (net of tax benefit of $10,149) (note 11)....................... (18,848)
                                                                       -------
                                                                       $   (98)
                                                                       =======
</TABLE>
 
(5) INVESTMENTS
 
  The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities available-for-sale
were as follows as of December 31, 1995:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 GROSS      GROSS
                                    AMORTIZED  UNREALIZED UNREALIZED ESTIMATED
                                      COST       GAINS      LOSSES   FAIR VALUE
                                   ----------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S>                                <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>
Fixed maturity securities:
  U.S. Treasury securities and
   obligations of U.S. government
   corporations and agencies...... $   320,500   12,764         (1)     333,263
  Obligations of states and
   political subdivisions.........       8,655    1,205         (1)       9,859
  Debt securities issued by
   foreign governments............     101,414    4,387        (66)     105,735
  Corporate securities............   7,888,440  473,681    (25,742)   8,336,379
  Mortgage-backed securities......   3,553,861  165,169     (8,388)   3,710,642
                                   -----------  -------    -------   ----------
    Total fixed maturity
     securities...................  11,872,870  657,206    (34,198)  12,495,878
Equity securities.................      31,234    6,382        (46)      37,570
                                   -----------  -------    -------   ----------
                                   $11,904,104  663,588    (34,244)  12,533,448
                                   ===========  =======    =======   ==========
</TABLE>
 
  The amortized cost and estimated fair value of U.S. Treasury securities
held-to-maturity as of December 31, 1995 are $5,720 and $5,989, respectively.
Gross gains of $269 and no gross losses were unrealized on those securities.
 
                                     F-12
<PAGE>
 
             NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities available-for-sale
and fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity were as follows as of December
31, 1994:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 GROSS      GROSS
                                    AMORTIZED  UNREALIZED UNREALIZED ESTIMATED
                                       COST      GAINS      LOSSES   FAIR VALUE
                                    ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S>                                 <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Securities available-for-sale
 Fixed maturity securities:
   U.S. Treasury securities and
    obligations of U.S. government
    corporations and agencies...... $  287,526    1,761     (15,684)   273,603
   Obligations of states and
    political subdivisions.........        273      --          (21)       252
   Debt securities issued by
    foreign governments............    121,305      872      (8,260)   113,917
   Corporate securities............  3,672,187   49,841    (117,704) 3,604,324
   Mortgage-backed securities......  3,246,294   17,853    (181,982) 3,082,165
                                    ----------   ------    --------  ---------
    Total fixed maturity
     securities....................  7,327,585   70,327    (323,651) 7,074,261
 Equity securities.................     23,053    6,636        (274)    29,415
                                    ----------   ------    --------  ---------
                                    $7,350,638   76,963    (323,925) 7,103,676
                                    ==========   ======    ========  =========
Fixed maturity securities held-to-
 maturity
 Obligations of states and
  political subdivisions........... $   11,614       91        (255)    11,450
 Debt securities issued by foreign
  governments......................     14,817        2         (39)    14,780
 Corporate securities..............  3,282,603   28,437    (103,862) 3,207,178
                                    ----------   ------    --------  ---------
                                    $3,309,034   28,530    (104,156) 3,233,408
                                    ==========   ======    ========  =========
</TABLE>
 
  The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities
available-for-sale as of December 31, 1995, by contractual maturity, are shown
below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because
borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without
call or prepayment penalties.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           AMORTIZED  ESTIMATED
                                                             COST     FAIR VALUE
                                                          ----------- ----------
<S>                                                       <C>         <C>
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
  Due in one year or less................................ $   533,305    538,733
  Due after one year through five years..................   4,761,935  4,999,208
  Due after five years through ten years.................   2,195,367  2,314,017
  Due after ten years....................................     828,402    933,278
                                                          ----------- ----------
                                                            8,319,009  8,785,236
  Mortgage-backed securities.............................   3,553,861  3,710,642
                                                          ----------- ----------
                                                          $11,872,870 12,495,878
                                                          =========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
  The components of unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-
sale, net, were as follows as of December 31:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1995       1994
                                                            ---------  --------
   <S>                                                      <C>        <C>
   Gross unrealized gains (losses)......................... $ 629,344  (246,962)
   Adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs.........  (138,914)   74,922
   Deferred Federal income tax.............................  (171,649)   60,214
                                                            ---------  --------
                                                            $ 318,781  (111,826)
                                                            =========  ========
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-13
<PAGE>
 
             NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  An analysis of the change in gross unrealized gains (losses) on securities
available-for-sale and fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity follows for
the years ended December 31:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                1995       1994       1993
                              --------  ----------  --------
   <S>                        <C>       <C>         <C>
   Securities available-for-
    sale:
     Fixed maturity
      securities............. $876,332    (675,373)      --
     Equity securities.......      (26)     (1,927) (125,404)
   Fixed maturity securities
    held-to-maturity.........   75,895    (398,183)  221,423
                              --------  ----------  --------
                              $952,201  (1,075,483)   96,019
                              ========  ==========  ========
</TABLE>
 
  Proceeds from the sale of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale
during 1995 and 1994 were $107,345 and $228,308, respectively, while proceeds
from sales of investments in fixed maturity securities during 1993 were
$28,507. During 1995, gross gains of $4,838 ($3,045 and $2,266 in 1994 and
1993, respectively) and gross losses of $2,147 ($21,280 and $39 in 1994 and
1993, respectively) were realized on those sales.
 
  During 1995, the Company transferred fixed maturity securities classified as
held-to-maturity with amortized cost of $25,429 to available-for-sale
securities due to evidence of a significant deterioration in the issuer's
creditworthiness. The transfer of those fixed maturity securities resulted in
a gross unrealized loss of $3,535.
 
  As permitted by the FASB's Special Report, A Guide to Implementation of
Statement 115 on Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity
Securities, issued in November 1995, the Company transferred nearly all of its
fixed maturity securities previously classified as held-to-maturity to
available-for-sale. As of December 14, 1995, the date of transfer, the fixed
maturity securities had amortized cost of $3,320,093, resulting in a gross
unrealized gain of $155,940.
 
  Investments that were non-income producing for the twelve month period
preceding December 31, 1995 amounted to $27,712 ($11,513 for 1994) and
consisted of $6,982 (none in 1994) in fixed maturity securities, $14,740
($11,111 in 1994) in real estate and $5,990 ($402 in 1994) in other long-term
investments.
 
  Real estate is presented at cost less accumulated depreciation of $30,482 as
of December 31, 1995 ($29,066 as of December 31, 1994) and valuation
allowances of $25,819 as of December 31, 1995 ($27,330 as of December 31,
1994).
 
  As of December 31, 1995, the recorded investment of mortgage loans on real
estate considered to be impaired (under SFAS No. 114--Accounting by Creditors
for Impairment of a Loan as amended by SFAS No. 118--Accounting by Creditors
for Impairment of a Loan--Income Recognition and Disclosure) was $44,409,
which includes $23,975 of impaired mortgage loans on real estate for which the
related valuation allowance was $5,276 and $20,434 of impaired mortgage loans
on real estate for which there was no valuation allowance. During 1995, the
average recorded investment in impaired mortgage loans on real estate was
approximately $22,181 and interest income recognized on those loans was $387,
which is equal to interest income recognized using a cash-basis method of
income recognition.
 
  Activity in the valuation allowance account for mortgage loans on real
estate is summarized for the year ended December 31, 1995:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         1995
                                                                        -------
     <S>                                                                <C>
     Allowance, beginning year......................................... $46,381
       Additions charged to operations.................................   7,433
       Direct write-downs charged against the allowance................  (4,686)
                                                                        -------
     Allowance, end of year............................................ $49,128
                                                                        =======
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-14
<PAGE>
 
             NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  An analysis of investment income by investment type follows for the years
ended December 31:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  1995      1994      1993
                                               ---------- --------- ---------
   <S>                                         <C>        <C>       <C>
   Gross investment income:
    Securities available-for-sale:
     Fixed maturity securities................ $  685,787   647,927       --
     Equity securities........................      1,330       509     6,629
    Fixed maturity securities held-to-
     maturity.................................    201,808   185,938   767,451
    Mortgage loans on real estate.............    395,478   372,734   361,102
    Real estate...............................     38,344    40,170    39,623
    Short-term investments....................     10,576     6,141     4,312
    Other.....................................      7,239     2,121    (1,909)
                                               ---------- --------- ---------
       Total investment income................  1,340,562 1,255,540 1,177,208
   Less investment expenses...................     46,529    44,729    45,964
                                               ---------- --------- ---------
       Net investment income.................. $1,294,033 1,210,811 1,131,244
                                               ========== ========= =========
</TABLE>
 
  An analysis of realized gains (losses) on investments, net of valuation
allowances, by investment type follows for the years ended December 31:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1995     1994     1993
                                                      -------  -------  -------
   <S>                                                <C>      <C>      <C>
   Securities available-for-sale:
     Fixed maturity securities....................... $ 4,213   (7,296)     --
     Equity securities...............................   3,386    1,422  125,582
   Fixed maturity securities.........................     --       --    16,888
   Mortgage loans on real estate.....................  (7,091) (20,446) (28,187)
   Real estate and other.............................  (2,232)   9,793   (8,093)
                                                      -------  -------  -------
                                                      $(1,724) (16,527) 106,190
                                                      =======  =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
  Fixed maturity securities with an amortized cost of $5,592 and $4,646 as of
December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively, were on deposit with various
regulatory agencies as required by law.
 
                                     F-15
<PAGE>
 
             NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
(6) FUTURE POLICY BENEFITS AND CLAIMS
 
  The liability for future policy benefits for investment contracts represents
approximately 87% and 86% of the total liability for future policy benefits as
of December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The average interest rate
credited on investment product policies was approximately 6.5%, 6.5% and 7.0%
for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.
 
  The liability for future policy benefits for traditional life insurance
policies has been established based upon the following assumptions:
 
    Interest rates: Interest rates vary as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        YEAR OF ISSUE                     INTEREST RATES
        -------------                     --------------
       <C>              <S>
       1995............ 7.6%, not graded--permanent contracts with loan
                        provisions
                        7.7%, not graded--all other contracts
       1984-1994....... 6.0% to 10.5%, not graded
       1966-1983....... 6.0% to 8.1%, graded over 20 years to 4.0% to 6.6%
       1965 and prior.. generally lower than post 1965 issues
</TABLE>
 
    Withdrawals: Rates, which vary by issue age, type of coverage and policy
  duration, are based on Company experience.
 
    Mortality: Mortality and morbidity rates are based on published tables,
  modified for the Company's actual experience.
 
(7) FEDERAL INCOME TAX
 
  The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant
components of the net deferred tax liability as of December 31, 1995 and 1994
are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1995     1994
                                                              --------  -------
   <S>                                                        <C>       <C>
   Deferred tax assets:
     Future policy benefits.................................. $149,192  132,726
     Liabilities in Separate Accounts........................  129,120   94,783
     Fixed maturity securities...............................      --    75,489
     Mortgage loans on real estate and real estate...........   25,165   24,999
     Other policyholder funds................................    7,424    6,949
     Other assets and other liabilities......................   52,003   44,017
                                                              --------  -------
       Total gross deferred tax assets.......................  362,904  378,963
       Less valuation allowance..............................   (7,776)  (8,532)
                                                              --------  -------
       Net deferred tax assets...............................  355,128  370,431
                                                              --------  -------
   Deferred tax liabilities:
     Deferred policy acquisition costs.......................  299,579  303,946
     Fixed maturity securities...............................  227,345      --
     Deferred tax on realized investment gains...............   40,634   41,728
     Equity securities and other long-term investments.......    3,780    3,980
     Other...................................................   21,037   20,856
                                                              --------  -------
       Total gross deferred tax liabilities..................  592,375  370,510
                                                              --------  -------
                                                              $237,247       79
                                                              ========  =======
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-16
<PAGE>
 
             NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers
whether it is more likely than not that some portion of the total gross
deferred tax assets will not be realized. Nearly all future deductible amounts
can be offset by future taxable amounts or recovery of Federal income tax paid
within the statutory carryback period. In addition, for future deductible
amounts for securities available-for-sale, affiliates of the Company which are
included in the same consolidated Federal income tax return hold investments
that could be sold for capital gains that could offset capital losses realized
by the Company should securities available-for-sale be sold at a loss.
 
  Total Federal income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994
and 1993 differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S. Federal income
tax rate to income before tax as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       1995           1994           1993
                                   -------------  -------------  -------------
                                   AMOUNT    %    AMOUNT    %    AMOUNT    %
                                   -------  ----  -------  ----  -------  ----
<S>                                <C>      <C>   <C>      <C>   <C>      <C>
Computed (expected) tax expense..  $98,410  35.0  $84,162  35.0  $96,515  35.0
Tax exempt interest and dividends
 received deduction..............      (18)  0.0     (130) (0.1)  (1,951) (0.7)
Current year increase in U.S.
 Federal income tax rate.........      --    --       --    --     1,811   0.7
Other, net.......................   (2,078) (0.7)  (1,516) (0.6)     302   0.1
                                   -------  ----  -------  ----  -------  ----
Total (effective rate of each
 year)...........................  $96,314  34.3  $82,516  34.3  $96,677  35.1
                                   =======  ====  =======  ====  =======  ====
</TABLE>
 
  Total Federal income tax paid was $58,112, $84,903 and $54,449 during the
years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.
 
(8) DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
  SFAS No. 107--Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (SFAS
107) requires disclosure of fair value information about existing on and off-
balance sheet financial instruments. SFAS 107 defines the fair value of a
financial instrument as the amount at which the financial instrument could be
exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. In cases where
quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based on estimates using
present value or other valuation techniques.
 
  These techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used,
including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Although fair
value estimates are calculated using assumptions that management believes are
appropriate, changes in assumptions could cause these estimates to vary
materially. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be
substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could
not be realized in the immediate settlement of the instruments. SFAS 107
excludes certain assets and liabilities from its disclosure requirements.
Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the
underlying value of the Company.
 
  Although insurance contracts, other than policies such as annuities that are
classified as investment contracts, are specifically exempted from SFAS 107
disclosures, estimated fair value of policy reserves on life insurance
contracts are provided to make the fair value disclosures more meaningful.
 
  The tax ramifications of the related unrealized gains and losses can have a
significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in the
estimates.
 
  The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating
its fair value disclosures:
 
    Cash, short-term investments and policy loans: The carrying amount
  reported in the consolidated balance sheets for these instruments
  approximates their fair value.
 
                                     F-17
<PAGE>
 
             NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
    Fixed maturity and equity securities: Fair value for fixed maturity
  securities is based on quoted market prices, where available. For fixed
  maturity securities not actively traded, fair value is estimated using
  values obtained from independent pricing services or, in the case of
  private placements, is estimated by discounting expected future cash flows
  using a current market rate applicable to the yield, credit quality and
  maturity of the investments. The fair value for equity securities is based
  on quoted market prices.
 
    Separate Account assets and liabilities: The fair value of assets held in
  Separate Accounts is based on quoted market prices. The fair value of
  liabilities related to Separate Accounts is the amount payable on demand.
 
    Mortgage loans on real estate: The fair value for mortgage loans on real
  estate is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using interest
  rates currently being offered for similar loans to borrowers with similar
  credit ratings. Loans with similar characteristics are aggregated for
  purposes of the calculations. Fair value for mortgages in default is the
  estimated fair value of the underlying collateral.
 
    Investment contracts: Fair value for the Company's liabilities under
  investment type contracts is disclosed using two methods. For investment
  contracts without defined maturities, fair value is the amount payable on
  demand. For investment contracts with known or determined maturities, fair
  value is estimated using discounted cash flow analysis. Interest rates used
  are similar to currently offered contracts with maturities consistent with
  those remaining for the contracts being valued.
 
    Policy reserves on life insurance contracts: Included are disclosures for
  individual life insurance, universal life insurance and supplementary
  contracts with life contingencies for which the estimated fair value is the
  amount payable on demand. Also included are disclosures for the Company's
  limited payment policies, which the Company has used discounted cash flow
  analyses similar to those used for investment contracts with known
  maturities to estimate fair value.
 
    Policyholders' dividend accumulations and other policyholder funds: The
  carrying amount reported in the consolidated balance sheets for these
  instruments approximates their fair value.
 
  Carrying amount and estimated fair value of financial instruments subject to
SFAS 107 and policy reserves on life insurance contracts were as follow as of
December 31, 1995 and 1994:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            1995                  1994
                                   ---------------------- ---------------------
                                    CARRYING   ESTIMATED   CARRYING  ESTIMATED
                                     AMOUNT    FAIR VALUE   AMOUNT   FAIR VALUE
                                   ----------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S>                                <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>
Assets
Investments:
 Securities available-for-sale:
  Fixed maturity securities......  $12,495,878 12,495,878  7,074,261  7,074,261
  Equity securities..............       37,570     37,570     29,415     29,415
 Fixed maturity securities held-
  to-maturity....................        5,720      5,989  3,309,034  3,223,408
 Mortgage loans on real estate,
  net............................    4,627,387  4,987,569  4,081,794  4,032,047
 Policy loans....................      336,356    336,356    310,644    310,644
 Short-term investments..........       42,671     42,671    134,330    134,330
Cash.............................       10,055     10,055      4,610      4,610
Assets held in Separate
 Accounts........................   18,591,108 18,591,108 12,087,117 12,087,117
Liabilities
Investment contracts.............   12,984,105 12,631,543 11,390,901 10,858,564
Policy reserves on life insurance
 contracts.......................    2,836,323  2,733,486  2,699,605  2,463,904
Policyholders' dividend
 accumulations...................      348,027    348,027    335,388    335,388
Other policyholder funds.........       65,297     65,297     63,763     63,763
Liabilities related to Separate
 Accounts........................   18,591,108 18,052,362 12,087,117 11,671,987
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-18
<PAGE>
 
             NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
(9) ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS DISCLOSURES
 
  Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk: The Company is a party to
financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of
business through management of its investment portfolio. These financial
instruments include commitments to extend credit in the form of loans. These
instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of
amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheets.
 
  Commitments to fund fixed rate mortgage loans on real estate are agreements
to lend to a borrower, and are subject to conditions established in the
contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other
termination clauses and may require payment of a deposit. Commitments extended
by the Company are based on management's case-by-case credit evaluation of the
borrower and the borrower's loan collateral. The underlying mortgage property
represents the collateral if the commitment is funded. The Company's policy
for new mortgage loans on real estate is to lend no more than 75% of
collateral value. Should the commitment be funded, the Company's exposure to
credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the borrower is represented by
the contractual amounts of these commitments less the net realizable value of
the collateral. The contractual amounts also represent the cash requirements
for all unfunded commitments. Commitments on mortgage loans on real estate of
$328,158 extending into 1996 were outstanding as of December 31, 1995.
 
  Significant Concentrations of Credit Risk: The Company grants mainly
commercial mortgage loans on real estate to customers throughout the United
States. The Company has a diversified portfolio with no more than 20% (22% in
1994) in any geographic area and no more than 2% (2% in 1994) with any one
borrower.
 
  The summary below depicts loans by remaining principal balance as of
December 31, 1995:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           APARTMENT
                               OFFICE  WAREHOUSE  RETAIL    & OTHER    TOTAL
                              -------- --------- --------- --------- ----------
<S>                           <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
1995:
  East North Central......... $138,965  101,925    514,995   175,213    931,098
  East South Central.........   28,642   15,266    180,858    82,383    307,149
  Mountain...................      --    17,219    141,537    45,274    204,030
  Middle Atlantic............  116,187   64,813    158,252    10,793    350,045
  New England................    9,559   39,525    148,449         1    197,534
  Pacific....................  183,206  241,857    378,024   105,419    908,506
  South Atlantic.............  106,246   73,541    446,800   278,265    904,852
  West North Central.........  133,899   14,205     78,065    36,651    262,820
  West South Central.........   69,140   92,594    190,299   267,268    619,301
                              --------  -------  --------- --------- ----------
                              $785,844  660,945  2,237,279 1,001,267  4,685,335
                              ========  =======  ========= =========
  Less valuation allowances
   and unamortized discount..                                            57,948
                                                                     ----------
    Total mortgage loans on
     real estate, net........                                        $4,627,387
                                                                     ==========
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-19
<PAGE>
 
             NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  The summary below depicts loans by remaining principal balance as of
December 31, 1994:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           APARTMENT
                               OFFICE  WAREHOUSE  RETAIL    & OTHER    TOTAL
                              -------- --------- --------- --------- ----------
<S>                           <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
1994:
  East North Central......... $107,852   98,778    520,407  183,812     910,849
  East South Central.........   29,352    8,864    124,973   76,186     239,375
  Mountain...................    3,150   13,028    141,068   37,695     194,941
  Middle Atlantic............   59,197   49,677    132,155   26,151     267,180
  New England................   10,536   43,282    134,894        4     188,716
  Pacific....................  188,878  214,013    379,919   68,029     850,839
  South Atlantic.............   84,860   76,420    399,170  203,233     763,683
  West North Central.........  126,779   11,766     77,370    3,803     219,718
  West South Central.........   51,013   78,551    180,460  189,612     499,636
                              --------  -------  ---------  -------  ----------
                              $661,617  594,379  2,090,416  788,525   4,134,937
                              ========  =======  =========  =======
    Less valuation allowances
     and unamortized
     discount................                                            53,143
                                                                     ----------
    Total mortgage loans on
     real estate, net........                                        $4,081,794
                                                                     ==========
</TABLE>
 
(10) PENSION PLAN
 
  The Company is a participant, together with other affiliated companies, in a
pension plan covering all employees who have completed at least one thousand
hours of service within a twelve-month period and who have met certain age
requirements. Benefits are based upon the highest average annual salary of a
specified number of consecutive years of the last ten years of service. The
Company funds pension costs accrued for direct employees plus an allocation of
pension costs accrued for employees of affiliates whose work efforts benefit
the Company.
 
  Effective January 1, 1995, the plan was amended to provide enhanced benefits
for participants who met certain eligibility requirements and elected early
retirement no later than March 15, 1995. The entire cost of the enhanced
benefit was borne by NMIC and certain of its property and casualty insurance
company affiliates.
 
  Effective December 31, 1995, the Nationwide Insurance Companies and
Affiliates Retirement Plan was merged with the Farmland Mutual Insurance
Company Employees' Retirement Plan and the Wausau Insurance Companies Pension
Plan to form the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise Retirement Plan. Immediately
prior to the merger, the plans were amended to provide consistent benefits for
service after January 1, 1996. These amendments had no significant impact on
the accumulated benefit obligation or projected benefit obligation as of
December 31, 1995.
 
  Pension costs charged to operations by the Company during the years ended
December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 were $11,383, $11,113 and $7,069,
respectively.
 
  The Company's net accrued pension expense as of December 31, 1995 and 1994
was $1,392 and $1,853, respectively.
 
                                     F-20
<PAGE>
 
             NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  The net periodic pension cost for the Nationwide Insurance Companies and
Affiliates Retirement Plan as a whole for the years ended December 31, 1995,
1994 and 1993 follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  1995      1994      1993
                                                ---------  -------  --------
   <S>                                          <C>        <C>      <C>
   Service cost (benefits earned during the
    period).................................... $  64,524   64,740    47,694
   Interest cost on projected benefit
    obligation.................................    95,283   73,951    70,543
   Actual return on plan assets................  (249,294) (21,495) (105,002)
   Net amortization and deferral...............   143,353  (62,150)   20,832
                                                ---------  -------  --------
                                                $  53,866   55,046    34,067
                                                =========  =======  ========
</TABLE>
 
  Basis for measurements, net periodic pension cost:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1995  1994  1993
                                                               ----- ----- -----
   <S>                                                         <C>   <C>   <C>
   Weighted average discount rate............................. 7.50% 5.75% 6.75%
   Rate of increase in future compensation levels............. 6.25% 4.50% 4.75%
   Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets........... 8.75% 7.00% 7.50%
</TABLE>
 
  Information regarding the funded status of the Nationwide Insurance
Enterprise Retirement Plan as a whole as of December 31, 1995 (post-merger)
and the Nationwide Insurance Companies and Affiliates Retirement Plan as of
December 31, 1995 (pre-merger) and 1994 follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               POST-       PRE-
                                               MERGER     MERGER
                                                1995       1995       1994
                                             ----------  ---------  ---------
   <S>                                       <C>         <C>        <C>
   Accumulated benefit obligation:
     Vested................................. $1,236,730  1,002,079    914,850
     Nonvested..............................     26,503      8,998      7,570
                                             ----------  ---------  ---------
                                             $1,263,233  1,011,077    922,420
                                             ==========  =========  =========
   Net accrued pension expense:
     Projected benefit obligation for
      services rendered to date............. $1,780,616  1,447,522  1,305,547
     Plan assets at fair value..............  1,738,004  1,508,781  1,241,771
                                             ----------  ---------  ---------
     Plan assets (less than) in excess of
      projected benefit obligation..........    (42,612)    61,259    (63,776)
     Unrecognized prior service cost........     42,845     42,850     46,201
     Unrecognized net (gains) losses........    (63,130)   (86,195)    39,408
     Unrecognized net obligation (asset) at
      transition............................     41,305    (19,841)   (21,994)
                                             ----------  ---------  ---------
                                             $  (21,592)    (1,927)      (161)
                                             ==========  =========  =========
</TABLE>
 
  Basis for measurements, funded status of plan:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  POST-MERGER PRE-MERGER
                                                     1995        1995    1994
                                                  ----------- ---------- -----
   <S>                                            <C>         <C>        <C>
   Weighted average discount rate................    6.00%      6.00%    7.50%
   Rate of increase in future compensation
    levels.......................................    4.25%      4.25%    6.25%
</TABLE>
 
  Assets of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise Retirement Plan are invested
in group annuity contracts of NLIC and ELICW. Prior to the merger, the assets
of the Nationwide Insurance Companies and Affiliates Retirement Plan were
invested in a group annuity contract of NLIC.
 
                                     F-21
<PAGE>
 
             NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
(11) POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS
 
  In addition to the defined benefit pension plan, the Company, together with
other affiliated companies, participates in life and health care defined
benefit plans for qualifying retirees. Postretirement life and health care
benefits are contributory and generally available to full time employees who
have attained age 55 and have accumulated 15 years of service with the Company
after reaching age 40. Postretirement health care benefit contributions are
adjusted annually and contain cost-sharing features such as deductibles and
coinsurance. In addition, there are caps on the Company's portion of the per-
participant cost of the postretirement health care benefits. These caps can
increase annually, but not more than three percent. The Company's policy is to
fund the cost of health care benefits in amounts determined at the discretion
of management. Plan assets are invested primarily in group annuity contracts
of NLIC.
 
  Effective January 1, 1993, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No.
106--Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions
(SFAS 106), which requires the accrual method of accounting for postretirement
life and health care insurance benefits based on actuarially determined costs
to be recognized over the period from the date of hire to the full eligibility
date of employees who are expected to qualify for such benefits.
 
  The Company elected to immediately recognize its estimated accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation as of January 1, 1993. Accordingly, a
noncash charge of $28,997 ($18,848 net of related income tax benefit) was
recorded in the 1993 consolidated statement of income as a cumulative effect
of a change in accounting principle. See note 4. The adoption of SFAS 106,
including the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle,
increased the expense for postretirement benefits by $32,143 to $33,115 in
1993. Certain affiliated companies elected to amortize their initial
transition obligation over periods ranging from 10 to 20 years.
 
  The Company's accrued postretirement benefit expense as of December 31, 1995
and 1994 was $33,539 and $31,752, respectively, and the net periodic
postretirement benefit cost (NPPBC) for 1995 and 1994 was $3,221 and $4,524,
respectively.
 
  The amount of NPPBC for the plan as a whole for the years ended December 31,
1995, 1994 and 1993 was as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1995     1994    1993
                                                       -------  ------  ------
   <S>                                                 <C>      <C>     <C>
   Service cost (benefits attributed to employee
    service during the year).........................  $ 6,235   8,586   7,090
   Interest cost on accumulated postretirement
    benefit obligation...............................   14,151  14,011  13,928
   Actual return on plan assets......................   (2,657) (1,622)    --
   Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation
    of affiliates....................................    2,966     568     568
   Net amortization and deferral.....................   (1,619)  1,622     --
                                                       -------  ------  ------
                                                       $19,076  23,165  21,586
                                                       =======  ======  ======
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-22
<PAGE>
 
             NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  Information regarding the funded status of the plan as a whole as of
December 31, 1995 and 1994 follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1995       1994
                                                          ---------  --------
   <S>                                                    <C>        <C>
   Accrued postretirement benefit expense:
     Retirees............................................ $  88,680    76,677
     Fully eligible, active plan participants............    28,793    22,013
     Other active plan participants......................    90,375    59,089
                                                          ---------  --------
     Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
      (APBO).............................................   207,848   157,779
     Plan assets at fair value...........................    54,325    49,012
                                                          ---------  --------
     Plan assets less than accumulated postretirement
      benefit obligation.................................  (153,523) (108,767)
     Unrecognized transition obligation of affiliates....     1,827     6,577
     Unrecognized net gains..............................    (1,038)  (41,497)
                                                          ---------  --------
                                                          $(152,734) (143,687)
                                                          =========  ========
</TABLE>
 
  Actuarial assumptions used for the measurement of the APBO as of December
31, 1995 and 1994 and the NPPBC for 1995, 1994 and 1993 were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    1995     1995     1994     1994     1993
                                    APBO    NPPBC     APBO    NPPBC    NPPBC
                                  -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S>                               <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Discount rate....................    6.75%       8%       8%       7%       8%
Assumed health care cost trend
 rate:
  Initial rate...................      11%      10%      11%      12%      14%
  Ultimate rate..................       6%       6%       6%       6%       6%
  Uniform declining period....... 12 Years 12 Years 12 Years 12 Years 12 Years
</TABLE>
 
  The health care cost trend rate assumption has an effect on the amounts
reported. For the plan as a whole, a one percentage point increase in the
assumed health care cost trend rate would increase the APBO as of December 31,
1995 by $641 and the NPPBC for the year ended December 31, 1995 by $107.
 
(12) REGULATORY RISK-BASED CAPITAL, RETAINED EARNINGS AND DIVIDEND
RESTRICTIONS
 
  Each insurance company's state of domicile imposes minimum risk-based
capital requirements that were developed by the NAIC. The formulas for
determining the amount of risk-based capital specify various weighting factors
that are applied to financial balances or various levels of activity based on
the perceived degree of risk. Regulatory compliance is determined by a ratio
of the company's regulatory total adjusted capital, as defined by the NAIC, to
its authorized control level risk-based capital, as defined by the NAIC.
Companies below specific trigger points or ratios are classified within
certain levels, each of which requires specified corrective action. NLIC and
NLAIC each exceed the minimum risk-based capital requirements.
 
  The combined statutory capital and surplus of NLIC and NLAIC, as adjusted
for the reorganization described in note 1, as of December 31, 1995, 1994 and
1993 was $959,346, $902,469 and $817,739, respectively. The combined statutory
net income of NLIC and NLAIC, as adjusted for the reorganization described in
note 1, for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 was $85,623,
$72,537 and $179,287, respectively.
 
  The Company's insurance company subsidiaries are limited in their payment of
dividends by the Department. As of December 31, 1995, the maximum amount
available for dividend payment to NFS in 1996 by NLIC without prior approval
is $88,485.
 
                                     F-23
<PAGE>
 
             NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  In addition, the payment of dividends by NLIC may also be subject to
restrictions set forth in the insurance laws of New York that limit the amount
of statutory profits on NLIC's participating policies (measured before
dividends to policyholders) that can inure to the benefit of the Company and
its stockholders.
 
  The Company currently does not expect such regulatory requirements to impair
its ability to pay operating expenses and stockholder dividends in the future.
 
(13) TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
 
  The Company has inter-company agreements with affiliates that provide for
the sharing of home office and other facilities, equipment and common
management and administrative services.
 
  The Company participates in intercompany repurchase agreements with
affiliates whereby the seller will transfer securities to the buyer at a
stated value. Upon demand or a stated period, the securities will be
repurchased by the seller at the original sales price plus a price
differential. Transactions under the agreements during 1995 and 1994 were not
material.
 
  During 1993, the Company sold equity securities with a market value $190,013
to NMIC, resulting in a realized gain of $120,888. With the proceeds, the
Company purchased securities with a market value of $189,719 and cash of $294
from NMIC.
 
  Intercompany reinsurance contracts exist between NLIC and NMIC and ELICW.
Total premiums ceded to NMIC and ELICW, including premiums ceded under the
reinsurance agreements discussed in note 1, were $332,454, $340,309 and
$330,377 during 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.
 
  As discussed in note 1, the consolidated financial statements exclude
certain subsidiaries of NLIC which NLIC will dividend to Nationwide Corp. on
January 1, 1997. One of the excluded subsidiaries, ELICW, was purchased by
NLIC effective December 31, 1994 in exchange for fixed maturity securities and
cash with a fair value of $155,000. Because ELICW is excluded from the
consolidated financial statements, the $155,000 purchase price is included in
other charges to retained earnings in 1994.
 
  The Company and various affiliates entered into agreements with Nationwide
Cash Management Company (NCMC) and California Cash Management Company (CCMC),
both affiliates, under which NCMC and CCMC act as common agents in handling
the purchase and sale of short-term securities for the respective accounts of
the participants. Amounts on deposit with NCMC and CCMC were $18,602 and
$95,218 as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively, and are included in
short-term investments on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
 
(14) BANK LINES OF CREDIT
 
  As of December 31, 1995 and 1994, NLIC had $120,000 of confirmed but unused
bank lines of credit which support a $100,000 commercial paper borrowing
authorization.
 
  In August 1996, NLIC, along with NMIC, entered into a $600,000 revolving
credit facility which provides for a $600,000 loan over a five year term on a
fully revolving basis with a group of national financial institutions. The
credit facility provides for several and not joint liability with respect to
any amount drawn by either NLIC or NMIC. NLIC and NMIC pay facility and usage
fees to the financial institutions to maintain the revolving credit facility.
All previously existing line of credit agreements were canceled.
 
                                     F-24
<PAGE>
 
             NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
(15) CONTINGENCIES
 
  The Company is a defendant in various lawsuits. In the opinion of
management, the effects, if any, of such lawsuits are not expected to be
material to the Company's financial position or results of operations.
 
(16) SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
  The Company has three primary segments: Variable Annuities, Fixed Annuities
and Life Insurance. The Variable Annuities segment consists of annuity
contracts that provide the customer with the opportunity to invest in mutual
funds managed by the Company and independent investment managers, with the
investment returns accumulating on a tax-deferred basis. The Fixed Annuities
segment consists of annuity contracts that generate a return for the customer
at a specified interest rate, fixed for a prescribed period, with returns
accumulating on a tax-deferred basis. The Life Insurance segment consists of
insurance products that provide a death benefit and may also allow the
customer to build cash value on a tax-deferred basis. In addition, the Company
reports corporate expenses and investments, and the related investment income
supporting capital not specifically allocated to its product segments in a
Corporate and Other segment. In addition, all realized gains and losses,
investment management fees and other revenue earned from mutual funds other
than the portion allocated to the variable annuity segment, and commissions
and other income earned by the marketing and distribution companies are
reported in the Corporate and Other segment.
 
  The following table summarizes the revenues and income before Federal income
tax expense and cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles for the
years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 and assets as of December 31,
1995, 1994 and 1993, by business segment.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 1995        1994       1993
                                              ----------- ---------- ----------
<S>                                           <C>         <C>        <C>
Revenues:
  Variable Annuities........................  $   189,071    132,687     94,831
  Fixed Annuities...........................    1,051,970    939,868    922,784
  Life Insurance............................      409,135    383,150    371,097
  Corporate and Other.......................      186,862    178,379    250,614
                                              ----------- ---------- ----------
                                              $ 1,837,038  1,634,084  1,639,326
                                              =========== ========== ==========
Income before Federal income tax expense and
 cumulative effect of changes in accounting
 principles:
  Variable Annuities........................       50,837     24,574     10,345
  Fixed Annuities...........................      137,000    138,950    105,926
  Life Insurance............................       67,590     53,046     49,667
  Corporate and Other.......................       25,743     23,893    109,818
                                              ----------- ---------- ----------
                                              $   281,170    240,463    275,756
                                              =========== ========== ==========
Assets:
  Variable Annuities........................   17,333,039 11,146,465  8,125,177
  Fixed Annuities...........................   13,005,104 11,445,675 10,343,551
  Life Insurance............................    3,027,420  3,752,283  2,554,076
  Corporate and Other.......................    4,388,593  3,310,429  3,270,455
                                              ----------- ---------- ----------
                                              $37,754,156 28,654,852 24,293,259
                                              =========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-25
<PAGE>
 
              NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                                  (UNAUDITED)
                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                                (000'S OMITTED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
<S>                                                                 <C>
                              ASSETS
Investments:
  Securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
    Fixed maturity securities (cost $11,766,599)................... $11,963,214
    Equity securities (cost $46,251)...............................      52,941
  Fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost
   (fair value $5,983).............................................       5,854
  Mortgage loans on real estate, net...............................   5,140,401
  Real estate, net.................................................     235,525
  Policy loans.....................................................     364,131
  Other long-term investments......................................      59,742
  Short-term investments ..........................................      98,105
                                                                    -----------
                                                                     17,919,913
                                                                    -----------
Cash...............................................................      87,929
Accrued investment income..........................................     215,452
Deferred policy acquisition costs..................................   1,349,450
Other assets.......................................................     116,516
Assets held in Separate Accounts...................................  24,673,451
                                                                    -----------
                                                                    $44,362,711
                                                                    ===========
               LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Future policy benefits and claims.................................. $16,601,996
Policyholders' dividend accumulations..............................     358,003
Other policyholder funds...........................................      65,686
Accrued Federal income tax:
  Current..........................................................      36,868
  Deferred.........................................................     122,996
                                                                    -----------
                                                                        159,864
                                                                    -----------
Other liabilities..................................................     429,157
Liabilities related to Separate Accounts...........................  24,673,451
                                                                    -----------
                                                                     42,288,157
                                                                    -----------
Shareholder's equity:
  Class A common shares, no par value. Authorized     shares,
   no shares issued and outstanding................................         --
  Class B common shares, no par value. Authorized     shares,
   no shares issued and outstanding................................         --
  Additional paid-in capital.......................................     602,468
  Retained earnings................................................   1,357,571
  Unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale, net...........     114,515
                                                                    -----------
                                                                      2,074,554
                                                                    -----------
                                                                    $44,362,711
                                                                    ===========
</TABLE>
 
     See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>
 
              NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                                  (UNAUDITED)
                 NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1995
                                (000'S OMITTED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1996       1995
                                                           ---------  ---------
<S>                                                        <C>        <C>
Revenues:
  Investment product and universal life insurance product
   policy charges......................................... $ 283,274    208,142
  Traditional life insurance premiums.....................   151,057    151,408
  Net investment income................................... 1,009,618    954,457
  Realized gains on investments...........................     4,300      6,476
  Other income............................................    52,960     43,818
                                                           ---------  ---------
                                                           1,500,939  1,364,301
                                                           ---------  ---------
Benefits and expenses:
  Benefits and claims.....................................   867,652    827,926
  Provision for policyholders' dividends on participating
   policies...............................................    31,416     29,383
  Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs.......    96,782     63,070
  Other operating expenses................................   252,229    221,799
                                                           ---------  ---------
                                                           1,248,079  1,142,228
                                                           ---------  ---------
    Income before Federal income tax expense..............   252,860    222,073
                                                           ---------  ---------
Federal income tax expense (benefit):
  Current.................................................    98,087     65,604
  Deferred................................................    (9,402)    11,477
                                                           ---------  ---------
                                                              88,685     77,081
                                                           ---------  ---------
    Net income............................................ $ 164,175    144,992
                                                           =========  =========
</TABLE>
 
     See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>
 
              NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
                                  (UNAUDITED)
                 NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1995
                                (000'S OMITTED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 UNREALIZED
                                                               GAINS (LOSSES)
                         CLASS A CLASS B ADDITIONAL            ON SECURITIES      TOTAL
                         COMMON  COMMON   PAID-IN   RETAINED   AVAILABLE-FOR- SHAREHOLDER'S
                         SHARES  SHARES   CAPITAL   EARNINGS     SALE, NET       EQUITY
                         ------- ------- ---------- ---------  -------------- -------------
<S>                      <C>     <C>     <C>        <C>        <C>            <C>
1995:
  Balance, January 1,
   1995.................  $ --     --     602,468   1,003,057     (111,826)     1,493,699
  Dividends paid to
   shareholder..........    --     --         --       (8,450)         --          (8,450)
  Net income............    --     --         --      144,992          --         144,992
  Unrealized gains on
   securities available-
   for-sale, net........    --     --         --          --       249,296        249,296
  Other.................    --     --         --        8,692          --           8,692
                          -----    ---    -------   ---------     --------      ---------
  Balance, September 30,
   1995.................  $ --     --     602,468   1,148,291      137,470      1,888,229
                          =====    ===    =======   =========     ========      =========
1996:
  Balance, January 1,
   1996.................  $ --     --     602,468   1,188,804      318,781      2,110,053
  Dividends paid to
   shareholder..........    --     --         --       (2,000)         --          (2,000)
  Net income............    --     --         --      164,175          --         164,175
  Unrealized losses on
   securities available-
   for-sale, net........    --     --         --          --      (204,266)      (204,266)
  Other.................    --     --         --        6,592          --           6,592
                          -----    ---    -------   ---------     --------      ---------
  Balance, September 30,
   1996.................  $ --     --     602,468   1,357,571      114,515      2,074,554
                          =====    ===    =======   =========     ========      =========
</TABLE>
 
 
     See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-28
<PAGE>
 
              NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
                 NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1995
                                (000'S OMITTED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1996         1995
                                                        -----------  ----------
<S>                                                     <C>          <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income..........................................  $   164,175     144,992
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
   provided by operating activities:
    Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition
     costs............................................     (313,703)   (220,916)
    Amortization of deferred policy acquisition
     costs............................................       96,782      63,070
    Amortization and depreciation.....................        6,317      15,790
    Realized gains on invested assets, net............       (4,861)     (6,775)
    Deferred Federal income tax (benefit) expense.....       (4,262)     11,897
    Increase in accrued investment income.............       (2,489)    (27,147)
    (Increase) decrease in other assets...............      (34,386)     20,266
    Increase in policy liabilities ...................      234,682      82,287
    Increase in policyholders' dividend
     accumulations....................................        9,976       9,169
    (Decrease) increase in accrued Federal income tax
     payable..........................................         (112)      3,950
    Increase in other liabilities.....................      177,072      39,624
    Other, net........................................       (3,888)     (3,125)
                                                        -----------  ----------
      Net cash provided by operating activities.......      325,303     133,082
                                                        -----------  ----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Proceeds from maturity of securities available-for-
   sale...............................................      917,365     385,741
  Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-
   sale...............................................      195,429      92,514
  Proceeds from maturity of fixed maturity securities
   held-to-maturity...................................          --      421,691
  Proceeds from repayments of mortgage loans on real
   estate.............................................      191,144     131,467
  Proceeds from sale of real estate...................       16,106      39,688
  Proceeds from repayments of policy loans and sale of
   other invested assets..............................       18,564      41,271
  Cost of securities available-for-sale acquired......   (1,020,036) (1,493,374)
  Cost of fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity
   acquired...........................................          --     (459,056)
  Cost of mortgage loans on real estate acquired......     (721,651)   (468,285)
  Cost of real estate acquired........................       (4,788)    (10,627)
  Policy loans issued and other invested assets
   acquired...........................................      (43,062)    (57,815)
                                                        -----------  ----------
      Net cash used in investing activities...........     (450,929) (1,376,785)
                                                        -----------  ----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Dividends paid to shareholder.......................       (2,000)     (8,450)
  Proceeds from affiliated companies..................        6,590       8,690
  Increase in investment product and universal life
   insurance product account balances.................    1,597,731   1,596,502
  Decrease in investment product and universal life
   insurance product account balances.................   (1,343,387)   (400,552)
                                                        -----------  ----------
      Net cash provided by financing activities.......      258,934   1,196,190
                                                        -----------  ----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents..      133,308     (47,513)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period........       52,726     138,940
                                                        -----------  ----------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period..............  $   186,034      91,427
                                                        ===========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
     See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-29
<PAGE>
 
             NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
                 NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1995
                                (000'S OMITTED)
 
(1) BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
  Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. (NFS) is an insurance holding company
which was formed in November 1996 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of
Nationwide Corporation (Nationwide Corp.). The consolidated financial
statements represent the results of Nationwide Life Insurance Company (NLIC)
and subsidiaries (excluding certain subsidiaries and lines of business as
discussed below) and three marketing and distribution companies as if they
were consolidated with NFS for all periods presented. This presentation is
based on Nationwide Corp.'s contribution of the common stock of those entities
to NFS on January 1, 1997 in anticipation of the initial public offering of
common stock of NFS described more fully in note 2 in exchange for all of the
shares of Class B common stock of NFS. NFS had no operating activity and had
no assets or liabilities as of September 30, 1996. NFS and the other companies
whose results are included in the consolidated financial statements are
collectively referred to as "the Company."
 
  Immediately preceding the contribution of NLIC's outstanding shares of
common stock from Nationwide Corp. to NFS, NLIC will dividend the outstanding
shares of common stock of West Coast Life Insurance Company, Employers Life
Insurance Company of Wausau (ELICW) and National Casualty Company to
Nationwide Corp. Accordingly, the accompanying unaudited consolidated
financial statements do not reflect the assets, liabilities, results of
operations and cash flows of those previously wholly owned subsidiaries of
NLIC.
 
  During 1996, in anticipation of the restructuring described above, NLIC
entered into two reinsurance agreements whereby all of NLIC's accident and
health and group life insurance business was ceded to Nationwide Mutual
Insurance Company, an affiliate, and ELICW effective January 1, 1996.
Accordingly, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements
present the results of operations as if these reinsurance agreements were in
place for all periods presented.
 
  In addition as part of the restructuring described above, NLIC anticipates
obtaining regulatory approval to make distributions to NFS which will then
make distributions to Nationwide Corp. in amounts approximating $      in
total.
 
  The three marketing and distribution companies to be contributed by
Nationwide Corp. to NFS are: Public Employees Benefit Services Corporation,
NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services, Inc. and Nationwide Financial Institution
Distributors Agency, Inc.
 
  The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for
interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all
information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles
for complete financial statements. The accompanying unaudited consolidated
financial statements should be read in conjunction with the December 31, 1995
audited consolidated financial statements of NFS contained on pages F-3
through F-25 herein.
 
  The financial information included herein reflects all adjustments (all of
which are normal and recurring in nature) which are, in the opinion of
management, necessary for a fair presentation of financial position and
results of operations.
 
(2) INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING
 
  The Company is currently planning an initial public offering of its Class A
common stock (the Equity Offering) during the first quarter of 1997. After the
Equity Offering, Nationwide Corp. will continue to own all of the shares of
Class B common stock, which will represent approximately  % of the voting
stock of the Company.
 
 
                                     F-30
<PAGE>
 
             NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
  Shortly after the Equity Offering, the Company expects to consummate the
public offering of $300,000 of senior notes due 2027. In addition, Nationwide
Financial Services Capital Trust, an affiliate of the Company, expects to
consummate the public offering of $100,000 of capital securities (collectively
referred to as the Fixed Income Offerings).
 
 
                                     F-31
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFOR-
MATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF
GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS
HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ANY UNDERWRITER. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES
NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY OF
THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS
UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER IN SUCH JURISDICTION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE
ANY IMPLICATION THAT THE INFORMATION HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSE-
QUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF
THE COMPANY SINCE SUCH DATE.
 
                                 ------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          PAGE
                                                                          ----
<S>                                                                       <C>
Available Information....................................................   2
Prospectus Summary.......................................................   3
Risk Factors.............................................................  12
Use of Proceeds..........................................................  18
Recent History...........................................................  18
Capitalization...........................................................  19
Dividend Policy..........................................................  20
Dilution.................................................................  21
Selected Consolidated Financial Data.....................................  22
Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data....................................  24
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
 of Operations...........................................................  26
Business.................................................................  35
Management...............................................................  64
Ownership of Capital Stock...............................................  75
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions...........................  76
Description of Capital Stock.............................................  82
The Fixed Income Offerings...............................................  87
Shares Eligible for Future Sale..........................................  87
Underwriting.............................................................  89
Notice to Canadian Residents.............................................  92
Legal Matters............................................................  92
Experts..................................................................  93
Glossary of Selected Insurance Terms.....................................  94
Index to Consolidated Financial
 Statements.............................................................. F-1
</TABLE>
 
                                 ------------
 
 UNTIL       , 1997, (25 DAYS AFTER THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE OFFERING), ALL
DEALERS EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN THE REGISTERED SECURITIES, WHETHER OR NOT
PARTICIPATING IN THIS DISTRIBUTION, MAY BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS.
THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THE OBLIGATION OF DEALERS TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS WHEN
ACTING AS UNDERWRITERS AND WITH RESPECT TO THEIR UNSOLD ALLOTMENTS OR
SUBSCRIPTIONS.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                     LOGO

                             Nationwide Financial
                                Services, Inc.
 
                                      Shares
 
                             Class A Common Stock
                                (no par value)
 
                                  PROSPECTUS
 
                          Credit Suisse First Boston
 
                             Morgan Stanley & Co.
                                 Incorporated
 
                              Merrill Lynch & Co.
 
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                          [ALTERNATE FRONT COVER PAGE
                         FOR INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS]
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A         +
+REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE   +
+SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY  +
+OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT        +
+BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR   +
+THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE      +
+SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE    +
+UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF  +
+ANY SUCH STATE.                                                               +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                 SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED DECEMBER 23, 1996
 
                                       Shares
                      Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.
   LOGO                       Class A Common Stock
                                 (no par value)
 
                                   --------
 
All of  the     shares of Class A  Common Stock, no par value ("Class  A Common
 Stock"),  of  Nationwide Financial  Services,  Inc.  (the "Company")  offered
  hereby are being sold by the Company.  Of the     shares being offered,
  shares  (the "International Shares") are  initially being offered for  sale
   outside the United States and  Canada by the Managers (the "International
    Offering")  and      shares  (the "U.S.  Shares")  are initially  being
     concurrently offered  in the  United  States and  Canada by  the U.S.
     Underwriters   (the   "U.S.   Offering"  and,   together   with   the
      International  Offering,  the   "Equity  Offerings").  The  initial
       public  offering   price  and  the   underwriting  discounts  and
        commissions of the International Offering and the U.S.  Offering
        are identical. See "Subscription and Sale."
 
 Prior to the Equity Offerings, there has  been no public market for the Class
  A Common Stock. It is anticipated that the initial public offering price of
   the Class  A Common Stock  will be between  $    and $    per  share. For
    information  relating  to the  factors  considered  in determining  the
     initial public offering price, see "Subscription and Sale."
 
 After the  Equity  Offerings,  Nationwide  Corporation will  own  all  of the
  outstanding shares  of Class  B Common  Stock, no par  value (the  "Class B
   Common Stock"  and, together with the  Class A Common  Stock, the "Common
    Stock"), of the Company. The Class  B Common Stock will represent   % (
       % if the Underwriters'  over-allotment option is exercised in full)
      of  the combined voting  power of the  stockholders of the  Company
       and  will be convertible on a share for share basis into  Class A
         Common Stock.  Except with  respect to  voting and  conversion
          rights the Class A  Common Stock is substantially identical
           to the Class B  Common Stock. See "Description of Capital
            Stock."
 
 Shortly  following the Equity  Offerings, the  Company expects to  consummate
   the public offering of $300 million  aggregate amount of Senior Notes due
    2027  (the "Senior Notes"),  and Nationwide Financial Services  Capital
      Trust, an  affiliate of  the Company (the  "NFS Trust")  expects to
        consummate the  public offering  of Capital  Securities with  an
         aggregate liquidation amount of  $100 million. See "The Fixed
           Income Offerings." Such offerings are being made pursuant
            to separate prospectuses.
 
    Up to     U.S. Shares are being reserved for sale at the initial public
   offering price to employees, directors and agents of the Company and other
      members of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise (as defined herein).
 
  Application is being made for listing of the Class A Common Stock on the New
            York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") under the symbol "NFS."
 
                                   --------
 
  FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN CONNECTION
 WITH AN INVESTMENT IN THE CLASS A COMMON STOCK, SEE "RISK FACTORS" ON PAGE 12
                                    HEREIN.
 
                                   --------
 
 THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT  BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
   EXCHANGE  COMMISSION  OR ANY  STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION NOR  HAS  THE
     SECURITIES   AND  EXCHANGE   COMMISSION  OR   ANY  STATE   SECURITIES
       COMMISSION  PASSED  UPON  THE  ACCURACY OR  AD-  EQUACY  OF  THIS
         PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO  THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
           OFFENSE.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       Underwriting
                                               Price   Discounts and Proceeds to
                                             to Public  Commissions  Company(1)
                                             --------- ------------- -----------
<S>                                          <C>       <C>           <C>
Per Share...................................   $           $            $
Total(2)....................................   $           $            $
</TABLE>
(1) Before deduction of expenses payable by the Company estimated at $    .
(2) The Company has granted the U.S. Underwriters and the Managers an option,
    exercisable by Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation for 30 days from the
    date of this Prospectus, to purchase a maximum of     additional shares of
    Class A Common Stock to cover over-allotments of shares. If the option is
    exercised in full, the total Price to Public will be $   , Underwriting
    Discounts and Commissions will be $    and Proceeds to Company will be
    $   .
 
                                   --------
 
  .The International Shares are offered by the several Managers when, as and if
issued by the Company, delivered to and accepted by the Managers and subject to
their right to reject orders in whole or in part. It is expected that the
International Shares will be ready for delivery on or about    , 1997, against
payment in immediately available funds.
 
Credit Suisse First Boston                                  Morgan Stanley & Co.
                                      International
                          Merrill Lynch International
 
                  The date of this Prospectus is      , 1997.
<PAGE>
 
                 [ALTERNATE PAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS]
 
  The International Shares may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly,
in the United States or Canada or to any U.S. or Canadian person as a part of
the distribution of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby. For further
description of certain restrictions on the offering and sale of the
International Shares, see "Subscription and Sale."
 
  NO DEALER, SALESMAN OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS
AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED
UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ANY MANAGER. THIS PROSPECTUS
DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY
OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT
IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER IN SUCH JURISDICTION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF
THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES,
CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THE INFORMATION HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME
SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS
OF THE COMPANY SINCE SUCH DATE.
 
  IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING, CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON CORPORATION, ON
BEHALF OF THE U.S. UNDERWRITERS AND THE MANAGERS, MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE CLASS A
COMMON STOCK AT A LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN
MARKET. SUCH TRANSACTIONS MAY BE EFFECTED ON THE NYSE OR OTHERWISE. SUCH
STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
 
  In the Prospectus, references to "dollars" and "$" are to United States
dollars.
 
                                 ------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      PAGE
                                      ----
<S>                                   <C>
Available Information...............    2
Prospectus Summary..................    3
Risk Factors........................   12
Use of Proceeds.....................   18
Recent History......................   18
Capitalization......................   19
Dividend Policy.....................   20
Dilution............................   21
Selected Consolidated Financial
 Data...............................   22
Pro Forma Consolidated Financial
 Data...............................   24
Management's Discussion and Analysis
 of Financial Condition and Results
 of Operations......................   26
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       PAGE
                                                                       ----
<S>                                                                    <C>
Business..............................................................  35
Management............................................................  64
Ownership of Capital Stock............................................  75
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions........................  76
Description of Capital Stock..........................................  82
The Fixed Income Offerings............................................  87
Shares Eligible for Future Sale.......................................  87
Subscription and Sale.................................................  89
Legal Matters.........................................................  92
Experts...............................................................  93
Glossary of Selected Insurance Terms..................................  94
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements............................ F-1
</TABLE>
 
                                 ------------
 
                                      A-2
<PAGE>
 
                 [ALTERNATE PAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS]
 
                            ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
  The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (together with all
amendments, exhibits, schedules and supplements thereto, the "Registration
Statement") pursuant to the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"), and the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder, for the registration of the Class A Common Stock offered hereby.
This Prospectus, which constitutes a part of the Registration Statement, does
not contain all the information set forth in the Registration Statement,
certain portions of which have been omitted as permitted by the rules and
regulations of the Commission. For further information with respect to the
Company and the Class A Common Stock offered hereby, reference is made to the
Registration Statement, including exhibits thereto and financial statements
and notes filed as a part thereof. Statements made in this Prospectus
concerning the contents of any contract or other document are not necessarily
complete. With respect to each such contract or other document filed with the
Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, reference is made to
the exhibit for a more complete description of the matter involved, and each
such statement shall be deemed qualified in its entirety by such reference.
The Registration Statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto filed by the
Company with the Commission may be inspected at the public reference
facilities maintained by the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024,
Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the regional offices of the Commission located
at Seven World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048 and Citicorp Center, 500
West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such
materials may be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission
at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed
rates. In addition, the Commission maintains a Web site on the Internet at
http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and
other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the
Commission.
 
  As a result of the Equity Offerings, the Company will be subject to the
informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the "Exchange Act"). So long as the Company is subject to the periodic
reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, it will continue to furnish the
reports and other information required thereby to the Commission. The Company
intends to furnish the holders of the Class A Common Stock with annual reports
containing, among other information, audited consolidated financial statements
reported upon by an independent public accounting firm and quarterly reports
for each of the first three quarters of each fiscal year containing unaudited
condensed consolidated financial information. The Company also intends to
furnish such other reports as it may determine or as may be required by law.
 
 
                                      A-3
<PAGE>
 
                 [ALTERNATE PAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS]
 
               CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS
                 FOR NON-U.S. HOLDERS OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK
 
  The following is a general discussion of certain United States federal
income and estate tax consequences of ownership and disposition of Class A
Common Stock by Non-U.S. Holders. For purposes of this discussion, a "Non-U.S.
Holder" is a person that is not (i) a citizen or resident of the United
States, (ii) a corporation or partnership organized in the United States or
under the laws of the United States or any State, (iii) an estate or trust the
income of which is includible in gross income for United States federal income
tax purposes regardless of its source, or (iv) for taxable years beginning
after December 31, 1996, a trust if one or more U.S. fiduciaries have the
authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, and a U.S. court
can exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust. This
discussion is based on current law, which is subject to change. In addition,
this discussion does not address all aspects of United States federal tax law
(or any other tax law) that may be relevant to Non-U.S. Holders in view of
their particular circumstances. Tax treaties between the United States and
certain other countries provide for reduced rates of, or exemptions from,
United States tax in some circumstances, and a Non-U.S. Holder often must
satisfy certification requirements not described below in order to obtain such
a benefit under an applicable treaty. Also, under certain treaties between the
United States and other countries, the Internal Revenue Service may disclose
to the government of a foreign country tax information relating to a Non-U.S.
Holder that is a citizen or resident of that country. Accordingly, prospective
investors are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the United
States federal, state and local tax consequences, as well as foreign tax
consequences, of holding and disposing of Class A Common Stock.
 
DIVIDENDS
 
  Dividends paid on Class A Common Stock to a Non-U.S. Holder generally will
be subject to United States federal withholding tax at a rate of 30% (or any
lower rate provided by an applicable tax treaty). However, if such dividends
are effectively connected with the conduct of a United States trade or
business by the Non-U.S. Holder, they generally will be subject to the United
States federal income tax that applies to the income of United States persons,
and the 30% United States withholding tax will not apply to such effectively
connected income. In the case of a Non-U.S. Holder that is a corporation, any
such dividends that are effectively connected with a United States trade or
business also may be subject to the United States branch profits tax at a rate
of 30% (or any lower rate provided by an applicable tax treaty).
 
  Under current law, dividends paid to an address outside the United States
are presumed to be paid to a resident of such country (unless the payer has
knowledge to the contrary) for purposes of the withholding discussed above and
for purposes of determining the applicability of a tax treaty rate. However,
under proposed Treasury regulations not currently in effect, in the case of
dividends paid after December 31, 1997 (December 31, 1999 in the case of
dividends paid to accounts in existence on or before the date that is 60 days
after the proposed regulations are published as final regulations), a Non-U.S.
Holder of Class A Common Stock who wishes to claim the benefit of an
applicable treaty rate would be required to satisfy applicable certification
and other requirements either directly or through an intermediary. In
addition, backup withholding, as discussed below, may apply in certain
circumstances if applicable certification and other requirements are not met.
 
  A Non-U.S. Holder of Class A Common Stock eligible for a reduced rate of
United States withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty may obtain a
refund of any excess amounts withheld by filing an appropriate claim for
refund with the Internal Revenue Service.
 
GAIN ON DISPOSITION OF STOCK
 
  Except under special rules for individuals described below, a Non-U.S.
Holder generally will not be subject to United States federal income tax on
gain resulting from a sale or other disposition of Class A Common Stock unless
the gain is (i) effectively connected with the conduct of a United States
trade or business by the Non-U.S. Holder, or (ii) treated as effectively
connected with such a trade or business because the Company is or has been a
"United States real property holding corporation" and certain other conditions
are satisfied as discussed below. The Company does not believe that it is, or
will be, a United States real property holding corporation. Any gain from
disposition of Class A Common Stock that is (or is treated as) effectively
connected with a United States
 
                                      A-4
<PAGE>
 
                 [ALTERNATE PAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS]
trade or business will be subject to the United States federal income tax that
applies to United States persons (and, in case of corporate Non-U.S. Holders,
may be subject to the branch profits tax), except as otherwise provided by an
applicable tax treaty.
 
  Special rules apply to certain individual Non-U.S. Holders. An individual
Non-U.S. Holder who recognized gain from the disposition of Class A Common
Stock held as a capital asset and is present in the United States for 183 days
or more in the taxable year of disposition generally will be taxed at a rate
of 30% (or any lower rate provided by an applicable tax treaty) on any such
gain (less certain capital losses, if any, from United States sources), if the
Non-U.S. Holder either (i) has a "tax home" in the United States (as defined
in the IRC), or (ii) maintains an office or other fixed place of business in
the United States to which such gain is attributable. In addition, certain
individual Non-U.S. Holders who once were United States citizens may be
subject to special rules applicable to United States expatriates.
 
INFORMATION REPORTING AND BACKUP WITHHOLDING
 
Dividends
 
  The Company or other payor of dividends must report annually to the Internal
Revenue Services and each Non-U.S. Holder the amount of dividends paid to, and
the tax (if any) withheld from, that holder. A backup withholding tax is
imposed at a rate of 31% on the gross amount of certain payments made to
persons who fail to furnish required identifying information to the payor.
However, the backup withholding tax generally will not apply to dividends paid
to a Non-U.S. Holder at an address outside the United States (unless the payer
has knowledge that the payee is a U.S. person), but generally will apply to
dividends paid on Class A Common Stock at addresses inside the United States
to Non-U.S. Holders that fail to provide certain identifying information in
the manner required. However, under proposed Treasury regulations not
currently in effect, in the case of dividends paid after December 31, 1997
(December 31, 1999 in the case of dividends paid to accounts in existence on
or before the date that is 60 days after the proposed regulations are
published as final regulations), a Non-U.S. Holder generally would be subject
to backup withholding at a 31% rate, unless certain certification procedures
(or, in the case of payments made outside the United States with respect to an
offshore account, certain documentary evidence procedures) are complied with,
directly or through an intermediary or a Non-U.S. Holder otherwise establishes
an exemption from backup withholding. The backup withholding tax is not an
additional tax.
 
PROCEEDS FROM DISPOSITION OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK
 
  Payments of gross proceeds from a disposition of Class A Common Stock to a
Non-U.S. Holder made through a United States office of a United States or
foreign broker will be subject to information reporting requirements and
backup withholding, unless the holder certifies under penalties of perjury its
name, address and status as a Non-U.S. Holder or otherwise establishes an
exemption. In general, such payments made through a foreign office of a broker
will not be subject to information reporting requirements or backup
withholding. However, payments of proceeds generally will be subject to
information reporting requirements (but not to backup withholding) if made
through a foreign office of (i) a United States broker or (ii) a foreign
broker that (a) is a "controlled foreign corporation" (generally, a
corporation controlled by United States shareholders) or (b) derives at least
50% of its gross income from the conduct of a trade or business within the
United States, unless the broker has documentary evidence that the holder is a
Non-U.S. Holder and certain other conditions are met, or the holder otherwise
establishes an exemption.
 
  Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules generally will be
allowed as a refund or a credit against such holder's U.S. federal income tax
liability provided the required information is furnished in a timely manner to
the IRS.
 
ESTATE TAX
 
  Class A Common Stock owned or treated as owned, at the time of death, by an
individual Non-U.S. Holder will be includible in the Non-U.S. Holder's gross
estate for United States federal estate tax purposes (unless otherwise
provided by an applicable tax treaty), and thus may be subject to United
States federal estate tax.
 
                                      A-5
<PAGE>
 
                 [ALTERNATE PAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS]
 
                             SUBSCRIPTION AND SALE
 
  The institutions named below (the "Managers") have, pursuant to a
Subscription Agreement dated      , 1997 between the Company and the Managers
(the "Subscription Agreement"), severally but not jointly, have agreed with
the Company to subscribe and pay for the following respective numbers of
International Shares as set forth opposite their names below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    NUMBER OF
                                                                  INTERNATIONAL
                 MANAGER                                             SHARES
                 -------                                          -------------
   <S>                                                            <C>
   CS First Boston Limited.......................................
   Morgan Stanley & Co. International Limited....................
   Merrill Lynch International...................................
                                                                      ----
       Total.....................................................
                                                                      ====
</TABLE>
 
  The Subscription Agreement provides that the obligations of the Managers are
such that, subject to certain conditions precedent, the Managers will be
obligated to purchase all the International Shares offered hereby (other than
those International Shares covered by the over-allotment option described
below) if any are purchased. The Subscription Agreement provides that, in the
event of a default by a Manager, in certain circumstances the purchase
commitments of the non-defaulting managers may be increased or the
Subscription Agreement may be terminated.
 
  The Company has entered into an Underwriting Agreement with the Underwriters
of the U.S. Offering (the "U.S. Underwriters" and, together with the Managers,
the "Underwriters") providing for the concurrent offer and sale of the U.S.
Shares in the United States and Canada. The closing of the U.S. Offering is a
condition to the closing of the International Offering and vice versa.
 
  The Company has granted to the Managers and the U.S. Underwriters an option,
exercisable by Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, expiring at the close
of business on the 30th day after the date of this Prospectus to purchase up
to    additional shares of Class A Common Stock (the "Option Shares") at the
initial public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions,
all as set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus. Such option may be
exercised only to cover over-allotments in the sale of the shares of Class A
Common Stock offered hereby. To the extent that this option to purchase is
exercised, each Manager and each U.S. Underwriter will become obligated,
subject to certain conditions, to purchase approximately the same percentage
of Option Shares as the number of International Shares set forth next to such
Manager's name in the preceding table and as the number set forth next to such
U.S. Underwriter's name in the corresponding table in the prospectus relating
to the U.S. Shares bears to the sum of the total number of shares of Class A
Common Stock in such tables.
 
  The Company has been advised by CS First Boston Limited, on behalf of the
Managers, that the Managers propose to offer the International Shares outside
the United States and Canada initially at the public offering price set forth
on the cover page of this Prospectus and through the Managers, to certain
dealers at such price less a commission of $    per share and that the
Managers and such dealers may reallow a commission of $    per share on sales
to certain other dealers. After the initial public offering, the public
offering price and commission and reallowance may be changed by the Managers.
 
  The public offering price, the aggregate underwriting discount and
commissions per share and the per share commission and reallowance to dealers
for the International Offering and the concurrent U.S. Offering are identical.
Pursuant to an Agreement Between U.S. Underwriters and Managers dated      ,
1997 (the "Intersyndicate Agreement") relating to the Offerings, changes in
the public offering price, the aggregate
 
                                      A-6
<PAGE>
 
                 [ALTERNATE PAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS]
underwriting discounts and commissions per share and per share commission and
reallowance to dealers may be made only upon the mutual agreement of CS First
Boston Limited, on behalf of the Managers, and Credit Suisse First Boston
Corporation, as representative of the U.S. Underwriters. Pursuant to the
Intersyndicate Agreement, each of the Managers has agreed or will agree that,
as part of the distribution of the International Shares and subject to certain
exceptions, it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, directly
or indirectly, any Class A Common Stock or distribute any prospectus relating
to the Class A Common Stock to any person in the United States or Canada or to
any other dealer who does not so agree. Each of the U.S. Underwriters has
agreed that, as part of the distribution of the U.S. shares and subject to
certain exceptions, it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell,
directly or indirectly, any shares of Class A Common Stock or distribute any
prospectus relating to the Class A Common Stock to any person outside the
United States and Canada or to any dealer who does not so agree. The foregoing
limitations do not apply to stabilization transactions or to transactions
between the Managers and the U.S. Underwriters pursuant to the Intersyndicate
Agreement. As used herein, "United States" means the United States of America
(including the states and the District of Columbia), its territories,
possessions and other areas subject to its jurisdiction, "Canada" means
Canada, its provinces, territories, possessions and other areas subject to its
jurisdiction, and an offer or sale shall be in the United States or Canada if
it is made to (i) any individual resident in the United States or Canada, or
(ii) any corporation, partnership, pension, profit sharing or other trust or
other entity (including any such entity acting as an investment advisor with
discretionary authority) whose office most directly involved with the purchase
is located in the United States or Canada.
 
  Pursuant to the Intersyndicate Agreement, sales may be made between the
Managers and the U.S. Underwriters of such number of shares of Class A Common
Stock as may be mutually agreed upon. The price of any shares so sold shall be
the public offering price less such amount agreed upon by CS First Boston
Limited, on behalf of the Managers, and Credit Suisse First Boston
Corporation, as representative of the U.S. Underwriters, but not exceeding the
selling concession applicable to such shares. To the extent there are sales
between the Managers and the U.S. Underwriters pursuant to the Intersyndicate
Agreement, the number of shares of Class A Common Stock initially available
for sale by the Managers and the U.S. Underwriters may be more or less than
the amount appearing on the cover page of this Prospectus. Neither the
Managers nor the U.S. Underwriters are obligated to purchase from the other
any unsold shares of Class A Common Stock.
 
  Each of the Managers and U.S. Underwriters severally represents and agrees
that (a) it has not offered or sold and prior to the date six months after the
date of issue of the International Shares will not offer or sell any
International Shares to persons in the United Kingdom except to persons whose
ordinary activities involve them in acquiring, holding, managing or disposing
of investments (as principal or agent) for the purposes of their businesses or
otherwise in circumstances which have not resulted and will not result in an
offer to the public in the United Kingdom within the meaning of the Public
Offers of Securities Regulations 1995, (b) it has complied and will comply
with all applicable provisions of the Financial Services Act 1986 with respect
to anything done by it in relation to the International Shares in, from or
otherwise involving the United Kingdom, and (c) it has only issued or passed
on and will only issue or pass on in the United Kingdom any document received
by it in connection with the issue of the International Shares to a person who
is of a kind described in Article 11(3) of the Financial Services Act 1986
(Investment Advertisements) (Exemptions) Order 1996 or is a person to whom
such document may otherwise lawfully issued or passed on.
 
  The Company has agreed that, without the prior written consent of Credit
Suisse First Boston Corporation, it will not offer, sell, contract to sell or
otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, or file with the Commission a
registration statement under the Securities Act relating to any additional
shares of Class A Common Stock, or securities convertible into or exchangeable
or exercisable for shares of Class A Common Stock, for a period of 180 days
after the date of this Prospectus.
 
  The Company has agreed to indemnify the Managers and the U.S. Underwriters
against certain liabilities, including civil liabilities under the Securities
Act, or contribute to payments which the U.S. Underwriters and the Managers
may be required to make in respect thereof.
 
 
                                      A-7
<PAGE>
 
                 [ALTERNATE PAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS]
  Application is being made for listing of the Class A Common Stock on the New
York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NFS." The U.S. Underwriters will
undertake to the NYSE that the Class A Common Stock will be sold to ensure
that NYSE distribution standards will be met requiring that sales in the
United States will be made in lots of 100 or more shares of Class A Common
Stock to a sufficient number of persons to establish a minimum of 2,000 round
lot beneficial holders after the U.S. Offering.
 
  At the request of the Company, up to a maximum of    shares of Class A
Common Stock are being reserved for sale at the initial public offering price
as set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus to the employees, officers,
directors and agents of the Company and other members of the Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise. The number of shares of Class A Common Stock available
for sale to the general public will be reduced to the extent such persons
purchase such reserved shares. Any shares not so purchased will be offered by
the U.S. Underwriters to the general public on the same basis as the other
shares of Class A Common Stock offered hereby.
 
  Prior to the Offerings, there has been no public market for the Class A
Common Stock. The initial public offering price for the Class A Common Stock
will be determined by negotiations between the Company and Credit Suisse First
Boston Corporation on behalf of the Managers and the U.S. Underwriters. Among
the factors considered in determining the initial public offering price will
be the history and prospects for the Company and the sectors in which it
operates, the past and present operating results of the Company and the trends
of such results, the general conditions of the securities markets at the time
of the offering and the prices of similar securities of comparable companies.
 
  From time to time, Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation has provided
investment banking services to the Company, Nationwide Life and other members
of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise, for which it has received customary
compensation. It is expected that Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation will
continue to provide such services in the future. Affiliates of the Managers
also are acting as representatives of the underwriters of the Fixed Income
Offerings.
 
                                      A-8
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
 
                    INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
 
  The following table sets forth the various expenses in connection with the
offering of Class A Common Stock pursuant to this Registration Statement that
will be paid fully by the Registrant. All amounts shown are estimates, except
the Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee, the NASD filing fee
and the New York Stock Exchange listing fee.
 
<TABLE>
   <S>                                                              <C>
   Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee............. $151,515.15
   NASD filing fee.................................................   30,500.00
   New York Stock Exchange listing fee.............................          *
   Blue Sky fees and expenses......................................          *
   Legal fees and expenses.........................................          *
   Accounting fees and expenses....................................          *
   Transfer agent fees and expenses................................          *
   Printing, engraving and postage expenses........................          *
   Miscellaneous...................................................          *
                                                                    -----------
     Total......................................................... $        *
                                                                    ===========
</TABLE>
- --------
* To be completed by amendment.
 
ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
 
  Directors and officers of the Company may be indemnified against
liabilities, fines, penalties, and claims imposed upon or asserted against
them as provided in the Delaware General Corporation Law and the Company's
Articles of Incorporation. Such indemnification covers all costs and expenses
incurred by a director or officer. The Board of Directors, by a majority vote
of a quorum of disinterested directors or, under certain circumstances,
independent counsel appointed by the Board of Directors, must determine that
the director or officer seeking indemnification was not guilty of willful
misconduct or a knowing violation of the criminal law. In addition, the
Delaware General Corporation Law and the Company's Certificate may under
certain circumstances eliminate the liability of directors and officers in a
stockholder or derivative proceeding.
 
  If the person involved is not a director or officer of the Company, the
Board of Directors may cause the Company to indemnify to the same extent
allowed for directors and officers of the Company such person who was or is a
party to a proceeding, by reason of the fact that he is or was an employee or
agent of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership,
joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise.
 
  The Company has in force and effect a policy insuring the directors and
officers of the Company against losses which they or any of them shall become
legally obligated to pay for by reason of any actual or alleged error or
misstatement or misleading statement or act or omission or neglect or breach
of duty by the directors and officers in the discharge of their duties,
individually or collectively, or any matter claimed against them solely by
reason of their being directors or officers, such coverage being limited by
the specific terms and provisions of the insurance policy.
 
  Pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, in the form filed as an exhibit to
the Registration Statement, any Underwriters under the Underwriting Agreement
will agree to indemnify the registrant's directors and officers and persons
controlling the registrant within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the "Securities Act"), against certain liabilities that might
arise out of or based upon certain information furnished to the registrant by
any such indemnifying party.
 
                                     II-1
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
 
  On December 11, 1996, the Registrant issued 1,000 shares of common stock to
Nationwide Corporation in exchange for $1,000. This exchange is exempt from
registration under the Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(2) thereunder.
 
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
(a) Exhibits
<TABLE>
    <C>     <S>
      *1.1  --Form of U.S. Underwriting Agreement
      *1.2  --Form of Subscription Agreement
      *3.1  --Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Nationwide
             Financial Services, Inc.
      *3.2  --Amended and Restated Bylaws of Nationwide Financial Services,
             Inc.
      *4.1  --Form of Certificate for shares of Class A Common Stock
      *5.1  --Opinion of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P.
     *10.1  --Form of Intercompany Agreement among Nationwide Mutual Insurance
             Company, Nationwide Corporation and Nationwide Financial Services,
             Inc.
     *10.2  --Form of Tax Sharing Agreement among Nationwide Mutual Insurance
             Company, Nationwide Corporation and any corporation that may
             hereafter be a subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation
     *10.3  --Cost Sharing Agreement among the parties named therein
      10.4  --Modified Coinsurance Agreement between Nationwide Life Insurance
             Company and Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
      10.5  --Modified Coinsurance Agreement between Employers Life Insurance
             Company of Wausau and Nationwide Life Insurance Company
     *10.6  --Revolving Credit Facility, dated August 12, 1996, among
             Nationwide Life Insurance Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance
             Company, the banks named therein and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company
             of New York, the administrative agent
     *10.7  --Form of Lease Agreement between Nationwide Life Insurance Company
             and Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
     *10.8  --Form of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. Long-Term Equity
             Compensation Plan
     *10.9  --Executive Incentive Plan
     *10.10 --Management Incentive Plan
     *10.11 --Excess Benefit Plan of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
     *10.12 --Supplemental Benefit Plan of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
     *10.13 --Nationwide Salaried Employees Severance Pay Plan
     *10.14 --Deferred Compensation Program
     *10.15 --Directors Deferred Compensation Plan
</TABLE>
 
 
                                     II-2
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
    <C>     <S>
      21.1  --List of Subsidiaries
      23.1  --Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
     *23.2  --Consent of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P. (contained in
             Exhibit 5.1)
      24.1  --Power of Attorney (included with the signatures in Part II of
             this Registration Statement)
     *27.1  --Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
 <C> <C>          <S>
 (b) Financial Statement Schedules
       Schedule I --Consolidated Summary of Investments--Other than Investments
                   in Related Parties
     Schedule III --Supplementary Insurance Information
      Schedule IV --Reinsurance
       Schedule V --Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
</TABLE>
 
- --------
* To be filed by amendment.
 
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS
 
  (a) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless
in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
  (b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
    (i) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of
  1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of
  this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a
  form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or
  (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this
  registration statement as of the time it was declared effective; and
 
    (ii) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
  Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of
  prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to
  the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that
  time shall be deemed to be the initial BONA FIDE offering thereof.
 
  (c) The undersigned registrant undertakes to provide to the underwriters at
the closing specified in the underwriting agreements, certificates in such
denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriters to
permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
 
                                     II-3
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES
 
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THE REGISTRANT
HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE
UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED, IN THE CITY OF COLUMBUS, STATE OF
OHIO, ON DECEMBER 23, 1996.
 
                                          Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.
 
                                                  /s/ D. Richard McFerson
                                          By: _________________________________
                                                    D. RICHARD MCFERSON
                                               CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE
                                                         OFFICER--
                                              NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE
 
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BELOW ON DECEMBER 23, 1996 BY THE
FOLLOWING PERSONS IN THE CAPACITIES INDICATED. EACH PERSON WHOSE SIGNATURE
APPEARS BELOW HEREBY APPOINTS AND CONSTITUTES JOSEPH J. GASPER, W. SIDNEY
DRUEN AND MARK B. KOOGLER, AND EACH OF THEM, AS HIS OR HER ATTORNEY-IN-FACT,
WITH FULL POWER OF SUBSTITUTION, FOR HIM OR HER IN ANY AND ALL CAPACITIES, TO
EXECUTE IN THE NAME AND ON BEHALF OF SUCH PERSON ANY AMENDMENT TO THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT) AND TO FILE
THE SAME, WITH EXHIBITS THERETO, AND OTHER DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH,
MAKING SUCH CHANGES IN THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT AS THE PERSON SO ACTING
DEEMS APPROPRIATE, HEREBY RATIFYING AND CONFIRMING ALL THAT SAID ATTORNEY-IN-
FACT, OR HIS OR HER SUBSTITUTE MAY DO OR CAUSE TO BE DONE BY VIRTUE HEREOF.
 
              SIGNATURE                        TITLE
 
    /s/ D. Richard McFerson            Chairman and Chief Executive
- -------------------------------------   Officer--Nationwide Insurance
      D. RICHARD MCFERSON               Enterprise and Director (Principal
                                        Executive Officer)
 
    /s/ Joseph J. Gasper               President and Chief Operating
- -------------------------------------   Officer and Director
      JOSEPH J. GASPER
 
    /s/ Robert A. Oakley               Executive Vice President--Chief
- -------------------------------------   Financial Officer (Principal
      ROBERT A. OAKLEY                  Financial Officer and Principal
                                        Accounting Officer)
 
    /s/ Arden L. Shisler               Director
- -------------------------------------
      ARDEN L. SHISLER
 
    /s/ Henry S. Holloway              Director
- -------------------------------------
      HENRY S. HOLLOWAY
 
    /s/ James F. Patterson             Director
- -------------------------------------
      JAMES F. PATTERSON
 
    /s/ David O. Miller                Director
- -------------------------------------
      DAVID O. MILLER
 
    /s/ Charles L. Fuellgraf, Jr.      Director
- -------------------------------------
      CHARLES L. FUELLGRAF, JR.
 
                                     II-4
<PAGE>
 
              NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           ----
 <C>          <S>                                                          <C>
 Independent Auditors' Report on Financial Statement Schedules...........  S-2
 Schedule I   Consolidated Summary of Investments--Other Than
              Investments In Related Parties as of December 31, 1995....   S-3
 Schedule III Supplementary Insurance Information for the years ended
              December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993..........................   S-4
 Schedule IV  Reinsurance as of December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 and for
              each of the years then ended..............................   S-5
 Schedule V   Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended
              December 31, 1995, 1994
              and 1993..................................................   S-6
</TABLE>
 
  All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, or not
required, or because the required information has been included in the
consolidated financial statements of notes thereto.
 
                                      S-1
<PAGE>
 
  WHEN THE TRANSACTIONS REFERRED TO IN NOTE 1 OF THE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS HAVE BEEN CONSUMMATED, WE WILL BE IN A POSITION TO RENDER
THE FOLLOWING REPORT.
 
                                          KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
 
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
                       ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
The Board of Directors
Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. :
 
  Under date of January   , 1997, we reported on the consolidated balance
sheets of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December
31, 1995 and 1994, and the related consolidated statements of income,
shareholder's equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 1995, which are included in the prospectus.
 
  As discussed in note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company
was formed in November 1996 as a holding company for Nationwide Life Insurance
Company and the other companies within the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
that offer or distribute long-term savings and retirement products. The
consolidated financial statements are presented as if these companies were
consolidated for all periods presented.
 
  In 1994, the Company adopted the provisions of the Financial Accounting
Standards Board's Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 115,
Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities. In 1993, the
Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes
and SFAS No. 106, Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than
Pensions.
 
  In connection with our audits of the aforementioned consolidated financial
statements, we also audited the related consolidated financial statement
schedules included in the registration statement. These consolidated financial
statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial
statement schedules based on our audits.
 
  In our opinion, such consolidated financial statement schedules, when
considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as
a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth
therein.
 
Columbus, Ohio
January   , 1997
 
                                      S-2
<PAGE>
 
                                                                     SCHEDULE I
 
             NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS--
                   OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES
                                (IN THOUSANDS)
 
                            AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               COLUMN A                 COLUMN B    COLUMN C      COLUMN D
               --------                ----------- ----------- ---------------
                                                               AMOUNT AT WHICH
                                                                SHOWN IN THE
                                                                CONSOLIDATED
          TYPE OF INVESTMENT              COST        VALUE     BALANCE SHEET
          ------------------           ----------- ----------- ---------------
<S>                                    <C>         <C>         <C>
Fixed maturity securities available-
 for-sale:
  Bonds:
    United States government and
     government agencies and
     authorities...................... $ 3,673,177 $ 3,846,921   $ 3,846,921
    States, municipalities and
     political subdivisions...........       8,655       9,859         9,859
    Foreign governments...............     101,414     105,734       105,734
    Public utilities..................   1,818,074   1,900,831     1,900,831
    All other corporate bonds.........   6,271,550   6,632,533     6,632,533
                                       ----------- -----------   -----------
      Total fixed maturity securities
       available-for-sale............. $11,872,870 $12,495,878   $12,495,878
                                       ----------- -----------   -----------
Equity securities available-for-sale:
  Common stocks:
    Industrial, miscellaneous and all
     other............................ $    30,845 $    37,223   $    37,223
  Nonredeemable preferred stock.......         389         347           347
                                       ----------- -----------   -----------
      Total equity securities
       available-for-sale............. $    31,234 $    37,570   $    37,570
                                       ----------- -----------   -----------
Fixed maturity securities held-to-ma-
 turity:
  Bonds:
    United States government and gov-
     ernment agencies and authori-
     ties............................. $     5,720 $     5,989   $     5,720
                                       ----------- -----------   -----------
      Total fixed maturity securities
       held-to-maturity............... $     5,720 $     5,989   $     5,720
                                       ----------- -----------   -----------
Mortgage loans on real estate, net.... $ 4,678,891               $ 4,627,387(1)
Real estate, net:
  Investment properties...............     208,961                   167,753(1)
  Acquired in satisfaction of debt....      76,782                    61,689(1)
Policy loans..........................     336,356                   336,356
Other long-term investments...........      66,421                    61,989(2)
Short-term investments................      42,671                    42,671
                                       -----------               -----------
      Total investments............... $17,319,906               $17,837,013
                                       ===========               ===========
</TABLE>
- --------
See accompanying independent auditors' report.
(1) Difference from Column B is primarily due to accumulated depreciation and
    valuation allowances due to impairments on real estate and valuation
    allowances due to impairments on mortgage loans on real estate. See
    "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
    of Operations" and note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.
(2) Difference from Column B is primarily due to operating losses of
    investments in limited partnerships.
 
                                      S-3
<PAGE>
 
                                                                   SCHEDULE III
 
             NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                      SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
                                (IN THOUSANDS)
  AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993 AND FOR EACH OF THE YEARS THEN ENDED
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     COLUMN A       COLUMN B        COLUMN C     COLUMN D  COLUMN E  COLUMN F  COLUMN G    COLUMN H    COLUMN I   COLUMN J
     --------      -----------  ---------------- -------- ---------- -------- ----------  ---------- ------------ ---------
                                     FUTURE                 OTHER
                                POLICY BENEFITS,            POLICY                        BENEFITS,  AMORTIZATION
                    DEFERRED        LOSSES,               CLAIMS AND             NET        CLAIMS   OF DEFERRED    OTHER
                     POLICY        CLAIMS AND    UNEARNED  BENEFITS           INVESTMENT  LOSSES AND    POLICY    OPERATING
                   ACQUISITION        LOSS       PREMIUMS  PAYABLE   PREMIUM    INCOME    SETTLEMENT ACQUISITION  EXPENSES
     SEGMENT          COSTS         EXPENSES       (1)       (2)     REVENUE     (3)       EXPENSES     COSTS        (3)
     -------       -----------  ---------------- -------- ---------- -------- ----------  ---------- ------------ ---------
<S>                <C>          <C>              <C>      <C>        <C>      <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>
1995:
Variable
Annuities........  $  571,283     $       --               $    --   $    --  $  (19,886) $    2,881   $26,264    $109,089
Fixed Annuities..     221,111      13,976,367                   455    32,774    934,266     804,980    29,499      80,260
Life Insurance...     366,876       1,898,641               383,983   166,332    158,299     201,986    31,021      68,832
Corporate and
Other ...........    (138,914)        238,351                28,886       --     221,354     105,646    (4,089)     59,562
                   ----------     -----------              --------  -------- ----------  ----------   -------    --------
 Total...........  $1,020,356     $16,113,359              $413,324  $199,106 $1,294,033  $1,115,493   $82,695    $317,743
                   ==========     ===========              ========  ======== ==========  ==========   =======    ========
1994:
Variable
Annuities........     395,397             --                    --        --     (14,982)      2,277    22,135      83,701
Fixed Annuities..     198,639      12,409,955                   240    20,134    839,293     702,082    29,849      69,975
Life Insurance...     327,079       1,806,762               371,984   156,524    153,393     191,006    29,495      69,861
Corporate and
Other............      74,445         233,569                26,927       --     233,107      97,302     4,089      53,095
                   ----------     -----------              --------  -------- ----------  ----------   -------    --------
 Total...........  $  995,560     $14,450,286              $399,151  $176,658 $1,210,811  $  992,667   $85,568    $276,632
                   ==========     ===========              ========  ======== ==========  ==========   =======    ========
1993:
Variable
Annuities........     270,369             --                    --        --      (8,411)      1,405    15,015      68,066
Fixed Annuities..     189,449      11,296,014                 1,752    35,341    807,434     712,288    28,276      75,987
Life Insurance...     299,121       1,703,700               359,880   153,044    152,428     184,018    26,929      67,765
Corporate and
Other............       4,836         212,739                26,461       --     179,793      84,447       --       56,349
                   ----------     -----------              --------  -------- ----------  ----------   -------    --------
 Total...........  $  763,775     $13,212,453              $388,093  $188,385 $1,131,244  $  982,158   $70,220    $268,167
                   ==========     ===========              ========  ======== ==========  ==========   =======    ========
<CAPTION>
     COLUMN A      COLUMN K
     --------      --------
                   PREMIUMS
     SEGMENT       WRITTEN
     -------       --------
<S>                <C>
1995:
Variable
Annuities........
Fixed Annuities..
Life Insurance...
Corporate and
Other ...........
 Total...........
1994:
Variable
Annuities........
Fixed Annuities..
Life Insurance...
Corporate and
Other............
 Total...........
1993:
Variable
Annuities........
Fixed Annuities..
Life Insurance...
Corporate and
Other............
 Total...........
</TABLE>
- ----
See accompanying independent auditors' report.
(1) Unearned premiums are included in Column C amounts.
(2) Column E agrees to the sum of Balance Sheet captions, "Policyholders'
    dividend accumulations" and "Other policyholder funds."
(3) Allocations of net investment income and certain general expenses are
    based on a number of assumptions and estimates, and reported operating
    results would change by segment if different methods were applied.
 
                                      S-4
<PAGE>
 
                                                                     SCHEDULE IV
 
              NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                                  REINSURANCE
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
                     AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993
                      AND FOR EACH OF THE YEARS THEN ENDED
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        COLUMN A           COLUMN B   COLUMN C   COLUMN D   COLUMN E    COLUMN F
        --------         ------------ --------- ---------- ---------- -------------
                                                                      PERCENTAGE OF
                                      CEDED TO   ASSUMED                 AMOUNT
                                        OTHER   FROM OTHER               ASSUMED
                         GROSS AMOUNT COMPANIES COMPANIES  NET AMOUNT    TO NET
                         ------------ --------- ---------- ---------- -------------
<S>                      <C>          <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>
As of December 31, 1995
  Life insurance in
   force................ $41,087,025  8,935,743  391,174   32,542,456      1.2%
                         ===========  =========  =======   ==========     =====
Year end December 31,
1995
Insurance Premiums
  Life insurance........ $   238,296     24,228    2,209      216,277      1.0%
  Accident and health
   insurance............     298,058    313,036   14,978          --        N/A
                         -----------  ---------  -------   ----------     -----
    Total insurance
     premiums........... $   536,354    337,264   17,187      216,277      7.9%
                         ===========  =========  =======   ==========     =====
As of December 31, 1994
  Life insurance in
   force................ $35,926,633  7,550,623  829,742   29,205,752      2.8%
                         ===========  =========  =======   ==========     =====
Year ended December 31,
 1994
Insurance premiums
  Life insurance........ $   214,348     21,923    2,865      195,290      1.5%
  Accident and health
   insurance............     303,435    321,696   18,261          --        N/A
                         -----------  ---------  -------   ----------     -----
    Total insurance
     premiums........... $   517,783    343,619   21,126      195,290     10.8%
                         ===========  =========  =======   ==========     =====
As of December 31, 1993
  Life insurance in
   force................ $31,786,704  6,795,712  884,709   25,875,701      3.4%
                         ===========  =========  =======   ==========     =====
Year ended December 31,
 1993
Insurance premiums
  Life insurance........ $   223,811     20,090    2,609      206,330      1.3%
  Accident and health
   insurance............     274,793    281,786    6,993          --        N/A
                         -----------  ---------  -------   ----------     -----
    Total insurance
     premiums........... $   498,604    301,876    9,602      206,330      4.7%
                         ===========  =========  =======   ==========     =====
</TABLE>
- --------
See accompanying independent auditors' report.
Note: The life insurance caption represents principally premiums for
     traditional life, group life and limited payment products and excludes
     deposits on universal life products and investment contracts.
 
                                      S-5
<PAGE>
 
                                                                      SCHEDULE V
 
              NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                       VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
 
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993
                                (000'S OMITTED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        COLUMN A         COLUMN B       COLUMN C         COLUMN D      COLUMN E
        --------         --------- ------------------- ------------- -------------
                          BALANCE
                            AT     CHARGED TO CHARGED
                         BEGINNING COSTS AND  TO OTHER                BALANCE AT
DESCRIPTION              OF PERIOD  EXPENSES  ACCOUNTS DEDUCTIONS(1) END OF PERIOD
- -----------              --------- ---------- -------- ------------- -------------
<S>                      <C>       <C>        <C>      <C>           <C>
1995:
Valuation allowances--
 fixed maturity
 securities.............  $   --    $ 8,908     $--       $ 8,908       $   --
Valuation allowances--
 mortgage loans on real
 estate.................   46,381     7,433      --         4,686        49,128
Valuation allowances--
 real estate............   27,330    (1,511)     --           --         25,819
1994:
Valuation allowances--
 fixed maturity
 securities.............    4,800    (4,800)     --           --            --
Valuation allowances--
 mortgage loans on real
 estate.................   42,150    20,445      --        16,214        46,381
Valuation allowances--
 real estate............   31,357    (4,027)     --           --         27,330
1993:
Valuation allowances--
 fixed maturity
 securities.............    3,800     1,000      --           --          4,800
Valuation allowances--
 mortgage loans on real
 estate.................   31,872    28,187      --        17,909        42,150
Valuation allowances--
 real estate............   35,471    (4,114)     --           --         31,357
Valuation allowances--
 other long-term
 investments............      700      (700)     --           --            --
</TABLE>
- --------
See accompanying independent auditors' report.
(1) Amounts represent direct write-downs charged against the valuation
    allowance.
 
 
 
                                      S-6
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBITS
 --------
 <C>      <S>
   *1.1   --Form of U.S. Underwriting Agreement
   *1.2   --Form of Subscription Agreement
   *3.1   --Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Nationwide
           Financial Services, Inc.
   *3.2   --Amended and Restated Bylaws of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.
   *4.1   --Form of Certificate for shares of Class A Common Stock
   *5.1   --Opinion of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P.
  *10.1   --Form of Intercompany Agreement among Nationwide Mutual Insurance
           Company, Nationwide Corporation and Nationwide Financial Services,
           Inc.
  *10.2   --Form of Tax Sharing Agreement among Nationwide Mutual Insurance
           Company, Nationwide Corporation and any corporation that may
           hereafter be a subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation
  *10.3   --Cost Sharing Agreement among the parties named therein
   10.4   --Modified Coinsurance Agreement between Nationwide Life Insurance
           Company and Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
   10.5   --Modified Coinsurance Agreement between Employers Life Insurance
           Company of Wausau and Nationwide Life Insurance Company
  *10.6   --Revolving Credit Facility, dated August 12, 1996, among Nationwide
           Life Insurance Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, the
           banks named therein and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York,
           the administrative agent
  *10.7   --Form of Lease Agreement between Nationwide Life Insurance Company
           and Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
  *10.8   --Form of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. Long-Term Equity
           Compensation Plan
  *10.9   --Executive Incentive Plan
  *10.10  --Management Incentive Plan
  *10.11  --Excess Benefit Plan of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
  *10.12  --Supplemental Benefit Plan of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
  *10.13  --Nationwide Salaried Employees Severance Pay Plan
  *10.14  --Deferred Compensation Program
  *10.15  --Directors Deferred Compensation Plan
   21.1   --List of Subsidiaries
   23.1   --Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
  *23.2   --Consent of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P. (contained in
           Exhibit 5.1)
   24.1   --Power of Attorney (included with the signatures in Part II of this
           Registration Statement)
  *27.1   --Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
 
- --------
* To be filed by amendment

<PAGE>
 
                        MODIFIED COINSURANCE AGREEMENT


This Agreement made and entered into between Nationwide Life Insurance Company
(hereinafter referred to as "NWL") , a life insurance company organized under
the laws of the State of Ohio, and Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
(hereinafter referred to as "NMIC"), an insurance company organized under the
laws of the State of Ohio.

                                  WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, NWL has written certain policies of individual health and medical
insurance; and

WHEREAS, NWL desires to cede NWL's entire liability arising under said policies;
and

WHEREAS, NMIC is willing to accept, as reinsurer the liability which NWL desires
to cede; and

WHEREAS, NWL represents that it has the power and authority to cede said
liability, which it hereby agrees to cede; and

WHEREAS, NMIC represents that it has the power and authority to reinsure said
liability, which it hereby agrees to reinsure;

NOW THEREFORE, NWL and NMIC agree as follows:

                                   ARTICLE I
                                   ---------

                       BUSINESS REINSURED; CONSIDERATION
                       ---------------------------------

1.1  Reinsurance and Indemnification.  Upon the terms and subject to the
     -------------------------------                                    
conditions of this Agreement, NMIC does hereby agree to reinsure and to
reimburse and indemnify NWL, and NWL does hereby agree to accept such
reinsurance, reimbursement and indemnification, for 100% of the liability for
all of the Policies (including any liability resulting from any mandatory
provisions in such Policies), as set forth in Article V hereof.

1.2  Policies.  The term "Policies" means the following:
     --------                                           

          (a) All right, title and interest of NWL in, to and under all
Individual Health and Ohio Farm Bureau health insurance policies (except group
life) issued and in force as of the Effective Date  or thereafter, including all
endorsements, riders and supplemental agreements which are parts thereof;

     (b) All future premiums received under the Policies on and after the
Effective Date; and


     (c) All of NWL's assignable right, title and interest in, to and under any
ceded or assumed reinsurance treaties or agreements (other than this Agreement)
applicable to the
<PAGE>
 
Policies after all such treaties or agreements are settled.  After the Effective
Date of this Agreement, neither changes to such agreements nor any new
reinsurance agreements applicable to the Policies will be executed without the
specific approval of NMIC.

1.3  Effect of Insolvency or Bankruptcy.  In the event of the insolvency of NWL
     ----------------------------------                                        
all reinsurance made, ceded, renewed or otherwise becoming effective under this
Agreement shall be payable by NMIC directly to NWL or its liquidator, receiver,
or statutory successor on the basis of the liability of NWL under the Policies
reinsured without diminution because of the insolvency of NWL.

1.4  Reserves. NWL shall retain and maintain all  premium reserves, claims
     ---------                                                            
reserves and policy reserves with respect to the Policies.

                                   ARTICLE II
                                   ----------

                     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF NWL
                     -------------------------------------

NWL represents and warrants to NMIC as follows:

2.1  Organization, Ownership, Standing and Authority.  NWL is a life insurance
     -----------------------------------------------                          
company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of
the State of Ohio and has all requisite power and authority to issue the
Policies and to carry on its business related thereto.  NWL is duly licensed to
transact the business of life insurance, health insurance and annuities  in the
State of Ohio and in such other states in which the Policies were issued at the
time of issuance.

2.2  Approved Policy Forms.  All policy forms, endorsements and riders used in
     ---------------------                                                    
connection with the Policies are, to the extent required under applicable law,
on forms approved or deemed approved by the applicable insurance regulatory
authorities.  To the good faith best knowledge of NWL, those forms which have
been filed with and deemed approved by the applicable insurance regulatory
authorities are in compliance with applicable insurance laws in all material
respects.

2.3  Agents Properly Licensed and Appointed.  To the extent required by law, all
     --------------------------------------                                     
of the Policies were issued through agents properly licensed as insurance agents
by the applicable state insurance regulatory authorities and properly appointed.


                                  ARTICLE III
                                  -----------

                     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF NMIC
                     --------------------------------------

NMIC hereby represents and warrants to NWL as follows:

3.1  Litigation.  There is no suit, action or proceeding pending or, to the best
     ----------                                                                 
knowledge of
<PAGE>
 
NMIC, threatened against NMIC which, if adversely determined, (i) would prohibit
any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or insofar as reasonably
can be foreseen materially impair or threaten NMIC's ability to carry out and
Perform the obligations assumed by NMIC hereunder.

3 .2 Licenses, Permits and Authorization.  Subject to receipt of the approvals
     -----------------------------------                                      
and consents listed in Schedule 1, NMIC has all approvals, authorizations,
consents, licenses, franchises, orders and other permits necessary to carry out
the terms and provisions of this Agreement.


                                   ARTICLE IV
                                   ----------

                                   COVENANTS
                                   ---------

4.1  Regulatory Approvals.  Both NWL and NMIC will promptly take all reasonable
     --------------------                                                      
actions necessary to secure any regulatory approvals necessary or appropriate to
enable them to
consummate the transactions contemplated herein.

4.2  Premiums and Investment Income.  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement
     ------------------------------                                             
to the contrary, NMIC shall be entitled to receive, all premiums payable and
investment income with respect to the Policies on and after the Effective Date.

4.3  Assets.  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, NWL
     ------                                                                  
shall continue to invest and maintain all assets held in support of the Policies
reinsured.

4.4  Maintenance of Reserves.  So long as any of the Policies remain in force,
     -----------------------                                                  
NWL shall maintain reserves with respect to the Policies in accordance with
applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.  For purposes of this
Agreement, reserves will equal statutory policy and claim reserves included in
exhibits 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 in the NAIC Blue Blank Annual Statement plus any
premiums paid in advance less any due and unpaid premiums.  The basis for
calculation of reserves will not be changed without the written mutual agreement
of both parties to this Agreement.

4.5  Premiums Changes.  To the extent allowed under the Policies, NWL will have
     ----------------                                                          
the right to change premiums charged for the policies and will notify NMIC of
its intent to make such changes.  Such changes shall conform to all applicable
standards of practice of the Actuarial Standards Board or its successors and
shall conform to all applicable laws and regulations. NWL will take any action
reasonably necessary including but not limited to board resolutions or state
regulatory filings to implement such changes on a timely basis.

4.6  Dividends and Non Guaranteed Elements.  NWL will have the right to
     -------------------------------------                             
determine the dollar amount of policyholder dividends on participating policies
and extra contractual interest payable on all other policies if such
determination (1) conforms with all applicable standards of practice of the
Actuarial Standards Board or its successors, and (2) complies with applicable
law and regulation.  NWL will provide NMIC with notice of all such
determinations, and NMIC will take action reasonably necessary or desirable to
implement
<PAGE>
 
such determinations on a timely basis, including but not limited to, action of
the board of directors or state regulatory filings.


                                   ARTICLE V
                                   ---------

                                  REINSURANCE
                                  -----------

5.1  Reinsurance of Policies.  Except as otherwise specifically provided,  NMIC
     -----------------------                                                   
agrees to, and effective as of the Effective Date does hereby, reinsure and
agree to reimburse NWL for the following with respect to the Policies:

     (a) 100% of all benefits paid on or after the Effective Date plus the
increase in reserves described in Article 1.4;

     (b) 100% of all dividends paid in connection with the Policies;

     (c) An allowance for expenses computed in accordance with normal life
insurance statutory accounting practices including commissions, premium taxes
and normal administrative expenses which include reasonable fees of legal
counsel and related disbursements;

     (d)  The above amounts shall be reduced by amounts incurred by NWL due to
reinsurance     agreements described in Article 1.2 (c) .

5.2  Direct Obligations.  From and after the Effective Date, the Policies shall
     ------------------                                                        
continue to be direct obligations of NWL.


                                   ARTICLE VI
                                   ----------

                           ACCOUNTING AND SETTLEMENT
                           -------------------------

6.1  Accounting Period.  The accounting under this Agreement shall be on a
     -----------------                                                    
calendar quarter basis.

6.2  Accounting Reports.  Accounting records shall be submitted by NWL to NMIC
     ------------------                                                       
not later than 30 days after the end of each accounting period.  Along with the
amount of settlement for the accounting period, such reports shall include
information on the amounts of reinsurance premiums, benefits, expenses,
investment income and capital gains or losses on the assets being held in
support of the reinsured Policies (as Provided in Article IV) plus a listing of
such assets and the reserves held on the Policies.

6.3  Settlements.  Within 30 days of receipt of the accounting report, the
     -----------                                                          
amount of settlement shall be paid.  The settlement amount will be equal to
premiums (in accordance with Article 4.2) plus the reserve adjustment (in
accordance with Article 6.3) less benefits, dividends,
<PAGE>
 
losses and expenses (in accordance with Article 5.1). If the amount is positive,
it shall be paid to NMIC.  If negative, it will be paid to NWL.


                                  ARTICLE VII
                                  -----------

                       DEFERRED ACQUISITION COST ELECTION
                       ----------------------------------

7.1  NWL and NMIC hereby agree to the following, pursuant to Treasury Regulation
Section 1.848-2(g)(8), issued under Section 848 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended. This election shall be effective for 1993 and for all
subsequent taxable years for which this Agreement remains in effect.

     (a) The terms used herein are defamed by reference to Treasury Regulation
Section 1.848-2 as in effect on December 29, 1992.

     (b) The party with the net positive consideration for this reinsurance
agreement for each taxable year will capitalize specified policy acquisition
expenses with respect to this agreement without regard to the general deductions
limitation of Section 848(c)(1).


     (c) Both parties agree to exchange information pertaining to the amount of
net consideration under this Agreement each year to ensure consistency or as
otherwise required by the Internal Revenue Service.

     (d) NWL will submit a schedule to the NMIC by March 1 of each year of its
calculation of the net consideration for the preceding calendar year.  This
schedule of calculations will be accompanied by a statement signed by an officer
of NWL stating that NWL will report such net consideration in its tax return for
the preceding calendar year.

     (e) NMIC may contest such calculation by providing an alternative
calculation to NWL in writing within 30 days of NMIC's receipt of the
Reinsured's calculation.  If NMIC does not so notify NWL, NMIC will report" the
net consideration as determined by NWL in NMIC's tax return for the previous
calendar year.

     (f) If NMIC contests NWL's calculation of the net consideration, the
parties will act in good faith to reach an agreement as to the correct amount
within thirty (30) days of the date NMIC submits its alternative calculation.
If NWL and NMIC reach agreement on an amount of net consideration, each party
shall report such amount in their respective tax returns for the previous
calendar year.


                                  ARTICLE VIII
                                  ------------

                               GENERAL PROVISIONS
                               ------------------
<PAGE>
 
8.1  Amendment.  Any change or modification to this Agreement shall be null and
     ---------                                                                 
void unless made by amendment to the Agreement and signed by both parties.

8.2  Interpretation.  The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference
     --------------                                                             
purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of
this Agreement.  All accounting terms not defined in this Agreement shall have
the meanings determined by insurance statutory accounting principles.  Wherever
Agreement this refers to the "knowledge" or "best knowledge" of a party, it
means the knowledge or best knowledge of an Officer of such party responsible
for the administration and supervision of the Policies covered by this
Agreement.

8.3  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts,
     ------------                                                              
all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and shall become
effective when two or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties
and delivered to the other party, it being understood that both parties need not
sign the same counterpart.

8.4  Entire Agreement; Third-Party Beneficiaries.  This Agreement constitutes
     -------------------------------------------                             
the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the Policies and
supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral,
between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.  This Agreement
is not intended to confer upon any person other than the parties hereto any
rights or remedies hereunder.

8.6  Governing Laws.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
     --------------                                                       
accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio.

8.7  Assignment.  Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or
     ----------                                                             
obligations of either party hereunder shall be assigned without the prior
written consent of the other party.  This Agreement will be binding upon, inure
to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties and their respective
successors and assigns.

8.8  Inspection of Books and Records.  All books and records pertaining to the
     -------------------------------                                          
Policies shall be made available to NMIC for inspection during regular business
hours.


                                   ARTICLE IX
                                   ----------

This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect until all liability
terminates under the Policies provided however that either party may terminate
this Agreement January 1 of any given year provided such party provides to the
other written notice no later than September 30 of the year immediately
preceding termination of its intention to terminate.



                                   ARTICLE X
                                   ---------

The Effective Date of this Agreement shall be as of 12:01 a.m., 1/1/96.
<PAGE>
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, NWL and NMIC have caused this Agreement to be executed, in
duplicate, by their respective officers duly authorized to do so, as of the date
shown above.


                                          NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE 
                                          COMPANY
 
 
                                          /s/ Mark R. Thresher
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Mark R.Thresher
                                          Vice President--Controller
 
 
                                          NATIONWIDE MUTUAL INSURANCE   
                                          COMPANY
 
                                          /s/ John I. Howarth
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          John I. Howarth
                                          Vice President--Health Actuary
<PAGE>
 
                                   SCHEDULE 1
               STATES REQUIRING APPROVALS OR CONSENTS
               --------------------------------------



OHIO

<PAGE>
 
                         MODIFIED COINSURANCE AGREEMENT

This Agreement made and entered into between Employers Life Insurance Company of
Wausau (hereinafter referred to as "ELOW"), a corporation organized under the
laws of the State of Wisconsin, and Nationwide Life Insurance Company
(hereinafter referred to as "NLIC"), a corporation organized under the laws of
the State of Ohio.

                                  WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, NLIC has written certain Group Contracts; and

WHEREAS, NLIC desires to cede NLIC's entire liability arising under said Group
Contracts; and

WHEREAS, ELOW is willing to accept, as reinsurer, the liability which NLIC
desires to cede; and

WHEREAS, NLIC represents that it has the power and authority to cede said
liability, which it hereby agrees to cede; and

WHEREAS, ELOW represents that it has the power and authority to reinsure said
liability, which it hereby agrees to reinsure;

NOW THEREFORE, NLIC and ELOW agree as follows:

                                   ARTICLE I

                       BUSINESS REINSURED; CONSIDERATION
                       ---------------------------------



1.1  Reinsurance and Indemnification.  Upon the terms and subject to the
     --------------------------------                                   
conditions of this Agreement, ELOW does hereby agree to reinsure and to
reimburse and indemnify NLIC, and NLIC does hereby agree to accept such
reinsurance, reimbursement and indemnification, for 100% of the liability for
the Group Contracts, as set forth in Article V hereof.

1.2  Group Contracts.  The term "Group Contracts" means the following:
     ----------------                                                 

(a) All Group Contracts described in Schedule 1.

(b) All of NLIC's assignable right, title and interest in, to and under any
ceded reinsurance agreements (other than this Agreement) applicable to the Group
Contracts.  After the Effective Date of this Agreement, neither changes to such
agreements nor any new reinsurance agreements applicable to the Group Contracts
will be executed without the specific approval of ELOW.

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
1.3  Effect of Insolvency or Bankruptcy.  In the event of the insolvency of NLIC
     -----------------------------------                                        
all reinsurance made, ceded, renewed or otherwise becoming effective under this
Agreement shall be payable by ELOW directly to NLIC or to its liquidator,
receiver, or statutory successor on the basis of the liability of NLIC under the
Group Contracts without diminution because of the insolvency of NLIC.

1.4  Initial Reinsurance Premium.  With respect to Group Contracts issued by
     ----------------------------                                           
NLIC and in force as of the Effective Date of this Agreement, NLIC agrees to pay
ELOW in cash an amount equal to the total amount of NLIC's aggregate contract
and claim reserves as defined in Article 4.4, as shown on the books and records
of NLIC as of 12:01 a.m. on the Effective Date.

1.5  Initial Settlement.  The initial settlement shall be equal to the initial
     -------------------                                                      
reinsurance premium less the initial reserve adjustment.


                                   ARTICLE II

                     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF NLIC
                     --------------------------------------

NLIC represents and warrants to ELOW as follows:

2.1  Organization, Ownership, Standing and Authority.  NLIC is a life insurance
     ------------------------------------------------                          
company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of
the State of Ohio and has all requisite power and authority to issue the Group
Contracts and to carry on its business related thereto.  NLIC is duly licensed
to transact the business of life insurance, health insurance and annuities in
the State of Ohio and  in such other states in which the Group Contracts were
issued at the time of issuance.

2.2  Approved Group Contract Forms.  All Group Contract forms, endorsements and
     ------------------------------                                            
riders used in connection with the Group Contracts are, to the extent required
under applicable law, on forms approved or deemed approved by the applicable
insurance regulatory authorities.  To the good faith best knowledge of NLIC,
those forms which have been filed with and deemed approved by the applicable
insurance regulatory authorities are in compliance with applicable insurance
laws in all material respects.

2.3  Litigation.  Schedule 2 sets forth a true and complete list of all suits,
     -----------                                                              
actions or proceedings pending or threatened against NLIC concerning or relating
to the Group Contracts of which NLIC has received written notice at its Home
Office as of the Effective Date which are outside the ordinary course of NLIC's
business.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
2.4  Agents Properly Licensed and Appointed.  To the extent required by law, all
     --------------------------------------                                     
of the Group Contracts were issued through agents properly licensed as insurance
agents by the applicable state insurance regulatory authorities and properly
appointed.


                                  ARTICLE III

                     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ELOW
                     --------------------------------------

ELOW hereby represents and warrants to NLIC as follows:

3.1  Litigation.  There is no suit, action or proceeding pending or, to the best
     -----------                                                                
knowledge of ELOW, threatened against ELOW which, if adversely determined, (i)
would prohibit any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or (ii)
insofar as reasonably can be foreseen materially impair or threaten ELOW's
ability to carry out and perform the obligations assumed by ELOW hereunder.

3.2  Licenses, Permits and Authorization.  Subject to receipt of the approvals
     ------------------------------------                                     
and consents listed in Schedule 3, ELOW has all approvals, authorizations,
consents, licenses, franchises, orders and other permits necessary to carry out
the terms and provisions of this Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                                   COVENANTS
                                   ---------

4.1  Regulatory Approvals.  Both NLIC and ELOW will promptly take all reasonable
     ---------------------                                                      
actions necessary to secure any regulatory approvals necessary or appropriate to
enable them to consummate the transactions contemplated herein.

4.2  Premiums.   Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary,
     ---------                                                              
ELOW shall be entitled to receive, as premium for the reinsurance provided under
and pursuant to this Agreement, all premiums payable with respect to the Group
Contracts on and after the Effective Date and all premiums with respect to the
Group Contracts which, as of the Effective Date, are due.  Such premiums will be
net of any refunds which may be made to contractholders or others.  Such
premiums will also be reduced by the amount of premiums paid by NLIC due to any
reinsurance  agreements described in Article 1.2(b).

4.3  Assets.  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, NLIC
     -------                                                                  
shall continue to invest and maintain all assets held in support of the Group
Contracts reinsured.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
4.4  Maintenance of Reserves.  So long as any of the Group Contracts remain in
     ------------------------                                                 
force, NLIC shall maintain reserves with respect to the Group Contracts in
accordance with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.  For purposes
of this Agreement, reserves will equal to statutory contract and claim reserves
included in Exhibits 7,8,9, 10 and 11 plus any other liabilities less any other
assets associated with the Group Contracts and held in the NAIC Life Company
Annual Statement.  The basis for calculation of reserves will not be changed
without the written mutual agreement of both parties to this Agreement.

4.5  Dividends And Experience Rate Credits.  ELOW will have the right to
     --------------------------------------                             
determine the dollar amount of contractholder dividends and experience rate
credits if such determination (1) conforms with all applicable standards of
practice of the Actuarial Standards Board or its successors, and (2) complies
with applicable law and regulation. ELOW will provide NLIC with notice of all
such determinations, and NLIC will take action reasonably necessary or desirable
to implement such determinations on a timely basis, including but not limited
to, action of the board of directors or state regulatory filings.

4.6  Service of Suit and Consent to Jurisdiction.  ELOW agrees that if it fails
     --------------------------------------------                              
to perform its obligations hereunder that it will, at the request of NLIC,
submit to the jurisdiction of any court of competent jurisdiction in any state
of the United States, will comply with all requirements necessary to give the
court jurisdiction, and will abide by the final decision of such court or of any
appellate court in the event of an appeal.  Nothing in this Article constitutes
or should be understood to constitute a waiver of ELOW's rights to commence an
action in any court of competent jurisdiction in the United States, to remove an
action to a United States District Court, or to seek a transfer of a case to
another court as permitted by the laws of the United States or of any state in
the United States.

ELOW hereby agrees that any lawful process in such a suit instituted by or on
behalf of NLIC may be served upon W. Sidney Druen of Druen, Rath & Dietrich, One
Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43216.  Mr. Druen is hereby authorized and
directed to accept service of process on behalf of ELOW in any such suit and/or
upon the request of NLIC to give a written undertaking to NLIC that will enter a
general appearance upon ELOW's behalf in the event such a suit shall be
instituted.


                                   ARTICLE V

                                  REINSURANCE
                                  -----------

5.1  Reinsurance of Policies.  Except as provided in Article 5.2, ELOW agrees
     ------------------------                                                
to, and effective as of the Effective Date does hereby, reinsure and agree to
reimburse NLIC for the following with respect to the Group Contracts:

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
(a) 100% of all benefits paid on or after the Effective Date;

(b) 100% of all dividends and experience rate credits paid in connection with
the Policies;

(c) 100% of all accrued premium taxes attributable to premiums received on or
after the Effective Date and all premiums held in suspense on the Effective
Date;

(d) 100% of all accrued losses, liabilities, costs and expenses (including
reasonable fees of legal counsel and related disbursements) on account of,
arising out of, or in connection with, lawsuits and legal actions and
proceedings;

(e) 100% of all accrued other losses and direct expenses which are incurred on
and after the Effective Date and which are attributable to the Group Contracts
under sound and proper insurance accounting procedures.

(f) The above amounts shall be reduced by amounts incurred by NLIC due to
reinsurance agreements described in Article 1.2(b).

5.2  Direct Obligations.  From and after the Effective Date, the Group Contracts
     -------------------                                                        
shall continue to be direct obligations of NLIC.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                           ACCOUNTING AND SETTLEMENT
                           -------------------------

6.1  Accounting Period.  The accounting under this Agreement shall be on a
     ------------------                                                   
calendar quarter basis.

6.2  Accounting Reports.  Accounting reports shall be submitted by NLIC to ELOW
     -------------------                                                       
not later than 30 days after the end of each accounting period.   Along with the
amount of settlement for the accounting period, such reports shall include
information on the amounts of reinsurance premiums, benefits, expenses, and
investment income on the assets being held in support of the reinsured Group
Contracts (as provided in Article IV) plus a listing of such assets and the
reserves held on the Group Contracts.

6.3  Reserve Adjustments.  At the end of each accounting period, NLIC shall
     --------------------                                                  
determine a reserve adjustment for the reinsured Group Contracts equal to (a)
less (b) where

(a) Is the amount of investment income adjusted for IMR amortization for the
accounting period attributable to the Group Contracts determined in accordance
with Schedule 4 net of any investment expenses and default risk charges
allocable to them; and

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
(b) Is the increase in reserves (as defined in Article 4.4) held for the Group
Contracts.  For this purpose, a decrease in reserves will be treated as a
negative amount.

The initial reserve adjustment will be equal to the negative of the amount of
reserves held for the Group Contracts as of the Effective Date of this
Agreement.

6.4  Settlements.  Within 30 days of receipt of the accounting report, the
     ------------                                                         
amount of settlement shall be paid.  The settlement amount will be equal to
premiums (in accordance with Article 4.2) plus the reserve adjustment (in
accordance with Article 6.3) less benefits, dividends, losses and expenses (in
accordance with Article 5.1).  If the amount is positive, it shall be paid to
ELOW.  If negative, it shall be paid to NLIC.

                                  ARTICLE VII

                       DEFERRED ACQUISITION COST ELECTION
                       ----------------------------------

7.1  NLIC and ELOW hereby agree to the following, pursuant to Treasury
Regulation Section 1.848-2(g)(8), issued under Section 848 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  This election shall be effective for 1996 and
for all subsequent taxable years for which this Agreement remains in effect.

(a) The terms used herein are defined by reference to Treasury Regulation
Section 1.848-2 as in effect on December 29, 1992.

(b) The party with the net positive consideration for this reinsurance agreement
for each taxable year will capitalize specified policy acquisition expenses with
respect to this Agreement without regard to the general deductions limitation of
Section 848(c)(1).

(c) Both parties agree to exchange information pertaining to the amount of net
consideration under this Agreement each year to ensure consistency or as
otherwise required by the Internal Revenue Service.

(d) NLIC will submit a schedule to ELOW by March 1 of each year of its
calculation of the net consideration for the preceding calendar year.  This
schedule of calculation will be accompanied by a statement signed by an officer
of NLIC stating that NLIC will report such net consideration in its tax return
for the preceding calendar year.

(e) ELOW may contest such calculation by providing an alternative calculation to
NLIC in writing within 30 days of ELOW receipt of the Reinsured's calculation.
If ELOW does not so notify NLIC, ELOW will report the net consideration as
determined by NLIC in ELOW's tax return for the previous calendar year.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
(f) If ELOW contests NLIC's calculation of the net consideration, the parties
will act in good faith to reach an agreement as to the correct amount within
thirty (30) days of the date ELOW submits its alternative calculation.  If NLIC
and ELOW reach agreement on an amount of net consideration, each party shall
report such amount in their respective tax returns for the previous calendar
year.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                                  ARBITRATION
                                  -----------

8.1 Arbitration.  As a condition precedent to any right of action hereunder, any
   -------------                                                                
dispute arising out of the interpretation, performance or breach of this
Agreement, including the formation or validity thereof, will be submitted for
decision to a panel of three arbitrators.   Notice requesting arbitration will
be in writing and sent certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.

One arbitrator will be chosen by each party and the two arbitrators will, before
instituting the hearing, choose a third arbitrator who will preside at the
hearing.  If either party fails to appoint its arbitrator within 30 days after
being requested to do so by the other party, the latter, after 10 days notice by
certified or registered mail of its intention to do so, may appoint the second
arbitrator.

If the two arbitrators are unable to agree upon the third arbitrator within 30
days of their appointment, the third arbitrator will be selected from a list of
six individuals (three named by each arbitrator) by a judge of the federal
district court having jurisdiction over the geographical area in which the
arbitration is to take place, or if the federal court declines to act, the state
court having general jurisdiction in such area.

All arbitrators will be impartial and disinterested active or former executive
officers of insurance or reinsurance companies which are not controlled by or
affiliated with any party to this Agreement or any of their affiliates.

Within 30 days after notice of appointment of all arbitrators, the panel will
meet and determine timely periods for briefs, discovery procedures and schedules
for hearings.

The panel will be relieved of all judicial formality and will not be bound by
the strict rules of procedure and evidence.  Unless the panel agrees otherwise,
arbitration will take place in Wausau, Wisconsin, U.S.A., but the venue may be
changed when deemed by the panel to be in the best interest of the arbitration
proceeding.  Insofar as the arbitration panel looks to substantive law, it will
consider the law of the State of Wisconsin.  The decision of any two arbitrators
when rendered in writing will be final and binding.  The panel is empowered to
grant interim relief as it may deem appropriate.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
The panel may interpret this Agreement as an honorable engagement rather than as
merely a legal obligation and will make its decision considering the custom and
practice of the applicable insurance and reinsurance business as promptly as
possible following the termination of the hearings.  Judgment upon the award may
be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

Each party will bear the expense of its own arbitrator and will jointly and
equally bear with the other party the cost of the third arbitrator.  The
remaining costs of the arbitration will be allocated by the panel.  The panel
may, at its discretion, award such further costs and expenses as it considers
appropriate, including but not limited to interest and attorneys fees, to the
extent not prohibited by law.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                               GENERAL PROVISIONS
                               ------------------

9.1  Amendment.  Any change or modification to this Agreement shall be null and
     ----------                                                                
void unless made by amendment to this Agreement and signed by both parties.

9.2  Interpretation.  The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference
     ---------------                                                            
purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of
this Agreement.  All accounting terms not defined in this Agreement shall have
the meanings determined by insurance statutory accounting principles. Wherever
this Agreement refers to the "knowledge" or "best knowledge" of a party, it
means the knowledge or best knowledge of an officer of such party responsible
for the administration and supervision of the Group Contracts covered by this
Agreement.

9.3  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts,
     -------------                                                             
all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and shall become
effective when two or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties
and delivered to the other party, it being understood that both parties need not
sign the same counterpart.

9.4  Entire Agreement; Third-Party Beneficiaries.  This Agreement constitutes
     --------------------------------------------                            
the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the Group Contracts,
and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral,
between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.  This Agreement
is not intended to confer upon any person other than the parties hereto any
rights or remedies hereunder.

9.5  Governing Laws.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
     ---------------                                                      
accordance with the laws of the State of Wisconsin.

9.6  Assignment.  Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or
     -----------                                                            
obligations of either party hereunder shall be assigned without the prior
written consent of the other

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
party.  This Agreement will be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be
enforceable by the parties and their respective successors and assigns.

9.7  Inspection of Books and Records.  All books and records pertaining to the
     --------------------------------                                         
Group Contracts (except for the settlement agreements pertaining thereto and the
underlying claim files which are deemed confidential pursuant to agreement or
court order) shall be made available to ELOW for inspection during regular
business hours.

                                   ARTICLE IX

This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect until all liability
terminates under the Group Contracts.
                                   ARTICLE X

The Effective Date of this Agreement shall be as of 12:01 a.m., January 1, 1996.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, NLIC and ELOW have caused this Agreement to be executed, in
duplicate, by their respective officers duly authorized to do so, as of the date
shown above.

                                 NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                                 BY:   /s/ Joseph G. Gasper
                                    ------------------------------------------
                                         Joseph G. Gasper
                                         President and Chief Operating Officer

                                 EMPLOYERS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                                 OF WAUSAU

                                 BY:   /s/ James M. Magalska
                                    ------------------------------------------
                                         James M. Magalska, Executive Vice
                                         President and Chief Operating Officer

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
                                   SCHEDULE 1

                              REINSURED CONTRACTS
                              -------------------

The reinsured contracts consist of all policies, contracts, certificates and
agreements of nonvariable group and wholesale life insurance, and group and
franchise health insurance which has been or will be written, issued or assumed
by NLIC (and classified as such by the company writing, issuing or assuming such
business) at any time prior to the Termination Date defined below, except any
such policies, contracts, certificates or agreements of  group health insurance
which have been written for the Ohio Farm Bureau.

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
                                   SCHEDULE 2

                         SUITS, ACTIONS OR PROCEEDINGS
                         -----------------------------

None

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
                                   SCHEDULE 3
                                   ----------

                     STATE REQUIRING APPROVALS OR CONSENTS
                     -------------------------------------

Wisconsin
Ohio

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
                                   SCHEDULE 4

                        INVESTMENT INCOME DETERMINATION

Investment income attributable to the reinsured Group Contracts will be the
amount determined by NLIC's current method of investment income allocation and
asset segmentation, as filed with the New York State Insurance Department.

                                       13

<PAGE>
 
                                  EXHIBIT 21.1

                              LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES

The following are wholly owned subsidiaries of Nationwide Financial Services,
Inc.:

1.   Nationwide Life Insurance Company
2.   Public Employees Benefit Services Corporation
3.   NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services, Inc.
4.   Nationwide Financial Institution Distributors Agency, Inc.

The following are wholly owned subsidiaries of Nationwide Life Insurance
Company:

1.   Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company
2.   Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc.
3.   Nationwide Investment Services, Inc.
4.   NWE, Inc.

The following are wholly owned subsidiaries of Public Employees Benefit Services
Corporation:

1.  Public Employees Benefit Services Corporation of Alabama
2.  Public Employees Benefit Services Corporation of Arkansas
3.  PEBSCO of Massachusetts Insurance Agency, Inc.
4.  Public Employees Benefit Services Corporation of Montana
5.  Public Employees Benefit Services Corporation of New Mexico

The following are wholly owned subsidiaries of NEA Valuebuilder Investor
Services, Inc.:

1.  NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of Alabama, Inc.
2.  NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of Arizona, Inc.
3.  NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of Montana, Inc.
4.  NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of Nevada, Inc.
5.  NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of Ohio, Inc.
6.  NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of Oklahoma, Inc.
7.  NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of Wyoming, Inc.
8.  NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of Texas, Inc.
9.  NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of Agency, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
The following are wholly owned subsidiaries of Nationwide Financial Institution
Distributors Agency, Inc.:

1.  Affiliate Agency, Inc.
2.  Financial Horizons Distributors Agency of Alabama, Inc.
3.  Landmark Financial Services of New York, Inc.
4.  Financial Horizons Securities Corp.

The following is a subsidiary of Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc.:

1.  Nationwide Investor Services, Inc.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
 
The Board of Directors
Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.:
 
  When the transactions referred to in note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements have been consummated, we will be in a position to render
our reports included herein.
 
  We consent to the use of our reports included herein and to the reference to
our firm under the headings "Experts", "Summary Consolidated Financial Data"
and "Selected Consolidated Financial Data" in the prospectus. Our reports
dated January   , 1997 included herein refer to several changes in accounting
principles. In 1994, the Company changed its accounting for investments in
debt and equity securities. In 1993, the Company changed its accounting for
income taxes and postretirement benefits other than pensions. Our reports also
refer to the formation of the Company as a holding company for Nationwide Life
Insurance Company and the other companies within the Nationwide Insurance
Enterprise that offer or distribute long-term savings and retirement products.
The consolidated financial statements are presented as if these companies were
consolidated for all periods presented.
 
                                          KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
 
Columbus, Ohio
December 23, 1996


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